Refreshing

Daily
in Gods Word
Emphasis on

Children
 Adopted Child
April 1

Bible Reading: Galatians 4:1-14

Key Verse: Verse 5 - To redeem them that were under
the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons."
Key Words: that we might receive the adoption of
sons

A couple was watching a television program about

children in other countries who needed families. The ladys
attention was especially drawn to a photograph of one of the
children. She told her husband that she had this strong
feeling that they should go to Romania, bring the boy back to
the U.S. and adopt him. The husband agreed, the plans were
made and before long they were on a plane to Romania.
When they arrived at the orphanage, they were told that the
child had been returned to his parents. Finding out where his
parents lived, the couple went immediately to see the boy at
his home. The parents told them that the child was dead and
that his body was over in the corner of the room. But, as they
approached him, they saw him move slightly and heard a faint
whimper. There were cigarette burns and bruises all over his
body and he was seriously malnourished. Take him, the
heartless parents told them, we have too many children
anyway. Upon returning to the U.S. with their new son, the
couple was determined that this child would either die being
held and loved or recover fully under their care. He had been
found to be blind, crippled, unable to talk, and sick almost to
the point of death, not to speak of the multitude of emotional
scars he bore. From the start, they ministered to the boys
needs with a long and detailed daily regime of love and
exercise, working with him many hours every day. The little
boys improvement began immediately. They taught him
basic functions, like crawling, and then sitting up. The
doctors said he would always be blind, and never able to do
these basic things because of all the abuse he had experienced.
However, within a few years he was not only seeing, but he
was able also to walk and play and converse like other
children his age. He was made whole. The love, mercy and
compassion that flowed from the lives and hearts of this
couple in such a magnanimous way and the healing effect that
it had in the life of their adopted child is a very pale example
of the love, mercy and compassion our Heavenly Father has
for us. He looked down upon us and saw our need and sent
the Provision in His Son, Jesus Christ. We have only to
receive it by faith. Gods Word says that we say we are rich,
with everything we want. We say we dont need a thing and
that we dont realize that spiritually we are wretched and
miserable and poor and blind and naked (Revelation 3:17).
We are in need of this healing, saving love of God in Jesus
Christ. But when the fullness of time came, God sent forth
His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, in order that
He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we
might receive the adoption as sons. We dont have to work
for His favor anymore. When we receive Christ into our
hearts as our Savior and Lord we are no more under the Law
as slaves, but we are adopted by Him as His sons and
daughters. What a difference!

What to do:
Thank God, youve been adopted.
If you havent been adopted, call us at 1-205-
854-2741 and we will tell you how you can be.

********************

Diary of the Unborn

April 2

Bible Reading: Psalm 139

Key Verse: Verse 14 I will praise thee; for I am
fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy
works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
Key Words: for I am fearfully and wonderfully
 made

October 5 Today my life began. My parents do not

know it yet, I am as small as a seed of an apple, but it is I
already. And I am to be a girl. I shall have blond hair and
blue eyes. Just about everything is settled though, even the
fact that I shall love flowers.

October 19 Some say that I am not a real person

yet, that only my mother exists. But I am a real person, just as
a small crumb of bread is yet truly bread. My mother is and I
am.

October 23 My mouth is just beginning to open

now. Just think, in a year or so I shall be laughing and later
talking. I know what my first word will be: MAMA.

October 25 My heart began to beat today all by

itself. From now on it shall gently beat for the rest of my life
without ever stopping to rest! And after many years it will
tire. It will stop, and then I shall die.

November 2 I am growing a bit every day. My

arms and legs are beginning to take shape. But I have to wait
a long time yet before those little legs will raise me to my
mothers arms, before these little arms will be able to gather
flowers and embrace my father.

November 12 Tiny fingers are beginning to form

on my hands. Funny how small they are! Ill be able to stroke
my mothers hair with them.

November 20 It wasnt until today that the doctor

told mom that I am living here under her heart. Oh, how
happy she must be! Are you happy, mom?

November 25 My mom and dad are probably

thinking about a name for me. But they dont even know that
I am a little girl. I want to be called Kathy. I am getting so big
already.
 December 10 My hair is growing. It is smooth and
bright and shiny. I wonder what kind of hair mom has.

December 13 I am just about able to see. It is dark

around me. When mom brings me into the world it will be
full of sunshine and flowers. But what I want more than
anything is to see my mom. How do you look, mom?

December 24 I wonder if mom hears the

whispering of my heart. Some children come into the world a
little sick. But my heart is strong and healthy. It beats so
evenly: tup-tup, tup-tup. Youll have a healthy little daughter,
mom!

December 28 Today my mother killed me.

What to do:
Pray for the sanctity of life.
Pray for our country and those in leadership.
Pray for our courts.

********************

The Spirited Child, Part One

April 3

Bible Reading: Proverbs 3:1-20

Key Verse: Verse 1 My son, forget not my law; but
let thine heart keep my commandments:"
Key Words: My son, forget not my law

Does it appear to you that your child tends to forget

everything you say, or maybe they ignore everything you say?
Isnt it amazing how if you have three children they are
all so different in their temperament and personality? One
cries when you simply look firm at them, another cries when
you discipline them, and the third well, they never cry and
seem to defy your authority. We call them the strong-willed
child.
When energy was given out, does it seem as though
your child got an extra portion? Does the word NO not
compute in your childs mind? Does it appear that your child
will one day be the captain of the debate team? Does your
child resent such things as bedtime and meal times? When
you look up the word persistent in the dictionary, is there a
picture of your child there? Does it appear that your child
intentionally attempts to annoy people? Does the thought of
going shopping with your child cause you to wake up during
the night in a cold sweat?
If you answered yes to more than half of these
questions, congratulations! You have a spirited, strong-willed
child.
Over the next few days we will be looking at some
helps for the strong-willed child. Maybe a good way to begin
is by letting you know what your child is really saying.
Look at me! What they are really saying is, Please give
me some attention.
You cant make me! What it really means is, Give me
some boundaries.
I hate you! What they are really saying is, Im
frustrated.
Im a big kid! What it really means is, Give me some
options.
Did I do good? What they are really saying is, Please
find some positives in me.
The strong-willed child is not easy to train up in the
way he should go, but when done so successfully, this child
will develop into a great servant for God and that is your goal,
isnt it?
So I challenge you, dont quit. Stick by the stuff. One
day it will be worth it all.

What to do:
Spare the rod and spoil the
child.
 Always love and be consistent.

********************

The Spirited Child, Part Two

April 4

Bible Reading: Proverbs 13:19-25

Key Verse: 24 He that spareth his rod hateth his
son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."
Key Words: he that loveth him chasteneth him
betimes

Does your child fidget with his or her hands and

feet? ...squirm when seated? ...daydream a lot? Are they
impatient, not willing to wait their turn in group situations?
Does your child have a hard time following through on
instructions? Do they talk excessively? Does your child
engage in dangerous activities without considering the
consequences?
If your child displays over half of the above symptoms
and you carried them in for a professional evaluation, they
would be diagnosed as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).
They would be prescribed some medication, probably Ritalin;
and the medication would certainly calm them down. But
may I offer another solution? It involves four steps and it will
take your time and effort, but it will provide a solution outside
of medicine.
Step One: Pray with your child daily. Pray for
calmness and Christ-likeness in both yourself and your child.
Remember this must be done daily and early in the morning
before the child leaves for school.
Step Two: Structure! Structure is a necessity for
success.
a. Have planned play time.
b. Meals planned both food and time.
c. Controlled free time. (Thats when you allow your
child to play freely, but keep them in eyesight.)
 We have found that most high-spirited children cause
very few problems in a highly structured environment where
the parent keeps things moving.
Step Three: Re-focus. The high-spirited child will
become demanding and pitch a fit on occasions. At that point,
re-focus their attention by taking them for a walk or out to
swing, but try re-focusing.
Step Four: Consistent discipline and I do mean
consistent! No threats, no Ill spank you next time. Lay the
boundaries out and stick to them. All discipline should be
done out of love, never out of anger.
Now these steps will take more time and effort than
medication will, but in the end your child will love you rather
than be addicted to medicine.

