Who's my sons advisor?

When I think about David as King, I don't usually think about his kids and all the people in thier lives. But this time reading through 2nd Samuel, I am struck by all David's kids "servants". They had advisors, sheepshearers and so on. Oddly, it reminds me of today, 2011. There is so much in our culture that brings ease and pleasure to kids. But just as all kinds of advisors all sorts of people ready to serve up pleasure abound today, death through sin is also looming.

"In the couse of time, Amnon son of David fell in love with Tamar, the beautiful sister of Absalom son of Davd. Amnon became so obsessed with his sister Tamar that he made himself ill. She was a virgin, and it seemed impossible for him to do anything to her. Now Amnon had an adviser named Jonadab son of Shimeah... Amnon said to him, 'I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom's sister', 'Go to bed and pretend to be ill,' Jonadab said. 'When you father comes to see you, say to him, 'I would like my sister Tamar to command give me something to eat..." 2 Sam. 13:1-5 

The reslt of Amnon listening to this "advisor", in case you arnt familiar with the story is that he ends up raping his half sister Tamar and then his half brother Absolom is so angry that he kills him a couple years later.

I can't help but wonder what the outcome of this story would be if Amnon had a godly counselor/advisor instead of this Jonadab character. It got me wondering about the people I allow to be influencers in my sons lives. Granted it's a bit different since my boys are 3 & 4 and Amnon and Absolom were 22 & 20 years old, but I think it can still apply. My boys advisors probably just come in different forms, perhaps more colorful and animated. I have to ask myself is what I am allowing to influence my boys leading to life or death?

Jonadab says, remain in temptation and I will help you come up with a way to get what you want reguardless of who it hurts and  it's all about you. What influences are saying that to my boys? To me? To you? Who are the Jonadab's in your life?

Oh Lord, The One who was right there when Jonadab whispered his deceit, when Tamar's innocence was taken, when Absalom's rage overtook him. You are the God who Sees and the God of Justice. You are the One who gives understanding and wisdom, from You alone come ability to live a life that is pleasing to You. You alone see the big picture and cause all things to work for the good of those who love You. Oh Lord, take our failures, our weaknesses and strengths and use them to display Your greatness. And Lord, give us wisdom to see and turn away from ungodly counsel. Give us a hunger and thirst for Your Word, and to recieve instruction from godly advisors-people who fear You. And Lord, please give our kids teachability to godly influences in thier lives and from a young age help them discern truth from error and not sit in the counsel of the wicked.

Lord, thank you for...
#224 My boys who are so full of "energy" that drives me to my knees in desperation for Yo to come through.
#225 For thier strong-wills which gives the hope of what You can do through them if they yield to You.
#226 Reminding me everyday through them that that life is not about me
#227 Reminding me everyday through them that I do not have what it takes to do what You've called me to do.
#228 For a small glimpse of relief from disciplining every 2 minutes. (If only I were exagerating)
#229 For giving Austin and I wisdom with how to deal with the boys in each new situation.
#230 For another chance to win a ticket to relevant 2011 from www.goodenessgracious.com
#231 For the two INCREDIBLE ladies who said they would pay for my hotel and plane ticket if I won the ticket.

I'm linked with:
Laura Boggess, Finding Heaven Today, A Holy Experience, Nebraska Graceful