Category: parenting godly children

A Higher Education: It Is Up to You!

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12 KJV).

Twenty years ago today (has it really been that long?!), I graduated high school. Consequently, we dedicate this devotional to high school students who are nearing graduation.

Are you about to graduate high school? What would God have you do afterward? Go to college? Trade school? Something else? What career should you pursue? If you do plan on education after high school, where should you attend school? These are tough questions, and while God’s Word does not answer them, you can make decisions that conform to sound Bible doctrine—that is God’s will.

In today’s Scripture, Paul encourages downcast Timothy. Timothy was considerably younger than the Apostle Paul. Older people who are teaching false doctrine are intimidating young Timothy: “Tim, you are too young to teach God’s Word. Let us handle it.” Young Timothy conceded, became silent, and allowed the (“older and wiser”) false teachers to continue teaching their damnable heresies (cf. 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 2 Timothy 1:5-8). Paul replied, “Timothy, Speak up! Let no man despise thy youth!”

Christian youth can be just as effectual in their station in life as Christian adults. The lost world is watching us Christians, and we need to be sure that our actions are in accordance with the sound Bible doctrine we claim to believe (lest we be guilty of confusing the already-puzzled unbelievers). Whether “young or old,” our speech, our lifestyle, our acts of love, our determination, our belief in sound Bible doctrine, and our separation from that which God hates, is the way we communicate to the lost world God’s Word and its preeminence in our lives and hearts (today’s Scripture).

Above all, dear graduates, whatever you do post-graduation, “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). After all, it really is not your life—it is Christ’s life in you (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:4), so He alone deserves the glory! 🙂

*Based on a Bible study by the same name, which can be read here. Also, see the study “The Spirit-Filled Student.”

By the way, you may also be interested in reading this archived special-edition study about my own college experience.

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #3

Monday, May 18, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Mark it well! No amount of education, no amount of money, no amount of social connections, no amount of business success, no amount of trophies and awards, no amount of romance, no amount of religion, no amount of self-effort and self-esteem, no amount of entertainment, no amount of legislation, no amount of scheming, no amount of pacifism or war, no amount of philosophy, no amount of activism, no amount of denial or skepticism, no amount of soul-searching, no amount of experiments or scientific research, and no amount of promises can solve the greatest dilemma of our species—the sin problem. Look around at our world. We are naturally flawed. If human history has proved one fact, the deliverance we need cannot and will not be found in ourselves or anyone like us! The sooner we learn this, the better off we will truly be. In fact, the Bible confirms what we already know by experience, but we are most reluctant (and too stubborn) to admit it.

The problem does not lie with or in the Holy Bible; it lies within us. Behold! The Bible’s solution to sin is what is known in Acts 20:24 as “the Gospel [Good News, Glad Tidings] of the Grace of God.” Here is that Gospel message: “Christ died for our sins, He was buried, and He rose again the third day” (1 Corinthians 15:3,4). Only a few weeks prior to my seventh birthday, I was most fortunate in life to see how I needed to trust the Lord Jesus Christ alone as my personal Saviour. Almost 31 years later, I have come to see He is still the only answer to our sin problem. Dear reader, I would strongly encourage you with, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31).

Friend, perhaps you have already noticed that people disappoint you. Why should you expect this? Remember, you disappoint yourself, and they are just as human as you are! Therefore, you ought never trust yourself and you should never trust people. You should, however, trust Jesus Christ in Christians, for He alone will never let you down….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special (but, related) study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #2

Sunday, May 17, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Let me start by furnishing you with a little about my background. Having parents of primarily French-Canadian and Irish ancestry, I was born and raised in a Bible-believing household in southwestern Louisiana (“Cajun Country”). Enrolled in public elementary and high schools from the early ’90s to the mid-2000s, and pursuing higher education (public university training in science) for another nine years (bachelor’s and master’s degrees), and finally completing a three-year pastoral program in seven months (excluding instruction under innumerable other men in ministry), I have been exposed to a wide range of viewpoints both bad and good. I am still learning, and there is still much more I can and need to learn, but I have reached a place where I can offer some advice that I have gathered over the last 20 years.

That being said, dear reader, the first and foremost issue to settle is preparing for eternity, for it might come (awfully) sooner than you think. In the two decades since our high school graduation, we have lost at least three classmates. One (age 20) took his own life in a domestic dispute just a few years after high school, another (age 28) died in a truck accident a couple of months before our 10th-year reunion, and a car crash took the life of a third one (age 38) last year. Just the other day, one of my niece’s childhood friends, only 18, perished in an automobile collision; cancer claimed the life of the girl’s older sister, at age 15, many years before. At my nephew’s graduation yesterday, a vacant chair represented a young man who also never reached his 16th birthday. These are six examples of lives tragically cut short! You might think you will die as a senior citizen, but this is not necessarily true. Earthly life can end before you know it.

Despite all our planning, contingencies will arise that offer us alternate paths. It is not always clear where to go or what to do, but having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the primary matter to settle….

