Enemies
“You have heard it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy’ but I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:43-45 NASB).”
Definition: A person who feels for, fosters harmful designs against, or engages in antagonistic activities against another; an adversary or opponent (Dictionary.com).
Spiritual proximity and physical proximity are different things. God wishes we draw near to Him, but until we do we are at enmity with Him; separate. Jesus enables us to have access to God because He took the sin, wrath and enmity on Himself. Hatred seems innate in us: when we don’t get our way, when our expectations go unmet and especially when we are or we feel wronged – we hate. God so loved the world, but the world hated Him, and will hate us; we are to be in the world, but not of the world. We should endeavor to reach the worldly and love them, but not choose that path or be enticed by it. We should not feel envy and intrigue for any misdeed or evil way, but be full of compassion and love – we should lead the lost to the truth but not follow them into sin. Resist the devil and his tactics even if it means leaving the company or place where unjust things are happening, but we should never stop reaching out toward or loving the lost and broken, even our enemies, for they too are loved by God and He wishes none should perish.
Prayers: Thank You for freedom from sin and all of its affects. We pray our child will not miss Your call to freedom. We ask for help in guiding our child to You and Your ways. When our child finds you we pray no pride will ensue over being grafted in, but compassion will flourish toward the lost and broken.
We pray our child understands what being separate means: to separate from the World's ways and cling to Yours. May being in Your presence be what motivates and moves our child, not being separate from the presence of unbelievers.
We pray love would be the connection and conversation our child extends to the world and prayer to You on their behalf, even for those who persecute. May it be that our child be less caught up with the position of being grafted in and more enthralled with the proximity and connection with You forever by Your grace.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Friday, December 30, 2011
Limits and Laws
Limits and Laws
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law (Galations 5:16-18 NASB)."
Definition: Limit: The final, utmost, or furthest boundary or point as to extent, amount, continuance, procedure, etc.
Law: The principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people, whether in the form of legislation or of custom and policies recognized and enforced by judicial decision (Dictionary.com).
Limits and laws can help keep the peace: by dictating both what should and what should not happen. Some rules attempt to disuade people from doing wrong, some rules attempt to invoke doing right. We are not made right through the law, instead we are made wrong. Once man knew right and wrong satan began to use the law to tempt man to do wrong and go against the law, then he uses the law to accuse man for doing wrong. Satan is a constant accuser of the brethren and Jesus Christ is constantly making intercession on our behalf. We have the choice today, to be slaves to the law or slaves to Christ. By faith we receive Christ and by faith we walk in the Spirit. In the end our flesh will die, if we are under its influence and power we will die with it, because in the flesh we have broken moral law, but if we die to our flesh we are made alive in Christ through the Spirit. Then we are led by the Spirit and are not under the law; we are loosed from its power to make us wrong and loosed from the power of tempatation satan uses to make us do wrong.
Prayers: We pray our child chooses Christ as redeemer and walks daily by faith in Your Spirit. May the battle of flesh and spirit be won through Christ in the Spirit with no attempt at the impossible: to win over the flesh through the flesh.
We pray for all actions and works to be done in the Spirit with the goal of advancing Your kingdom and bringing You glory.
You are The Way The Truth and The Life, help us model and explain this to our child so there will be no confusion or lacking foundation. May our child never be bewitched into believing the spirit is capable of overcoming anything without Your Spirit guiding us to You through Christ for victory and salvation.
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law (Galations 5:16-18 NASB)."
Definition: Limit: The final, utmost, or furthest boundary or point as to extent, amount, continuance, procedure, etc.
Law: The principles and regulations established in a community by some authority and applicable to its people, whether in the form of legislation or of custom and policies recognized and enforced by judicial decision (Dictionary.com).
Limits and laws can help keep the peace: by dictating both what should and what should not happen. Some rules attempt to disuade people from doing wrong, some rules attempt to invoke doing right. We are not made right through the law, instead we are made wrong. Once man knew right and wrong satan began to use the law to tempt man to do wrong and go against the law, then he uses the law to accuse man for doing wrong. Satan is a constant accuser of the brethren and Jesus Christ is constantly making intercession on our behalf. We have the choice today, to be slaves to the law or slaves to Christ. By faith we receive Christ and by faith we walk in the Spirit. In the end our flesh will die, if we are under its influence and power we will die with it, because in the flesh we have broken moral law, but if we die to our flesh we are made alive in Christ through the Spirit. Then we are led by the Spirit and are not under the law; we are loosed from its power to make us wrong and loosed from the power of tempatation satan uses to make us do wrong.
Prayers: We pray our child chooses Christ as redeemer and walks daily by faith in Your Spirit. May the battle of flesh and spirit be won through Christ in the Spirit with no attempt at the impossible: to win over the flesh through the flesh.
We pray for all actions and works to be done in the Spirit with the goal of advancing Your kingdom and bringing You glory.
You are The Way The Truth and The Life, help us model and explain this to our child so there will be no confusion or lacking foundation. May our child never be bewitched into believing the spirit is capable of overcoming anything without Your Spirit guiding us to You through Christ for victory and salvation.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Boundaries
Boundaries
“But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is The City Of The Great King. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil (Matthew 5:34-37 NASB).”
“But I say to you, make no oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, or by the earth, for it is the footstool of His feet, or by Jerusalem, for it is The City Of The Great King. Nor shall you make an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. But let your statement be, ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no’; anything beyond these is of evil (Matthew 5:34-37 NASB).”
Definitions: Bounds: Something that limits, confines, or restrains.
Boundary: Something that indicates bounds or limits; a limiting or bounding line (Dictionary.com)
Most situations or decisions have connections to both boundaries and freedoms. Even our Bill of Rights, gives something by taking something. Giving the right of free speech takes away the right to never hear something offensive. Giving the right to bear arms takes away the right to be in a weaponless society. Giving the right and freedom of religion takes away the right to have freedom from religions and their followers. The same is true when making a decision to help someone or not to help. Saying yes puts a boundary inward, saying no puts the boundary outward. An affirmative gives what is desired, but may keep us from getting what we desire. A negative keeps the desires of others from interfering with what we want. If we try to trump a yes by making an oath we dabble in playing God: acting like we know what will happen in the future and acting like our strength can be counted on without a doubt. We are fallible, so all we can do is express intent and aim, but we cannot guarantee accomplishment unless we control Heaven and Earth and all of its leaders. May we be very diligent in denying our flesh desires and say yes to God. Getting to the place of desiring His will can ease some of the difficulty of our decisions. In his book "Don't Waste Your Life" John Piper says it this way, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him." We can do what He desires and desire Him at the same time.
Prayers: We pray our child will obey the boundaries we set. Please guide us in setting smart boundaries.
We pray our child will soon understand that You are God and You are worthy of honor, praise and complete faithfulness. Please help us to consistently deny our flesh desires so You can have Your way. We also do not want to be so self abasing that we don't believe we can have You. Please help our child to understand: Self abasement does not make You bigger and neither does glorifying You; and degrading You doesn't make You smaller and neither does glorifying ourselves. You are everything You are without us and we are nothing we are without You.
