Acts 1:1-3 provides the account “…of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

With that in mind, here are a few more Bible verses to consider while meditating on the significance of this day:

So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Mark 16.19

Jesus is sitting at the right hand of Father God, interceding for us even now, and we are seated with Him in heavenly places.

Now it came to pass, while He blessed them, that He was parted from them and carried up into heaven. And they worshipped Him... with great joy, and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Luke 24.51-53

As a result of His ascension, and by the empowerment of Holy Spirit, we may continually live in joy, and in worship and praise of God, blessing His Name and His deeds always.

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’” John 20.17-18

Having redeemed us by His Blood, Jesus reminds the disciples that God is our (loving) Father. His death and resurrection empower us to boldly come to the throne of God.

Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11

May you be blessed by the significance of Ascension Day as you enjoy the day.

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Having said that, different couples will have different financial situations. As a couple becomes closer, they may discover when sharing (preferably before marriage!) that the woman is earning more than the man. In such an instance, does such a discovery call for an immediate breakup? A change of job for one of the earners? Or, what if the man does not even have a job? Can the couple simply exercise some maturity?

A key aspect of earning more is the perception or probability that one will provide more. As such, put another way, does God mind who provides more? What can we learn from the Bible? Here are some points worth considering:

1, God is our ultimate provider
God is Jehovah-Jireh our provider (Genesis 22.14). He provides for us holistically, and in all ways (Philippians 4.19), in both the visible and hidden needs (Psalm 121.6). And it’s not a struggle for Him to provide; the world is His and everything in it (Psalm 50.12). Rather than putting pressure on any one spouse to provide, God is calling us to look to the one who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think… (Ephesians 3.20).

2, We all have a role to play in providing to others
Galatians 6.10 calls us to do good to all, whenever we can, and especially to assist fellow Christians. 1 Timothy 5.8 is especially charging family members of the same household to provide for each other. The verse looks particularly at the need for grown children to provide for their widowed mothers. Proverbs 31.13-31 reflects upon a woman who has her household under control, gives to those in need, and still has time for business ventures that support the family financially.

3, The key role for a husband is leadership… but making provisions has its place
Ephesians 5.23-24 explains that ‘the husband is the head of the wife as also Christ is the Head of the Church…, and as the Church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything’. Put another way, a husband’s role is to lead his household; he sets the standard that he wants his family to live by. Part of leadership is walking the talk or leading by example. In John 13.15, Jesus tells the disciples that he has set an example for them to follow (being to wash one another’s feet).

Similarly, in Matthew 20, verses 25-28, Jesus explains that being a leader does not include bossing over others; rather, whoever desires to be great must serve. He again provides the example that He came, not to be served, but to serve. As such, part of serving the family, and part of setting a good example, is to provide financially. However, we see that it is not the husband’s job alone to provide for the family.

Having said that, getting engaged to a man who does not have a job, is not looking for a job, quits his job intending to rely on his wife after marriage, etc.; this is not wisdom as such a man cannot set a good example for any family member through such actions. In such an instance, it may be better for a Godly couple to return to the Lord and confirm from Him should be done in such circumstances, whether to continue to date or part ways.

To conclude, a higher earning fiancée is not the issue, the issue is whether the couple can respect the God given role that the husband is to have in leadership over the wife, in spite of their finances. A loving couple will work together to find the financial fit for their home, taking into account other important factors such as child raising, etc., and not remain intent on forcing one partner or another to earn a certain amount of money.

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Well, the Bible has much, much more to say on the topic of Money. The following are a few verses worth considering:

He owns it all…

Psalms 50.10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.

… so honour Him with it

Proverbs 3:9 Honour the Lord with thy possessions, and with the firstfruits of all your increase;

Malachi 3.10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you such blessing, that there will not be room enough to receive it.

He wants you to enjoy it

Ecclesiastes 5.19 AMP Also, every man to whom God has given riches and possessions, He has also given the power and ability to enjoy them and to receive [this as] his [allotted] portion and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God [to him].

But be honest in your dealings

Psalm 37.21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives. Proverbs 13.11 Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he that gathers by labour will increase.

Don’t rush or overwork to get it

Proverbs 23.4 KJV Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Proverbs 28.20 KJV … But he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.

And borrowing is not a wise idea either

Proverbs 22.7 … and the borrower is servant to the lender.

Make sure that you pay your taxes

Matthew 22.21 Then He said to them, “Therefore give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”

Don’t fall in love with it, or think you’re something if you have it

Matthew 6.19-20 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven,where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Matthew 6.24  No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.

1 Timothy 6.10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil….

1 Timothy 6.17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.

Luke12.15 NLT Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

Consider those in need

Proverbs 19.17 He who has pity upon the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given. Matthew 5.42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.

And leave some for the kids- and the grandkids!

Proverbs 13.22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children; But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.

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For the many who plan to become a parent, the reality is often far different than what was hoped for. Young parents often learn with shock how severely curtailed their social life becomes, without the support of domestic help and the much needed grandparents. Similarly, a parent who is new to the job can find it quite daunting to have to approach an employer for a second time off in the same week, to rush around for a child’s school matters that can’t be put off. And it goes without saying that a large chunk of the monthly budget is often reserved for the kids.

Still others end up with children without having planned for them. Your daughter dies unexpectedly, leaving you as a parent in your golden years, and this comes after your retirement. The woman you find to marry comes as a package deal. Your sibling is struggling with a drug addiction to the extent that he cannot make a safe home for your nephew. And quite commonly, boy meets girl, baby makes three… but, single parenting ensues.

And we haven’t even talked about the actual person being brought into the world. Ten fingers and ten toes? We thank God for that, but what about other disabilities or degenerative conditions? What about their mental health? What about learning disabilities? If they are there, will I discover them in time? Will my child have friends in school? How can I ensure my toddler doesn’t get molested by teachers, minders or even other students?

And can she be both kind and smart? Will he have an abrasive personality that only a mother could (has to) love? Will my children be able to navigate this world on their own? Will they get good undergraduate degrees that will lead to good jobs? Will she marry a man who will treat her right? Will he be able to be a good dad though he grew up without one? Even after God is done answering all these prayers in a way we view positively, we still want our kid to get the promotion at work! And when our kids have kids, the cycle starts right from the beginning…!

All this can leave one feeling apprehensive about becoming a parent, or if already a parent, about the upcoming days, months or years. While a parent innately wants what’s best for their child, part of the reason why it’s so important is because children are a reflection of who we are, often times they even look like us. Some would say that they are a walking advertisement of our parenting skills- talk about pressure!

But there is something that God Our Father is saying to each parent, something He wants us all to know:

1, Look to Him for all things

In all things, and not just as a parent, God wants you to look to Him. We need to remember that He is Jehovah-Jireh our provider (Genesis 22.14 KJV). Matthew 6.33 also explains that as we put God first (seek first the kingdom…), God will add all these things, (all that we need, all that we want, etc.) to our life. Overall, its a matter of priorities; we will receive the benefits that come from walking with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2, He is a parent too (Matthew 7.9-11)

And He has been, longer than any of us. If we as earthly parents can give good gifts to our children, what more our Father in Heaven. He has already given us Holy Spirit, to guide us in all things. For many, He has given us resident experts (also known as grandparents! (Proverbs 17.6)) They can even advise on how to deal with stubborn personality traits within our lineage, since they went through it with you! And before He formed you, He knew you, (Jeremiah 1.5); He knows your child too. He has a plan for each and every one of us (Jeremiah 29.11) and this includes plans our children too. As we walk with Him, He will continue to reveal those plans to us. All we need to do, is entrust our kids to Him.

3, Children are a gift and a reward (Psalm 127.3)

For many mothers, as you felt that first kick, no one had to confirm it for you, you knew then and there that children are a special gift from God. But God is also saying that a child is also a reward! He wants us to enjoy spending time with the kids, not to see them as drudgery. He also calls the man with many children a blessed man! No matter the stage of life that your child is at, there is always something to enjoy and thank God for, as you continue to discover the ever dynamic present He has given you.

