Marty Machowski. Parenting First Aid. Greensboro, NC: New Growth Press, September 24, 2018. 240 pp.
5 out of 5
Purchase: Amazon
Are you a parent look for a Bible devotional concerning applications with parenting or maybe you are not a parent but you are looking for a devotional to give as a gift to a friend who is a Christian parent? If this describes you I recommend this book. I got this book since I know the publisher New Growth Press typically publish biblical and practical Christian living resources and this book definitely didn’t disappoint and is like the other titles they have: edifying, biblical and saturated with practical applications. The author himself acknowledge how he himself is weak and really need God’s help for parenting through God’s Word and hence the title of this book as “Parenting First Aid.” I appreciated the humility and vulnerability while reminding the readers to focus on God and being empowered by the Word of God and the Gospel.
The purpose of the book is to try to encourage Christian parents to continue to be biblical parents in the midst of parenting trials. I thought the author fulfilled the purpose of the book. A book focus of the subject matter is the children’s salvation and also parental heartbreak with a child’s rebellion or unbelief. I love the Gospel focus of the book and the priority of salvation versus other things such as concerns about the child’s financial wellbeing and material blessings.
The work consisted of twenty chapters with the format of an introduction, then three days’ worth of devotions followed by a section titled “Real Life” in which the author presents different individuals testimonies meant to encourage parents. Some of the stories under “Real Life” were really encouraging to read. For the devotional section of the chapter each one is based upon a verse which theme is titled and then the exposition which the author titled “Ponder Anew” followed by an application section titled “Bring It Home.” I really enjoyed the application section since the author uses application questions to drive the point home to the heart.
Some of passages the devotional looked include Psalm 127, 2 Timothy 3:14-17, Lamentations 3, 1 Corinthians 1, Hebrews 12 and many others. Of the passages covered the ones I knew the least about was Isaiah 41 and Psalm 103 and I thought the author did a good job looking at the passage in context and illuminated it in terms of how it connects with parenting in its application. I do recommend this book.
The Domain for Truth 
Nice
I too thought it sounded like a worthwhile read
Thank you, Jim for another possible Christmas gift suggestion. GOD bless you and your family!
You’re welcome brother! How was the temperature for you guys earlier today in the Philippines? Always curious what’s going on in different parts of the world
Probably hot outside and it did not rain in this part of the city. I did not check the exact temperature though; I just updated the list of verses and listened to Lutzer and John Mac’s sermons.
Thank you for reviewing this book for us! Parents of young (and older) children definitely need help in relaying the Gospel.
You’re welcome! I like how this book is addressed to parents not just of young ones but also for parents going through things in the teenage years…I imagine those are the toughest years parenting with the kids still living at home?
RE: teenage years…are the toughest years
Yes, they were very tough years. I don’t even like to recall our sons’ high school years because there was so much turmoil.
Life application is a great way to get through to any generation. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for sharing your review SlimJim ☺️.
Thank you for this helpful review brother .
You’re welcome! I thought at first this book was for parents of younger kids but its focus on ministering to parents with prodigals and nonbelieving kids also was edifying probably more for parents with older kids and even adults. That can be a forgotten set of parents in the church today in my opinion though I haven’t had the experience yet but judging what’s written out there in terms of books…what do you think?
Yes I agree with you .
Will look to see if I can download this book on Kindle .
Have a blessed end to your Wednesday
Mom of four here. I’m going to need to purchase this.
This looks worthwhile for Christmas gift idea
Good day everyone, my name is Anthony and I’m here to testify about the good things God has done for me through Jesus! I’m saved. I know that Christ died for me. I know that my sins were atoned for.