5 Minute Read
Be Still
To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a couple of minutes to breathe deeply, to quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, prayerfully ask the Lord to speak to you in this time and let Him know that you will be listening and will make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.
Today’s Bible Reading:
Hosea 10:1–14:9
Jude 1:1-25
Psalm 127:1-5
Proverbs 29:15-17
Listen to the Lord
Slowly and reflectively read the following verses and listen to what God will say to you through them. Then, consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.
Proverbs 29:17 (NLT): “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.”
Reflections from Scripture:
The word “discipline” used in Proverbs 29:17 speaks of everything from instructing to punishing. It encompasses the whole realm of the parent’s responsibility to equip and train their child to develop into a godly, productive, well-rounded adult.
As a pastor, I have often had a front-row seat to inevitable heartbreak. The parent failed to love, train, and set clear parameters for their child. They failed to show a biblical priority system of what is truly valuable in life. And they failed to administer loving and appropriate discipline when bad behavior was taking root. So it was no wonder that their child grew up and broke their heart by the way they chose to live.
Do you want to have a heart that is at rest and happy? This can be your experience when you see how well your children are doing and observe that they are following the Lord.
But, it doesn’t happen by accident. You have to work toward that. You have to train, equip, and provide correction to your child when needed.
Proverbs 29:17 (NLT): “Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.”
Spend Time in Prayer
Lord Jesus, it seems daunting when I consider that I am training the next generations in my own home. Help me, Lord Jesus, to focus on all aspects of intentional, compassionate discipline. Enable me to have the wisdom I need to train my children up in the way that they should go. I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter.
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