4, He’s with you in the fire (Dan 3.25)

Challenges will always come, that’s a part of life that none of us can escape. However, God has promised that He is with us always, even until the end of time (Matthew 28.20). That means no matter how tough it gets as parent; from learning about a child’s negative medical diagnosis, to low grades not good enough for university, or to hanging around with the wrong crowd; God has a promise for you in His Book that covers every situation. And not only that, as you go through the fire, He leads you and guides you on the correct actions to take (Psalm 23:2-4).

5, Better days are up ahead (Psalm 30.5)

This message is true for us on an individual level and also on the parental level. As a Christian, as you continue to draw closer to God, He’s promised to draw closer to you (James 4.8). And as that happens, you will continue to be transformed from glory to glory (2 Cor 3.18). That means your tomorrow will always be brighter than today because you are continually growing in your understanding of God, thereby continually growing in character, and even as you age, you will continue to bear good fruit! (Psalm 92.14).

In summary, God wants us as parents to trust Him and rely on Him as we raise our children with Him, and He wants us to enjoy the journey.

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The following four-part miniseries was originally posted on our Facebook page from the 19-22 October 2021.

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The Bible has countless stories of men and women of God who had to wait for God’s timing. Plenty of Psalms speak of waiting on the Lord, Habakkuk 2:3 calls us to wait for the vision, Joseph had to wait in prison, Galatians 5:5 says that we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith…. Part of waiting is timing; the Bible says that there is a time for everything. This means we need to tune into His timing to be able to wait at peace for what He wants to give us.

So why wait? Why does God have us wait for things at times? Why must we wait for a (sometimes frustratingly) long time? This is what we want to look into; why wait, and how best to wait upon the Lord.

Abraham’s wait

Sometimes it’s easier to wait when you know someone else going through it. Father Abraham is a man of God who had to wait for what we would consider a long time, even by today’s standards, to have a child. We first learn of Abram at age 75, when God calls him to leave his home. At the same time, we learn that Sarai, his wife, is barren.

As we go through the story, beginning at Genesis 11, we find Abraham learning to follow God’s instructions one at a time, to leave home, to separate from Lot, to believe for his own child, and so on. By Genesis 16 however, Abram, now aged 86, and Sarai are tempted to find their own, faster way, to have God answer their prayer. Needless to say, it doesn’t work out as expected and they find themselves back to waiting for their own child again.

It was only at 99, when things really changed. Abram entered into a covenant with God and became Abraham, the Father of Nations, and Sarai also became Sarah. This covenant was a real breakthrough because the Bible records that at 100, Isaac was finally born to the couple.

We live in an era of now; sometimes, we can ask God for something for the moment. If we don’t get it now, we don’t want it anymore. We may even forget we asked, or we want to ask for something else to be instantly delivered. The God we serve, however, is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14.33), and He never changes (Mal 3.6/Heb 13.8), nor does His will (Ps 33.11).

Whatever you’re waiting for today, thank God that He knows what you need and delights in giving His children the desires of their heart.

This article originally appeared on our Facebook page as a two-part miniseries on 12-13 October 2021

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This title is taken from one of my favourite Proverbs, “Train up a Child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 NKJ). Meditating on it one day, led me to look up the verb “train” and the World Book Dictionary indicated that to train, is to bring up, rear, teach, etc. So, a child can be trained to respect those in authority, or to love books, or sports, or whatever the trainer’s vision is for the child.

Bringing up, rearing or training denote repetition over a period of time, and as such, requires patience. The question is, do we as parents or guardians know the type of adult we want our child to become? Do we have the required equipment for the job; that is time, interest, patience love, wisdom, bouquet of disciplinary measures, and rewards, for the job at hand?

Where does one begin in carrying out this awesome task? As a Christian, I have come to realise that the ideal thing, is to start on one’s knees, like our mother Hannah, and ask the Lord for an opportunity to be His co- creators. Notice what the priest Eli, said to her after she had poured out her heart’s desire to the Lord in prayer. “Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him”” (1 Samuel 1:17).

