Today’s Reflection
ONE DAY I WAS CONFRONTED by an angry and insecure seminary student, a young man still struggling to make faith in Christ fit neatly with the chauvinism that had defined—and still defined—much of his life experience. He poked a bony finger in my chest and demanded to know how my wife, Rebekah, and I planned to divvy up authority in our young family.
“So who’s going to be wearing the pants in your family?” he asked. “Just who will be the head of your household? Or should you get your wife’s permission before you answer?”
The question wasn’t as difficult as he imagined. “God is the head of our home,” I replied. “But now I’m curious; tell me about yours.”
Joshua answered the question this way: “Now if you are unwilling to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve . . . . ; but as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).
—Derek Maul
Get Real: A Spiritual Journey for Men
From page 21 of Get Real: A Spiritual Journey for Men by Derek Maul. Copyright © 2007 by The Upper Room. All rights reserved. Used by permission of Upper Room Books. Learn more about or purchase this book.
Today’s Question
What does “having authority” mean to you? Share your thoughts.
Today’s Scripture
Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
—Joshua 24:15, NRSV
Prayer for the Week
Give me the courage and strength to serve you, Lord.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room Living Prayer Center or share it in the comment section.
Something more
Sight Psalms is a daily, online, photo inspiration intended to help people reflect on God’s presence in the world and in their lives through the use of images. Each day, a new photograph is posted to evoke reflection and inspiration within themes connected to the Christian year, and it is usually accompanied by a few words. Discover more.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
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13 Comments
Having authority over can have a punitive sound. In the case of my relationship with God, I feel he is my guide and advisor when faced with struggles and tough decisions. His word leads me to follow his path. I’ve been rereading Proverbs this month and have noticed how much the word wisdom is mentioned. “The beginning of wisdom is this: get wisdom.” Prov 4:4
Grateful for a holiday spent with family. I’ve been out of the UR loop for a while and am glad to be back. Blessings for a good week for all who visit here. Anxious to catch-up with the news of all.
Glad that you had wonderful time with your family-continued prayers for you and your family.
You are missed when you are gone from the ur- I value your contributions.
Good morning. When I think of authority – I think of my classroom. Depending on my clientele – my authority looks different. For many years – I had to hold my authority over my classroom, ruling with an iron fist. Some students, not knowingly, cry out for authority and discipline. However, for the last several years, I have never had to consider my authority. My students respect me, because respect is shown in their household as well as there being respect for education. I don’t take this for granted. Respect is a two way street, and I think my students quickly recognize how my classroom will be run and there is much give and take.
Grateful for work accomplished outside this past weekend – most of my flowerbeds are planted. Have a few areas to fill in. Hard to believe this is the last week of schools. Only have a few students who are not exam exempt – and will see them this week.
Grateful for time spent with dad these past few days. He seems more secure, less waffling. He is staying very busy and I think getting slightly more used to his single life, empty condo. Not what he wishes, but maybe a gentle acceptance and still going to remain positive and make the best of it. Yes, he is still acutely aware of mom’s absence and misses her terribly, but I sense a slight improvement.
Continued prayers for your family as they grieve. Prayers for you, Jill as you wrap up this school year. Prayers for wonderful teachers and the challenging job you all do.
A quiet Memorial Day Weekend. Flowers to the cemeteries, a good visit with my daughter-in-law, Hummingbird Diner open for business, all our leaf bags full of tree refuse and bundled tree limbs all picked up this morning (my husband will be so happy). Now on to the week…three dr. appts., one for me.
I have a little wooden plaque in the kitchen “As for me and my house…….” I think I got it at the hospital gift shop. I worked at a hospital for many years. I raised two children alone during that time. Not much $ but we never went without. God is good.
I also have a picture frame that has my family picture ( now a changed one) that has the same verse – and as for me and my house we will serve the Lord and I’ve hung it right by the entry way. Not many its made it here from the old house – that frame sure did.
Amen and Amen.
I think of authority in terms of rules and laws and example. God has authority over me because I read His laws and rules in the Bible and follow them. Jesus provided a perfect example of following God and His authority over all life.
Still struggling with the complete stranger that I live with every day. He is home today, why? I do not know. Where does he go and what does he do, I do not know. I live in constant stress and anxiety and fear.
Prayers for Betsy, thankful for time spent with family.
Prayers for Jill, thankful for planted flower beds and Larry’s progress.
Prayers for Marcy and her continued medical care.
Prayers for Mary and her father, may the extraction procedure be successful.
Prayers for Robert and Ercih, may they receive good condo news today.
Prayers for Connie and many good memories and new flowers.
Prayers and blessings and warm hugs and thank you dear UR family
Julie- I felt much anxiety toward the end of my marriage due to similar events. My husband would leave at 4am for “work” was often unavailable during the day if I had to contact him regarding the kids, and would get home anywhere from 5-8pm. I worked in the evening and the kids would never know when he might be getting home. I didn’t understand all that was happening- I still have no clue about his life but I am no longer attached to him so I’ve tried to release that. I hope that you have good legal counsel and feel some relief from that. Trust in the Lord always -one of my favorite quotes- People will let you down- God never will. I’m praying for your strength.
Julie and Lou-this describes my situation also (over 40 yrs. ago). It was so confusing. My children and I survived by the Grace of God….and I am quick to say that when we wonder how we did it.
I remember one year I was given a class of 12 year old students and a few of them behave like gangsters. They would lift up the chair and want to throw at one another. I always prayed for authority over the class so that no injuries take place and they would obey me.
Blessings to all!
Dad’s CT scan results were out today. No blockage. Tonight I could feed him clear soup but his appetite is still not so good.
Thanks for praying everyone!
Praying for you and your Dad, Mary- peace be with you both.
A day late, today’s the 29th. Was on the road most of the day, too a long ride, passed our hopefully soon to be home. Got some errands done all went well.
Still awaiting the appraisal result, if it takes 10 days as the internet says, we probably won’t get it until next week. We do a lot of waiting in life. Not much I can do.
Authority would be a lot easier if we all accepted God’s authority. Have experienced authority growing up, in school as a student and as a teacher, and in the military. Done wisely it lacks the negative aspects and still accomplishes the reason for its existence.
Prayers for Jill and Larry, Julie’s awkward situation, Marcy’s well being, Mary and her Dad, Lou and her children, Betsy and her family; Connie, her flowers, and hummers, and the UR family.
Prayers for the UMC that God’s wisdom will be found and God’s will done. Lord teach us Thy way.
Believe that Anneliese had a new PM treatment yesterday and her friend, Doris, received treatment for leukemia. They are long time friends both with debilitating health problems. Am hopeful that the insurance issue will soon be resolved, bureaucracy moves slowly. Have done all I can to rectify the situation. Replies and responses take time.
Thank You, Lord, for Your ever presence.
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