March 9, 2019

For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 (Power of a Praying Parent daily)

Although we are "accounted as sheep for the slaughter", even in that, we are "MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US." God loved us so much that He gave His only son for us! Jesus not only came, bled and died; but Jesus continues to intercede for us. For these reasons, we are more than conquerors...we are ANNIHILATORS! When you annihilate something, you defeat it completely; utterly destroy it! This is the mindset we have to adopt when dealing with sin and the enemy. Trust me, satan is not going to have sympathy or take it easy on you! We have to stop being punks when it comes to some things, especially those things that God has given us (spouse, children, ministry).

Father, your word says that NOTHING shall separate us from Your love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. It's because of that love, You sent Jesus, it's because of that love that Jesus paid it all, it's because of that love, THE BLOOD STILL WORKS! In this we are confident and we will annihilate anything that trys to come against what You have given us! Amen!

#NOFEAR #KNOW_THAT_YOU_KNOW #AUTHORITY

March 8 - I'm convinced it's never too soon to start praying for a child to feel loved and accepted--first by God, then by family, then by peers and others.

Jeremiah 1:5 says, "BEFORE I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I SANCTIFIED thee, and ordained the a prophet unto the nations." The word SANCTIFIED means " to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate". So before our children were formed/conceived God set them apart, consecrated and dedicated them. WE MUST PRAY OVER THAT!!! I have not always prayed over my children from the womb, BUT I have always made sure that they knew about God and WE went to church...I didn't send them to church. And let me add this; just as it's never too soon...it's never too late to pray either!

Father, thank You for Your Word and for Your promises! We are just vessels by which our children are delivered to this world, but they belong to You. Before our children were formed You knew them, now that they're here You see all that they encounter, You know how much they can endure and You care for them...we ask that You keep being God in their lives, no matter what! In Jesus name, Amen!

February 24

February 24 - We can't be everywhere. But God can. We can't see everything. But God can. We can't know everything. But God can. No matter what age our children are, releasing them into God's hands is a sign of our faith and trust in Him and is the first step toward making a difference in their lives. Prayer for our children begins there. (Power of a Praying Parent daily)

Thank you Father for being omnipresent (everywhere at the same time), for being omniscient (having complete and unlimited knowledge), for being our Overseer and the One in control. Thank you for giving us the peace in knowing that even though we don't know all, can't see all or be everywhere...You can! Thank you for showing us that at the point of release, where our prayer begins; You have already got our children...there is no gap in their protection. They are always covered (even when they're going through), your covering is filtering what they're receiving and it's part of the process to grow them in You. Thank you for allowing us to be part of the process. What we can't do...God can!!! Amen!

February 11

February 11 - A child is a gift to us from God and He cares even more about our child than we do.

Cast...all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
(Power of a Praying Parent daily)

The very next verse in 1 Peter 5, says "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour".

Make no mistake, the adversary is ALWAYS on his job, going to and fro trying to devour our children BUT once we do what we can as far as giving them the foundation of scripture, making sure they know who the savior is and living our lives according to God's word...the rest is up to God!

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God in him will I trust. He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." This is the security we have in our Heavenly Father. Amen!

#peace

February 6

February 9 - In Jesus' name I ask that You will increase my faith to believe for all the things You've put on my heart to pray for concerning this child. (Power of a Praying Parent)

Today it's personal!!! The enemy is trying to attack on of my biological children. I'm not surprised because I knew that if I was obedient; satan would try to distract me. I'm not surprised because it's not the first time the enemy has attacked this child, I'm not surprised because of the greatness that lies within this child. So to that I say; I wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness in this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. I'm not confused about where my fight lies, for though I walk in the flesh, I do not war in the flesh. For the weapons of my warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.

Every plot, scheme and attempt you try is canceled in Jesus name! Although you have powers, you have no authority! Jesus is the author and finisher of my faith! Because I do not war in the flesh, but through God with spiritual weapons; you satan are already defeated! My praise is my weapon, because God inhabits the praises of His people and where He is, you must submit to Him. My faith is my shield which I will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. The word of God is my weapon because the word is truth and you satan are a liar and deceiver. You have no place here. Get thee behind me!!!

