And Now They're Grown
• Nov. 18, 2009 - A FAITHFUL YOUNG MAN
Read Genesis 39
Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh … bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there … And his master saw that the LORD was with him and that the LORD made all he did to prosper in his hand. Genesis 39:1,3 NKJV
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At first glance, Joseph's story is about slavery, lies and betrayal, even by family members. But the underlying message is that Joseph prospered in spite of it all, whether he was a servant, manager or prisoner. God had plans for Joseph to rescue his whole family, including those who betrayed him. Joseph was a faithful young man; is it any wonder that God chose him for this important task? His priorities were determined by his faithfulness to God, not the pressures of a wicked culture. When tempted to commit adultery, he said, “How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?" (Genesis 39:9b)
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Lord, give us the discernment to protect our children from the influences that could destroy their relationship with You. Help them to understand that sexual sin is a grievous offense against God, as well as their own bodies. Help us to teach them Your precepts so that they will know right from wrong and look forward to the future You have planned for them.
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“God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance … "So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God.” Genesis 45:7–8a NIV
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• Nov. 5, 2009 -
UNITY IN THE LORD
Read Malachi 1–4
Has not [the LORD] made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. Malachi 2:15 NIV
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Malachi prophesied about 85 years after the temple was rebuilt. The kingdom of Judah had fallen into serious sin; The priests offered unacceptable sacrifices and kept back their tithes from the Lord; The people had turned from the Lord to idols and divorced their Hebrew wives for pagan women. In spite of this travesty, there were still the faithful few who followed God–of whom he said, "Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name." (3:16)
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Lord, is there a scroll of remembrance with our names written on it? How comforting it is to know that as we gather together with other believers in our homes and churches–You listen and hear. I pray that each member of our family will remain faithful and continue to fellowship with other believers throughout their lives, bringing honor to Your name.
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May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5–6 NIV
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• Sep. 21, 2009 - WORDS FOR TODAY
A PURSE WITH HOLES IN IT
Read Haggai 1
Now this is what the LORD Almighty says: "Give careful thought to your ways. You have planted much, but have harvested little. You eat, but never have enough. You drink, but never have your fill. You put on clothes, but are not warm. You earn wages, only to put them in a purse with holes in it." Haggai 1:5–6 NIV
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It had been 15 years since the people of Judah had begun to rebuild the temple, but the work had ceased because they were too busy with their own affairs. The Lord, through the prophet Haggai said, "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (1:4)
The people, no doubt, were struggling in a broken down economy trying to build up the infrastructure of their city. In the busyness of it all, their priorities had slipped. So the Lord said, "Consider your ways! Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified…You looked for much, but indeed it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says the LORD of hosts. "Because of My house that is in ruins, while every one of you runs to his own house." (1:7-9 NKJV)
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Forgive us Lord when we become overly concerned with earning wages to furnish and maintain our houses. As necessary as those activities are, they are not as important as ministering in our families and churches. Give us a balance that brings glory to You and encouragement to other believers.
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And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:24–25 NKJV
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• Aug. 3, 2009 - Planned Relaxation - From "Radical Parenting"
All teachers need a break during the day, and homeschool teachers are no exception. When you are scheduling the school day, leave time for a non working break. Flip through a magazine or sit out on the patio and daydream. This is not the time for folding laundry or doing dishes - it is a 15 or 20 minute scheduled break. Enjoy a cup of tea, or walk down the block - a time when you can stretch your mental muscles and revive your spirit. I know I am talking to someone out there who feels guilty every time she relaxes.
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Relaxation should be a planned part of your day. I even planned a relaxation month. Assigning themes for different months of the year, I record them under the Goals section of my notebook. October is Cleaning for the Holidays, but August is Planned Relaxation. During that month I record my relaxing moments in my notebook, just as I would any other activities. My favorite August activity is sipping iced tea on the porch with a friend, family member or a good book. After the busy holiday and birthday celebrations of July, I enjoy this change of pace; then in September I feel refreshed and ready to begin the school year |
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• Jul. 14, 2009 - THE BOY JESUS
Read Luke 2:39–52
After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. Luke 2:46-47 NIV
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Mary and Joseph were busily talking with their friends on the way to Nazareth, knowing that they didn't have to check on their son, Jesus. But when they could not find him a day's journey out, they were understandably concerned.
When they finally found him, Mary was distraught and she said to him, "Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously." And He said to them, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?" But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. (Luke 2:48–50 NKJV)
This exchange between mother and Son was, at least in part, a fulfillment of Simeon's words to Mary, "And a sword will pierce your own soul too." (Luke 2:35) Mary spoke of "your father and I", and Jesus spoke of "My Father," and they didn't understand.
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Lord, help me to see the eternal significance of Your plan for my family, even when I don't understand. Give us a sensitivity to Your leading in our lives and the lives of our children.
