Day 341: Family Survival

Today’s Scripture: Proverbs 29:15-17

Central Thought: Godly discipline helps preserve the family.

‘Eighteen-month Old Toddler Found Dead from Abuse.” ‘Eighty-five-year Old Woman Killed by Teen Gang Violence.” Such tragic headlines are all too common in our society. We can look at them and begin to wonder if there is any hope for parents trying to raise their children by biblical standards. Thankfully, we are not left to despair for our families. God has some important principles for us to consider.

As the writer of today’s reading points out—children need the discipline and direction God intended parents to give. Children who are abused, tend to grow up to become abusers. Children who receive no discipline and guidance tend to grow up with no moral compass and often live very ungodly lives. In contrast, those children who receive loving and godly discipline and guidance will ‘bring delight” to their parents.

Consider your own upbringing for a moment. If you received this biblical type of upbringing, then you have an example of how to bring up any children God has blessed or will bless you with. If you did not receive this upbringing, it is not too late to let the Bible become your model of godly parenting.

Devotional Prayer: God, please help me teach and direct those who have been entrusted to my oversight.

Today’s Bible Reading: Hosea 10:1-14:9; Jude 1:1-25; Psalm 127:1-5; Proverbs 29:15-17