April 30

Parents often have gut-level feelings about their children's friends.  When that happens, ask God for Holy Spirit-inspired discernment and pray accordingly.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Then he came to the disciples and said, “Go ahead and sleep. Have your rest. But look—the time has come. The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Up, let’s be going. Look, my betrayer is here!” 47 And even as Jesus said this, Judas, one of the twelve disciples, arrived with a crowd of men armed with swords and clubs. They had been sent by the leading priests and elders of the people. 48 The traitor, Judas, had given them a prearranged signal: “You will know which one to arrest when I greet him with a kiss.” 49 So Judas came straight to Jesus. “Greetings, Rabbi!” he exclaimed and gave him the kiss. 50 Jesus said, “My friend, go ahead and do what you have come for.” Then the others grabbed Jesus and arrested him. Matthew 26:45-50 (NLT)

Isn't it interesting that in verse 46 Jesus refers to Judas as his 'betrayer' and then turns around in verse 50 and calls him 'friend'?!!?  The word 'friend' is the Greek word hetairos (he-tī'-ros) and it means 'kindly address'...almost like a formality.  We know that Jesus was aware of what had to happen and I believe that He discerned Judas' intentions as Judas approached.  I totally agree with what Ms. Omartian says about parents having that "gut-level" feeling when it comes to our children's friends.  I don't apologize for it and I'll admit I haven't always discerned every 'friend' but believe me when I say; when I do get that feeling...I'm usually right!  God has even showed me, in dreams, things about those connected to my children and I don't take it lightly.  I've never let my children play with just anybody and overnight stays are only approved after I've done a thorough background investigation (paralegal and court background come in handy).  Call me snooty, snobbish and overprotective all you want, but the ones that hurt us most are usually the ones we allow closest to us...the ones we call 'friend'. 

On the other hand, James 2:24 says; "And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”  He was even called the friend of God."  Unlike hetairos, the word for 'friend' in James 2:24 is philos (fē'-los) which translated means "dear to God, peculiarly favored with His intimacy".  Using this as the standard, anyone claiming to be a friend to my children, need to have his/her best interest at heart.  The friend should challenge him/her if he/she is wrong; the friend should hold him/her accountable and most importantly, the friend should be a philos of God as well.    

Lord, as we strive to raise our children in Your word and to walk according to Your spirit; help us to always discern and pray for our children's friends.  We know that friendship with the world is hatred toward You.  Therefore, if any of our children's friends are connected with, revel in or cling to the world; we pray that the door to the relationship be closed!  We declare that our children will godly friendships with persons after Your own heart.  We declare that our children will have friends that "sharpen" them in the word of God.  John 15:13-16 says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.  I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business.  Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father I have made known to you.  You did not choose me, but I chose you..."  Thank you for choosing us and calling us friend...You are the friend who sticks closer than a brother.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 29

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.  Matthew 5:9 (KJV)

The Hebrew word for peace is shalom; the word denotes far more than the absence of war and conflict.  Shalom's basic meaning is harmony, wholeness, soundness, well-being and success in all areas of life.  (1) Peace can refer to tranquility in international relationships, such as peace between warring nations.  (2) It can also refer to a settled feeling within a nation, as during times of prosperity and no civil war.  (3) It can be experienced as wholeness and harmony in human relationships, both inside the home and outside the home.  (4) It can refer to one's personal sense of wholeness and well-being, free from anxiety and at peace within our own souls and with God.  (5) Finally, even though the word shalom is not used in Genesis 1--2, shalom describes the original created world that existed in perfect harmony and wholeness.  When Adam and Eve listened to the voice of the serpent and ate from the forbidden tree, their disobedience introduced sin and disrupted creation's original harmony.  (The Peace of God, Article; Full Life Study Bible)

The "peacemakers" are those who have been reconciled to God. They have peace with him through the cross. They now strive by their witness and life to bring others, including their enemies, to peace with God. (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)  In other words, the "peacemakers" got their happy back!

I remember a few years back, I went into a corner store on the east side and ran into a girl that I was classmates with in middle school.  She kept staring at me so I said "hello" (it was clear she was trying to remember me).  She said "you look familiar" and I responded; "yes, we went to Mohawk together".  She then said, "oh yeah, you didn't like me".  I chuckled and said "I liked everyone, maybe it was you that didn't like me" as I walked out the store.  After all those years, this woman was still disrupted by something that quite frankly had no bearing on either of our present lives.  Even if I didn't like her then (honestly never had a reason to dislike her), that was over twenty years ago...why give it life again?!?  Though I didn't wrap my arms around her in a moment of prayer; I'd like to think, that on that day...I was a peacemaker!

Lord, in order for us to effectively be a witness for peace; we must first make peace within ourselves.  Help us to recognize and reconcile any areas of disobedience in obedience to You.  We pray peace over our children, their hearts, minds and spirits.  Your word says that You will keep us in perfect peace if we keep our minds on You and trust You, so we submit our thoughts to Your will.  We pray peace all around our children to scatter any confusion and disorder.  Father, we know that as we walk in peace, as our children walk in peace, trials will surely come.  Nevertheless, peace will rule our hearts, we will pursue peace and we will not forfeit the blessedness of peace.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 28

Lord, teach my child to resolve misunderstandings according to Your word.  And if any division has already begun, if any relationship is already strained or severed, Lord, I pray that You will drive out the wedge of division and bring healing.  Give him/her a heart of forgiveness and reconciliation.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

The best way to teach our children about forgiveness is to model it!  Whewww, CONVICTION!!While a lot of us would like to rip out every scripture pertaining to forgiveness of our enemies; the bottom line is God forgives us, so we must forgive others. 

