The joy of the Lord is rich and deep and causes anyone who walks in it to be likewise. That's because joy doesn't have anything to do with happy circumstances; it has to do with looking into the face of God and knowing He's all we'll ever need. (The Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
"...joy doesn't have anything to do with happy circumstances"; I KNOW THAT'S RIGHT!!! I often say that I'll take joy over happiness ANY day because to me; happiness is contingent on things, while joy is in spite of things. Joy is the fruit of the Spirit and accordingly, dwells within the believer. Like the illustration that says you don't see the true purpose of a tea bag until it's placed in hot water...the joy within us is refined in the midst of trying times. Habakkuk 3:18-19 says, "yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The Sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as surefooted as a deer, able to tread upon the heights." When we fully grasp that God is all we need; walking in the joy of the Lord is more easily achieved...joy enables us to tread upon the heights.
Thank you Lord for being so good to us and being so kind and being so merciful. You have given us our place of refuge and we are truly grateful. Your word says in James 1:2-3, "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow". As we look into the face of God with joy in our hearts, we say 'This joy I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away'...in Jesus name, Amen!
ENJOY!!! http://youtu.be/qfJ2LZQbvs4
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
September 16
Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)
We didn't have to deal with half of the things our children face. I've heard some people say that they don't know if they could survive some of the darts being thrown at our children. The enemy plots and schemes using insecurity and instability against them. HIV/AIDS, homicides, absent parents, drug abuse, perverted lust and runaway social media have tried to take them out, But thanks be to God who has caused them to triumph IN SPITE OF!!! Witnessing the city wide Youth and Young Adult revival this year, fittingly themed "City On Our Knees"; I watched some of the 'youngins' setting an example for the believers and for that I am encouraged that the scripture in 1 Timothy has taken root.
Thank you Lord for not letting Your word return void! There is a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that is declaring the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His wonderful light. We pray that You continue to keep our children in the safety of Your arms as they strive to live according to Your will and be examples in this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
We didn't have to deal with half of the things our children face. I've heard some people say that they don't know if they could survive some of the darts being thrown at our children. The enemy plots and schemes using insecurity and instability against them. HIV/AIDS, homicides, absent parents, drug abuse, perverted lust and runaway social media have tried to take them out, But thanks be to God who has caused them to triumph IN SPITE OF!!! Witnessing the city wide Youth and Young Adult revival this year, fittingly themed "City On Our Knees"; I watched some of the 'youngins' setting an example for the believers and for that I am encouraged that the scripture in 1 Timothy has taken root.
Thank you Lord for not letting Your word return void! There is a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that is declaring the praises of Him who called them out of darkness into His wonderful light. We pray that You continue to keep our children in the safety of Your arms as they strive to live according to Your will and be examples in this world. In Jesus name, Amen!
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
September 10 - TAKE IT AWAY!!!
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every
branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more
fruitful. (John 15:2, NIV) The Greek for he prunes also means he cleans.
Jesus speaks of two categories of branches: fruitless and fruitful. The branches that cease to bear fruit are those who no longer have the life in them that comes from enduring faith in and love for Christ. These "branches" the Father cuts off, i.e., he separates them from vital union with Christ. The branches that bear fruit are those who have life in them because of their enduring faith in and love for Christ. These "branches" the Father prunes so that they will become more fruitful. That is, He removes from their lives anything that diverts or hinders the vital life-flow of Christ into them. The fruit is the quality of Christian character that brings glory to God through life and witness. (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
Heavenly Father, help us to appreciate the pruning and purging that You do for our good. We thank You for removing anything that diverts or hinders the flow of Christ in our lives and our children's lives. I'm reminded of the words to that song we used to sing in youth choir so long ago..."if You find anything, that's not like you; I ask You Lord, You know what to do...wash me Lord; cleanse me through and through, take it away from me Lord, take it away from me! In Jesus name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/J8apcF4uJ9o
Jesus speaks of two categories of branches: fruitless and fruitful. The branches that cease to bear fruit are those who no longer have the life in them that comes from enduring faith in and love for Christ. These "branches" the Father cuts off, i.e., he separates them from vital union with Christ. The branches that bear fruit are those who have life in them because of their enduring faith in and love for Christ. These "branches" the Father prunes so that they will become more fruitful. That is, He removes from their lives anything that diverts or hinders the vital life-flow of Christ into them. The fruit is the quality of Christian character that brings glory to God through life and witness. (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
Heavenly Father, help us to appreciate the pruning and purging that You do for our good. We thank You for removing anything that diverts or hinders the flow of Christ in our lives and our children's lives. I'm reminded of the words to that song we used to sing in youth choir so long ago..."if You find anything, that's not like you; I ask You Lord, You know what to do...wash me Lord; cleanse me through and through, take it away from me Lord, take it away from me! In Jesus name, Amen!
