Physical and Spiritual Protection for Children

Scriptures: Hosea 4:6, Proverbs 22:6

The Good News for Parents 

The Good News is that God has an answer for every need and every fear that would try to overcome us regarding our children. Remember, God’s Word works. The best way to get started is to begin praying over the child before he is even born. I want you to see how to apply these principles to your children and grandchildren regardless of their age. Children have been entrusted to us by God. He wants us to enjoy our family. We are to pray and establish our children’s spiritual destiny. It is necessary to not make a negative choice by default simply by failing to do what God is commissioning us to do as Christian parents. 

Parents may not realize they are responsible for seeing their children develop a relationship with God. We can’t afford to be complacent in this area. Hosea 4:6 tells us that there are two reasons why we’re destroyed – from lack of knowledge (in this case, that we as parents have a spiritual responsibility to our children) and/or – rejection of that knowledge. A child can overturn the negative decisions of a parent by choosing the right path for themselves. God’s Word tells us to “train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” That training is the parent’s responsibility. 

When the promises appear not to work.

After a while, parents can become disappointed and be tempted to give up. Regardless of how bad the situation seems, we must realize it is not over and determine not to give up and do what God ordains, no matter how long it takes. Eventually, victory will come if we remain obedient to His Word. These promises are from the God of the Universe, a parent’s God-given assurance if he is obedient to do it God’s way and refuses to lay down this promise. Let’s take a moment and thank God for His plan for families! 

I thank God for my children and the blessing they are to me. I pray that I can become more aware of how to pray for my children to inherit the promises of God and choose to train my children in the ways of the Lord. I love You. Lord. 

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 30:19, Hebrews 1:14, Genesis 7:1, Joshua 2:1, Joshua 2:10-11, Acts 16:31

Choose Life and Blessing

Deuteronomy 30:19 makes it unquestionably clear that God has placed the child’s destiny in the hands of the parents and grandparents: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” Man had already fallen; therefore, he already had death and the curse, but God, in His mercy, has given man a choice. In place of the curse and death, God has made it possible for us to choose life and blessing. And when man chooses life, he is not only receiving the blessing for himself but also for his descendants. Then God goes on to say, “So choose life.” 

Hebrews 1:14 Are they not ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

The moment we choose life and blessing for us and our descendants, angels begin rendering service to our children and our children’s children. Not only do heaven and earth witness the choice we make, but Satan and his demons also witness it because when we make a wrong choice, it becomes an open door for which the enemy is looking. 

However, to throw us off course, notice what the world has to say about our children, “Oh, you never know what these kids are going to do. They’re going to disappoint you. It’s different than it was when we were growing up. No one knows anymore how they’re going to turn out.” And often, we have bought into those lies until even Christians get into the fear of not knowing which way their children will go. But the Word of God never says we cannot know that our children will make the right decisions. God is not going to give us the choice of “life and death, blessing and curses” over our children and even tell us which to choose without giving us the ability and power to see it work out right. When we find a promise in the Word, we can have it if we receive it and are willing to fight for it. There are many Scripture promises to back this up. 

Genesis 7:1 Then the Lord said to Noah, “Enter the ark, you and all your household; for you alone I have seen to be righteous before Me in this time.” There’s no indication that these sons were right with God at that time. Noah alone had been found righteous. And we’re not talking about small children still living at home. These were grown, married men. Yet Noah had the promise, and because he was faithful, his whole household was spared from the flood. 

Joshua 2:1 is an example of someone who probably didn’t even have children but stood in the gap for her extended family. Joshua had sent men as spies, saying, “Go, view the land, especially Jericho,” and they came into the house of a prostitute named Rahab. In verses 10-11, Rahab told the spies, “For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea… and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites…, and our hearts had melted and no courage remained…” She was declaring that the Lord God, Jehovah was the true God in heaven above and on the earth beneath. Then she said, “Please swear to me by the Lord, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you will also deal kindly with my father’s household, and give me a pledge of truth, and spare my father and my mother and my brothers and my sisters, with all who belong to them.” So, the spies said, “When we come into the land, you tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window through which you let us down, and gather to yourself into the house your father and your mother and your brothers and all of your father’s household… It shall come about that anyone who is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if a hand is laid on him.” We can spiritually pray and bring our family under God’s protection by our words. 

In Acts 16:31, Paul and Silas were in prison singing praises to God when an earthquake shook their chains loose. Thinking they had escaped; the jailer was getting ready to kill himself when Paul and Silas stopped him. And the first question the jailer asked was, “What must I do to be saved?” He was asking for himself. But they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

We find one confirmation after another that shows when a person sells out to God; it becomes an inheritance for their children as well. Now, this doesn’t mean that salvation is not an individual decision. It is just letting us know that our choice to go with God and walk in His promises puts our descendants in a position to be drawn in by the power of the Holy Spirit until they submit to Him—if we determine to stand and believe for it. Our submission to God to stand on the promises holds our children and grandchildren in that place of decision and gives them extra protection. 

Thank You for these Biblical examples of “as for you and your household.” I take hold of the promises of God for me and my family. 

