Key Bible Verse: Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead … (Ephesians 6:4, NIV). Bonus Reading: Psalm 103:8-17

Rob was concerned about his teenage son's growing collection of black-covered CDs. He knew the lyrics weren't healthy. But he didn't just take Nick's CDs away.

On the way to school, he asked Nick, "What kind of music do you like to listen to?" Nick said it was a combination of rap and heavy metal. "Could I hear two of your favorite songs?" Rob asked.

"You wouldn't like them," Nick replied warily.

"You won't get into any trouble," Rob persisted. "I just want to hear what your music sounds like."

Nick reluctantly put a CD into the car's player. Rob listened to two songs that made his hair—what was left of it—stand on end. But when the beat stopped, he simply said, "Thanks for letting me into your music world."

That day Rob went to a large Christian bookstore and approached the employee in the music section. "I need you to help me find the four best Christian hard rock and rap CDs you have," he said. The surprised clerk obliged.

At a listening station Rob reviewed the CDs, then bought the two that sounded closest to what he'd heard in the car. [continued 3/29]

—Mark Holmen in Faith Begins at Home

My Response: How well am I tracking with where my children are trending socially and spiritually?

Thought to Apply: The most damaging isolation that teenagers in our culture experience is from their own families.—MARK DEVRIES (youth pastor)

Adapted from Faith Begins at Home (Regal, 2005) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You've appointed me to be Your ambassador to my family. Help me to faithfully represent You.

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