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Planting Seeds of Faith
Our children are truly a heritage from the Lord (Psalm 127:3), and that thought fills us with both joy and responsibility. We’re called to nurture them in faith from a very young age. As Proverbs 22:6 says, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
When my kids were little, our family altar time was the heart of our evenings. Every night, before bedtime, we’d come together for Bible stories and prayer. My husband and I would take turns sharing a passage or a story from the Bible, and our children would eagerly repeat the words, soaking in every lesson. Once they learned to read on their own, we moved on to reading whole chapters together, always ending with a joyful “Hallelujah!” As they grew older, we each took turns leading the family altar, keeping alive the tradition I cherished from my own childhood.
One special twist we added was our “Hymn Sunday.” On that night, instead of our usual Bible reading, each one of us picks a hymn and we sing it together. A visiting pastor suggested it, and it turned out to be a delightful change. Singing those hymns—even when our attempts at four-part harmony turned into humorous misadventures—helped us embrace God’s word in a fresh, engaging way.
But the family altar isn’t just about stories and songs. It’s also our time to reflect on the week that has passed. We share our experiences, count our blessings, and thank God for His constant guidance. Sometimes we discuss our concerns, pray for friends or family, and even share personal struggles. This open conversation not only strengthens our bond as a family but also gives me, as a parent, a glimpse into my children’s spiritual and emotional lives.
Let’s be honest. Life can be overwhelmingly busy. With work, school, church, and all the other demands of modern life, setting aside time for the family altar can feel like a real challenge. There have been moments when I’ve doubted whether our efforts are really making a difference. In those times, Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 3:6 come to mind: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.” It’s a powerful reminder that while we do our part, the growth in our children’s hearts is ultimately God’s work.
Just as a seed takes time to sprout, our children’s faith needs nurturing with patience and love. Parenting is full of ups and downs, and yes, I’ve had moments of worry about whether I’m doing enough. Yet I hold fast to the truth that God’s grace is more than sufficient. The challenges we face are part of our journey, shaping our faith and deepening our relationship with Him.
In the end, our family altar is our sacred time to connect with God and each other—a time to plant seeds of faith, encourage one another, and lean on God when life’s storms hit. So, let’s keep praying, reading, and singing together, trusting that in God’s perfect time, He will bring the growth we so hope for.
Come and learn more about the Doctrine through bible study, sermons and fellowship with us. We warmly welcome you to our upcoming Spring Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation (ESSC). You can also join us for the Spring 2025 ESSC via online streaming.
Thursday, April 17, 2025 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, 2025 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, April 20, 2025 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Please find our church location below:
True Jesus Church
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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In the meantime, please feel free to join us for our regular Sabbath (Friday evening and Saturday) services online or in-person.
Friday Evening Service: 7:50PM – 9:00PM
Saturday Morning Service: 10:50AM – 12:00Noon
Saturday Afternoon Service: 1:30PM – 2:40PM
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org