What to do:
Apply the above-mentioned steps.

********************

The Spirited Child, Part Three

(For the Parents)
April 5

Bible Reading: I Thessalonians 5

Key Verse: Verse 11 Wherefore comfort yourselves
together, and edify one another, even as also ye do."
Key Words: edify one another

We are told in I Thessalonians 5:11b, Edify one

another. I realize this admonition is to the church, but it is
also true that, as parents, we do need to edify and encourage
our children. A recent survey by James Kouzes and Barry
Posner showed that encouragement causes 98% of the people
to perform at a higher level. The same is true for your spirited
child; so allow me to suggest the following for those of you
who parent that high-maintenance child.
Keep a positive-negative list of your comments over a
24-hour period. You may be surprised to find out how
negative you really are.
Ask God to help you see the positive side of your child.
Help your child develop his abilities and interests.
Make complimenting your child a habit.
The following are some mistakes to avoid.
Calling your child good and bad talk about
behavior instead. Most parents never get beyond telling the
child how bad they are. Now, how do they progress from
there without some input on how to do better?
Dont call your child names like Shorty, Klutz, Chubby,
etc.
Dont compare siblings.
Do not withhold affection. Hugs and kisses are a good
thing.
Give them responsibility then follow-up to see that the
job is done right.
Think of your spirited child as a puzzle that is only
partially complete. Will you choose to see a beautiful picture
developing or will you only focus on missing pieces? The
choice is yours.
Now, go out there and raise your spirited child for
Gods glory.

What to do:
Apply the above-mentioned principles.

Family Altar
April 6
 Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-12
Key Verse: Verse 7 And thou shalt teach them
diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them
when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou
walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and
when thou risest up."
Key Words: And thou shalt teach them diligently
unto thy children

Some of the best maintenance is preventive. If you can

prevent a problem from occurring, you are much better off
physically, financially, and emotionally. The same is true in
dealing with your children. One of the most important things
a mother or father can do to help prevent behavior problems
is to have a nightly or daily family altar (or family devotions).
A family altar helps in at least seven areas.
It is a means by which the Word of God can be exalted
in the home. Ive never known of a young person who loved
and exalted Gods Word to be a discipline problem. Love and
exalt the Word of God (Psalm 119:11, 18, 105).
It is a means by which the family can pray and
communicate together. There is nothing like a father praying
openly for his wife and children, a mother for her husband,
sons and daughters, and children praying for mom and dad
and each other. Note: Jesus never taught the disciples to
preach but he did teach them to pray (Matthew 6:9-13).
It sets the right example. When parents take time to
show their love for Gods Word and a desire to share it with
their children, it sets the right example for our children to go
by.
It is an opportunity to train your children while they
are trainable (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
It is an opportunity to teach your children the
importance of and obedience to you as parents (I Timothy
5:4).
It is a means by which children can be won to Christ
(Mark 10:13-16). What a privilege to see that your children
understand the plan of salvation and have the opportunity to
play a vital part in their salvation.
It is a means by which your children can mature
spiritually (II Peter 3:18). If your children attend every
church service your local church has, they still get less than
eight hours of Bible per week. A family altar offers more time
for family growth spiritually.
Very few children have behavior problems when mom
and dad sit down with them every day for just a few minutes
to learn from Gods Word.

What to do:
Set aside a time for your family to have a family
altar.

********************

Surrendered
April 7

Bible Reading: Romans 7:7-25

Key Verse: Verse 24 O wretched man that I am!
who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
Key Words: O wretched man that I am

If your child feels inadequate, they are in good

company. Paul felt inadequate as well, so did Joshua, and the
list could go on and on. If your child has feelings of
inadequacy, read on.
The child who battles with feelings of inadequacy and
self-doubt will usually respond in one of five ways. Over the
next eight devotions I will be covering these five areas.
One of the most common ways in which one deals with
their feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt is by surrendering.
The individual who chooses this approach has concluded that
he is a failure. Having accepted his worthlessness, he
attempts to guard his wounded ego from further damage by
drawing into a shell of silence and loneliness. This person
never initiates a conversation; he never enters contests or
campaigns; he is afraid to ask a young lady out on a date.
This person will never defend his honor when trampled on by
others. He has indeed surrendered.
Every school classroom is populated with children who
have admitted defeat to themselves. They quietly sit in
silence. Their peers simply think they are shy. The child who
lives a life of surrender is usually misjudged in two ways.
Since he is quiet and unresponsive, some assume he is
snobbish. Imagine that! The child who thinks so little of
himself is assumed by his peers to think too much of himself.
Secondly, because the surrendered child seldom speaks, it is
assumed he is not a thinker, that he lives in a world of his
own, which is not true. The child with feelings of inadequacy
and self-doubt has found safety in being quiet.
When the surrendered child reaches adulthood, he will
find his friend in a bottle (alcohol). If they do not meet
someone of the opposite sex, they become controlling because
of the lack of confidence in their ability to keep them so they
turn to intimidation to keep from losing them.
The answer for the surrenderer is found in the word
of Paul in II Corinthians 12:10, For when I am weak, then
am I strong. Pray for our kids, especially our surrenderers.

What to do:
Teach your child to surrender to God, not the flesh.
 Learn to Compensate
(Not Compromise)
April 8

Bible Reading: Romans 12:1-8

Key Verse: Verse 6 Having then gifts differing
according to the grace that is given to us, whether
prophecy, let us prophesy according to the
proportion of faith;"
Key Words: Having then gifts differing

May we do away with all the preliminary stuff and get

right down to the nitty-gritty? Some children have much
greater handicaps than others and these young ones are
destined for emotional turmoil in life. You can see it coming
like a storm brewing in the western sky. They are not as
attractive as the other kids. They do not catch on to the
academic requirements as do the other kids. They are not as
athletically inclined as are the others. Why, early in life they
are branded by their peers as a reject.
Though this may be hard to accept as a parent, it can
be a positive if we, as parents, handle it correctly. Remember
a tree planted in the rain forest is never forced to extend its
roots down; thus, any moderate storm can topple the weak-
rooted tree. Adversity can cause a childs roots to go deep if
we learn to compensate. That means we have to counter-
balance our childs weaknesses by capitalizing on their
strengths; and it is our job, as parents, to find these strengths.
Bobby Fischer, arguably the worlds greatest chess
player, was asked by Merv Griffin what caused his desire to
play chess. Bobby Fischers response was one of
compensation. He said, As a child I was not attractive, not
very bright academically, and certainly not athletic. My dad
taught me to play chess. Why, I could beat anyone at chess. It
became the means by which I was accepted by my peers. He
goes on to say, You win a school or state championship at
anything and you become an instant hero. While I certainly
do not think our god is heroism, the point is to compensate.
 Thomas Wolfe, the author of such best-selling books
as You Cant Go Home Again and Look Homeward, Angel,
was the result of compensation. Thomas could write; but he,
by todays standards, would be the school nerd. However, his
parents early in his life learned to compensate for their sons
weak areas by focusing on his strength and ability to write.
As parents, find your childs strengths, whether it is
music, writing, poetry, arts and crafts, mechanical or
woodwork. Not all of life is built around beauty, brains, and
athletics. Learn to COMPENSATE. Always teach your
children that no matter what their abilities and inabilities may
be, Jesus will accept them where they are and for what they
are!!

