Weekday Devotionals
During our Mother's Day panel discussion, Bridget, Camille, and Shaylan delved into the significant challenges and joys of parenting with faith. This topic hits close to home for many, as parents strive to guide their children through a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
The Bible verse from Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," serves as a vital reminder and challenge for parents. It underscores the need for intentional, proactive parenting. Reflecting on this, I'm constantly reminded of how my wife, Selina, and I endeavor to instill spiritual values in our daughter Mila’s upbringing. Each day, we do our best to surround her with love and the teachings of Christ, planting these seeds in hopes they will flourish. However, we are acutely aware that despite our efforts, the results are ultimately in God's hands. This principle of living with open hands, as Bridget highlighted, teaches us to entrust our deepest efforts to the Lord, acknowledging our limitations.
In our current society, the values we aim to cultivate in our children often clash with prevailing norms. Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformative in our thinking, not to blend into the world but to stand apart. Bridget pointed out the importance of counter-cultural decisions, such as avoiding harmful entertainment and delaying the introduction of smartphones, which can expose children to undesirable content too soon.
Discussing discipline reveals its essential yet challenging nature. True biblical discipline is about correction and guidance infused with love, as Hebrews 12:11 explains. Though it may be difficult, it aims to produce a peaceful fruit of righteousness. At home, Selina and I strive to make Mila understand that boundaries are not merely restrictions but structures that allow genuine freedom to thrive.
Shaylan emphasized the value of stillness, drawing from Psalm 46:10, particularly on days that feel overwhelming. In those quiet moments, we seek God’s strength and clarity, which helps us align our decisions and actions with His will.
Authenticity in our faith journey is crucial. As a father, I continually attempt to embody the grace and truth of Jesus, fully acknowledging that I often fall short of His glorious standard. My hope is that Mila will see a reflection of Jesus in how I live and love, especially in the partnership I share with Selina.
Camille's account of her experiences as a single mother resonated deeply with me, bringing to mind the struggles my own mother faced in raising me and my siblings alone. Her tales of resilience in overcoming broken relationships and single-handedly guiding her children were both inspiring and sobering. This discussion served as a poignant reminder of the challenges of parenting without a partner, highlighting the tremendous strength and grace required to navigate such a path.
In reflecting upon these heartfelt discussions and biblical insights, one powerful takeaway stands clear: parenting, in its essence, is an act of faith. As we navigate the complexities of raising children in a culture often at odds with our deepest values, the scriptures not only guide us but also challenge us to lean not on our own understanding but on the transformative power of God's Word. Whether instilling discipline, fostering moments of stillness, or making counter-cultural choices, each step we take is an exercise in spiritual trust. We are reminded that while our efforts are essential, the ultimate growth and direction of our children's lives are in God's capable hands. Through the trials and triumphs, our call to parent with intentional love and steadfast faith serves not only to shape the lives of our children but also to refine our own hearts and draw us closer to the heart of God.
- Seth
The Bible verse from Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it," serves as a vital reminder and challenge for parents. It underscores the need for intentional, proactive parenting. Reflecting on this, I'm constantly reminded of how my wife, Selina, and I endeavor to instill spiritual values in our daughter Mila’s upbringing. Each day, we do our best to surround her with love and the teachings of Christ, planting these seeds in hopes they will flourish. However, we are acutely aware that despite our efforts, the results are ultimately in God's hands. This principle of living with open hands, as Bridget highlighted, teaches us to entrust our deepest efforts to the Lord, acknowledging our limitations.
In our current society, the values we aim to cultivate in our children often clash with prevailing norms. Romans 12:2 calls us to be transformative in our thinking, not to blend into the world but to stand apart. Bridget pointed out the importance of counter-cultural decisions, such as avoiding harmful entertainment and delaying the introduction of smartphones, which can expose children to undesirable content too soon.
Discussing discipline reveals its essential yet challenging nature. True biblical discipline is about correction and guidance infused with love, as Hebrews 12:11 explains. Though it may be difficult, it aims to produce a peaceful fruit of righteousness. At home, Selina and I strive to make Mila understand that boundaries are not merely restrictions but structures that allow genuine freedom to thrive.
Shaylan emphasized the value of stillness, drawing from Psalm 46:10, particularly on days that feel overwhelming. In those quiet moments, we seek God’s strength and clarity, which helps us align our decisions and actions with His will.
Authenticity in our faith journey is crucial. As a father, I continually attempt to embody the grace and truth of Jesus, fully acknowledging that I often fall short of His glorious standard. My hope is that Mila will see a reflection of Jesus in how I live and love, especially in the partnership I share with Selina.
Camille's account of her experiences as a single mother resonated deeply with me, bringing to mind the struggles my own mother faced in raising me and my siblings alone. Her tales of resilience in overcoming broken relationships and single-handedly guiding her children were both inspiring and sobering. This discussion served as a poignant reminder of the challenges of parenting without a partner, highlighting the tremendous strength and grace required to navigate such a path.
In reflecting upon these heartfelt discussions and biblical insights, one powerful takeaway stands clear: parenting, in its essence, is an act of faith. As we navigate the complexities of raising children in a culture often at odds with our deepest values, the scriptures not only guide us but also challenge us to lean not on our own understanding but on the transformative power of God's Word. Whether instilling discipline, fostering moments of stillness, or making counter-cultural choices, each step we take is an exercise in spiritual trust. We are reminded that while our efforts are essential, the ultimate growth and direction of our children's lives are in God's capable hands. Through the trials and triumphs, our call to parent with intentional love and steadfast faith serves not only to shape the lives of our children but also to refine our own hearts and draw us closer to the heart of God.
- Seth
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