LifeBridge

Godly and Wise

If you’re a parent or a parent-figure, you know that raising children can be one of the greatest joys you ever experience, and one of the biggest challenges you face. And if you’re a follower of Christ, you likely feel an added burden to make sure your kids grow up to know and love God.

In Proverbs 23:24, the author points out that joy in parenting comes when our children are two things: godly and wise. So, how do we help our kids become more like Jesus and develop the wisdom they need to navigate the challenges of life?

While there are different ways, here are two to start with...

Find a Christ-centered community:
As a parent, you’ll need to surround yourself with a community that loves Jesus so you’re not alone when raising kids gets challenging. If you don’t have that today, commit to taking the next step in that direction—join a small group, get connected at church, or invite like-minded friends over for dinner.

Teach kids to ask for help:
Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, chances are high that they love being independent. “I can do it myself” might be one of the most common phrases you hear.

It's easy to think that developing wisdom comes from doing it all on our own, but James 1:5 reminds us that God will give us wisdom when we ask Him for it. The best way to help our kids develop wisdom is to point them to the source of wisdom.

Model what it looks like to seek help from God by praying with your kids—even if it’s uncomfortable.

Parenting is difficult, but it can also be rewarding. So as you commit to the daily challenges and joys of taking care of kids, remember this:

The greatest contribution you make to the world might not actually be what you do, but who you raise.

Before you leave this devotional, reflect on this: What’s one thing I can do today to help point the kids in my life toward Jesus?

Proverbs 23:24 (NLT) - The father of godly children has ca | YouVersion The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.

Bible Gateway passage: 1 John 4:10 - New Living Translation This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Psalm 37:4 Also delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

Join us today at 12:00pm!

Today, pastor Vance’s vision of getting these two fellowships merged into one has come to fruition 🙏

This day marks our very first official merger/adoption worship service at 12pm

Feel free to come and celebrate with us as we continue praise the LORD for what He has done and what He is doing 😊

May 2026 be a year full of God’s goodness , fruitfulness and blessings of all sorts!

It’s all about Jesus, it’s all for Jesus and its all through Jesus 👑

Today was LifeBridge’s last service and Pastor Vance’s last sermon as LifeBridge’s pastor. We are merging with Shine Bright church. It was a very bittersweet day. Pastor Vance and Julie have had a wonderful twelve years serving Lifebridge. After the service, we had a catered taco fellowship with the LifeBridge members and attendees. God has been very good to LifeBridge.

December 28 2025 worship

Pastor Vance’s last sermon @ LifeBridge