What to do:
Learn to compensate, not compromise.
Teach your child that everyone has different gifts,
and not to be angry because they do not have the same
gifts as others their age. God made them special just
the way He wants them.

********************

I'll Be A Clown
April 9

Bible Reading: II Corinthians 12:1-10

Key Verse: Verse 9 And he said unto me, My grace
is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect
in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory
in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest
upon me."
Key Words: for my strength is made perfect in
weakness
 The feelings of inadequacies which cause one child to
surrender and another to fight (covered in devotion for April
14) will cause still even others to become the class clown.
I remember reading years ago about comedienne,
Phyllis Diller, who made a fortune by poking fun at herself in
regard to her physical appearance. By her own account, she
was shy, inadequate and withdrawn. She said, I was
constantly aware of my unattractiveness, so I coped by
becoming a clown.
Jonathan Winters admits that his humor was a
defense against childhood hurts. His parents were divorced
when he was seven. He said, Other kids would tease me
because I had no dad at home. I spent many lonely nights
crying myself to sleep until humor replaced my tears. I
became the class clown because it brought me acceptance.
The class clown, in all likelihood, is dealing with one or
more of the following feelings of inadequacies.
Looks They see themselves as unattractive. It may
be they have been told this by parents or peers; so they resort
to being the class clown to compensate for their looks.
Academics Often the class clown is slow to catch on
to new math problems or English terms, science may not
stick, and as a result of their academic slowness, they turn
to humor to take the focus off their failing grades.
Inabilities Many children with inabilities such as
sight where those big, thick, ugly glasses have to be worn, and
their peers make light of their ugly glasses, will resort to
becoming the class clown to compensate. Woody Allen is a
great example in this area. The inability of speech
impediments cause some to become the class clown, and still
even others who lack in athletic prowess, will resort to humor.
(I think you get the idea.)
Humor is often a cover-up for their feelings of
inadequacies in looks, academics, and inabilities.
Every school teacher is well acquainted with the clown
or clowns in her class. But what most teachers fail to
understand is while the clown is a problem to her, a good
laugh to the class; they are in deep pain in their heart and are
simply battling for acceptance. While the clown may be hard
to love and even harder to tolerate at times, they are not as
bad as you think. Help them through their turbulent years
and they may turn out to be productive adults for Christ.

What to do:
Teach your child that only in Christ are they
complete.

********************

I'll Conform
April 10

Bible Reading: Romans 8:28-39

Key Verse: Verse 29 - For whom he did foreknow, he
also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of
his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many
brethren.
Key Words: to be conformed to the image of his
Son

One of the great American myths is that we are a

nation of rugged individualists. We like to think of ourselves
as Abraham Lincolns, Patrick Henrys, and other great
American heroes who stand against social ills and sins. In
truth, though, we are a nation of social cowards. Why, we
spend more of our time on expending our energy and
resources attempting to be accepted and liked by others. The
average American is motivated by fear fear of ridicule and
rejection.
Since we fear this ridicule and rejection, we find ways
to be accepted, conforming to the whims and wishes of others,
afraid to stand for what we know to be truth and
righteousness. The average person seeks to be liked by
everyone, normally at the expense of their convictions and
beliefs. For adolescents the urge to conform dictates most of
their activity for a period of about ten years.
At a 4th of July celebration in New York City, a popular
teen-aged choir was to sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
One of the teens (a group leader) said, Im going to pretend
to faint. Wholl join me? So in a live performance before
thousands, he went down pretending to faint. By the time the
song was over, more than two-thirds of the choir was
pretending with him. This is conforming at its height. Kids
fear being rejected and ridiculed so they conform: Ill wear
what others wear, and listen to what others listen to, and use
language that others use. Ill conform, going against
everything Ive been taught and every value I believe in.
One young teen-aged girl was asked why she was
involved with pre-marital sex. Her response was, Everyone
else is; its what you do.
Our children cope with their feelings of inadequacies
by surrendering, fighting, being the class clown, denying
reality, and conforming.
I close with the words of the Apostle Paul found in
Romans 12:1, And be not conformed to this world: but be ye
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may
prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of
God.

What to do:
Train your child to be conformed to the image of
Christ.

********************

Beauty and the Beast

April 11

Bible Reading: I Samuel 16:1-13

Key Verse: Verse 7 But the LORD said unto
Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height
of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD
seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the
outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the
heart."
Key Words: man looketh on the outward
appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.

Very early in life a child begins to learn the importance

of physical beauty. The values of our society cannot be kept
from their little ears. It is a dull child who fails to notice that
the ugly do not win Miss America movies; and usually the ugly
have fewer friends than do the beautiful.
It is amazingly surprising just how effectively we teach
our children to appreciate the beauty cult. Why it is even
taught in our age-old childrens stories. Yes, you read this
right, our age-old childrens stories focus on beauty. How
about...
The Ugly Duckling? This is a familiar story about an
unhappy duck that was rejected by better-looking ducks,
symbolizing the plight of every unattractive child. Fortunately
for him, however, he had a beautiful swan inside which
surfaced during adulthood. Oops, there it is, he was only
acceptable after becoming beautiful.
Sleeping Beauty? Why wasnt the story entitled
Sleeping Ugly? Because ugly doesnt sell unless, of course, in
the end they become beautiful which makes her acceptable,
like Cinderella, which is another story based on physical
beauty.
Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer? You know him,
dont you? He wasnt accepted because of his ugly shiny nose
until his shiny nose could save Santas journey of delivering
toys to all the good little boys and girls.
Dumbo, the Elephant? Of course, we know that he
was ridiculed for his floppy ears until he could use them to fly.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs? You know,
Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest (not ugliest) of
them all?
Lets face it, our children are taught daily the
importance of physical beauty. Its everywhere they go.
When was the last time you saw an ugly woman on a reality
TV series trying to be the one chosen to be the possible future
bride of a prince charming?
What a distorted value system we propagate! What
irreparable damage is done to those who do not meet up to
our beauty standards! Parents, our children are learning
and often we are the teachers of it that outward beauty is far
more important than inner beauty. Maybe the title of this
article should not be Beauty and the Beast, but rather
Beauty Is the Beast.

What to do:
Teach your children the importance of inner beauty.
See Galatians 5:22-23.

