Parenting

“When a child is born into the world, God draws His hand near His heart, lends something of Himself to the parent, and says, ‘Keep it till I come.’ “(Henry Ward Beecher)

Charles Francis Adams, the 19th century political figure and diplomat, kept a diary. One day he entered: “Went fishing with my son today — a day wasted.” His son, Brook Adams, also kept a diary, which is still in existence. On that same day, Brook Adams, made this entry: “Went fishing today with my father — the most wonderful day of my life!”
Parenting is at the same time the most challenging and rewarding journey moms & dads ever embark on. The apostle Paul shares a few simple truths in Ephesians 6 to help guide you on your journey. (Read Ephesians 6:1-6)

3 Biblical Guidelines for Christian Parenting

Children are to honor & obey their parents.

Parents, do not treat your children harshly, but freely give them generous amounts of unconditional love.

Parents, seek God’s will and wisdom in raising your children. Teach them to love, serve, and obey God.

My Time With God

Preparation Time
Read Proverbs 22:6.

List the issues you are wrestling with in raising your children.
(Describe Why.)
Discipline –
Self-control –
Spiritual Growth –
Peer Relationships –
Self-esteem –
Other –

Waiting Time
During your waiting time, let God…

Love You.
“God, I feel Your love today, especially in the gift You have given me of my children.”

Search You.
“God, You have permission to reveal any area in which I need to improve as a parent.”

Show You.
“God, grant me wisdom to know how to train my children according to Your will.”

Confession Time
Read Psalm 103:13 and Proverbs 31:10, 28.

Confess the areas of your life as a parent (an example) that would not be pleasing to God:

Bible Time
We can never pray out of God’s will when we pray God’s Word.

… Read Deuteronomy 6:1-7 slowly a couple of times.
… Close your eyes & allow a main truth to surface in your heart.
… Pray the Scripture and allow God to minister to you.

Meditation Time
After praying the Scriptures, write down the thoughts that God has impressed upon your mind:

Intercession Time – Praying for Others
Begin this time with a prayer of blessing & thanksgiving for your children, and pray specifically for their needs.
Name Request

Petition Time – Praying for Yourself

How to petition God properly:
Talk to Him about the “little things”
Be honest with God
Pray “Thy will be done”
Prayer Requests

Application Time

The smallest obedient act is better than the greatest intention.

Q: What is the main thing God has impressed on me today?

Q: What am I going to do about it?

Steps to take in my obedience to God this week:

My Goal: To implement the above steps in the next 7 days.

Faith Time
Faith is our positive response to what God has said. Spend a few moments praying through your eyes of faith. Tell God the positive things you see happening because of His goodness!

Praise & Thanksgiving Time

Praise God by recognizing WHO HE IS!
Thank God by recognizing WHAT HE HAS DONE!

This week’s Memory Verse – Proverbs 22:6

This Week’s Time Alone With God
Monday – This Lesson

Tuesday – Write down the top 5 most important values you want to teach your children (such as honesty, positive attitude, kindness, etc.)

Wednesday – Spend extra time today praying WITH your children. (General time guideline – their age X 2 = number of minutes to pray)

Thursday – Write out what Philippians 2:3 means as a parent.

Friday – Review your memory verse.