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".
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
September 25 - STILL HAVE JOY
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
"...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
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!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
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!
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!
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