Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holy Spirit. Show all posts
Monday, February 3, 2014
Wednesday, December 4, 2013
Friday, October 11, 2013
Careless Words
"I
tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for
every careless word they speak.” Matthew 12:36 HCSB
Lord, how careful we must be with our tongues. On the day of judgement people will have to account for every careless word we speak. Oh teach us to make good use of our words. The world is flippant with your name, and with foul language. Holy Spirit, guide, direct, prod, and convict our children when they don't speak with words that reflect you. I pray that you teach Alyssa and Kyle to use their mouths to encourage others, and may comfort from their lips bring those around them relief. (Job 16:5) Help them to look past their own interest, and look to the good of others, being sympathetic to others feelings and needs. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always use their tongues to encourage one another and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Our tongues should not curse men and declare your praise at the same time. Dear Jesus, move Alyssa and Kyle to use their words for your glory and praise! Amen.
Lord, how careful we must be with our tongues. On the day of judgement people will have to account for every careless word we speak. Oh teach us to make good use of our words. The world is flippant with your name, and with foul language. Holy Spirit, guide, direct, prod, and convict our children when they don't speak with words that reflect you. I pray that you teach Alyssa and Kyle to use their mouths to encourage others, and may comfort from their lips bring those around them relief. (Job 16:5) Help them to look past their own interest, and look to the good of others, being sympathetic to others feelings and needs. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle always use their tongues to encourage one another and build each other up. (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Our tongues should not curse men and declare your praise at the same time. Dear Jesus, move Alyssa and Kyle to use their words for your glory and praise! Amen.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Call to Him
“This is God’s Message, the God who made earth,
made it livable and lasting, known everywhere as God:
‘Call to me and I will answer you.
I’ll tell you marvelous and wondrous things
that you could never figure out on your own.’
Jeremiah 33:2-3 (The Message)
Lord, thank you for the promise that when we call to you, you will answer, and when we can't figure out things you will give us wisdom and insight. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle learn to talk to you like one would talk to a friend, and seek you when they need answers and have struggles. Oh what marvelous and wondrous things you want to share with them. I ask that you help Alyssa and Kyle to understand the power and sweetness of prayer, and find joy and delight as they find you in your Word. You, Lord, have the answers they need, and will shower them with wisdom and love as they call on your name. May the truth of this promise come alive to Alyssa and Kyle, and they experience first hand your intimate and all-knowing voice. Oh what blessing they will find!
Friday, September 20, 2013
I Am the Clay
"The day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, the Lord
said to me, ‘Assemble the people before Me, and I will let them hear My
words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the
earth and may instruct their children.’" Deuteronomy 4:10
Yesterday was the first video in our new Women's Bible Study. This year we are studying Beth Moore's study "To Live Is Christ" about the life and ministry of Paul. In the introduction video Beth Moore gave us five learning disabilities in the "Christian Classroom". They are so relevant to my life, and give me pause to think about my personal walk with God, but also my kid's journey with Him. Maybe you'll find these "disabilities" challenging and encouraging as well.
1. Spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder...This term applies to the person who has troubles paying attention for very long.
2. Spiritual Hyperactivity...when we can't be still.
3. Spiritual Dyslexia...when we get things turned upside down or turned around and tend to think we are in charge instead of God.
4. Vision Impairment...when we don't see God's bigger picture, but only what is closest to us.
5. Hearing Impairment...when He has a word for us and we turn our back on Him, leading to rebellion.
God wants us to have teachable and pliable hearts, where He is the Potter and we are the clay. And not the other way around. So, today, that is my prayer for myself...and my teenagers who sometimes think they know it all.
Lord, help our hearts to be teachable. Mold us, dear Jesus, I pray. Let Alyssa and Kyle hear your words, so that they may learn to fear You. I pray that they become life-long students of you and your Word. Make their hearts like yours, dear Jesus!
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| Photo Credit |
1. Spiritual Attention Deficit Disorder...This term applies to the person who has troubles paying attention for very long.
2. Spiritual Hyperactivity...when we can't be still.
3. Spiritual Dyslexia...when we get things turned upside down or turned around and tend to think we are in charge instead of God.
4. Vision Impairment...when we don't see God's bigger picture, but only what is closest to us.
5. Hearing Impairment...when He has a word for us and we turn our back on Him, leading to rebellion.
God wants us to have teachable and pliable hearts, where He is the Potter and we are the clay. And not the other way around. So, today, that is my prayer for myself...and my teenagers who sometimes think they know it all.
Lord, help our hearts to be teachable. Mold us, dear Jesus, I pray. Let Alyssa and Kyle hear your words, so that they may learn to fear You. I pray that they become life-long students of you and your Word. Make their hearts like yours, dear Jesus!
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
In Sync with the Spirit
"Wherever the Spirit wanted to go, the creatures went in the direction the Spirit was moving." Ezekiel 1:20 (HCSB)
Not only do the last four weeks mark a "sabbatical" from blogging, it marks a period of my summer where I couldn't drive. I've been dependent on friends, my kids and my hubby to take me everywhere I've had to go. That's hard for a mom who is used to helping everyone else, and being free to go and do whatever whenever.
Another thing that was sometimes frustrating, in this driving dependance, was that my kids weren't always good listeners to directions. Sure, I wasn't always the best back seat driver, but still there were times when my guidance was ignored or unappreciated.
It gave me pause to think that sometimes it's hard for us to let go of what we think, or assume we know what is right, and listen to the wisdom of someone else. I pray, that when it comes to Alyssa and Kyle's relationship with God, that they will be attentive to His voice, and willing to go in whatever direction He moves them in. Where He goes, or where he sends, may they always follow!
