Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
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.
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.
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.
We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost, but thought you might want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website . Thank you!
©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
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
Consider this …
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)
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 …
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.
We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost, but thought you might want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website . Thank you!
©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This week: The First Year
Next week: The Road to Recovery
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
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
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.
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 …
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.
We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost, but thought you might want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website . Thank you!
©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
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
Consider this …
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 …
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.
We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost, but thought you might want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website . Thank you!
©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This week: The First Year
Next week: The Road to Recovery
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
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
Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. (Psalm 127:3 NLT)
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 …
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 …
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.
We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost, but thought you might want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website . Thank you!
©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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