There are privileges to maturing in age, and one of them is the gift of grandchildren. Like a king and queen’s crown, they are exceptionally valuable and are to be displayed proudly. You look at their hands and feet, and you pray for them to handle life prayerfully and to walk wisely with the Lord. You gaze into their innocent eyes and see glimpses of God’s glory, and you pray for them to look often to the face of Jesus and know that He loves them.

Grandchildren are gifts from God that invite love and unify families. They are reminders that the Lord is at work extending His legacy. So as you love on these little ones make sure to sow into them the Word of God, and model for them grace, love, forgiveness, and fear of the Lord. Teach them to keep their eyes on Jesus, for He will never let them down. Godly grandparents invite trusting grandchildren into their lives.

Invite them to your work, so that they can see how you relate to people with patience, encouragement, and accountability. Invite them into your home, so they soak in how you unconditionally love and respect their grandmother or grandfather. Make sure they catch you laughing out loud every time they visit with you. Call them on the phone; send them emails and birthday cards; take them on trips; buy them ice cream, clothes, and their first Bible. Make their memories with you bring a smile to their face.

Lastly, if you are a parent, honor your parents by allowing them to be in the presence of your children. Take a break from parenting and let your mom and dad spoil them. If you are a grandparent, be extremely grateful to your children for the opportunity to invest in their children. Honor your children by respecting their way of parenting. Work with them and not against them. Indeed, your children still need your time, money, and wisdom.

“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children– with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts” (Psalm 103:17-18).

How can I support my children as they parent their children?

Related Readings: Psalm 78:4-6; 128:6; Proverbs 13:22; Joel 1:2-4

Taken from Reading #4 in the new eBook Wisdom for Fathers (free for June), click here: http://bit.ly/j650BI

Additional Resource: eBooks- Wisdom For Mothers, Wisdom for Graduates, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God: http://bit.ly/jHlNX0

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An expecting wife needs extra sensitivity, and a strong supportive husband. She is emotionally vulnerable, and physically overwhelmed at times. As with Mary, there may be some uncertainty of the ultimate outcome, but she trusts the Lord to care for her and her baby. The circumstances are challenging when you are away from the comforts of home and its familiar feel. Pregnancy is a transition that requires trust in the Lord.

Husbands, your expecting wife needs you to step up like Joseph and provide leadership. This is not the time to lose faith, or become frightened. Perfect love casts out fear, so overcome any apprehensions with the Christ-like love that dwells in your mind and heart. See pregnancy as a prayerful process to accomplish the plan of Almighty God, as expecting moms and dads can expect great things from Him. Hannah and her husband Elkanah gave God the glory for the blessing of their son Samuel:

“Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I asked the LORD for him” (1 Samuel 1:19-20).

Furthermore, a husband’s leadership needs to provide protection for his wife. Accompany her, as Joseph did, to new places and people who might take advantage of your sweet spirited spouse. It makes your woman feel safe and secure when you buffer her from bad people, or strangers with unseemly motives. Stay with her, and see her through stressful situations, like family members who can be awkward and insensitive toward your bride.

Intervene and defend your wife if your children, parents or siblings show disrespect, ever how subtle it might be. God in marriage made you one flesh, so if she is offended, you are offended. Of course prayerfully confront all parties in a spirit of grace and humility, but with clarity. An expecting wife is beautiful to behold, as she brings forth an innocent infant woven in her womb by God. Be there for her labor of love for the Lord, and for His gift of a precious little one to love. Mary gave God the glory for her baby Jesus!

“The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23).

Who can I support and pray for who is expecting a baby? How can I thank my heavenly Father for His gift of baby Jesus to me and to mankind?

Related Readings: Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; John 16:21; I John 4:18

Taken from Reading #1 in the upcoming new eBook, Wisdom for Fathers.

Additional Resource: eBooks, Wisdom For Mothers and Wisdom for Graduates, get your copy… http://bit.ly/jHlNX0 Kindle edition… http://amzn.to/lUaFRJ

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God gives grandparents the opportunity to be available for their grandchildren. It can be the most fulfilling season of life, because of the joy that comes from seeing the third generation follow the Lord with wholehearted commitment. Grandchildren need their grandparents for fun, support, encouragement, wisdom, security and a loving legacy.

Do you have a plan to be intentional in your grandchildren’s lives? Grandparents who take the time to be with their grandchildren invest in the next godly generation. Do you want to be remembered for being available to those who desire you the most, or for being busy doing good things for people who probably won’t attend your funeral? Bless your grandchildren with your faithfulness to them and the Lord—pray for His will in their life.

