experience. It is not a time when you pressure your children into knowledge about the things of God. This will never make it wholesome and practical. While you should strive for con sistency as far as having devotions, it should not be unnaturally forced. Some days may not lend themselves HE LEADETH ME! In pastures green; Not always, Sometimes He who knoweth best In kindness leadeth me In weary ways where heavy shadows be. Out of the sunshine warm and bright, Out of the sunshine into darkest night, I oft would faint with terror and afright. Only for this, I know He holds my hand. So, whether in the green or desert land I trust, although I may not under stand. And by still waters? No, not always so, Ofttimes the heavy tempests round me blow And o'er my soul the waves and bil lows go. But when the storm beats loudest, And whispers to my soul, "Lo, it is I." Above the tempest wild I hear Him say, "Beyond this darkness lies the per fect day, In every path of thine I lead the way." So, where He leadeth I can safely go. And in the blest hereafter I shall know Why in His wisdom He hath led me so. — Helen Barret Montgomery due to peculiar schedules. Then, too, if time has been a problem, vary the length, as well as the period of the day. These are days of great pres sure, but let us not be rushed as we come into the presence of the Lord. There are some wonderful Bible story books on the market. Have one to use. Following the reading, ask questions. The children will enjoy And I cry aloud for help, The Master standeth by,
this and you can determine if you are communicating properly with them. When they are older, let them read. Then, too, there are some fine mis sionary stories you can profitably use. This will teach them modern-day exploits for God. Dbn’t overlook help ful papers given to your children at Sunday school. When the children are old enough get each one of them a Bible. This is an excellent way for children to de velop their reading. There are some helpful translations you may want to check into which will help them in further development and interest. Our children especially enjoyed Phil lip’s Letters to Young Churches. We didn’t have a lot of form in our devotions but sought to make it a joyful evening together. When it came time for prayer we would again vary the form. Sometimes have each pray as you go around; at other times, just the children, or just the par ents. It should be an informal time of fellowship. Then, once in a while, when the children are old enough, let each child have charge of the devo tions for the evening. You will be sur prised how they rise to the occasion. In all of this, the important thing is to begin a wholesome and joyful •manner. If you fail, don’t quit, but come back again. Don’t give up in de spair. Don’t miss the blessing of get ting together in the fellowship of the family altar. The Lord will fill each life with grace and glory as you do it joyfully unto Him. * * * Some of our greatest blessings come when we actually don't get some of the things we think we really must have. h h h Success makes failures of all too many Christians. * * * It's extremely dangerous to grow yt knowl edge but not in grace. * * * In your spiritual growth, remember, a quitter never wins and a winner never quits. * * * Let the testing time be the trusting time. 18
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