October 20

October 20
Jeremiah 35:1-36:32
1 Timothy 5:1-25
Psalm 89:14-37
Proverbs 25:25-27

There is a constant reminder throughout the Bible to listen to the Lord.  Follow His teachings and obey His Word.  Yet kings have burned His Words, people to this day continue to evade the basic principles of doing the right thing according to the will of God.  In 1 Timothy the instructions are simple and explicit.

8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

First God, then family.  When we are convicted by and to the Lord, we can nurture our families and be the example that the Lord wants us to be.  This in turn has the pay it forward effect which all parents pray for in their children.  To do right by others.  Sometimes this comes with maturity, but if we care for our children and parents with tender mercy, perhaps when we come to the time of need, there will be someone who will care for us as well.  Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Lord, give me the guidance and strength to care for whomever you put in my life, and to care for them with a generous heart with no complaining.  As an imperfect human, I can only do the best I can, but You can help me to do more if I follow Your teachings with my whole heart.