When someone wrongs our children, we want them held accountable.  OK, I'm just going to speak for myself; I want to deal with them according to my not-so-lovingkindness!  Nevertheless, as we grow and mature in Christ, we ought to resolve misunderstandings according to God's word.  If it means he/she must humble themselves and apologize for the sake of the relationship; it's not important to be right so much as it is important to be righteous.  Our children should be able to "extend the olive branch", because of the branch (cross) that Jesus died upon.  The great thing about forgiveness and reconciliation is that it's more for the forgiver than the one forgiven.  Once we seek resolution for a situation and forgive regarding the matter; we are free to heal. 

Heavenly Father, it's important that we operate in forgiveness.  We know that just as Your forgive us, so we ought also, to forgive others.  Let us show and teach our children early, that the sooner he/she can forgive and move on; the sooner the healing process can begin.  Lord, show my child(ren) that it may also be necessary to end some relationships in lieu of trying to continue them...especially if the relationship is doing more harm than good!  The bible says, "If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."  Our prayer is that our children will live peaceably so that goodness and mercy shall follow them all the days of their lives.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 27

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ² Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. ³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”  ⁴ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.  ⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (Romans 15:1-6 NIV)

Verse 2 in the King James version says, "Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification."  The word edification translated is a Greek word oikodomē (oi-ko-do-mā') and it means, "the act of one who promotes another's growth in Christian wisdom, piety (reverence for God), holiness, happiness".   Wouldn't it be something if we lived out these six verses of scripture?!?  If when we knew that our brother or sister was going through a tough time, we actually climbed in the trenches with them, prayed for and with them and built them up.  And what a wonderful thing it would be if we'd do this, not to puff ourselves up, for the sincere growth of our brother or sister!  Since we're striving and pressing everyday to be more like Jesus, at some point we ought to be able to bless someone else just because we have the capacity to do so. 

Lord, we not only want to promote our neighbor's growth in Christian wisdom, piety, holiness and happiness, but we also want to promote the same for our children.  When their times of weakness come; help us to bear the infirmities and not to beat them up with their weakness.  The bible says that Your strength is made perfect in our weakness, so if we (they) endure the time of weakness; we'll be strengthened in You through Christ Jesus.  As You give endurance and encouragement, we will receive the same attitude of mind toward one another that Christ Jesus had toward us.  We will think on things that are just, pure, lovely and of good report.  The glory is not for us but it's all for You.  In Jesus name, Amen!  

April 25 - TURN THAT PLATE DOWN!!!

What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling?  This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me.  ⁵ You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind.  You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes.  Is this what you call fasting?  Do you really think this will please the Lord?   ⁶ “No, this is the kind of fasting I want:  Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you.  Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people.  ⁷ Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless.  Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.  ⁸ “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal.  Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind.  ⁹ Then when you call, the Lord will answer.  ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.

“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.  Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!
¹⁰ Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble.  Then your light will shine out from the darkness,
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.  ¹¹ The Lord will guide you continually,
giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength.  You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.  ¹² Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.  (Isaiah 58:4-12, NLT)

 

The King James version records the last part of verse 12 as "The repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in".  It means to "fortify with a wall, to wall around".  Can you see the visual of that verse?!?!!  When we pray and fast, the power of our prayers is like building a wall around the object of our prayers.  When we pray and fast, we build a wall around our spouse, our children, our communities, our schools.  There is truly power in prayer and God's word has documented the outcome of true prayer and worship through fasting.  God wants us to operate in knowledge of His word and repair breached relationships, restore homes and rebuild communities.  "When there is true love for God and sincere concern for the welfare of others, a channel is opened for God's full blessing to come into our lives."  (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)

 

Lord what an honor and privilege to be entrusted with the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit.  We thank you for Your word that leads, guides and directs us.  Strengthen our prayer life to include fasting and true love for one another.  Let us not pray out of obligation, but help us to lift one another in sincere intercession.  All the enemy needs is a crack to get in, so Lord we ask that You reveal to us each and every breach and just as You said in Your word, we will repair them!!!  Unlike most things that are never the same once they're compromised; we declare that once the breach is repaired; it will be completely renewed and restored...as if it never suffered a break.    In Jesus name, Amen!

 

 

April 23

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.  Proverbs 16:3 (NIV)

Believers should not undertake anything presumptuously, but in all things search for the Lord's will (James 4:14-16).  If our deeds and motives are right, then we can commit them to the Lord and be assured that he will establish them and bless us.  (The Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)

We're studying from "Five Lies that Ruin Relationships--Wrong Beliefs Produce Wrong Behavior" by Chip Ingram in our couples Sunday School class.  Lie #3 is "Upwardly mobile work opportunities are automatically the will of God."  We talked about how we often make bad job decisions and I remember the presenter saying, "a good job might be a great job, but is it a God job?" 

I can personally testify that I've had a few pretty good jobs.  They were stable and the income provided paid my bills, but not one of those jobs fulfilled me.  Being able to spend time with my family and help other families who have children with special needs is the will of God for me.  He has confirmed that for me over and over since I left my last job.  I could have kept trying to climb the corporate ladder but I don't think I would have ever been elevated nor would I ever truly edify the kingdom.  It's vital that we help our children understand the difference between pursuing position and positioning themselves for purpose.  There's nothing like going after a job/position because of the salary, perks and prestige only to realize that job makes you miserable; it's not what you thought it would be, the hours are too long, the environment is total chaos...in other words; everything that looks good to you ain't good for you!  Talking with our children about their education and career paths can help them avoid the Lie #3.