#WARRIOR_AWAKENED

Promise Kept - August 13, 2018

Monday, August 7, 2017, I came home from work, trekked upstairs and stretched out on my bed.  It was about 4:30 and I was getting ready to watch the evening news.  As I'm laying there, Isaac (my 12yr old son) walks into the room.  He places his arms across his chest, Wakanda style, and says "Isaac, do you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior?"  I quizzically repeated the question and he responded "Yes!"  I then asked him if he wanted to be baptized, to which he replied, "Yes!"  I said 'ok', not realizing that the upcoming Sunday would be the day.

We went through the week and he continued repeating the question.  He never wavered.  I sure did.  I wasn't sure if he'd go through with it.  I mean, he could very well get to church and completely change his mind.  We hadn't discussed his expression or desire with anyone, so there was the whole 'protocol' of baptism ANNNND, we hadn't had the talk, with him, to explain what baptism meant.  I mean after all, Isaac has autism....how could he possibly know what it meant to be baptized.

Sunday, August 13, 2017 and we're at church.  It's a normal Sunday for us and we're going along with our normal routine.  Isaac doesn't seem anxious or different, so I wonder if he's going to follow through with his plan.  Little did I know, that it was His plan.

As the morning goes on, I ask Isaac if he's ready to be baptized and he replies in the affirmative.  I honestly thought that he would change his mind at any given minute.  I shared with one of Isaac's "aunties" that he was being baptized today and she asked me if I was sure, baptism was still happening?  I was confused.  She then shared that she thought the baptismal pool had been drained and there wouldn't be any candidates baptized.  I was horrified!  After we've come this far.  Oh, God...please don't let this happen.  After a few inquiries, we were assured that everything was a go.

I took Isaac to the dressing room area.  He was completely normal...walking around smiling and hugging me.  He said 'hi' to a few of the Deaconesses.  He was calm.  I, on the other hand, was totally freaking out!  As the moment of truth drew nigh, I was still not sure he was going to go through with it.  Honestly, I thought he would put one foot in that water and say, 'no baptism'!  BUT GOD!!!

I decided to go out to the sanctuary and make myself visible to Isaac.  I'd stand in the chapel where we sit, so he could see me and hopefully that would help him overcome any 'fear' he may have.  Isaac was looking for me when he finally stepped into the water...but Isaac had no fear.  BUT GOD!!!

You've probably figured out that Isaac was baptized on Sunday, August 13, 2017.  What you need to know, is that he was able to answer the minister when he asked "Isaac Jones, do you accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal savior?"  He was able to answer with a resounding "YES!", when the doctor said that he may never speak a work.  BUT GOD!!!

Pastor Troy was supposed to be out of town, but he shared that something wouldn't let him leave town.  He shared that he began feeling this 'tug' early in the week...Monday to be exact.  It was Monday when Isaac initially said that he wanted to be baptized.  BUT GOD!!!

I sat and watched, over and over, boys, young men and men, being baptized.  I wondered when the day would come that Isaac would be in that place.  God assured me that I would see it.  I kept envisioning Isaac in the pool, when each young man went in...I imagined seeing him...I imagined him saying 'YES'...and on that day, it happened.

The ultimate beauty of this promise kept, is that I remembered when I had gone through a trying time in my life and I wanted to recommit my life.  I was baptized...wait for it...on Sunday, August 13, 2006.  BUT GOD!!!

HE IS A PROMISE KEEPER!!!

The effect of Parental Love...or lack thereof

Three years ago, after a series of tragic events; I was led to pray for children for a year.  It was challenging, exhausting and sometimes hard, but God blessed our obedience.  When I read the post from March 17, 2013, it blessed me all over again with a new revelation.

