Eliana's world

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.  — Psalm 127:3

On the day the US lost one of its most respected presidents, my wife and I celebrated the birth of our first grandchild. Gerald R. Ford died the day Eliana Ruth was born to our daughter Lisa and her husband, Todd. She came into the world in a hospital about a mile from where President Ford is now buried.

If Eliana lives to be the same age as President Ford when he died, she will live into the 22nd century! I wonder what mark this little girl will make on the world — and what kind of society she and her peers will experience.

Each child born into this world has potential for godliness and even greatness. The traits today’s children need to guide a future society do not come by accident, but through diligent, godly parenting.

God’s Word calls us to point children to Jesus (Mark 10:14-16). We are to instruct them in God’s ways (Deut. 6:4-9), discipline them toward godliness (Prov. 19:18), and love them unconditionally (Luke 15:11-32). Imagine what Eliana’s world can be like if the parents of her generation dedicate themselves to godly parenting.

Are you a parent? Teach your children godliness, faith and uncommon love. Then, when they influence their world, they will reveal God to a new generation.       — Dave Branon

In the hearts of little children

You are sowing seed today,

Tending well each tiny furrow

Lest the seed be caught away. — Cary

READ: Psalm 127

To guide your children on the right way, you must go that way yourself.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 46-48

• Proverbs 8:12-31