********************

The Age of Identity

April 12
Bible Reading: Psalm 50
Key Verse: Verse 23 Whoso offereth praise
glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his
conversation aright will I shew the salvation of God."
Key Words: and to him that ordereth his conver-
sation (manner of life) aright

Much has been written about the search for identity,

but I doubt that many ten-year-olds have much of that
material. So it falls on the parent(s) to talk with their child
about their goals, strengths, weaknesses, hopes, and dreams.
The child who has been given a meaningful outlook on life and
knows where he is going in life, the purpose of school, how to
have friends, who not to have as friends, and where his
strengths lie is certainly a fortunate individual. But let me, for
the sake of this article, describe a young person less fortunate.
We will just call him Johnny so that our less fortunate youth
can at least have a name.
When Johnny went through elementary, junior high,
and high school, he never excelled in anything. He did not
star in Little League. He never learned to make model planes.
He had a hard time making friends. He didnt win the school
safety award or the American Freedom badge. He was never
elected as class president. Why, Johnny never really excelled
at anything.
Then little Johnny suddenly became big John during
his fifteenth year on this earth. He developed pimples and
blackheads; and wouldnt you know it, his nose developed a
slight hook to the left! The boys considered him boring and
the girls simply ignored the fact that he was around. Big John
never gave one serious thought to his future beyond high
school.
In his sixteenth year, totally lacking in a true identity
in who he was and where he was going in life, a group came
along. It could be any group, but usually it is the group with
drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. They accept Big John and in
one easy, smooth stride of acceptance, they take a
meaningless, bland teenager and instill in him what they are,
simply because he has found a group in which he can fit.
It is your job as parents to provide your child with a
healthy identity during those early formative years at home by
helping him realize his strengths and interest, by teaching him
what to believe and how to behave. If you fail to do this,
somebody else will!

What to do:
Order your childs conversation (manner of life)
aright.
 Denying Reality
April 13

Bible Reading: Proverbs 28

Key Verse: Verse 13 He that covereth his sins shall
not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh
them shall have mercy."
Key Words: He that covereth his sins shall not
prosper

There is a segment of our youth today that copes with

their feelings by denying reality. They do this in two ways.
First, they attempt to cover it up. Let me explain. Jeff
is a ten-year-old who wears leather gloves to school everyday,
even on the warmest of days. You never see Jeff without his
gloves. He also wears long sleeves. The teacher insists that
Jeff remove his gloves, which he does; but the moment he
goes to recess or lunch, the gloves are back on. One more
point, Jeff is the only black child in the school. Now do you
want to guess why he wears gloves and long-sleeve shirts?
You guessed it to cover up that which makes him different.
Jeff is denying reality. Many children attempt to cover up
their feelings of inadequacies with a coat or a sweater or yes,
even gloves. If I cant see it, then it doesnt exist.
The second way young people deny reality is to escape
into a dream world. The young person simply pulls down a
shade and creates his own world. This child never sees
himself as a problem. It is always mom, dad, or the teacher
because in their world poor grades, being unpopular and
unaccepted by their peers, is not their fault; it is everyone else
because in their world they are right. In effect, they are
denying reality.
So what can be done with the child or youth who deny
reality?
Pray for them fervently.
Help them through the trying years by pointing out
who they are in Christ.
 Have them invest time and energy on others. For
example, have them making things for the elderly.
Most older people have a way of bringing out the best
in this type of child.
But no matter what, love them and let them know you
love them.

What to do:
Apply the above principles.

********************

I'll Fight
April 14
Bible Reading: I Samuel 2:11-26
Key Verse: Verse 12 - Now the sons of Eli were sons
of Belial; they knew not the LORD."
Key Words: Now the sons of Eli were sons of
Belial

When I think of a child whos always looking for a

fight, I think of the sons of Eli. There are those unfortunate
children who feel as though they must take every situation
into their own hands. Let me explain.
The feelings which motivate one child to withdraw
from his peers will urge a more aggressive young person to
respond by fighting.
Instead of surrendering to their feelings of
inadequacies, the fighter is angered by what they see; and as a
result they walk around with a chip on their shoulder, daring
anyone to knock it off.
When his family first came to America, this young man
was bothered by the fact that he was a foreigner. His father
would beat both he and his siblings with sticks and his fist.
Once when he disobeyed, his father held a hot iron to his
heels.
 After his high school graduation, he began a desperate
search to resolve his feelings of growing anger with no
success. He attempted to be a successful horse racing jockey.
He applied for a job at the Santa Anita Race Track, but
officials thought he lacked the proper reflexes to be a
professional jockey. Instead, he was given the job of a hot
walker (someone who walks the horses around the track after
their races so they can cool down). This was the most
disrespected job in the profession. His anger grew even more.
Shortly thereafter he joined with the Arabs to fight
against Israel. He now became a fighter taking his frustration,
fear, and failure out on others. Thus his life of getting even
with others began and continued for several years until June
5, 1968. In Los Angeles, California, presidential candidate
Robert Kennedy, the brother of slain President John F.
Kennedy, was leaving a political rally at the Ambassador
Hotel. Walking through the back kitchen area, Kennedy was
shot to death by an angry young Sirhan Sirhan who decided
that he was tired of people running over him, and rather than
surrendering he said, Ill fight. What a tragedy!
Today we have many young ruffians walking around
with a chip on their shoulder fighting angry because of their
feelings of inadequacy. These young people need love, but
most of all, they need Jesus.
Pray for our youth, and remember the young ones you
are dealing with may not be as bad as you think. They may
simply be crying out for someone to please love them.

What to do:
Love them.
 A Child Turned Into A Fool
April 15

Bible Reading: Proverbs 24:1-10

Key Verse: Verse 7 - Wisdom is too high for a fool: he
openeth not his mouth in the gate."
Key Words: Wisdom is too high for a fool

Now this is strictly a guess on my part, but I would

venture to say that no parent sets out to raise a fool which
leads me to ask: Then why are there so many fools in the
world today? Now before you brand me as cynical and
critical, let the Bible define what a fool does.
A fool is never wrong (at least in his own eyes)
(Proverbs 12:15). I deal with these people everyday. They
simply never see themselves as wrong. They see themselves
as misunderstood, but they never see themselves as the guilty
party.
A fool is unteachable (Proverbs 1:7). A fool always
has a better idea.
A fool enjoys sin (Proverbs 10:23). I love sports;
but to a fool sin (doing wrong) is a sport, and fun!
A fool lacks self-control (Proverbs 12:16). A fool
lacks self-control with his desires and temper.
A fool is illogical (Proverbs 26:4, 7). They simply
think differently.
A fool grieves his parents (Proverbs 17:21).
A fool is unchangeable (Proverbs 26:11). They
promise they will do good. They promise they will do better,
but they always go back to their foolishness.
This raises the question: How can I keep my child
from being a fool?
The Word of God only gives one way and it is found in
Proverbs 22:15, Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child
[every child, I might add], but the rod of correction shall drive
it far from him. I would advise that you drive it far from
them before foolishness grows roots and you find yourself
living with a fool.
May God grant you the courage not to raise a fool.
What to do:
Drive foolishness away before it has time to grow
roots.