http://youtu.be/J8apcF4uJ9o
Thursday, September 5, 2013
September 5 - BOUNDARIES!!!
To live purely within the boundaries of God's law is to find wholeness in the total person. That wholeness is what holiness is all about. Children who have a desire for holiness and seek God's enabling power to help them achieve it can never be anything but blessed and fulfilled. (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
It used to be that hearing the word "holiness" conjured up images of women wearing skirts to their ankles without any makeup or jewelry (wonder why no stipulations on men come to mind). However, holiness is not reserved for any particular group of people or denomination; but God has called all of us to be holy...including our children.
If we impart the importance of living holy and acceptable lives in our children, they will not hesitate to seek God's help when the challenges come to remain live pure. The key is to put holiness in its proper perspective. Specifically, the boundaries of God's law that we so often view as limiting, many times operate as walls of protection. Look at it this way; a child could experience life and all that glitters OR a child could live purely and experience His Glory!
Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us boundaries and laws by which we should live. Help us to find wholeness in holiness and further realize that abundant life awaits, if we faint not. We will not overstep our boundaries. In Jesus name, Amen!
It used to be that hearing the word "holiness" conjured up images of women wearing skirts to their ankles without any makeup or jewelry (wonder why no stipulations on men come to mind). However, holiness is not reserved for any particular group of people or denomination; but God has called all of us to be holy...including our children.
If we impart the importance of living holy and acceptable lives in our children, they will not hesitate to seek God's help when the challenges come to remain live pure. The key is to put holiness in its proper perspective. Specifically, the boundaries of God's law that we so often view as limiting, many times operate as walls of protection. Look at it this way; a child could experience life and all that glitters OR a child could live purely and experience His Glory!
Thank you Heavenly Father for giving us boundaries and laws by which we should live. Help us to find wholeness in holiness and further realize that abundant life awaits, if we faint not. We will not overstep our boundaries. In Jesus name, Amen!
Monday, September 2, 2013
September 2
Let
us pray for our children to be attracted to holiness and purity like a
magnet, so that when anything entices them that isn't holy or pure, they
detect the pull immediately and are made uncomfortable enough to
thoroughly reject it. "For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in
holiness" (1 Thessalonians 4:7). Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie
Omartian
If we're honest, the challenge with unholy and impure things is that often they're appealing. It's the reason why addiction is real and thrives in so many peoples lives. Praying against sin is not the way...praying against the root of sin may prove more effective!
Heavenly Father, whatever our children are doing, wherever they are in this very minute; if it's not holy, pure and pleasing in Your sight, I pray that he/she becomes overwhelmed with Your presence and extremely uncomfortable to the point that he/she flees immediately. We speak wholeness and cleanliness in Jesus name, Amen!
If we're honest, the challenge with unholy and impure things is that often they're appealing. It's the reason why addiction is real and thrives in so many peoples lives. Praying against sin is not the way...praying against the root of sin may prove more effective!
Heavenly Father, whatever our children are doing, wherever they are in this very minute; if it's not holy, pure and pleasing in Your sight, I pray that he/she becomes overwhelmed with Your presence and extremely uncomfortable to the point that he/she flees immediately. We speak wholeness and cleanliness in Jesus name, Amen!
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