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The Parenting Profession

In the Word

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).

Of the Word

Advanced degrees are required for those in many professions — doctors, lawyers, pastors, engineers. Yet parenting, probably the most important profession one can have, requires no advanced degree.

Parents are to be guides, supporters, and encouragers as they help children discover their talents, develop their abilities, and use their gifts. Most importantly, God commands that parents be responsible for their spiritual training. When the writer of Proverbs reminds us to Train up a child in the way he should go… “the way” is God’s way.

Parents cheer at ball games and applaud at dance recitals, but how much more important it is to be actively involved in a child’s spiritual growth! A Christian parent’s daily example is a child’s best sermon.

Parenting never ends — just as praying for one’s children is a life-long privilege. And no advanced degree is needed for that.

A Point to Ponder: Who was most faithful in teaching me the way— God’s way — for my life?

Walking with my Lord

Thank You, Lord, for enabling Christian parents to teach their children of Your love. Help me to share my faith by both word and example. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 21/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Listen Up!

In the Word

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it.” (Proverbs 8:32–33).

Of the Word

“Turn. That. Thing. Down!” came Dad’s sharp words when the radio blared. “Change the channel! Now!” was Mom’s direction when the TV show was too steamy for young minds. Today’s noises come from more sources — movies, video games, and social media. Some noises are so loud they even cause ear damage. How can the world’s noises be turned off before they cause even more damage: heart and mind damage?

God’s instruction is … listen to me (Proverbs 8:32). He directs His people to think of … whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable… (Philippians 4:8b). When these good things fill hearts and minds, God promises His blessings. … the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

A Point to Ponder: What noises are interfering with my time for listening to God?

Walking with my Lord

Dear Heavenly Father, help me to avoid the noises and distractions that pull me away from You. Give me wisdom to choose what is good and right for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 20/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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A Heart Full of Trust

In the Word

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5).

Of the Word

With the shot clock ticking down, player #9 heaved the ball to #35, who swished it into the basket for a 3-pointer. Hours of practice had built the trust that each man would be in position for the play.

Do God’s children “practice” trusting in Him? King Solomon gives the directive, Trust in the LORD … (Proverbs 3:5a). Not in a teammate, a spouse, a friend, an employer — but in the Lord. How much trust? A little bit? Enough to get me through the mess? No, trust … with all your heart. All!

But what else? Surely there’s something I can do. Yes, get the facts, make evaluations; assess the situation, all the while asking for God’s guidance. Trust His promise, “… I know the plans I have for you … plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). What more could we ask than to be blessed with a hope and a future from the One Who loves us best?

A Point to Ponder: What special circumstance do I face today for which I need to hear these words, Trust in the LORD with all your heart?

Walking with my Lord

Dear Lord, help me to trust in You for every decision, great or small. Fill my heart with the gifts of peace and understanding. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 19/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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