********************

Someday
April 16

Bible Reading: Philippians 4

Key Verse: Verse 11 - Not that I speak in respect of
want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am,
therewith to be content."
Key Words: to be content

Someday when the kids are grown, things will be

different around the house. The garage wont be filled with
bikes, skateboards, dolls, and dollhouses. You will be able to
park both cars in the garage.
Someday when the kids are grown, the kitchen will be
incredibly neat. The sink will be free from left-over dirty
dishes that no one seemingly dirties.
Someday when the kids are grown, there will actually
be food left in the cabinet and refrigerator.
Someday when the kids are grown, the instrument
called a telephone will actually be available and it will be
free from lipstick, mustard, and corn chips.
Someday when the kids are grown, you will be able to
see through the car windows without seeing handprints,
sneaker prints, and fog marks. The back seat wont look like a
hurricane has come through town.
Someday when the kids are grown, you will be able to
return to normal conversation without such words as yuk,
gross, and oh, man.
Someday when the kids are grown, there will be no
more slamming doors and loud voices saying, No one
understands!
 Someday when the kids are grown, you will be able to
get a hot shower in the morning.
Yes, someday when the kids are grown, things are
going to be different. One by one they will leave the nest: no
more clink of china, no more panicked pace of kids getting
ready for school...calm, peace, memories, and loneliness.
And we will be asking, I wonder when the kids are coming
back for a visit.
I guess the Apostle Paul had it right after all.
Philippians 4:11, Not that I speak in respect of want: for I
have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be
content.

What to do:
Enjoy life one day at a time, and this includes your
children.

********************

The Dating Years

April 17

Bible Reading: Proverbs 18

Key Verse: Verse 22 - Whoso findeth a wife findeth a
good thing, and obtaineth favour of the LORD."
Key Words: Whoso findeth a wife

One of the most trying times in raising our children is

the dating years. This time is trying for the teens because they
are under peer pressure to date, and trying to the parents
because of the trials produced by dating. The purpose of this
devotion is to help both parents and teens through the dating
process from a Biblical perspective.

The Purpose of Dating

The purpose of dating is actually given to us in
Proverbs 18:22, Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing.
The reason you date is to find a mate. You should be looking
for the following in the dating process.
a. Those who agree with you spiritually (II Cor 6:14,
Amos 3:3).
b. Those who are not self-centered.
c. Those who are submissive and loving (Ephes 5:22,
25).
The average persons says, Ill marry them, theyll
change. No, they wont!! So the reason you date is to find a
mate.
The Push to Date
There is so much pressure today to date. So at what
age should my child begin the dating process? Well, I
certainly am no know-it-all in this area, but I once again
take you back to Proverbs 18:22, Whoso findeth a wife
findeth a good thing. If the reason we date is to find a mate,
then I must ask at what age is marriage permissible? 15?
Probably not. 16? I think not. 17? No, not really. I certainly
cannot give you an exact age; but always remember, your
child is dating to find a mate, whether you believe it or not.
So at what age is marriage OK with you as a parent?
The Process of Dating
Now I know Im old-fashioned, but I do believe it is a
Bible principle that the male should be the aggressor in the
process, not the female. The Scripture does say, Whoso
findeth a wife. The man is to be the aggressive one. Always
remember that a male has to feel as though he has conquered
his prey. If the female catches the male, that desire to
conquer his prey is still there and he, in all likelihood, will
fulfill his desire on other women.
Please note, Im not attempting to be all-knowing in
this area, but after 45 years in the ministry, I do have a little
wisdom here.

What to do:
Apply Biblical principles to the dating and courting
years. As a parent, obey your red flags.
 Control
April 18

Bible Reading: Proverbs 16

Key Verse: Verses 32 -
Key Words: he that ruleth his spirit

Discipline is not a list of dos and do nots.

Discipline is control. The reason we discipline our children is
because they refuse to control their own behavior; so we
attempt through punishment to give them the right desire to
bring their behavior under control. But years of experience
have taught me that proper discipline in our children is not
just taught it is also caught, by children from parents who
live a Christ-centered life. We as parents cannot lead beyond
our own example. We often hear the motto, Christ is the
Head of this house. But as Christian parents this should also
be the motto of our hearts. As parents our self-control
should be to let Christ rule in our hearts, then we can lead our
children to a proper code of conduct for their lives. The
following are ways which we can influence children for Christ.
Be honest. If we are not honest in our daily tasks, how
can we expect our children to be honest? You should not
expect your children to be honest with you and others if you
lie and cover for your childrens absences, or if you attempt to
cover for them when they misbehave. Be honest. You cannot
expect your children to be honest unless you lead the way
(Ephesians 4:25).
Be consistent. You cannot expect your children to put
God first in their lives if you do not put God first in your life.
Lead the way (Matthew 6:33).
Be respectful. Some years back our granddaughter
was in a room (unbeknownst to me) when I was working. I
was admiring my work and simply let out a loud ooh-wee!
From the corner of the room I heard this loud cry, Ooh-Wee,
Paw-Paw! Children repeat what they hear. You cant expect
your children to give proper respect unless you lead the way in
it (Hebrews 13:17).
 Be realistic. Dont expect perfection from your
children. Believe me, they see your mistakes; and when you
require them to be what you are not, it leads to misbehavior.
The key is not perfection, but a 100% effort on both the
parents and the childs part. Do unto others as you would
have them do unto you.
Remember, discipline is not just taught, it is also
caught!

What to do:
Apply the principles listed in this devotion.

********************

Give Them Responsibility

April 19

Bible Reading: Proverbs 6:1-15

Key Verse: Verses 6 - Go to the ant, thou sluggard;
consider her ways, and be wise:"
Key Words: Go to the ant, thou sluggard

There is an old saying that goes like this, An idle mind

is the devils workshop. Much of our discipline as parents
would not even be needed if parents would simply give out
some responsibilities.
Our children need to feel that they are contributing
something worthwhile. Responsibility helps to develop
maturity. It teaches our children that they are expected to
take a job and do it well. So dont be afraid to place a
reasonable amount of responsibility on your son or daughter.
It not only fills up idle time, it also keeps them out of
trouble.
In families where there is a desirable emotional
climate, children have jobs to do such as cleaning, washing
dishes, baby care, yard work, etc. These children usually are
easier to work with and are much more obedient than those
children with little or no responsibility.
In giving out a childs responsibility, avoid undue
pressure. Remember our children have our genes and are not
perfect. When you weigh a child down with perfection, ill
effects show up. Some of these effects are anger, fatigue,
nervous habits, and forgetfulness. The strain of perfection
will also show up in your childs conduct. It raises behavior
problems rather than diminishes them. Remember your child
may not do everything just the way you do it, and they may
not do it as well as you would do it; but that is not the object.
The object is to teach them responsibility and make them feel
a part of the family. May God give you wisdom as you train up
your child for Gods glory.

What to do:
Give your child age-appropriate responsibilities.
Teach them how to carry out those responsibilities.

********************

Wisdom and Courage

April 20

Bible Reading: I Peter 1:1-16

Key Verse: Verse 13 Wherefore gird up the loins of
your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the
grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of
Jesus Christ;"
Key Words: Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind.

Some years ago our girls sat innocently in the living

room watching Saturday morning cartoons, as they did most
Saturday mornings until they had used all their TV time up for
the day. Yes, we had time limits for watching TV! Then they
would slip off to do their chores, and play their childish games
typical five and six year-old girls. This Saturday was to be
different, however. This Saturday was the Saturday that
would change my thinking on innocent cartoons forever.
Saturday afternoon we headed out for an afternoon of
shopping and spending some time together as a family. Then
it happened that one of our little ones said, Look, theres the
pig pointing to a policeman who had just passed us. Not
believing what I had heard, I asked my daughter to repeat
what she had just said. Unhesitatingly she said, I said there
is the pig. I quickly corrected her and then inquired as to
why she would call a policeman a pig. Her answer got my
attention, On cartoons this morning the pigs were the
policemen so when I saw the officer, I thought about the pigs.
It was then the old saying really stuck, A picture is worth a
thousand words.
Much of the rebellion, bad attitudes, wantonness, and
sheer obnoxiousness is coming from childrens TV shows.
Every parent would do well to sit down and view what their
children are watching (without their children being present)
and as you do, ask yourself these questions.
Is this how I want my child to behave?
Is this what I want my child to say?
Is this what I want my child to be?
Is this what I want my child to desire?
Does this glorify God? I Corinthians 10:31.

