Parenting

Message: Parenting

· 2 Chronicles 20:10-12

a. Example of how King Jehoshaphat prayed

b. First half, shows humility - - he didn’t know what to do

c. Second half, shows trust - - their hope is in God

i. Great prayer for parents

· Is God first in your life?

a. Does God get your first day of the week for worship? (Going to church)

b. Does God get the first part of your day?

c. Does God get your tithes?

d. Are you other-centered, not self-centered?

· Seven important things to focus on when parenting:

a. Pursue Jesus with your whole heart

b. Love their mom

c. Express your deep love to your kids

d. Parents are in charge, not the kids

e. Raise your kids to leave home

f. Enjoy them

g. Pray for them and with them

· If you want your child to love God, love God first.

· If you want your child to be obedient, obey first.

Questions

1. If you were starting parenting all over again, what would you do?
2. What would you have liked your parents to have done when raising you?
3. Are you putting God first in your life? Do your children see this example?
4. How well are you “loving” your wife? How well do you feel your husband is “loving” you?
5. Of the seven important things to focus on listed above, which is the most challenging for you?
6. Is there another “focus” you would add to this list?
7. Ask God to reveal any areas of pride or guilt you are harboring from parenting.