Heavenly Father, Your word says that "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps" (Proverbs 16:9), so we thank you determining the steps of our children.  We pray that whatever he/she has planned in their heart aligns with the steps laid out for them.  If he/she is unsure of where to go or what to do, we pray that you make it plain!  Remind them that you no matter what it looks like, if they commit their plans to You and submit to Your will; they can rest on your promises.  Help us to consider how the decisions we make affect those with whom we have relationships...especially You!  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 22

"Our business ain't every body's business"!  The problem with that, is oftentimes our business is discussed/argued among young, impressionable ears who remember everything.  By the time most children are ten years old, they can tell you everything about everybody in the family and more than likely have an opinion about them (albeit, the opinion is based on bias). 

It is our responsibility to make sure our child(ren) always respect their elders...especially family members.  If we see a crack or know of any unresolved issues; we cannot allow it to fester, we must address it immediately.   There is a wealth of knowledge, history and pride within our families and we do our children a terrible disservice when we don't nurture relationships with extended family members.  We never know when they'll need us or when we'll need them.  What ever happened to "am I my brother's keeper?"  Carrying a grudge or harboring unresolved issues could be blocking your blessing.

Lord, I pray for my child and his/her relationship with all family members. Protect and preserve them from any unresolved or permanent breach. Fill his/her heart with Your love and give him/her an abundance of compassion and forgiveness that will overflow to each member of the family.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 21

Obedience brings great security and the confidence of knowing you're where you're supposed to be, doing what you're supposed to do.  The Bible promises that if we are obedient we will be blessed.  We want our children to walk in obedience so that they will have confidence, security, long life, and peace.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Saul was given instruction to attack the Amalekites and "totally destroy everything that belongs to them."  Nothing and no one was to be spared...but Saul disobeyed.  I Samuel 15:21-25 records, "Saul defended himself. “What are you talking about? I did obey God. I did the job God set for me. I brought in King Agag and destroyed the Amalekites under the terms of the holy ban. So the soldiers saved back a few choice sheep and cattle from the holy ban for sacrifice to God at Gilgal—what’s wrong with that?”  ^22-23 Then Samuel said, Do you think all God wants are sacrifices—empty rituals just for show?  He wants you to listen to him!  Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production.  Not doing what God tells you is far worse than fooling around in the occult.  Getting self-important around God is far worse than making deals with your dead ancestors.
Because you said No to God’s command, he says No to your kingship.  ^24-25 Saul gave in and confessed, “I’ve sinned. I’ve trampled roughshod over God’s Word and your instructions. I cared more about pleasing the people. I let them tell me what to do. Oh, absolve me of my sin! Take my hand and lead me to the altar so I can worship God!”

"Obeying God's word from the heart is better than any outward form of worship, service or personal sacrifice" (The Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes).  Our children learn about obedience by watching  how we handle obedience and the way we handle them when they disobey.  If our children see us disobeying they law by speeding; they may end up not respecting the law as well.  If our children don't see us tithe or save our money; they may not grasp stewardship.  If our children never witness us commit important decisions to prayer; they will most likely adopt the saying, 'Hakuna Matata' for their life.  For our children to walk in obedience, the path should already be laid out for them by us. 

Father God, help us to always obey Your word so that we will have the security of Your promises.  Your word says "the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord...", so we pray right now that our steps are ordered in obedience and our children's steps are ordered in obedience.  As our sons and daughters walk through this life, help them to know that even when they don't understand it, Your will is what's best for them.  Give them the strength to obey so that they will experience the confidence, security and peace of being and doing what You've ordained for them to be and do.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 20

When you cover your family relationships in prayer, whether it be with children, parents, stepparents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, husband or wife, there will be far fewer instances of strained or severed relationships.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

A few years back we studied a book at church titled "The 11th Commandment: Experiencing the One Anothers of Scripture" by Don McMinn.  The book delves into what the author penned as the eleventh commandment, along with some additional 'one anothers'.  Jesus said, "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.  By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another" (John 13:34-35).   The Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes says:

The Christian is commanded to love, in a greater and special way, all true Christians, whether or not they are members of one's own church or followers of one's particular theological persuasion.  (1) Believers must distinguish true Christians from those whose profession is false by examining their love for and obedience to Jesus Christ and their loyalty to God's holy word.  (2) Any person who possesses a living faith in Jesus Christ and remains loyal to God's inspired and inerrant Word as he or she sincerely understands it, while standing against the prevailing popular spirit of our day is my brother or sister in Christ and one who deserves my special love and support.
 

Loving true Christians, in theory, is not hard because we should all be on one accord.  And even if we're not, we have prayer, forgiveness, grace and mercy to get us back on track.  The true challenge comes, as Ms. Omartian mentioned, in those familial relationships.  Oftentimes, those closest to us are the ones that hurt us the most.  The very people that know us intricately, are the same ones that can betray us intensely.  Those that have known us all our lives are quick to remind us of our past, but Paul reminds us to forget those things which are behind us and press toward the prize that is in Christ Jesus.  When we cover our family relationships in prayer, loving those closest to us may be a little easier.