As a child, I remember Grandma Tate (my Sunday

School teacher) teaching us the chorus, Be careful little eyes
what you see; be careful little eyes what you see, For the
Father up above is looking down in love, so be careful little
eyes what you see. How true these words are! We are
warned in Gods Word to protect the mind.

Romans 8:7a, Because the carnal mind is enmity

with God.
Philippians 2:5, Let this mind be in you which was
also in Christ Jesus.
I Peter 1:13a, Wherefore gird up the loins of your
mind.
 May God grant you the wisdom to see the truth and
the courage to act upon it.

What to do:
Ask and answer the five questions listed above
then act accordingly.

********************

Honoring Your Parents

April 21

Bible Reading: Luke 18:18-30

Key Verse: Verse 20 -
Key Words: Honour thy father and thy mother

We are taught in Galatians 6:7 that we reap what we

sow. The verse reads as follows, Be not deceived; God is not
mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also
reap. This is a simple fact of life, whether good or bad:
whatever you plant in your garden, that is what you will
harvest. The same principle applies to your relationship and
attitude toward your parents. Today I would like for you to
see with me what God says about honoring and disobeying
your parents. Four simple points...
Honoring your parents produces a reward. Exodus
20:12, Honor thy father and thy mother... (now notice the
reward) that thy days may be long upon the land which the
Lord thy God giveth thee. The key to living a long life is
honoring your parents, but if you want to die young, live a life
of dishonoring your parents. Absalom, the son of King David,
would certainly be a great example of brevity of life because of
the dishonoring of his father. (You can read the story in II
Samuel 15.)
Dishonoring your parents classifies you as a reprobate.
Now before you get upset with me, let me show you (Romans
1:28-30). The word reprobate means worthless, not just to
God, but to society. Now I believe every one of you would
agree with me that people such as fornicators, murderers, and
inventors of evil things are a menace to our society. Well, so
are those who are disobedient to their parents.
Honoring you parents reveals your righteousness.
Ephesians 6:1, Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for
this is right. I am 60 years old and I have never known of a
person who truly and sincerely obeyed their parents who
wasnt right in other areas of their life. Isaac would certainly
be a good example of this principle. He certainly obeyed his
parents, and as you read about his life from Gods Word, you
find he was obedient with all who had authority over him,
including God (Genesis 26:1-6).
Dishonoring of parents is revealing of the day in which
we live. Read II Timothy 3:1-2. When our youth, as a whole,
are disobedient to their parents, it reveals that we are living in
the last days, that the Lord is coming soon which raises the
question, are you ready if the Lord should come today? Can
you give me a Scriptural reason why you know you are saved
and bound for Heaven?
My prayer for each of you is that you will live for God,
honor your parents, and live a long, happy and prosperous
life. May God bless you as you are a blessing to God.

What to do:
Honoring your parents brings honor to God.

********************

Pray For Your Child

April 22

Bible Reading: Isaiah 54

Key Verse: Verse 13 - And all thy children shall be
taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of
thy children."
 Key Words: And all thy children shall be taught of
the LORD

Praying for your child is one of the most important

factors of discipline, if not the single most important factor.
Prayer can alter your childs behavior. When your child is
having problems, fears or uncertainties, take them aside
individually and pray with them about their difficulties. This
teaches your child several things.
It teaches them to take their problems to the Lord.
It assures them that you really are interested in them.
It is an act of caring and teaches them that nothing is
too small or too great to carry to God.
It gives them in a tangible way an opportunity to see
God work.
It joins you closer together as a family.
Now, while it is important to pray with your child
about their difficulties and behavior problems, you must still
spend time in prayer without them, just you and God alone
conversing about your child. The single most important
factor in discipline is the spiritual emphasis. Help your child
through prayer, love, encouragement and yes, discipline
to love the Lord with all their heart. Then when they are
grown, you can say with Isaiah in chapter 54 and verse 13,
And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD, and great
shall be the peace of thy children.

What to do:
Teach your children through your life.
Teach your children through the Word.
Teach your children through your prayers.

Consider Your Punishment

 April 23

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:1-10

Key Verse: Verse 9 - Furthermore we have had
fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave
them reverence: shall we not much rather be in
subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?"
Key Words: Furthermore we have had fathers of
our flesh which corrected us

All of our lives we learn through the penalties of our

mistakes. A child who breaks their favorite toy while having a
temper tantrum learns that he has punished himself. A child
who is denied a privilege because of disobedience will think
twice before disobeying again. Children must learn that there
are consequences for misbehavior.
Bible teaching makes it clear that misbehavior must be
dealt with (Leviticus 26:41, Lamentations 3:39). Why, even
God chastens those whom He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Dads are
exhorted not to spare the rod, but at the same time the
Christian home is pictured as a happy place with children the
crowning joy of the parents. How can the parent discipline so
that their children are really the crowning joy? Let me
suggest the following.
First of all, parents should guard against a permissive
lifestyle in their children; but on the other hand, it is equally
as dangerous for parents to be overly strict (all law and no
grace). Too severe a punishment will lead to your child lying,
will produce ungodly fear, and cause your child to develop
nervous habits. Too strict a discipline can make your child
docile but they may not be happy. Mom, Dad, respect is
earned, not legislated. It is cruel to threaten your children.
Remember, Dad, we are not to provoke our children to wrath
(Ephesians 6:4).
Secondly, as a parent, I would not only concern myself
with punishing my child, but I should also consider what
punishment does not achieve.
a) It does not identify the cause of misbehavior.
b) It does not show or teach a better way.
 Proverbs 22:6 tells us to train our children.
Punishment within itself is not training.
Thirdly, after you have disciplined your child, they
need to know you love them. A reassuring hug and a I love
you and you are my crowning joy would not hurt. Again, may
God bless you as you raise your children for Gods glory.

What to do:
All discipline should be motivated by love for your
child, not anger against them.
Discipline is needed, but so are hugs

********************

Little Humans
April 24

Bible Reading: Psalm 51

Key Verse: Verse 5 - " Behold, I was shapen in
iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me."
Key Words: in sin did my mother conceive me

Children, like all of us, come into the world with a sin
nature. The Psalmist David said, In sin did my mother
conceive me. In this Scripture we do not find a contrast
between innocent children and sinful adults. Foolishness
is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall
drive it far from him (Proverbs 22:15). Children are sinners
as well as adults.
I have never seen a child who needed instruction on
how to sin; it comes quite naturally. I doubt that any of you
sat your child down and taught them how to lie. It just comes
naturally.
In his book, Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning,
Douglas Wilson writes, I had to confront my five year-old
daughter because of bitterness toward her brother. It seems
he had clobbered her earlier in the day; although he was
disciplined for his action, she was unwilling to forgive. So I
quoted Matthew 6:14-15, For if you forgive men their
trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if
you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your
Father forgive your trespasses. Looking at me she said,
Who is this Matthew guy anyway? Now her questioning of
the Scriptures was not due to liberal theologians, but rather it
was a result of her unforgiving spirit and her sin nature.
Our children are sinners and education alone is not
the answer. All you get when you educate a sinner is a clever
sinner. Knowledge by itself does not make people better, but
rather makes them worse. Education is not the answer to our
problem, but Jesus is!! (See Romans 3:20 and 5:20.)
I think all of you would agree with me that we want
our children to receive a quality education; but if all we do is
educate the mind and never attempt to regenerate the heart,
we have failed.

