Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Trust
Trust (Faith and Belief)
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21)."
"but from the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it or touch it, or you will die.’” The serpent said to the woman, “You surely will not die" (Genesis 3:3-4 NASB)!"
Definition (noun): reliance on the integrity, strength, ability, surety, etc., of a person or thing; confidence; confident expectation of something; hope; confidence in the certainty of future payment for property or goods received; credit; a person on whom or thing on which one relies; the condition of one to whom something has been entrusted (Dictionary.com).
We are born into sin and by nature we distrust others, God and even ourselves. The way we manage the deadness and darkness inside of us is to compare and judge outside of God what is right and wrong and what should or should not be trusted - this view and way of deciding is thanks to the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (original sin). We were designed to fully trust God and retain a ruling authority on earth through our position in Him, which we gain again through our position in Christ by trusting Him - Who He is, what He says and what He does. The lie of the enemy got Eve to question her position in God - "You surely will not die", this created a wedge between her and God through distrust and was amplified by her soul's desire for the "God-sight" it promised and her body's desire for the good fruit to eat. The death that ensued was of the spirit, not the soul or body, in fact these forcibly inherited a toxic freedom to dwell outside of God. Our trust in the work of Christ converts our spirit from death to life and our soul is saved from reacting to our "born into" fallen nature. In Christ we have the fullest justification, not by works so that none can boast. Blame gone, shame gone, comparisons gone, high and lofty thoughts and vein imaginations gone - our heart leaves wickedness and becomes good. Now we merely work out daily our salvation through the active trust found in the reviving of our spirit and its oneness with Holy Spirit ("according to the power that works within us"). While we were still sinners Christ died, while we still could do nothing but react to our falleness, He died to redeem us fully back to our original design and communion in Him. He truly has done work "far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think", and he need not die again for any darkness still squatting in our tormented soul, for as we work out daily the salvation through trust we exchange the deadness and darkness for Life and Light. To Him be the glory forever and ever indeed!
We pray for Your life and light to completely penetrate the death and darkness that our child was born into until all is fully exchanged through Your awesome redemption. We know the plan of redemption You have for our family and we honor You for it with our deepest thanks and highest praise for all You have done Jesus. We pray that no high and lofty thought will keep our child from recognizing that justification is complete in You and there is no need to compare, judge, blame or hide in shame anymore. The reactions of our soul have been defeated by Your Spirit's leading and we declare the same will soon happen for our child. You are truly everything to us Lord!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Helpfulness
Helpfulness
"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it (1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NASB)."
Definition (adjective): giving or rendering aid or assistance; of service (Dictionary.com).
Actual or perceived needs are met or attempted to be met through helpfulness in a measured plan of attack or in openness to respond when an opportunity to serve or to help arises. When helpfulness meets an actual need there is usually a response of thankfulness and gratitude. There are needs we try to meet that we perceive to be real or pressing, but may not be. In fact, the ones in perceived need may not even want help, so to such aid and helpfulness a response of ungratefulness, surprise, or annoyance and irritation - "I didn't need (or want) your help." or "What, you didn't think I could do it myself?" There are many ex-helpers around to suggest that we are not always prudent in our helpfulness. We may not even always be selfless in our helpfulness, like we noticed could be a trap in our caring for others. Helpers motivated by unconditional outward care stay helpers longer and with less bitterness or unforgiveness than self centered helpers who require thanks or reciprocation for aid. With us living inside out instead of outside in, we can let go of ourselves enough to reach anyone, even if it means adjusting or changing like Paul did to save some.
Prayers: We pray our child will be moved in spirit to help others selflessly; and move by Your Spirit for the timing and ways to help. Your timing is perfect and Your nature is unparalleled, and it is Your ways that we desire our child to follow. May our child learn to not hold tight to reputation, but be willing to become all things for all men, at Your leading, to save some and encourage many into a personal connection with You for full redemption. We ask for Your strength and help to show and fully reveal Your true nature Father as we remain in Christ and walk by Your Spirit as individual parts of a whole body. We honor You for the provision and supply and are grateful for our place of stewardship to jointly supply strength to Your body by Your grace.
"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it (1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NASB)."
Definition (adjective): giving or rendering aid or assistance; of service (Dictionary.com).
Actual or perceived needs are met or attempted to be met through helpfulness in a measured plan of attack or in openness to respond when an opportunity to serve or to help arises. When helpfulness meets an actual need there is usually a response of thankfulness and gratitude. There are needs we try to meet that we perceive to be real or pressing, but may not be. In fact, the ones in perceived need may not even want help, so to such aid and helpfulness a response of ungratefulness, surprise, or annoyance and irritation - "I didn't need (or want) your help." or "What, you didn't think I could do it myself?" There are many ex-helpers around to suggest that we are not always prudent in our helpfulness. We may not even always be selfless in our helpfulness, like we noticed could be a trap in our caring for others. Helpers motivated by unconditional outward care stay helpers longer and with less bitterness or unforgiveness than self centered helpers who require thanks or reciprocation for aid. With us living inside out instead of outside in, we can let go of ourselves enough to reach anyone, even if it means adjusting or changing like Paul did to save some.
Prayers: We pray our child will be moved in spirit to help others selflessly; and move by Your Spirit for the timing and ways to help. Your timing is perfect and Your nature is unparalleled, and it is Your ways that we desire our child to follow. May our child learn to not hold tight to reputation, but be willing to become all things for all men, at Your leading, to save some and encourage many into a personal connection with You for full redemption. We ask for Your strength and help to show and fully reveal Your true nature Father as we remain in Christ and walk by Your Spirit as individual parts of a whole body. We honor You for the provision and supply and are grateful for our place of stewardship to jointly supply strength to Your body by Your grace.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Caring
Caring
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:9‐12 NASB).”
"So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full (Matthew 6:2 NASB)."
"Then you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a tribute of a freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give just as the LORD your God blesses you (Dueteronomy 16:10 NASB)."
"This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews 12:27 NASB)."
Definition (Verb): have thought or regard; to be concerned; to make provision or look out for; to have an inclination, liking, fondness, or affection; to feel concern about; to wish, desire, like (Dictionary.com).
When we care for others we are stirred to help them and show them we care. Help without caring is selfishly motivated: duty without caring for others can make us help others while only caring about being faithful to our duty - think of the customer service rep who continues to talk to a colleague while cashiering, never looking at or talking to a customer (duty without caring for others). We must love as Christ loved to remain sacrificial in our caring and not risk misinterpreting self centered duty as neighborly love. The only way to aim well is to care for others in the nature of God. An aim for reward and recognition are typical tells of a self centered motivation, though God delivers many if/then promises in the Bible for us to pursue His heart and His kingdom purposes in the earth: if we give He will bless or when He blesses we are to give for instance. Also, if we give frequently or spontaneously to family, friends or to an unknown person in need especially, it may be difficult to hide our faces from gaining visible recognition. The main intent of our giving should be to give because the Lord has given to us. Adam and Eve were gardeners and stewards with an authority given by God to rule, change and tend the Earth. At the fall man chose to do things alone - without God. This fallen way is still available to man: doing things on our own for ourselves; but so is the way of redemption through Christ: doing things with God - that which we were originally intended for. Everything but allowing the caring nature of God to live through us will eventually be shaken in this life or burned up in transition to the next, so we have every reason to remain in Christ in that which we steward, tend, create and do and we have no reason to cling to the fallen old nature that will remain.
Prayers: We pray our child will have a touchable and responsive heart to Your Spirit's leading: always carrying Your nature and allowing it to be fully expressed outwardly. If cares of the world and any selfish nature rise up to compete with Your glory and goodness we pray our child would war with them by standing firm and by casting off the old nature that tries to remain and casting up to You all cares of this world that try to enter in. We desire You to be the main response and reflection of our child. We desire to be models of this and so access Your grace to live redeemed as You originally intended us to with fullness in Christ. We pave the way in Jesus' name with this intercession to see our child enter Your desired place of wholeness in Christ. MAY IT BE SO! For the victory is and always will be Yours.
“Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him! So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:9‐12 NASB).”
"So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full (Matthew 6:2 NASB)."
"Then you shall celebrate the Feast of Weeks to the LORD your God with a tribute of a freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give just as the LORD your God blesses you (Dueteronomy 16:10 NASB)."
"This expression, "Yet once more," denotes the removing of those things which can be shaken, as of created things, so that those things which cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews 12:27 NASB)."
Definition (Verb): have thought or regard; to be concerned; to make provision or look out for; to have an inclination, liking, fondness, or affection; to feel concern about; to wish, desire, like (Dictionary.com).
When we care for others we are stirred to help them and show them we care. Help without caring is selfishly motivated: duty without caring for others can make us help others while only caring about being faithful to our duty - think of the customer service rep who continues to talk to a colleague while cashiering, never looking at or talking to a customer (duty without caring for others). We must love as Christ loved to remain sacrificial in our caring and not risk misinterpreting self centered duty as neighborly love. The only way to aim well is to care for others in the nature of God. An aim for reward and recognition are typical tells of a self centered motivation, though God delivers many if/then promises in the Bible for us to pursue His heart and His kingdom purposes in the earth: if we give He will bless or when He blesses we are to give for instance. Also, if we give frequently or spontaneously to family, friends or to an unknown person in need especially, it may be difficult to hide our faces from gaining visible recognition. The main intent of our giving should be to give because the Lord has given to us. Adam and Eve were gardeners and stewards with an authority given by God to rule, change and tend the Earth. At the fall man chose to do things alone - without God. This fallen way is still available to man: doing things on our own for ourselves; but so is the way of redemption through Christ: doing things with God - that which we were originally intended for. Everything but allowing the caring nature of God to live through us will eventually be shaken in this life or burned up in transition to the next, so we have every reason to remain in Christ in that which we steward, tend, create and do and we have no reason to cling to the fallen old nature that will remain.
Prayers: We pray our child will have a touchable and responsive heart to Your Spirit's leading: always carrying Your nature and allowing it to be fully expressed outwardly. If cares of the world and any selfish nature rise up to compete with Your glory and goodness we pray our child would war with them by standing firm and by casting off the old nature that tries to remain and casting up to You all cares of this world that try to enter in. We desire You to be the main response and reflection of our child. We desire to be models of this and so access Your grace to live redeemed as You originally intended us to with fullness in Christ. We pave the way in Jesus' name with this intercession to see our child enter Your desired place of wholeness in Christ. MAY IT BE SO! For the victory is and always will be Yours.
Monday, April 2, 2012
Obedience
Obedience
“Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:23 NASB).”
"Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner (John 5:19 NASB)."
"Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner (John 5:19 NASB)."
Definition: The state or quality of being obedient; the act or practice of obeying; dutiful or submissive compliance (Dictionary.com).
We do not need to sacrifice to meet any of God’s needs and our sacrifices for appeasement and salvation are never sufficient, only the sacrifice of Jesus is - so obedience is better than sacrifice. Obedience is more than compliance it is dutiful or submissive compliance. Obedience represents a proper heart attitude that mere rule following cannot completely express. Let us be wary of seeking a renown reputation: in so seeking we may allow man's estimations to ultimately dictate what should or should not be done, thus damaging our capacity to follow Christ as He followed the Father.
May we model such an obedient life for our child, please help us to be commited to Your Way above all other ways no matter the pressure to aspire to so called political or social "correctness". As for our family - the standard You set is all the correctness we want to aspire to.
