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INSTRUCTION/FAMILY/FATHER

When David Brannon’s oldest daughter Lisa was preparing to get married, he found himself doing things he wouldn't normally do. He paid for things he wouldn't ordinarily buy and became interested in things he usually ignored like, decorations, catering, and candles.

As David looked back on the 22 years of preparing his daughter for her wedding day, a couple of things stood out. David found it hard to imagine that the little girl, who once had ringlets in her hair, was now a high school music teacher about to become the wife of a Youth Pastor.

David says the second thing that stood out was the thrill of knowing that his daughter had come so far by God's instruction. He says, "Only God could have touched her heart to receive salvation. Only the Holy Spirit could direct her in the right paths. Only God's teaching was flawless." David knew his daughter had learned to listen to the wise instruction of the Lord.

—Our Daily Bread, October 10, 1999, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

David Brannon discovered what many parents realize. No matter how much parents work to get their child ready for the challenges of life, none of it matters without the "training and admonition of the Lord. God's training, augmented by the example of a loving parent, is the basis for training that lasts a lifetime.

Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."