2 Kings 15:33-35 NKJV — He was twenty-five years old when he became king, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. And he did what was right in the sight of the LORD; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. However the high places were not removed; the people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He built the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD.

As I read through 1 and 2 kings, I noticed this morning a common theme among many kings of Judah and it was they followed what was right in the sight of the LORD, but there were still high places that were not taken down.

Why wouldn't they take those high places down?

Did they forget about them? Maybe they were comfortable with them and didnt have a problem with them?

Whatever the reason was, I was gently reminded that I may have some "high places" in my life- maybe not anything crazy but are there things that I still allow that are not pleasing to the Lord?

Maybe its things that I have grown accustomed too such as shows or music that may be seemingly innocent but they are rooted in ungodliness.

And I think of my children, because the Lord points out the mother's of these kings who did what was right yet didn't take the high places down, I don't know what influence these mothers had, but the fact that God mentioned them by name, seems like a pretty big deal to me.

How are we influencing our children?

Are we pointing them to the Lord but leaving room for compromise?

The enemy is after our kids, and we need to make sure we are not allowing him to influence their thoughts, but rather so fill them with the Word of God so they are able to stand against his attacks as they grow.

This isn't to condemn or to say stop watching every cartoon, haha but rather let's be the mothers that do what is right in the sight of the LORD so we can be examples to our children, no matter how old or young they are!

And not allow compromise in our lives that could affect our children's future decisions.

Let's pray to ask the Lord to reveal anything in our lives that could be hindering or stumbling our own walks and maybe even our own children.

Lord, we thank You for these precious gifts Youve given to us. We ask that You give us wisdom and discernment in what we watch and listen too, and what we are allowing into our homes. May we be mothers that know our place in You and stand on Your Word and fight in Your power and strength against the enemy.

Please put a hedge of protection over our children's minds and hearts and keep them safe from harm.

Use them mightily for Your kingdom, that they be ones who do what is right in Your sight and love You with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

Equip them for the calling you have on their life and show us how we can help prepare them.

We love You and thank You

Jesus, in Your name, we pray

Amen.