You are infallible and Your promises are true. Help us to teach our child to not play God. May our child know that there is no need to act perfect, to prove undoubting ability or to bring extra weight to a yes or no, but instead to be as consistent as possible and true to what is said, nothing more. May honesty, vulnerability and a teachable attitude make way for You to bring Your strength, Your supply and Your Spirit to fill any gaps.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Prayers: We pray our child will obey the boundaries we set. Please guide us in setting smart boundaries.
We pray our child will soon understand that You are God and You are worthy of honor, praise and complete faithfulness. Please help us to consistently deny our flesh desires so You can have Your way. We also do not want to be so self abasing that we don't believe we can have You. Please help our child to understand: Self abasement does not make You bigger and neither does glorifying You; and degrading You doesn't make You smaller and neither does glorifying ourselves. You are everything You are without us and we are nothing we are without You.
You are infallible and Your promises are true. Help us to teach our child to not play God. May our child know that there is no need to act perfect, to prove undoubting ability or to bring extra weight to a yes or no, but instead to be as consistent as possible and true to what is said, nothing more. May honesty, vulnerability and a teachable attitude make way for You to bring Your strength, Your supply and Your Spirit to fill any gaps.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Teams
Teams
“For where two or three have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst (Matthew 18:20 NASB).”
Definition: A number of persons forming one of the sides in a game or contest; a number of persons associated in some joint action; two or more horses, oxen, or other animals harnessed together to draw a vehicle, plow, or the like (Dictionary.com).
“For where two or three have gathered together in my name, I am there in their midst (Matthew 18:20 NASB).”
Teams have purpose: they have a goal, a plan and usually a time boundary for accomplishment. Horses are reigned to travel until the carriage reaches its destination, oxen are yoked for strength until plowing is done, sport teams play to win until the game is over and two join in marriage to be fruitful and multiply until death parts them. There is synergistic power when we join together to accomplish things that are bigger than just one of us.
Prayers: Whenever our baby joins a team we pray for the purposes and plans to be upright and wise.
When heading toward the goal we pray for stamina and loyalty to prevail and a never quit spirit to guide every decision made.
We trust Your Holy Spirit to instigate any necessary shifting or course correction along the way and we position ourselves to facilitate and manage all you deem important. Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Meeting
Meeting
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42 NASB)."
Definition: The act of coming together; an assembly or conference of persons for a specific purpose (Dictionary.com).
To make a good meeting the congregation or most of it needs to be interested, engaged, expectant and ready to share and receive. Readiness comes from practice, study and time in the presence of the Lord. Readiness usually does not come from a message lectured or preached, after all, that is most likely not the way the speaker, teacher, preacher, leader became ready to share it. Furthermore, If we are always preparing ourselves to receive and not give then we tend to become stilted, confused, unhappy and critical while commenting merely on what others do or don't do that we like or don't like. Members or attendees do better if they seek the Lord, His presence, His understanding and His righteousness individually as well as corporately for the purpose of being filled and able to pour out. When personal responsibility meets the desire to know, experience and do, in a body of believers, it should not be uncommon for many in a group to be learning and growing emotionally and spiritually at a similar rate to its leadership and in the same way have something to offer others. We must take responsibility for our own walk and make the best choices. We are and we live, but it is our choice to connect and to grow in Christ through the Spirit to be the best ambassadors we can be.
Prayers: We pray our child doesn't wait to be inspired, but connects and grows by Your Spirit to inspire others to do the same.
Please forgive us if we have ever been sideline believers: unable or unwilling to give. Help us to remain in You strongly, consistently and deeply, so we may be good models for our child.
We pray our child grasps the point of meeting together for a purpose and never gets skewed in thinking that the purpose is to meet. We also ask for guidance to help train our child in good discipline and receptivity.
Thank You Lord for Your help and Blessings.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42 NASB)."
Definition: The act of coming together; an assembly or conference of persons for a specific purpose (Dictionary.com).
To make a good meeting the congregation or most of it needs to be interested, engaged, expectant and ready to share and receive. Readiness comes from practice, study and time in the presence of the Lord. Readiness usually does not come from a message lectured or preached, after all, that is most likely not the way the speaker, teacher, preacher, leader became ready to share it. Furthermore, If we are always preparing ourselves to receive and not give then we tend to become stilted, confused, unhappy and critical while commenting merely on what others do or don't do that we like or don't like. Members or attendees do better if they seek the Lord, His presence, His understanding and His righteousness individually as well as corporately for the purpose of being filled and able to pour out. When personal responsibility meets the desire to know, experience and do, in a body of believers, it should not be uncommon for many in a group to be learning and growing emotionally and spiritually at a similar rate to its leadership and in the same way have something to offer others. We must take responsibility for our own walk and make the best choices. We are and we live, but it is our choice to connect and to grow in Christ through the Spirit to be the best ambassadors we can be.
Prayers: We pray our child doesn't wait to be inspired, but connects and grows by Your Spirit to inspire others to do the same.
Please forgive us if we have ever been sideline believers: unable or unwilling to give. Help us to remain in You strongly, consistently and deeply, so we may be good models for our child.
We pray our child grasps the point of meeting together for a purpose and never gets skewed in thinking that the purpose is to meet. We also ask for guidance to help train our child in good discipline and receptivity.
Thank You Lord for Your help and Blessings.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Fellowship
Fellowship
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts (Collosians 3:16 NASB)."
Definition: The condition or relation of being a fellow; friendly relationship; companionship; community of interest; communion, as between members of the same church (Dictionary.com).
Fellowship is a connection that can enhance personal and corporate growth, especially when adding it to a gathering of like-minded people. A community lasts longer when it is friendly and caring for those in communion and it grows and forward it goes when similar interests meet willing companionship. May we be purposed and positive and may the message of Christ dwell among us richly.
Prayers: We pray our child will be filled richly with Your presence and Your message. And that there would be no fear of connecting or trepidation in communing with different styles and various personalities.
We pray our child would be a praiseworthy companion that seeks no praise for self.
We sing life, health and wholeness as a spiritual song to the destiny and over the inheritance of our child in the name of Jesus may all be bright, beautiful and beneficial.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts (Collosians 3:16 NASB)."
Definition: The condition or relation of being a fellow; friendly relationship; companionship; community of interest; communion, as between members of the same church (Dictionary.com).
Fellowship is a connection that can enhance personal and corporate growth, especially when adding it to a gathering of like-minded people. A community lasts longer when it is friendly and caring for those in communion and it grows and forward it goes when similar interests meet willing companionship. May we be purposed and positive and may the message of Christ dwell among us richly.
Prayers: We pray our child will be filled richly with Your presence and Your message. And that there would be no fear of connecting or trepidation in communing with different styles and various personalities.
We pray our child would be a praiseworthy companion that seeks no praise for self.
