Tips for Dads

tipsThis past Sunday evening, Pastor Chappell shared these tips for dads with our church family during our visit with the Pastor. They were a blessing to me and I wanted to pass them along.

Proverbs 4:1-4
1 Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
2 For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.
3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother.
4 He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

Pray with your children
Have times of spontaneous prayer with your children. Pray with them before bed. Pray with them at the altar.

Teach your children to live by faith
Teach them to tithe. Teach them to give at banquets, special offerings, and missions conferences. Pray as a family about this and let them see you give.

Involve your children in ministry
Work a bus route together. Help them to see the eternal benefit and make sure their future plans involve being involved in ministry.

Ask your children questions about their friends, studies, and activities
Remember, “nearness is likeness.” Know how they are doing in school. Know where they are and who they are with at all times. They need this accountability and that is why God gave them you.

Support the authority in their life
You may need to discuss something with an authority figure in your child’s life, but your support of their position should be without question. Give your children assignments and keep them accountable. Encourage them to read and do projects. Encourage them to have a good relationship with their pastor.

These are simple tips and were an encouragement to me. I pray they are to you as well.