As I consider the necessity of raising up worshippers of the one true and living God, it yet brings parenting into an even more important role and responsibility. I am afraid that too often parents consider the importance of rearing a child who can perform chores around the home, excel in academics and athletics, and yet fail to recall that God wants His children to worship and honor him above all else!

Since children will emulate what parents promote, it is extremely important that parents reveal the principle of wholehearted devotion to each other and to their Lord!  That has helped me to remain focused in rearing children that would please the Lord, no matter what!

• What has been your constant reminder to help you rear your children to be worshippers of the one true and living God?
• How best do you think you could work intentionally with your children toward the fulfillment of Malachi 1:11, a passage that states: “For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts.”?
• Join the conversation; I’d love to hear from you!

If you are about to commence any major project, the most difficult aspect is often the beginning—simply getting started. Here are two examples:

• When it comes to a house renovation project, getting all of the details and facts and materials together first is usually what keeps the project from starting.
• When it comes to exercise or diet, the same phenomenon exists, as just starting it is the difficulty.

That luxury—the luxury of relaxed planning—is not always available to parents. Once a baby is born, ready or not, parenting must begin! That is why it is so important that parents take the time to consider what they want to apply in their new role.

God’s Word has much to say about living lives that are pleasing to Him!  In contrast, however, there are not so many specific verses that apply to this parenting role. Therefore your personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and motivation to follow those principles which are in His Word, are what will help you be the right type of parent, no matter what the circumstance!

How have you found that you were able to best establish your biblical priorities in parenting?

• And how have you managed to maintain or keep those same priorities? Share one or two short examples from your experience.
• Join the conversation; I’d love to hear from you!

No one enters  the world of parenting totally prepared.  And, no one has all of the answers after having their first child.  Each child is unique, which therefore requires intentional parenting with each one.  Although the human element is going to creep in, and sometimes when least expected, you must always rely and realize that God is willing to give wisdom at any time.  There will be times your methods may not be proper, but undoubtedly, with putting God first, your motives will be right!

It is interesting that there are relatively few scriptural passages that deal directly with parenting, but a whole lot of scripture does apply to helping  you be the right type of person, which in turn helps you be the right type of parent.  Gospel-centered parenting will help to you keep God  central, through which will be the grid every decision should be made.

Parenting has been one of the greatest challenges and joys of my life. God has given me four wonderful children who have obeyed and honored in spite of the human element that my wife and I have brought to our family.

I’d love to hear back from you regarding the following two questions:

• What most blesses you as a parent?
• What most challenges you as a parent?
• JOIN THE CONVERSATION!

It has been my joy to have been a parent for the past 28 years!  When I think about this, it is overwhelming that God would entrust four children to me!  I’ve definitely “asked God for wisdom” and He has graciously “given it to me liberally!”   I trust that through the blogging of parenting topics and tips that I can be of encouragement to you as you consider, or continue parenting.

When one begins any task or project, setting expectations is critical.  Therefore, when it comes to the important role of parenting,  that provides a very important expectation.  Should children look and act like their parents?  Undoubtedly, through genetics, they will look somewhat like their parents, but in the end, the goal needs to be they look like Christ.  Since we aren’t speaking of the physical aspect of looks, we are going to seek to have children look like Christ in their actions.  That is why I have devoted so much of the parenting book I wrote to biblical guidelines.

I trust through this information, that you will seek God for His guidance.  The reward for seeking God is finding Him, and I pray that as you do, it will continue to encourage you in your parenting, for God’s glory and your good!

I’m looking forward to interacting with you via this blog in the future, and may the Lord bless you as you faithfully serve Him while discipling your children!