We sing life, health and wholeness as a spiritual song to the destiny and over the inheritance of our child in the name of Jesus may all be bright, beautiful and beneficial.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Covenant
Covenant
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phillipians 1:27 NASB).”
Definition: An agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified; a solemn agreement between members of a church to act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel. The conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture (Dictionary.com).
In unity we come together with a connecting bond and in covenanting we promise to stay connected for a purpose. A covenant is a solemn agreement - one not to be made lightly. Some covenants are made corporately and some individually. We are given orders through God's apostolic authority to covenant corporately with Him and with those who covenant with Him. Prejudice is an enemy to true covenant. Through badly aimed or unsubstantiated judgements or through blind faith or suggestion we can lose the inner strength of lasting covenant or worse, we can covenant with the wrong person, place or thing. A better way may be to personally look at the facts to make way for trust and substantiate each individual covenant and bring a lasting strength to our place of covenant corporately.
We pray our child always chooses wisely and trusts Your prompting or checking regarding playmates, roomates and the eventual spousal mate.
We pray too for the body of Christ to rise as one man according to Your word, so we can all covenant based on relationship with You and then with others who covenant with You instead of covenanting always based on location, denomination or interpretation. We long for Your people to be growing into the head which is Christ and not toward empty traditions of men. May baptism always represent dying to self and the old man to rise with You as a new creation instead of covenanting into religion or a particular slant or belief. We love You Lord, Thank You for Your help and blessings.
“Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phillipians 1:27 NASB).”
Definition: An agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified; a solemn agreement between members of a church to act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel. The conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture (Dictionary.com).
In unity we come together with a connecting bond and in covenanting we promise to stay connected for a purpose. A covenant is a solemn agreement - one not to be made lightly. Some covenants are made corporately and some individually. We are given orders through God's apostolic authority to covenant corporately with Him and with those who covenant with Him. Prejudice is an enemy to true covenant. Through badly aimed or unsubstantiated judgements or through blind faith or suggestion we can lose the inner strength of lasting covenant or worse, we can covenant with the wrong person, place or thing. A better way may be to personally look at the facts to make way for trust and substantiate each individual covenant and bring a lasting strength to our place of covenant corporately.
Prayers: We pray our child quickly becomes acutely aware of the right connections versus the wrong ones and the importance of recognizing both. We trust You Lord to help us guide our child in this by bringing memorable and appropriate discipline whenever the mark is missed. Outside of Your guidance we cannot trust our own judgement on this as we will tend to be lenient or overbearing depending on our mood and temper, so please help us to stay accurate according to Your will for our child.
We pray our child always chooses wisely and trusts Your prompting or checking regarding playmates, roomates and the eventual spousal mate.
We pray too for the body of Christ to rise as one man according to Your word, so we can all covenant based on relationship with You and then with others who covenant with You instead of covenanting always based on location, denomination or interpretation. We long for Your people to be growing into the head which is Christ and not toward empty traditions of men. May baptism always represent dying to self and the old man to rise with You as a new creation instead of covenanting into religion or a particular slant or belief. We love You Lord, Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Unity
Unity
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:2-6 NASB).”
Definition: The state of being one; oneness; a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one. Oneness of mind, feeling, etc., as among a number of persons; concord, harmony, or agreement (Dictionary.com).
When we live by the Spirit our eyes are opened to see how things connect. We see how God connects three different entities in one, we see how we connect to the earth to cultivate and keep it and we see how we connect in marriage to be fruitful and multiply. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25), here we become active and realize our mission will take more than ourselves to be accomplished. “There is one body and one Spirit”. When we walk in the Spirit we walk together, so let’s walk with humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, diligence, peace, and love. We should consider others higher than ourselves and love first, because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). When we model the connection and priority of God, we will do more than come together and connect for a purpose; we will become one and greatly represent God’s glory and love on the earth.
Prayers: We pray our child discovers unity with You and with Your children.
We pray any assignment designed to lead our child into isolation or disconnection will be thwarted completely.
Please help us to model a spirit of unity and consistently consider others higher than ourselves.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4:2-6 NASB).”
Definition: The state of being one; oneness; a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one. Oneness of mind, feeling, etc., as among a number of persons; concord, harmony, or agreement (Dictionary.com).
When we live by the Spirit our eyes are opened to see how things connect. We see how God connects three different entities in one, we see how we connect to the earth to cultivate and keep it and we see how we connect in marriage to be fruitful and multiply. “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25), here we become active and realize our mission will take more than ourselves to be accomplished. “There is one body and one Spirit”. When we walk in the Spirit we walk together, so let’s walk with humility, gentleness, patience, tolerance, diligence, peace, and love. We should consider others higher than ourselves and love first, because God first loved us (1 John 4:19). When we model the connection and priority of God, we will do more than come together and connect for a purpose; we will become one and greatly represent God’s glory and love on the earth.
Prayers: We pray our child discovers unity with You and with Your children.
We pray any assignment designed to lead our child into isolation or disconnection will be thwarted completely.
Please help us to model a spirit of unity and consistently consider others higher than ourselves.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Family
Family
"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3 NASB)."
Definition: A basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not (Dictionary.com).
Families are a blessing - each member to the other. Families by blood and families by God's Spirit are both dynamic examples of true community. Overall, relations by blood or Spirit need vulnerability, love, respect and outward focus to thrive and survive. One hard part of family relations is having some who are closer than others. Favorite sibling, most honored or admired parent and even, best friend are labels losing traction in our equal acceptance, no favorites or comparisons society. Another hard part is trying to mature and change around those who have known you from a diaper or known your immaturity and mistakes. Jesus experienced this when He was in His hometown (Matthew 13:55) it made Him say, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household (Matthew 13:57b NASB)." Encouragement must be our motivating tone, always being receptive for the updated versions of our relatives in motion for maturity.
Prayers: We pray our child fearlessly embraces every member of the family by blood and Spirit. May the framework for true community supernaturally come to bear in our childs belief and behavior.
We pray for reciprocating encouragement to thrive in each relationship and that none would be held back by overt familiarity. We pray familiarity would be limited and never be limiting to any member in the family: comfort, vulnerability and trust, but nothing more.
Please help us to continually model forgiveness of mistakes and freedom to make them while growing and discovering our calling, gifting, talent and other mature qualities.
Thank You, Lord for Your help and blessings.
"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward (Psalm 127:3 NASB)."
Definition: A basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling together or not (Dictionary.com).
Families are a blessing - each member to the other. Families by blood and families by God's Spirit are both dynamic examples of true community. Overall, relations by blood or Spirit need vulnerability, love, respect and outward focus to thrive and survive. One hard part of family relations is having some who are closer than others. Favorite sibling, most honored or admired parent and even, best friend are labels losing traction in our equal acceptance, no favorites or comparisons society. Another hard part is trying to mature and change around those who have known you from a diaper or known your immaturity and mistakes. Jesus experienced this when He was in His hometown (Matthew 13:55) it made Him say, "A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household (Matthew 13:57b NASB)." Encouragement must be our motivating tone, always being receptive for the updated versions of our relatives in motion for maturity.
