Parenting blog

Scripture:

'And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. '

Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Parenting is more than survival — it’s a spiritual calling to disciple your children.

In this passage there are instructions (a command) given to the people of Israel but these instructions are directed to parents and caregivers. In reading the passage we see in verses 4 and 5 what the content of the teaching is One God, Love God, and Live for God! This passage is a call for parents to live out their belief that there is one God and so live with devotion to this one God, and discipling their children. 

God explains through Moses how we disciple our children. We do this first by taking the responsibility to be their key discipler. However, we do this by living these truths out and teaching them to our children every where we go! These may seem hard and it is when we try to do it under our own strength.

The amazing thing about living on this side of the Old Testament, is that we are not doing this life on our own power. If we have Jesus, we have God's power and ability to live this out inside us in the Holy Spirit. We also have the community of God, the same way the Israelites had each other we have the Church to walk beside us.

Key Takeaways:

• You are your child's first spiritual teacher.

• Discipleship happens in the ordinary moments.

• Don't try to do it on your own, lean on God and your Church Family.

**Call to Action:** 

Choose one routine time (bedtime, dinner) to incorporate a short devotional or prayer this week.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 NLT

'Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.'

Created in God's image, we are called to reflect His character, especially His love and forgiveness, within our homes. From the beginning, God's grace has been evident, even after the fall, when He immediately revealed His plan of salvation through Jesus (Genesis 3:15, known as the protoevangelium). Just as God graciously provides for humanity, we as parents are commanded to graciously supply our children's needs.

This includes modeling confession, repentance, and forgiveness. Our ability to do this stems from our belief in God and His Word. We must diligently seek to know, understand, and apply His instructions daily, in all circumstances, as commanded in Deuteronomy 6. Such a ministry is beyond our own strength; it requires an intimate relationship with God through Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to empower us consistently.

Key Takeaways:

• Children learn grace by observing it in action.

• Perfection isn't required—only presence and surrender to God.

• You can be a good example to your children under the power of the Holy Spirit

**Call to Action:** 

Apologize to your child if needed this week. Show them what healthy grace looks like.