From: July 19, 2017
There is a short window of time for teaching children obedience. During this time there is hope that parental discipline might become the child’s own self-discipline. It may seem a lot of work to discipline a child of ages 2 through 6, but it becomes nearly hopeless for the parent who waits until they are 12 through 16 before starting to correct their behavior. Chasten a child while they are young and when they are older, they will have learned to respect and obey. And be certain to aim past the behavior to the heart. For the child is more tenderhearted than the teen. Teach the child about sin, repentance, and forgiveness through Jesus. For the child is more receptive to spiritual things than the adult. Do this important parental work while there is still hope.
From: July 19, 2016
If the sin of the one man, Adam, was sufficient to bring death to all humanity, then so much more shall the righteousness of Christ bring life. For Christ is in a sense, the second Adam. We are all born into sin by the first Adam, but only those born again by the second have received His gift of grace. The death and suffering that entered the world through Adam are plain to see. And so too, is the grace of God which was revealed in Jesus to those who believe.
From: July 19, 2015
Love demonstrated is greater than love spoken. Yet, God has done both through Christ Jesus. He is the Logos, the greatest and fullest communication of God and God’s love to us. He is love in the flesh. He is love that left heaven to become one of us, so that He might die for us. He did all of this not because we were deserving of love, but because He is love. And His character of love intersected His character of holiness in Christ at the cross making a way for us to know and love Him in return (1 John 4:19).
From: July 19, 2014
What David taught Solomon is what every father and mother should teach their children: How to know God. Notice the verbs: “Learn, worship, serve.” This is a great 3-part course in training your child to know God. Also notice the way that David wants Solomon to act on these three imperatives: 1) know God “intimately,” 2) worship God “whole heartedly,” and 3) serve God “willingly.” Are you teaching your children these things? Have you learned them yet?
From: July 19, 2012
David’s prayer as he donated his wealth to the building of the temple. He recognized that even our ability to give comes from God. Like David, when we recognize God’s ownership and our stewardship, we are found trustworthy to manage God’s resources.
From: July 19, 2011
How David described God’s inspiration of the temple plans. God gave him both the vision and the understanding. I pray that we have such for our church!