1 The First Day Of School
"This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24
"Wake up! Time to get up and go to school." How many times have you heard those words in your lifetime? The first day of school brings about many feelings and emotions. You may jump out of bed the first day, happy and excited about starting the new school year. You may be nervous or anxious about meeting new people and teachers. Maybe you are scared at the thought of facing new challenges in the classroom and wish you could hide under the covers. Many will be going away to college and moving away from home for the first time. As you wake up each morning try to think of this verse, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Write it on a sheet of paper and tape it to your mirror. Remember it throughout the day and smile as you greet old friends and meet new people. God has blessed you with a new day. Live today to the fullest! Rejoice and be glad! This month as we feast on the daily bread from God's Word I hope to give you verses that will help you spiritually, physically, and emotionally to make the best of each new day.
2 Prayer In The Morning
"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." Psalm 5:3
Prayer is the perfect way to begin every day. Give thanks to God above for each new day. Ask Him to lead you and guide you in the right paths. Pray that you will be a blessing to others and that your light will shine through your Christian testimony. A good example of how to pray is found in Matthew 6:9-13. Read these words of our Lord, "After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen." Prayer in the morning is good, but don't forget to pray at other times throughout the day as well. David said, "Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice." (Psalm 55:17) Daniel also prayed three times a day even when it meant being thrown into a den of lions. (Daniel 6:10) Begin your day with prayer, continue your day in prayer, and end your day with prayer.
3 Lift Up Your Hands And Praise The Lord
"O GOD, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; To see thy power and thy glory, so as I have seen thee in the sanctuary. Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name." Psalm 63:1-4
When I wake up in the mornings a good stretch seems to help me get going. One morning as I raised my hands way over my head I thought of some Bible verses which admonish us to lift up our hands and praise the Lord. I looked up some of the verses. "Hear the voice of my supplications, when I cry unto thee, when I lift up my hands toward thy holy oracle." (Psalm 28:2) "My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes." (Psalm 119:48) "Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD." (Psalm 134:2) "Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens." (Lamentations 3:41) "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting." (I Timothy 2:8) King Solomon lifted up his hands when he prayed (I Kings 8:54) and when Ezra prayed all the people lifted up their hands and bowed their heads as they answered "Amen, Amen". (Nehemiah 8:6) Now I begin each day lifting up my hands and giving praise to God. He alone is worthy of our praise. A good stretch does the body good, and praising the Lord is good for the soul. What a wonderful way to start your day!
4 To Have Friends
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24
On occasion I meet new people on my job. Sometimes new employees are hired and I learn new names and faces. I have become familiar with my co-oworkers and my surroundings, and I am comfortable in my box. I can't imagine stepping out of my box, changing jobs each year and being placed with a whole group of strangers. Yet, this is what our children go through each fall. After a short summer, they go back to school and meet new teachers in new classroom settings with many people they don't know. I was shy and quiet in school and I made friends very slowly. Maybe you are getting ready for your first day of school and you are nervous about being with so many new people. This verse may help you. "A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly..." Smile. As you pass people in the halls and glance at them next to you in class, smile. I think that is a good first step in showing friendship. And more importantly, remember that "there is a friend that sticketh closet than a brother." Pray and talk to Jesus. Remember His words in Matthew 28:20, "lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." He is the greatest friend you will ever have.
5 Study To Show Thyself Approved
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman tht needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." II Timothy 2:15
I once saw a bumper sticker that read, "As long as there are tests, there will be prayer in school." I often prayed that God would bring the things I had studied back to my mind. It would not have made much sense on my part to pray that, if I had not done my part to study. We all have been given different levels of wisdom and knowledge. James said, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." (James 1:5) We can pray for wisdom, but I believe knowledge is taught. "Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments." (Psalm 119:66) Knowledge comes in part from the teacher. We have many teachers throughout our lives. Our parents are our first teachers. Older siblings, family, and friends can be teachers. Hopefully your teachers have taught you to use good judgment and knowledge. Knowledge also comes in our willingness to study and learn. We all have different abilities, but as we study, our knowledge grows. As you begin this new year, do yourself a favor, and study for your classes. Feed your mind and watch it grow. And don't forget to study God's Word. You may not be able to attend church as often as you could with your new schedule. But be sure you take time to read your Bible. With prayer and study you can make this a valuable year instead of just passing time.