Lord, help us to love one another as You have commanded.  Let us seek the good in others, even when we're not necessarily afforded the same.  Teach us how to pray for those that despitefully use us and forgive so that we are forgiven.  If there are any strained or severed relationships in our lives, we pray that You open the door for reconciliation and healing and help us to walk through it!  Help us be obedient to Your command that we love one another, not just in word but also in deed.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 19

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.  They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck.  My son, if sinful men entice you, do not give in to them.  If they say, “Come along with us; let’s lie in wait for innocent blood, let’s ambush some harmless soul; let’s swallow them alive, like the grave, and whole, like those who go down to the pit; we will get all sorts of valuable things and fill our houses with plunder; cast lots with us;
we will all share the loot”— my son, do not go along with them, do not set foot on their paths; for their feet rush into evil, they are swift to shed blood.  How useless to spread a net where every bird can see it!  These men lie in wait for their own blood; they ambush only themselves!  Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain; it takes away the life of those who get it.  Proverbs 1:8-19 (NIV)

 

"Early in life young people face enticements to sin.  Peer pressure will tempt them to join with the majority and enjoy sinful pleasures.  Young people can resist such temptations to turn from God and his way by developing a close relationship with God as their Lord, by a willingness to stand alone, if need be, in their commitment to God's righteous ways, and by knowing that the way of compromise and sinful pleasure leads to heartache, distress, calamity and destruction."  (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)

 

Father God, the pressure to fit in and be accepted is far greater than the call to "Stand Out".  1 Peter 2:9 says that we are a "chosen people", "a people belonging to God" which were called out of darkness into Your wonderful light.  Help our children see that there is much more to gain being in the light than dwelling in the dark.  We pray right now that the enticements be revealed and the taste of sinful pleasure be bitter to our sons/daughters.  We know that it's not easy finding your way through adolescence and maturing into adulthood, but show them that they're not alone...no matter how it appears!  There are ministries, cures, healing, discipleship and so much more that You have placed in our children...we pray that they stay on the path and avoid the enticements.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 18

Lord, make my child uncomfortable with sin.  Help him/her to know the beauty and simplicity of walking with a sweet and humble spirit in obedience and submission to You.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?   What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever?  2 Corinthians 6:14-15 (NIV).  Most often I would hear this scripture used when a Christian woman/man was dating an unbeliever or considering marriage.  We should extend this admonishment to our children in regard to the people with whom they're associated.  As Christians, we teach them to love everyone and treat everyone as they would want to be treated.  But what happens when our children are unable or unwilling to separate from their immoral friends...CORRUPTION!  The mistake commonly made by believers is that we can constantly be in the midst of sin and not sin.  That's like saying we can be in a room where everyone is smoking and the smell will not get into our clothing...not likely.  We begin to think of ourselves more highly than we ought.  Truth is, our sinful nature may be dormant but it ain't dead!  A friend of ours said it this way, "bad company corrupts good morals." 

In God's eyes people ultimately are divided into two categories:  those who are in Christ and those who are not.  Therefore, believers must not be in voluntary partnership or in intimate association with unbelievers, for such relationships can corrupt their relationship with Christ  (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes).  It's OK to show someone the way of salvation, but don't sacrifice your footing and slip trying to be the savior.  God is God all by Himself and He doesn't need our help!

I am weak, but Thou art strong; Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I'll be satisfied as long, As I walk, let me walk close to Thee.  Lord, when we walk close to You; the enemy has to come through You to get to us.  We pray that our children desire a closer walk with you.  The closer they walk with You; the more uncomfortable they will become with sin.  In Jesus name, Amen!
Today I want to be http://youtu.be/zOScUrQpBP8

April 17 - The Fight is Fixed!

Remember, your battle is not with your son or daughter.  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of he darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places" (Ephesians 6:12).  Your battle is with the enemy.  The good news is that Jesus has given you authority "over all the power of the enemy" (Luke 10:19).  Don't be afraid to take advantage of that.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Our children will grow and develop physically as we nurture and care for them.  The will develop their own emotional state as they experience life and all the ups and downs associated with maturing.  The only area that we can 'shape' is their spiritual life!  As Christians, we "are engaged in a spiritual conflict with evil.  This spiritual conflict is described as a warfare of faith that continues until we enter the life to come".   In the battle with the enemy; it is crucial that we have a strategy and take advantage of our advantage!  Jesus secured our victory through his death on the cross AND He "disarmed the evil powers and authorities". 

Our advantage is our authority!  Power is the ability to do or act, while authority is the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control,  command or determine.  Truth be told, satan has power but he doesn't have authority...at least he shouldn't have authority in the life of Christians.  When Jesus said "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you"...He meant it!!!

Lord, for our children's sake, help us to recognize and utilize the authority given to us!  Not that we get puffed up in self, but that we may pulverize satan and his schemes.  We pray that any principality, perversion, power, or force attempting to operate in our children's lives be revealed, so that we may pull it down.  Though we wrestle in war; the battle is won...VICTORY IN JESUS IS OURS.  Amen!

April 16

The Bible says, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with promise:  'that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth'" (Ephesians 6:1-3).  The fact that we can affect the length and quality of our children's lives is reason enough to pray, instruct, and discipline.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Growing up, whenever I heard this scripture quoted, the 'responsibility' was placed on the child(ren).  Often used in conjunction with admonishment for mischievous behavior; we were "scared straight" by the thought of dishonoring our parents leading to an early death.  However, Ms. Omartian puts a different twist on this scripture in her prayer when she says that "we (parents) can affect the length and quality of our children's lives...".  We affect where they live because of the house we provide.  We affect how they develop and mature because of the family, spiritual and educational environments in which we place them.  Even their decision making can be based on watching how we handle certain situations.  But to ponder the fact that I can affect how long and what kind of life my child will experience...WOW!!!

