Psalm 119: 9-16
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statues as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not negelect your word.
A Thought
After this reading today, my thoughts go back to my childhood when I was full of mischief. My dad was a very firm man that knew how to make me obey him, mostly out of fear. My mother tried to teach me a foundation of love for God, his Word and others. Of course I knew how far I could go without really obeying her. Now I’m thankful for the teachings of both my parents: My mother taught me how to love God and all people and the value of God’s word; My dad taught me how to work hard and to obey without questioning his authority. Both of their teachings together worked out for my good to help me to rejoice in love and obedience to God.
Our Prayer
Father thank you for the gift of my parents, their love for you, and their love for me. It is such a blessing to have people in whom you have placed in our lives to train us to love and obey you (our parents, our grandparents, school teachers, Sunday school teachers, ministers of the gospel, and all people who are filled with your love). Help each of us to live as an example of your love and obedience to your decrees so that others will seek you. We ask in Jesus’ name, amen.
