Starting the day
June 28, 2007
Bible Reading: “… we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. ” - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (New King James Version)
Bonus Reading: St. Matt. 13:44-46
Many families wake up to the smell of coffee brewing or the sound of a rooster crowing. A story I read told of a certain family whose wake-up call was the father’s passionate praying filtering through the house. In this household, one youngster would sometimes ease downstairs and join his father as He prayed. One knee was usually raised, so he’d slip in underneath, shielded by his father’s body as he pleaded for the souls of the family. He was drawn by his father’s fervor and commitment - and comforted by being under his knee.
This Godly Dad never prayed for their happiness. He realized that the pursuit of happiness for its own sake is a frustrating, disillusioning, often futile effort. Happiness usually hides from those addicted to its sugar, while it chases after those caught up in something more lasting than momentary excitement.
The youngster never heard his father pray for a bigger house, car, or bank account. Instead, he prayed that his family’s hearts would be ignited and inspired to do things of eternal consequence. “Turn our eyes from the temporal, the physical, and the menial,” he prayed, “and toward the eternal, the spiritual, and the noble.” What intercession - and what priorities!
No, this father never pressured his children toward achievement. He knew that the push had to come from inner reserves Jesus provided as He built by a real and personal relationship and Godly character - something outward designs could not do. As the priest of his household, he simply dangled before them the possibilities, set the example, and then commended them to Heavenly Purpose. Thanks to his example, they sometimes took the bait.
–Adapted from John Ashcroft’s Lessons from a Father to His Son
Think about it: What kind of priorities do we set in our household and family? Do we have our concert first and tune our instruments afterward? Start the day with God instead!
Grace and peace,
Chip+
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