Thank Your for Your help and many blessings.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Sacrifice
Sacrifice
”Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus (Phillipians 2:3-5 NASB),…”
“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends (John 15:13 NASB).”
“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Romans 12:1 NASB).”
Definition: Sacrifice - The offering of animal, plant, or human life or of some material possession to a deity, as in propitiation or homage; the person, animal, or thing so offered; the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim; the thing so surrendered or devoted; to make a sacrifice or offering of; to surrender or give up, or permit injury or disadvantage to, for the sake of something else (Dictionary.com).
In sacrifice we lay aside our wants and needs for the purpose of elevating others. This elevation can be situational or a lifestyle; when we lift others in aide and encouragement we honor God. Real, true sacrifice is rare. When we really give sacrificially we: give up time until we become inconvenienced; we give up desires so those of another can be met; we give up resources until the ability to meet personal needs is questioned; we give up personal security to aid others who are in trouble or who are in dangerous places; we may also give up life to save life – we don’t wait until we have extra to give, we give in a time of need and we give until it hurts.
We surrender this baby and pregnancy to You and Your will, and thank You for Your help and blessings. If anyone sacrifices something for our child, we pray our baby will be grateful. May gratefulness and sacrifice be part of our lifestyle, not just in consideration, but in action, until our child receives and recognizes the habit and in turn behaves responsibly in gratefulness, and responsively to pass on and share with others even until it hurts.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Child of God, Mission and Inheritance
Child of God, Mission and Inheritance
“…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 2:21-22 NASB).”
“…but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ, from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love (Ephesians 4:15-17 NASB).”
“The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me (John 17:22-23 NASB).”
Mission - an operational task, usually assigned by a higher headquarters; an operation designed to carry out the goals of a specific program
Inheritance - To take or receive (property, a right, a title, etc.) by succession or will, as an heir; to receive (a genetic character) by the transmission of hereditary factors; to succeed (a person) as heir; to receive as one's portion; come into possession of. To take or receive property or the like by virtue of being heir to it; to receive qualities, powers, duties, etc., as by inheritance (followed by from); to have succession as heir (Dictionary.com).
We are children of God: God grafts us into His holy family, making us sons and co-inheritors with Christ. We are on a mission: as new creations we follow Christ in death, resurrection and ascension to heavenly life. He reconciles and mediates for us and through Him we become ministers of reconciliation to others. God qualifies us as we hear His word and obey, then we gain His perspective and keep our innate moral intuition clear of foolish reasoning. We cast every concern on God until we are left with pure abundant and unhindered life; we cast down sin, worldly desires and pharisaical leaven that lead to death. We strengthen ourselves by adding excellence, knowledge and self control to our faith, then God builds on that momentum through personal ministry and refinement until we effectively reflect His image in godliness. Then we use our strength in faith and our devine inner deposit to boldly minister to others through brotherly kindness, truth and love. We aim toward sharing in divine inheritance: after the newly redeemed choose to have trust in Christ, by God's grace in discipleship we connect our strengths to their weaknesses and encourage them to cast their cares to God and allow Him to minister to them and bring renewed life to the journey that adds to their faith. Once strengthened in character and belief we connect our strengths to their strengths and begin to build the corporate identity in Christ. Bearing God’s image and Love, cultivating His kingdom to advance His glory on earth and dwelling with Him eternally was always the creation plan and by means of reconciliation through Christ it is still the plan. We are children of God, on a mission and His inheritance is at hand.
Prayers: We surrender our child to You and Your will, and thank You for Your help and blessings. We know Your creation plan and promise. Our goals are to portray Your glory, discuss Your sovereignty firmly and frequently and express the importance of seeking first Your kingdom and righteousness to see them advance in and from our lives. We add to our faith excellence, knowledge and self control to be like You and show Your true glory, kindness and love. Your grace to us through our faith is amazing and complete, but we never want to let our faith make excuses for lack of excellence, ignorance, poor self control or any misrepresentation of You. We submit ourselves to Your ministry and mission and ask that our child be inspired by us or by other strong believers to do the same.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Appearance
Appearance
Definition: The state, condition, manner, or style in which a person or object appears; outward look or aspect.
Caring for ourselves physically and grooming ourselves is only important to man. Bearing this in mind, we should view appearance in perspective to what is most important. Outside of necessary hygiene, every adornment and display or makeup of our physical bodies is strictly physical and so appeals only to physical people; but the LORD looks at the heart - and He is looking for a heart that is completely His. Occasionally primping will gain us favor on Earth: with future bosses, future mates, even gaining credibility as a leader, but God looks past these things and grants favor to us based on our internal display of things like devotion, integrity and true surrender. Things are not always as they appear, God only knows, but let's endeavor to be consistent inside and out.
Prayers: We pray our child will have the proper perspective on appearance, always knowing what matters most to You.
We pray good habits in cleanliness will arise, but any worry or obsession of looks will subside. We need Your help to offer a proper balance and support of appearance since we are far out of plumb ourselves.
Thank You for Your mercy to move beyond fear and worry and thank You for Your grace to be strong and capably aware of all that concerns You. Your help is most welcomed and desired, we cherish Your guidance and long to be more like You for the sake of our child.
"Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB)."
Definition: The state, condition, manner, or style in which a person or object appears; outward look or aspect.
Caring for ourselves physically and grooming ourselves is only important to man. Bearing this in mind, we should view appearance in perspective to what is most important. Outside of necessary hygiene, every adornment and display or makeup of our physical bodies is strictly physical and so appeals only to physical people; but the LORD looks at the heart - and He is looking for a heart that is completely His. Occasionally primping will gain us favor on Earth: with future bosses, future mates, even gaining credibility as a leader, but God looks past these things and grants favor to us based on our internal display of things like devotion, integrity and true surrender. Things are not always as they appear, God only knows, but let's endeavor to be consistent inside and out.
