Daily Devotionals
Daily Devotional: Psalms 78:1-8
Ps 78:1-8
1 O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old--3 what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. 5 He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers
to teach their children, 6 so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. 7 Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. 8 They would not be like their forefathers--a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.
Eph 6:4
4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
There is nothing that God has given us that brings more joy than does the children in our lives. The thrill of holding that baby in our arms or the joy of hearing their first word is beyond our ability to explain. Our hearts swell when that toddler gets in our lap and gives us that big hug with the words “I love you”. Children are a blessing from the Lord and grandchildren overwhelm us with joy.
But with each child comes the responsibility to take care of them and provide their needs. The greatest need of all is to teach them about the God who made us and who loves us. Nothing overshadows our obligation to teach them by example and by words the love of Jesus Christ. Money cannot buy them faith. Excelling in sports will not give them true happiness or lasting joy. These only come as they are taught to trust in Jesus and serve the Lord God who made us all.
Degrees may provide opportunities to provide for our families but only learning about God and his grace can give lasting provision for our soul. Parents or not, the purpose of each of us is to serve the Lord with respect because we will all stand before him in judgment to give an account of how we have lived this life.
Heavenly Father I am thankful for your love and for your grace. Use me to serve you in whatever way you know is best. Give me more hatred for sin and greater love for holiness; first in my own life and then in others around me. Keep me from ever becoming comfortable with sin and wickedness. Fill me with your Spirit so I can love and forgive others as you love and forgive me. Help me live in confidence as I trust you in the midst of this pandemic. I pray in the name of Jesus.
Robert
