Your “Yes” Could Change Everything
Lysa TerKeurst
“‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39 (NIV)
“When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’ John 5:6 (NIV)
“The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.” Proverbs 27:9 (NLT)
“But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.” John 14:31 (NIV)
“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV)
“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:14-16 (NLT)
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
“Let this be written for a future generation, hat a people not yet created may praise the LORD …” Psalm 102:18 (NIV)
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
“But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me.” Micah 7:7 (NIV)
“Praise the LORD! Happy are those who fear the LORD. Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what He commands." Psalm 112:1 (NLT Chronological Bible)/em When titling this devotion I wondered, "Would I buy a book with this title?" then I quickly thought of all the well intended help books that have been written but seemed to have produced children who continue to make poor decisions. Despite the valiant effort of numerous authors, our world is still full of young people who don't reach their full potential and settle for less than what God desires for them. My children are young, nine and seven, but no matter how old your children are, you still have the ability to influence their success.I am reading through the entire Bible for the first time in my life. I have to tell you, it is one of the most exciting things I have done in my journey with the Lord. In my daily reading I stumbled across today's key verse. I have to admit that I read it with familiarity until I got to verse 2:"Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed." (Psalm 112)Did you catch that? Reread today's key verse above, then read verse 2. I had to read and reread these verses several times. As I pondered them I realized the truth in the message: the success or lack of success in the life of my children rests on me, in fact, generation to generation. The future of the children God has entrusted to me and the children they will bring into this world (my grandchildren) is affected by my willingness to obey the Lord's commands and to reverently fear Him. The reality of this truth makes me more eager than ever to obey the Lord, not just obey but delightfully obey Him.I haven't read very many "raising kids books." I don't know much about the reputation and integrity of the authors who write them. I can boast with great confidence, however, in the Author of book that taught me today's truth. His reputation is impeccable and His record is unblemished. His advice on childrearing is trustworthy and when followed will produce the results promised.I don't know about you, but I am not willing to risk the success of my children and grandchildren on my own plans and ideas for their future. My plan is to put today's key verse into practice, sit back and watch what happens.Following the words of the Author not only blesses your children and the future generations, but also pleases your Heavenly Father and gives Him the desire to bless you for your obedience. A two-fold blessing - you can't get any better than that!Dear Lord, You are at work all the time. I want to participate with You by saying “yes” to your commands, and make a difference in my loved one's life today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.Related Resources:Do you know Him?Out of the Mouth of Babes by Wendy PopeDon’t Make Me Count to Three by Ginger PlowmanFrom the Pound to the Palace by Van WaltonApplication Steps:In your prayer time ask God to show you someone who needs encouragement. Tell Him you will say yes to Him. Share your experience of saying yes to God with someone.Reflections:Do I hear and understand when God is saying something to me?Am I delighting in following God’s commands?Power Verses:1 Thessalonians 5:11, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."(NIV)Proverbs 12:25, "An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up." (NIV)Galatians 5:22, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." (NIV)
“‘Return home and tell how much God has done for you.’ So the man went away and told all over town how much Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:39 (NIV)
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid! For behold, I proclaim Good News to you, which will be great joy to all the people. A Savior is born to you today in the city of David, who is...
“I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” Psalm 63:8 (NIV)
“For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the...