Prayers: We pray our child will have the proper perspective on appearance, always knowing what matters most to You.
We pray good habits in cleanliness will arise, but any worry or obsession of looks will subside. We need Your help to offer a proper balance and support of appearance since we are far out of plumb ourselves.
Thank You for Your mercy to move beyond fear and worry and thank You for Your grace to be strong and capably aware of all that concerns You. Your help is most welcomed and desired, we cherish Your guidance and long to be more like You for the sake of our child.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
Child, Parent, Grandparent
Child, Parent, Grandparent
“The God of Abraham Isaac and Jacob (Acts 3:13a).”
"AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS (Acts 2:17 NASB);"
Definitions: Child: A person between birth and full growth; a boy or girl; a son or daughter; a baby or infant; a human fetus.
Parent: A father or a mother; an ancestor, precursor, or progenitor; a protector or guardian.
Grandparent: A paent of a parent (dictionary.com).
We each have a general assortment of familial connectivity: blood lines, inheritances, family traits and appearances. Each generation has a specially designed offering for a full family pursuit of God’s work with advancing, enhancing, connecting in Him and connecting together as His complete "workmanship"(Ephesian 2:10).
Prayers: In the name of Jesus may any lines of depravity, destruction and death in our family be broken. We pray Your holiness, healing and abundant life will flow through our family instead. Thank You for blessing us with life and peace; we ask that they persevere over any plan to depress or isolate our child from Your given way and destiny.
We surrender our child to You and Your will, and thank You for Your help and blessing.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Name
Name
“…and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus (the doubter), and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee (John 21:1b-2a NASB),…”
“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold (Proverbs 22:1 NASB).”
“A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth (Ecclesiastes 7:1 NASB).”
Definition: A word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known (Dictionary.com).
Our last name, when we are born, is only as good as our ancestors and parents helped it to be. Our first name however usually matches well in definition to some of our actions and character - that is why God would rename some in the Bible to match His newly bestowed character and calling. We then, by recognition and modification of our actions, and by expression of our inner traits and convictions, can create a lasting, favorable name for ourselves.
Prayers: We pray our child will know the seriousness and importance of a good name and be aware of the negative things that can be done to hurt, and the positive things that can be done to help a name.
We pray our child will be protected from embarrassing titles and social diminishing because of anything we have done.
May our entire family walk by Your Spirit and grace and purely portray Your glory while unabashedly praising You for positively influencing our lives.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
"I also say to you that you are Peter (pieces of rock), and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it (Matthew 16:18 NASB).”
“He said, "Your name shall no longer be Jacob, but Israel (struggles with God); for you have striven with God and with men and have prevailed (Genesis 32:28 NASB)."“…and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus (the doubter), and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee (John 21:1b-2a NASB),…”
“A good name is to be more desired than great wealth, favor is better than silver and gold (Proverbs 22:1 NASB).”
“A good name is better than a good ointment, and the day of one's death is better than the day of one's birth (Ecclesiastes 7:1 NASB).”
Definition: A word or a combination of words by which a person, place, or thing, a body or class, or any object of thought is designated, called, or known (Dictionary.com).
Our last name, when we are born, is only as good as our ancestors and parents helped it to be. Our first name however usually matches well in definition to some of our actions and character - that is why God would rename some in the Bible to match His newly bestowed character and calling. We then, by recognition and modification of our actions, and by expression of our inner traits and convictions, can create a lasting, favorable name for ourselves.
Prayers: We pray our child will know the seriousness and importance of a good name and be aware of the negative things that can be done to hurt, and the positive things that can be done to help a name.
We pray our child will be protected from embarrassing titles and social diminishing because of anything we have done.
May our entire family walk by Your Spirit and grace and purely portray Your glory while unabashedly praising You for positively influencing our lives.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Value and Importance
Value and Importance
Definition: Value: relative worth, merit, or importance:
Importance: of much or great significance or consequence
“And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest. But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with Him, and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:1-6),..”
Definition: Value: relative worth, merit, or importance:
Importance: of much or great significance or consequence
Eternal identifiers that cannot be self apportioned. Our actual identity comes from the worth, value and importance God bestows on us through His likeness and image. Lacking in this revelation leaves a void we try to fill, and a question we try to answer using various clues, imaginations and pieces of life. These fail to fully explain anything and so usually only beg more questions. We must keep our eyes on the creator for definition and not on our strengths, weaknesses, habits and accomplishments, because whether we estimate ourselves as good, bad or indifferent we would measure amiss. Only the creator of something can define its true purpose, meaning and being.
Prayers: We pray that very soon in life our child will gain the understanding of Your eternal value and Your deep consideration of us. Then the only necessary pilgrimage will be to know You more and become more like You. So let it be that we all will see Your value and importance in each other. Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Talents and Gifts
Talents and Gifts
“For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching; or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness (Romans 12:4-8 NASB).”
Definition: Talent - A special natural ability or aptitude.
Gift - Something bestowed or acquired without any particular effort by the recipient or without its being earned; a special ability or capacity; natural endowment; talent (Dictionary.com).
Through ability, interest and aptitude our talents can bring confidence and, when discovered, can bring encouragement from others to press further and dream big. Our gifts can bring meaningful blessings and, when exercised, can bring appreciation from others who receive and draw out the inner deposit inside of us. When we live accurately, as we are created to live, we lay aside fear and embrace our potential and capacity to do. Truly nothing can hold us back.
Prayers: In everything that can be and will be done, we ask for Your guidance and validation to stir up faith and mature our child in Your providential way. We pray our child will always glorify you with each gift and talent. Thank you for Your help and many blessings!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Creativity
Creativity
"God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27 NASB)."
"Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created man on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any people heard the voice of God speaking from the midst of the fire, as you have heard it, and survived (Deuteronomy 4:32-33 NASB)?"
Definition: The state or quality of being creative; the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.
