Tag: children

Christian, parenting

Train Up a Child in the Way They Should Go

Cindy Dawson

1-Minute Devotion for Tuesday, 7/21/26

“Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6

“Understanding Proverbs 22:6 in its original context reveals that it is a warning, not a promise. It is a warning to parents that if they allow their children to have their own way, they will not depart from that foolishness when they are older.” Tim Dinkins

According to Dinkins, the author is saying “Train up a child according to his own will and when he is old he will not depart from it.”

So whether you take it as a promise or a warning, the message is still the same. Teach a child in the way of the Lord. Don’t leave them to their own ideas about life.

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. All that you do must be done in love.” 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NASB

In His Love, Cindy

“God treated Jesus as if He had lived my life, that I may be treated as if I had lived His life.” Harvey Stalker

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo: Getty Images on Unsplash+

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Is God Calling You?

Cindy Dawson

For Your Reflection, 7/2/26

“He (Jesus) called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.  And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Matthew 18:2-6 NIV

We must not take these verses lightly. The Lord places great importance on the education of children. And I have to tell you, there is nothing that gives me more joy than when one of my former students (from my 2 to 4-year-olds class) comes up to me at church to give me a big hug. And that’s why I found the following quote by D.L. Moody so interesting.

Although the exact date of this quote is unknown, it is believed that toward the end of his life, after decades of ministry, D.L. Moody said this:

“If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God.”

It was said of D.L. Moody, “Judged by the lasting results of his work, he shares honors with Lincoln as our greatest contribution to humanity in the nineteenth century.” Reverend D.W. Philpott, D.D., Chicago Tribune, February 5, 1928

If you think God is calling you to Children’s Ministry, say, “Yes, Lord. Send me.”

By the way, I was 6 years old when I asked Jesus into my heart. My daughter, who is now in full-time ministry, was only 4 years old when she gave her life to Jesus.

Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16 NIV

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Pray For Our Children

Cindy Dawson

Reflection for Tuesday, 6/16/26

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come!” Matthew 18:6-7 NIV

As we reflect on these words of Jesus, let us consider the spiritual needs of our children and ask the Lord to give us wisdom and discernment so that we can protect them and teach them what is right.

In His Love, Cindy

To learn more about Jesus, read Who Is Jesus? A message for the Skeptic

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.”

Psalm 122:6 NASB

Photo from Getty Images on Unsplash

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Teaching Our Children Faith

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Friday, 2/20/26

There is nothing more loving you can do for your children than to instill in them a love for God’s Word and teach them to pray by your example.

“We will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,
    his power, and the wonders he has done.
 He decreed statutes for Jacob
    and established the law in Israel,
which he commanded our ancestors
    to teach their children,
 so the next generation would know them,
    even the children yet to be born,
    and they in turn would tell their children.
 Then they would put their trust in God
    and would not forget his deeds
    but would keep his commands.” Psalm 78:4-7

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian, Women

Is My Life All About Me?

Cindy Dawson

2-minute devotion for Thursday, 1/29/26

Teaching in public schools for 22 years opened my eyes to the reality of some kids’ pain. Father is in prison, or mom is on drugs, this girl possibly sex-trafficked, children come to school hungry, and on and on it goes.

One thing I will never forget is the girl in the Valvoline shirt. I spotted her in the cafeteria one day. What must it be like to be in Junior High and have nothing better to wear than a “Valvoline Oil Change” shirt and a shoddy skirt?

I remember how my mother always made sure I had nice clothes. I never remember being embarrassed by what I wore to school. How must this young teen feel?

Once, I had a 12-year-old student who always had the shabbiest clothes and shoes. We felt so bad for her. One year, before the start of school, someone bought her some cute new clothes and gave them to her anonymously. I don’t know what happened to them, but she never wore any of it. My guess is her mother sold them or took them back to the store for the money.

There are children and adults all around us who need kindness. They may not cross our path, but they aren’t far away. My prayer is that we will not shut out their cries for help, but be the ones who hear Jesus’ command and obey.

“…the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14 ESV

“One thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.” Albert Schweitzer

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

The Greatest Legacy

Cindy Dawson

Quote of the Week for 1/28/26

“The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” —Billy Graham

“Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he grows older he will not abandon it.” Proverbs 22:6 NASB

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6 NASB

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Children’s Ministry is More Important Than You Think

Cindy Dawson

3-minute devotion for Sunday, 12/28/25

“Whoever receives and welcomes one child such as this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives not [only] Me, but Him who sent Me.” Mark 9:37 AMP

There may be children in your church who will accept Jesus as their Savior because they went to Sunday School and had a teacher who told them about Jesus. Many times, I have taught children in Sunday School whose parents did not attend church.

It takes a lot of caring Christians to properly support the children who come to your church. I’ve been praying for God to send more Sunday School teachers and nursery workers. There never seems to be enough. Do you find this to be true in your local church?

When I consider the words of Jesus, I am amazed that we don’t have enough workers. After all, it is a privilege to serve the Lord in this way, and it honors God. To welcome a little child is to welcome Jesus and the Father.

There is another reason Children’s Ministry is so important. Consider this,

“People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” Mark 10:13-15 (emphasis mine)

“Certainly these verses should impress the servant of the Lord with the importance of reaching little ones with the Word of God. The minds of children are most plastic and most receptive. W. Graham Scroggie said, “Be your best and give your best to the children.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Children are important to God. We must take care of them and teach them about our Lord.

There is almost always an opportunity to serve in Children’s Ministry.

“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.” Matthew 18:10

I met Jesus when I was only 6 years old. I am so grateful for the Sunday School teachers who taught me about Him. And I am thankful for those who serve our Lord in this way today.

Is God calling you to serve in this vitally important ministry?

“Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah 6:8

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Called To Be a Servant

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Sunday, 11/9/25

“He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.”

Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.” (Jesus) Mark 9:35-37 NLT

When I read these verses, I am always reminded of the great need in most churches for more Children’s Ministry teachers. What a privilege to answer God’s call to serve the children He so dearly loves!

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

Your Very Special Reward

Cindy Dawson

Sunday’s Memory Verse for 9/14/25

“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
    the fruit of the womb a reward.” Psalm 127:3 ESV

My thoughts: Children are always a gift from God, regardless of circumstances.

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

RealChristianWomen.blog

Christian

5 Ways to Safeguard Your Child’s Faith

Cindy Dawson

1-minute devotion for Monday, 9/1/25

Jesus said, “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6)

My Thoughts: Worldly influences prey upon our children every day. They may come through TV, social media, schools, music, or books. How can we protect these little ones? Here’s a start:

  1. Pray for them.
  2. Teach them God’s Word.
  3. Take them to church.
  4. Protect them from propaganda as much as you are able.
  5. Have conversations with your child when controversial subjects come up, letting them know they can talk to you, unafraid. Listen to them carefully. Respond with love and gentleness.

In His Love, Cindy

Would you like to learn more about Jesus? See my page Who Is Jesus?

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: May they prosper who love you.” Psalm 122:6

All Scripture is from the NIV unless stated otherwise.

RealChristianWomen.blog