Prayers: We pray our child fearlessly embraces every member of the family by blood and Spirit. May the framework for true community supernaturally come to bear in our childs belief and behavior.
We pray for reciprocating encouragement to thrive in each relationship and that none would be held back by overt familiarity. We pray familiarity would be limited and never be limiting to any member in the family: comfort, vulnerability and trust, but nothing more.
Please help us to continually model forgiveness of mistakes and freedom to make them while growing and discovering our calling, gifting, talent and other mature qualities.
Thank You, Lord for Your help and blessings.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Friends
Friends
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18 NASB)."
Being a friend means something. Attachement, good standing, peace and love are all descriptors of friendliness. We will not have the same connection and closeness with every friend, so we need to be ready for the differences - both ways. We need to be strong, teachable, confident, giving and forgiving and relationships will last even without constant upkeep and maintenance. These attributes can also allow us to relate more to one friend over another with less risk of losing a friendship. Peace is a mainstay in relationships; we need peace. We should sometimes even stop in the middle of giving a gift to God and go make peace with a brother who is upset with us (Matthew 5:24). It takes cooperation, though it may be instigated by only one person. Peace is something we apprehend then give away to people, places and situations. Our responsibility is in the receiving and giving of peace, but not in making others receive it. If our peace is not received we should let it return to us and not fight for its penetration and reception (Matthew 10:12-13).
Prayers: We pray our child finds it easy to make good friends and tries hard to keep the peace with them. Please give us guidance and wisdom about which friends are positive influences and which are not.
We pray our child will grow to have no fear of man and will not be a push over or a bully when relating.
"If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18 NASB)."
Definition: A person attached to another by feelings of affection or personal regard; on good terms with another; a person who is not hostile (Dictionary.com).
Being a friend means something. Attachement, good standing, peace and love are all descriptors of friendliness. We will not have the same connection and closeness with every friend, so we need to be ready for the differences - both ways. We need to be strong, teachable, confident, giving and forgiving and relationships will last even without constant upkeep and maintenance. These attributes can also allow us to relate more to one friend over another with less risk of losing a friendship. Peace is a mainstay in relationships; we need peace. We should sometimes even stop in the middle of giving a gift to God and go make peace with a brother who is upset with us (Matthew 5:24). It takes cooperation, though it may be instigated by only one person. Peace is something we apprehend then give away to people, places and situations. Our responsibility is in the receiving and giving of peace, but not in making others receive it. If our peace is not received we should let it return to us and not fight for its penetration and reception (Matthew 10:12-13).
Prayers: We pray our child finds it easy to make good friends and tries hard to keep the peace with them. Please give us guidance and wisdom about which friends are positive influences and which are not.
We pray our child will grow to have no fear of man and will not be a push over or a bully when relating.
Please help our child stay connected firstly and mostly to You, so every relationship deep or shallow will be held in proper perspective. No amount of venting to a friend can relieve a care, only casting it on You can. Also friends may let our child down, but You never will.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Trinity
Trinity
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a NASB)."
Definition: Also call Blessed Trinity, Holy Trinity, the union of three persons (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) in one Godhead, or the threefold personality of the one divine Being (Dictionary.com).
The tri-unity we experience in God is similar to what we experience with the sun. Everything revolves around the immovable centering force (God the Father). the representation of the sun is first and mostly experienced by its light, dispelling darkness wherever it shines and makes those in its beaming noticeably glow (God the Son). Heat accompanies the light. It brings forth growth and infiltrates closed off regions through cracks and non-insulated areas (God the Holy Spirit).
Prayers: We pray our baby feel, see, know and reflect You, always keaping You as Center and letting You in to bring changes and life.
We pray our child seeks the light and lets dakness go.
Pleas help our child to be infiltrated by Your Spirit - to be accopanied by You always.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction (2 Corinthians 1:3-4a NASB)."
Definition: Also call Blessed Trinity, Holy Trinity, the union of three persons (Father, Son and Holy Ghost) in one Godhead, or the threefold personality of the one divine Being (Dictionary.com).
The tri-unity we experience in God is similar to what we experience with the sun. Everything revolves around the immovable centering force (God the Father). the representation of the sun is first and mostly experienced by its light, dispelling darkness wherever it shines and makes those in its beaming noticeably glow (God the Son). Heat accompanies the light. It brings forth growth and infiltrates closed off regions through cracks and non-insulated areas (God the Holy Spirit).
Prayers: We pray our baby feel, see, know and reflect You, always keaping You as Center and letting You in to bring changes and life.
We pray our child seeks the light and lets dakness go.
Pleas help our child to be infiltrated by Your Spirit - to be accopanied by You always.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Increase
Increase
Definition: To make greater as in number, size, strength or quality; augment; add to (Dictionary.com).
Promotion comes from the Lord (Psalm 75:6-7). If we focus on our own exaltation we will be humbled, but if we humble ourselves we will be exalted in due time (Luke 14:11, 1 Peter 5:6). When we seek the Lord and surrender ourselves to Him, He begins to transform us into His image from
glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18). Maturation comes from increase in: knowledge, experience, patience, stamina, cofidence and most of all a greater connection to God, through Jesus by the Holy Spirit. Let's lift God up and honor Him in the midst of our endeavors.
Prayers: Please help our family mature by increasing into Your likeness.
We pray for humility and meekness to be our attitude instead of self promotion.
Please help us to relay proper priorities in life, so our child doesn't get caught up in the cares of the world.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18 NASB).”
Definition: To make greater as in number, size, strength or quality; augment; add to (Dictionary.com).
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Focus
Focus
Definition: A central point, as of attraction, attention or activity (Dictionary.com)
Where we are headed is where we are going, and if we never quit, where we are going is where we will end up. Moving forward in time doesn’t mean we always move forward in life. We will be self centered or God centered. If focused on self, we must bend our ways and manipulate the ways of others to pursue our ambition and avoid fearful things. If focused on God we yield to Him our fear, make Him our ambition and steadfastly reach the focus of our pointed aim through a straight path.
“Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways (Proverbs 4:25).”
Definition: A central point, as of attraction, attention or activity (Dictionary.com)
Where we are headed is where we are going, and if we never quit, where we are going is where we will end up. Moving forward in time doesn’t mean we always move forward in life. We will be self centered or God centered. If focused on self, we must bend our ways and manipulate the ways of others to pursue our ambition and avoid fearful things. If focused on God we yield to Him our fear, make Him our ambition and steadfastly reach the focus of our pointed aim through a straight path.
Prayers: We make You the center of our lives and family Lord. We acknowledge You as Maker, Designer, Savior, Lord and Guide.
We pray our child recognizes the importance of making You the main focus. Please help us bring a strength to that focus so it will become unwavering and straight.