We are created to be creative, to realize the new; to break from form and strictest norm with something else to do and make. True tradition is at stake the day we set its stake and decide the now is all there needs to be. Though now is great to celebrate we need more than one party. Remembering is golden, an emblem in our minds of good things and good times, but not intended out of sort for past is past to not resort again, but start again and loose from its origin the unique life that flows within that grows where it is raised. Creativity thrives and creativity stays, because we mirror a creative God who is set in all His ways.
Prayers: Lord help our child be like You in creativity. We pray the patterns we set for our child will be influential, but not determining of every step or goal our child makes.
You are The Way, The Truth and The Life, You are the Author, You're the Perfector, You know the end from the beginning. Time does not hold You, but You hold time, so we look to You, further, we release to You our child for the brightest future and greatest today without blocks or traditions of men to get in the way. Thank You for Your help and blessings.
"God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them (Genesis 1:27 NASB)."
"Ask now about the former days, long before your time, from the day God created man on the earth; ask from one end of the heavens to the other. Has anything so great as this ever happened, or has anything like it ever been heard of? Has any people heard the voice of God speaking from the midst of the fire, as you have heard it, and survived (Deuteronomy 4:32-33 NASB)?"
Definition: The state or quality of being creative; the ability to transcend traditional ideas, rules, patterns, relationships, or the like, and to create meaningful new ideas, forms, methods, interpretations, etc.; originality, progressiveness, or imagination.
We are created to be creative, to realize the new; to break from form and strictest norm with something else to do and make. True tradition is at stake the day we set its stake and decide the now is all there needs to be. Though now is great to celebrate we need more than one party. Remembering is golden, an emblem in our minds of good things and good times, but not intended out of sort for past is past to not resort again, but start again and loose from its origin the unique life that flows within that grows where it is raised. Creativity thrives and creativity stays, because we mirror a creative God who is set in all His ways.
Prayers: Lord help our child be like You in creativity. We pray the patterns we set for our child will be influential, but not determining of every step or goal our child makes.
You are The Way, The Truth and The Life, You are the Author, You're the Perfector, You know the end from the beginning. Time does not hold You, but You hold time, so we look to You, further, we release to You our child for the brightest future and greatest today without blocks or traditions of men to get in the way. Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Intelligence and Humor
Intelligence and Humor
“As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17 NASB).”
“A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22 NASB).”
Definition: Intelligence - Capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.; manifestation of a high mental capacity; the faculty of understanding; knowledge of an event, circumstance, etc., received or imparted; news; information; the gathering or distribution of information, especially secret information.
Humor - A comic, absurd, or incongruous quality causing amusement; the faculty of perceiving what is amusing or comical; an instance of being or attempting to be comical or amusing; something humorous; the faculty of expressing the amusing or comical; comical writing or talk in general; comical books, skits, plays, etc.
We pray our child learns the importance of "laughing it off" and releasing trouble to You. May our child be delightful and fun to be around, always bringing life and liberty to oppresive and problematic circumstances by trusting You and walking with You. Thank You for Your help and blessings.
“As for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and intelligence in every branch of literature and wisdom; Daniel even understood all kinds of visions and dreams (Daniel 1:17 NASB).”
“A joyful heart is good medicine, But a broken spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22 NASB).”
Definition: Intelligence - Capacity for learning, reasoning, understanding, and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc.; manifestation of a high mental capacity; the faculty of understanding; knowledge of an event, circumstance, etc., received or imparted; news; information; the gathering or distribution of information, especially secret information.
Humor - A comic, absurd, or incongruous quality causing amusement; the faculty of perceiving what is amusing or comical; an instance of being or attempting to be comical or amusing; something humorous; the faculty of expressing the amusing or comical; comical writing or talk in general; comical books, skits, plays, etc.
Intelligence, a calculated quotient, and humor, a signature sense, are like raw ores waiting to be mined and refined. New discoveries and increasable craftiness may be found and extracted through effort and community: close relationships, focused training, strong discipline and self confidence. Both Intelligence and humor include inner processing of what is experienced and pondered, but mainly they are visible displays of mental giftedness that openly communicate: awareness, understanding, level headedness, trustworthy perspectives or witty anecdotes. Without intelligence, the problems of life can become increasingly overwhelming - with ignorant or idiotic choices adding to the normal difficulties we face. Without humor, the problems of life no matter how light or heavy can feel weightier. The ability to laugh something off is a skill to be learned and exercised through trust, just like when we cast our cares on the Lord.
Prayers: We pray our child has common sense, strong intellect and a light hearted take on Life’s burdensome, unjust and mundane aspects. As our child matures we pray for refinement and protection from debilitating awkwardness or slowness. We pray our child learns the importance of "laughing it off" and releasing trouble to You. May our child be delightful and fun to be around, always bringing life and liberty to oppresive and problematic circumstances by trusting You and walking with You. Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Personality
Personality
Definition: The visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others; a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities; the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual; the organized pattern of behavioral characteristics of the individual; the quality of being a person; existence as a self-conscious human being; personal identity; the essential character of a person.
Inside our created self (spirit and soul) is the source from which our unique inner flow begins and our personality is the fashion by which that source shows itself outwardly: every characteristic and quality, both conscious or unconscious, developed through upbringing, culture, environment, experiences and beliefs. When we put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14) our created self is free to begin reflecting His characteristics, motives and life through the unique way His hand fashions and perfects us. In Him we are no longer bound to the life we were born into, but can again become, or be redeemed into a new creation as He originally intended.
Prayers: We pray our child will be mature in the presentation of the source of life You have granted. May what is outwardly shown bring You honor and glory always.
Please protect our child from our strong opinions and failings; we pray we will always encourage our child to freely move with You as You originally intended.
