Tuesday, January 1, 2013

January 1 – Training In God’s Ways

Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6
 
I’m not done being a parent yet…even though my children are grown. That is what the Lord impressed upon me a few years ago and that's what prompted me to start this devotional blog. Things haven’t changed since 2012…I’m still a parent and grandparent and we all, including me, still need “training” in the way of our Lord. So just what does it mean to “train” and for what are we “training?” Train  means to acquire knowledge and skills as a result of teaching. So for what are we training? For a marathon, etiquette, swimming or…just life? Spiritual training, you may ask? Yes. Spiritual character. To be more like Jesus every day is our goal. Not to become a God—we can never do that. But just to be like Jesus.   

So for the 2013 year spiritual character is going to be the focus of this Banquet With The King as we feast on His word. Applying spiritual character traits to our lives isn’t just for little children—it is useful to all of us—to help us grow closer to the Lord. So like it talks about in Romans…And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:3-5 

As we begin this New Year may we be ever more attune to God’s guidance in our lives and may we reach out to others with the love of God that flows through our hearts and lives.  Happy New Year!  

Dear Lord, You are awesome. Your character traits are worth emulating—so train us to persevere through the good times and rough times in our lives that we would become more like You—kind, forgiving, generous and loving.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

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