The "Parents and Children" article in the Full Life Study Bible says that parents should "Make your children aware that God is always observing and evaluating what they do, think and say" and "Through example and exhortation, encourage your children to live lives devoted to prayer".  I would offer that we simply give them something to honor and obey! 

Lord, as we encourage our children to live lives devoted to prayer, help us to practice what we preach.  It is no longer acceptable to proclaim "do as I say and not as I do".  We must align what we expect from our children, with what we exhibit to them.  Remind us that our children's perspective of You and how they relate to You will often be connected to their relationship with us.  Thank you for entrusting us with Your seed and allowing us to guide and direct them in this world.  As we honor and obey our Heavenly Father; we declare our children will honor and obey as well...for this is right.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 15 - For the Good of Them

I have seen something else under the sun: The race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong, nor does food come to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favor to the learned; but time and chance happen to them all.  Moreover, no one knows when their hour will come:  As fish are caught in a cruel net, or birds are taken in a snare, so people are trapped by evil times that fall unexpectedly upon them.  Ecclesiastes 9:11-12 (NIV)

Watching the tragedy unfold in Boston today; my heart goes out to all the victims and their families...especially the parents of the 8-year-old boy who was killed.  With my own son being the same age as this little boy, it could have very easily been me!  For a brief moment I thought; how could all this despair come after such a day of rejoicing on yesterday (see April 14 blog to be blessed)?!?  Then I said, "Get thee behind me satan"!  Isn't it just like satan to come sniffing around me, so soon after the mountain-top experience of baptism, with an attempt to discourage me into thinking that prayer doesn't work.  To that I say; IT IS WRITTEN...THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS AVAILETH MUCH!!!  While I do not know and understand everything, I am grateful for the word from our pastor that "comfort does not come in getting an answer; comfort comes in knowing God through the doubt."  Another thing that was said in the sermon on Sunday was "memory is a friend of faith"...to which I say, God's record in my life will not allow me to relapse!  HALLELUJAH!

"So I reflected on all this and concluded that the righteous and the wise and what they do are in God’s hands, but no one knows whether love or hate awaits them.  All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not."  Ecclesiastes 9:1-2  (NIV)

This is today's prayer:  http://youtu.be/InR9jHmVv1M

God bless!

April 14

When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.  Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”  Mark 10:14-15 (NIV)

Today in church I kept hearing what initially sounded like a child crying, and then I recognized the squeals of Allan.  The son of a good friend, confidante and someone I lovingly call "soror"; Allan has Down Syndrome and is currently non-verbal.  His mom and I are sisters in a "special kind" of sorority...The Special Needs Mommy Sorority.  I turned around to see Allan clapping his hands, squealing and reaching up towards the pulpit.  I also noticed that a few of the the folks sitting around Allan and his family had that ignorant, "what's wrong with him" stare on their faces.  Just like Jesus in the above scripture; I became "indignant"!  During our welcome time, I got up with my son who has autism and made sure that we went a few pews back to see my friend and her sweet little boy.  Allan's sister, the vivacious little Miss Vivian (who is always dressed to the nines and carries the cutest purses), was sitting there with her mommy and brother when mom says that they were waiting for pastor because Vivian wanted to be baptized.  When the time came, Miss Vivian allowed me to walk down the aisle with her, so mom could bring Allan as well, because she insisted her brother come with her!  Once down to the altar; my friends husband came down and mom and dad, got both kids prepared for baptism as I returned to my seat.  As I waited for Vivian to be baptized...out comes Allan!  You could have knocked me over with a feather!!!  For about two years now, I've imagined our son Isaac being baptized.  Every time a young man enters the baptism pool; I think...one day that will be Isaac.  So when I seen Allan carried out, knowing that like my son he has a developmental disability...well, it was not a pretty sight on my pew.  When I learned the back story of what went on behind the pulpit with Vivian (who decided "that bath tub is TOO BIG"); I was reminded of God's sovereignty.

"Receiving the kingdom of God like a child means accepting it in a simple, humble, trustful and wholehearted manner" (Full Life Study Bible, study notes).  All along Vivian was cool, calm and confident...she was the forerunner for Allan.  I know that Allan blessed a lot of people in that church today...especially me!  As for those folk who were staring; I wouldn't be surprised if God used that moment to show them how to receive the kingdom, "...and a little child shall lead them."  In the words of my pastor, Keith A. Troy, "it's been a good day"! 

Lord, thank you for having your way in our lives today!  I thank you for the obedience of little children and I thank you for their innocence.  I thank you for the reminder that one day, we will see Isaac receive Jesus in his heart and become a "CrisSHON".  Sometimes as parents/adults we think that children do not understand or we discount their understanding of who God is in their lives.  Thank you for making it very real and plain, that we are not to "hinder" them, when you desire to hold them.  Continue to teach us through the simple, humble, trustful and wholehearted ways of our children...just like Jesus did.  It's your servant's prayer, Amen!

April 13 - GET YOUR LIFE!!!