We pray our child sustains the proper character necessary to connect in the body of Christ and be a strength to it, without allowing self centered environments and cultures to snuff out the purely driven source of personality you wove together even in the womb. We surrender our child to You, the great Author and Finisher of faith and true substance - thank You for Your help and many blessings.
“For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother's womb (Psalm 139:13 NASB).”
Definition: The visible aspect of one's character as it impresses others; a person as an embodiment of a collection of qualities; the sum total of the physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics of an individual; the organized pattern of behavioral characteristics of the individual; the quality of being a person; existence as a self-conscious human being; personal identity; the essential character of a person.
Inside our created self (spirit and soul) is the source from which our unique inner flow begins and our personality is the fashion by which that source shows itself outwardly: every characteristic and quality, both conscious or unconscious, developed through upbringing, culture, environment, experiences and beliefs. When we put on the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 13:14) our created self is free to begin reflecting His characteristics, motives and life through the unique way His hand fashions and perfects us. In Him we are no longer bound to the life we were born into, but can again become, or be redeemed into a new creation as He originally intended.
Prayers: We pray our child will be mature in the presentation of the source of life You have granted. May what is outwardly shown bring You honor and glory always.
Please protect our child from our strong opinions and failings; we pray we will always encourage our child to freely move with You as You originally intended.
We pray our child sustains the proper character necessary to connect in the body of Christ and be a strength to it, without allowing self centered environments and cultures to snuff out the purely driven source of personality you wove together even in the womb. We surrender our child to You, the great Author and Finisher of faith and true substance - thank You for Your help and many blessings.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Truth
Truth
"Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs from the earth, And righteousness looks down from heaven (Psalm 85:10-11 NASB)."
Definition: the true or actural state of a matter; the state or character of being true; acturality or actual existence, conformity with fact or reality (Dictionary.com).
Truth seekers and speakers want to know the story so they can be better, do better and help others by sharing the truth. Fact seekers do not necessarily care about the big picture or others, however, and run a high risk of getting lost in the details. Any devotion to information alone is "wearying to the body"; wisdom should be used to wisely encourage and prod from deceit and every true word should attempt to hit the target and put pieces together, "like a well-driven nail", not to bring confusion or allegiance to the speaker - only one Shepherd gives the Word and is the Word, Jesus, we merely pass it along and represent Him (Ecclesiastes 12:9-13). The main purpose in life is fearing God by connecting our reality to His righteousness in Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments by being led by the Spirit in faithful trust.
Prayers: We pray our child surpasses mere fact seeking and moves into truth for a proper view on self, the world, creation and You.
We pray that any interest our child has in knowledge and facts will be balanced and viewed as a tool, not a destination.
We pray, as a family, we will be real and truthful connecting to Your righteousness in Christ. We receive Your strength to accomplish our lives as ambassadors for You and Your kingdom advancement.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
"Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth springs from the earth, And righteousness looks down from heaven (Psalm 85:10-11 NASB)."
Definition: the true or actural state of a matter; the state or character of being true; acturality or actual existence, conformity with fact or reality (Dictionary.com).
Truth seekers and speakers want to know the story so they can be better, do better and help others by sharing the truth. Fact seekers do not necessarily care about the big picture or others, however, and run a high risk of getting lost in the details. Any devotion to information alone is "wearying to the body"; wisdom should be used to wisely encourage and prod from deceit and every true word should attempt to hit the target and put pieces together, "like a well-driven nail", not to bring confusion or allegiance to the speaker - only one Shepherd gives the Word and is the Word, Jesus, we merely pass it along and represent Him (Ecclesiastes 12:9-13). The main purpose in life is fearing God by connecting our reality to His righteousness in Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments by being led by the Spirit in faithful trust.
Prayers: We pray our child surpasses mere fact seeking and moves into truth for a proper view on self, the world, creation and You.
We pray that any interest our child has in knowledge and facts will be balanced and viewed as a tool, not a destination.
We pray, as a family, we will be real and truthful connecting to Your righteousness in Christ. We receive Your strength to accomplish our lives as ambassadors for You and Your kingdom advancement.
Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Faithfulness
Faithfulness
“It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him; If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself (1 Timothy 2:11-13 NASB).
Definition: Strict or thorough in the performance of duty; true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.; steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant; reliable, trusted.
Definition: Strict or thorough in the performance of duty; true to one's word, promises, vows, etc.; steady in allegiance or affection; loyal; constant; reliable, trusted.
Staying committed, trustable and reliable are at the heart of faithfulness. Closely connected to what makes one faithful is why to be faithful. God is constant and all existence depends on His unchanging reliability; we do our best when we allow His nature to access and infiltrate to become the greatest showing of our character and representation of Him. Whether we succeed in faithfulness or not He will always remain faithful, because it is Who He IS.
We will do our best to reveal and mirror Your great unwavering faithfulness, but we pray our child will connect to You regardless of our solidity in faith.
We pray the connection our child has with You infiltrates deep and shows out, so every part of the mind that originates behavior and perceives activity and truth will reflect Your thoughts and Your ways.
We pray the connection our child has with You infiltrates deep and shows out, so every part of the mind that originates behavior and perceives activity and truth will reflect Your thoughts and Your ways.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Teachable
Teachable
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel (Proverbs 12:15)."
He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise (Proverbs 15:31)."
Definition: Teachable - Capable of being instructed, as a person; docile; capable of being taught.
Teach - to impart knowledge of or skill in; give instruction in; or ...skill to; give instruction to.
