“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them.” Psalm 127:1-5 NIV
“My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones. Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.” Proverbs 2:1-10 NIV
The Principle: Success is not a [text]; it’s a [text].
The Priority: Focus on the people they can [text], not the places they’ll [text].
1. Give Them Freedom For [text]
“An intelligent person is always eager to take in more truth; fools feed on fast-food fads and fancies.” Proverbs 15:14 MSG
“The one who seeks good finds delight; the student of evil becomes evil.” Proverbs 11:27 MSG
[area]
2. Let Them [text] Their Own [text]
“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NIV
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NIV
[area]
3. Trade In The Dream [text] For A Dream [text]
“A bowl of vegetables with someone you love is better than steak with someone you hate.” Proverbs 15:17 NLT
[area]
4. Point Them In The Right [text]
“Work hard and become a leader; be lazy and become a slave.” Proverbs 12:24 NLT
“Discipline your children while you still have the chance; indulging them destroys them.” Proverbs 19:18 MSG
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
[area]
5. Pray For Godly [text]
“My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for the Lord is your security. …He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.” Proverbs 3:21, 26 NLT
[area]
My Decision Today:
I will begin applying these truths to my parenting, especially the two I’ve circled.
I’d like more info about following Jesus or being baptized.
Week 1: “Oh, The Places You’ll Go!”
The Principle: Success is not a [text]; it’s a [text].
The Priority: Focus on the people they can [text], not the places they’ll [text].
1. Give Them Freedom For [text]
[area]
2. Let Them [text] Their Own [text]
[area]
3. Trade In The Dream [text] For A Dream [text]
[area]
4. Point Them In The Right [text]
[area]
5. Pray For Godly [text]
[area]
My Decision Today:
I will begin applying these truths to my parenting, especially the two I’ve circled.
I’d like more info about following Jesus or being baptized.
I’d like more info about connecting in a group.
I’d like more info on serving on a team.