Whenever fear or excitement come we pray our child does more than give You a nod for help or thanks, we pray You literally become the object of our child's gaze.
Thank You Lord, for Your help and Blessings.
Thank You Lord, for Your help and Blessings.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Diligence
Diligence
"...not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, (Romans 12:11-12 NASB)..."
Definition: Constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind (Dictionary.com).
To finish what we start takes diligence. To be trustworthy we must complete what we said we would; follow through. Two major enemies of diligence are: justified excuses and procrastination - "I couldn't because... and "I'll do it, I just haven't yet." Society allows us to get away with both, so we must personally employ diligence to start and finish what we undertake and promise. Justification for incompletion does not bring positivity or esteem, but finishing a job, especially when it is hard, brings esteem and confidence from others and from self. Excuses merely excuse us, they do not promote us, but God is a rewarder of diligence (Hebrews 11:6).
Prayers: We repent for not taking seriously the principle of being dilligent, especially as leading ambassadors in Your Kingdom. Please help our minds change and may our morality reflect the non-negotiable reality that diligence brings promotion because You reward dilligence.
We pray our child sees excuses as unnecessary, since You bring help and strength to us to finish well and complete what we start.
May all the efforts of our child be made with persistence and in earnest so diligence will always prevail over laziness and lack of vision. We pray our child soon adopts this confidence and lingo: "Look what we have done before, I know we can do this." Instead of: "Well, we gave up in the past before we finished, so we might as well quit this now before we waste any more energy."
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
"...not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, (Romans 12:11-12 NASB)..."
Definition: Constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken; persistent exertion of body or mind (Dictionary.com).
To finish what we start takes diligence. To be trustworthy we must complete what we said we would; follow through. Two major enemies of diligence are: justified excuses and procrastination - "I couldn't because... and "I'll do it, I just haven't yet." Society allows us to get away with both, so we must personally employ diligence to start and finish what we undertake and promise. Justification for incompletion does not bring positivity or esteem, but finishing a job, especially when it is hard, brings esteem and confidence from others and from self. Excuses merely excuse us, they do not promote us, but God is a rewarder of diligence (Hebrews 11:6).
Prayers: We repent for not taking seriously the principle of being dilligent, especially as leading ambassadors in Your Kingdom. Please help our minds change and may our morality reflect the non-negotiable reality that diligence brings promotion because You reward dilligence.
We pray our child sees excuses as unnecessary, since You bring help and strength to us to finish well and complete what we start.
May all the efforts of our child be made with persistence and in earnest so diligence will always prevail over laziness and lack of vision. We pray our child soon adopts this confidence and lingo: "Look what we have done before, I know we can do this." Instead of: "Well, we gave up in the past before we finished, so we might as well quit this now before we waste any more energy."
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Stamina
Stamina
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:30-31 NASB)."
Definition: Strength of physical constitution; power to endure disease, fatigue, privation, etc (Dictionary.com).
Prayers: Please help us to teach our child to be more in awe of what You have done and will do, then to be in awe of what territory evil may gain.
We want to model strength and so, want to model You, because You are Strong. Please help us relinquish every part we have withheld from You. We do not want to be liars like Ananias and Sapphira and say we gave You all, but hold some back for our own control and stewardship (Acts 5:3-4).
We pray that our child always knows of the Way out of trouble and the Way into You - through Jesus.
"Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength (Isaiah 40:30-31 NASB)."
Definition: Strength of physical constitution; power to endure disease, fatigue, privation, etc (Dictionary.com).
Inside our physical bodies is the ability to self heal, but when fatigued, stressed, misaligned, malnourished or oppressed with toxicity this innate function becomes hindered or blocked. Spiritually we can be strong, but when we see evil prosper or when our well doing is not received with thanks and seems to amount to nothing, we tire. When we are let down, pushed aside or left out, we stress. When we busy ourselves to the point where our only spiritual diet consists of remembering past exploits, judging the wrongs in the world and asking God to bless our situation, we starve. It seems whenever we try to muster a life completely committed to God that we become aware, not only of the opposition of our enemy, but also of how many areas of our life we have yet to let go. But we have an advocate and His name is Jesus Christ. So, whether we realize wholeness now or later there is much to be hopeful for. May that hope bring strength to all who believe.
Prayers: Please help us to teach our child to be more in awe of what You have done and will do, then to be in awe of what territory evil may gain.
We want to model strength and so, want to model You, because You are Strong. Please help us relinquish every part we have withheld from You. We do not want to be liars like Ananias and Sapphira and say we gave You all, but hold some back for our own control and stewardship (Acts 5:3-4).
We pray that our child always knows of the Way out of trouble and the Way into You - through Jesus.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Endurance
Endurance
"And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:4 NASB)."
Definition: The fact or power of bearing pain, hardships, etc.; the ability or strength to continue or last (Dictionary.com).
Hanging in, holding on and not giving up when things are hard, painful or don’t make sense. These
challenges build character and the avenue for provision of everything we need, namely life and
godliness in Jesus Christ. When we release the possibility of weakness as a care to our God, the only thing left is to pursue life with all the power we have, both given and gained, then we let Him do the rest - including bringing us full supply and completion.
Prayers: Please help us to lead by example: to remain steady and strong in our walk with You, to always be honorable in the things we do, faithful in the face of troubles and trials and never blaming or in denial of our own weaknesses and our consistent need for Your provision and grace.
We pray that our child learns that failure is almost always impossible unless we quit trying. May all inconveniences and trials be viewed by our child as incapable of taking anything from us unless we let it happen, and that each is designed to enhance the character building process.
We pray against cynicism taking root in the heart and mind of our child from such trials or issues, after all even "that which is meant for evil will be worked out for good to those love God and are called according to His purposes"(Romans 8:28 paraphrase).
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
"And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:4 NASB)."
Definition: The fact or power of bearing pain, hardships, etc.; the ability or strength to continue or last (Dictionary.com).
Hanging in, holding on and not giving up when things are hard, painful or don’t make sense. These
challenges build character and the avenue for provision of everything we need, namely life and
godliness in Jesus Christ. When we release the possibility of weakness as a care to our God, the only thing left is to pursue life with all the power we have, both given and gained, then we let Him do the rest - including bringing us full supply and completion.
Prayers: Please help us to lead by example: to remain steady and strong in our walk with You, to always be honorable in the things we do, faithful in the face of troubles and trials and never blaming or in denial of our own weaknesses and our consistent need for Your provision and grace.
We pray that our child learns that failure is almost always impossible unless we quit trying. May all inconveniences and trials be viewed by our child as incapable of taking anything from us unless we let it happen, and that each is designed to enhance the character building process.
We pray against cynicism taking root in the heart and mind of our child from such trials or issues, after all even "that which is meant for evil will be worked out for good to those love God and are called according to His purposes"(Romans 8:28 paraphrase).
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Conquering
Conquering
"But in all these things (grave persecutions) we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39 NASB perenthesis added)."
