Look To - Daily Devotional June 26 2009

Daily Bible Reading Plan - 1 Samuel 5-6, Isaiah 51, Revelation 12-13

Look To (Isaiah 51:1-2)

In this passage we see that the people of God are instructed to "look to the rock...look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you..." as I read this today I could not help but think of my father-in-law who passed away this last Monday. Today I prepared this for his memorial service and would like to share it.

When I met Ben 14 years ago I saw this tall, dark and handsome man walk through my door. As I got to know him I thought to myself "he can't be for real, this must be too good to be true". Then I met Ted "dad" and I realized Ben was for real, that he was just like his father. Dad had set an example to his sons of how a man of God, husband and father should act and for that I will forever be grateful!

Every morning we would see him sitting in his chair or out on our patio reading his Bible. Every Christmas before we all dove into the gifts he would read us the Christmas story and pray. He was sensitive, compassionate and ready to pray for anyone that had need. I will miss his hug, you know that hug that nearly takes the breath out of you he squeezes so hard, that hug that spoke more love to you then any words could.

I am extremely sad that I will not see his face here anymore yet I am filled with joy because every day of my life I will see him in my husband and my daughters because he was a man that enjoyed every moment of life and a man that understood that he would leave a legacy in his children and grandchildren. It is a grand legacy in deed, one that we will carry on. It is one marked by a love and passion for our God, for our family, for people, and for life.

I love you dad, thank you for being a hero to us all.

As Ben mentioned yesterday, the bible teachs us in Hebrews 12:1-2 "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Today I encourage you to look to Jesus and to look to those in your life who are Fathers and Mothers in the faith that you can learn from and follow their example.

June 27th Bible Reading Plan - 1 Samuel 7-8, Isaiah 52, Revelation 14

Enjoying the journey,
Katie