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Building Strong Families in a Broken World
"Parenting isn't for Cowards" 
Pastor Rob Carlson
Sunday, April 3, 2005

TOP 10 PARENTING TIPS

1. Create a safe environment—cultivate a thriving marriage.

1 Samuel 1:5,8--But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her...Elkanah her husband would say to her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why don't you eat? Why are you downhearted? Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?"

2. Dedicate your children to the Lord before they are born—and every day.

1 Samuel 1:11--And she made a vow, saying, "O Lord Almighty, if you will only look upon your servant's misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life.

3. Give your children to the Lord—pray intentionally.

1 Samuel 1:22,24--(Hannah) said to her husband, "After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always." After he was weaned, she took the boy with her...and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 

4. Thank God for your children—take nothing for granted. 

1 Samuel 2:1--Then Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the LORD...”

5. Bridle a rebellious spirit. 

1 Samuel 2:12--Eli's sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord.

Psalm 111:10--The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, all who follow His precepts have good understanding.

6. Teach the obedient life. 

1 Samuel 2:17--This sin of the young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they were treating the Lord's offering with contempt.

Deuteronomy 6:6,7--These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

7. Commit your kids to the Lord’s service—model ministry.

1 Samuel 2:18--But Samuel was ministering before the Lord - a boy wearing a linen ephod.

8. Develop noble character.

1 Samuel 2:22--Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

9. Foster life-long growth and enrichment—keep them growing.

1 Samuel 2:26--And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men.

Luke 2:52--And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

10. Encourage (and model) a personal relationship with God. 

1 Samuel 3:10--The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."

Small Group Discussion Questions

1. What are your top parenting principles?

2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. 
What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 

3. What is the goal of Godly parenting and how is it measured?

4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group.

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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