Wednesday, 30^th March, 2022

Bible Reading: Proverbs 22:6, Ephesians 6:4

Memory Verse: Train up a child in the way he should go [teaching him to seek God’s wisdom and will for his abilities and talents], Even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (AMP)

Let’s endeavour to answer the question the topic of today’s devotional poses with the acronym PARENT:

1. P – A parent is a PRIEST: A parent ensures the family altar is alive and should also show their children the way of God. Never give the excuse of work as an excuse for your fireless prayer altar. Bet me, when the devil comes knocking, you will surely have time for prayers. Be warned!

2. A – A parent is AVAILABLE: Jesse Jackson said, “Your children need your presence more than your presents”. In other words, they want your company more than what you provide for them. Be available for your children. Don’t give the excuse of work or ministry workload. You will always have time for what you consider important.

3. R – A parent is a REFERENCE. Be that role model your children are looking for. Be the primary source of information and advice for your children, as such, you must always interact with them.

4. E – A parent is an EXAMPLE: One parent called the school of her child to ask if someone can be allowed to write the examination for her child. That is bad legacy the parent is leaving behind for his children. Tomorrow that child will also engage in cheating and cutting corners in order to succeed in life. In addition, be conscious of how you behave in the presence of your children. What you wear, the way you drive, your words, the kind of music you listen and dance to, including the television programmes you watch. Remember action speaks louder than words.

5. N – A parent is  NEUTRAL: Don’t show favouritism amongst your children as it will lead to jealousy and unhealthy rivalry. Siblings have been known to kill each other because of parental favoritism.

6. T – A parent is a TRAINER: The Bible says in Proverbs 22:6 as follows, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it”. The training starts when they are still children not teenagers. As such, stop the procrastination and begin to train them now. No matter how rich you are, teach your children morals, etiquette, love for their neighbours, justice, truthfulness, etc. Having a washing machine shouldn’t stop them from knowing how to wash their clothes by themselves. Having a housemaid shouldn’t stop them from knowing how to lay their bed, cook, wash dishes, and do other house chores. Raise a balanced child.

Quote: Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands – Anne Frank

Prophetic Decree: Your children shall possess the gates of their enemies, in Jesus name.

Prayer Focus

1. Thank you Father for the gift of children, in Jesus name.

2. I come against wolves in sheep clothings around my children, in Jesus name.

3. Polluters and seducers of children into wrong habits, my children are not your candidate, in Jesus mighty name.

4. Every wrong habits (drug addiction, bad habits, etc.) in the life of any of my children, die by fire, in Jesus name.

5. Ancestral powers of my father’s house, and my mother’s house, my children are not your candidate, in Jesus name.

6. My Father, open the womb of all those trusting you for the fruit of the womb, in Jesus name.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Judges 1-2