“When Israel saw the sons of Joseph, he asked, “Who are these?” “They are the sons God has given me here,” Joseph said to his father. Then Israel said, “Bring them to me so I may bless them” (Genesis 48:8-9). Grandchildren need their grandparent’s blessing.

What’s a grandparent to do if they are available, but the grandchild is unavailable? It may be a geographical challenge or a generational gap. Whatever the relational chasm, you can pray for them to love Christ. Don’t allow distance to dissolve your relationship with your grandchild. Look for creative ways to go to them—relieve mom and dad for a needed time away. Invite them to join you on an educational trip to an interesting historical site.

Moments with grandmother and granddaddy are memories that are not soon forgotten. Fishing, hunting, eating, reading, learning to drive, walking together and laughing are all healthy interactions that build a sense of belonging for grandchildren. In a transitional society it’s imperative that families find close community—perhaps you pray for a local “adopted” grandparent that can fill in the gaps of absent grandparents.

“But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” (Ruth 1:6). Commitment to family bears fruit that transcends generations.

Lastly, if you are a grandchild then reach out to your grandparents. They will not be with you forever and they cherish every word of communication with you. Visit them often at their home, call them regularly and write them nice notes thanking them for their love for you and others. The elderly need the respect and care of those blessed by their wisdom and generosity. Grandparents deserve honor expressed by our time, talent and treasures.

“‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:32).
How can I be available for my grandchildren? How can I honor my grandparents?

Related Readings: Proverbs 16:31; Isaiah 46:4; Titus 2:1-5

Support Wisdom Hunters: Learn how you can help us reach other Wisdom Hunters with your monthly donation… click here: http://wisdomhunters.com/support-wh/

Additional Resource: Learn from Pam Pugh’s video blog about raising godly daughters, click here… http://bit.ly/fb0lZH

Do you outwardly favor one of your children over another? Have you used a phrase like, “I wish you were more like your sister, she always gets an A on her tests?” If so, you are in danger of creating an environment that fosters rivalry between your children. Sad is a child who thinks they have to live up to a sister or brother’s unreachable standard.

Jealousy jabs at the heart and causes a child to react angrily toward the other object of their parent’s affection. Since they don’t feel like they measure up, they try to discredit the favored sibling or they create chaos to draw attention to themselves. It is disheartening to see even grown children remain in a state of fierce competition. Cruelty needs to be replaced with calmness—and anger with forgiveness, patience and love.

“Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (Proverbs 27:4-5).

Is there chronic conflict between your children? Is it to the point that they are becoming a poor testimony to the model of Christ’s caring approach to relationships? If so, consider creating boundaries in the home that help prevent disrespectful—even mean behavior. Start early on and instill disciplinary actions for disrespect, dishonesty and disobedience.

Perhaps you are one of the few Christians in your family and other family members treat you as suspect or strange. If so, prayerfully use your position of integrity to invest into their lives unconditional love and acceptance. Serve them unselfishly and forgive their insults expressed by their insecure attitudes and actions. You know better and they don’t.

“Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh king of Egypt. So Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace” (Acts 7:9-10).

Eventually you may be in a position to crush or care for your siblings—it is of course God’s will that you extend compassion and forgiveness toward them. When those who should love you the most treat you unfairly—forgive them—and model the gracious way of our Lord Jesus Christ. God chose your family for you—to influence them for Him.

“But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:19-21).

How can I embrace and celebrate the accomplishments of my siblings?

Related Readings: Job 42:11; Luke 14:26; Acts 13:45; 2 Corinthians 12:20

Support Wisdom Hunters: Learn how you can help us reach other Wisdom Hunters with your monthly donation… click here…http://wisdomhunters.com/support-wh/

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There is a relational richness that comes from growing old together. It may be parents, a spouse, children, siblings, friends, church acquaintances or a work associate. They all contribute to a caring community. Regardless of the source of relational fulfillment, it brings to life the Lord’s creative design of intentionality in doing life together.

We are not created by our heavenly Father to be isolated and insecure. His plan is for us is to engage with each other in meaningful conversations, patient prayer, loving service and relaxing recreation. Families and friends who grow old together are able to work through conflict, overcome obstacles, serve unselfishly and celebrate God’s faithfulness.

“I will sing of the LORD’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations” (Psalm 89:1b).

