Preparing to Parent / Turn To God
Today's Scripture
"But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15 NLT
Thoughts for Today
Parents-to-be need to remember that their original commitment was to God first and then to each other. Now that your commitment is broadening to include family, do not neglect your commitment to God and to each other as husband and wife.
One of the greatest gifts you can give your child is a home founded on love, respect and commitment--to God and to each other. Too often the child becomes the focal point of everything the family does, and the marriage is weakened. How much better to provide your child with the security and well-being that a strong union of the parents, serving God together, can provide.
Consider this …
Pray daily for the strength of your marriage and for your love for each other. Pray for wisdom and guidance as together you prepare to parent this gift from God to you.
Parenting is a wonderful gift and an awesome responsibility. Don't try to do it alone. Even after baby is born, continue together to turn to God and his Word daily for direction and strength. And commit to a family life that is pleasing to him. Join Joshua in committing as a family to serve the Lord. These same principles apply to all of us, even if we are not expecting a child. God wants each of us to balance our lives and our relationships according to his plan, to trust him for wisdom and to serve him first.
Prayer
Father, help us to be strong in our commitment to each other as husband and wife, and help us together to renew our commitment to you. Thank you for blessing us with this child. Help us to provide a home founded on love, respect and commitment, a home dedicated to serving you. In Jesus' name ...
These thoughts were drawn from …
Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growthby N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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