6 Claim What's Yours
"The children of Gad and the children of Rueben came and spake unto Moses, and to Eleazar the priest, and unto the princes of the congregation, saying,... the country which the LORD smote before the congregation of Israel, is a land of cattle, and thy servants have cattle: Wherefore, said they, if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan." Numbers 32:2-5
The children of Israel wandered in the wilderness forty years and when they finally came to the Jordan River to cross over into the Promised Land the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh decided they liked the land right where they were. They were satisfied and didn't want to cross over Jordan into the Promised Land. How many times in our lives have we been satisfied right where we are? We don't offer to do anything for our church building because we are satisfied with the way it looks. We don't invite people to church because we are satisfied with the number of people who attend. We don't read God's Word and claim the promises He has given because we are satisfied with life just as it is. We don't want to be labeled a "Super Christian". We need to read our Bible and trust in God to fulfill His Word in our lives. Now, since we are talking about going back to school, I want to encourage you to claim your education. You have the opportunity to study and learn. Go to class. Read your text books. Complete your homework assignments. When you don't give it your all, it is like you have come to the Jordan and don't want to cross over. Moses answered these men, "Wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the LORD hath given them?" (Numbers 32:7) Your friends and classmates are watching you. Be an encouragement to them. Work at it and claim your education and become the person God wants you to be.
7 How Is Your Driving?
"So there went one on horseback to meet him, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu said, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. And the watchman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but he cometh not again. Then he sent out a second on horseback, which came to them, and said, Thus saith the king, Is it peace? And Jehu answered, What hast thou to do with peace? turn thee behind me. And the watchman told, saying, He came even unto them, and cometh not again: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi; for he driveth furiously." II Kings 9:18-20
Jehu had just been anointed king over Israel by one of the young prophets sent by Elisha. He sent him to smite the house of wicked Ahab and Jezebel. The watchman in the tower saw him and sent messengers on horseback to bring back a message, but they did not return. Did you notice that the watchman recognized that it was Jehu "for he driveth furiously." Do you have a bad reputation for driving furiously? There are many campaigns against drinking and driving, but alcohol is not the only factor in driving fatalities. It is easy to get distracted by things happening in the car and also things that happen along the road as you travel. Keep your mind on your driving. When we are talking on the phone or texting, and eating, and fixing our hair, or reading directions on the GPS we are less attentive to the vehicles around us. When young people begin driving they are usually very careful, but once they gain confidence they sometimes take more chances. Getting your driver's license is a big step toward adulthood. Be careful. Don't get a bad reputation for the way you drive.
8 Have A Ball
"Behold, the LORD will carry thee away with a mighty captivity, and will surely cover thee. He will surely violently turn and toss thee like a ball into a large country:..." Isaiah 22:17-18
When I was in elementary school we learned how basketball began with peach baskets. I often wondered who invented the first ball. Then I read this verse one day and I thought how God created the earth, moon, and other planets as balls suspended out in space. We began this segment of devotions with Psalm 118:24, "This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." Most of us rejoice and are glad each Saturday that comes around. After a week of school or work we appreciate having a day off. If you are beginning a new college year, don't sit in your room alone all day. Get out and find a pick-up game of basketball or volleyball. That's a great way to get some exercise and meet new friends. For the younger readers, you might play catch with a neighbor or your dog. Enjoy the beautiful outdoors before the winter season sneaks up on us. Get out and have a ball!
9 Meeting Requirements
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" Micah 6:8
As you go to school you face requirements that you must meet. There are certain requirements that you have every day. Being in class on time, bringing the necessary books and tools to class, and listening, are just a few. There are requirements to complete each semester to pass your grade, as well as those to play sports, or join certain groups. After you graduate you will see that there are still specific things that have to be done. You must follow certain guidelines to keep a job. You must pay your bills on time. You have to put gas in your car or you will be stranded somewhere. Micah tells us what God requires of us. "He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of the, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?" While you are working to meet the requirements of school or just daily living, make sure you don't forget God's requirements. The most important one was spoken by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ in John 3:3 & 7. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God... Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."God's requirement for you to go to heaven is that you believe that Jesus Christ came from heaven to give His life on the cross to pay for your sins. If you don't know Jesus as your Lord and Savior please confess your sin to Him today and meet this requirement to enter heaven.
