December 09, 2016: SOAP #2563:  1Timothy 5-6; Titus 1-3

Scripture:  1Timothy (NIV) 5:4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. …
8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

Observation:   This past week the Lord has drawn my attention to scriptures that speak of God’s pleasure and what pleases Him.   Monday I read Ephesians 5:10 which tells me to “find out what pleases the Lord.”   Yesterday (1Timothy 2:3) it was about praying for our government leaders so that we can live peaceable lives for that is pleasing to God.  Today I read that how I care for elderly family members is another way to please God.  To abandon them is obviously displeasing to God!

Application:   Many people today come to the time and place where they must take the responsibility to make decisions for the needs of their elderly parents.  The only option may end up being to place them in a facility where special nursing skills are available, but they should never feel abandoned there.  We must never forget that how we care for them is one way we please, or displease, the Lord.

Prayer:   Heavenly Father, you take personal the way we treat the elderly among us.  Help us to please you in caring for our elderly parents. Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!