This devotional provides overarching parenting principles from Scripture, along with teaching and inspiration for contributing to a child’s relationship with God and alignment under His plan. It also provides specific encouragement to parents as they live out Kingdom-minded values and instill them in their children—including the power of prayer, wisdom, loving God’s Word, getting through trials, controlling the tongue, developing patience, the surrender of service, and more.
This devotional provides overarching parenting principles from Scripture, along with teaching and inspiration for contributing to a child’s relationship with God and alignment under His plan. It also provides specific encouragement to parents as they live out Kingdom-minded values and instill them in their children—including the power of prayer, wisdom, loving God’s Word, getting through trials, controlling the tongue, developing patience, the surrender of service, and more.
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Overview
This devotional provides overarching parenting principles from Scripture, along with teaching and inspiration for contributing to a child’s relationship with God and alignment under His plan. It also provides specific encouragement to parents as they live out Kingdom-minded values and instill them in their children—including the power of prayer, wisdom, loving God’s Word, getting through trials, controlling the tongue, developing patience, the surrender of service, and more.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781624054228 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Focus on the Family |
| Publication date: | 12/18/2014 |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 208 |
| File size: | 840 KB |
About the Author
DR. TONY EVANS is the founder and president of The Urban Alternative, a national ministry dedicated to restoring hope in personal lives, families, churches and communities. Dr. Evans also serves as senior pastor of Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas. He is a bestselling author and his radio program, The Alternative with Dr. Tony Evans, is heard on nearly 1,000 stations around the globe every day. For more information, visit: tonyevans.org.
Read an Excerpt
Raising Kingdom Kids Devotional
By Tony Evans
Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
Copyright © 2014 Focus on the FamilyAll rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-1-62405-409-9
CHAPTER 1
Kingdom Parents Glorify God
You will never glory in God till first of all God has killed your glorying in yourself.
—Charles H. Spurgeon
A kingdom has to have a king. Understanding that is imperative as we take the journey of raising kingdom kids. In God's kingdom, He is the absolute Ruler of all creation and His authority is final. God has just one agenda: to glorify Himself through the advancement of His kingdom.
Glory is an often misunderstood word. In Scripture, the phrase "the glory of the Lord" (Exodus 24:16–17) often refers to God's holy presence. Other mentions of glory can refer to the praise and honor that God deserves (Luke 2:14). God is all about getting glory. God is not wrong or narcissistic for doing this. He is fully within His rights as the Creator of all—infinite, all-powerful, and holy. He rules over everything and sacrificed His own Son, Jesus Christ, to save humanity from sin. He is worthy of all glory.
Parents, God created you and your children for His glory. Raising kingdom kids is all about orienting your children to God's kingdom purposes—His principles and what He wants to accomplish on the earth. At the heart of the kingdom agenda is the reality that no separation exists between the sacred and the secular. All of life is spiritual, because all of life comes under God's rule. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, "Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." Seek to glorify God every day, and teach your children to do the same. It is what you were created to do.
Application
1. Be honest: Whose glory are you living for at home? at work? at church?
2. What hinders you from bringing God the praise He deserves?
3. What's one practical way you can teach your children to glorify God today?
Prayer
Lord, I know You created me to glorify You. Help me orient my life toward this goal and give me the wisdom to lead my family this way too. Amen.
CHAPTER 2Kingdom Parents Don't Lose Heart
The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places.
—Haldir the elf, J. R. R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring
The Magic Kingdom is quite a sight to behold.
From the moment visitors set foot inside Disney World, they are inundated with a smorgasbord of visual delights, cheery music, smiling characters, and chipper employees. Fantasy, fun, and nostalgia are everywhere. It's almost as if Disney is daring you to be glum.
But it's all a fairy tale.
Outside Disney's gates, the real world can be a dark place. Because of sin's corruption, God's earthly kingdom—created in perfection in Genesis 1—has gone from Cinderella's Castle to the Haunted Mansion (see Genesis 3). There is nothing magical about the worldly kingdom, even though society would have you believe otherwise. While the world lies about its pleasures, all sorts of godless rebellion such as murder, deceit, pride, idolatry, and lust, attack God's creation.
