-January 28, 2023-
Good morning, happy Saturday,
“Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever; for You, O Lord God, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of your servant be blessed forever.”
(2 Samuel 7:29).
David sought God’s blessing on his family: his wives, children, and his whole household. When Satan tempted him with Bathsheba, he sought to bring down David. But God forgave him for his sin. The devil then attacked his children. Though David was forgiven, he still suffered the consequences in his life and especially his children.
The same is true today. The church is made up of families. It seems that in our nation and in the church – families are under attack from the devil, the world, and the flesh. There are so many divorces, single parent households, and wayward children. So many single mothers are raising children without a father. More than ever before we need godly fathers, mothers, and children. We need families to pray and share the Word together. The old expression is so true, “Families that pray together, stay together.” What happened to the family altar?
Joshua was a strong leader of the nation but also of his family. He said in Joshua 24:15, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. Children need guidance, direction, and discipline. Parents need to not only teach their children but be examples to them. The children in the world desperately seek role models. Athletes, entertainers, and other celebrities can’t compare to parents, especially godly parents.
Phillip, the evangelist and one of the seven deacons appointed by the apostles, took his responsibility of fatherhood very seriously. He and his wife raised four virgin daughters who prophesied. Phillip welcomed Paul and his companions into his home in Caesarea. He took the words of David and Joshua to heart.
There is a Christian song entitled, “The Family Prayer Song.” It says, “Staying together, praying together, any storm we can weather, trusting in God’s word. We need each other, fathers and mothers, sisters and brothers in harmony and love. As for me and my house we will serve the Lord.” God loves families and blesses those who seek and honor Him.
May our families be strong and united in Christ. As our families are healthy, our churches will be healthy. The key is love for one another as a family. Have a blessed Saturday serving the Lord: as families, as couples without kids, and as single folk. Stay safe and healthy.
Providing loving, godly, and supportive households,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 