Today's Reading
1 Samuel Chp 12
As Samuel grows old he appears before the Israelites with a farewell speech. He confronts them with their evil both past and present and he reminds them that God has always shown mercy, grace and forgiveness.
20 “Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart. 21 Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. 22 For the sake of his great name the LORD will not reject his people, because the LORD was pleased to make you his own. 23 As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. 24 But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. 25 Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.”
Lately, I have been frustrated about my own son's lack of desire about both the church and God.
Samuel's life and his actions/words here serve as powerful guidance for me.
(1) It is critical that I see my own son's life and direction in God's hands that I am a steward and instrument of God. As part of this I must pray to God for God's direction and for my son (verse 23)
(2) Continue to teach, and find new and innovative ways to teach the Lord to those in my care - my family (verse 23)
(3) Live a life worthy of imitation (verse 24)
(4) Maintain a pure heart - while it is expected that we will always have a sinful nature, we must always repent, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to him.
My Prayer: Lord, you have blessed me beyond imagination and you have also always shown me great mercy. How great you are! Thank you for the blessing of my children. Forgive me for my critical nature both to my wife and to my children. Help me rid myself of this, pray to you for guidance and protection for my family, and for their faith and walk with you/love of you.