The post talked about what a parent should do when raising children.  Listed in the post was/is content from a wonderful article on Parents and Children in the Full Life Study Bible that say, "In bringing up their children, parents should show no favoritism, encourage as well as correct, punish only intentional wrongdoing, and dedicate their lives in love to their children with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Colossians 3:12-14)."  As I reflected on this post, I immediately thought; "what if a parent doesn't possess any of that to give"?  I'm referring to the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Now I'm sure that you're probably saying, 'of course, a parent has that to give to their child, but I'm not talking about your typical parent.  I'm talking about your not-so-good parent.  The drug-addicted parent; The work-a-holic parent; The absent-because-I-missed-my-childhood-parent; The I-never-got-over-the-relationship-so-I'm-going-to-punish-you parent...any of these sound familiar?  Can you see how easy it would be for one of these ill-equipped parents to not have anything to give to their children?  Hence, the challenge we have with so many of our children and youth.  All you have to do is stand outside watching a group of young people playing basketball and there's bound to be cussing or fighting.  Those young people probably didn't receive a lot of kindness or patience.  As I go about my day in the school where I work; I see the children who have not received parental compassion, so it's no wonder they have none to give.  And let us not forget that the lack of kindness and gentleness undoubtedly breeds bullies to keep the cycle going.

We have to pray for those parents that are not equipped, for whatever reason, to raise and love their children.  When a child/young person doesn't receive the parental love that he/she needs, they end up being hurt people--who hurt, people...most likely your child or my child.

Dear Lord, we acknowledge that there are some parents who may not win 'Parent of the Year', but that's why we have You as the ultimate example.  We believe that even now, You can still renew and redeem those parents...show us how to love them and pray for them.  Thank you for Your grace and mercy that says every child, no matter who their parents are, has greatness inside of them.  Help us to see that greatness, pray for that greatness and cultivate that greatness.  In Jesus name, Amen!

October 20 - Sexual Immorality

Next to catastrophic injury, death, and eternal hell, sexual immorality is the most dreaded possibility for our children's lives.  I know that with sexual sin the fullness of God's presence, peace, blessing, and joy is sacrificed.  The price is way too high.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Maybe the reason why Ms. Omartian places so much weight on the effects of sexual immorality is because of what is forfeited.  This is not to say that our children are not forgiven and God does not extend grace, NO; they are fortunate that He's the God of a second chance (truth be told, so are we).  Nevertheless, when our children forfeit purity for pleasure; he/she does not get the benefit of the fullness of all that God has ordained and set aside for them. 

Although the most visible result of sexual immorality, pregnancy is not the only consequence of this sin.  To name a few; HIV/AIDS, an array of sexually transmitted diseases, lack of desire, too much desire, emotional numbness and distress and lack of commitment.  These days we even have people in Christian leadership being sexually immoral and trying to justify it (see 'Preachers of LA').

If our children are going to stand a chance in this hyper-sexual society; we may need to incorporate some serious prayer and fasting along with unadulterated teaching of God's word.  We can no longer sit back and not talk about sex (on a REAL level), when every other image they see is trying to elicit an arousal from them...and not just heterosexual arousal (yes, I went there!). 

I am praying right now for the young man who will see my daughter as the jewel that she is and before he asks us for her hand, he seeks the approval of her heavenly father.  I'm thanking God right now that He is preparing suitable wives for my sons and that my sons will love their wives the way Christ loved the church. 

We have to be more proactive in our prayers over the sexual immorality of our children because as Ms. Omartian said, "The price is way too high".

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!

August 22 - Rash language cuts and maims...

Lord, enable my child to always speak words of hope, health, encouragement, and life and to resolve that his/her mouth will not sin.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

With the start of the school year, I'm excited and expectant!  The boys are growing and developing well.  Our oldest son is looking to take on leadership roles and participating in ministry.  The younger has embraced school (even though he has a new teacher) and has been doing his work in class.  As promising as the first few days have been; my eagle eyes have already spotted the ugliness of bullying.  A little boy at our oldest son's school has a speech impediment and I observed a couple of kids teasing him.  Ironically the little boy who was being teased is named Isaiah (the same as my son).  I didn't take it too well and scolded "Mr. Mischief" for calling Isaiah 'stupid' because of his stuttering and facial tics.  It wasn't too longer after the scolding that I heard the word again and even though I reminded my little friend that the 's' word was not nice; I couldn't help but think about why/how it flowed from his mouth...maybe because he had heard it often?!?

The Message version of Proverbs 12:18 says, "Rash language cuts and maims, but there is healing in the words of the wise."  As small as it is; the tongue can cause a whole lot of hurt.  At the same time; the tongue can bring healing, if used in conjunction with a pure heart.

Lord, we pray that our language doesn't maim anyone!  Let us not use our tongues like Ginsu knives cutting and slicing people with our words.  Help us and our children to speak words of hope, health, encouragement and life.  When/if we encounter someone using language to assassinate another; give us wisdom and courage to confront in love and beseech that person not to sin.  There's enough hurt and dis-ease caused by words...we will use our words to restore and heal.  You are Jehovah Rapha and we call it done.  In Jesus name, Amen!

August 21 - Speech Therapy!

The best way to improve speech is to improve the heart, "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Matthew 12:34).  A heart filled with the Holy Spirit and the truth of the Word of God will produce godly speech that brings life to the speaker as well as the listener.  This is where our point of prayer should begin.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

As I sat in the waiting room of the speech clinic; I couldn't help but think of how far my little boy has come.  When he was initially diagnosed with autism, we were told that he "may never talk".  Although with much prayer and early intervention services, we have overcome that prognosis; we still have a long way to go!  A child with autism must do more than learn how to speak. The child also has to learn how to use language to communicate. This includes knowing how to hold a conversation. It also includes tuning into both verbal and nonverbal cues from other people -- such as facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language.  In other words, it's not enough for my son or other children with autism to learn the words; they also have to know what to say and when to say it...kinda like prayer!

Just as there are different ways to communicate (verbal, nonverbal, facial expression), there are different ways to pray (verbally, groaning, intercession, as the Holy Spirit gives utterance).  What I like about the scripture in Matthew 12:34 is that it says the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart.  This confirms the importance of a pure heart when speaking to others, especially when we're praying for someone.  Questions to ask yourself; (1) Who are you talking to?  (2) What are you talking about?

Heavenly Father, help us to keep our hearts pure so that our speech will be godly and bring life to our listeners.  Help our children to realize that once the words come out of their mouths, they can't be taken back.  Help us to guard our mouths so that no cursing, gossip, envy corrupt communication proceeds out of it and we can be an example to our children.  We want to be like You Lord, we want to speak life and life more abundantly.  In Jesus name, it is so!

August 18 - Home Training

Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.  (Proverbs 22:6, The Message)

I thought about the Proverbs 22:6, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it".  The phrase "Train up", according to translation, refers to manners and habits.  I believe that a lot of the issues children face in school and society stems from failure to follow this scripture.  Having the opportunity to work in the school system and encounter children and their parents, it's become evident that in many instances, home training has gone out the window.  If all a child hears at home is cussing, most likely he/she will cuss too.  If every time a child turns around someone is beating his/her mom OR beating him/her; most likely he/she will be abusive too.  When a child's home life is disorganized, has no structure and in disarray; chances are he/she will be distracted and dysfunctional as well. 

We can not discount the importance of teaching our children at home!  Not just reading with them and making sure they keep up the skills learned during the school year, but also we have to teach them the importance of respect, self-control, honor and integrity.  We may also have to reach out to children who are not in our household.  Think of it this way...even if they don't get the training in their own home doesn't mean they shouldn't get it!  If we take the time to reach and teach a child that may not otherwise receive it; that's one less child that may grow up and drop out of school or become a teen parent or criminal.  As the children prepare to return to school; we have to continue to cover them as well as their teachers. 

Lord, thank you for giving us the tools to train up our children.  Your word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.  We pray that the hearts and minds of our children will be fertile ground for learning, wisdom, understanding, compassion, joy, peace, hope and love.  We declare that as we seek to point them in the right direction, when they're old they will not be lost.  In Jesus name, Amen!

August 11 - Harp music

Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.  (Psalm 19:14)

The word meditation resonated with me so I decided to look it up!  It comes from a Hebrew word "higgayown" (pronounced hig·gä·yōn') which means "the murmur" or dull sound of the harp, hence, meditation.  This says to me that the sound of my heart should be like that of a harp.  What comes from my heart and prayerfully from the heart of my child, should sound like a harp.  Click on this link to hear some harp music, but be warned...it is addictive! 
http://youtu.be/ZWuXOrG7pkU?t=8s

The proper response to the work of salvation in our lives is a constant prayer that God will keep our hearts, words and lives free from sin and pleasing to him.  Both the meditation of our hearts and the reflection of our minds should be pleasing to God.  (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)  If nothing else, my heart song should reflect my thankfulness for salvation and the gift of eternal life.

