DAILY TEXT, From today Thursday, January 11, 2024, Draw near to God (James 4:8).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2024

Thursday January 11, 2024

Draw near to God (James 4:8).

One important way parents can help their children draw closer to Jehovah is by studying his Word together (2 Tim. 3:14-17). Now, the Bible shows another way in which young people can learn more about Jehovah. In the book of Proverbs, a father speaks to his son and apparently encourages him not to lose sight of Jehovah's qualities, which are reflected in creation (Prov. 3:19-21). Parents, don't you enjoy spending time outdoors with your children? Use these opportunities to help them see the relationship between “created things” and the wonderful qualities of Jehovah.​—Rom. 1:20. Notice how Jesus used creation to teach. On one occasion, he asked his disciples to observe the ravens and lilies (Luke 12:24, 27-30). And he taught them a powerful lesson about the generosity and kindness of his heavenly Father: Jehovah will feed and clothe his faithful servants just as he does the ravens and the flowers of the field. w23.03 20, 21 paras. 1-4.

What examples from creation can parents use to teach their children about Jehovah?

Parents, how can you imitate Jesus' way of teaching? For example, you can talk to your child about an aspect of creation that you like, such as his or her favorite plant or animal. Don't forget to explain to him what this tells us about Jehovah. Then you could ask your child which animal or plant he or she likes best. If you talk to him about Jehovah using things that attract his attention, he is likely to listen with more interest.

What do we learn from Christopher's mother?

This doesn't mean that parents have to spend a lot of time researching a specific animal or plant. Jesus did not complicate himself by giving a detailed explanation about the eating habits of ravens or the cellular composition of lilies. His child may enjoy learning complex details about nature, but sometimes a simple comment or question is enough to teach her something about Jehovah. For example, a brother named Christopher remembers: “My mother used to make simple comments about our surroundings to help us appreciate creation. When we were near some mountains, she told us: 'What huge and beautiful mountains! Isn't Jehovah amazing?' Or, when we went to the sea, she would tell us: 'Look at the strong waves! God has to be very powerful.'” Christopher says: “With those simple ideas she made us think a lot.”

What can you do to teach your children to meditate on creation?

As your children grow, you can teach them to meditate on creation and draw lessons about Jehovah's personality. You can mention something specific in nature and ask your children: “What does this teach you about Jehovah?” You may be surprised to hear his answer (Matt. 21:16).

What could the Israelites do when they were “on the road” with their children?

The Israelites were instructed to teach their children Jehovah’s commandments as they walked “in the way” (Deut. 11:19). A wide variety of animals and flowers could be seen along the rural roads of Israel. So Israelite parents could use the opportunity to awaken their children's curiosity about Jehovah's creation. Today, parents can do the same. Let's see what some of them have done.

What do you learn from Punitha and Katya?

A mother named Punitha, who lives in a large city in India, says: “We have family in the countryside, and when we visit, we take the opportunity to teach our children a few things about Jehovah's wonderful creation. It seems to me that being away from the chaos of a city full of people and cars it is easier for children to understand what creation teaches us.” Parents, it is very likely that your children will never forget the moments they spend with you in a beautiful and natural environment. Katya, a sister from Moldova, says: “I remember as if it were yesterday the times I spent with my parents in the countryside. I am very grateful to them for teaching me from a young age to stop and observe what Jehovah has created and to meditate on its qualities.”

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