We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.  Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.  And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.  Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.  1 John 5:9-13 (NIV)

"This life is in his Son"; the key word in this phrase being 'IS', which is the present tense of 'to be'...it is a verb and it is ongoing.  The "Assurance of Salvation" says this:

"Every Christian desires to have assurance of salvation, i.e., the certainty that when Christ returns or when death comes, he or she will go to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven (Philippians 1:23).  John's purpose in writing his first letter is that God's people may have that assurance (1John 5:13).  Note that nowhere in the letter does John state that a past experience of conversion constitutes an assurance or guarantee of salvation.  To assume we possess eternal life based solely on a past experience or on a faith that is no longer vital is a grave error.  This letter sets out nine ways for us to know that we are in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ."  (Full Life Study Bible, Article)
 

Some of us have been lulled into believing, as well as our children, that once saved, we're always saved.  Being transparent, where I'm about to go, initially was a hard concept for me.  The bible says in John 3:15-16 "that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.  For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."  Again believeth or believes is present tense or something that is done continually.  Think about it this way; I can't accept Jesus as my savior one month and then the following month, join a demonic cult which denounces the bible and the Holy Spirit and still expect to go to heaven.  GOD FORBID!  The gift of salvation and eternal life lies in an on-going, saving relationship in which we have to work purposefully, diligently and continuously.     If the testimony is that God has given us eternal life; then our life (the way we live, move and have our being), our faith and commitment to Him should be eternal too. 

Father, thank you for giving us eternal life in Your Son!  Thank you for giving our children eternal life.  We declare right now that we will believe; we declare that we will honor Christ in our lives; we declare that we will love the Father and the Son rather than the world; we declare that we will practice righteousness rather than sin; we declare that we will love our brothers and sisters; we declare that we will be conscious of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us; we declare that we will strive to follow Jesus' example; we declare that we will believe, accept and remain in the Word of Life; we declare that we will have an earnest longing and unbending hope in Christ's return.  And we decree these declarations in the lives of our children.  They will not just live; they shall have LIFE!  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 12

Thank You, Lord, that You care about my child's eternal future even more than I do and that it is secure in You.  In Jesus' name I pray that he/she will not doubt or stray form the path You have for him/her all the days of his/her life.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.  Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV)

When Jesus died on Calvary; He secured my child's eternal future.  If my son/daughter has accepted, believed, and confessed that Jesus is the son of God, who hung, bled and died BUT lives again...his/her future is secure.  How secure?  As secure as a building resting on a cornerstone!  I'm reminded of the game "Jenga" where you carefully remove individual blocks from stack of blocks trying to keep the entire stack from falling...OH BUT THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE CANNOT BE REMOVED!!!  Somebody shout GLORAAAAY!!!!

Father, we thank you that Your love for our children even exceeds our love for them and You have secured their future because of that very love.  You are an awesome Father and the ultimate example of how to parent.  We love You and praise You, in Jesus name, Amen!

April 11

Paul was able to accomplish what he did for Christ partly because of the prayers of God's people.  Therefore he often sought the prayers of those to whom he ministered, aware that God's will for his life and ministry would not be fully realized without the intercession of fellow believers.  This spiritual principle of God's kingdom is valid today.  We need the prayers of other believers and they need our prayers.  With faithful intercession in the churches, God's desires will be accomplished, satan's purposes frustrated and the Spirit's full power revealed.  (Study notes, Full Life Study Bible)

2 Thessalonians 3:1-3 records this:  "One more thing, friends: Pray for us. Pray that the Master’s Word will simply take off and race through the country to a groundswell of response, just as it did among you. And pray that we’ll be rescued from these scoundrels who are trying to do us in. I’m finding that not all “believers” are believers. But the Master never lets us down. He’ll stick by you and protect you from evil."

I can't remember which preacher it was, but I heard a preacher say (and I'm paraphrasing), 'the devil don't need to go to the clubs and bars...he's already got those folks.  However, the devil is always showing up at the church...in the parking lot, in the foyer...even sometimes in the pews'.   As Paul said, not all "believers", are believers.  They're described in 2 Timothy 3:5 as "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away."  The time has come for the saints to turn from foolishness and intercede for one another so that kingdom business can be done!  I'm so sick of the spirit of competition among churches...like there's not enough sin in the world to go around!?!!!  If we're going to be effective in this world, in our families, in our ministries and in our communities...FOR OUR CHILDREN; we have to stop competing and start collaborating!

Dear Heavenly Father, give us the desire to pray for one another, often and earnestly.  Open our eyes so that we can see how much we need one another and need to pray for one another.  Help us to discern the needs of our brothers and sisters and pray accordingly for them.  Just as satan and his imps are always seeking who they may devour; we should pray, without ceasing, for one another.  We pray that our children will embrace intercession now and pray for one another now.  Give us righteous hearts, "For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil."  As we pray, we know that You are faithful and will keep us from evil.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 10

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.  John 14:16-17 (NIV)

The following is recorded in the study notes of the Full Life Study bible:

The Holy Spirit is called "the Spirit of truth", because he is the Spirit of Jesus, who is the truth.  As such, he testifies to the truth, enlightens concerning the truth, exposes untruth and guides the believer into all truth.  Those who are willing to sacrifice truth for the sake of unity, love or any other reason deny the Spirit of truth, whom they claim lives in them.  The church that abandons the truth abandons its Lord.  The Holy Spirit will not be the Counselor to those who are indifferent to the faith or halfhearted in their commitment to the truth.  He comes only to those who worship the Lord "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24).
 

One of my big sisters in the faith calls the Holy Spirit the "Revealer of Truth".  The important thing about the truth is (1) Jesus said, 'I am the truth' and when you activate the presence of 'I am' along with the power of 'the truth'...(2) the opposite of a lie (an intentional untruth) and we all know satan is the father of lies and (3) the truth will set you free...whom the Son sets free is free indeed.  
The world cannot accept the Spirit of Truth because it's built on so many lies!  Everywhere we look...LIES!  McDonald's has us singing "I'm lovin' it"...lovin' the defiling of our temple with hypertension, high cholesterol and liquid diabetes aka sweet tea.  Beyonce "goes hard" telling b******* to bow down, when God explicitly said we should have no other before Him.  Women are told that they're not equal and they need empowerment; when God created us with the capability to reproduce life!  Men are soft if they live a life of worship or openly praise God; when in actuality, if God inhabits praise, why wouldn't a man want to enlist the creator of the universe into his situations! 