But don't lose heart. God has provided hope and victory through Jesus. As Colossians 1:13–14 says, "For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
As you raise kingdom kids, be shrewd about the world in which you live. But don't be afraid, because our Savior has overcome the world! (John 16:33). We do not belong to this earthly kingdom. We are part of God's kingdom where He gives the agenda and we are to advance it ... in our own lives and in the lives of our children.
Application
1. In what ways can you focus more on Jesus' victory than the world's evil?
2. What lies about the world's true nature have you found yourself believing?
3. How can you encourage your children to avoid deceitful or worldly pleasures?
Prayer
Father, thank You for overcoming the world through Jesus. Please help my family and me to be in the world but not of the world. Amen.
CHAPTER 3Kingdom Parents Reflect Christ
We are the culmination of God's infinitely wise and skillful work of creation.
—Theology professor Wayne Grudem
At the height of his career, Andre Agassi had everything. The Hall of Fame tennis star owned a blistering forehand, numerous endorsement deals, and amazing hair.
In the early 1990s, a thirty-second TV ad featured Agassi sporting his signature headband and mullet. A Canon EOS Rebel camera snapped images of his bad-boy coolness as he posed in various locations. At the end, Agassi adjusted his glasses, flashed a smile, and said, "Image is everything."
In a manner of speaking, image is everything in life. But not exactly like that commercial had in mind. Genesis 1:26 tells us that on the sixth day of creation, God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness." Humans were created to be image bearers of their Creator. As a camera records an image seen through its lens, we are to reflect God's nature, character, values, and principles through our words and actions.
This concept is also vitally important in the realm of child rearing. As parents, we must teach our children the significance of submitting to God's all-encompassing authority in their lives. Through that submission comes their greatest influence and impact for God. Only when we submit to our Creator will we find true purpose, peace, and joy in life.
Indeed, bearing God's image is everything ... and best of all, we don't have to have a mullet haircut.
Application
1. What do you think it means to be made in God's image?
2. What part of God's image are you representing well right now? In what areas do you need improvement?
3. How can you reflect God to your kids today in the way you act and speak?
Prayer
God, thank You for creating me in Your likeness. Please help me to be a faithful image bearer of You to those around me, especially my children. Amen.
CHAPTER 4Kingdom Parents Have a Thriving Faith
Our children will learn righteousness best by seeing it lived out in every possible way in our lives.
—Writer and speaker Sally Clarkson
As a frequent flyer, I've heard flight attendants give the preflight safety reminders hundreds of times. One of those tips has always stood out in my mind: if the cabin loses air pressure and oxygen masks drop from the overhead compartment, adults should put on their own masks before helping any children.
The same principle applies to parenting. Before training their children, kingdom parents must continue to mature in the Lord. It is difficult for parents to pass on a faith they do not possess.
The best way for you to inspire your kids to have their own faith is for them to witness your faith—not only in and through your words but also in and through your actions.
Children will have a difficult time learning to trust God, tell the truth, or show patience if they don't see their parents exemplifying these virtues. Before Deuteronomy 6:7 exhorts parents to train their children in God's laws—"You shall teach them diligently to your children" (ESV)—it first says in verse 6, "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart" (ESV). Parents, the seeds of God's truth must be flourishing in you before any significant growth can be expected in the young hearts you're tending.
Application
1. In what ways can you keep God's Word consistently on your heart?
2. How are you seeking to continuously grow in your faith?
3. In what ways can you model godly faith to your children today?
Prayer
God, help me teach my children about You by first living out my faith in an authentic way. Amen.
CHAPTER 5Kingdom Parents Are Resourceful
Maybe it's about time I expanded the realm of possibilities around here.
—TV secret agent MacGyver
It seemed MacGyver could do anything. He disarmed missiles with paper clips and created explosives out of salt, sugar, and weed killer. From 1985 to 1992, MacGyver was one of the most popular shows on TV. MacGyver was more than a secret agent; he was a human Swiss Army Knife.
