Pastor David Koop

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Dads who make it count in their homes seek out wisdom from God so that their families succeed.

If the axe is dull, and one does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength; but wisdom brings success.

1. Love your family through thick and thin.
   Luke 15:20
   So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long distance away, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.
   
   Tips for loving unconditionally:
   1. Forgive them. Clear the air so there is no cloud of unforgiveness hanging over the house.
   2. Learn to apologize. Ask them to forgive you when you’ve made a mistake.
   3. Don’t remind them of past mistakes. God doesn’t do that to you.
   4. Watch your body language. It communicates a stronger message than your words.
   5. Listen attentively.
   6. Give your children a world enhanced with your positive attitude. Parents who complain usually end up with negative children.
   7. Look for reasons to praise them and thank them.
   8. Honour and respect them. (The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, and a man is valued by what others say of him. - Proverbs 27:21)
   
   
2. Pray for your family daily.
   1 Samuel 12:23
   "As for me, I will certainly not sin against the Lord by ending my prayers for you; and I will continue to teach you those things which are good and right.”
   
   Lamentations 2:19
   Rise during the night and cry out. Pour out your hearts like water to the Lord. Lift up your hands to him in prayer. Plead for your children as they faint with hunger in the streets.
   
   
3. Model God’s word for them.
   
   Deuteronomy 6:6,7
   Take to heart these words that I give you today. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you’re at home or away, when you lie down or get up.
   
   1 John 2:13
   I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning.
   
   
4. Coach them through life’s challenges.
   
   Proverbs 19:18
   Correct your children before it is too late; if you don’t punish them, you are destroying them.
   
   Ephesians 6:4
   And, fathers, do not provoke your children to anger; but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
   
   Tips for discipline:
   1. Communicate rules in advance.
   2. Change the boundaries and your approach to discipline as children grow.
   3. Correct only in private.
   4. Be consistent and fair.
   5. Admit it if you have made a mistake.
   6. Agree as parents in the way you raise your children.
   7. Practice the leave and cleave principle. If you say no to an activity, offer them a better alternative.
   
   
5. Spend quality time with them.
   
   James 1:19
   Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily.
   
   
6. Make it fun!
   
   Luke 15:23-24
   Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We’re going to feast! We’re going to have a wonderful time! My son is here—given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!’ And they began to have a wonderful time.
   
   Proverbs 17:22
   A cheerful heart does good like medicine, but a broken spirit makes one sick.