Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria Grace for Living Devotional Tuesday December 12, 2023 TOPIC: THE POOR CHOICES CHILDREN MAKE

 

BIBLE READING:

1 SAMUEL 8:1-5

1 And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel; and the name of his second, Abiah: they were judges in Beersheba. 3 And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment. 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samuel unto Ramah, 5 And said unto him, Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways: now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.  

KEY VERSE:

“Behold, thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways.“ 1 Samuel 8:5  

MEDITATION:

Samuel was the last judge of Israel. He was the only leader in Israel who functioned as a judge, a priest and a prophet at the same time. He was such a quintessential leader that was admired and loved by the people. In his valedictory address, he challenged the congregation to point out if he had defrauded anyone. They answered, “You have not cheated us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand” (1 Samuel 12:4).   

As Samuel became older, his two sons whom he appointed as judges in Beersheba did not walk in his ways, “but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment”, like Eli’s children (1 Samuel 2:12-17). They turned out to be greedy and corrupt. The children of Eli and Samuel were huge disappointments to God, their parents and their generation. Though their parents were renowned leaders and servants of God in Israel, the children made very poor choices, and the devil manipulated their lives in such an embarrassing way to their parents. The story of King David is similar. He had a dysfunctional family. His children were in conflict constantly. The children chose not to tow the good ways of their parents and the result was disastrous.     

Sometimes, however, even the most dedicated parents may face the heartbreak of wayward children. So, parents need to note that child upbringing requires much prayers, patience, love, discipline and many more. God is the only expert in parenting.  

What steps are you taking to help your children make godly choices?  

PRAYER:

Father Lord, deliver our children from making foolish choices.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:

HOSEA 4-7, JUDE 1