From Our Hearts

Raising a child can feel daunting at times. I believe the most encouraging wisdom and insight I received as a young, clueless parent was...

Many fathers are convinced that they aren’t cut out to teach the children, but this is simply a matter of perspective and word choice. Fathers do teach. They simply do so in a manner more respective to...

Our behavior is heart driven. There­fore, correction, discipline and training, every aspect of parenting, must be addressed to the heart. The fundamental task of parenting is...

A significant number of men are sports fans. Some don’t even care if it is football, baseball, basketball, or racing as long as it is competitive. They become...

DEVOTION: The words, “honor your father,” appear many times throughout the bible. In fact, it’s one of the ten commandments right alongside, “honor your mother.” In fact, it is the first command that provides a promise, “… so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:1-4 Honor is defined as, “To highly respect or greatly esteem.”

DEVOTION: It is a chilling thought to one day realize that your children are observing your life, logging your activities, and repeating your actions, whether good or bad. I know from personal experience that what I observed from my own father’s behavior served as both a positive and negative influence on my role as a husband and father.

DEVOTION: There have been many stories of the damage severe weather, flooding, and tornadoes have caused lately. We stand in prayer with each and every person affected. The Lord is with you! While watching a recent news story about the devastation, I was reminded of a story a young father once shared with us. He told us the story of how God gave him revelation in regard to his children.

DEVOTION: Trust is essential in any relationship. If you want to have friends who are honest with you, then (you guessed it) you must be honest with them, even if it means having a difficult conversation. Honesty is one of the benefits of a true friendship. The Bible puts it this way: “Wounds from a friend can be trusted… and the pleasantness of one’s friend springs from his earnest counsel” (Proverbs 27:6, 9).

DEVOTION: Commitment, loyalty, and selflessness are so essential in any friendship. David and Jonathan’s friendship was characterized by these qualities even in the midst of adversity. They loved and encouraged each other in the Lord.  They met as young men and warriors, and our last glimpse of their faithful friendship is of David mourning Jonathan’s death. Theirs was a to-the-end-no-matter-what friendship. Choose to be like David and Jonathan. 

As we pray against the ungodly influences that could cast darkness over our families, our children, and our hearts, here are three scriptural ways to watch out for false teachers.

Put these 5 steps into place to help you plan your days with intention. You’ll be amazed at the positive changes in your use of time and the difference in the atmosphere of your home, especially on busy—and early—back-to-school mornings!

God gives parents the job to prepare our children in their spiritual lives. We cannot leave this vital teaching to Sunday school teachers or youth group leaders . As parents, we must train our kids up in God's ways as much as possible.