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Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. Luke 2:51 NIV
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• May. 4, 2009 - DANIEL IN THE LION'S DEN
THE CRIME OF PRAYER
Read Daniel 6
"Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions?" Daniel 6:20 NIV
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This is one of the most familiar stories in the Bible, along with stories like Noah's Ark and David and Goliath–but it is far more than a children's bedtime story. It’s the story of a man who served God continually from the time he was a teenager–taken into Babylonian captivity–until he was a very old man serving Darius, the king of the Medes and Persians.
No matter what the circumstance, Daniel was faithful to his God. His crime in this story was that he prayed and gave thanks before his God three times a day, as was his custom since early days. (6:10b NKJV) Daniel–a man who seldom had control of his circumstances– served a God who was always in control of his circumstances. This is an amazing truth that most of us find hard to absorb.
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Lord, I am not likely to face a fiery furnace or hungry lions, but I still struggle to remember who controls my life and the lives of those I love. May it be said of us, like Daniel, “they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful;” (Daniel 6:4b NKJV)
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Daniel answered, "O king, live forever! My God sent his angel and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, O king." Daniel 6:21–22 NIV
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• Mar. 29, 2009 - EASTER DEVOTIONS
SCATTERED BUT NOT ALONE
Read John 16:5–33
"It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you." John 16:7 NKJV
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The disciples were still trying to grasp what Jesus was telling them. He was preparing them for the frightening, sorrowful days ahead. He said, "Therefore you now have sorrow; but I will see you again and your heart will rejoice, and your joy no one will take from you." (16:22)
At one point, the men thought they understood; they said, "See, now You are speaking plainly, and using no figure of speech! Now we are sure that You know all things, and have no need that anyone should question You. By this we believe that You came forth from God." (16:29–30)
Jesus replied, “Do you now believe? Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone…”(16:30-32 NKJV) The disciples would indeed be scattered, but they would be gathered again, empowered by the Holy Spirit and made into the foundation of a church that would turn the world upside down.
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Lord, I see from the lives of these men that I don't have to understand all that You are doing in the world. I just have to trust that You are the Son of God who has taken away my sin, and promised a fruitful, abundant life, by the power of Your Holy Spirit.
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"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I Have overcome the world." John 16:33 NKJV
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• Feb. 26, 2009 - TAUGHT BY THE LORD
ISAIAH 53
Read Isaiah 52–54
"We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” Isaiah 53:6
“After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light [of life] and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many and he will bear their iniquities. " Isaiah 53:11 NIV
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Isaiah 53 contains the most detailed prophesies in the Old Testament describing the Messiah's suffering, death and resurrection. Written hundreds of years before Jesus came to earth; its accuracy should reassure us of the trustworthiness of God’s Word.
By this time, the prophesied 70 years of captivity had been fulfilled and Isaiah prepared the people to go back to their land. God promised them, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” (54:10)
Isaiah spoke of a future day when Messiah would set up His kingdom in Jerusalem and all would be made right. In that day, he told them, "All your sons will be taught by the LORD, and great will be your children's peace." (54:13)
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Dear Father, I look forward to that coming day when everyone will be taught by the Lord in Your kingdom–but for now Lord, help us to be faithful in teaching our sons and daughters Your Word, and modeling obedience in our own lives.
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"Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds . . . Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up…" Deuteronomy 11:18a,19 NIV
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• Feb. 21, 2009 - PEACE LIKE A RIVER
I WILL NOT FORGET YOU
Read Isaiah 48–49
"I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17 NIV
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God, through Isaiah's prophesy of deliverance from Babylon, reminds the captives of His absolute sovereignty in their lives. He would soon raise up Cyrus, king of Persia to overthrow Babylon and help the Israelites return to their land. Of Cyrus He says, “I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called him. I will bring him, and he will succeed in his mission.” (48:15)
The Lord reminds them that if they had been obedient, they would not have been carried off to Babylon in the first place. He says, "If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your righteousness like the waves of the sea. (48:18)
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Most Holy Father, You are the One in control of our lives. Above all, I want my children to know and obey God; for I know that You love them even more than I do. You have promised through Isaiah, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you!” (49:15)
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"See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders. Isaiah 49:22 NIV
I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6b NIV
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• Feb. 4, 2009 - MEANINGLESS RULES
Read Isaiah 28:1–16
"Do and do, do and do, rule on rule, rule on rule; a little here, a little there–so that they will go and fall backward… "Isaiah 28:13 NIV
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Isaiah is reprimanding the priests and prophets of his day for teaching rules, while living a sinful life. They were not representing the rest, trust and personal relationship that God wanted from His people. He says of these leaders, "Who is it he is trying to teach? To whom is he explaining his message? To children weaned from their milk, to those just taken from the breast?" (28:9)
The apostle Paul echoes this in Hebrews; "You have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. " (Hebrews 5:12b-13 NKJV) God was looking for righteous lives, not a legalistic memorizing of rules they never kept.
