TRAIN THEM IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES DAILY DEVOTIONAL

PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME Dsc. Dsc. DD.

WEDNESDAY JULY 01 2026

TRAIN THEM IN THE WAY THEY SHOULD GO

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

There’s a clear instruction from the Word concerning the upbringing of children, and it’s not subject to personal opinion or modern cultural trends. The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go,” not in the way he chooses, not in the way society suggests, and not even in the way you merely prefer, but in the way he should go. That way is defined by God’s Word.

Some today have adopted a flawed mindset in raising their children, saying, “In our home, everyone is free to decide what they want to believe or how they want to serve God.” That’s not a Christian home. Christianity is not a democracy of beliefs. When you choose to raise a Christian home, there’s a standard and that standard is the Word of God.

The Bible speaks of those who “...did not like to retain God in their knowledge...” (Romans 1:28). That condition doesn’t start suddenly in adulthood; it’s often the result of a lack of proper training and structure in the formative years. When children are not guided on the right way to serve God, they grow up without the consciousness of God and that absence can lead to grave spiritual consequences.

You don’t negotiate spiritual discipline with a child because the Bible says foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but discipline helps to get rid of it: “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). As a Christian parent, don’t entertain the idea of your child deciding not to go to church. Don’t raise children to follow their impulses; raise them to walk in truth.

When you insist on God’s way, consistently, firmly and with love, you’re not being harsh; you’re being obedient to divine instruction. And the result is guaranteed: when they’re old, they won’t depart from it. That training becomes a spiritual compass within them, guiding their choices and preserving their lives.

You’re not called to raise children who merely grow; you’re called to raise children who know God, walk in His ways, and live according to His truth. That responsibility is divine and must be taken seriously.

PRAYER / CONFESSION

Dear Father, thank you for your grace and wisdom at work in my life. I walk in the light of your Word, applying your truth with consistency, love and firmness. My home is established on your Word, and those under my care are nurtured in righteousness, growing with the consciousness of your presence, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

FURTHER STUDY

Ephesians 6:4 NIV; 2 Timothy 3:14-15 NIV; Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV

1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Acts 15:22-35; Esther 5-7

2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

2 Corinthians 11:10-33; Isaiah 2

THANK YOU KINDLY AND REMAIN BLESSED

HAPPINESS-A RESULT OF JOYFULNESS! - PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

RHAPSODY OF REALITIES

PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH

HAPPINESS-A RESULT OF JOYFULNESS!

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

(Galatians 5:22)

Often times, when people aren't happy or excited about themselves or about life, it's for one simple reason: they've ignored the Word of God. Your happiness as a Christian isn't dependent on your circumstances or situation. Happiness is one of the results of joyfulness, and joyfulness is a fruit of your recreated human spirit, nourished through the Word of God.

Your joy is like fire; and when there's no fuel to fire, it burns out. In the same way, those who ignore the Word have their joy short-lived. If you ever find yourself disoriented, what you need is to stay in the Word. Interpret and respond to situations on the basis of God's Word. Your happiness shouldn't be because things are going on smoothly; it shouldn't be dependent on the good things going on with you or around you. Otherwise, those who live in the best houses, and have the best things of life will be the happiest people in the world. But this isn't the case.

There're people who have committed suicide while others wondered, "What could have gone wrong? Everything was all right; he had the best family, he had the best job, he had enough money, he was voted the most respected man in the community. Why in the world did he kill himself?" What they probably didn't realize is that happiness doesn't come from any of those things. It's one of the blessings that joy produces in you: joy that only comes through the Word and the Spirit of God.

Your happiness is your responsibility. You have to make yourself happy continually, because your happy spirit dictates everything about your life. If for any reason, you're feeling downcast or unhappy, get into the Word and fan the embers of your joy.

CONFESSION

My heart is filled with unspeakable joy because I live in, and by the Word of God. I'm like a tree by the stream, fruitful in every season. My happiness knows no bounds because I dwell in God's Kingdom of light and life, where only divinity, success, victory, joy, peace, prosperity, and divine health reign. Halleluiah!

FURTHER STUDY:

Philippians 4:4(Amp)
Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice!

1 Peter 1:8(Amp)
Without having seen Him, you love Him; though you do not [even] now see Him, you believe in Him and exult and thrill with inexpressible and glorious (triumphant, heavenly) joy.

DAILY SCRIPTURE READING

1 Year Bible Reading Plan:

Matthew 24:36-51

Exodus 28

2 Year Bible Reading Plan:

Acts 15:12-21

Job 40-41