Devotion
Like father, like son
David Jacobs
When my older brother had children, I was amazed at how quickly they learned and copied the things that adults did. My nephews would mimic one another and their parents, often not understanding whether or not their actions were right or wrong. I specifically remember one instance when my older nephew lied to his parents. Any adult would be able to decipher that he was lying because it was probably one of the first lies that he ever attempted, and we told him not to lie. His younger brother, mere minutes later, copied what his brother had done, lying about something trivial, copying the example that had been set.
Absalom had many of the great qualities that his father did; he was charismatic and the most praised man in Israel regarding his looks (2 Samuel 14:25). He was also cunning and had an eye for the throne. Although it must have broken King David's heart to have his own son conspire against him, I think he must have really gazed in the mirror and thought about his own actions. Who would have had a greater impact on his son's behavior? David was not shy of conspiring against others himself, scheming to kill the honorably Uriah the Hittite after committing adultery with his wife, Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11). Like father, like son, and now King David must learn to live with his regrets as a father. Unfortunately, both David and Absalom made choices that displeased God, instead of obeying the word of their true Father.
Prayer
What is the impact that your parents made on you? Do you see similar character traits in your parents and yourself? If you have children, what kind of impact have you made on them? It is never too late to change. As with my nephews, habits can be learned quickly, so do your best to make positive habits for yourself.
Devotion
Abraham is Father of All
Frances Taylor
There are questions in every age about the importance of the Old Testament for Christians. Abraham is considered to be the Father of Faith for Jews, Christians and Muslims. We forget that it was Abraham who believed in the doctrine of only one God. It is through him and his descendants that this tradition comes down to us. Another fact that we can overlook is that Jesus was Jewish. He was born a Jew, lived as a Jew, died, rose and ascended into heaven as a Jew. Because we believe that he was the Messiah, the Christ, and we follow him, we are called Christian. Without the Old Testament, we wouldn't understand the promise of salvation; we wouldn't understand why it was important for Jesus to be of the family of King David. We would not understand his teaching either, because Jesus quoted from Scripture – the Old Testament – frequently. He told us that he came to fulfill the Scriptures, not to abolish them. In the same way, we can ...
Morning Prayer
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
Inspiration
We have a responsibility, as Christians, to abstain from the sinful practices we partook in before we became saved. While it may be a gradual process of change, we should ensure that we are putting in our best to play our part in resisting temptation. God enables us to resist temptation, but it is up to us to actually resist.
Prayer
Dear God, I pray that I will always be a person of action. Father, I take delight in my new life in you and I do not desire otherwise. I pray that in times of temptation, may I act on the strength you have given me to flee and/or resist. May I never rely on excuses or procrastination, Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Night Prayer
Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Inspiration
We have chosen to surrender our lives and serve the Lord. We serve Him by witnessing, completing missionary projects, and ministering to those in need. There is always work to do and a world full of people to help. We will look for opportunities to provide for our brothers and sisters in Christ by any means necessary. We are servants to one another as a service to the Lord; He will never forsake us.
Prayer
Dear God, Help us see the world through Your eyes. We desire to serve those around us by reflecting Your love through our actions. You will never forsake us, and we will continually lift praises of thanksgiving to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