Those who are teachable learn the truth from the past, from problems and from situations; from God's word and from others when given counsel, encouragement or reproof no matter how offensive, obvious or humiliating the content. After all David thought, "faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:6 NASB). Those of us who remain teachable and responsive to the truth will one day know it all, just as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12); while those of us who are know-it-alls and dismiss teaching may one day be left in the dark. Let us pay closer attention to what we oppose and not be automatically contrary. The information should be more important to us than the delivery - after all we don't dismiss the delivery of a treasured gift just because the box has a few dents, marks or rough edges. Sure, maybe we do open the box to make sure everything is okay (or true) when it comes in such a package, but we care for the gift (information/truth) and we happily receive it. It is far too easy to become deceived, ensnared, illusioned or in denial about shortcomings, bad aims or blind spots in our lives. May we all stay teachable to the end.
Prayers: We pray our child always stays teachable to the truth. Please help us to model being teachable and how to uncover truth even when it is wrapped in damaged packaging.
We know being teachable isn't treating truth like it is up in the air all the time and it isn't having a constantly swayable or open mind to potential deception or error, but being teachable is constantly submitting to Your authoritative curriculum and voice in life by studying, listening and apprehending.
We submit to Your voice Lord. We lay low and choose to disregard any fears or doubts we have pertaining to Your static embodiment of objective Truth and Life. We don't know everything, but You do: For now we know in part, but one day we will fully know, just as we now are fully known by You. Thank You Lord for Your processes and for all of Your help and blessings with raising our child.
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man is he who listens to counsel (Proverbs 12:15)."
He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof will dwell among the wise (Proverbs 15:31)."
Definition: Teachable - Capable of being instructed, as a person; docile; capable of being taught.
Teach - to impart knowledge of or skill in; give instruction in; or ...skill to; give instruction to.
Those who are teachable learn the truth from the past, from problems and from situations; from God's word and from others when given counsel, encouragement or reproof no matter how offensive, obvious or humiliating the content. After all David thought, "faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of an enemy" (Proverbs 27:6 NASB). Those of us who remain teachable and responsive to the truth will one day know it all, just as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12); while those of us who are know-it-alls and dismiss teaching may one day be left in the dark. Let us pay closer attention to what we oppose and not be automatically contrary. The information should be more important to us than the delivery - after all we don't dismiss the delivery of a treasured gift just because the box has a few dents, marks or rough edges. Sure, maybe we do open the box to make sure everything is okay (or true) when it comes in such a package, but we care for the gift (information/truth) and we happily receive it. It is far too easy to become deceived, ensnared, illusioned or in denial about shortcomings, bad aims or blind spots in our lives. May we all stay teachable to the end.
Prayers: We pray our child always stays teachable to the truth. Please help us to model being teachable and how to uncover truth even when it is wrapped in damaged packaging.
We know being teachable isn't treating truth like it is up in the air all the time and it isn't having a constantly swayable or open mind to potential deception or error, but being teachable is constantly submitting to Your authoritative curriculum and voice in life by studying, listening and apprehending.
We submit to Your voice Lord. We lay low and choose to disregard any fears or doubts we have pertaining to Your static embodiment of objective Truth and Life. We don't know everything, but You do: For now we know in part, but one day we will fully know, just as we now are fully known by You. Thank You Lord for Your processes and for all of Your help and blessings with raising our child.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Self-Esteem
Self-Esteem
Definition: a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect (Dictionary.com).
“Such confidence we have through Christ toward God. Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God (2 Corinthians 3:4-5 NASB),..”
Definition: a realistic respect for or favorable impression of oneself; self-respect (Dictionary.com).
Self-esteem is the way we see ourselves, feel about ourselves and the strength of inner fortitude that helps us believe we can be, when we want to be. Our value comes from God. Nothing in the world can add to it or take away from it. When we belong to God this worth is realized and completed. If we agree with the world or do not agree with heaven, we are lost and unreceiving of our God given worth. This leads us to interpret our value and esteem through other things like: our success or failure, our strength or weakness, our capability or limitation and the positive or negative opinion of others.
Prayers: We pray our baby knows personal identity and capability through connecting to You; and that Your given value would never be questioned or petitioned elsewhere. We pray instead that our child will be secure in knowing You and being fully known by You.
We surrender our child to You and Your will Lord; only You hold the words of life necessary to convince and convict our child an appropriate self-esteem. Have Your Way in our family! Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Honor
Honor
"A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor (Proverbs 29:23 NASB)."
Definition: Honest, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions; high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank; high public esteem; fame; glory (Dictionary.com)
Whether by gift, duty or command, whenever we honor, we respect others with humility. We give a notable weight to who they are, where they are and what they say. Honoring does not always mean agreeing with, and should not require giving in to manipulation, but is merely a focused deference without a reciprocal need. When we honor in the fear of the Lord, we recognize others in His image and plan despite the common inconsistencies and imperfections most of us have. When we humbly honor God's design in others we also honor Him.
Prayers: We pray our child will discover You in all of Your creation and be fearless and fervent in honoring You greatly. Please help our child also become an expert at discovering, mining out and encouraging, the divine treasure in others through honor humility and love.
We pray that honor and respect will remain the language our child speaks and if our child is ever to speak a word in judgement, may it only be from truth and not opinion and may it also only be through love with great discretion and humility.
The sinful nature is what we are "born into", but not what we are "created for" or born again into. When our child is born again as a new creation in Jesus Christ we pray the "created for" overtakes the "born into" and true covenant with You is established so every occasion of honoring given or received will eventually mean something eternal in our child's life. We give You this care and receive Your help in wisely navigating a journey that may include us, but is not our own. Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
"A man's pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor (Proverbs 29:23 NASB)."
Definition: Honest, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions; high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank; high public esteem; fame; glory (Dictionary.com)
Whether by gift, duty or command, whenever we honor, we respect others with humility. We give a notable weight to who they are, where they are and what they say. Honoring does not always mean agreeing with, and should not require giving in to manipulation, but is merely a focused deference without a reciprocal need. When we honor in the fear of the Lord, we recognize others in His image and plan despite the common inconsistencies and imperfections most of us have. When we humbly honor God's design in others we also honor Him.
