May 23

2 Samuel 2:12-3:39, John 13:1-30, Psalm 119:1-16, Proverbs 15:29-30

Pray: Praying for our children comes naturally for most parents. We pray for their safety, for their activities, for their school work, tests and sporting events. But how many of us pray intentionally for the shaping of their character? One of the most valuable portions of formation in the life of a child is her or his character. Talent and knowledge are often praised, but what is missing in our communities and in our world are people with a strong work ethic and strong character which isn’t for sale. Now that is worth spending some time on your knees before God.

Read:  No parent gets a pass on disappointing or embarrassing moments due to the behavior of our children. Kids make mistakes. But David’s mistake, as a parent, was not confronting the mistakes and the sin as quickly as he knew about them. When people think that their actions are inconsequential then they will begin to think you think they are inconsequential. David’s family history may have been much different if he had immediately confronted Abner and Absalom when they had committed their offenses. If your kids and grandchildren matter to you, then hold them accountable. Do it fairly, but do it quickly. David’s neglect today became tomorrow’s heartache.

Edify: Jesus chose 12 leaders to invest two thirds of His life in to train them to lead His beloved church. Jesus did not choose the most talented, nor did He choose the most qualified in the eyes of humankind. However, Jesus did take common fishermen, a tax collector and turn them into irresistible apostles. How did He do it? He took a towel and a wash basin and instructed them that power is in bending a knee, fame is in living for something bigger than you, and significance is when you serve others to help them get to God’s preferred future for their lives. Jesus took a towel before He took a cross.

Practice: Jesus commanded that if we want to follow Him that we are to wash feet. Jesus goes further to say that people will know His disciples by the love they have for one another. Water cleans and purifies and so does a heart fully yielded and surrendered to God for no greater love can a person have than when they are willing to lay down their life for another. Who will you serve today—unconditionally expecting nothing in return?