Friday, May 13, 2016

SOAP 05/11/2016; 1 Chronicles 28:9

Today's reading: 2 Samuel 19, 20; Psalm 55 Matthew 28*

S) "'As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.'"


1 Chronicles 28:9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Chronicles 28

O) David was a man after God's own heart. He understood that his love for God had been a key to his relationship with God, and God's favor toward him. So, in his twilight years, when he was about to hand the kingdom over to his son, he implored Solomon to seek God the same way.


A) This was a promise and warning to his son, specific to Solomon, but it is still sound advice. One of my biggest concerns as a person, and certainly the biggest as a dad, is that my kids will grow to love Jesus Christ, learn who He is, and desire to serve Him. Because of the grace at work in the gospel, I'm not sure He will ever reject people forever (because my kids don't have a specific covenant with God, the way David did), but I am quite certain of the promises that if they serve Him with their whole hearts, and a willing mind, and they seek him, then they'll find Him. These promises were echoed by Jesus directly. God does search all hearts, and He does understand every intent of thoughts. For myself, I need to lead by example, engage in my relationship with them, and pray, pray, pray.


P) Father, the grace at work in me is humbling and joyous. I know that the same grace at work in me, must also be at work in my kids. I pray they have softened hearts, open ears and eyes, that they would come to know who You are. Draw them in to relationship with You. Help Ella to gain more and more understanding of who You are, and the depths of Your love. Help Caleb and Kaia to understand grace and mercy, justification and sanctification. Help me to live out my faith in a plain way. Help me to be conscious that every moment with them is a ministry opportunity. Help me to invest in my relationship with them. I love them, and if there is only one thing I can teach them, only one thing I could ensure about how they turn out in this life, it would be that they know, serve, and love You. Let Your will be done in their lives. Be glorified in their sight, through me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

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