Godly Parenting

Living Free Every Day®

Monday, August 4, 2014

Today's Scripture

"You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 3:15 NLT)

Today's Thought

So you have a new baby. You will quickly realize your infant is completely dependent on you to meet his or her needs. Feeding needs, diaper needs, comfort needs, needs for love, security, and cuddling. These needs can appear overwhelming until you recognize once again and confess that this child is in God's hands. He will put no responsibility on you that He does not enable you to meet.

The keys to parenting at this age are vigilance and consistency.

Consider this …

Your new baby's chief way of communicating with you is through crying. Crying means simply that your little one needs to have a specific need met. The need may be for feeding, a diaper change, relief from pain, or simply love and security. Within the first three months you will most likely learn to distinguish your baby's different cries. Be attentive to the needs! As babies learn that their needs will be met, most of them become less and less demanding. It is not good to let a baby cry for prolonged periods. We do not spoil infants if we pick them up, love them, and meet their needs when they cry.

Your best means of communicating with your baby is by voice and touch. Babies need to feel their parents' touch, arms, and security. Talk and sing to your little one. Your baby needs to learn and become comfortable with the sound of your voice. Avoid loud tones and arguing in your child's presence.

In today's scripture, the apostle Paul pointed out to Timothy that being taught the holy Scriptures from childhood had given him the wisdom to receive salvation through Christ Jesus. You cannot start too soon reading Scripture to your infant. Consistently combine that with regular prayer for him or her to receive Jesus at an early age and walk with Him throughout life.

Prayer

Father, thank you for this great blessing you have brought into my life. My baby. Help me to be a godly parent. Teach me to meet his (her) needs wisely and to constantly communicate my love--and yours--to him (her). In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth by 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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Living Free Every Day®

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Tuesday, August 5, 2014

Today's Scripture

"Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." (Proverbs 22:6 NIV)

Today's Thought

Today's scripture tells us to start children off on the way they should go. Training and discipline of your infant begin at birth.

With time, you will learn to distinguish his various cries. A cry of pain is vastly different from a cry of hunger or boredom. You may not respond as quickly to a cry of boredom, but if his crying increases, you should investigate. Boredom can be alleviated with brief times of play or simply by moving the baby to a new location.

Discipline begins with knowing your child and then responding to his needs--teaching him how to live.

Consider this …

Just as you learn to respond to various cries, your baby will learn to distinguish the different sounds of your voice as you respond to him. A firm no is usually uttered in a different tone from the one you use to sing and cuddle your little one.

Begin the habit of consistent church attendance. Place your baby in the nursery or carry him into the sanctuary. He will begin to accept church attendance as a regular part of his life.

God, our heavenly Father, should be our role model for parenting.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.(Psalm 32:8 NIV)

Just as He teaches us and lovingly guides us, we need to do the same for our children from the time they are born. What a privilege--and what a responsibility. But we are not alone--and we can do all things through Christ (Philippians 4:13).

Prayer

Father, I understand this first year of my baby's life is such a formative one. I thank you for lovingly teaching and guiding me. Help me do that for my child. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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Living Free Every Day®

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Thursday, August 7, 2014

Today's Scripture

“This is not good!” Moses’ father-in-law exclaimed. “You’re going to wear yourself out—and the people, too. This job is too heavy a burden for you to handle all by yourself." (Exodus 18:17-18 NLT; suggested reading Exodus 18:13-23)

Today's Thought

Moses was trying to do it all. Serve as judge for all Israel. He would listen to disputes for exhausting hours on end. And the people had to wait and wait for their turn to come, if it ever did. When Moses' father-in-law saw what was happening, he said, "This is not good!" He advised Moses to organize and delegate. Moses complied. He was no longer exhausted and everyone was better served.

We often resist asking other people to help us, but sometimes we need help. Caring for our baby is one of those times. We need a support system as we begin the challenge of parenting and guiding a new life into responsible adulthood.

Of course, the Holy Spirit is our primary source of help and support. But God often helps us through other people. Parents, grandparents, other relatives, godly friends, pastors.

Consider this …

Don't just wait for help to come to you. Actively search out people who will encourage and support you during this time. It takes active planning to avoid becoming isolated and overwhelmed. Look within your church. Check out parent support groups. Ask your doctor and pastor for other possible sources of support.

When someone offers to help, be specific about your needs. You surely need their prayers. Maybe some temporary help with your older children . . . or with meals . . . or laundry. Someone willing to just sit down with you for a cup of coffee and a friendly chat. Someone to give you a break two or three hours a week. And you may need counsel from those more experienced than you. Offer them the blessing of being able to help you!

Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. (Proverbs 15:22 NLT)

Prayer

Father, I realize I can't do all this alone. I'm feeling rather overwhelmed. Help me be wise and bold in finding help. Some people have even offered their assistance. Show me how to put all this together. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Today's Scripture

"Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:7-8 NIV)

Today's Thought

Today's scripture makes it clear that we are responsible to care for our relatives. Of course, we can see how essential that is for an infant completely dependent on us. We are responsible to provide for the needs in every area of our baby's life--spiritually, emotionally, physically, and materially. Today we will focus on a few of the physical and emotional needs.

Consider this …

Breast-feeding is the natural and preferred way to provide nutrition for your child. However, there are adequate substitute formulas available if for any reason you cannot breast-feed. Add solids as your pediatrician suggests.

Frequent medical checkups and routine immunizations will prevent many potential problems before they arise.

Child care may be provided by the following, in descending order of preference:

If possible, a parent in the home.

A family member in their home

A nonrelative babysitter in your home

A babysitter who keeps a few children (recommend less than 4 or 5) in her home

A commercial day care center

If it is necessary for both parents to work, plan some practical ways you can have quality time with your child. Schedule at least one hour with your child (children) daily. Don't interrupt this time except for emergencies. Hold, cuddle, rock, sing, take walks with the infant in your arms.

Provide a safe environment for your baby. As he begins to crawl, be aware that any object his hands can reach will end up in his mouth.

Sometimes the responsibility may seem overwhelming. Remember, you are never alone.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT)

Prayer

Father, thank you for my little one. I want to be a good parent, a godly parent. Help me care for my baby and provide for his (her) needs. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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Living Free Every Day®

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Friday, August 8, 2014

Today's Scripture

“And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you." (Matthew 6:28-30 NLT)

Today's Thought

In today's scripture, Jesus assures us of God's loving care. He sees our needs. He knows we are dependent on Him. And He lovingly cares for us and meets our needs. Our babies are dependent on us for every need. God wants us, with His help, to care them the same way He cares for us.

Babies are God's special gift to us.

Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3 NLT)

Babies are not only a magnificent gift to us from God. They are also a sacred trust. He wants us to treasure our gift. Jesus made it abundantly clear how important children are to Him.

He said to them, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children." (Mark 10:14 NLT)

"It is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish." (Matthew 18:14 NLT)

Consider this …

Parenting children is a tremendous blessing--and an awesome responsibility. But as we've mentioned before, God doesn't expect us to do it alone. In fact, He doesn't even want us to try to do it alone. He wants us to look to Him, to depend on Him, to trust and obey Him. He will help us. Sometimes in direct ways. Sometimes through a support system He has helped us build. But we must always remember--He is our source. He is our strength. He is our wisdom. He is our provider. He is our hope.

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 NLT)

Prayer

Father, as I look at my baby, I know you have given me a precious gift. I want to be a godly parent. I want to care for my baby the way you care for me, but I know I cannot do it alone. I need you. Thank you for your assurance that you will strengthen me and help me. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …