Fearing God means having a deeply committed respect, love and reverence for God's authority and power. It means being afraid of what life would be like without Him and being grateful that because of His love we'll never have to experience such despair. It means hungering for all that God is and all that He has for us. (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
Those who profess to know God need to examine themselves by asking the following: Do I really possess a strong desire for God and his presence in my life? Or do I go through life largely consumed with secular pursuits and worldly entertainment, while prayer, Bible reading, and a deep hunger and thirst for God and his righteousness have little place or vitality in my life? (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
As we go through life, it's easy to get caught up in life and all of life's distractions. We have our family responsibilities, jobs, ministry, our social media cliques, our fraternities and sororities, etc. etc., but our commitment and focus should be on the author of our faith and giver of life. There is no way I could live without God in my life! His word teaches, guides and directs me, His Spirit counsels, comforts and sustains me!
Psalm 63:1-3 says; "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. 2 I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. 3 Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you." In Jesus name, it is so!
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
May 7
Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. 11 Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. 12 Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. Romans 12:9-12 (New Living Translation)
"Hate what is wrong" and "hold tightly to what is good"! It is not enough for God's children to love righteousness; they must also hate evil. In order to be successful in this regard; we must be able to separate the evil from the evil doer. The bible is not telling us to hate anyone, but we should hate evil and sin. Even when Jesus was on the cross; I believe that He hated the evil that was done to him but not necessarily the persons committing the evil.
Our children must know that it is not wrong for them to hate what is wrong. Some of their so-called friends may challenge them for taking a righteous stand against evil, but there is no gray area with evil...you either love it or hate it. James 4:3-5; "...don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God". Hmmm...friends with the world (evil), makes me an enemy of God (who hold the world in His hands); I'll take God for eternity Alex!
Lord, we desire to be righteous and therefore we must hate those things that are contrary to You. Help us recognize the evil, the root, the spirit, the principality that tries to come against us, give us wisdom to discern it and let us utilize Your armor to combat it. We will not allow our children to be deceived or made to feel guilty about hating what is wrong. We choose, this day, whom we shall serve! In Jesus name, Amen!
"Hate what is wrong" and "hold tightly to what is good"! It is not enough for God's children to love righteousness; they must also hate evil. In order to be successful in this regard; we must be able to separate the evil from the evil doer. The bible is not telling us to hate anyone, but we should hate evil and sin. Even when Jesus was on the cross; I believe that He hated the evil that was done to him but not necessarily the persons committing the evil.
Our children must know that it is not wrong for them to hate what is wrong. Some of their so-called friends may challenge them for taking a righteous stand against evil, but there is no gray area with evil...you either love it or hate it. James 4:3-5; "...don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God". Hmmm...friends with the world (evil), makes me an enemy of God (who hold the world in His hands); I'll take God for eternity Alex!
Lord, we desire to be righteous and therefore we must hate those things that are contrary to You. Help us recognize the evil, the root, the spirit, the principality that tries to come against us, give us wisdom to discern it and let us utilize Your armor to combat it. We will not allow our children to be deceived or made to feel guilty about hating what is wrong. We choose, this day, whom we shall serve! In Jesus name, Amen!
Monday, May 6, 2013
May 6 - "My child would never..."
When I worked in the judicial system there were certain 'buzz' words that a judge would use to let you know things were serious. Words like 'recidivism', which means repeated or habitual relapse , as into crime. Often the word recidivism was used to demonstrate the likelihood of an offender to repeat a crime. Unfortunately, by running to defend our children so much, we have set them up for recidivism with sin.
Being a PTO officer at both of my sons schools; I have encountered a few parents that are quick to come to the defense of their child, even without getting the whole story. I understand that as a parent it is important for my child to feel that he/she can come to me with any issue their facing and have confidence that it will be handled to the best of my ability. The challenge comes, when we decide to take the reigns of righteousness, disregard and look down on everyone else involved. When we're combative with everyone else and we don't question our child's responsibility in a matter; we give them the perception that they do not have to be held accountable for what they've done. There are always three sides to every story; yours, mine and the truth!
I thought about a part of scripture that says, "...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment," because we will often think more highly of our children than we ought. I remember one day when I went to my 8yr old son's school to pick him up and his teacher told me that he used profanity in class. She could hardly tell me what he said because she was laughing so much at the fact that he had used it correctly. Normally I would have been horrified, but he had used the same word the night before at home (I won't say where he got the word from) and I thought I surely had heard him wrong. Now I could have come off in a righteous way and took the "not my child" approach, but instead; his teacher and I talked about it productively and enjoyed a laugh at his directness...still hoping it was just random. *sigh* We have to make sure that we parent our children in a way that encourages them to accept responsibility for their sin so that he/she does not fall into recidivism.
God, Your word says that if our brother sins seven times in a day, we should rebuke him and if he repents, we should forgive him seven times. While we're thankful for forgiveness; we declare that our children will not habitual sinners taking grace for granted. Not my child! In Jesus name, Amen!!
Being a PTO officer at both of my sons schools; I have encountered a few parents that are quick to come to the defense of their child, even without getting the whole story. I understand that as a parent it is important for my child to feel that he/she can come to me with any issue their facing and have confidence that it will be handled to the best of my ability. The challenge comes, when we decide to take the reigns of righteousness, disregard and look down on everyone else involved. When we're combative with everyone else and we don't question our child's responsibility in a matter; we give them the perception that they do not have to be held accountable for what they've done. There are always three sides to every story; yours, mine and the truth!
I thought about a part of scripture that says, "...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment," because we will often think more highly of our children than we ought. I remember one day when I went to my 8yr old son's school to pick him up and his teacher told me that he used profanity in class. She could hardly tell me what he said because she was laughing so much at the fact that he had used it correctly. Normally I would have been horrified, but he had used the same word the night before at home (I won't say where he got the word from) and I thought I surely had heard him wrong. Now I could have come off in a righteous way and took the "not my child" approach, but instead; his teacher and I talked about it productively and enjoyed a laugh at his directness...still hoping it was just random. *sigh* We have to make sure that we parent our children in a way that encourages them to accept responsibility for their sin so that he/she does not fall into recidivism.
God, Your word says that if our brother sins seven times in a day, we should rebuke him and if he repents, we should forgive him seven times. While we're thankful for forgiveness; we declare that our children will not habitual sinners taking grace for granted. Not my child! In Jesus name, Amen!!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
May 5
Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. (Psalm 1:1-3, KJV)
The first verse of the book Psalms emphasizes the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. True believers can be distinguished by the things they do not do, the places they do not go and the company they do not keep. No person can experience God's blessing without turning from those things that are harmful or destructive. (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
The challenging thing about sin is that most of the time, we enjoy the sin in which we indulge. Let's face it...we're not often tempted by broccoli, but chocolate chip cookies can cause us to stumble! That statement works metaphorically too.
Our children need to know that they are called to a higher standard. In the words of Tye Tribbett, they are to 'Stand Out'. A definite way to make sure that our children stand out is for them to turn from things (and people) that are harmful or destructive to them. God's plan is to prosper them, to give them hope and a future...not destruction.
Father, we pray that our children will be able to turn away from the things that are contrary to your plan for their life. We pray that doors are closed to places they should not go...maybe the car won't start, or the party gets canceled or their friend changes their mind; whatever it takes Lord! We're thankful that in addition to the company they keep; there are angels unaware in their midst. You call them blessed and we declare it is so. In Jesus name, Amen!!
The first verse of the book Psalms emphasizes the distinction between the righteous and the wicked. True believers can be distinguished by the things they do not do, the places they do not go and the company they do not keep. No person can experience God's blessing without turning from those things that are harmful or destructive. (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
The challenging thing about sin is that most of the time, we enjoy the sin in which we indulge. Let's face it...we're not often tempted by broccoli, but chocolate chip cookies can cause us to stumble! That statement works metaphorically too.
Our children need to know that they are called to a higher standard. In the words of Tye Tribbett, they are to 'Stand Out'. A definite way to make sure that our children stand out is for them to turn from things (and people) that are harmful or destructive to them. God's plan is to prosper them, to give them hope and a future...not destruction.
Father, we pray that our children will be able to turn away from the things that are contrary to your plan for their life. We pray that doors are closed to places they should not go...maybe the car won't start, or the party gets canceled or their friend changes their mind; whatever it takes Lord! We're thankful that in addition to the company they keep; there are angels unaware in their midst. You call them blessed and we declare it is so. In Jesus name, Amen!!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
May 4 - What's your GPA?