The Bible says in Proverbs 4:23, "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."  What would life be like for us if we were diligent about keeping our hearts?

Dear Lord, so many times we put emphasis on what comes out of our mouths and the murmur of our hearts go unchecked.  Father, we pray that our hearts and the hearts of our children produce melodies that are like a sweet aroma to You.  Reveal to us any areas of our hearts that need attention because we want to be acceptable in Your sight.  When we get our hearts right, aligned with Your will; we will receive the desires of our hearts because You promised it!  In Jesus name, Amen!

August 8 - Watch Your Mouth!

We create a world for ourselves by what we speak.  Words have power, and we can either speak life or death into a situation.  The Bible says that what we say can get us into trouble or keep us away from it.  It can even save our lives.  "He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction" (Proverbs 13:3).  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Whenever my son's language gets a little "grown", I kindly remind him to "watch his mouth".  I remember my mom giving me the same warning if she perceived I was being "sassy".  As a child, I would quip (under my breath of course), "how can I watch my mouth...I can't see it".  When I think of the things that we speak and what it looks like in the spirit realm...I am grieved.  Instead of using our words to create Eden or Elim; we speak hell into existence.  Just imagine that every time we allow  negative words to leave our lips; those words are the equivalent of bullets shooting down hopes, dreams and worst of all people!

Dear Lord, please touch our lips so that we speak life and not death in each and every situation.  Your word says that we should not let any corrupt communication proceed out of our mouths, so we pray that we begin to say what You say.  We pray that what we speak aligns with what is spoken in Your holy word.  Lord, help us to realize that our words have power and what we speak about, we bring about.  We will renew our minds to change what we speak.  In Jesus name, Amen!

July 26 - PRAY FOR THE PREY!

 And they shall no more be a prey to the heathen, neither shall the beast of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and none shall make them afraid.  (Ezekiel 34:28, KJV)

On Wednesday of this week, "Federal Child Porn Charge Filed Against Pediatric Radiation Oncologist At Ohio State University Medical Center" was the "Breaking News" story.  Late Wednesday night a store clerk was shot and killed, allegedly by a seventeen (17) year old boy.  The following morning, city workers discovered the body of another young man who had been shot in the head.  Around 7am Thursday morning, police were called to the scene of a vehicle fire only to discover a body in the driver's seat.  As the events of those twenty-four hours ran through  my mind, one word resonated in my spirit...PREY!

I searched the bible for the word and came across the scripture in Ezekiel.  The word prey (in Hebrew, 'baz') "is used of persons and cattle carried away in war".  1 Peter 5:8 warns us to "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour".  The devil knows what is at stake in the "war for your seed" and he is diligent to prey over our seed...our children.  The enemy is more dedicated and diligent with his mission than most of the people in the kingdom.  We can no longer afford to be lazy when it comes to covering our children.

Time out for sitting idly by and allowing this carnage to take place.  Before we allow another child to fall prey to satan; I implore every able person to fall on his/her face and pray with your heart!

Heavenly Father, we need You now more than ever!  Lord, I pray that every gift You've deposited in every believer be awakened.  Call forth those for intercession; raise up strength of men like that of Sampson; activate supernatural faith; release healing, peace and comfort.  Lord, I pray that you raise up some soldiers with holy boldness to do the work that needs to be done.  Please save our children Lord...save Your children.  In Jesus name, Amen!