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Lord, I pray that my life will be an example of following You, not just adhering to the rules that men have made. As we must establish the rules of living in our home, help us to do it in a way that will communicate our love for You and for our children. When we must discipline them, give us the wisdom to be consistent and do it right.
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All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16–17 NKJV
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• Jan. 20, 2009 - BEAUTIFUL TREASURES
By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. Proverbs 24:3–4 NIV
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Throughout the Proverbs of Solomon, he refers to wisdom as treasure to be eagerly sought out and cultivated. He said, “Know also that wisdom is sweet to your soul; if you find it, there is a future hope for you…” (24:14)
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There is no better place for wisdom to grow than in our Christian homes. The beautiful home will be furnished with more than lovely possessions. True riches, if nurtured, will dwell in the hearts of our children. First, we must seek wisdom for ourselves as parents, cultivating our love for each other and the Lord; then we will have an abundance of treasure to share with our children. This is a lifelong process, but the time we have to invest in our children is all too short.
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Lord, help us to cultivate the fields of our own hearts so that we will have a harvest of treasures to bring into our home. Help us to remember that "By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches and honor and life." (Proverbs 22:4 NKJV) Give us love for each other and the wisdom we need to lead our children in the ways of the Lord.
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Finish your outdoor work and get your fields ready; after that, build your house. Proverbs 24:27 NIV
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• Jan. 12, 2009 - WARNINGS TO A SON
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Read Proverbs 23
Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Buy the truth and do not sell it; get wisdom, discipline and understanding. Proverbs 23:22–23 NIV
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Proverbs 23 has a lengthy section warning of the consequences of substance abuse. Solomon counsels, “Listen, my son, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat,” (Proverbs 23:19–20)
We live in a day when churches are no longer talking about the dangers of alcohol. As a result, even Christian homes are dealing with this problem. Drugs are illegal, yet easily accessible for many young people. Children are developing alcohol problems at an early age, as there is less and less supervision at home.
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Oh Father, this is a problem I wish we didn't have to be concerned about, but even as Christians, we do. Help us to be an example of self control in these matters, realizing that “It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother to fall.” (Romans 14:21) Help us to communicate our own convictions with clarity, so that our sons and daughters will want to live a pure and holy life.
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The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him. May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice!
Proverbs 23:24–25 NIV |
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• Dec. 16, 2008 - HIDDEN TREASURE
THE SEARCH FOR WISDOM
Read Proverbs 2; James 1
–and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure– then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. Proverbs 2:4–6 NIV
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Throughout the book of Proverbs, Solomon presents a very important principle echoed in the New Testament: We must seek and ask for wisdom from God, and when He gives it, we must act upon it. James said, "Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like." (James 1:23–24) The beginning of wisdom is belief that God’s Word is true–but believing is not enough if we don’t carry through and apply it to our lives.
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Lord, as I open my Bible this morning, I am seeking for hidden treasure. Show me what I need to learn and then empower me to make any changes You require. I lift up my family, my husband and my children. Give me the ability to understand their needs and be ready with a wise and discerning answer. May my thoughts and actions reflect the wisdom mirrored in Your precious Word.
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If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV
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• Nov. 26, 2008 - INSTRUCT A WISE MAN
A WISE CHILD
Read Proverbs 9–10
Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning. Proverbs 9:9 NIV
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In these selected proverbs, Solomon is teaching his son the importance of diligence and obedience. He says “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son grief to his mother.” (10:1) Solomon contrasts diligence with laziness in the example of the farmer's son; "He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son." (10:5) He teaches his son that listening is an important part of learning. As Solomon aptly puts it, "The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin."(10:8) He warns, “When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.” (10:19)
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Lord, help us to follow your guidelines in training and disciplining our children. Give us the proper balance of love and discipline, as we teach our children to be respectful and willing to learn. Help us also to encourage their efforts by not being overly critical. Grant us patience as they grow in knowledge–as You have been patient with us.
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"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy one is understanding. For through me your days will be many, and years will be added to your life.
Proverbs 9:10–11NIV
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• Nov. 12, 2008 - THE PROVERBS OF SOLOMON
The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair– Proverbs 1:1-3 NIV
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When young King Solomon began to reign, God appeared to him in a dream saying, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (1 Kings 3:5) Solomon, citing his youth and lack of experience requested, “give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.”(1 Kings 3:9)
This humble request pleased God because Solomon placed wisdom above wealth and honor. God granted his request and told him, “I will give you what you have not asked for–both riches and honor–so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings.” (1 Kings 3:13) Solomon’s wise sayings have been recorded in the book of Proverbs, benefiting generations of believers.
