As we practice “Parenting with Purpose” Psalm 78 reminds us that we must not only teach children of God’s greatness (Psalm 78:14), and Teach our children God’s Word (Psalm 78:5-7), we must also teach our children to trust God (Psalm 78:7). One of the key ways we do this is by trusting God ourselves, and sharing stories to our children about God’s faithfulness with them. These verses tell how God forgot about the Lord’s work, but how could they forget? It is easy to forget what you don’t teach and reinforce. When God parted the Jordan for Israel to pass through, Joshua set up stones to commemorate God’s mighty acts so future generations would remember (Josh 4:20-24). It is important to remember, and remind ourselves of how God has provided for us in the past, because He is the same God who will provide for us in the future. While God doesn’t always provide in the same way, it is sufficient to remember that He will provide for us out of His great love and concern for His children. Trust is built on the confidence we have in the word of the one who makes the promise with us. God … READ MORE

David said in Psalm 119:1, “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Today most adults do not routinely memorize the Word of God. Yet, without that Word hidden in their lives we can not apply the second principle that Psalm 78:1-8 shares, which is found in verses 5-7, “To make know to their children” the truth of God’s Word. We must be involved in sharing with our children the Word of God so that they in turn can impact future generations with that same truth. But in order to do that we must know, understand, and apply it to our own lives. We need to remember that every church, community, and society is only one generation removed from error. One of the realities of our country is that for generations, one of the consistent books used to teach and instruct children, even in our education system, was the Word of God. It should come as no surprise to us, that the removal of God and the Bible from our schools, and court systems goes hand in hand with the decline of this country morally. It has all really happened in one generation, … READ MORE

Psalm 78:1-14 gives us four principles to follow in parenting with purpose. It also challenges us to be the person that God desires us to become. Parenting is not just about raising children to honor the Lord, it is a process designed to make us more like Christ. You will never learn more about God’s love for us, and what forgiveness is all about than when we take on the role of a parent! As we do so, the first principle that is seen in this passage is found in verse 14 “In the daytime also [God] led [the Israelites} with the cloud, and all the night with a light of fire.” We must begin by learning and teaching our children about God’s greatness. It is our responsibility to teach our children, grandchildren, and our spiritual children of God’s greatness! Psalm 145:3-4 reminds us, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.” God is working mightily all around us, we just need spiritual eyes to see those mighty deeds. Pray today, that the LORD will allow you to see and … READ MORE