One of the greatest influences in our children's lives will be their friends and role models. How can we not pray about them? (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
A few years ago, Pastor Keith Troy said something to our youth and young adults that I've never forgotten. I can't remember if the occasion was Graduation Sunday or not, but he challenged them to not only consider their GPA (Grade Point Average), but to also be very concerned about their Spiritual GPA (God Peers Academics). It was profound then and it's still profound now!
As believers, we should teach our children about God and model a relationship with Him that they can/will receive. When it's time for them to attend school, we should develop a "team" with their teachers, principal and anyone else involved in the education process. We need to keep the lines of communication open regarding their academic achievement and encourage them throughout their school years. However, when it comes to 'Peers', we can sometimes fall short. We don't always pray for and over who interacts with our children, on their level, and it's absolutely necessary! Even more important is that our children grasp the depth of their Spiritual GPA. While their Academic GPA may be used to rank them in school; their Spiritual GPA will be used to rank them in life.
Father, Your word says that we should seek first "the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." These things are what you already know we have need of and have promised to provide. So Lord, we pray that our children will greatly consider the weight of their Spiritual GPA, keeping Your first always. Let them seek You about their peers...whom they should entertain and whom they should dismiss. Give them what they need to accomplish the academic achievement before them for the purpose You've placed on their lives. What we pray in secret, our Father sees in secret and He shall reward openly. All the glory belongs to You, oh God! In Jesus name, Amen!!!
A few years ago, Pastor Keith Troy said something to our youth and young adults that I've never forgotten. I can't remember if the occasion was Graduation Sunday or not, but he challenged them to not only consider their GPA (Grade Point Average), but to also be very concerned about their Spiritual GPA (God Peers Academics). It was profound then and it's still profound now!
As believers, we should teach our children about God and model a relationship with Him that they can/will receive. When it's time for them to attend school, we should develop a "team" with their teachers, principal and anyone else involved in the education process. We need to keep the lines of communication open regarding their academic achievement and encourage them throughout their school years. However, when it comes to 'Peers', we can sometimes fall short. We don't always pray for and over who interacts with our children, on their level, and it's absolutely necessary! Even more important is that our children grasp the depth of their Spiritual GPA. While their Academic GPA may be used to rank them in school; their Spiritual GPA will be used to rank them in life.
Father, Your word says that we should seek first "the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." These things are what you already know we have need of and have promised to provide. So Lord, we pray that our children will greatly consider the weight of their Spiritual GPA, keeping Your first always. Let them seek You about their peers...whom they should entertain and whom they should dismiss. Give them what they need to accomplish the academic achievement before them for the purpose You've placed on their lives. What we pray in secret, our Father sees in secret and He shall reward openly. All the glory belongs to You, oh God! In Jesus name, Amen!!!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
May 2
God's Word clearly instructs us: "Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14) That doesn't mean our children can never have a non believing friend. But there is clear implication that their closest friends, ones to whom they have strong ties, should be believers. (Power of a Praying Parent, Stormie Omartian)
I'm so glad that Ms. Omartian said, "that doesn't mean our children can never have a non believing friend" because occasionally I struggle with 'filtering' friends for my children, especially the younger ones. I mean, who wants to tell their ten year old that he/she can't have a play date with another child because the child's dad smokes weed or because the child's mom cusses like a sailor. What we do as protection, may come off as judgment to our children...and in reality, it's a very thin line between the two.
In verse 14 above, Paul refers to the OT Mosaic law that God gave to His people who were engaged in agriculture. God told the people not to yoke together an oxen and an ass (donkey). One was 'clean' and the other was 'unclean'. I won't even go into the clean and unclean aspect but can you just get a visual of an ox and a donkey, connected at the neck, side by side...my spiritual eye and mind tells me that this 'relationship' is not conducive to harmony and productivity! See link below...
http://revnadinedraytonkeen.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/yoked-donkey-and-ox.jpg
The interesting thing about what Paul says is that he uses being unequally yoked metaphorically because "the apostle is forbidding Christians to have intercourse with idolaters." (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). This reference speaks to intimate, close relationships and strong ties that are not only forbidden, but also extremely challenging between believers and unbelievers. "Therefore believers must not be in voluntary partnership or in intimate association with unbelievers, for such relationships can corrupt their relationship with Christ. This includes partnership in business, secret orders (lodges), dating, marriage and close friendships. A Christian's association with unbelievers should be only such as is necessary for social or economic existence, or to show unbelievers the way of salvation." (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
God we pray right now for the salvation and righteousness of the friends closest to our children. If the friend is a believer, we pray that he/she be strengthened in Christ this very minute so that if/when our child needs to lean on him/her; this dear friend will be able to keep our son/daughter propped up! If the friend is an unbeliever, let our child lift Jesus in a way that will allow the friend to see Christ and be drawn to Him. The day will come when we may not be able to get to our child, but we take peace in knowing that our prayers for them being equally yoked with friends who are believers has been heard. In Jesus name, Amen!