The Spiritual Dexterity of Our Physical Posterity #1

Saturday, May 16, 2026

“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9 KJV).

If our physical posterity could augment its spiritual dexterity, exactly what would that entail?

Wow! It is simply unbelievable how 20 years have passed since my high school graduation. Recently, a classmate commented to me that we were “getting old.” Yes, it is true: we have almost begun middle age. In fact, at this point, even our own children are starting to graduate high school! Coincidentally, my nephew’s graduation is scheduled to take place in just a few hours. I will also witness several other kids graduate, many of whom I have seen grow up over the years. How exciting that one chapter of their life is closing so another one can open!

Approaching this anniversary, the following thought entered my mind. If I could speak to myself of 20 years ago, what would I say? What advice would I propose to that young man in the final days of the high school period of his life? Two decades of experience in the world are definitely useful in talking to him now. It would be the same information that I will share with any students and young adults who are currently reading these lines. That young man is long gone, vanished forever, but there are still individuals of youth who can benefit from that instruction if they have an eye to see, an ear to hear, and a heart to believe.

Look at today’s Scripture, especially the question it poses: “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.” How can a young man or a young woman have the means to “cleanse his [or her] way?” What will enable this young person to have a pure, upright, decent, or morally uncontaminated “way” (road/path, course in life, manner of living)? Myriads of writers, lecturers, counselors, and celebrities have offered their insight. Some have given profitable information, but, permit our frankness, others need to mature a few more decades before attempting to guide anyone in life!

Maybe I have reached a point where I am worth listening to….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 10, 2026

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 38 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

Archived: “What does the Bible say about motherhood?”

Zealously Affected #27

Thursday, March 19, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). Writing through King Solomon, God the Holy Spirit knew the significance of godly parenting. Children are naturally emotionally and mentally unstable (“tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine;” Ephesians 4:14). Hence, there must be a constant input of sound Bible doctrine beginning at the earliest possible period for them to grow and develop into people who reach a state of steadiness, soundness, and spirituality (led and controlled by the Holy Spirit). Fathers play an especially integral role here: “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture [careful, protective instruction/training and encouragement] and admonition [urging by stern warning or firm reprimanding] of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4).

Since mental development in humans does not peak until the 20s or 30s and emotional maturity reaches its pinnacle in the 30s or 40s, how precarious it is for parents to let their children be exposed to a bombardment of unhealthy choices. Again, minors surfing the internet are viewing and hearing every type of filthy and false information—perhaps with parental consent (!). It is absolutely impossible to understand the rapidity of the dissemination of such propaganda, lies spreading to billions in mere seconds, minutes, or hours, and “zealously affecting” them. How exciting it is to adopt this “new” view and experiment with that “new” practice! Since it changes shapes, precious few have the discernment to realize sin is still sin.

They have no real-life experience, no clue as to whom they are or what they want to do, and no sense of what they ought to be doing. Nevertheless, with emotions running recklessly and thoughts jumbled thoroughly, children for many years have posted online texts and videos to “guide” their peers regarding sex, gender, marriage, pregnancy, parenting, politics, and myriads of other major issues, leading to yet another whole generation of instability. Friends, our sin has found us out indeed….

Zealously Affected #26

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Human emotional maturity is not attained until approximately age 30 for women and 40 for men. Avoiding accountability, unrestrained feelings, and a preoccupation with “drama, drama, drama” are three sure signs of emotional childishness. Moreover, the human brain still astronomically develops well into the 20s and possibly the 30s (varying by person). Therefore, young adults are not as stable in their thoughts as they suppose! Bearing in mind these peaks of emotional maturity and intellectual maturity, we grasp why younger people are more susceptible to the effects of “this present evil world.” Firstly, they have yet to understand what emotions are, what they are not, and how to regulate them. Secondly, their mental processes are still under construction, for they are learning new data and figuring out how to assemble it into a comprehensive worldview.

Whatever views are learned during the first three or four decades generally serve as the foundation for the remainder of life’s lessons and choices. Once cemented, it will be next to impossible to reverse these opinions or substantially alter them. This is not necessarily bad news though. As long as the correct information enters the system at the earliest possible time, and there is a continued positive attitude toward additional right information, one can expect to steadily become more aware of the appropriate path to take. There is never sinlessness in this life, but the quality of beliefs and decisions ought to improve with the passage of time. Foolishness and darkness should be gradually fading from one’s life. Are they?

Observe. If there are no parents with sound Bible doctrine to teach the children, or if the children fail to learn the sound Bible doctrine from the parents, then the children become victims of three brutal menaces: (1) their own unstable, deceptive emotions; (2) their own unsteady mental processes; and (3) the unstable, deceptive emotions and unsteady mental processes of other children who will solidify their immaturity. This was the Galatians, and many others in our modern world….

