“The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers; every man shall be put to death for his own sin.” Deut. 24:16
Today’s Christian daily devotional
“I can’t believe it.” Christine holds out her hand and flashes an engagement ring that I could easily imagine on Jennifer Lopez. But, her expression is not what you would expect from a girl so fortunate.
“What’s the problem?” We have known each other for years and I can easily tell when Christine isn’t happy with the temperature of her tea.
Her eyes drop down to her pedicured feet. “I am afraid that I won’t be able handle this type of commitment. My father was a cheater and my mother was, too.” It is obvious her heart is torn by love and the truth of her family history.
“He deserves the best, and my track record is…” her voice trails off. We are both aware of her dating history.
Committing to a nail color is hard enough for Christine.
Every person is born into their own family history of health issues, emotional habits and relational quirks. No one can escape the reality that parents have a heavy influence on how their children see and experience life. It can be so easy to slip into the same habits they display, especially if we do not carefully watch how we chose to handle our own lives.
But, according to Deut. 24:16, no one else is held responsible for the choices we make with our lives. Our free will gives us the chance to experience our own destiny.
Are you using someone else as an excuse not to do the right thing? God is holding you responsible for the life He has given you. What are you going to do with it?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I have been coming up with some great excuses not to do the right thing.
There is no excuse for not listening to the wisdom of your conviction. Sometimes I override that, because I allow the influence of others to affect my choices.
Today, I accept the responsibility that was mine all this time. I have been running from it, because did not want to listen to wisdom. I guess that is why I have not gotten very far in life.
There is a reason for my lack of success—I have been holding myself back with my excuses. I will do this no longer. Lord, thank you for the power of Christ living in me that can overcome any bad habit or circumstance. In Jesus’ name, I give you my best and I want you to help with the rest, Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Deuteronomy 24:16
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan