As parents, the two most important things we can pass on to our children is the importance of faith and prayer.
What the Word Says:
First, Faith:
In Hebrews 11:6 we read that: without faith it is impossible to please God, for He that comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him”.
In 1 Peter 5:8-9 we read: “ Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.
Without faith, we cannot please God; without faith we cannot resist the devil.
In Romans 10:17 we read: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.
Throughout the New Testament we read about all kinds of faith — great faith, weak faith, strong faith, little faith, no faith — and the results that occur. We need to learn how to build and keep great faith.
Second, Prayer:
On the subject of prayer, both the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Apostle Paul, spent a great deal of time both praying and teaching on the importance of prayer.
In John 16:23-24 Jesus said: “And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.
In Philippians 4:6 Paul said: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, present your requests to God”.
And finally, in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, Paul wrote: “pray without ceasing”.
Prayer is not a religious thing, it is a legal thing. God knows what we need before we ask, but He needs us to ask.
It’s important that we, as parents, set the example for our children of how to build and keep strong faith and how to pray effectively for a God pleasing, overcoming life. There are no perfect people or parents, but when we get back up and keep moving forward in the Word our children will see that and learn.
Let’s enjoy the journey!
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Joe McGee, author, national conference speaker, father, and former school administrator, is the founder and director of Joe McGee Ministries, Inc. and Faith For Families Ministries.
Joe presents some of the most entertaining yet practical and insightful teaching on the family available today. Packing more into one sermon than anyone you've ever met, Joe's insights into relationships will open up scriptural secrets and common-sense applications which will powerfully change your marriage, your family and your life. He comes with years of experience and a humorous easy to listen to style that will help families become who God intended them to be.
A husband of more than 30 years and father of six children, Joe, along with his wife, Denise, has invested the past 20 years in family, marriage, and parenting issues.
Joe and his family currently make their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.