Perhaps you and your spouse pray for three other couples with whom you can invest intentional time in fun, fellowship and going deeper with the Lord. They are in a similar season of life as you, so you are able to walk together with empathetic understanding and genuine prayer support. Consider a monthly dinner with games, a Bible study or annual trips together. It’s important to grow old with those with whom you enjoy each other’s company.

Above all else, grow old with God. The Lord longs to be there for you in the ups and downs of life. His strength sustains you, His compassion carries you and His righteousness rescues you. Everyday with Jesus grows sweeter than the day before for the Christian who grows old with grace. God does not give up on you and neither should you.

“The LORD rewards everyone for their righteousness and faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23a).

Enjoy the Lord’s ever growing influence in your life. Each season of service for your Savior is meant to draw you into more intense intimacy and love. Understanding and accepting Christ’s unconditional acceptance and love gives you peace and security to relax in His righteous arms. His aging process gives you permission to be yourself. Relational richness comes from growing old with Christ and with His trusted friends.

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends” (Philippians 4:1)!

Am I intentional in growing old well with the Lord, friends and family?

Related Readings: Psalm 92:14; Ecclesiastes 4:12; Acts 2:46; 3 John 1:14

Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God

The fruit from a family who fears the Lord is tasty and delicious. However, this type of fruit does not happen immediately, but is cultivated over time. A fruitful wife sets the tone for the home. By God’s grace she weeds out criticism and replaces it with creativity. The home is her “pride and joy”. It is a reflection of her, as it is her nest.

A home to the wife is like an office to the husband. Things need to be just right or she feels violated. Indeed, be grateful for a conscientious wife who wants to express herself through the home. The fruit of a clean, decorated and ordered home is calming. It provides an environment of stability and frees family members to focus on each other and other people. A husband is free to do what he does best at work with a supportive wife at home.

A mother’s influence spreads like a lovely vine throughout the house. No area is left untouched. The children are nurtured and encouraged by her sensitivity. When instilled from birth, the fruit from children become obedience to God and love for the Lord. Their heart for God grows when parents read Bible stories to them as they wait in the womb.

The warm embrace of their little arms around your neck is the fruit of trust. The look of their kind and trusting eyes is the fruit of consistent love from mom and dad. Their bent toward love for God and people is fruit from their parent’s example of following Jesus.

Furthermore, family fruit flourishes when the man of the house models faithfulness. A husband’s intentional effort to follow the Lord ignites faith at home. A fruitful wife has no problem submitting to a husband—who submits to God. A God fearing man is quick to confess sin to his Heavenly father and to his family. It is not uncommon for him to say, “I am sorry” or “I was wrong”. Authentic confession encourages confession in others.

Confessed up hearts are family fruit. It is probable the family will pray, read their Bible and go to church, if the leader of the home does the same. Family fruit has a direct correlation to the faithfulness of the family head. Family fruit flourishes when the man fears God. Regardless of the circumstances he is committed to doing what God expects.

Therefore, your home becomes a hot house of character. The fruit threatens to bust through the glass panels for all to see. People are encouraged when they visit your hospitable home. Sinners need a safe environment, as acceptance comes from the fruit of Christ’s acceptance. Heavens dew and rainfall keep the fruit coming to a home submitted to Christ. Jesus says, “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8). Fruit is proof of faithful families.

Does my character cultivate fruit that glorifies God in my family?

Related Readings: Genesis 7:1; Proverbs 31:15; Mark 5:19; Acts 10:2

Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God

It’s hard for parents to give away their child in marriage. It’s easy for parents to give away their child in marriage. These are the mixed emotions that most fathers and mothers feel on the wedding day of their baby. We are happy the Lord brought the bride and groom together in holy matrimony, but sad to see them go. There is a hole in our hearts.

But, from the beginning our Creator made them male and female for the purpose of becoming one flesh. God’s desire for oneness with married couples can only happen by leaving their father and mother and cleaving to Christ and one another. It is sad to see them go, but there is gladness—knowing they will grow in grace and in love for one another.

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).

In fact, our child is limited in their understanding of the Lord if they remain under our roof. For their faith to become more real and robust they must become their own man or woman. Faith is meant to flourish from the foundation of a Christ-centered marriage. They become one flesh in Christ, so they can learn to passionately follow the Lord and serve others. Parents have the privilege of letting their child leave well and cleave well.