Having started with the Lord we continue with Him, thanking Him during the pregnancy for the gift and requesting for revelation of the purpose the Father is sending this child to earth for. One would by the same token ask for wisdom to raise the child in a way that would prepare him or her to enter into his calling.

At Jeremiah 1:5, the Lord says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” These words speak loudly to anyone who reads or hears them that our Heavenly Father has a plan, and a purpose for each human being, and it is up to us to consult Him about our children and their future. Parents are further reassured at Psalm 127: 3 that, “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward.” There are many other scriptures that bear witness to the Lord as the source, including 1 Samuel 2: 21, “And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters.

Do I fall neatly into operating within the ideal? No, I regrettably do not. I am a single mother of three lovely children, a son and two daughters. I missed following the ideal route but learnt along the way that it is never too late to repent and appeal to ABBA Father whose merciful kindness is great towards us. It is never too late to seek the face of the Lord and to do that which is right for the child. At whatever point you turn to the Lord, hold on to Him and never let go because therein lies the wise council and excellent guidance of the Lord.

There are several challenges to the training process such as time and vision. Trainers take time to observe the trainee, mark their strengths and weaknesses and time to practice, build their skill and strength. In most families, both parents work, that eats into time. Young children and babies are left with nannies and, depending on age, spend their days in day-care, the world over. This situation demands that working parents depend on God all the more. Fortunately for us the Lord is interested in everything we think and do. Philippians 4:6 provides, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” To obey this verse calls for prayer for our children, regardless of their age.

The primary trainers are the parents or the guardian. Other members of the training team include, to a limited extent, teachers and members of the extended family. Support to the training team can come in the form of prayer from an aunt, cousin, grand parent or even a neighbour because we are called to love one another, and to be our brother’s keeper; all this lends itself to building a good society and cannot be done without the Lord.

The Word says that without a vision the people perish; children usually have dreams, depending on their age and their world, they want to be doctors, referees, truck drivers, teachers, presidents or even mummies or daddies. Whilst this talk of aspiration should be encouraged, parents can through observation and prayer, find out the purpose for which each of their children was sent to earth.

Our Lord Jesus said, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent” (Luke 4:43). As trainers we should bless our children and be an example to them. This can only be in place if we take our walk with the Lord seriously. Operating within one’s purpose is challenging but rewarding as opposed to the strife that follows us when we take our own Godless direction.

Loleme at five years of age could swear, throw a tantrum and lie. He was a terror. There was a furious debate on whether he was trained or not. That he was trained is definite, whether the training was intentional or not is another question. Children are more often than not an advertisement of the home they come from. Do parents hear themselves when they angrily address their children or each other? Do they choose their words carefully, and do they even apologise when they curse them or call them names? What has Loleme been subjected to in his home to have such a vocabulary?

Beating up the child is not going to change him. Checking the source, which may be mother, father or both, and working on self goes a long way towards helping your child turn around. It is amazing how working on self actually helps in child training. The problem most of us have is that we see faults in others and try to change them, instead of remembering to deal with the log in our eye, we busy ourselves with removing the mote from our brother’s eye. We need to cry out in repentance. ‘Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me’. What joy to correct your child even as you are being corrected.

As the Holy Spirit leads, there will be occasions where you are reminded that “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Just as training pays off and improves the skills of the trainee, training our children to be God-fearing adults, results in obedient children and peace, love and respect in the home.

Joseph obeyed his father, went to Shechem to see if all was well with his brothers and the family flock, and that catapulted him into an adventure of a lifetime. Obedience to his father led to obedience of Our Father, for we are told that ‘Potiphar and the Keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph’s authority, because the Lord was with him and whatever he did, the Lord made it prosper.’ We know that Joseph became the second most important man in a foreign land.

Samuel obeyed his parent Eli because even when called at night, he responded, only to enter into an exciting world of hearing and obeying the Lord. Samuel ended up a renowned prophet in Israel and an author of two books in the Bible.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. “Joseph entered into his purpose, and so did Samuel. God is the same yesterday, today and forever; trust and obey that He who led others into their purpose and to successful lives yesterday will do the same for you and your child today.

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