An often-forgotten commandment today is the one that says that children are to honor their father and their mother. Though it seems to be rare among young people not raised in church in America, parents are often highly respected in other cultures.

Most churches will honor fathers today in some way. Children need godly fathers, and it is sad that many homes do not have a father present.

Fathers need to take time with their children to help them develop a right perspective on life and to teach them how to be a man. Fathers can also teach their children a good work ethic, honesty, and character.

Above all, fathers need to take their children to church (not just send them) so that they learn the importance of church and how to obey God. Of course, they will also learn how to be saved and serve God.

Fathers who are faithful to God, the church, and your family – we honor you today. Love your wife – so your children can also see the importance of that and love them and spend time with them.

God lays the importance of raising godly children on the fathers, according to Psalm 78: 4-7 “We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.”

There are many kinds of mothers in the world. They come in many sizes, various conditions of health, different styles of dress, education levels, beauty, and income levels. Whatever the differences are, every one of us has a mother – though some may not know who their mother is.

The above verse reveals that King Lemuel’s (another name for Solomon) mother taught him much. She not only gave him instruction on how to live right, but she also set a strong example of what a godly woman should be.

She follows her instruction of her son concerning where to concentrate his energies – not on women or wine – and then follows this with instructing him as king to judge the people righteously. This is followed by instruction on how to find a good and godly wife (remember that Solomon ended up with 700 wives) – which he did not follow (which later led to his spiritual downfall).

It is quite probable that this was written by Solomon’s mother – Bathsheba. She was a woman who was wise and godly. She understood what was most important, and it can be believed that she also taught her son to worship and serve God.

Today, when mothers ensure that their children are in church regularly and teach them the Bible and how to live by their example, the chapter closes with this thought in verse 30: “Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.”

Thank God for His faithfulness and willingness to help women raise their children for Him. His grace continues to be sufficient in every way. Mother’s, we honor you today and thank you for your lessons taught.

Joshua was a man of God who loved serving God. He spent much time in the Tabernacle with God. He was single-minded and saw what God could do, when none of the other ten spies did.

At the end of Joshua’s role as the leader of Israel, he knew that Israel would turn away from serving the true God. His last public address was a reminder to Israel that unless you work at remaining faithful to God, there is a natural tendency to drift away from Him.

In the above verse, Joshua wanted the people to know where he stood. He was determined to please God, and he was determined to do so until he died. He also wanted to ensure his children and grandchildren did the same.

All too often people know that they should serve God. They may be saved, but many are rather indifferent to serving God wholeheartedly. They do not go to church or read their Bible daily or pray. They may call themselves a “Christian” but there is little evidence for it. They have become practical atheists – all words – no action for God.

Because of their parents’ seeming indifference to the claims of Christ, it is very doubtful that their children or grandchildren will be saved or go to church. Children will most likely follow their parents’ example rather than their words when they leave home.

The only way to ensure you leave behind a Christian legacy is to set a right example in the first place. Joshua made the right choice – will you?