July 23 - Praying for your child's potential greatness

When God gives you a glimpse of your child's potential for greatness, love and pray him/her into being that.  The Bible says, "Do you see a man who excels in his work?  He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men" (Proverbs 22:29) (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

Ooooooo wheee Jesus; this is a hard one!!!    I know why preachers say that God doesn't always show us the plans He has for us because we couldn't handle them.  Let's be open and honest for a minute...the challenge with praying this prayer is loving and praying them into their potential when their behavior and walk doesn't line up with their potential.  I mean if God has given you a glimpse of your child as a doctor and he/she can't pass biology, your might be a little discouraged.  Nevertheless, if we're going to believe God's word, whether it's written or prophetic, we have to believe ALL of His word, ALL of the time.  In those times of discouragement and dare I say it, doubt; we have to be even more diligent to pray God's word back to Him and over our children.  I encourage to pray scripture over your child(ren) and place his/her name throughout to make it even more personal to him/her.  For example; Isaiah can do all things through Christ which strengthens him; Lord, you promised never to leave nor forsake Isaiah; Isaiah will trust in the Lord with all his heart and lean not to his own understanding.  Because God is bound by His word, He will incline His ear and hear your prayer...especially when you pray His word back to Him.

We're often quick to recite "A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men" (Proverbs 18:16), BUT verse 15 offers the prerequisite.  It says, "The heart of the prudent getteth knowledge; and the ear of the wise seeketh knowledge", which would have me believe that before our gift (or our children's gift) makes room for us; our hearts should be prudent and our ears seeking knowledge.  It just got real.

Lord I thank you for the insight You've given me into my child's potential greatness.  I pray that You will give me perseverance to pray over that greatness with diligence and determination.  The enemy will try on every hand to deter him/her but he's already defeated and has no place here!  I will love and support my child just as You have loved and supported me.  We will do great things for you and excel in Your greatness because ultimately we want to hear You say "Well done!" 
In Jesus name, Amen! 

July 18 - Protect your gifts!

Because the enemy wants to use our children's gifts for his glory, or at the very least keep them from being used for God's purposes, we need to cover them in prayer.  Praying for the development of our children's God-given gifts and talents is an ongoing process.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

We all want our children to live a prosperous and joyful life.  We want them to be happy and do well in whatever they set out to do...but how often do we pray over the gifts they're to use in order to get there?  God has given us all a gift and to some He has even blessed with multiple gifts.  The purpose of those gifts is that we use them to His glory and to uplift His kingdom.  I remember the night before my daughter was to sing her first solo at church, she had a terrible nightmare in which a snake wrapped itself around her and was attempting to choke her.  In the nightmare she was trying to scream but nothing came out.  However, the screams coming from her room were real and I went running to see what was wrong.   When she told me about what happened, I explained that it was the enemies way of trying to scare her because he knew that the song she was going to sing would bless someone and the only way to kill that snake was to be sure to sing with her strongest voice tomorrow...she did and has been singing every since.  I realized then the importance of praying over God's gifts.

Every good and perfect gift comes from God, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.  For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren." Romans 8:28-29, KJV

Predestination means "to decide beforehand" and applies to God's purposes comprehended in election.  Election is God's choice "in Christ" of a people (the true church) for himself.  Predestination comprehends what will happen to God's people (all genuine believers in Christ).  Election and Predestination, Full Life Study Bible Article, pg. 1824

 

What does all this mean?  It means that just as God has purposed; the enemy has plotted!  The enemy knows that if all of God's children use their gifts and talents for God's purpose and for God's kingdom; his reign will be cut short.  Therefore, his scheming and conniving ways are to try to pervert our God-given gifts or even worse deceive us into not using them at all.  Isaiah 14:24 says, 

"The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:" and this is why the devil is scurred!!!

 

Heavenly Father, we commit to praying over each and every gift You've bestowed upon us.  We submit our children's gifts to you and we pray their submission to what You've purposed for those gifts.  If he/she is a dancer; we pray that every movement minister to You; if he/she plays an instrument, we pray that the music produced is melodic to You; if he/she is a great speaker, let their words spread the gospel; if he/she is an athlete, we proclaim that regardless of how many trophies acquired they will not give Your glory to any graven image.  We seal the gifts of our children in the purpose You have designed, according to Your will for their lives.  In Jesus name, Amen!

 

 

July 11 - Get your mind right!