I'm so glad that Ms. Omartian said, "that doesn't mean our children can never have a non believing friend" because occasionally I struggle with 'filtering' friends for my children, especially the younger ones. I mean, who wants to tell their ten year old that he/she can't have a play date with another child because the child's dad smokes weed or because the child's mom cusses like a sailor. What we do as protection, may come off as judgment to our children...and in reality, it's a very thin line between the two.
In verse 14 above, Paul refers to the OT Mosaic law that God gave to His people who were engaged in agriculture. God told the people not to yoke together an oxen and an ass (donkey). One was 'clean' and the other was 'unclean'. I won't even go into the clean and unclean aspect but can you just get a visual of an ox and a donkey, connected at the neck, side by side...my spiritual eye and mind tells me that this 'relationship' is not conducive to harmony and productivity! See link below...
http://revnadinedraytonkeen.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/yoked-donkey-and-ox.jpg
The interesting thing about what Paul says is that he uses being unequally yoked metaphorically because "the apostle is forbidding Christians to have intercourse with idolaters." (Thayer's Greek Lexicon). This reference speaks to intimate, close relationships and strong ties that are not only forbidden, but also extremely challenging between believers and unbelievers. "Therefore believers must not be in voluntary partnership or in intimate association with unbelievers, for such relationships can corrupt their relationship with Christ. This includes partnership in business, secret orders (lodges), dating, marriage and close friendships. A Christian's association with unbelievers should be only such as is necessary for social or economic existence, or to show unbelievers the way of salvation." (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes)
God we pray right now for the salvation and righteousness of the friends closest to our children. If the friend is a believer, we pray that he/she be strengthened in Christ this very minute so that if/when our child needs to lean on him/her; this dear friend will be able to keep our son/daughter propped up! If the friend is an unbeliever, let our child lift Jesus in a way that will allow the friend to see Christ and be drawn to Him. The day will come when we may not be able to get to our child, but we take peace in knowing that our prayers for them being equally yoked with friends who are believers has been heard. In Jesus name, Amen!
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
May 1
For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:16-17 (NIV)
The world and all its enticements are very attractive to our children. If we're open and honest, there are some things that are attractive to us as well. "The greater our weakness and trials for Christ, the more grace God will give to accomplish his will. What he gives is always sufficient for us to live our daily lives, to work for him, and to endure our suffering and thorns in the flesh" (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes).
Getting our children to realize that the desires of the world pass away, but the wages of sin is death, should be a priority. There is a saying that "only what's done for Christ will last" and we need to make sure that our children have this etched in their brains. The real reward lies in doing the will of God...the reward of eternal life.
Dear Lord, we pray that our children will not fret "because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong, for like the grass they will soon wither". They will trust in the Lord and do good; they will delight in You and You will give them the desires of their hearts. We pray that all their ways are committed to You...our children shall do the will of God. In Jesus name, Amen!
The world and all its enticements are very attractive to our children. If we're open and honest, there are some things that are attractive to us as well. "The greater our weakness and trials for Christ, the more grace God will give to accomplish his will. What he gives is always sufficient for us to live our daily lives, to work for him, and to endure our suffering and thorns in the flesh" (Full Life Study Bible, Study Notes).
Getting our children to realize that the desires of the world pass away, but the wages of sin is death, should be a priority. There is a saying that "only what's done for Christ will last" and we need to make sure that our children have this etched in their brains. The real reward lies in doing the will of God...the reward of eternal life.
Dear Lord, we pray that our children will not fret "because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong, for like the grass they will soon wither". They will trust in the Lord and do good; they will delight in You and You will give them the desires of their hearts. We pray that all their ways are committed to You...our children shall do the will of God. In Jesus name, Amen!
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