The First Year: Provision and Protection
Wednesday, January 30, 2019
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Today's Scripture
"Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." 1 Timothy 5:7-8 NIV
Today's Thought
Today's scripture makes it clear that we are responsible to care for our relatives. Of course, we can see how essential that is for an infant completely dependent on us. We are responsible to provide for the needs in every area of our baby's life--spiritually, emotionally, physically, and materially. Today we will focus on a few of the physical and emotional needs.
Consider this …
The natural and preferred way to provide nutrition for your child is breastfeeding. However, there are adequate substitute formulas available if for any reason you cannot breast-feed. Add solids as your pediatrician suggests.
Frequent medical checkups and routine immunizations will prevent many potential problems before they arise.
Child care may be provided by the following, in descending order of preference:
- If possible, a parent in the home.
- A family member in their home
- A nonrelative babysitter in your home
- A babysitter who keeps a few children (recommend less than 4 or 5) in her home
- A commercial day care center
If it is necessary for both parents to work, plan some practical ways you can have quality time with your child. Schedule at least one hour with your child (children) daily. Don't interrupt this time except for emergencies. Hold, cuddle, rock, sing, take walks with the infant in your arms.
Provide a safe environment for your baby. As he begins to crawl, be aware that any object his hands can reach will end up in his mouth.
Sometimes the responsibility may seem overwhelming. Remember, you are never alone.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT
Prayer
Father, thank you for my little one. I want to be a good parent, a godly parent. Help me care for my baby and provide for his (her) needs. In Jesus' name . . .
These thoughts were drawn from …Godly Parenting: Parenting Skills at Each Stage of Growth by N. Elizabeth Holland, M.D. This study addresses parenting skills from the time of conception until the child has reached adulthood. It suggests methods for raising healthy, godly children in an increasingly secular society. Specific emphasis is placed on communication and teaching skills, discipline, protection and sexual issues at each age. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.
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©Living Free 2018. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
