Day 1: Becoming a Child of God
John 1:12-13; John 8:44
We live in a culture that likes to claim, “We’re all God’s children.” But Jesus didn’t teach that. In fact, He told the most religious people of His day that they were not children of God at all—but of their father the devil (John 8:44). That doesn’t sit well with modern ears, but it remains true.
According to John 1, we become children of God when we receive Jesus. Not by birthright. Not by religion. Not by personal effort. We become His children when we are born again by believing in His name.
Why start here? Because parenting without being parented by God will always fall short. Before we can reflect the Father’s heart to our kids, we must first be embraced as His children.
Workout: Have you been born again? Don’t gloss over the question. Being raised in church or believing in God isn’t the same as receiving Jesus. Talk to God about where you stand with Him. Let today be a fresh reminder or a brand-new beginning.
Day 2: How Much More…
Luke 11:11-13; James 1:17
If you, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more… Those words echo in our ears.
The best parents still fall short. We get tired. We misread situations. We react. But our heavenly Father gives better and more. He gives the Holy Spirit. He gives with consistency, not manipulation. He gives without hidden agendas.
James calls Him the “Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” That means He doesn’t switch moods. He doesn’t ghost you when you’re in need. And His gifts? Good and perfect.
As parents, we should be generous, just as our Father in Heaven is.
Workout: Ask yourself today, Do I believe my Father in heaven wants to give me good things? If you’ve been parented poorly, you might project that onto God. Let Him reparent your heart. Start asking Him for the Holy Spirit’s help, wisdom, comfort, and power.
Day 3: Fear Not, Little Flock
Luke 12:22-34
We live with so many “what ifs.”
What if I lose my job? What if the market crashes? What if my child gets sick? What if I fail?
Jesus says to His disciples, “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” That’s not a throwaway line. It’s a divine assurance.
The Father provides for birds and clothes the lilies. He knows what you need before you ask. And He doesn’t just reluctantly meet your needs—He delights to give you the kingdom. That’s provision, identity, future, inheritance, and peace. All of it. For You.
Workout: Write down your top 3 worries. Then cross them out and write this beneath: “My Father knows. My Father sees. My Father gives.” Lay your fears down before your generous Father.
Day 4: Shepherding Like the Father
John 10:1-5; Luke 12:32
Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. He knows His sheep by name. He leads them. He calls them. He feeds and protects them. And in that same breath, He calls us His little flock.
Parents, let that sink in: God shepherds you with gentleness, protection, and personal care. And as His children, we are called to do the same for those under our care.
Too often, we try to lead our children with fear or force. But the Shepherd doesn’t break legs. He doesn’t drive the flock from behind. He leads from the front, calling us by name.
Workout: Reflect on how you lead those God has entrusted to you. Are you a shepherd or a controller? Ask the Lord to make you more like Him—gentle, protective, consistent, full of truth and grace.
Day 5: Parenting with Generous Delight
Luke 11:13; Luke 12:32-34; John 3:16
How much more… how much more… how much more…
That’s the chorus of the kingdom.
God gives us the greatest gift in the world—His Son (John 3:16). And after receiving Him, He doesn’t stop. He keeps giving: the Holy Spirit, peace, purpose, provision, identity, eternity.
Too often, earthly parents give with strings attached. We give to earn love, to manipulate behavior, or to create gratitude. But God gives from love, not for love. As parents, mentors, or leaders, let’s reflect that generosity.
Workout: Practice generosity today. Not with money alone, but with your time, words, affection, and attention. Give freely, joyfully, and abundantly—just like your Father.