Ed Young Devotionals

Romans 12:12 and James 1:4, applied to parenting strong-willed children, emphasize the importance of consistency in applying discipline and guidance, suggesting that while it may take time for behaviors to become habits, with patience, persistence, and God's help, parents can effectively guide their children towards their God-given purpose, and encourages not to give up but to evaluate and reinforce consistent expectations within the family.

3 John 4 illustrates the deep joy in seeing one's children walk in the truth, emphasizing that such a walk aligns with God's likes and dislikes, involves being conformed to His image, and requires living in accordance with His commands, highlighting the importance of parents not only teaching but also embodying these truths in daily life to guide their children's spiritual growth.

1 Peter 5:2-3 likens parenting to the role of a shepherd, emphasizing the responsibility to guard and guide children in the manner of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, by nurturing and leading them on the path of righteousness while protecting them from worldly dangers, and encouraging parents to embrace this role with dedication and willingness, drawing inspiration and guidance from Christ's example.

Hebrews 12:10-11 highlights the importance of discipline in parenting, not as a means of punishment, but as a way to teach children right from wrong and to develop their moral compass, emphasizing that while discipline may seem painful at the time, it ultimately leads to a harvest of righteousness and peace, and urging parents to be consistent and thoughtful in setting rules and consequences for their children's growth and well-being.

Matthew 6:34, applied to the context of parenting, encourages us to focus on the present moments with our children, balancing our concerns for their future with the importance of creating lasting memories and imparting valuable spiritual lessons today, reminding us to cherish and make the most of our time with them without being consumed by worry about what might happen tomorrow.

Psalm 127:1, reflected in a parent's realization of their role as a steward rather than an owner of their children, highlights the importance of guiding and nurturing children with the understanding that they are entrusted to us by God, encouraging us to lead them towards His purposes and to rely on His wisdom and guidance in parenting.

Joshua 4:6 and Deuteronomy 6:6-7 emphasize the importance of using our children's natural curiosity as opportunities to share and impress upon them the stories of God's faithfulness and miracles, encouraging parents to be involved, model, and instruct, thus ensuring that the legacy of God's unwavering faithfulness and power is passed down through generations.

Psalm 1:1-3, likened to parenting, emphasizes the importance of nurturing children in faith and the church, just as one tends to a growing tree, to instill deep, resilient roots that prepare them for life's uncertainties, ensuring that their foundation in God's Word and active church engagement will enable them to thrive and bear the fruits of faith.

Ephesians 6:1-3, reflecting on the challenges of parenting disobedient children, emphasizes the universal human struggle with sin and the importance of obedience, suggesting that proper, biblical discipline is essential for preparing children to lead purposeful, godly lives, and urging parents to seek wisdom and consistency in addressing disobedience to positively shape their children's moral foundation.

Psalm 145:4-6 highlights the transformative power of worship, emphasizing that what captivates our hearts shapes our lives, and underscoring the importance of teaching future generations to understand and express adoration towards God, thereby ensuring that the practice of worshiping Him is carried forward through time.

Galatians 6:9, applied to the context of parenting, encourages perseverance in the face of challenges with strong-willed children, assuring us that faithful parenting, aligned with God's guidance and accompanied by prayer, will yield positive outcomes despite the reality of children's free will, and urging us to trust in God’s work in their lives.

2 Corinthians 12:9, paralleled with the journey of baby sea turtles, illustrates the importance of allowing our children to face struggles as part of their growth, teaching us to trust God's purpose in their challenges, and to support them with prayer and guidance, recognizing that like the turtles, their strength and resilience are developed through their trials.