June 24, 2024 – The Joy And The Sorrow

The Joy And The Sorrow
June 24, 2024

DAILY PROVERB:

Proverbs 15:20-23
A wise son maketh a glad father: but a foolish man despiseth his mother. Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly. Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established. A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!

OUTLOOK ON THE IN BOOK:

    One of the privileges of being a Pastor is being present with a family at the birth of their child. The smiles and joy that these new births bring are almost indescribable. The innocence and dependence of a child on the parents create an instant bond between them. However, part of the challenges of being a Pastor is helping a family cope when their children make wrong life choices. All the joy and togetherness seem to somehow vanish, replaced by sorrow and grief. This often happens as children become young adults and seek independence. The love for them remains, but the question of “why” begins to arise.

    Some parents question why God allows their child to make such choices, especially when they have worked so hard to raise them right. They wonder why a loving God would let their children turn out so differently from what they had hoped. Parents may start blaming themselves for their children’s sins, and in some cases, even blame God. However, the truth is that each child created by God and placed in your care was given free will to choose their path in life. It is not always the parents’ fault, and certainly not God’s fault. Sometimes, despite God’s and parents’ efforts to provide wisdom, grown children may refuse it. These grown children must choose to accept the wisdom of knowing God personally and walking with Him daily. Without that wisdom, the sins and folly of the world may seem appealing to them.

    During these challenging times, families need the comforting counsel of their church family and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Without this support, all the efforts of the past may seem disappointingly futile.

THE WORD WALKING IN ME:

   So, what do you do now? Well, never give up. Regardless of their age, they are still your children. Never stop praying and seeking the support of your church in prayer for them. Lastly, continue to be a loving example of Christ before them. Keep in mind that they must make the choice to live for God; you cannot make that choice for them.

How will you be a witness for Christ
without slamming a door on relationship?

IF YOU ARE JOURNALING:

Ask yourself, what are MY THOUGHTS concerning this Passage, and todays Devotion?

Do I find within this reading a CHALLENGE for my life?

What are one or two things I WILL DO today or this week to accept that CHALLENGE?

  

GOD TALKING TO ME: June 24, 2024

THROUGH THE BIBLE WITH A DAILY PROVERBS
  Psalms 31 – Psalms 37
  Proverbs 15:20 – 23

THROUGH THE BIBLE OLD & NEW TESTAMENT DAILY
  2 Chron. 1-3
  Acts 3