Definition: To acquire - by force of arms; win war; to overcome by force, subdue, to gain, win or obtain by effort (Dictionary.com).
As co-heirs with Christ (the second Adam), we are created to rule and re-commanded to subdue the earth. All darkness, deceit, and damage brought by demonic influence or opposition can be overcome through Christ. Sometimes those around us are influenced by such powers and attempt or succeed in causing harm to our flesh and emotions, it is during these times that through Christ we become more than conquerors. Those taking the high road of enduring persecution become such overcomers that the bible says "the world is not worthy of them" (Hebrews 11:38). Since we are created to inherit (subdue, conquer) the Earth it is interesting to ponder the reward for those enduring such persecution that they become more than conquerors in Christ. In this we are encouraged to never wane or sell out our trust in Christ Jesus our Lord - forever and for now.
Prayers: We pray for your strength to help our child uphold an unflinching faithfulness to You and Your word. In such a way that the enemy would know that our child is full of Your Spirit and respond in submission.
Please help our child understand how the world works from Your perspective and not from the skewed side of our sinful nature.
If ever our child is persecuted we pray for Your spirit to overrule any weakness. We pray that conquering would happen in the moment and eventually by a reward in Your presence.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
"But in all these things (grave persecutions) we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39 NASB perenthesis added)."
Definition: To acquire - by force of arms; win war; to overcome by force, subdue, to gain, win or obtain by effort (Dictionary.com).
As co-heirs with Christ (the second Adam), we are created to rule and re-commanded to subdue the earth. All darkness, deceit, and damage brought by demonic influence or opposition can be overcome through Christ. Sometimes those around us are influenced by such powers and attempt or succeed in causing harm to our flesh and emotions, it is during these times that through Christ we become more than conquerors. Those taking the high road of enduring persecution become such overcomers that the bible says "the world is not worthy of them" (Hebrews 11:38). Since we are created to inherit (subdue, conquer) the Earth it is interesting to ponder the reward for those enduring such persecution that they become more than conquerors in Christ. In this we are encouraged to never wane or sell out our trust in Christ Jesus our Lord - forever and for now.
Prayers: We pray for your strength to help our child uphold an unflinching faithfulness to You and Your word. In such a way that the enemy would know that our child is full of Your Spirit and respond in submission.
Please help our child understand how the world works from Your perspective and not from the skewed side of our sinful nature.
If ever our child is persecuted we pray for Your spirit to overrule any weakness. We pray that conquering would happen in the moment and eventually by a reward in Your presence.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Victory
Victory
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1John 4:4 NASB).”
Definition: A success or triumph over an enemy, an engagement ending in such triumph, superior position acheived against any opponent opposition difficulty etc.; a moral victory (Dictionary.com).
Small or big victories including: personal, family or team successes, affect our behaviors, our decisions and our level of confidence. Some positive reactions to victory include: encouragement, faith and self assurance; some negative reactions are: selfish ambition, presumption and arrogance. Our goal as parents is not to force victory or punish failure, but to offer strong guidance to train good reactions and responses to both.
Prayers: We ask You for help with training our child in good responses and decision making.
We know victory and failure are tough to deal with, so please help us prepare our little one’s heart to be fruitful and productive toward whatever comes: victory, failure and guidance no matter how big or small.
Lord, we know You are the reason for our victory and You make way for true success in life.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
“You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1John 4:4 NASB).”
Definition: A success or triumph over an enemy, an engagement ending in such triumph, superior position acheived against any opponent opposition difficulty etc.; a moral victory (Dictionary.com).
Small or big victories including: personal, family or team successes, affect our behaviors, our decisions and our level of confidence. Some positive reactions to victory include: encouragement, faith and self assurance; some negative reactions are: selfish ambition, presumption and arrogance. Our goal as parents is not to force victory or punish failure, but to offer strong guidance to train good reactions and responses to both.
Prayers: We ask You for help with training our child in good responses and decision making.
We know victory and failure are tough to deal with, so please help us prepare our little one’s heart to be fruitful and productive toward whatever comes: victory, failure and guidance no matter how big or small.
Lord, we know You are the reason for our victory and You make way for true success in life.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Tradition
Tradition
"Then the Lord said, 'Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote,' (Isaiah 29:13 NASB)..."
Definitions: Tradition - handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation (Dictionary.com).
"Then the Lord said, 'Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote,' (Isaiah 29:13 NASB)..."
Definitions: Tradition - handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information, etc., from generation to generation (Dictionary.com).
Rote - a fixed, habitual, or mechanical course of procedure (Dictionary.com).
There is little trouble with tradition until it keeps us from moving with God or moves us away from His commandments.
"He was also saying to them, 'You are experts at setting aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition' (Mark 7:9)."
Each one of us has a threshold of familiarity. Some of us hold tight to what is safe, familiar and previously successful and develop traditions around it, while others see such behavior as redundant, ridgid and at odds with spontaneous creativity. In tradition we must not sacrifice vibrant life for the safe and familiar - when things become rote, they become lifeless. In spontaneity we must not lose community or lasting relationships in the continuous shuffle - when things move too fast, people get lost. If we aren't careful we can constantly be changing ourselves away from God's kingdom advancement by having no structure, boundary or plan; and we can miss God completely if we develop rote tradition that can exist mechanically without the Spirit and Life of God. That's what happened to many of the religious leaders in Jesus' day. It is our decision, so let's choose to be filled with His Spirit and Life no matter what our threshold can take. Let's be more interested in the fullness of God than in understanding and catering to our own limitations.
Prayers: We pray for our child to be aware of this threshold and be willing to always move with You no matter how scary or uncomfortable.
Please help us to fully embrace Your Spirit and Life and never quench Your efforts to make way for our own.
We ask for humility and vulnerability to always be the tone of our child during construction of any plan and willingness to be moved by You whenever a custom becomes sacred. May You be the most important thing to our child always and forever.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Friday, December 9, 2011
Memories
Memories
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me (1 Corinthians 11:25 NASB).”
Definition: The mental capacity or faculty of retaining and reviving facts, events, impressions, etc., or of recalling or recognizing previous experiences (Dictionary.com).
There are things we should remember and things we should try to forget. Traditions, both good and bad, usually stem from memories made or memories planned. Here Jesus knows it is best for us to remember the new covenant of reconciliation through His blood, being grafted into His family and being co-heirs of eternal inheritance. Drinking (the symbol of) the blood of Jesus represents our decision to trust Him to make us victors over sin and death in Him- that is quite worth remembering. Unfortunately we tend to mostly remember mistakes and failures - if that sounds opposite to you compared to what Jesus suggested we do, you're right. It is opposite. Building altars, setting stones and establishing feasts are all Hebraic habits that kept the positive things God did in the fore front and in plain sight. I believe it is time to adopt a Hebraic mindset, because He has chosen us to be His altar, His fitted stones and recipients of His feasts (outpouring and indwelling):
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22 NASB)."