Raising kingdom kids in a fallen world often requires some MacGyver resourcefulness. But if you're running low on paper clips and fresh out of weed killer, don't worry. God knows exactly what you need to accomplish your parenting mission. In Genesis 1:28, God told history's first parents, Adam and Eve, to "be fruitful and multiply." But the verse also says that before God gave His commandment, "God blessed them." In other words, God empowered these parents to fulfill His command before He issued it.
God has already provided you with all the tools you'll need for parenting success. His holy Word speaks truth into all life situations. His Spirit empowers families to fulfill godly goals. And prayer can move mountains.
Sure, you may need a little duct tape to patch up a car fender or broken relationship. But you're never trapped in a no-win situation. Use all the resources at your disposal and know that God has blessed you with everything you need for the tasks ahead.
Application
1. Do you truly believe God has given you everything you need to parent your children?
2. Are there areas in your life in which you are trying to fix or jerry-rig tricky situations on your own? If so, how can you trust God more in those areas?
3. In which areas of your parenting life can you take advantage of the spiritual tools God has provided?
Prayer
God, thank You for equipping me with everything I need to raise kingdom kids. Help me trust You and take full advantage of Your blessings. Amen.
CHAPTER 6Kingdom Parents Aren't Perfect
I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for, perfection is God's business.
—Actor Michael J. Fox
A recent column by writer Heather Lende caught my eye. She confessed to spending her whole life trying to be perfect. While raising four children under the age of five, she served on the school board, directed community theater, made pancakes every morning, and tended a garden until ten at night. Oh, and in her spare time she ran marathons.
Then she was hit by a truck—literally. Lying flat on her back with a broken pelvis, Heather was struck even harder by the comments of her friends and family. One friend said it was nice having Heather's undivided attention for once. Her kids said it was fun having Mom available all day. That's when Heather prayed a prayer, promising she'd spend more time with her children when she was healed.
Please don't wait to get hit by a truck to learn this lesson: kingdom kids don't need perfect parents. We can't do everything right, but we serve a God who can. Kingdom kids just need authentic parents who seek to understand and apply God's principles in their homes. Don't be afraid if you don't have all the answers. When you mess up, pray to God for wisdom and ask Him to help you in the future. You may even have to ask your child for forgiveness.
By living a life of authentic dedication to God and your children, you may one day be rewarded with the greatest joy of seeing your children and grandchildren walking in His truth and making a kingdom impact.
Application
1. Have you fallen into the trap of thinking you have to be a perfect parent? How can you break out of that mind-set?
2. In what ways can you live more authentically?
3. How does increasing your availability to your children improve your ability as a parent?
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for being perfect so I don't have to be. Help me to be authentic in serving You and raising my children. Amen.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from Raising Kingdom Kids Devotional by Tony Evans. Copyright © 2014 Focus on the Family. Excerpted by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Introduction, 1,1. Kingdom Parents Glorify God, 2,
2. Kingdom Parents Don't Lose Heart, 4,
3. Kingdom Parents Reflect Christ, 6,
4. Kingdom Parents Have a Thriving Faith, 8,
5. Kingdom Parents Are Resourceful, 10,
6. Kingdom Parents Aren't Perfect, 12,
7. Kingdom Parents Continually Give Love and Time, 14,
