How A Child Crushes A Lie

We snuggle, Robby, Alexa, and I - all three curled up on the couch with the green lambswool blanket over us, and I read the second story of the Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name, "The terrible lie." 

I already like how this devotional book tells the stories in a much more captivating way than others. And this particular story prompts discussion that leads to the very thing that has been on my heart and mind these past days.

I've wondered how we can impress upon them truth that will make a heart difference in their choices.

The snake's words hissed into her ears and sunk down deep into her heart, like poison. Does God love me? Eve wondered. Suddenly she didn't know anymore...And a terrible lie came into the world. (the Jesus Storybook Bible)

I've wondered how they will discern truth when they walk out the front door. Does what we do and talk about within these four walls sink in, I've wondered? 

I wonder this because there is a liar, the father of lies, and if he can't get to them here within these four walls, when they walk out that door, it's lurking around every corner, within every person that has believed a lie and whether we recognize it or not, they - just like we - walk onto a battlefield every. single. day.

I tell them about that battlefield, like the battles they've watched in Narnia, only unseen and raging in their minds. I remind them who God created them to be - God's warrior and God's princess.

Robby sits upright. Don't all boys want to fight for something and little girls to be rescued? 

Yet, we are not strong enough to fight that battle. Our children are not strong enough.


There is but one weapon that defeats the enemies schemes and rescues from tangled snares, and wouldn't we be appallingly foolish not to arm our children with it?

Scripture crushes a lie. Living and active, in it contains the weapon that defeats, and the power that rescues.

I ask for ideas on how they think they can overcome lies that lurk when a bible is not handy, if what is in it truly contains the weapon that crushes the evil that is a gazillion times more powerful than they are?

Just days ago, I observe this utube clip found on Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience, on Why Memorize Scripture, by John Piper. I've thought about memorizing scripture, but have always left it for another time. Robby knows a handful of scripture verses from earlier years, Sunday School and singing scripture CDs. However, I haven't really recognized the importance of making it a priority.

This time, however, as I finish the four minute clip, my heart gasps, this is what they need - more than please and thank you and yes mom; more than a clean room and teeth and face - they need armor! Because the fruit of rules, etiquette, and hygiene (aside from the golden rule)  are pleasing yet, will perish. Those things, though necessary, won't save my children from the enemies blow. But the fruit of His Word gives life. Defeats. Rescues. Saves.

We talk about how we will start memorizing scripture and hiding it in our hearts so that we can be equipped to draw from His Truth anytime we feel uncertain of what is true or tempted by the whisper of a lie in our hearts.

They both run downstairs as fast as they can and gather their bibles and race back up with what you would think was a brand new, exquisite sword or a glistening new crown! 

They are hungry. They are hungry to know just who God created them to be and they stand there equipped with a weapon that promises defeat.

Later that day, the two participate in a swimming lesson. Afterward, Robby tells me that when his class walked over to the deep end of the pool to practice diving, he was a little scared. But then recited, "When I am afraid I will trust in you (Psalm 56:3)," and he tells me he did it!

Didn't he just crush that little whisper, "I can't?"

Does what we do and what we talk about within these four walls sink in, I've wondered? 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”

4Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’^a”

5Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6“If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you,

and they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’^b”

7Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’^c”

8Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9“All this I will give you,” he said, “if you will bow down and worship me.”

10Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’^d”

11Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him. Matthew 4: 1-11

I'm linking up with Sol Deo Gloria at Finding Heaven.