Prayers: We pray our child will not choose to remember failure and sin that leads to death, but will instead remember Jesus and every victory we have in Him.
We pray for good memories to be made and planned without craving the adverse affect of making sacred traditions of men.
We pray that our child will trust You completely and become a symbol of Your love and power through Your chiseling, filling and joint fitting.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
“This cup is the new covenant in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me (1 Corinthians 11:25 NASB).”
Definition: The mental capacity or faculty of retaining and reviving facts, events, impressions, etc., or of recalling or recognizing previous experiences (Dictionary.com).
There are things we should remember and things we should try to forget. Traditions, both good and bad, usually stem from memories made or memories planned. Here Jesus knows it is best for us to remember the new covenant of reconciliation through His blood, being grafted into His family and being co-heirs of eternal inheritance. Drinking (the symbol of) the blood of Jesus represents our decision to trust Him to make us victors over sin and death in Him- that is quite worth remembering. Unfortunately we tend to mostly remember mistakes and failures - if that sounds opposite to you compared to what Jesus suggested we do, you're right. It is opposite. Building altars, setting stones and establishing feasts are all Hebraic habits that kept the positive things God did in the fore front and in plain sight. I believe it is time to adopt a Hebraic mindset, because He has chosen us to be His altar, His fitted stones and recipients of His feasts (outpouring and indwelling):
"So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22 NASB)."
Prayers: We pray our child will not choose to remember failure and sin that leads to death, but will instead remember Jesus and every victory we have in Him.
We pray for good memories to be made and planned without craving the adverse affect of making sacred traditions of men.
We pray that our child will trust You completely and become a symbol of Your love and power through Your chiseling, filling and joint fitting.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Maturity
Maturity
"Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division…(Luke 12:51a NASB)"
Definition: Fully developed in body or mind, as a person (Dictionary.com) // Division: disunion (of opinion and conduct) (Strongs Dictionary Greek 1267 diamerismos).
This time in a child's development may be tougher on parents since we are losing while our child gains: we give up the role of integral molding and our child gains total license to make good or bad choices ‐ to believe in truth or lies. Here the tight grip of parental opinion and conduct peels away as independence and freedom are discovered. Training, truth, wisdom and memories may be all our children take as their unique paths find the future not among, but beyond the past.
Prayers: We pray life is what matures inside our child; abundant life.
Please Help us to always teach how to think and less what to think; to foster a true inner conviction and trusting relationship with You instead of allegiance to our opinions and beliefs.
As body and age mature we pray Your Spirit will envelope the spirit of our child for lasting peace, love and joy to remain as a constant strength and overflow.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
"Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division…(Luke 12:51a NASB)"
Definition: Fully developed in body or mind, as a person (Dictionary.com) // Division: disunion (of opinion and conduct) (Strongs Dictionary Greek 1267 diamerismos).
This time in a child's development may be tougher on parents since we are losing while our child gains: we give up the role of integral molding and our child gains total license to make good or bad choices ‐ to believe in truth or lies. Here the tight grip of parental opinion and conduct peels away as independence and freedom are discovered. Training, truth, wisdom and memories may be all our children take as their unique paths find the future not among, but beyond the past.
Prayers: We pray life is what matures inside our child; abundant life.
Please Help us to always teach how to think and less what to think; to foster a true inner conviction and trusting relationship with You instead of allegiance to our opinions and beliefs.
As body and age mature we pray Your Spirit will envelope the spirit of our child for lasting peace, love and joy to remain as a constant strength and overflow.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Adolescence
Adolescence
"And when He (Jesus) became twelve...sitting in the midst of teachers (at the temple)...And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers...He continued in subjection to them (parents)...And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:42, 47, 51, 52 NASB)."
Definition: The transitional period between puberty and adulthood: youth (Dictionary.com)
As parents we wonder: when is it time to widen the boundaries for my child? How do I know they are ready to transition into adulthood? Children usually lean toward sooner and parents usually lean toward later, but either way we must address this individually since our current society does not have a hard fast graduation out of pubescence. If culturally when a boy turned 14 years old we gave him a small knife and a loin cloth and left him in the wilderness for a week to prove his manhood, and that is just the way things worked, we might have less of these questions. But for us, is it 14, 16, 18, when they go to college or when they finally move out that our culture graduates youth? The answer is yes and no. Some kids leave before they are ready and some parents keep hold of ready adults. Some are not ready for adulthood in their late 20's and some show signs of readiness in their early teens. What do we do? We need to do 2 things: ready our child and ready ourselves to let them go. The scripture above may help us. Train our child to be like Jesus: He had understanding and knowledge, He was able to handle Himself well among adults, He was doing the right things, He had the proper motivation for His future and understood His calling, but He also understood honor and subjected Himself to His parents. Even though He was "ready" He waited until His parents were ready and continued to increase in wisdom and stature. As parents we prepare ourselves: His parents gave leeway for His maturity level in that they didn't micro manage Him, that is how He got left behind (Luke 2:44) and His mom listened to Him and considered His response to her correction as a treasure, not a nuicance (Luke 2:51). A child should know they will move on one day, and we as parents should be the first to verbally recognize maturity in our kids to help prepare everyone for that inevitable time of transition.
Prayers: We pray for strength and purpose to be in our child, so any distraction or block will be personally overcome.
We pray for "respect, responsibility and resourcefulness" (the big 3 John Rosemond) to be developed early and grow until self esteem, honor and trust in You proves our child's readiness for adulthood.
Please help us hit the mark of preparation by encouraging maturity and letting our child go into Your capable hands.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
"And when He (Jesus) became twelve...sitting in the midst of teachers (at the temple)...And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers...He continued in subjection to them (parents)...And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men (Luke 2:42, 47, 51, 52 NASB)."
Definition: The transitional period between puberty and adulthood: youth (Dictionary.com)
As parents we wonder: when is it time to widen the boundaries for my child? How do I know they are ready to transition into adulthood? Children usually lean toward sooner and parents usually lean toward later, but either way we must address this individually since our current society does not have a hard fast graduation out of pubescence. If culturally when a boy turned 14 years old we gave him a small knife and a loin cloth and left him in the wilderness for a week to prove his manhood, and that is just the way things worked, we might have less of these questions. But for us, is it 14, 16, 18, when they go to college or when they finally move out that our culture graduates youth? The answer is yes and no. Some kids leave before they are ready and some parents keep hold of ready adults. Some are not ready for adulthood in their late 20's and some show signs of readiness in their early teens. What do we do? We need to do 2 things: ready our child and ready ourselves to let them go. The scripture above may help us. Train our child to be like Jesus: He had understanding and knowledge, He was able to handle Himself well among adults, He was doing the right things, He had the proper motivation for His future and understood His calling, but He also understood honor and subjected Himself to His parents. Even though He was "ready" He waited until His parents were ready and continued to increase in wisdom and stature. As parents we prepare ourselves: His parents gave leeway for His maturity level in that they didn't micro manage Him, that is how He got left behind (Luke 2:44) and His mom listened to Him and considered His response to her correction as a treasure, not a nuicance (Luke 2:51). A child should know they will move on one day, and we as parents should be the first to verbally recognize maturity in our kids to help prepare everyone for that inevitable time of transition.
