Open Heaven 17 March 2026: The Intentional Parent III
MEMORISE
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
Matthew 7:17
READ: Psalm 34:1-3
1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad.
3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Read Other Open Heaven Devotional Here
Over past two days, I have discussed how important it is for parents to train their children in God’s way and some of the things they must consciously do to achieve this.
A poorly trained child often grows up to become a nuisance to society. However, when children are brought up in a godly manner, they grow up to become adults whom their parents can be proud of and good models for other people to emulate.
As I round off this series today, I would like to mention again that parents should teach their children God’s word, ways, and principles at all times. It is not enough to teach and guide them occasionally; parents must train their children at all times.
For example, parents must teach their children when they are in the house, away from home, and when they sit, stand, or lie down (Deuteronomy 6:5-9). I will discuss one other thing that parents must do at all times as part of their lifestyle, and this is showing gratitude.
In today’s Bible reading, David said that he would bless the Lord at all times, and His praise shall continually be on his lips. This is one of the things that parents must do non-stop; they should continually praise the Lord.
Some Christian homes are filled with grumbling, complaining, and all manner of negative talk. Raising children in such an atmosphere will condition them to have a negative mindset when they grow up to become adults.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says that we should always give thanks to God in everything, regardless of whatever situation we find ourselves in. Parents should let gratitude flow from their lips continually so that their children can pick up that trait from them. Many of the problems in society today stem from the fact that there are too many ungrateful adults who have grown up with a sense of entitlement.
In Genesis 22:1-18, when Abraham was taking Isaac up Mount Moriah to offer him as a sacrifice to God, Isaac asked his father where the lamb for the sacrifice was. This shows that Isaac knew that no one should go to worship God empty-handed. He had learnt the art of worship and thanksgiving from his father and must have seen his father practice it many times.
Giving thanks always is a very important thing that every parent must do to train up their children in the way of the Lord. Parents who are not grateful and thankful should not expect their children to be.
KEY POINT
Ungrateful parents usually raise ungrateful children.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR
Open Heaven 17 March 2026