8. Kingdom Parents Raise Leaders, 16,
9. Kingdom Parents Are There for Their Kids, 18,
10. Kingdom Parents Leave a Legacy, 20,
11. Kingdom Parents Set a High Standard, 22,
12. Kingdom Parents Are Not Common, 24,
13. Kingdom Parents Don't Outsource, 26,
14. Kingdom Parents Focus on the Future, 28,
15. Kingdom Parents Cover All the Bases, 30,
16. Kingdom Parents Feed Their Children, 32,
17. Kingdom Parents Pass Along God's Word, 34,
18. Kingdom Parents Are Purposeful, 36,
19. Kingdom Parents Cultivate a Healthy Fear of God, 38,
20. Kingdom Parents Stand Strong, 40,
21. Kingdom Parents Know the Power of a Name, 42,
22. Kingdom Parents Set Boundaries, 44,
23. Kingdom Parents Teach Obedience, 46,
24. Kingdom Parents Build a Foundation, 48,
25. Kingdom Parents Bless Their Children, 50,
26. Kingdom Parents Start Where They Are, 52,
27. Kingdom Parents Uncover Their Children's Gifts, 54,
28. Kingdom Parents View Their Children Through God's Eyes, 56,
29. Kingdom Parents Show Affection, 58,
30. Kingdom Parents Love God, 60,
31. Kingdom Parents Love in Words and Actions, 62,
32. Kingdom Parents Value Love Over Faith, 64,
33. Kingdom Parents Train Their Children in the Way They Should Go, 66,
34. Kingdom Parents Are Patient, 68,
35. Kingdom Parents Forgive, 70,
36. Kingdom Parents Are Encouragers, 72,
37. Kingdom Parents Don't Exasperate Their Kids, 74,
38. Kingdom Parents Correct Their Children, 76,
39. Kingdom Parents Don't Play Favorites, 78,
40. Kingdom Parents Reward Obedience, 80,
41. Kingdom Parents Look for Teachable Moments, 82,
42. Kingdom Parents Insist on Honor, 84,
43. Kingdom Parents Squash Rebellion, 86,
44. Kingdom Parents Model Respect, 88,
45. Kingdom Parents Act Like a Filter, 90,
46. Kingdom Parents Are More Than Rule Makers, 92,
47. Kingdom Parents Communicate Clearly, 94,
48. Kingdom Parents Give a Quantity of Quality Time, 96,
49. Kingdom Parents Are Honest, 98,
50. Kingdom Parents Address Their Anger, 100,
51. Kingdom Parents Listen Well, 102,
52. Kingdom Parents Pray Together as a Family, 104,
53. Kingdom Parents Make Mealtimes Matter, 106,
54. Kingdom Parents Treasure God's Word, 108,
55. Kingdom Parents Pray for Their Children, 110,
56. Kingdom Parents Clean Their Children's Ears, 112,
57. Kingdom Parents Instill the Virtue of Wisdom, 114,
58. Kingdom Parents Avoid Misinformation, 116,
59. Kingdom Parents Teach Personal Finances, 118,
60. Kingdom Parents Make Healthy Choices, 120,
61. Kingdom Parents Live with Integrity, 22,
62. Kingdom Parents Know Integrity Is More Than a Checklist, 124,
63. Kingdom Parents Concentrate on the Inside of the Cup, 126,
64. Kingdom Parents Take Risks for God, 128,
65. Kingdom Parents Have a Solid Reputation, 130,
66. Kingdom Parents Expect Trials, 132,
67. Kingdom Parents Run with Endurance, 134,
68. Kingdom Parents Take God at His Word, 136,
69. Kingdom Parents Find Light in the Darkness, 138,
70. Kingdom Parents Lay Aside Encumbrances, 140,
71. Kingdom Parents Study God's Playbook, 142,
72. Kingdom Parents Properly Respond to Trials, 144,
73. Kingdom Parents Teach Tenacity, 146,
74. Kingdom Parents Find Joy in Suffering, 148,
75. Kingdom Parents Let Their Children Regrip the Bar, 150,
76. Kingdom Parents Can't Ignore Sex, 152,
77. Kingdom Parents Teach Their Children They Belong to God, 154,
78. Kingdom Parents Flee Immorality, 156,
79. Kingdom Parents Instill That Sex Is for Marriage, 158,
80. Kingdom Parents Know That Sex Cements People Together, 160,
81. Kingdom Parents Stress Service, 162,
82. Kingdom Parents Encourage Their Children to Be Great, 164,
83. Kingdom Parents Put Compassion into Action, 166,
84. Kingdom Parents Humble Themselves, 168,
85. Kingdom Parents Push the Right Way, 170,
86. Kingdom Parents Are Intentional, 172,
87. Kingdom Parents Battle Against Culture, 174,
88. Kingdom Parents Follow a High Calling, 176,
89. Kingdom Parents Give It Everything They've Got, 178,
90. Kingdom Parents Pass Down Their Faith, 180,
Notes, 182,