Your Aim, Their Direction | Pastor Raph | Oct. 26, 25

Your Aim, Their Direction

You are the one who is in charge, not your child. Every parent must recognize that they are the guiding force in their children's lives. While some children may, in the future, become confused or distracted, deep inside, they will carry a moral compass pointing toward the positive influence of your loving words on their lives.

Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalms 127:3-5)

This is a well-known verse. Often, we focus on the arrow and the bow — but here, I want to highlight the warrior. It’s all about the archer, the warrior. Only a skilled warrior understands how to make the arrow fly farther. He understands that the speed and reach are determined by the technique employed.

Techniques of an Archer

The flight of the arrow, its speed and distance are not dictated by the quality of the wood or the tension of the string, but by the skill of the archer, the warrior. The finest bow is a mere stick in the hands of a novice, yet a master can achieve incredible velocity and precision with the simplest equipment.

The warrior knows that peak performance is a symphony conducted by the individual, where the bow and arrow are just instruments. Remember, we are speaking of your child here.

To truly make them fly farther, it all begins with the principle of Bow Draw Weight, the raw power channeled from the archer's back muscles, not just the arms. This is immediately paired with the precise Draw Length, maximizing the potential energy stored before release. Crucially, the Shooting Angle transforms potential energy into trajectory, determining whether the arrow soars or falls short. The archer's technique stems from consistency, breath control, and the seamless, almost invisible motion of the release. All these technical terms relate to the archer alone, not the arrow. The responsibility for your family's direction lies with you, not your children.

It is this total, practiced integration that unlocks the arrow's maximum potential, turning simple physics into prowess. That is what the Bible means when speaking of the skilled parents who shot their arrows with precision. Parents who used “techniques” of faith, wisdom, and action to help their children go farther and reach their God-given purpose.

Shaping an Heir's Trajectory: How Abraham and Sarah Forged Isaac's Identity as a Child of Promise

A new lineage was forming; it had to have the identity of God's people—the children of God—and Sarah understood this. She stood up and did not let the enemy steal her son's identity.

The seemingly simple act of Ishmael "mocking" Isaac in Genesis 21:9, rendered from the Hebrew word “metzacheq," carries a severe connotation far beyond childish "play." It was contemptuous ridicule, scoffing, or even persecution, as later confirmed by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 4:29.

But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. (Galatians 4:29)

Sarah recognized this as a direct threat to the covenant lineage; Ishmael was the “flesh" born child of Abraham. Those of the flesh challenge Isaac's designated status as the rightful heir to God's promises. That is what stirred Sarah's immediate and decisive demand to cast out Hagar and Ishmael from closeness.

Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac. (Genesis 21:10).

A deliberate "technique of faith,” acting to secure Isaac's identity as the uncontested child of God and prevent the spiritual inheritance from being compromised. That stand ensured the future covenant community.

Sarah was not moved by jealousy — she perceived the threat to Isaac’s inheritance and spiritual future. Ishmael’s presence might undermine Isaac's identity. The most important thing our children need to understand is their identity as beloved. They are saved not simply because they are the children of Christian parents, but because Jesus died for them; His sacrifice makes them children of God. Sarah—acting as the decisive archer—effectively "threw Isaac into the right target."

Calling out the World: How Jochebed Secured Moses’ Divine Purpose

Jochebed, Moses's mom, kept God's purpose in his life. Not only did she save him from death, but she also kept the purpose. Unlike many parents who believe securing a child’s physical safety or even their spiritual salvation is the final goal, Jochebed understood the necessity of helping Moses maintain his God-given calling. You must help your child stay faithful to God’s calling for them.

During Moses's formative years, she instilled the truth and the promises of the covenant, planting a seed of conviction so powerful that when he grew up, the dazzling "treasures of Egypt" became meaningless compared to the spiritual priority of uniting with his people. Her deliberate actions ensured Moses’ arrow hit the mark, ultimately enabling him to fulfill his destiny as the liberator of Israel from the bondage of Egypt.

By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.

(Hebrews 11:23-26)

Consider this: in a sense, Jochebed didn't just save Moses; she saved the entire nation of Israel.

Prayer Technique: How Hannah Taught Samuel the Power of Hearing God’s Voice

It is your responsibility to pray for your children and teach them how to pray. Payer is a two-way road. It is not only a matter of speaking with God, but also of being discerning in responding to His voice.

Hannah fervently prayed that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him fully to the LORD's service. The Lord answered her petition, and she gave birth to Samuel. True to her word, Hannah brought the young boy to the temple to Eli the priest, declaring with gratitude,

For this child I prayed... Therefore I have lent him to the LORD, as long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD. ( 1 Samuel 1:5-28)

Hannah was a woman of prayer who gave birth to a prophet. From the moment she received the hope of bearing a son, she made a vow to raise him as a man of God for his generation.

Prayer is one of the most essential techniques for warrior archers to help our children succeed; it removes all obstacles the enemy puts in their path so they can reach their full potential. Prayer shows our children that much of our lives is surrounded by spiritual warfare, and that our prayer has great power and produces wonderful results.

…The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (James 5:16)

Prayer was what launched the ministry of one of Israel's greatest prophets. It was in Hannah's arms that Samuel learned to hear God's voice and to speak to God. She taught him the power of prayer. In your family, that is also your responsibility.

The God of Second Chances: How Samson’s parents expressed God's Endless Grace

The story of Samson reveals much about how our heavenly Father is the God of second chances. It shows that salvation isn't earned by human perfection but is a gift of divine grace.

The book of Judges, chapter 13, shows Israel in yet another cycle of rebellion, yet God, unasked, initiates their rescue by promising a son to a barren woman.

