Good day dear friends.
As you begin your day with prayer, please remember Iris Blythe who is having spinal surgery in San Antonio this afternoon. Pleae also remember all who have asked prayer of us.
Here is our study guide for today:Wednesday: 2 Kings 12, 13, 14
Both Elijah and Elisha ministered primarily to the ten northern tribes, Israel, and to their rulers. Yet not one king of Israel is described as being good, or as pleasing the Lord. Ponder the incongruity of such powerful witnesses, yet such limited results. What do you think?
The truth about the kings of Israel is that they lived their lives as rebellious children of righteous parents. Through the ministry and teachings of Elijah and Elisah, they had the perfect example of a life lived in obedience and relationship with God, yet it counted for nothing for they were set to live their lives for themselves. Thank God not all families today are that way, but it does hurt good parents who try their hardest to raise their children in the way of the Lord, but find the children not believing or not choosing to live the way they know is God's way. Though he is not mentioned by name, we know he was alive and well and going against God, and I'm referring to Satan, God's perpetual enemey. God prepared Israel before entering the promised land that they were to encounter other gods and worship of these. God knew that some would be very attractive, especially those fertility religions that employed sexual expressions as part of their worship. These kings allowed and even encouraged these practices to continue even when they knew the one true God did not want these around.
The attraction of pleasures, especially those related to the flesh, are strong attractions away from God. To fall prey to these leads us away from God and God's wishes for our living right. The kings of Israel, sadly, were no exception. They saw the attraction and for whatever reason chose to live lives that would bring them their pleasure.
Does God ever give up on us? Thankfully, no. Should parents ever give up on their children? Parents should always lift up their children in prayer for God's leading and protection. Proverbs 22:6 speaks of training up (interesting choice of words!) our children in the ways of the Lord, and when they are old, they will not depart from it. (Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.) A parent should love his/her child(ren) enough to pray, to welcome, receive, encourage, and discipline them. We trust the Lord for His involvement and strength in the lives of all children.
PRAYER: Loving Father, help me to be a positive example of our relationship. Forgive me if I have failed You through the raising of my children and bless them even now. For those who are questioning You and Your love, bless them with the answer of amazing, unconditional love. For those who are rebelling and being influenced by forces greater than them, intervene with Your might and power. I believe that You are greater than anything or anyone, and for the sake of my child(ren), You can bring a victory. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
As you begin your day with prayer, please remember Iris Blythe who is having spinal surgery in San Antonio this afternoon. Pleae also remember all who have asked prayer of us.
Here is our study guide for today:Wednesday: 2 Kings 12, 13, 14
Both Elijah and Elisha ministered primarily to the ten northern tribes, Israel, and to their rulers. Yet not one king of Israel is described as being good, or as pleasing the Lord. Ponder the incongruity of such powerful witnesses, yet such limited results. What do you think?
The truth about the kings of Israel is that they lived their lives as rebellious children of righteous parents. Through the ministry and teachings of Elijah and Elisah, they had the perfect example of a life lived in obedience and relationship with God, yet it counted for nothing for they were set to live their lives for themselves. Thank God not all families today are that way, but it does hurt good parents who try their hardest to raise their children in the way of the Lord, but find the children not believing or not choosing to live the way they know is God's way. Though he is not mentioned by name, we know he was alive and well and going against God, and I'm referring to Satan, God's perpetual enemey. God prepared Israel before entering the promised land that they were to encounter other gods and worship of these. God knew that some would be very attractive, especially those fertility religions that employed sexual expressions as part of their worship. These kings allowed and even encouraged these practices to continue even when they knew the one true God did not want these around.
The attraction of pleasures, especially those related to the flesh, are strong attractions away from God. To fall prey to these leads us away from God and God's wishes for our living right. The kings of Israel, sadly, were no exception. They saw the attraction and for whatever reason chose to live lives that would bring them their pleasure.
Does God ever give up on us? Thankfully, no. Should parents ever give up on their children? Parents should always lift up their children in prayer for God's leading and protection. Proverbs 22:6 speaks of training up (interesting choice of words!) our children in the ways of the Lord, and when they are old, they will not depart from it. (Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.) A parent should love his/her child(ren) enough to pray, to welcome, receive, encourage, and discipline them. We trust the Lord for His involvement and strength in the lives of all children.
PRAYER: Loving Father, help me to be a positive example of our relationship. Forgive me if I have failed You through the raising of my children and bless them even now. For those who are questioning You and Your love, bless them with the answer of amazing, unconditional love. For those who are rebelling and being influenced by forces greater than them, intervene with Your might and power. I believe that You are greater than anything or anyone, and for the sake of my child(ren), You can bring a victory. I pray in Jesus' name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
e.v.
