*PARENTING: TO TRAIN UP A CHILD IN THE WAY OF THE LORD*(Series 3) *Scripture Reading:* 1 Samuel 1:26-28, Psalm 127:1-5 To dedicate a baby is to commit to raise the child according to God’s will. We do so knowing our children are a gift to us from God. We do so realizing God has put our children in our care that we might glorify God with that gift in how we raise them. When God blesses us with the gift of children it is good for us to give them back to the Lord. We admit to God our desire for His Devine direction in the lives of our children. Read (1 Samuel 1:26-28). Psalm 127:3-4 says they are God’s heritage. In other words, *you are only a caretaker. God gave them to you to nurture, mentor and groom.* The fact that you have children should not make you feel more important; and as many as are trusting God today, I speak over your life that your desire will come to pass. Don’t give up; hang in there. The Bible calls them His heritage. *What does heritage mean? Heritage is from the word inherit, which implies possession. In other words, children are God’s property.* If that is the case, what is your responsibility as the caretaker? What does God expect you to do with His inheritance? Verse 4 of that chapter goes further to say that the children are like arrows in the hands of a mighty. *What are arrows? Arrows are weapons of war. So what is our responsibility? Our responsibility is to grow them and show them the way of the Lord so that when they grow up, they become mighty arrows that will stand and defend you.* A blunt arrow is of little use to the hunter; but when it is sharp, the hunter uses it with joy. In the same vein, an untrained child is of little use to the Kingdom. As parents and guardians, you have a responsibility to train them, and when you do, they will show forth the praise of God. *Also, children are given to us as part of our inheritance in Christ Jesus.In case you don’t have them yet, you can begin to envision them as part of your blessings in Christ.* They are on their way, God has pronounced you fruitful. As long as you are a child of God, you are entitled to the blessings of children. *No matter what the doctors have diagnosed as being responsible for the delay or barrenness, God is greater than that report. So, choose to believe the report of the Lord.* To be continue tomorrow morning by God's Grace. Good morning and happy Sunday, peace *Prayer point:* Children are part of our inheritance in Christ Jesus, I stand on this covenant and declare my fruitfulness in Jesus Christ name. Amen! T.S. AFOLAYAN