However, Samson's father, Manoah, responded with unbelief and repeated questioning, and God patiently and repeatedly confirmed His redemptive plan to him. Samson was thus born as a living testimony to God's grace despite our unbelief. He chooses even doubting people to fulfill His highest purposes.

Perhaps, when Samson, at the end of his life, while in chains under the enemies' captivity (Judges 16:28-31), remembered his parents, “The God of my fathers is the God of second chances.”

Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. (Micah 7:18–19)

That is the faith that saved Samson, even after his own terrible failures. Imprisoned and broken, Samson had every reason to miss his final target; yet, he remembered the grace his parents had modeled, and he prayed for one last opportunity. God is never looking to reject us, and regardless of our mistakes, we can always approach the God of endless chances with confidence, rather than running away in fear.

Many mothers, out of frustration and anger, often tell their children, “God is angry with you.” This can cause them to feel inclined to escape from God's presence whenever they fail. Instead, we should support our children in approaching the God of second chances.

Your shaken faith is not a problem for Jesus to still use it and bring the miracle your child needs. How many of us are like Menoah, or the father of the oppressed boy in Mark 9?

And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can’! All things are possible for one who believes.” Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9: 23-24)

You might feel powerless to help your son or daughter reach their full potential. It's discouraging to see them fall short of their God-given talents. You are becoming hopeless for their spiritual destiny. However, here is the good news: God's grace completely transcends the limitations of our unbelief. Jesus accepts our shaken faith and responds to our honest, struggling plea; God hears our cry regardless of the size of our faith. Do not give up yet.

The Zeal for the House of the Lord: David's Guidance to Solomon to love God’s presence wholeheartedly

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you […] for the LORD has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” (1 Chronicles 28:9-10)

Our goal is for our children to genuinely know God in their personal lives. We don’t want them only to learn religious doctrines, but to genuinely experience Him. That’s the only way they will truly love the things of God.

David urged Solomon not merely to know about God but to know Him personally, to serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind. Eventually, your child must be challenged to a personal relationship with God.

A relationship with God cannot be built on appearances or routines. The Lord searches all hearts and understands every thought and intention. This relationship must flow from genuine love for His presence. As parents who desire their children to grow in faith, we must guide them into a living experience with God that stirs devotion.

It is like teaching your children to eat vegetables. Unless you evidently show them how delicious and flavourful it is to eat vegetables, only lecturing them about the healthy benefits won’t help. When my kids were little, I used to tease them during meals. I would “steal” their broccoli and other vegetables, showing that the most desirable part of the meal was the veggies.

The point is to teach our children to know God for themselves so that they can serve Him wholeheartedly. We want them to follow Him, not out of obligation to us, or to please the church youth leader. 

You must get to a point where your child understands that serving God is a personal choice made out of one's own conviction. The goal is for their faith to become resilient when challenges come, and they endure, confident that God is with them.

In the story of the Temple, David gave Solomon every sort of help to help him fulfill his calling to build the house of the Lord. David did not assume that Solomon would instinctively understand how to build the temple on his own; he recognized that his son needed mentorship, clarity, and purpose. That is why David spoke directly to Solomon, giving him the vision, instructions, and the reason behind every detail of God’s house (1 Chronicles 28:9–21).

Likewise, as parents, we must realize that our children will not automatically know why we invest our time, energy, and love into the church. Unless we clearly explain to them the purpose and calling behind our involvement, they will not develop self-motivation or conviction for it. There comes a moment when every parent must sit down with their child to help them understand why building the church is part of our family’s faith and mission. David’s consistent love for the house of God served as an example. In the same way, parents and grandparents today are called to lead by both teaching and example.

No Religion but Sincere Faith: How Lois and Eunice Passed Down a Spiritual Legacy to Timothy

Can something make a difference that is vital if it doesn’t first go viral? Timothy—a pastor mentored by the Apostle Paul, who became his right-hand man, carrying messages to churches and leading the church in Ephesus. Two books of the Bible bear his name, yet the real story begins with his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. They are mentioned only once in Scripture, but their quiet, unseen faith shaped Timothy’s life and ministry. Timothy’s story shows the power of spiritual influence passed down through generations.

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:5)

From his earliest days, they read him Scripture, taught him its truths, and modeled a life of devotion when no one else was watching. The Bible calls their faith “sincere”—the opposite of hypocritical.

Sincerity means doing what is right, not for recognition or reputation, but because it genuinely matters to us. If we only act faithfully when others are watching, our goodness becomes hollow. But when we live out our faith in private—studying the Word, praying, and spending meaningful time with our children without seeking attention—we show them that our faith is real.

That kind of sincerity leaves a legacy. Paul later reminded Timothy of that sincere faith. The beauty of sincere faith is that even if few see it, those who do will see what truly matters most.

and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

(2 Timothy 3:15)

Their sincere faith was not hidden before God but evident to Timothy in the way they lived, and this authentic example was deeply ingrained in Timothy’s heart. Their lives remind parents that true faith is not a set of rituals; it is a daily walk with God that children can see and imitate.

We have the sacred responsibility of teaching the Word of God to the next generation, knowing that these truths equip children with wisdom, strength, and the foundation for saving faith. From childhood, Timothy was taught the sacred writings, which made him wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. The point is to teach God’s Word and make it applicable to everyday life.

Grandmothers, in particular, should be reminded of their unique role. Far from being sidelined by age, they hold wisdom, authority, and influence. A grandmother’s voice carries weight when she decides to speak God’s Word and live it out.

It is time to become a warrior for your family. Treasure the heavenly inheritance God has given you in advance through your kids. Your words, discipline, love, and prayers determine how far your child can go.