Thought I would test bing.com’s AI to get it to summarize the BeTheDads.com site’s view of priorities. It was interesting to capture what it had to say so will share it here: https://sl.bing.net/d5yaCMvYGwS (in case you want to check it out but sharing answer below)
Based on the insights from bethedads.com, the top priorities for living out a fulfilling role as a dad are:
- God First: Prioritize your spiritual life and relationship with God1.
- Family Second: Dedicate yourself to your wife and children, placing them before other commitments2.
- Stewardship: Be a responsible steward of the resources and responsibilities entrusted to you2.
To best live out these priorities, consider the following practices:
- Alignment: Ensure your actions align with your stated priorities, avoiding discrepancies that lead to personal and familial issues1.
- Focus: Keep your focus on God, especially during challenging times, to maintain hope and avoid worry2.
- Peace: Strive to live at peace with everyone, recognizing it as a personal choice in response to others’ actions2.
- Decisiveness: Make a conscious decision to follow God’s path and accept His guidance in your life2.
Remember, it’s not just about setting priorities but also about living in agreement with them to avoid the consequences of misalignment1. Embrace these practices to fulfill the role God has planned for you as a dad1.
As I prepare to go and serve at church today while praying and seeking God’s will and perfect timing for a new job, my day still starts here looking to God and looking to hear from His Word. Even as I have another family I am praying for who are struggling I turn to God for wisdom as there are some things taking place that don’t align with how God would want things to be. Lifting up another family as they travel to start a new phase of their lives for safe travels and many blessings when they get there. So I look to God and seek His will and wisdom to help me navigate this day even as I am contemplating what to do about a brother who is out of alignment and had gotten a summary from bing.com yesterday about dealing with situations related to sin and chatting with other brothers.
So amidst my own challenges with finding a job, God has given me other things to think about and contemplate. So I lift it all up to God and lay them at the foot of the cross casting my cares on Him because I know He cares for me.
Today’s Reading:
My Notes:
Well, today I don’t have a theme or topic per se that I am looking to the reading to help beyond leaning on God and seeking wisdom and direction to help me through this day. Don’t limit yourself to my notes today, use the links above to read or have it read to you so you can hear what God wants to say to you. God’s Word is active and alive and never returns void! His Word is able to cut to the core of any and every situation and so let’s turn to His Word so that we can receive His teaching, rebuking, correction, and training to ensure we are thoroughly equipped.
1 Samuel 16
God’s Choice and Anointing
In 1 Samuel 16, God instructs Samuel to anoint David as the future king of Israel, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond outward appearances to the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). This chapter reminds us to prioritize God’s perspective and seek His guidance in all decisions. David’s anointing teaches us that God values inner character over external qualities.
Key Takeaway:
God sees our hearts and calls us according to His purpose. Trusting in God’s choice and timing is crucial, especially when we face uncertainty.
Practical Application:
As you navigate job searching and life’s challenges, remember that God knows your heart and has a plan for you. Focus on developing your character and trusting in God’s timing. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. In all your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. This trust and submission can bring peace and assurance during times of waiting.
- Samuel Anoints David
- ‘But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”’
— 1 Samuel 16:7 - ‘So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David. Samuel then went to Ramah.’
— 1 Samuel 16:13
- ‘But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”’
- David in Saul’s Service
1 Samuel 17
Facing Giants with Faith
1 Samuel 17 recounts David’s battle with Goliath, highlighting his unwavering faith in God’s power. Despite being young and inexperienced, David trusts that God will deliver him from the giant, declaring,
“The battle is the Lord’s” (1 Samuel 17:47).
David’s victory demonstrates the importance of faith and reliance on God in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Key Takeaway:
Faith in God empowers us to face and overcome the giants in our lives. Our strength comes from Him, not from our abilities.
Practical Application:
When facing the “giants” of job searching or other personal challenges, remember David’s example. Equip yourself with faith, knowing that God is with you. Philippians 4:13 reminds us,
“I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.”
Approach your challenges with confidence in God’s provision and power.
- David and Goliath
1 Samuel 18
Developing Godly Friendships
In 1 Samuel 18, David forms a deep friendship with Jonathan, Saul’s son. Their bond is marked by loyalty, love, and mutual respect, illustrating the significance of godly friendships in our spiritual journey (1 Samuel 18:1-4). This chapter also shows Saul’s growing jealousy of David, reminding us to stay humble and focused on God’s plan.
Key Takeaway:
Godly friendships provide support, encouragement, and accountability. They help us stay aligned with our priorities and God’s will.
Practical Application:
Cultivate and cherish relationships that honor God and encourage your spiritual growth. Proverbs 27:17 states,
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Surround yourself with friends who strengthen your faith and offer wise counsel. During times of job searching, these relationships can provide much-needed encouragement and prayer support.
- Saul’s Growing Fear of David
- ‘After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.’
— 1 Samuel 18:1-4
- ‘After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family. And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself. Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.’
Encouragement for Job Finding and Waiting
As you wait and prepare for a new job, remember to keep your priorities straight: God first, family second, and responsible stewardship of your resources and time. Trust in God’s perfect timing and provision. Isaiah 40:31 offers comfort,
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Use this period to draw closer to God, invest in your family, and seek His wisdom in every decision. Lay your concerns at the foot of the cross, knowing that He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
By aligning your actions with your priorities and maintaining faith in God’s plan, you will be well-equipped to navigate the challenges ahead and fulfill the role God has planned for you.
Today is a day that thanks to Jesus is filled with inspiration. So let us make sure we receive the gift of grace through Jesus by faith in Him and step up and out to accomplish all the good works He has prepared in advance for us to accomplish. If you haven’t received Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not choose today to be the day your life is transformed and you become a new creation and start the journey of becoming everything God created, purposed, and planned for you to be?
Let’s pray:
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 