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Lord, I too acknowledge my need for wisdom. Sometimes the choices are large ones, needing extended prayer and insight–but most are the daily little choices that will add up to a significant direction for our family. I come to You this morning for fresh insight from Your Word.
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Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance…The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge… Proverbs 1:5,7a NIV
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• Nov. 5, 2008 - A JOYFUL HEART
TELL THE CHILDREN
Read Psalms 144–145
Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. Psalms 145:3–4 NIV
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Most of his adult life, David was surrounded by enemies– first by Saul who was personally jealous of him, and then by armies who threatened Israel. David recognized that victory comes from the Lord, and he cried out to God for protection. Then in his prayers, he acknowledged God's greater plan in it all, “… that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.”(145:12-13)
David concluded that his mission was to praise the works of the Lord to all who would listen: “One generation,” he declared, “will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts.” In the midst of all that was happening he said, "I will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness." (145:4, 7)
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Lord, give me a joyful heart that sings like David, in every circumstance, “The LORD watches over all who love him, My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD.” (145:20-21) Help us to remember to tell our children everything You have done for us.
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Then our sons in their youth will be like well-nurtured plants, and our daughters will be like pillars carved to adorn a palace. Psalm 144:12 NIV
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• Oct. 22, 2008 - FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS
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Read Psalm 102–103
But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord's love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children's children. Psalm 103:17
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In Psalm 102 David pours out his heart in anguish, sick and fearful for his life–but in Psalm 103 David praises God for all of the benefits to his soul. He has been healed from his sickness, with his youth renewed. The LORD, he says, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. …He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. (103:8, 10)
David would never forget the love and mercy extended to him by his compassionate Heavenly Father. He praises God that “as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.” (103:12)
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Dear Heavenly Father, I too, want to praise you for all Your benefits. You have satisfied my desire with good things and put a new song in my mouth. Like David I can say, Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. (103:1) May I reflect, in my countenance and attitude this day, that I am a thankful woman in my inmost being.
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Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the LORD: Psalm 102:18 NIV
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• Oct. 16, 2008 - IN THE MORNING
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PRAYER FOR PROTECTION
Read Psalm 5:1–12; 143:8
In the morning, O LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation. Psalm 5:3
The Psalmist David found his strength each morning as he prayed and lifted up his requests to God. He believed that God heard him and he waited in expectation. On one occasion, he prayed, “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You. ( Psalms 143:8 NKJV)
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Each day should find us praying for the children God has given to us. Whether they are small and still at home or going off each morning to school, sports or work–they need the cover of our prayers. We can pray like David, “Spread your protection over them that those who love your name may rejoice in you. For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield. (Psalm 5:11-12)
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Dear Heavenly Father, watch over our children today wherever they are. I rejoice in You this morning because I know that You hear my voice. I lift up to You my specific requests and wait in expectation for Your answer.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. Psalm 36:7 NKJV
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• Aug. 2, 2008 - NEVER TOO YOUNG
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KING JOSIAH
Read 2 Chronicles 34
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Neither before nor after Josiah was there a king like him who turned to the LORD as he did–with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his strength, in accordance with all the Law of Moses. 2 Kings 23:25 NIV
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Josiah was only eight years old when his wicked father, Amon was assassinated and he became king. Josiah had never seen a copy of God's Word and yet, at the age of sixteen, he began to seek the God of his ancestor David. He destroyed many of the idols his father and grandfather had set up, and when he was twenty‑six years old, he began to restore the temple.
One of the priests found a copy of the law given to Moses. When Josiah heard it read he said, "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the remnant in Israel and Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the LORD; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written in this book." (34:21)
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Josiah's story illustrates that a young person who wants to know God will find Him, in spite of his background. Lord, make our home a place where young people will feel welcome and hear the truth of Your Word. Let it be a lighthouse in a dark world.
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"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12 NIV
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• Jul. 29, 2008 - AND HIS MOTHER WAS...
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KING HEZEKIAH
Read 2 Chronicles Chapters 29–30
Hezekiah was twenty-five years old when he became king… His mother's name was Abijah daughter of Zechariah. He did what was right in the eyes of the LORD… 2 Chronicles 29:1–2a NIV
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Reading through the stories of the Kings of Judah and Israel can be very discouraging. There were so many bad kings and so few good ones. But whether they were evil or good, the narrative often includes this phrase: "His mother's name was…" The kings of Israel were greatly influenced by the women in their lives, both wives and mothers. From wicked queen Jezebel to faithful queen Esther, we see that women have held a significant role in history. Though they were not usually making the decisions, they were definitely influencing the character of those who did.
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Lord, thank you that Your Word honors godly women and their role in shaping the characters of the Bible. May I never accept the voices that would demean the importance of my job as wife and mother. Help me to teach my children the truths of Your Word and faithfully discipline them to be respectful of their parents and their God.
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"The older women… can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God." Titus 2:3a-5 NIV |
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