Dear Church,
On Sunday we looked and three parenting principles as seen in three Bible moms.
From Jochebed, Moses’ mom, we talked about how we need to PROTECT our children from that which would seek to destroy them (Exodus 2). If your student has boldly confessed some unknown online activity or the experimenting with drugs and alcohol or anything else, thank them for their courage and work with them to provide accountability in their lives.
Remember, parents, your example can do much to provide a protective hedge for your children. If we can live as people our children look up to and aspire to be like, and if we walk in the way of holiness, that kind of commitment will be reproduced in our children’s lives. Proverbs 20:7 “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.”
The second mom was a single mom found in I Kings 17. She had fallen on hard times and was nearly out of food. It was only because she trusted and obeyed the Word of God that more PROVISION came into her house. As parents, we often think of ourselves as providers, when we need to be modeling to our children that we believe in the God who will provide, that we pray to the God who will provide, that we obey the God who will provide.
Finally, we looked at Mary who was PRESENT during Jesus’ life. She didn’t want to miss a moment. She was His biggest supporter. She followed Him all the way to the foot of the cross.
As parents we need to be present, mentally and physically present in our parenting. Time is fleeting. We need to make the most of it. We need to make a big deal out of successes and accomplishments of our kids. Kids need to know someone is for them, and their parents need to be their BIGGEST cheerleaders. Dad and Mom, do your children know you are for them? Do they think you are proud of them? Do they believe you love them and see great potential for their life? Are you present when they are talking to you or are you nodding and scrolling through your phone at the same time? Do you make spending time with them a priority? We need to be present with them and cherish those moments in our hearts as we think about their futures and pray about who they are becoming. We need to be present with our kids in the good times as well as the difficult ones just as Jesus was right there at Jesus’ side during the crucifixion.
Protection, Provision, and Presence. Three responsibilities. Three opportunities. Three challenges. Dads and Moms, will we rise to these challenges? Be reminded it doesn’t all depend on you. If you will let God be the center of your parenting He will be involved in ways you couldn’t imagine, and He will gift you in ways that will help you succeed.
Praying for all parents and grandparents today!
Pastor Melissa
Teays Valley Church of God
6979 Teays Valley Rd, Scott Depot, WV 25560
Melissa@tvcog.org
304-757-9222
www.tvcog.org
