Day Two

Protecting Your Children - pgs 173-176

Realize
1. Children are a valuable treasure; they must be carefully protected, cared for, and nurtured. As you would protect a delicate seedling from winter storms and regularly give it water, what are some things you can do to care for your precious seedlings" - your children?
* Protect them
* Give them

2. Read Psalm 101. In your own words, summarize what these verses say about the environment parents should seek to create in their homes.

3. Read Psalm 92:13-15. What encouragement do these verses give to parents who seek to raise their children in a Christ-centered environment?

Reflect
4. While God does not intend for us to know evil by experiencing it ourselves, our children need to understand that evil exists and to learn to discern between good and evil. How can parents help their children develop that kind of discernment without exposing them to influences from which they should be protected?

5. Read Matthew 5:13-16. What are some practical ways you can give your children a vision for becoming a righteous influence in an unrighteous world?

Respond
6. If you have children still living at home, prayerfully consider the various influences in their lives. Ask the Lord to show you any negative influences from which they need to be protected and any positive influences that need to be added. Write down any specifics He brings to mind.

* Entertainment (TV, movies, computer games, Internet)
* Reading (books, magazines)
* Music
* Friends
* Education (school, teachers, textbooks)
* Atmosphere and example in the home

Prayer of the Day
Lord, please make me discerning and alert to protect my children from evil influences, even if that means being different than others around us. Give my children a desire for what is holy, true, and good. Help me to model right choices for them. I pray that my children will grow up to love You with all their hearts and to bring You glory in this world. Amen.