Your steps greatly impact your children's future

This morning, I was doing my morning devotion in the book of Proverbs chapter 20 as I try and follow everyday. I have done this for probably 2 yrs faithfully of reading a proverbs that matches the date. Ex: April 20th I read Proverbs 20. This is a good habit to establish if you wish to gain true godly wisdom in your life.


As I read in chapter 20, I found many verses today that stuck out as "wow" verses. But one in particular hit me. Read with me this one verse:

Proverbs 20:7 in the Message says, "God-loyal people, living honest lives, make it much easier for their children" and in the KJV it says, "The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him."


I had a parent ask me the other day, "How did I go wrong with my kids?" As I thought about an answer that would pacify the parent without offending them, or removing their child from youth group, I looked at the fruit of their home. The parents are never home, they never ask or check into where their kids are. They do not uphold holiness or godliness and they do not number one have God as the center point in their home. You can display a picture of a happy home in front of others but your children know the real truth. A child that has set, spiritual and physical boundaries, may seem opposed or appear to dislike them, but that child knows if his/her parents have true integrity or not. You may have yourself fooled that your home is okay, but be honest with yourself and ask yourself some tough questions. Does my home center around God or not? Am I displaying truth and integrity not only to the people around me but to my family as well? Do I set godly and moral boundaries for my children and uphold them? Am I their friend or am I their shepherd, doing everything I can to protect and provide for them?


There has never been a perfect parent nor will there ever be. You and I stand in the same line, but there is a way out even if you feel it is has gone to far for rescue. God tells us if we walk justly, if we keep Him or put Him in the center of our homes, then we will see a dramatic change in our homes. The problem is we are not willing to keep Him there. We want so desperately the buddy buddy relationship with our children or we find we don't have time to allow God to make the necessary changes in our home. The TV, computer, or cell phone becomes our tool for raising our children. Parents, WAKE UP! This is not going to get your kids into a successful godly lifestyle. These methods do not teach holiness but rather greatly opposite ideas.


I said that God has to be the center and that is the only way. Parents that put God first, then see the importance of time spent at home with their kids. They see that by setting and upholding the boundaries and practicing holiness, that it produces a more promising future for your children.


At home, I have 3 young boys. I have a 7 yr old, 6yr old, and a 3 yr old. So to tell you that I have witnessed this in my home, I can't. But I tell you I know that if I do not follow the designed plan set by God I will find myself in a few years asking my kid's youth pastor... "How did I fail as a parent?" We have an incredible responsibility to raise protect the treasure that God has given us. God says if we do our part then we will surely reap the rewards set forth in His word.


Can we not pray together right now... "God, I pray for all of us who are or will be parents. Lord, we know that we are going to make many mistakes as parents and have proven this already. But, Lord we know that you can and will help us make the right decisions as parents if we give you number one priority in our homes and in our hearts. Lord, we want our children to grow up knowing a real relationship with you and also to be successful in all they do, but if we do not live godly and intentional lives then we will face the same failures as we hear all around us. God, I ask strength and wisdom in all who read this. Lord, you love us and you will never forsake us in our weaknesses, so guide us in the things that will make us parents of integrity and holiness. Lord, you are a good God and You will accomplish these things in our lives if we just trust in You. Thank you now for these parents... Lord bless them... In your Son's name... Amen.



God bless,
PM