Prayer: Father, I thank You for all the examples of scripture. May I always seek Your wisdom and knowledge. Amen.
Reading: 2 Chronicles 34 key: vs. 1-3 “Josiah was eight years old when he became king, and he reigned 31 years in Jerusalem. He did right in the eyes of Adonai, and walked in the ways of his father David. He did not turn aside to the right or to the left. In the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek after the God of his father David. In the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, the Asherah poles, and the carved and molten images.” TLV
Attention: I remember fondly my youth spiritual experiences with other teens at Youth Camp, Youth Conventions, and weekly Youth Group. Each was assisted in my spiritual formation.
The demographics of those who read or follow the Choose Life Journal daily postings is primarily adults 50+. I want to encourage you to support and participate in the spiritual formation of your grandchildren. If you have read my Choose Life Journal book, you know that I began journaling for the purpose of leaving a legacy to my children, and their children, and their children’s children.
The apostle Paul told a young Timothy (his spiritual son in the faith), to “Let no one look down on your youthfulness.” Timothy lived with his mother and grandmother. Since his father’s name is not mentioned by Paul (in his letter to Timothy), it is believed Timothy’s mother was widowed. Paul mentored young Timothy, encouraging him to “devote yourself to public reading of Scripture, to encouragement (encouraging others), and to teaching.” Also, Paul desired to see Timothy exercise “the spiritual gift within” him.
Several people engaged in my spiritual formation. My parents were godly examples along with pastor’s, Sunday school teachers, my High School principal, and God planned appointments.
I hope through the example of king Josiah, you will see that young people can be a spiritual force for Adonai. Spiritual formation is vital in our youth. Encourage a young person, one or your children, or grandchildren today, in the Lord.
Action: I choose to be an encouragement to some teenager or younger, today!
Yield: I choose to submit to the yielding of the Holy Spirit and being an encourager today.
Engage: I choose to engage in the act of encouragement today with a young person.
Relationship: I choose to live a submitted life, a yielded life, unto Adonai.
Prayer: Father, may I be a spiritual encourager today to a grandchild or teenager today. May our youth focus on being “devoted” to You. They have their whole life ahead of them. May they choose to avoid the pitfalls of youth and live for You. Amen.
Memory Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12-16 “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but become an example of the faithful—in speech, in conduct, in love, in faithfulness, and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to encouragement, and to teaching. Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was given to you through prophecy with the laying on of hands of the elders. Practice these things—be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be clear to all. Give attention to yourself and your teaching. Persevere in these things, for in doing so you will save yourself and those who hear you.” TLV
Music Video: Chris Tomlin—How Great Is Our God
Remember, “Abide in Yeshua, today!”