Hearing from God is like a radio. Wherever you’re reading this, you have at least one—if not a dozen—radio stations playing right now. Those radio waves are flying by your head all day. But you can’t hear them unless you’re tuned in. God speaks through His Word. Unless you’re tuned in, you won’t hear Him. You’ll miss your purpose unless you do these three things. #1 Stop. The thoughts of the righteous are just; the counsels of the wicked are deceitful (Prov. 12:5). You’re probably not thinking about robbing a bank, but you won’t have righteous thoughts apart from God. You need Him for those; but how? I’ve found it takes stopping. Stopping the busyness so His Word can shape your thoughts. Stopping takes time reading/meditating/memorizing Scripture. Do you take time to stop and be in His Word? #2 Look. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him (James 1:5). Seek godly wisdom. Know who and what you’re hearing day to day. Look for His wisdom instead of the world’s ideas. When was the last time you asked God for wisdom? #3 Listen. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice (Prov. 12:15). How do you know your kid listened to you? He does what you said! Listen to God’s Word. Then do what He says. Do your actions show you listen to what God’s Word says?

TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO PRAY: As a parent, you get the chance to teach your kids all kinds of lessons in life. It really is one of the great joys of fatherhood. One of the most important things you’ll ever pass to your children is the practice of prayer. There’s nothing better than helping them plug into their personal relationship with Jesus by talking with Him regularly. If you’re wondering how you can teach your kids to pray, we have some suggestions that just might help.

THIS WILL MAKE OR BREAK YOU AS A DAD: Whether it’s what we’re having for breakfast or how we’re going to deal with an annoying co-worker, life is filled with choices. Admittedly, a lot of them aren’t deal breakers (like bacon over sausage). But others (like giving in to a particular sin) literally can make or break you as a man, a husband, and a father. The key is equipping yourself to make the best choices possible so you can avoid the heartache and frustration. In Proverbs 12, you’ll find some solid, time-tested advice for making the kind of decisions that make life go a little smoother.

Off the rails? Have you been off of the purpose track lately? Some signs you’re off might be you’re angry all the time or maybe you wake up with the same tension you fell asleep with? Your purpose is to know God, His Word, and His wisdom. Not just for yourself, but so you can share it with those around you. This week: slow down, look, and listen. Then share godly wisdom with your wife and kids.