10 Do The Right Thing
"And it came to pass the same night, that the LORD said unto him, Take thy father's young bullock, even the second bullock of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it: And build an altar unto the LORD thy God upon the top of this rock, in the ordered place, and take the second bullock, and offer a burnt-sacrifice with the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and so it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day, that he did it by night. And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove was cut down that was by it, and the second bullock was offered upon the altar that was built. And they said one to another, Who hath done this thing? And when they enquired and asked, they said, Gideon the son of Joash hath done this thing. Then the men of the city said unto Joash, Bring out thy son, that he may die:..." Judges 6:25-30
We looked at Micah 6:8 and what the Lord requires from man. The first is to "do justly". Today I want to encourage you to do the right thing. It is not always easy. The Lord told Gideon to throw down the altar of Baal. It took courage for Gideon to destroy his father's idols. He knew that if he did it in the day, the men of the city would kill him. They threatened to kill him in verse 30, but Joash told them to let Baal plead for himself. It can be especially difficult to take a stand for what's right if it goes against the beliefs of our family and friends. Gideon took a stand and followed the Lord's instructions in these things, and God used him to deliver the children of Israel from the Midianites and the Amalekites. Arm yourself with the armor of God and take a stand for the Lord. "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." (Ephesians 6:13-17)
11 Love Mercy
"Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy." Matthew 5:7
The second requirement that God gives in Micah 6:8 is "to love mercy." When I tried to think of someone in the Bible who showed mercy, I could think of no greater example than God above. Psalm 136 begins, "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever." It continues for 26 verses on the greatness of God, each ending with, "for his mercy endureth for ever." We are all born in sin and condemned to die, but Christ came and shed His blood to save us if we ask as the publican, "God be merciful to me a sinner" and believe on His Holy name. (Luke 18:13) Because God has shown such great mercy to us, we should also be merciful to others. How can we show mercy to others? By showing kindness. "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." (Ephesians 4:32) Don't make fun at those less fortunate than yourself. Don't stand by and let your friends tease and ridicule someone. If you see someone who needs help, lend a helping hand. Hold the door for someone with his hands full and help someone pick up her dropped papers. It may seem like such a small thing, but a little kindness goes a long way.
12 Walk Humbly With Thy God
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." James 4:10
Our last requirement found in Micah 6:8 is to "walk humbly with thy God". We serve the Almighty, Holy God. When we see God in our heart in His greatness and power we will indeed humble ourselves before Him. The amazing thing about these verses is not that we should humble ourselves to God, but that He wants to walk with us. We are just a small part of His creation, but He loves us and cares for us. "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." I Peter 5:6-7 I am reminded of the verses in Genesis 3:8-9, "And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou?" God told the children of Israel, "And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be my people." (Leviticus 26:12) The Israelites sinned and broke the fellowship with God just as Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. In Amos 3:3 God asks the question, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" We can't walk with God when we are walking in sin. Humble yourself to God. Confess your sin and turn back to Him. He wants to have fellowship with His children.
13 Quiet Time
"And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him, What doest thou here, Elijah? And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away. And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, there came a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?" I Kings 19:9-13
We often want God to show us things in big, bold, neon letters. All of these things happened while Elijah was hiding from Jezebel. God spoke to Elijah in a still small voice. I think one of the reasons we don't hear God is because we are looking for great big miracles, when God wants us to listen for His still small voice. We read in Psalm 46:10, "Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." A few years ago, while my husband was out of town, my son broke his arm. Shortly after we got home from the long wait in the emergency room a very close friend called. She said that God had told her to call me. Although she was in another state and could not be there physically to help me, it helped me to be able to tell her all about my troubles. It eased the burden to have someone to listen. Since that time I have prayed that I would be close enough to God to hear when He speaks to me. I think it is important to have a quiet time with God. Read your Bible and pray and meditate on His Word. With so many things going on all the time, I have found that riding in the car is my favorite quiet time. I can drive along and pray and thank Him for all His goodness. Listen for God's still small voice.
