Samuel was a great man of God who appointed his two sons, Joel and Abijah, as leaders over Israel (1 Sam. 8:1-2). Unlike their father, however, they were corrupt and “turned aside after dishonest gain, took bribes, and perverted justice” (v.3). Yet, years later, we find Heman, Joel’s son, appointed as a musician in the house of the Lord (1 Chron. 6:31-33). Heman, Samuel’s grandson—along with Asaph, his right-hand man and the author of many of the psalms—served the Lord by singing joyful songs (15:16-17).

Even though a person seems indifferent toward the faith so precious to his or her parents, God is still at work. Things can change in later years, and seeds of faith may spring to life in generations to come.

No matter what the family situation may be, we know that “the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.” —David McCasland

Dear Lord, help me to remember that You are the one who causes the seed of faith to grow. We give our loved ones into Your care, knowing that the end of the story has not yet been written.

INSIGHT: Psalm 100 is a short psalm—only five verses—in which we are encouraged to shout, serve, sing, give thanks, praise, and bless the Lord. We should shout joyfully, serve gladly, and bless Him because the Lord is God; because He made us and we belong to Him (v. 3); and because He is good, merciful, and always true (v. 5).