Title: Nurturing a Dream/Topic: Guiding Children

Today’s Reading: 1 Chronicles 22; 1 Chronicles 23; 1 Chronicles 24; 1 Thessalonians 3

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 22:8-13
8 But this word of the LORD came to me: 'You have shed much blood and have fought many wars. You are not to build a house for my Name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight. 9 But you will have a son who will be a man of peace and rest, and I will give him rest from all his enemies on every side. His name will be Solomon, [a] and I will grant Israel peace and quiet during his reign. 10 He is the one who will build a house for my Name. He will be my son, and I will be his father. And I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.'
11 "Now, my son, the LORD be with you, and may you have success and build the house of the LORD your God, as he said you would. 12 May the LORD give you discretion and understanding when he puts you in command over Israel, so that you may keep the law of the LORD your God. 13 Then you will have success if you are careful to observe the decrees and laws that the LORD gave Moses for Israel. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged.

Observation: David did a wonderful thing for his son. He gave him a direction in life. Not only did he give him a direction for his life, but he let Solomon know that he had heard a word from the Lord for him about his future. It wasn't just David giving him guidance, it was God himself. The word from the Lord was specific and it came with a promise of success and a caution to “keep the law of the LORD your God”.

Application: This is such a good example for parents today. I know I often prayed for my children as they were growing up that they would be blessed, protected, and faithful to serve God, but I didn't ever really ask for a word from the Lord as to his particular purpose or mission for them in life. I see so many children grow up without a focus and searching for something to do for a career that they feel “called” to. I think they would love to hear their parents say to them, “I've been asking the Lord for a word your life and here is what I have heard him say...”. It is also important to give them God's conditions for success in what they do: They will be successful if they obey the Lord and follow him.

Prayer: Father, even though my children are all now grown, I ask that you give me a word for them that will encourage and guide them. And help me as a grandparent to instruct them to pray this way for their own children. Help me to be a godly grandparent that is a blessing in the lives of all of my grandchildren. Help me also to teach this wisdom to other young parents as well.
This I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.