Bible lesson for Dec. 29

— Ephesians 6:4

The beginning of a new year gives people an opportunity to think about some behaviors they might want to change; however, any time of the year is a good time for fathers to think about how they can better treat their children. Some fathers might think only about their children's material needs and desires; however, the best gift any father can give their children is “the discipline and instruction of the Lord” that can last beyond a lifetime and even into eternity.

This gift of discipline and instruction requires fathers to know the Lord, to know the love of Jesus in their hearts, to seek the Lord's will for their families and themselves, to study the Bible for divine guidance and teaching, to honor the Lord in their worship and work, to pray for their families and their protection, to ask the Lord Jesus for the wisdom to lead their children rightly by word and example, to ask the Holy Spirit to give them the grace, love, and power to discipline and instruct their children in the love and truth of God.