14 Wait On The Lord
"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
We talked about how we should listen for the still small voice of God. Often we just jump right into a situation without even praying about it. And when we do think to pray about it, we often don't wait for God to answer. Instead we go ahead and do what we were planning anyway. I have heard preachers criticize Gideon for his fleece (Judges 6:36) but I don't see that God rebuked Gideon for making sure of His Word. I often put out a fleece when I pray about something. Salesmen often try to convince you that you need to buy it now, or someone else will. I always try to tell them I will pray about it and get back with them. I had a one-time free day for a gym many years ago. I tried the equipment and looked over everything, but the young lady showing me around insisted that I join that day. She said I could not get the good deal if I waited. I told her I would have to pray about it and talk it over with my husband, and she said she was sorry but the only way I could get the special was to sign up right then. I walked away and never went back. Don't buy on impulse. Take time to pray about your purchases. Several years ago we found a good deal when we were looking for a larger car (it's hard to get 5 children in a small car) but would not have our downpayment for a few weeks. We prayed about it and I asked God to let the car not be sold if it were His will for us to buy that car. When we went back to make our purchase the car was still there and God gave me peace that it was the right one. More recently when we were looking for a car we made an appointment to test drive one. When we got there is was raining and the salesman disappeared until the rain stopped, then we got in and the battery was dead, one of the warning lights kept coming on on the dash and I felt immediately that God did not want us to have that car. Some people may think those things are just coincidence, but I believe in a God who controls all circumstance. Pray about things in your life and if you don't have assurance that God is working in that area, it may be time to wait. Don't rush in and make mistakes.
15 Count The Cost
"For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish." Luke 14:28-30
When I was a growing up, and even into my teen years, people bought only what they could pay for at the time. Now credit cards are easily accessible. We get many credit card applications in our mailbox every month. It is easy to spend money you don't have. Even the fast food restaurants will accept credit cards now. You can pay with a credit card at the gas stations and be in shock when you get the bill. Heed the warning of our Lord. Count the cost. Don't charge more than you can pay back. My son has a credit card to buy his books at college and he calls me every time he uses it. I appreciate this. I pray that my children will learn to use credit with discretion and always count the cost.
16 Whom Shall I Fear?
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" Psalm 27:1
We have been talking about going back to school. You may enjoy going back to familiar classrooms and have many friends around you. Or, you may be going to a new school or not have many of your friends in your classes. This can sometimes bring fear. Many of us fear doing new things. This verse can be of help to you during those times of fear. I taught my children a short memory verse when they were very young and it may help you to remember it, just as it has helped them through the years. "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee." (Psalm 56:3) We may not be able to take away the things that bring us fear, but we have a loving, powerful God we can turn to and put our trust in. If you have trusted Him for all eternity with the salvation of your soul, you can surely trust Him to be with you day by day.
17 Labor Day Christ Will Give You Rest
"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28
I really enjoy having a day off. It's good to have the boys home from college. We plan to have a cook-out with the grandparents and spend some time together. And even though school just started, my children are glad to have a day off. School can be fun, but it can also be hard work. There is so much to learn. You not only have to work hard in class, but to make good grades you have to study and complete your homework. Jesus knows that we have to work to make a living. Sin brought a curse in the Garden of Eden and we are all born under that curse. Christ wants to ease our burdens and give us rest. So as you take a break today in your work and preparation for your future on earth, make sure you are also preparing for your eternal future. In the last chapter of Revelation we see these words of our Lord, "And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." (Revelation 22:12)
18 Man Is Not Invincible
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." Hebrews 9:27
The first thing we saw on the internet this morning was the news that Steve Irwin, the "Crocodile Hunter", had died at the age of 44. He was filming off the Great Barrier Reef and got too close to a stingray. The stingray barb penetrated his chest and put a hole in his heart. Jack Hanna said, "Steve was one of these guys, we thought of him as invincible." I am afraid that many people, especially younger people think they are invincible. They hear bad news about other people and think, "that will never happen to me." The writer of Hebrews tells us plainly, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." We are all going to die and face God. Make sure your sins are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. The next verse tells us, "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." (Hebrews 9:28) Make sure of your salvation. And don't make the wrong choices. Don't experiment with drugs and alcohol. You may be away at college, away from your parents, and away from your pastor. But you can't hide from God. Live your life for Him, and you will be ready to meet Him when your time has come.