Prayers: We pray for strength and purpose to be in our child, so any distraction or block will be personally overcome.
We pray for "respect, responsibility and resourcefulness" (the big 3 John Rosemond) to be developed early and grow until self esteem, honor and trust in You proves our child's readiness for adulthood.
Please help us hit the mark of preparation by encouraging maturity and letting our child go into Your capable hands.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Growth
Growth
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 NASB)"
Definition: The act or process, or a manner of growing; development; gradual increase (Dictionary.com)
Growth and training compliment each other. If left alone to learn and gather understanding about life, children may find more comfort in learning from media, peers and personal mistakes instead of letting those with wisdom, who have experienced similar things, have any input into their lives.
Prayers:
Please help us partner with, instead of going against, our child in training and growth.
We pray for boldness and confidence when helping our child through every discovery, change and promotion; help us to stand firm for truth and righteousness.
May our child see, by Your Spirit, every indication of Your divine developmental shifting, so moving with You and never against You will become the norm by Your grace through faith.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
"Train up a child in the way he should go,
Even when he is old he will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 NASB)"
Definition: The act or process, or a manner of growing; development; gradual increase (Dictionary.com)
Growth and training compliment each other. If left alone to learn and gather understanding about life, children may find more comfort in learning from media, peers and personal mistakes instead of letting those with wisdom, who have experienced similar things, have any input into their lives.
Prayers:
Please help us partner with, instead of going against, our child in training and growth.
We pray for boldness and confidence when helping our child through every discovery, change and promotion; help us to stand firm for truth and righteousness.
May our child see, by Your Spirit, every indication of Your divine developmental shifting, so moving with You and never against You will become the norm by Your grace through faith.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Puberty
Puberty
“And everyone that strives for the mastery is temperate in all things. (1 Corinthians 9:25a NASB)”
Definitions: Puberty - The period or age at which a person is first capable of sexual reproduction of offspring: in common law, presumed to be 14 years in males and 12 years in the female -origin from pubertas meaning adulthood (Dictionary.com).Temperate - to exercise self-restraint, in diet and chastity (Dictionary.com) // Can contain; be temperate (Strongs Dictionary Greek 1467 eng-krat-yoo’-om-ahee).
Puberty is God’s recognition of the readiness for multiplication in the body. It is our job as parents to aid in the maturation of understanding, ability and responsibility that correspond to this readiness. It is also our job to advise and bring strength to decisions of abstinence and any limit or boundary in the diet of sexuality and its exploration. Our society is filled with sensuality, sexuality and promiscuity and it delivers access to copious amounts of influential: visual, experimental and imaginative stimulation. God’s design is not to stop this readiness in the body or slow it down, so we must be vigilant in effective preparedness and strength to the character, will, mind and all subsequent activity of our children during this critical time.
Prayers:
We pray so intently for our child to be informed of and protected from the current predatory system of free sexuality and hedonism in the world. We know that we are best suited as Your creation and offspring to fully desire Your glory and to desire the glorification of You in our bodies, our souls and our spirits. May this “Christian Hedonism” (John Piper – Do Not Waste Your Life) be what shapes the ways and wants of our child just as it shapes our own Lord.
When physical signs of maturity begin and hormone levels rise, we receive Your strength Lord for different discipline, open communication and greater understanding. Please protect our child from any possible perversity at this designated time of upgrading attitude and anatomy on course to pure adulthood.
We pray that our child decides to remain virginal until after marriage. We leave all the difficulties, dangers and temptations in Your capable hands, please just teach us how to be the most supportive and protective we can be without giving strength to any rebel backlash by being overbearing. We trust You Lord to bring us to such a place where we can trust our child while guiding with wisdom.
Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Running
Run
“Know you not that they which run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? So run as one that may obtain the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24)”Definition: To go quickly by moving the legs more rapidly than at a walk and in such a manner that for an instant in each step both feet are off the ground. (Dictionary.com) // To run or walk hastily –have course, run (Strongs Dictionary - Greek 5143 trekh'-o).
Kids do not have to be disciplined or motivated to run; sometimes children run because they are energized. This so called “pointless” burning of childhood energy only needs guidance and course to become a pure and purposeful trek. As parents we should bring guidance and direction to each ball of energy we call children, but we should rarely bring a hindrance to the spending of that energy. After all that is what it is for – we, as adults, are living proof that storing up energy doesn’t work. In fact not spending physical energy in a day can lead to restless nights and very uninvigorated mornings that, sure, can be pushed back by excessive coffee intake, but then result in drowsy afternoons. Can I have an amen?Prayers:
We pray for wisdom to nourish our child properly and help to not hinder the spending of every day’s energy on living every day.
We pray for increased strength and stamina in the body, mind and emotions of our child that each may run properly and proficiently.
We pray for habitual and continual energizing to take place in the life of our child. If ever any disparity with age arrives we pray for your grace and discipline to inspire “maximized movement”(Maximized Living 5 Essentials) and focus to win the race You have set.
Lord, thank You for Your help and blessings.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Walking
Walk
“The mind of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps. (Proverbs 16:9)”
Definition: To move on foot at a moderate pace; to conduct one’s life in a particular manner; to cause or help to walk (Dictionary.com).
Babies strive to walk and push hard to do so. People, walls or surfaces suffice for support until they ultimately step out alone. Falling, failing and frustration doesn’t stop this process from yielding a toddling, walking child. So important is this achievement that our daily life, ambitions, activities, choices and struggles are summed up and synonymized as our daily walk.
Prayers:
We pray protection over each muscle, function and circulation of our child’s body so as to always express health, maintain increase and excel as a result of every good struggle.
We pray we will always reflect You Lord and live continually filled with Your Spirit so our child will do well when following us. Please help us in the war of influence over the mind, heart, sentiment and emotion of our child.
We pray our child will recognize life as a journey and always be grateful for the opportunity to walk it; and to walk by faith instead of influence, experience or intelligence alone. By faith to receive You Lord, by faith to walk by Your Spirit’s leading and by faith to eventually lead others to Your Way. Lord, thank You for Your help and blessings.
Crawling
Crawl
“For who has despised the day of small things? (Zechariah 4:10)”
Definition: The act of moving one’s hands and knees or dragging one’s body across the ground (Dictionary.com).We all begin somewhere. Babies can get a head start from parents; usually enough to find personal structure, stability and strength and then they move on: through personal experience and active hands on, hands dirty practice.
Prayers: We pray our baby is not one to jump ahead (skip steps) or wait too long to move.
We pray our baby tries hard, participates often and doesn’t give up.We pray our baby always honors and remembers humble beginnings and creative alternatives. We hope any lasting act or commitment will be personally weighed against Your word.
Lord, thank You for Your help and blessings.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)