But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV)
The word "prepared" means "to have ordained; of blessings". So there are ordained blessings that have not been seen, heard or even thought of, that God has for us and our children. No wonder the enemy is constantly trying to distract us and tempt us with sin...it's hard to receive a blessing while in the midst of sin. However, I believe that the blessed thing about an "ordained blessing", is that its' been predestined by God and in His sovereignty He can still bestow the blessing on us...even if we have not "lived up to it". Now that is not a license to sin, as the bible says; "What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid." (Romans 6:15)
Nevertheless, the best way to ensure that we receive what God has prepared, is to be prepared ourselves. One of my favorite male vocalists has a song called "He's Preparing Me". In the song, Daryl Coley delivers an "explanation" for some of the things we encounter in our lives as believers, i.e. maturing, arranging, rearranging, training, tuning, purging and pruning as "preparation". God is getting us ready for the next level in our lives...for what He has prepared. If we're not prepared; we can easily abuse, misuse and as crazy as it sounds, refuse the blessing...all because we weren't ready for what was waiting on us! A perfect example is the single person who claims to want a spouse, but has not addressed his/her trust issues; his/her bad credit; his/her selfishness; his/her own insecurities. Now why would God give the person He has prepared to the unprepared person?!? #ItJustGotReal
Lord, we pray that we will submit to the process of preparation for each and everything You have ordained for us. Help us to lead by example so that our children will also embrace preparation as the process of getting to the next level. And Lord, even if the preparation is not for the next level, but more so to be effective for the battle that's at hand; let us understand the strategy of preparation is necessary in order for us not to have so much to do later. Preparation is necessary so that we may enjoy the blessing. Thank you for what You have prepared and for taking the time to prepare us to receive. In Jesus name, Amen!
He's Preparing Me!
http://youtu.be/4WcwZO9htds
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Showing posts with label obedience. Show all posts
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Sunday, April 21, 2013
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!
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!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
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!
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!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
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!
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!
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