Devotionals by Dr. James Dobson
The Holy Prize
The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 6:23
Mothers and fathers who build close relationships with their adult children experience one of the great satisfactions in life. As a son, I (JCD) have many fond memories of special moments with my parents during my adult years, and as a father, I cherish more than ever the times I’m with Danae and Ryan now that they’re grown. Yet there is an even greater reward for parents. Our days on this earth will eventually end—perhaps much sooner than we think. The real goal for moms and dads, then, is to enjoy their children not just in this temporary existence, but also in the eternal life to come.
It is the nature of God’s loving design for families that parents and children be separated for a time, then permanently reunited in heaven. When the Lord calls me across the threshold, I know that my father and mother will be waiting with open arms to welcome me. And one day not so long after (if probabilities prove accurate), I will be doing the same for my own kids. What glorious moments those will be!
This is the reward that surpasses all others—a joyous family reunion that lasts forever. I pray that you will continually nurture your children’s relationship with Jesus so that your family achieves the “crown of righ-teousness” (2 Timothy 4:8) promised to the faithful.
Before you say good night…
- Do you and your children look forward to eternity together in heaven?
- Do you agree that achieving eternal life through Jesus is the most important objective for us and our children?
Fill our hearts, O Lord, with this wondrous vision…forever with You, forever with each other in the place You have prepared for us. Whatever else this life may hold for us—wealth or honor, trials or suffering—nothing compares with the thought of a family reunion in heaven. May it be so for all of us, we pray. Amen.
Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.
This devotional is taken from Night Light for Parents. Copyright © 2000 by James Dobson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission.
About Family Talk
Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.
The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.
Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.
About Dr. James Dobson
Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, "Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk." He is the author of more than 30 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Marriage Under Fire, Bringing Up Girls, Head Over Heels and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift.
Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children's Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years. He has been active in governmental affairs and has advised five U.S. presidents on family matters. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development. He holds 17 honorary doctoral degrees, and was inducted in 2008 into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dobson recently received the following awards: Winston Churchill Lifetime Achievement Award from the Faith & Freedom Coalition (2017), Daniel Award from AZ Christian University (2016), and the Defender of Life Award from the Justice Foundation (2015).
Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren. The Dobsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
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