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 28:41, Galatians 3:13, Psalms 112:7, Hebrews 9:22, Job 22:23, Job 22:28, Job 22:30

Our Confessions and Decrees

Deuteronomy 28:41 is one of my favorite Scriptures to turn around and quote over my children. It is listed here in this verse to be part of the curse, but we have to remember that Galatians 3:13 tells us we have been redeemed from the curse of the law because of what Jesus did on the cross. Under the curse, it says, “You’ll have sons and daughters, but they’ll not be yours, for they’ll go into captivity.” What is the captivity of the enemy? For one, it’s rebellion. When we realize that Galatians 3:13 tells us that Jesus Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, then every curse listed here can be reversed. Begin to turn these curses around and see that they can become a blessing. Quote over your children, “I will have sons and daughters, and they will be mine. In Jesus’ Name, they will not go into the enemy’s captivity. They will not go into rebellion. They will not have addictions or be drawn into the things of the world because, in Jesus, every curse is reversed. 

We can confess Psalm 112:7 I will not fear evil tidings because my heart is steadfast trusting in You, Lord, as we speak that Scripture aloud daily, it comes alive in our hearts. The time will come when the telephone rings; we will be able to say, “Lord, I’m not going to fear bad news because my heart is steadfast, trusting in You.”

Hebrews 9:22 in the Amplified Classic Translation, God tells us, “I’ll remove the sin, the guilt and the punishment [consequences].” What a promise!! 

Job 22:23, 28 tells us: If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored…You will also decree a thing, and it will be established for you.

We need to decree that our children will repent, turn to God and live for Him. God is telling us to decree the fact that our children are going to forever go with God. Declare they are going to be protected and live the life that God’s called them to live. 

Job 22:30 He will deliver one who is not innocent, and He will be delivered through the cleanness of your hands.

When we live for God, it not only is salvation for us, but it can also be the restoration and deliverance for the one we are praying for because of the cleanliness of our hands. 

Father, I am believing Your promises for my children and will confess them with my mouth and believe them with my heart. In Jesus’ name.

Scripture: Mark 11:22-24

Have Faith in God

What are we praying and asking for our children? Mark 11:22-24 tells us that if we believe we are going to receive those things, they will be granted. What a promise! 

There will be times when it looks as though things are not working. Are we going to throw in the towel and say it didn’t work, or are we going to stand firm in our faith and not give up? Those who stand in faith will receive. We are told to believe we have already received what we asked for, and then it will be granted. Ask for a faith picture to hang onto. 

Don’t say what I have heard some parents say, “I don’t think it’s right for me to make this choice for my child. It’s their decision. I’m going to wait and allow them to make their own decision.” The enemy’s tactic is to keep us from walking in the God-given right and responsibility that He has given to us as Christian parents. It is our God-given responsibility. When a person believes that he is not responsible for seeing that his children make the right decision, he is choosing negatively by default. We need to confess as Joshua did in Joshua 24:15 “As for me and my house, we will serve and worship the Lord.” He didn’t say, “I’m going to serve God and pray that my children will decide to serve Him too.” Rather, he made that choice for his entire family. 

Lord, help me to have faith like Joshua to pray and believe and stand for my family to walk with God all of their days. 

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:12

Three Important Steps for Our Family’s Safety

2 Timothy 1:12b NASB For I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

This Scripture is especially meaningful to me out of the King James Version: I know the one in whom I believe, and I’m persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed into him. God is able to keep our children when we commit them to Him and believe this promise. 

This Scripture gives us three very important steps for appropriating this truth for our family’s safety: 

#1. I “know” the One in whom I have believed. This refers to a personal relationship that we must have with the Lord. We must have intimate knowledge of the One in whom we believe. A lot of people believe that Jesus is the Son of God, but they’ve never developed that closeness. They’ve never gotten to know Him intimately. We must know the Safekeeper intimately. In that solid relationship with God, we have something to pass on as an inheritance to our children. 

#2. We need to be persuaded that He’s able. We must be persuaded that He can and will do what He has promised. 

#3. After Steps 1 and 2, then the most natural thing in the world is to commit our family to Him. 

Lord, a lot hinges on my relationship with You, including my family’s Godly heritage. I desire closeness with You like never before. I seek to develop my relationship with You, as with my family and friends, by spending time together in the Secret Place. 

Scriptures: Exodus 29:37, Luke 2:22, John 20:23

Entrusted to God

Exodus 29:37 For seven days you shall make atonement for the altar and consecrate it; then the altar shall be most holy, and whatever touches the altar shall be holy.

When you present something on the altar, you’re giving it to God. It becomes the property of God. Apply this to your children and your grandchildren. When we commit that child to God, he is automatically set apart to God. He becomes God’s property; therefore, God becomes responsible for them. They become most holy to Him, and He begins to draw them unto Himself. 

The Bible doesn’t teach infant baptism. But infant ‘dedication’ is Scriptural. It is a time when before God and before witnesses, the parents symbolically give that child to God. It is a picture witnessed in heaven and witnessed on earth. In Luke 2:22, God had Mary and Joseph dedicate Jesus when he was eight days old. If the child is older and you didn’t commit him to the Lord when he was born, it’s never too late to go ahead and do it spiritually. 

