I should have been doing this for all my years of parenting, but I’ve dropped the ball.
I wonder what blessings and wisdom I and my children have missed out on because I haven’t done what Job did every morning he was a parent.
I need to do better and I am grateful that the Lord is giving me more time to do for my children what Job did for his.
I’m talking about devoting specific moments of prayer for my children at the start of each day.
Some people think Job’s character was defined by his refusal to renounce God when his life fell apart.
That’s essential, of course, to any intensely faithful life.
But it’s the faith shown in the everyday, behind-the-scenes choices that helps to form the solid foundation to endure the worst that life can throw at us.
This passage humbled me and stirred me to become a better parent and a stronger Christian.
“Job’s sons would take turns preparing feasts in their homes, and they would also invite their three sisters to celebrate with them. When these celebrations ended—sometimes after several days—Job would purify his children. He would get up early in the morning and offer a burnt offering for each of them. For Job said to himself, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned and have cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular practice.” (Job 1:4-5)
My kids are grown. But so were Job’s.
All 10 of them.
Yet, he dedicated 10 separate intercessory prayer and sacrifices in their behalf every morning.
He wanted the peace of knowing each child had peace with God.
What a great example!
Some of you reading this have adult children who might not think much about God’s desires to be worshipped by your kids.
Let’s all start praying more for our kids in hopes that they become more focused on pleasing God.
As we do so, we’ll be pleasing God.
I really need to do this.
I pray that you will feel the same, whether your prayers are for your own children or for children belonging to others but with whom you have very close relationships.
As always, I love you
Martin
This last devotion has stirred me a bit. I have a 17 year old son who has stated his disbelief in God and the bible, a 7 year boy who I’m pretty sure is on the fence but hangs out with big brother a lot. And a 5 year old little girl who I believe has a stronger faith than myself and simplistic knowledge of God that i admire. I’m sorry to say that My boys have only seen a “poor” example of a christian from their father up until recently. They are all willing to go to church thank God, but I have to rely on the pastor to do the preaching. I pray that my life now, be a testament of Jesus Christ, such that my my children believe unmistakably that he is.
Thank you for your encouragement,
Thank you, Jordan, for your note. I prayed just now that your husband will heed more fully the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to his conscience. I also suggest that you ask your pastor for advice as to who might provide a godly male influence to the kids while they’re at church, even if it is just some intentional words of encouragement from a church guy who is respected.
Please tell me how you found the Morning Devotion website. It will help me to be more effective in connecting with others such as yourself. I also ask that you keep me updated about your family’s life. I have a big spot in my heart for families like yours.
Martin Drummond
I do not have children of my own, but I teach music to close to 500 children each year and I have many years of teaching. I sometimes do pray for my students and I wish I do more of it because I see that GOD DID DOES AND WILL ANSWER PRAYER if what I pray for is in tune with His Will. I encourage all believer to pray hard for their children to follow Jesus because He is the only way , truth to eternal life. We need to live the eternal, joyful life right now and that is one of the most effective way of sharing the Truth to our children, our spouse, our neighbor, and our community we live in. We, believers in Christ, are missionary in our community. Therefore we need to live it, not just talk it. Ouch, I sound like a preacher, I guess it is the teacher mode it me. My mother in heaven was a fantastic teacher…….