Day 1

Reuben – Guarding Strength with Wisdom

Reuben had the birthright of the firstborn. He embodied strength and potential, the kind of potential every father sees in their child. But Jacob's words remind us that strength alone is not enough. Reuben was unstable and lacked self-control. He made impulsive choices that cost him his legacy.

As fathers, we often want to speak over our children all the possibilities they can achieve. But potential must be accompanied by wisdom and discipline. Our job is not only to recognize the gifting in our children but to shape their character so they can steward those gifts well.

Teach your children that strength is a responsibility. Power without restraint leads to downfall. Call out their gifts, but also instruct them in integrity. Warn them of the dangers of impulsiveness and help them build the inner life that sustains public strength.

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the strength and potential You have placed in my children. May they never be ruled by impulse or driven by unstable emotion. Let them grow in wisdom as they grow in stature. Build in them self-control, purity, and a heart that honors You even in private moments. In Jesus' name, Amen.