Father, thank you for sending us "another Counselor" to be with us forever!  Your word says that we are to renew our minds so that we do not conform to this world, but instead are transformed.  Thank you for the Holy Spirit abiding in our children.  Thank you for the foundation given to them in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  Thank you for shining the light and revealing the truth, even right now, wherever he/she may be...in the middle of whatever he/she is doing!  We call forth the truth that dwells within our sons and daughters and we say BE FREE...THE TRUTH HAS SET YOU FREE!  In Jesus name, Amen!!!

April 9

Once our children have received the Lord, we must continue praying for their relationship with Him.  We want our children to always be "filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" and to "walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:9-10) Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian

Study notes in The Full Life Study Bible said that Colossians 1:9-12 is "one of Paul's four great New Testament apostolic prayers, spoken under the inspiration of the Spirit (the other three are Ephesians 1:16-19; 3:14-19; Philippians 1:9-11).  From these prayers we learn how to pray for others, such as our children, friends, fellow believers, missionaries, pastors, etc.  We must pray that they may (1) understand God's will, (2) gain spiritual wisdom, (3) live holy lives pleasing to the Lord, (4) bear fruit for Christ, (5) be strengthened spiritually by the Holy Spirit, (6) persevere in faith and righteousness, (7) give thanks to the Father, (8) continue in the hope of heaven, (9) experience Christ's nearness, (10) know Christ's love, (11) be filled with God's fullness, (12) show love and kindness to others, (13) discern evil, (14) be sincere and blameless, and (15) eagerly await the Lord's return." 

Whew...that's a tall order on how and what to pray! Verse 11 says as we grow in the knowledge of God, we are "strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,..."  The key to it all is that "he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."   In my hopes and prayers for our children, my greatest desire for them is that they GET IT!  There is a reason that we are called a 'chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people'.  If our children would just GET IT, and gain spiritual understanding of what has already been done, I believe that our sons and daughters would not succumb to so many plots and schemes of the enemy.  I am persuaded that, if our sons and daughters truly grasp that the battle is already won; nothing can separate them from the love of God.  Even when the bully is bigger; you get bold when you see your big brother on the other side of the school yard!  #Thefightisfixed   

Lord, not that they have already attained or have been made perfect, but we pray that our sons and daughters follow after You.  We pray that they forget the things that are behind and reach forth to the things You have laid up before them.  Give them holy boldness!  Oh God...let them GET IT!!! In Jesus name, Amen! 

April 8

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.  This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time.  1Timothy 2:1-6 (NIV)

On Saturday, April 6, Rick Warren, the author of the multimillion-selling book "The Purpose Driven Life," said in an email to church staff that he and his wife had enjoyed a fun Friday evening with their son. But their son then returned home to take his life in "a momentary wave of despair."  Over the years, Matthew Warren had been treated by America's best doctors, had received counseling and medication and been the recipient of numerous prayers from others, his father said.  Matthew was 27.

For those of us in the faith, this news sent shock waves through our community and congregations.  After my initial thoughts of Pastor Warren and his wife Kay; I immediately thought about how the enemy might try and use something like this to attack Pastor Warren, his family and his ministry.  As I read some online articles; I could see that I wasn't too far off in my thinking based on comments made by some very ignorant people.

I always believed and was told that suicide was a sin almost as bad as blasphemy.  The reason being that if a person took his/her own life, that after the act was done; he/she could not ask forgiveness and therefore would have committed a sin  (in the last act of life) with no way for redemption.  Made sense then, but in light of this incident...I have so many questions and revelatory thoughts!

We sing, "Jesus paid it all"...in the scripture above from 1 Timothy, it says that Christ "gave himself as a ransom for all people".  I've heard many preachers proffer that while He was yet on the cross; "Jesus could have come down, but He decided to stay there for you and me"...in my pensive state; I wonder...was that not suicide?!?  Now please don't think I'm saying that Jesus committed suicide (I know somebody is already rebuking me).  I am well aware that Jesus was crucified at the hands of others, for the sins of others.  Vine's Expository Dictionary defines "ransom" in it's context as "provisionally universal, while being of a vicarious character."  It goes on to say  that "while the provision was universal, for Christ died for all men, yet it is actual for those only who accept God's conditions, and who are described in the Gospel statements as "the many." The giving of His life was the giving of His entire person, and while His death under Divine judgment was alone expiatory, it cannot be dissociated from the character of His life which, being sinless, gave virtue to His death and was a testimony to the fact that His death must be of a vicarious nature."  I understand this to say that once Jesus died for my sins, it is no longer necessary for me to physically die for my sins.  Nevertheless, I will say that Jesus has saved more souls over 2000 years after his death, than through his life.

Maybe the same will be said of Matthew Warren and what his death will mean to those suffering with mental illness.  Could this incident create a conversation for the church, social agencies and government agencies on how to serve people of faith?  What if someone learns the signs of a person anticipating suicide, intervenes and saves a life?  Maybe Matthew Warren's death will not be in vain. 

Lord, while it's hard to understand right now, I pray that you give Matthew's mom and dad some peace and understanding in this matter.  Although they serve a congregation of 20,000 people, during this time...they are broken-hearted parents.  Wrap your arms around them and hold them tight.  Let them know that we are praying for them and standing in the gap for them.  I pray that they are given and take time to grieve, because it is necessary.  Only You and Matthew know what he was going through and I pray that You were able to wipe away his tears on Friday.  I am thankful that he is no longer in pain on this side.  Help us Holy Spirit, in Jesus name, Amen!

