Listen... God Knows

(This reading is based on Psalm 81 and is read in accordance with the Revived by His Word initiative fo the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists).

“Oh, that My people would listen to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways!" Ps 81: 13

Parental Ordeal

Maybe you had the experience like my mother had, who literally begged me to study during my high school years, but television was my favoured pastime - so naturally I failed high school. Thank God for second chances, and in my case for a place called Northern Caribbean University (then it was West Indies College).

Perhaps the challenge with your children isn't that they are not performing well academically; their relationships are just questionable. They stay out late, while showing a nominal interest in things spiritual - if any at all. You're afraid that they are sexually active, or dangerously close to becoming thus. And it's not just about preventing unwanted pregnancies or contracting STIs; it's about morality, having respect for God's ideals. How do you get your child to listen?

                     

You're Not Alone

Much like He did with Israel of old God shares your concern for your children - for all children (including us adults). There's so much that He wants us to experience, or avoid. We can rest assured that He will not withhold anything from those who desire to bring out the best in others, because that is what wishes for all of us - the best!  Ask His help; He'll give it.

It's Not Just Listening

Note in the passage that God doesn't just want His people to LISTEN to Him, He also wants them to WALK in His ways as well. This need to follow instructions largely informed New Testament theology as we observe in the following:

"For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified." Rom 2: 13

"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." James 1: 22

Prayer of Consecration

Our Father who art in Heaven, today we desire only to be Your obedient children.  We trust You, we trust Your words, Your counsel, Your instructions.  Grant us the power to not only be hearers of the word, but doers also, we ask in Jesus' name, amen. 

To read and/or listen to Psalm 81 and to read other related blogs, please click here.