What to do:
Dont just educate the mind, work on the heart as
well. This can be done through prayer, Bible study,
and ministering to the needy and shut-ins.

********************

When To Spank
April 25

Bible Reading: Proverbs 13

Key Verse: Verse 24 - He that spareth his rod hateth
his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him
betimes."
Key Words: He that spareth his rod

Today there are an endless number of books that tell

us how to raise our children and I confess to having read some
of those books. But I have found that there is still only one
book that is really worth the reading and that is the Bible. In
the area of raising our children, Gods Word lays out for us a
three-fold plan.
First of all, we are to train up our children (Proverbs
22:6). The word train means to keep on track. Some years
ago my wife and I bought a train set to put around the
Christmas tree during the Christmas season. That train had
the hardest time staying on its track; but in order for that
train to fulfill its purpose, we had to keep putting it back on its
track and so it is with our children. They are not perfect nor
should we expect them to be, but as parents it is Gods plan
that when they get off track, we are there to see that they do
not stay off track for long. So first of all, we are to train up our
children.
Secondly, we are told to instruct our children in
Proverbs 4:1. The word instruct means to repeat back. When
we give our children a job to do and tell them how to do it, we
are to have them repeat that back to us. This does at least
three things.
It lets us know they understand.
It lets our children know that we know they
understand.
It prevents them from saying later when the job is not
done or not done correctly, I didnt understand.
So secondly, we are to give instruction.
Thirdly, we are to discipline our children according to
Proverbs 13:24. The question is always raised, Why and
when should a parent spank their child? The Word of God
even has the answer for that. There is a principle of Bible
study called the first mention principle. The first mention
principle is that the first time you find a subject in Gods
Word, it carries the same meaning throughout Gods Word.
Well, the first time you find the word rod in the Bible is in
Exodus 4:2. There the rod is used to make believers out of the
Israelites. (Youll have to read the story in Exodus 4 for
yourself.) But the reason we spank is to make believers out of
children. If we tell them to do something and they do not do
it, then we need to make believers of them concerning the
importance of obeying parental authority.
So God has a three-fold plan for parents concerning
their children.
Train them up for God.
Instruct them.
Discipline them (in love) as needed.
May God bless you as you raise your children.

What to do:
Apply the three principles found in this devotion.

********************

Teaching Your Child Kindness

April 26

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:24-32

Key Verse: Verse 32 - And be ye kind one to another,
tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God
for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Key Words: And be ye kind one to another

Let me ask you parents a question; in all of our

teaching of standards: dressing properly, movies, music, etc.
which I believe is important do you also teach them
kindness? If our children are lacking in the spirit of kindness,
they may make a living but theyll miss out on life.
One thing missing in our family altar time is teaching
our children how to treat their fellow peers and fellow man. I
read the following and just wondered how many of our
children could or would win a gold medal in kindness.
Do you know the story of Henry Pearce of Australia,
who was competing in the single scull rowing event at the
1928 Olympics? He was leading when a duck and her string
of ducklings came into view up ahead. They were on a
collision course and Pearce reckoned that his scull would cut
the string in two and sink a few ducklings in the process, so he
pulled in his oars. When the ducks passed, Pearce again bent
his back to the task. Theres a happy ending to the story.
Pearce won. Usually, acts of sportsmanship result in defeat.
Remember Leo Durochers pronouncement, Nice guys finish
last? It happened a couple of years ago in the marathon
tandem kayak racing event at the world championships in
Copenhagen. Danish paddlers were leading when their
rudder was damaged in a portage. British paddlers, who were
in second place, stopped to help the Danes fix it. The Danes
went on to defeat the British by one second in an event that
lasted nearly three hours. But theres a happy ending to this
story, too. According to The Wall Street Journal, the British
kayakers won what many people regard as the highest honor
in sports. They became the winner of the Pierre de Coubertin
International Fair Play Trophy. The trophy is named for the
founder of the modern Olympic Games, and it has been
awarded annually for the past 28 years to people in sports
who have demonstrated nobility of spirit. It is big news in
Europe, but it has not been given much recognition in the
United States. In the past, the trophy has gone to a
Hungarian tennis player who pleaded with officials to give his
opponent more time to recover from a cramp, and to a high
school basketball coach who forfeited the Georgia (US) state
championship after he found out that one of his players was
scholastically ineligible. The first trophy went to an Italian
bobsledder name Eugenio Monti for a gesture that exhibited a
touch of class. In the two-man bobsled event at the 1964
Innsbruck Olympics, Monti was the leader after his final run.
The only one given a chance to beat him was Tony Nash of
Great Britain. As Nash and his teammate got ready for their
final run, they discovered that a critical bolt on their sled had
snapped at the last moment. Monti was informed of the
problem and immediately took the corresponding bolt from
his own sled and sent it up to Nash. Nash fixed his sled, came
hurtling down the course to set a record and won the gold
medal.
What to do:
 Remember that our children should have high
Christian standards, and kindness should be one of
them.

********************

The Christian and His Message

April 27

Bible Reading: Matthew 23:13-24

Key Verse: Verse 24 - Ye blind guides, which strain at
a gnat, and swallow a camel."
Key Words: strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel

Have you ever given much thought to the world in

which our children live? They are under authority all day
long! Do this! Dont do that! They are constantly in
subjection to Mom and Dad, and on occasion they are not
only going to disagree with you, they are going to disobey you;
thus the stage is now set for the clash of the wills. These
clashes are not always necessary. Some of them, if not most of
them, could easily be avoided by applying a few simple
principles. These principles also apply to an adult and
relationships with other adults.

1. Be pleasable. Children automatically put up their

defenses when they know the parents or a parent is
seldom pleased with what they do. Let your children
know when they please you (Mark 1:11).
2. Be non-argumentative. DO NOT put yourself in a
position where you are arguing with your child. If they
know you will argue with them, you have set the stage
for a clash of the wills (Ecclesiastes 10:12).
3. Major on the majors, minor on the minors. Keep
things in perspective. Do not make major issues out of
non-essentials (Matthew 23:24).
4. Avoid criticism. When correcting your child, criticism
is certainly not necessary. When you criticize your
 child, you are building resentment in them, not
respect...and again, you are setting the stage for a clash
of the wills (Ephesians 6:4).
5. Set the right example. If you have a tendency to have a
clash of the wills with those over you, then you set the
wrong example for your children (Galatians 6:7).
Now if it is necessary to discipline your child, do so;
but do avoid the unnecessary clashes of the will. Remember,
as parents, our goal is to mold them into the image of God,
not our image.

What to do:
Apply the principles listed in this devotion.

********************

What's A Parent To Do?

