Matthew 17:5, "A voice from the cloud said, ‘This is my Son whom I dearly love. I am very pleased with him. Listen to him!'"

Think

We've been talking about the importance of our words, especially when it comes to the communication between a parent and child! In today's verse, God gives us the perfect pattern to follow. He says the following three phrases about his Son that we need to say to the kids in our lives: 1. I love you 2. I'm proud of you 3. Listen, because my child has much to offer. What a powerful example for us to follow! Whether you are a parent, a mentor, a friend or a family member, this fantastic three-fold formula is critically important to build our children's self-esteem. Kids need to hear that you love them, even if you think they already know it. Kids need to know that you're proud of them for who they are and what they accomplish. And finally, one of the biggest boosts to their souls is to tell others how much they have to offer the world. Remember these three phrases, because they make a world of difference! Just think, if Jesus needed this from his father, how much more do our children need the same from us?

Act

Re-read today's verse and put yourself in God's shoes and think about why he said this. Then, put yourself in Jesus' shoes and consider why he needed to hear what his father had to say. Parents, at some point today, say these three things to your children. These uplifting words make a huge difference in a world that often tears our children down.

Pray

God, I never cease to be amazed by the wisdom of your Word. What a great example you set within those three, simple, yet easily forgotten, phrases that children need to hear! Give me the desire and the discipline to say them as often as I can to the children in my life. Thank you! In Jesus' name, Amen.