And just as God told Mary and Joseph what to do for Jesus’ protection, God will tell us what to do for the protection of our children. If we trust Him, He will lead us step by step because we have dedicated them to God, and we are not alone in having to decide what they need for these promises to come to pass. We simply need to be obedient and trust God to guide us to bring it to pass. If you have children that are already outside the home, be in tune with Him and pray over them. Daily read your covenant over them, pray for laborers, the right friends, the perfect wife or husband to come in their pathway, etc. 

There may be times when God impresses you to pray for their forgiveness. John 20:23 When you see your child in a sin, forgive him in Jesus’ name and God will begin dealing with him. 

I am forever grateful, Lord, that my children are set apart for You. They truly are a gift from You. Thank You for helping me know what to pray for them. 

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 6:7, 1 Samuel 3:13

Four Points of Obedience

There may be different points of obedience for each child, but here are four points of obedience that are always required of us as parents. 

1. We are to live for God consistently with no hypocrisy in our life. Choose to live every day in obedience to God as an example. 

Deuteronomy 6:7 says that our love for Jesus and His Word should be evident in who we are and everything we do. 

2. We are to live in an attitude of gratitude toward God for all the things that He has done. In everything, we are to give thanks. And that’s why grumbling, nagging, and negativity should have no place in our lives. When our children see us full of gratitude and appreciation, it becomes ingrained in their lifestyle that God is a good God. That’s what God wants us to impart to our children, gratitude constantly flowing through us. 

3. Don’t be afraid to discipline and enforce consistent guidelines; Proverbs 22:15 and Proverbs 29:15 tell us that physical discipline drives out rebellion. 

The biggest favor you can do for your children is to rid them of bad attitudes. My husband was adamant that a child should be disciplined for attitude every bit as much as for actions, to get the bad attitude off a child before it ever turns into an action. The goal of a parent should be to bring them to a place of learning how to discipline themselves. 

4. Don’t be afraid to show lots of genuine love to your children. Listen to them, give them your undivided attention, and be lovingly affectionate toward them. Let the home be a place of safety and support. 

Lord, help me to create the home that I always wanted as a child. Let it be a safe and loving place for my children to grow up in. I pray my home will be a gathering place for my children’s friends. 

Scriptures: Romans 3:3, Deuteronomy 28:13, Galatians 3:13, Isaiah 54:13, Mark 12:30-31, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Timothy 1:7, Psalms 90:17, Psalms 119:105, Matthew 6:13

Write Your Prayer

One of the best ways to dedicate your children to the Lord and ensure their spiritual safety no matter how old they are is to write a prayer aligning with God’s promises from His Word. Nothing will release faith in the parent more than writing out Scripture promises and then decreeing them aloud daily for God to bring them about. As simple as this is, don’t overlook this step. 

Psalm 91 is a protection promise that covers every evil known to man. I felt God impressed me to quote it daily over my children and grandchildren. I remember the first time I saw Psalm 91; my first thought was, “There is no way that I can believe we can be protected from every known evil in this world.” God took me to Romans 3:3 “If some do not believe, will that nullify My promises and My faithfulness?” Then God went on to say, “May it never be. I will be found true though every man be found a liar. But you will be justified by what you say and what you believe.” God tells us, “But you will be justified by your words, what you say, and what you believe.” We are called by God to believe His promises. Decide not to doubt and negate the promises of God. Even if we are the only person we know who is believing God’s promises, we must refuse to let doubts and fears come in. If it’s God’s Word, then it’s true because God cannot lie. 

Some sample Scriptures are included however you search out promises and write your own personalized prayer. It’s a good idea to begin praying for their future spouse and include their adult years in your daily prayer. Thank you for joining us for this Bible Study Plan! For more on this subject, the full teaching is available on Peggy Joyce Ruth’s Podcast and Peggy Joyce Ruth Ministries YouTube Channel. 

Father, thank You that my children are the head, not the tail, above only and not beneath. (Deuteronomy 28:13) Thank You they are redeemed from the curse of the law (Galatians 3:13), from the captivity, the rebellion, and the disobedience of the enemy. Thank You that they are Your disciples, taught by You, obedient to Your Word with a teachable spirit open only to Your truth, and enjoy great peace. (Isaiah 54:13) I thank You that they love You with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. And they love others as they love themselves. (Mark 12:30-31) Thank You, Lord, that they’re coming to know Jesus better every day. The Fruit of the Spirit is being formed in them. (Galatians 5:22-23) They are filled with Your love, indescribable joy, and peace that passes human understanding. They are kind and considerate of the needs of others. They are patient, faithful to You, gentle, and self-disciplined. You have not given them a spirit of fear, but You have given them power, love, and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) They are truthful and have favor with their teachers, their peers, and everyone with whom they come in contact. (Psalm 90:17) They trust in You, Lord, and do not lean to their reasoning. (Proverbs 3:5) Your Word is the light that guides them. (Psalm 119:105) Thank You, Lord, for protecting them from all temptations and delivering them from all evil. (Matthew 6:13) Amen!