READING:
One-year plan: 1 Samuel 5-8, Luke 16
Two-year plan: Numbers 2, Mark 5:9-20
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More than ever in my 43+ years of ministry, I hear from parents who grieve deeply the departure of their children from the faith. Even this day, I’m ministering to some strong, faithful believers who did the best they could do in raising their kids, but their adult children have wandered. I grieve with them and join them in praying for the day when their offspring will return like the prodigal son.
I think of these stories today when I read these sad words about Samuel’s sons: “However, his sons did not walk in his ways—they turned toward dishonest profit, took bribes, and perverted justice” (1 Sam 8:3). The word “however” is an ominous one, and the following words describe sons who turned in the wrong direction and chased after the temporary. Like Eli’s sons before them, they rebelled against the Lord.
Based on this sad story, I encourage parents today to (1) keep praying for wayward children; (2) thank God for children who have remained faithful to Him, and (3) pray daily for those who are walking faithfully, lest they too wander at some point. Even godly parents sometimes have to deal with heartache in their next generations.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Pray for an adult child of someone today—beginning with your own children.
PRAYER: “I pray, God, that my children remain faithful to You and Your work. ”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: 1 Samuel 9-12, Luke 17
Two-year plan: Numbers 3:1-39, Mark 5:21-43