April 28

Bible Reading: I Corinthians 10:23-37

Key Verse: Verse 31 - Whether therefore ye eat, or
drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of
God."
Key Words: do all to the glory of God

I certainly recommend that parents take an active role

in the education of their child/ren, but with the continued
advancement in the field of education, it is hard for the
average parent to keep up academically with todays child.
For example, what was 9th grade algebra is now called basic
math and taught as early as 4th grade. Times are a-
changing! So what is a parent to do? You may want to
consider a good Christian tutor which raises another question,
How do I know if my child needs help academically? If I
may, please, let me suggest you look for the following.
 1st Grade: If your child isnt reading by mid-year, you
need to find them help before they develop a pattern of
failure.
4th Grade: This is a pivotal year. Keep a close check on
reading and math. These are very key subjects at this age.
6th Grade: Responsibilities build up this year as
preparation for high school begins. Teaching your children
organization and promptness needs to be of top priority.
9th Grade: Things now become more intense. Keep an
eye on their spiritual temperature. Academically, science is
the order of the day.
11th Grade: ACTs, SATs, PSATs, college preparation. A
good academic coach is vital for success in this area.
We certainly will pray that God will grant you His
wisdom as you parent your child/ren through the academics
of life. But always remember, the reason we stress the
academics is so your child can be prepared to serve God.
Always remember that while As are great, the goal is not As,
it is your child doing his/her best for Gods glory.

What to do:
Keep God first; but remember, if a child is lazy
academically, they tend to be lazy spiritually as well.

********************

The Heart Of A Child

April 29

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4

Key Verse: Verse 23 - Keep thy heart with all
diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
Key Words: Keep thy heart with all diligence; for
out of it are the issues of life
In Proverbs 4:23 we are told to Keep thy heart with
all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. The word
heart is used often throughout the Word of God.
 In Jeremiah 17:9, we are told that the heart is
deceitful.
In John 14, we are told to Let not your heart be
troubled.
In Deuteronomy 6:5, we see that we are to love the
Lord with all of our heart.
In Romans 10:9-10, we see the heart is vital to
salvation, That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord
Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised
him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
So what is the heart? Solomon tells us what the heart
is when he says, for out of it are the issues of life. The heart
is that which produces our actions. You can actually know the
heart of a person by their actions. Now that is a scary thought
that people can know my heart by what I do. Solomon goes
on in Proverbs 4:24-27 to give us three ways to identify our
heart.
First of all, you can know a persons heart by what they
say. Verse 24, Put away from thee a froward mouth, and
perverse lips put far from thee. If my words are froward
(crooked, dishonest) or perverse (misleading), then my heart
is dishonest and misleading. If I gossip, lie, murmur,
complain, backbite, it is because my heart is filled with gossip,
lies, murmuring, complaints, and backbiting. On the other
hand, if my words are pure and clean, that reveals a pure and
clean heart. So as you listen to people talk, you can know
their heart. Matthew 12:34, for out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaketh.
Secondly, you can know a persons heart by what they
look at or watch. Verse 25, Let thine eyes look right on, and
let thine eyelids look straight before thee. A heart that is out
of control looks at things that he or she should not. There is
no reason to explain here, this is pretty clear.
Thirdly, you can know a persons heart by where they
go. Verses 26-27, Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy
ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the
left: remove thy foot from evil. Do I go to the house of God
or the ballfield? Do I go soul-winning or to fulfill my hobby?
Do I go to movies which I should not be seeing? Oh well, you
get the idea.
So based on these three things: my wordswhat I say,
my eyeswhat I see, and my feetwhere I go; I can tell what
the spiritual condition of my heart is.

What to do:
Remember, you can know your childs heart by what
they say, by what they want to watch or see, and by
where they want to go.

********************
For Parents Only
April 30

Bible Reading: I Samuel 2:22-36

Key Verse: Verse 24- Nay, my sons; for it is no good
report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to
transgress."
Key Words: it is no good report that I hear

Here are my ten commandments for spoiling your

child. I guarantee complete success if you apply these ten
commandments.
1. Always make excuses for your childs actions and
behavior. Cover for them and never make them
accountable for their actions.
2. Begin with birth always giving the child everything
he/she wants.
3. When he picks up a bad habit and fusses, always laugh
and think it is cute.
4. Never let your child hear you say Thats wrong. You
may ruin his character.
5. Let your child make the final decisions with no
guidance from you at all.
 6. Clean up after your child. They will always love you
for that.
7. Always quarrel in front of your children. They gain
plenty of experience that way.
8. Spend a lot of time away from home working so your
child can learn self-reliance.
9. Always take the childs side against authority. They
will think youre great for that.
10. Always remember that your child should never have it
as hard as you did as a child for we know how it ruined
you.
If you want your child to be spoiled, follow this advice.
If not, be careful, he/she may turn out too good!

What to do:
Praise the Lord, for He is great!

Additional Thoughts:
There are three common mistakes we, as parents, make which
cause our children to doubt their self-worth.

1. Parental Insensitivity As a parent, guard what you say

in front of your children. How many times have I had
parents come to me regarding their children and give
the nitty-gritty details of their childs problem while
the object of the conversation (the child) is standing a
yard behind them listening to the candid details of all
their faults. Parents, we should not only be sensitive
but sensible.
2. Fatigue and Time Pressure Parents are often pricked
to the limits of their endurance by what I call the time
pressure. Dad is holding down three jobs, and huffs
 and puffs to keep up with it all; Mom never has a free
minute. She carries the kids to school and then is off
to work. She picks the kids up from daycare, prepares
the evening meal, washes dishes, does homework, off
to ball practice or music lessons, bathes the kids, puts
them to bed, and then drops down on the couch, only
to remember she has to do it all over again tomorrow..
As the commercial says, Slow down, America!
Whats your rush, anyway? Do you really call this
living? No wonder our children turn to the world to
give them time. We are so busy that we fail to give
them what they long for: US. But often because of
pressure, all they get from us are words of anger and
sarcasm. So much for their self-worth!
3. Guilt In case you havent noticed, parenthood is a very
guilt-producing affair. As previously mentioned
above, we are busy and know our children need our
time and love, but we must also be providers as well.
All of this equals to a feeling of guilt and failure. Sit
down, write out and re-evaluate your time and
finances, and see if you cannot re-arrange your
schedule for at least one hour a day of quality time
with your child and along with that, attempt to give
them a special day out of each week when the family
spends time together. They are worth it, arent they?

The following is taken from a group of ten year-olds at

Brookside Community School in Brookside, New Jersey. Here
is what ten year-olds said about grown-ups.

1. Grown-ups make promises, then forget them or never

carry them out.
2. Grown-ups make us do what they dont do, like clean
up your room.
3. Grown-ups are not good listeners. They have their
minds made up even before they let you talk.
4. When a grown-up makes a mistake, they wont admit
it.
 5. Grown-ups interrupt children all the time; but if we
interrupt them, we are rude.
6. Grown-ups make threats that they dont carry out, like
if you do this again, Ill punish you.
7. And last of all, grown-ups tell you how important you
are, then do other things rather than spend time with
you.

While children should respect authority, authority should also

be respectable.

Notes:
I deeply appreciate the
help of

Mary Parsons

Glenda Myrick

And my lovely wife, Linda

Without God using these

people to help, this
devotional would not
have been possible.
Dr. Mike Rouse
 is a ministry of

5568 Chalkville Mountain Road

Birmingham, AL. 35235
(205) 854-2741
www.mountainviewbaptist.org