A child's ability and desire to learn cannot be taken for granted.  Even while our child is still in the womb we can pray, "Lord, let this child be knit perfectly together with a good, strong, healthy mind and body and be taught by Your forever."  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

I read this devotion a few times before I could agree with it.  The part that I was getting hung up on was "..knit perfectly together with a good, strong, healthy mind and body..." because I know that while this may be our expectation and hope; it's not always reality.  Having a child with special needs was especially challenging initially because I was disappointed with what I thought would be limitations.  On the contrary, our son has blessed us immensely by forcing us to look at how God uses situations to bring out of us what we never knew existed...good and not so good.  For example, before I found out my son had a disorder which caused him to have behavior issues; I would be the first person to whisper about a child acting out in public.  "That couldn't be my child" or "he/she better be glad I'm not his/her momma"...life and death is in the power of the tongue!  God reminded me of the times that I, in ignorance, judged and shook my head.  Now I get those looks and instead of being upset; I'm humbled that I/we were chosen to handle the ignorance in a different way...a transformational way.

The other thing that was brought back to my remembrance when I read the devotion was a story about a mother's acceptance of her children's ability.  In the story, there was one child that was a straight 'A' student who always excelled in school.  The child always had great aspirations and was eventually very successful.  The other child received average grades, even though he tried his best and struggled with academics throughout school.  This child went on to serve in the mission fields, participated in philanthropic activities and served others in the community.  The mother was reflecting on how hard she was on the "average" child because of what she thought he should be...because of her expectations. 

Lord, while it's OK for our prayer to be that our children are "knit perfectly together with a good, strong, healthy mind and body"; let us not forget that You look at our hearts.  Your word says that "The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inward parts of the belly" (Proverbs 20:27).  We pray not only for their ability to learn, but most importantly; we pray for their spirit and acceptance of You.  Help us to always desire significance in Your kingdom over success in this world.  In Jesus name, Amen!

July 3 - Everything that looks good to you...

Help my child to see that what makes a person truly attractive is Your Holy Spirit living in him/her and radiating outward.  May he/she come to understand that true attractiveness begins in the heart of one who loves God.  (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)

When I was much younger and before I knew better; what I wanted in a male companion included someone who was cute, dressed nice, and had good hair (just reading these things have me shaking my head)...praise God for deliverance!  As I grew older and wiser, I realized the most important thing for me to find in a guy was that he knew God.  I remember making my "list" of what I wanted/needed in a mate.  I revised it a few times and finally I thought...all that truly matters is if he's saved! 

"A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her."  Although I'm not sure who can be credited with this quote; one thing I do know is that it's absolutely accurate.  To go a step further, I'll add my own and say; "A man's delight should be in the law of the Lord and a woman must know God's word to discern the Suitor from the Snake!

Heavenly Father, Your word says "...you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb" and I am "fearfully and wonderfully made".  As our children meet and mingle; show them that beauty is not in the eye of the beholder, but true beauty is in the "I am" that holds all.  Just as we pray that the Holy Spirit is what draws our children to the mate prepared for him/her; we also pray that the Holy Spirit repel any and all impostors that try to corrupt the promise.  In Jesus name, Amen!!!

June 28 - Take me to the King!

People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them.  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 10:13-15 NIV)

Receiving the kingdom of God like a child means accepting it in a simple, humble, trustful and wholehearted manner so as to turn from sin and receive Christ as your Lord and Savior, and God as your heavenly father.  Christ is deeply concerned about the salvation and the spiritual upbringing of children.  Christian parents should use every means of grace available to bring their children to Christ, for he longs to receive them, love them and bless them.  (Full Life Study Bible Study Notes)

What an awesome vision to take our children to Jesus for Him to touch them!  That's exactly what we do when we pray for our children.  We would do ourselves and our children good if we would heed what Jesus said, "do not hinder them".  Sometimes we hinder our children because even though we pray for them; even though we take them to the King...we don't leave them there!!!  We have not released them and therefore, we are hindering them from receiving the touch from Jesus.  Truth be told, we do the same thing with a lot of stuff we pray about...we take it to the altar in prayer, but before we leave the altar we reach back down and pick that thing up again basically saying, "SIKE, that's alright Jesus I think I can handle this one".

Father, there is great peace and tremendous rest in your presence.  Help us to appreciate that place of solace and embrace it.  Help us to release our children in that place knowing that there is no better place for them to dwell.  We will not hinder healing by holding on; we will not hinder deliverance by doubting; we will not hinder maturity by monitoring results; we will not hinder faith by failing to completely trust the process.  In Jesus name, Amen!