April 4

Lord, You have said in Your Word, " If you declare with your mouth, ' Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9).  Thank you for making salvation available for my child. 

Save translated in this context means to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction.  I'm so thankful that with his/her belief my son/daughter is saved!  Meditating on what this scripture means, has me thinking of an old hymn..."Blessed Assurance".

We pray that our children will be able to declare unequivocally that 'Jesus is Lord' and He reigns with all power.  We pray that just like our sons/daughters know the name we gave them, they will know and receive salvation.  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 3

Lord, I bring my child before You and ask that You would help him/her grow into a deep understanding of who You are.  Open his/her heart and bring him/her to a full knowledge of the truth about You.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

We sent our daughter and now our son to the Gloria S. Friend Christian Academy to be educated in a Christian environment.  We attend church regularly where we are growing in the word.  We talk with our children about who God is in our lives and why we serve him.  In the words of the Baptist Church Covenant, we "maintain family and secret devotions".  All these things we do to build a foundation for our children.  However, when the rubber meets the road; the children have to grow into their own understanding of who God is and accept His word as truth.  I asked our son to tell me some things about Jesus and he gave the talking points I expected.  Deciding to press him about his thoughts, I said, "So you just believe those things because somebody told you those things?"  He replied, "No, I actually believe it because the bible never lies...you have to believe it to see it!"  Now that blessed me!!!

Jesus saith unto him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me' (John 14:6 KJV).  In this scripture, when Jesus says he is the truth; he is saying "I am he in whom the truth is summed up and impersonated".  What I like about Stormie's prayer is that she asks for our children to come into a "full knowledge of the truth" about God.  This is important because the enemy uses lies and deceit.  A lie is an outright false statement.  In order to deceive, one has to first know the truth as deceit is 'distorted truth for the purpose of misleading'.  We know that satan knows the truth from his time as the chief worship leader and being in the presence of God.  The devil doesn't discriminate in which tactic he uses...as long as he gets results.  A lot of what's ensnaring our children is deceit.  

We will not allow our children to be misled or deceived.  We believe that the Holy Spirit will reveal every deception and perversion of the truth the enemy tries to subtly slide by as acceptable.  When my son/daughter is uncertain; I thank you Lord for bringing back to his/her remembrance that You are the way, the truth and the life.  I thank You that Your word is hidden in their hearts and when that word is brought back to their remembrance, when the truth is spoken; they will not sin against that word.  We speak truth to power!  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 2 - NO SOLICITING!!!

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock.  If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."  Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

One of our neighbors, a few doors down, has a sign on their front door which reads, "NO SOLICITING".  I've never asked, but I assume the sign is there to discourage door-to-door selling, requests for signatures on petitions, proselyting etc.  When I first saw the sign, the first thing I thought was, "whatever...don't nobody want to come to your house anyway!" (I know...not very kind of me).  Then we started getting fliers from painters and lawn care services and security system companies and home improvement businesses and on and on.  Nothing like being in the middle of a good sleep and the doorbell interrupts on a Saturday.  There were a few times when folk were allegedly trying to sell alarm systems that could have very well been trying to determine if our house was a good target for burglary, so I understand the sign.  There's also the occasional guest who just happens to drop by unexpectedly.  This really used to get on my nerves!  Before I got married, if someone came to my house without calling, it was not unusual for me to leave them on the porch ringing the doorbell.  They'd pull out the cell phone and call me like, "I know you hear me ringing your doorbell", and I'd say, "yes, and the same way you just called, you could have called before you came"!  That was then...thank God for growth!  :-)
Even though Jesus was addressing the church in the above scripture; I had to think about my own personal peeves and not wanting to be 'bothered' by someone at the door.  What have I forfeited by not opening my door to one of God's children.   Even worse, when I do not repent, I have left Jesus knocking at the door of my heart. 

Lord, when You stand at the door of our hearts and knock; let us hear and let us open the door.  I pray that my child will hear Your voice and open the door.  Thank You for the promise of fellowship with us when You're accepted!  You said in Your word that if we open the door, you would come in and dine with us, well in anticipation of deliverance, restoration, healing, forgiveness, reconciliation, salvation; I'm setting the table!  GLORAAAAAY!!!!  In Jesus name, Amen!

April 1

I've felt grieved in my spirit all day and couldn't figure out why.  Truth be told, I still can't fully explain why I feel this way, although I have a couple of theories.

As a parent, I thought about how God must've felt on the fourth day...after the resurrection.  Although Jesus didn't ascend right away, the fact still remains that God's only begotten Son died.  He died for a lot of people that didn't believe in Him and also rejected Him, yet He still fulfilled His purpose for the sake of others like me.  Watching your child walk into the midst of hell, feeling like your hands are tied is hard--very hard!  The worst to have to go through, is knowing that your child is suffering (even if he/she doesn't realize it) and not being able to do anything about it.  Maybe that's why I'm feeling this way!?!  Then I thought, maybe I'm feeling this way because again, here we are just one day after celebrating the Resurrection...and my Facebook news feed is full of April Fools pranks and jokes.  *SIGH* 

Lord, help me in this plight as I search for Your  guiding light.  Show me the way and teach me each day to trust You even more.  It's your servant's prayer, in Jesus name, Amen!

Sometimes gotta remind myself!!!
http://youtu.be/2ElODIeB1mg