Prayers: We pray our child will discover You in all of Your creation and be fearless and fervent in honoring You greatly. Please help our child also become an expert at discovering, mining out and encouraging, the divine treasure in others through honor humility and love.
We pray that honor and respect will remain the language our child speaks and if our child is ever to speak a word in judgement, may it only be from truth and not opinion and may it also only be through love with great discretion and humility.
The sinful nature is what we are "born into", but not what we are "created for" or born again into. When our child is born again as a new creation in Jesus Christ we pray the "created for" overtakes the "born into" and true covenant with You is established so every occasion of honoring given or received will eventually mean something eternal in our child's life. We give You this care and receive Your help in wisely navigating a journey that may include us, but is not our own. Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Boldness
Boldness
“…and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,.. (Ephesians 6:19 NASB).”
Definition: Boldness - Not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring; not hesitating to break the rules of propriety; forward; beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action.
Effrontery - Shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity (Dictionary.com).
Being bold is to be one with rational caution or polite consideration and is not easily intimidated; being one who bends, but rarely breaks the rules. We should walk in boldness with faith not presumption and effrontery. Bold faith stands for something that is not easily seen or proven and stands firm against challenging beliefs, even at the risk of shame, rejection or general labeling. Presumptuous effrontery tends to assumes a belief and challenges anyone to prove the opposite of what is being assumed usually offering little to no solid proof or intellect beyond stubborn belief. We should not be stubborn or blindly support something in adherence to popularity or tradition, or in escape of something we fear or dislike. Effrontery usually offers quick criticism and ad hominem* attacks to anyone lacking in the same ideals, beliefs, traditions or trends. When we are bold with our beliefs or opinions let it be so only when we can defend our stance with patience, conviction, truth, reason or proof.
Prayers: We pray our child will find the needed path to boldness and let go of fear. May the boldness show with humility and patience so many can benefit and our child can stay teachable.
We greatly desire our child to embrace common sense and move into greater intelligence and understanding of You and Your ways in Heaven and on Earth. May no effrontery rise up, but if it does please help us discipline it specifically so our child will be refined in boldness and never shut down.
Thank You for Your help and many blessings, we surrender our child to You and Your perfect will.
“…and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,.. (Ephesians 6:19 NASB).”
Definition: Boldness - Not hesitating or fearful in the face of actual or possible danger or rebuff; courageous and daring; not hesitating to break the rules of propriety; forward; beyond the usual limits of conventional thought or action.
Effrontery - Shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity (Dictionary.com).
Being bold is to be one with rational caution or polite consideration and is not easily intimidated; being one who bends, but rarely breaks the rules. We should walk in boldness with faith not presumption and effrontery. Bold faith stands for something that is not easily seen or proven and stands firm against challenging beliefs, even at the risk of shame, rejection or general labeling. Presumptuous effrontery tends to assumes a belief and challenges anyone to prove the opposite of what is being assumed usually offering little to no solid proof or intellect beyond stubborn belief. We should not be stubborn or blindly support something in adherence to popularity or tradition, or in escape of something we fear or dislike. Effrontery usually offers quick criticism and ad hominem* attacks to anyone lacking in the same ideals, beliefs, traditions or trends. When we are bold with our beliefs or opinions let it be so only when we can defend our stance with patience, conviction, truth, reason or proof.
Prayers: We pray our child will find the needed path to boldness and let go of fear. May the boldness show with humility and patience so many can benefit and our child can stay teachable.
We greatly desire our child to embrace common sense and move into greater intelligence and understanding of You and Your ways in Heaven and on Earth. May no effrontery rise up, but if it does please help us discipline it specifically so our child will be refined in boldness and never shut down.
Thank You for Your help and many blessings, we surrender our child to You and Your perfect will.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Courage
Courage
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:16 NASB)."
Definition: The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery (Dictionary.com).
Keeping courageous is tough. And, not everyone who is tough is courageous. It takes courage to do the needed thing or the right thing in the midst of opposition or a struggle. The quality of mind and spirit necessary to prevail comes from believing in the promise of unyielding support, victory and companionship of God. God's grace is not defined in what He is able to do, but in what He is able to help us do. We must always remember where our help comes from and that we are the ones doing the work - God's work, done through man.
"Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you He will not fail you or forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:16 NASB)."
Definition: The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery (Dictionary.com).
Keeping courageous is tough. And, not everyone who is tough is courageous. It takes courage to do the needed thing or the right thing in the midst of opposition or a struggle. The quality of mind and spirit necessary to prevail comes from believing in the promise of unyielding support, victory and companionship of God. God's grace is not defined in what He is able to do, but in what He is able to help us do. We must always remember where our help comes from and that we are the ones doing the work - God's work, done through man.
Prayer: We pray our child steps up in Your divinely granted identity: the created for self, not the born into self. We know You are able to help us and we can do all things through You with Your strength, so please strengthen our child to move with You and remain in You. Thank You for Your help and blessings.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Strength
Strength
“And He has said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.’ Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinth. 12:9-10 NASB).”
Definition: The quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor; mental power, force or vigor, moral power, firmness, or courage; power by reason of influence, authority, resources, numbers etc (Dictionary.com).Strength: muscularly, mentally and morally is the foundational source and force by which we think, we do and refuse to do - our personal inventory of capacities, capabilities and spirit. We pull from this inventory whenever faced with decisions, confusion, tasks or trauma. The possibility of being better and becoming more corresponds directly with our strength, unless God graciously fills the gap, then our weakness has the power to show His strength and move us forward in humility. When we are weak He is strong.
Prayers: We surrender our child to You Lord and Your perfect will. Please help our baby grow strong in all areas and have the fullest inventory of strength.
We also pray that when the inventory is lacking that our child will wait on You to renew strength with confidence and humility. Thank You Lord for Your help and blessings.
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