19 All Things Work Together
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28
While visiting my Father-in-Law in the hospital a conversation started about fainting. He remembered fainting while marching in boot camp in the army. He had not eaten for quite a while and the march was long. When he awoke much later he was in the road with his duffle bag and no one was in sight. He said he had to get something to eat so he made his way back to camp. The barracks he came to were empty and he laid down on the bed. When he woke up the next time he had lost two days and tried to find his company. He found his name on a bulletin board as being AWOL. He had a lot of explaining to do. His group was sent overseas without him. He now realizes that fainting and being left alone in the road may have actually saved his life. Because his group went on without him, he was sent in a different direction. Sometimes things happen in our lives that change the direction we are going. I hope that you have received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, and that changed your eternal direction. When other things come along that turn you away from the path you planned, don't get angry at God. Things that seem like stumbling blocks in our lives may actually be stepping stones that God has placed there to lead us through troubled waters. "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
20 Good News
"As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country" Proverbs 25:25
We all like to hear good news. In Bible days messengers carried news to distant places. It was just under 150 years ago when the Pony Express carried mail across America. Now letters can be typed and read immediately with the help of computers and the internet. In 1876 Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone. During the last 15 years cell phones have become popular in the United States. It is easier than ever to send out good news. If you are a student and still live at home, share some good news with your family. If you are away at college, send some good news home. Somewhere, someone would love to hear from you and be refreshed just as "cold waters to a thirsty soul..."
When we talk about good news we can't overlook The Good News. Tell others about Jesus. Hand out tracks with the gospel message. Sing songs that exalt your Lord. Be a messenger for the Lord.
21 He Giveth His Beloved Sleep
"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." Psalm 127:2
I don't know about you, but we do not get enough sleep at our house. After working all day away from home, there seems to be so much to do once I get home. With the invention of electricity we are able to stay up and work way into the night. This is not always good. We don't function to our fullest potential without the right amount of sleep. When you go away to college you don't have someone there telling you when to go to bed and when to get up. Remember this verse. "It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep." God has given us the night for rest and sleep. If you notice that you have been tired lately, look at your clock and make sure you are getting enough sleep.
22 Bloom Where You Are Planted
"Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast into the oven; how much more will he clothe you, O ye of little faith?" Luke 12:27-28
I was driving to work and as I sat at a stop light I saw a single wild flower standing high above the weeds and dirt and trash that littered the ground. It was pretty and it made me smile as I thought of how God let it grow and bloom on a busy street corner. I like the plaques that say, "Bloom Where You Are Planted". Maybe God has put you among the weeds and dirt. Then bloom where you are planted and rise above the clutter. Maybe you feel like you are living on a busy street corner watching the world zoom by. Then brighten the corner where you live and share a smile. Don't get too wrapped up in physical beauty. While some are beautiful lilies, most of us are simple wild flowers. God created you and has so much love for you that He sent His only Son to die for you. Bloom where you are planted.
23 We Need To Teach Our Children
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes. And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates." Deuteronomy 6:4-9
These verses were part of our Sunday School lesson and I thought they would fit in well with our devotional theme. For the past two weeks, we have been looking at ways to help students as they go back to school. The verses today are directed to parents. God has given us the responsibility to teach His Word to our children. He tells us to talk about His Word when we sit in the house, when we walk by the way, when we lie down to sleep and when we get up. That pretty much covers the entire day. It is good to take our children to church where they hear teaching and preaching from God's Holy Word, but we must not rely on others to teach them all they need to know about God. God has commanded us to teach our children to love the Lord with all our heart, with all our soul, and with all our might.
