“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)

I’ve had a fascination with birds ever since I was a little girl. One summer my brother and I raised two baby birds from naked little things until they took flight. I still love the sound of birds on a spring morning, and I treasure my coneflowers because goldfinches love to eat them as they wilt and dry. This summer a tiny, brown bird built her nest in my front door wreath. No sooner were those beautiful blue eggs hatched, raised and gone than another bird raised her family in my topiary right beside the front porch. It has been my delight every morning to peep into those nests on my way out the door. On the morning that the second nest was empty, I happened to glance over to a nearby tree. There on a branch sat one of the babies receiving his first flying lesson. I listened enthralled as the mother bird coaxed her young one from a short distance away.

I’ve been thinking about the intensity of my interest as I watched the lives of these birds. My deepest desire is to be a more avid God watcher than a bird watcher. God is active all around us, but as we hurry through our daily lives, we so often overlook His work. My husband and I have both had the opportunity to do short term mission trips in third world countries. The thing that struck us with the most force upon reentry into American life was how our spiritual eyes get so glazed over in our familiar, comfortable environment. In a new and challenging place, we could see God everywhere! We saw Him shining in the faces of new believers even in the midst of terrible hardship. We saw Him provide extra strength and vigor to accomplish goals despite obstacles. We saw Him provide a capable doctor for an injured friend in an isolated area. We saw Him provide for even the smallest needs.

We realized that our familiarity with our culture and surroundings had caused us to feel very self-sufficient. We saw our actions and the things that came our way as a result of our own work and own will. That realization was followed by great repentance and a renewed determination to watch for God. Jesus, through parables and other means, often told his followers to watch. We are to watch for His work, watch out for sin, and watch in expectation for the signs of His second coming.

Luke 12:24 says, “Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!” I encourage you to begin watching for God this week. He cares for you. Has He sent a cool breeze to blow over you as you work in your garden? Has He helped you to respond kindly to a friend or spouse who has just stepped on your last nerve? Has He provided a friend to wipe away the tears that spill over from the sorrow in your heart? Has He allowed the internet to include a devotion that reminds you of your great worth to Him? Turn your spiritual eyes toward your world this week and watch for Him.

Dear Lord, help me to have keen spiritual eyes. Make me aware of the times when my vision has glazed over, and sharpen my heart toward God-watching again. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Related Resources:

Do you know Him?

6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson and Glynnis Whitwer

Sponsor a child in need through Compassion International



Application Steps:

Start a journal where you reflect at the end of the day. Write down times that you see God work.

Look for small blessings that He provides.

Share with a friend this week about God’s work in your life. Let thankfulness overflow!

Reflections:

In what area of life have I become so self-sufficient that I don’t see God at work?

How am I called to be part of God’s work in the lives of others?

Do I give God the credit for His work in my life?

Power Verses:

Luke 21: 36, “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.” (NIV)

Luke 12: 37, “It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. I tell you the truth, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them.” (NIV)