Therefore, trust God with the transition of your child into young adulthood. Do not hamper their growth by hovering, but hold them with an open hand, and watch the grace of God grow them into trophies of His truth. Let them go and let them grow. The hole in your heart means you love them so much, so love large and let the Lord fill your hole of sadness with His cup of gladness. Cleave to Christ, as they leave and cleave to one other!

“But cleave unto the LORD your God, as ye have done unto this day” (Joshua 23:8 KJV).

Do I hold my child with an open hand? Am I cleaving to my spouse and Christ alone?

Related Readings: Deuteronomy 11:22; Judges 1:13; Acts 11:23; Romans 12:9-10

Boyd Bailey is the author of Wisdom Hunters daily devotional and two devotional books, Infusion and Seeking Daily the Heart of God

There are good traditions and there are bad traditions. A good tradition aligns with God’s expectations and honors Him and others in the process. A bad tradition benefits man and breaks Christ’s command. Indeed, it is wise to take an inventory of our current traditions and make sure they are grounded in God and not made up by man. Is there any habit, belief or assumption you give credence to that may be undermining your family or faith?

For example, a good tradition is routinely giving 10% of our income to the Lord’s work, beginning with the local church and expanding to supporting ministries. However, a bad tradition is when a Christian leader tries to control the conscience of a person’s giving through guilt and intimidation. Its Spirit led giving, not man’s manipulation that gains the best outcomes. Tried and true traditions are anchored by trust in the Lord’s control.

You may face a colleague at work, or a strong willed person in your extended family that has their way of doing things. Their tradition worked well in the past, but is inefficient in the present. How do you break their bad habits for the good of the company or what’s best for the family? Prayer, patience and a plan are your best change management tools.

Prayerfully come up with alternatives that honor the old, but give preference to the new. Be bold to ask challenging questions in a spirit of humility. Why are we doing it this way? Is there a better way? How can we improve the process to make the best progress? Are you called to do this? Do you have the gifts and experience required for this project?

Good traditions gain God’s favor over time, but bad traditions struggle to survive. What project or program needs to be taken off life support, so that other resources can be freed up to further the mission? Some traditional strategies suffer from fatigue and need to be put to rest. Other new ones need focused support to execute with excellence. Be honest about your spiritual life and strategic direction. Are your traditions truly from God for God? And are you trying to change the unchangeable or are you trusting Christ with change?

“See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you” (Isaiah 42:9).

“And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins” (Mark 2:22).

What accepted traditions do I need to respectfully reject? What new traditions do I need to embrace by faith?

Related Readings: 2 Chronicles 35:25; Micah 6:16; Mark 7:4-9; Galatians 1:14

Meaningful Memorial Days are meant to remember someone or something we hold in high esteem. We pause to reflect and honor their value to our life and to our country. It is the memories of sacrifice, suffering, industriousness and integrity that should instill a humbling heritage in each of us. Men and woman gave their lives in battle that we might gain our life of freedom. Blood soaked foreign fields protected our liberty at home. So, have a grateful memory.

Memorial Days are the most meaningful when we take time to pause and pray. We thank God in sincere supplication for His favor in our engagement with the enemy– past and present. On our knees we acknowledge Almighty God as the genesis for our great country. He led His people here to establish a nation founded on faith in Christ. If we fail to memorialize our Founding Fathers as figures of faith, then we fail as Christian citizens.

Moreover, your gifts to the poor and to all people for that matter are a memorial offering before God. Every gift is to be given in the name of Jesus. You give for the cause of Christ because of the great gift of salvation He has given to you. Gifts given as a memorial to God gain His glory. You honor the Lord when you give on His behalf.

Lastly, His abundant grace is reason enough for righteous reflection. Is your salvation in Jesus still sweet and savory to your soul? Do you recount often the Lord’s tender mercy toward you and your family? Remember how ecstatic you felt when Sovereign God engaged your soul with faith and forgiveness. Keep fresh your conversion experience.

Your testimony of trust in Jesus Christ—now and then—is a memorial to your Master’s faithfulness. The death of Jesus for our soul’s freedom and the death of men and women for our nation’s soul are the most meaningful reasons we honor Memorial Days. Honor Him and honor them by promoting our liberties, as a gift from Almighty God and our faithful soldiers.

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

How can I make Memorial Days meaningful? Do I pray and give as a memorial to Jesus?

Related Readings: Exodus 20:8; Leviticus 2:9; Psalm 77:11; John 15:20-27