FBC Gulfport Children

09/01/2026

Dear Parents,

Faith grows when it is practiced. As parents (and grandparents and family), we can sometimes focus solely on the big spiritual moments in our children's lives, but God often builds strong faith through small, everyday acts of obedience. Choosing kindness when it's difficult, telling the truth, including someone who feels left out, praying when they're worried, or obeying even when they don't understand are all opportunities for children to learn what it means to trust God.

Encourage your children to take the next small step of obedience and trust God with the outcome. We don't have to know what God will do next—we simply need to be faithful with what He has asked us to do today. As our children experience God's faithfulness in the little things, their confidence in Him grows, preparing them to trust Him with bigger things in the future.

Pray with us:
Father, help our children take faithful steps of obedience each day. Give them courage to do what is right, even when it is difficult, and teach them to trust You with the results. Grow their faith as they experience Your faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen.

08/25/2026

Dear Parents,

Our children will face countless choices as they grow—some simple and others that can shape the direction of their lives. As parents, we have the the most important task of discipling our children, and one important attribute we can teach them daily is to seek God's wisdom before relying on their own understanding in making these decisions, no matter how big or small. James 1:5 reminds us, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach." What a wonderful promise! We can teach our children that they never have to navigate life's decisions alone.

As parents, we can model this by praying before making decisions, searching God's Word for direction, and asking, "What would honor the Lord?" When our children see us seeking God's wisdom, they learn that Scripture—not feelings, popularity, or the opinions of others—is our foundation for making wise choices.

Pray with us:
Lord, grant our family wisdom. Teach us to seek You first and guide our decisions according to the truth of Your Word. Help our children grow into young people who recognize Your voice, trust Your ways, and desire to honor You in the choices they make. In Jesus' name, Amen.

08/18/2026

Dear Parents,

One of the greatest ways we can model the Gospel for our children is through forgiveness. Every family experiences misunderstandings, hurt feelings, and moments when we fall short. In those moments, our children are watching how we respond. When we are quick to ask for forgiveness and willing to extend it to others, we give them a beautiful picture of the grace that Christ has shown us. Forgiveness doesn't ignore sin, but it chooses grace over bitterness and reconciliation over resentment.

As you lead your family this week, look for opportunities to demonstrate humility, apologize when needed, and freely forgive. Homes marked by grace become places where children learn that the Gospel not only changes our relationship with God, but also transforms the way we love one another.

Pray with us:
God, help us forgive as You have so graciously forgiven us through Christ. Fill our home with humility, grace, and love. Teach us to be quick to ask for forgiveness, quick to extend it, and eager to reflect the Gospel in our relationships. May our children see Your love through the way we treat one another. In Jesus' name, Amen.

08/11/2026

08/10/2026

Dear Parents,

One of the greatest gifts we can give our children is helping them understand that God's commands are not meant to take away their joy—they are meant to lead them to it. Our world often portrays obedience as restrictive, but Scripture teaches that God's ways are good, life-giving, and trustworthy. When children learn that obedience flows from a heart transformed by God's grace rather than a desire to earn His love, they begin to see God's commands as an expression of His perfect wisdom and care.

Pray with us:
Lord, help our family delight in Your commands and trust that Your ways are always good. Give us hearts that joyfully obey You, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude for the grace we have received through Christ. Teach our children to love Your Word and to find lasting joy in following You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

08/03/2026

Dear Parents,

One of the greatest challenges in parenting is wanting to see immediate spiritual growth in our children. We pray, teach God's Word, model our faith, and faithfully point them to Christ; yet, there are seasons when it seems like little is changing. Take heart—God's timing is perfect, and He is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Spiritual maturity is often built through countless ordinary moments of faithful discipleship, and the Lord uses each conversation, prayer, and act of obedience to shape our children's hearts according to His perfect plan.

Continue planting seeds of God's truth with patience and confidence. The Lord is faithful, and He will accomplish His purposes in His perfect timing.

Pray with us:
Father, help us trust Your perfect timing as we disciple our children. Give us patient hearts that faithfully point them to Christ, even when we cannot immediately see the fruit. Strengthen us to persevere, knowing that You are always at work. In Jesus' name, Amen.

07/29/2026

Dear Parents,

As this new academic calendar year begins, your children will encounter many voices trying to define who they are. They may feel pressure to measure their worth by grades, athletic ability, popularity, appearance, or the approval of others. As Christian parents, we have the wonderful privilege of reminding them of a truth that never changes: their identity is found in Christ alone. Because of His saving grace, those who belong to Jesus are deeply loved, fully forgiven, and made new. Long before they earn an award, make a team, or receive recognition, they are already treasured by their Heavenly Father.

Take every opportunity this school year to speak God's truth over your children. Celebrate their accomplishments, but remind them that their value is never determined by their performance. Read God's Word together, pray over them before they leave for school, and point them back to the Gospel when they experience both success and disappointment. When children learn that their identity is rooted in Christ, they are equipped to face every challenge with confidence, humility, and the assurance of God's unchanging love.

Pray with us:
Lord, root our children's identity firmly in Christ. Guard their hearts from seeking approval in the things of this world, and help them find their confidence in who You say they are. Give us wisdom as parents to continually point them to the Gospel and remind them that Your love never changes. Amen.

07/21/2026

Dear Parents,

As a new school year begins, one extra "supply" you can give your children is a home where they feel safe to talk. Between new teachers, friendships, expectations, and challenges, your children will experience moments of excitement, uncertainty, and even disappointment. Encourage open communication by making time each day to ask meaningful questions and truly listen. When children know they can share both their victories and their struggles without fear, parents have the opportunity to guide their hearts with biblical truth and remind them of God's faithfulness.

Listening with patience builds trust and opens the door for Gospel-centered conversations. As your children navigate this school year, remind them that no problem is too small to bring to you—and ultimately, to the Lord. Your calm presence, attentive listening, and biblical encouragement can help them learn to take every joy, fear, and challenge to Christ.

Pray with us:
God, help us listen with wisdom, patience, and love. Create open and honest communication in our home so our children know they are safe to share their hearts. Give us discernment to speak Your truth with grace, and help our family trust You through every opportunity and challenge this school year. In Jesus' name, Amen.