Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38)

There once was a jailer who was ordered to guard Paul and Silas securely. Around midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God when an earthquake shook the prison, flinging open the doors and loosening everyone’s chains. The jailer woke up and saw the doors open. Thinking the prisoners had escaped, he was about to kill himself, but Paul shouted and saved him. He fell to the ground and asked Paul and Silas what he had to do to be saved. In that moment, the word of the Lord spoke to the jailer and his entire household.

The jailer was transformed: He took Paul and Silas and cleaned all their wounds, he and his entire house were baptized immediately, and then he brought Paul and Silas back to his house and served them a meal and was filled with joy. He went from imprisoning Jesus’s messengers to joyfully sharing a meal after a baptism!

Faith is meant to transform us, and baptism is meant to tell the whole world of that transformation! Baptism does not save us; it is an outward display of an inward decision. When we are baptized, we are publicly telling people that we are no longer who we were before we followed Jesus. We should desire that type of faith for our kids—a faith that means being not ashamed but proud of how Jesus changed their lives.

This week, let’s pray that our kids tell people when Jesus changes their lives. When baptism is right for them, let’s pray they make that choice confidently and joyfully and let’s celebrate them big!

Jesus, I pray that you change __________’s life. May they have the type of faith that immediately takes action because they know life with you is too good. May they publicly declare their faith, so everyone knows they follow you. Amen.

It’s easy to focus so much on caring for our families that we neglect our own personal faith.

In this episode, Shelley Giglio, co-founder of Passion Conferences and Passion City Church, shares wisdom on what it looks like for women to cultivate a strong, personal relationship with God. The conversation explores how our faith shapes our homes, why it matters for our kids to see it lived out, and how to keep Jesus at the center in everyday life.

We talk about practical ways to grow spiritually, the influence of a parent’s faith on the next generation, and the lasting impact of consistently showing up with intention.

This episode is a meaningful reminder that investing in your own faith is one of the most powerful ways to impact your family.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Early Impressions

02:59 Seasons of Life and Ministry

05:56 The Importance of Letting Go

09:00 Faith and Parenting Dynamics

11:58 Encouragement for Moms

14:55 Everyday Discipleship and Spiritual Growth

16:00 Building Consistency in Scripture Reading

20:09 Navigating Faith Amidst Illness and Disappointment

24:01 The Impact of Family on Faith Development

30:00 Embracing Unique Paths in Motherhood

Connect with Pardon The Mess:

Christian Parenting

Pardon The Mess

Courtney DeFeo

Resources from today’s show:

Connect with Shelley

Passion City Church

Passion Conferences

Six Steps Records

The Grove

Open a LearningRX center

Moms, Dads, and Grads Gift Guide

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Pardon The Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:11–13)

In his efforts to spread the gospel all over the world, the apostle Paul endured trials that would break most people. He was beaten, imprisoned, hungry, and persecuted. He experienced dangerous travels, a shipwreck, and even a snake bite! But through all of that, Paul continued to praise Jesus. He even sang hymns while in prison!

Of all people, Paul understood that our situations and our lives are temporary. He knew what it was like to have more than enough and also knew what it was like to struggle and fear. Through faith, Paul learned to be content in Christ, not his circumstances.

Our lives can change in a second, and our emotions are fleeting. True contentment is learned, and it doesn’t come naturally, especially for kids. It’s so normal for our kids to want the next best thing. Of course they want the latest toys, electronics, shoes, or clothes, or a place on the best sports team. But when they base their happiness on these things, they are chasing a status and a high that will always leave them wanting more. Even though we know this as parents, we fall into that trap too!

We will only feel truly content by trusting in God’s provision for us no matter what. Our contentment in Christ grows as we trust God more and more. This life is not about the latest and greatest, it’s about being in a relationship with God.

This week, let’s pray that our kids shift their minds to Jesus and learn to be content in him no matter what.

Lord, teach _______ to be content in you. Help them trust in your provision, rejoice in every season (good and bad), and find their peace not in circumstances or what they have but in you. May they, like Paul, decide that through Christ, they have all they need. Amen.

Pardon the Mess is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org