Zealously Affected #25

Monday, March 16, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

Beloved, to have even the slightest hope of getting them right, we must start using our brains more than our heart/emotions when facing decisions. Moreover, it has to be the “renewed mind” of Romans 12:1,2, applying the Scriptures dispensationally to make sound judgments about daily life. This is especially crucial touching major choices such as marriage and parenting.

Emotionalism, regrettably, has led to countless broken families and innumerable damaged lives throughout the 6,000 years of human history. For instance, “I love him/her,” “I can change him/her,” and other such excuses still serve as the foundation for the courtships, engagements, and marriages of many… in spite of domestic violence. The unfortunate children caught in the middle truly suffer the most. Also, there is an extremely high probability they will choose partners who reflect their parents. The cycle tends to repeat with their own kids, meaning multigenerational problems ensue with just a single poor (emotion-driven) selection.

Parents not only need to carefully regulate their emotions in front of their children, they ought to set strict boundaries regarding what their minors are being exposed to. Books and other print material are not where the primary battle is being waged today. It is the internet—and has been for over 20 years. Social-media “influencers” and streaming services have done more to ruin kids emotionally than practically anything else. Presented via video format, celebrities’ worthless opinions have been offered and accepted because of associated glamor, wealth, education, and skillful oration. We cannot even begin to fathom just how emotionally unhealthy the children are who receive “parental counseling” from complete strangers who might not mean well. Kids are teaching kids because parents have failed to protect them all. Like the confused baby Christians in Galatia of today’s Scripture, these impressionable souls are emotionally exploited until their terrible role-models convince them to adopt their twisted ideas.

It is not too late, not yet, to slow down even a scintilla the cultural revolution with which our world is dealing….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Zealously Affected #24

Sunday, March 15, 2026

“They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:17,18 KJV).

Let us see if we can identify and comprehend the dangers of relying on emotions….

I speak from personal experience. Attempting to reason with emotional people is, frankly, a total waste of time because emotions have no reasoning behind them anyway. (Remember how emotions respond to simulations rather than reality—sadness results from watching tragic and romantic movies, excitement comes with drama and adventure, anger stems from thrillers, fear results from horror shows, and so on.) It has been suggested that our decisions are made on the basis of 80% emotion and a mere 20% intellect! If true, no wonder our world brims with mistakes, failures, carelessness, and poor choices… especially since those short-lived emotions gave way to others, leading to additional faulty judgments.

For several years now, I have attended the various sporting events of my niece and my nephew. Parents get quite worked up when their child’s team is losing or being treated unfairly. Recently, at one such game, a mother of our group yelled at the referees, then a father of the opposite team screamed at her, and he next shouted at the referees, and she finally roared at him. How truly silly and utterly embarrassing! When emotions run high, ridiculous conduct is instigated; blasphemies and obscenities are uttered. Children notice this immaturity amongst adults, and they copy it when dealing with their peers on the court or field. I have even seen coaches throw tantrums—and, accordingly, their kids were just as asinine. Physical altercations were moments away! (This explains why police officers were stationed there.) Once, I spotted a hilarious sign at an athletic park entrance: “Our coaches are volunteers. No scholarships will be awarded here. What is most important is having fun.” Yea, here is reason. It is far more preferable to lose a game than lose a life!

Parents need to be sure they are ideal role-models for their children concerning the regulation of emotions. They need to be zealously affected in good things, and not zealously affected in evil….

333’s 5400th – For Posterity’s Sake

Friday, March 13, 2026

“The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:11 KJV).

Only by God’s grace, we celebrate 5,400 days of devotionals!

Worried about his people failing to preserve their historical records, a man penned, “Let us put our archives in shape for the children who will soon take our places, that they may study the past and plan for the future.” One hundred years later, how apt are these words of that museum curator and professor of civil law history!

The Holy Spirit’s design in revealing (uncovering), inspiring (committing to paper), preserving (keeping free from error), translating (moving from original languages to receptor languages), and illuminating (shining a light upon) His words was to have a record of God’s interactions with man from creation to culmination (see today’s Scripture). Our Authorized Version—commonly called the King James Bible—is the English fruit of that process. Most of Christendom is largely ignorant of this, and, as pathetic as it sounds, a surprising number have no interest in ascertaining it. To admit a settled Book is to render all subsequent translation efforts needless, and then no one could construct their “favorite” version and $ell it!

Moses’ parting advice to Israel involved remembering God’s words and parents passing them on to their children: “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons;…” (Deuteronomy 4:9). One such teaching method was the annual observance of the Passover feast, which illustrated for future Israeli generations just what happened to their ancestors in Egypt long before their time: “And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped” (Exodus 12:26,27).

Younger generations, unfortunately, are still not learning their history as they should. The problem, of course, starts at home, where their parents have failed miserably to learn it themselves. While we yet have time, may we learn and teach our children the King James Bible rightly divided. This we do for posterity’s sake.

Onward by God’s grace to special-edition #5500! 🙂

NOTE: Remember, all 5400 devotionals are archived here.