One of the most powerful things we can do as parents is to teach our kids God’s Word, to help them learn how to hide His Truths in their hearts and minds.
This world can be a dark place. Many days it feels like a constant battlefield. And the enemy wants nothing more than to do in our families what he does best - stealing, killing, destroying. But as believers who know the power of God and are equipped with the strength of His Spirit and Word, we can strongly stand against those attacks in the name of Christ.
We can help our teens to learn and memorize verses that will help them in all they may face today. To guard against temptation. To use discernment in walking wisely. To understand the importance of following God closely in a world that would say to follow other things.
Through years of serving in Children’s and Family Ministry, my husband and I have heard story after story of the importance of kids learning God’s Truth from early on, and how the power of His Words will carry them through the hardest battles they may face later in life.
One mom shared this story when her grown son found himself on a real battlefield in life. He was on the front lines in a dangerous, war-torn area of the world. He saw death surround him on a daily basis. He struggled in his own fears. But he shared these powerful words with his mom who was praying for him constantly, “Mom, it’s so crazy, everytime I’m there on the front lines, and I’m battling my own fear, every single verse of the Bible I learned when I was a kid comes back to my mind. Verses I haven’t even thought about in so long, they just come back. And it’s the only place where I can find real peace.”
It reminds me again to ensure that our kids know Truth. And that they see His word lived out in me every day.
Not perfectly. But real. And fully dependent on Him.
My heart’s desire is that they will never waste their days living in the lies of the world, chasing things that won’t satisfy, or trying to find purpose in false security.
May God set their hearts free as they choose to run in the way of His commands, strong, brave, and wise.
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.” (Psalm 119:32)
25 Verses Every Teen Should Know:
God’s Love:
“For God so loved the word that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” (John 3:16-17)
Strength in Christ:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Don’t Worry, Pray:
“Don’t worry about anything, instead prayer about everything. And the peace of God that surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your mind in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
About Temptation:
“No temptation has overtaken you, but such is common to man, and God is faithful, he will not allow you to tempted beyond what you are able, but when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Purity:
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living it according to your word.” (Psalm 119:9)
Trust in the Lord:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
God is Greater:
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4)
Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven:
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
God Gives Power, Love, and Self-control:
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.“ (2 Timothy 1:7)
Do Not Fear:
“Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Ephesians 6:10-11)
God Gives a Future and Hope:
“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and to help you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Transformed for God’s Purposes:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Be Strong and Courageous:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Guard Your Heart:
“Guard your heart above all things, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23)
Give Your Worries to God:
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)
Freedom in Christ:
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)
Forgiveness:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
Obedience and Honor:
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise— that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)
Importance of Our Thoughts:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)
Fruit of the Spirit:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, goodness, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Be an Example:
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
Wisdom in God:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7)
Resist the Enemy:
“Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
Where Real Life Is Found:
“He who has the Son has life, he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12)
This is only a beginning, there are so many more important Scriptures for teens to know which offer wisdom and truth for strong lives. God bless you and your families as you hide His word in your hearts.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's facebook page, DebbieWebbMcDaniel, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also at Twitter and Web Site.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: November 14, 2016