Day 288: Family

1 Timothy 3; Isaiah 36-37; Psalm 119:97-120

What is interesting about these passages about church leaders are some of the requirements. In particular, being in control of their family with respectful children. Something that the leaders of Soulfire (a youth ministry we help out with) have talked about is taking back the family. Man, imagine if fathers were present and provided love and discipline for their children; if mothers were encouraging and supportive; if children were respectful to their parents; if dinners, game nights, movie nights, were the norm; and if God was the center of it all. Paul isn't saying that church leaders and their families need to be perfect, but they need to lead by example with their families.

In these chapters in Isaiah, doubt is planted by an outsider: they question the people's faith in God and God's power to save. People are going to do that even today. We should not be surprised by their insults. Instead, we should go to God, trusting in what he has done in our lives, the promises of scripture, and our faith.

The psalm continues to give ways in which God's word is good for us. It provides us with wisdom that is beyond what others can figure out on their own. It is a guide for our lives. The psalmist doesn't just obey God's teachings when it is convenient, but instead he has "made up [his] mind" to follow God's commands, even when enemies attack and life is tough. God's word should be our sustenance.