My Sweet and Present Father, I pray that you are forever near Alyssa and Kyle in ways that they see you, sense you, and are intimately aware of your voice leading them in the ways they ought to go. And wherever you lead, may they go in the direction your Spirit is moving. Mirroring your movement, and following your leading, will always take trust, obedience, and discipline to pay attention to your presence. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will always be in tune with you, Jesus! Amen.
Kyle in his new truck (August 2013)
Not only do the last four weeks mark a "sabbatical" from blogging, it marks a period of my summer where I couldn't drive. I've been dependent on friends, my kids and my hubby to take me everywhere I've had to go. That's hard for a mom who is used to helping everyone else, and being free to go and do whatever whenever.
Another thing that was sometimes frustrating, in this driving dependance, was that my kids weren't always good listeners to directions. Sure, I wasn't always the best back seat driver, but still there were times when my guidance was ignored or unappreciated.
It gave me pause to think that sometimes it's hard for us to let go of what we think, or assume we know what is right, and listen to the wisdom of someone else. I pray, that when it comes to Alyssa and Kyle's relationship with God, that they will be attentive to His voice, and willing to go in whatever direction He moves them in. Where He goes, or where he sends, may they always follow!
My Sweet and Present Father, I pray that you are forever near Alyssa and Kyle in ways that they see you, sense you, and are intimately aware of your voice leading them in the ways they ought to go. And wherever you lead, may they go in the direction your Spirit is moving. Mirroring your movement, and following your leading, will always take trust, obedience, and discipline to pay attention to your presence. I pray that Alyssa and Kyle will always be in tune with you, Jesus! Amen.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Eye Protection
"Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness." --Luke 11:24
When my kids were little I could control most of the things that they would see and experience on a day to day basis. I'd monitor their television intake and could turn the channel at any moment, was picky about the movies they'd bring home, and be choosy about the books that they'd check out from the library. Protecting their eyes from seeing the unlovely things of this world was a big job sometimes.
But today, now that Alyssa and Kyle are 19 and 16 years old, I find the job a bit out of my hands. The many different electronic devices in each child's possession add to the challenge as well. Yet, even at this age (and my age, truth be told), guarding what their eyes see is of vital importance. When our eyes are healthy, our spirit is more in tune with His Spirit, and like Luke 11:24 states, our body is "full of light".
I will still try to influence what is watched on television in our home, and the electronic activity to the best of my ability, but at this point the best thing I can do is fall on my knees and ask God to protect my babies, and move their spirit to cringe at things they shouldn't see (or hear, or read) for eye protection ultimately protects the heart.
Lord, please protect Alyssa and Kyle's eyes for they are the lamp of their body. When their eyes are healthy, their whole body also is full of light. And when they are unhealthy, their body is full of darkness. Help Alyssa and Kyle's hearts to be sensitive to what is not right, good, and holy, and desire the things that you find pleasing. Move them to hunger for holiness, dear Savior, and give the the drive to seek after you. You can bring them such great pleasure and delight, and they will find a great joy in you that they will not find in the world. Lord, please be Alyssa and Kyle's eye protection I pray.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
A New Name
"...[He] does not stand in the truth,
because there is no truth in him.
When he lies,
he speaks out of his own character,
for he is a liar and the father of lies.” –John 8:44
I have a name that periodically echos in my head.
A name from the Enemy.
A name that I know is a lie,
yet it still rears its head from time to time.
It's easy to believe the lie.
With a brief interaction,
in a quiet moment of the day,
or in the busyness of life,
the Enemy plants the seed
and reminds me of the name.
What lies does he fill Alyssa and Kyle's mind with?
What do they believe to be true about themselves,
though it is far from God's designed name?
What circumstances trigger the false "roll call"?
But One who is greater,
Who is over all,
Bestows on us a new name.
Truth.
Amen.
The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new namethat the mouth of the Lord will bestow. –Isaiah 62:2
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and believe
the name God whispers in their ear
as He sweetly sings over them.
Lord, keep Alyssa and Kyle from believing the enemy's lies. Whatever name or thoughts he feeds them, may they be dispelled by your powerful and everlasting truth. Take those names and crush them and replace them with the new name that you bestow upon Alyssa and Kyle. By your transforming presence and the truth of your Word, help them to know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in your sight.
because there is no truth in him.
When he lies,
he speaks out of his own character,
for he is a liar and the father of lies.” –John 8:44
I have a name that periodically echos in my head.
A name from the Enemy.
A name that I know is a lie,
yet it still rears its head from time to time.
It's easy to believe the lie.
With a brief interaction,
in a quiet moment of the day,
or in the busyness of life,
the Enemy plants the seed
and reminds me of the name.
What lies does he fill Alyssa and Kyle's mind with?
What do they believe to be true about themselves,
though it is far from God's designed name?
What circumstances trigger the false "roll call"?
But One who is greater,
Who is over all,
Bestows on us a new name.
Truth.
Amen.
The nations will see your righteousness,
and all kings your glory;
you will be called by a new namethat the mouth of the Lord will bestow. –Isaiah 62:2
I pray that Alyssa and Kyle know and believe
the name God whispers in their ear
as He sweetly sings over them.
Lord, keep Alyssa and Kyle from believing the enemy's lies. Whatever name or thoughts he feeds them, may they be dispelled by your powerful and everlasting truth. Take those names and crush them and replace them with the new name that you bestow upon Alyssa and Kyle. By your transforming presence and the truth of your Word, help them to know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in your sight.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Ears to Hear
"Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” Mark 4:9
Our kids are probably like any other kids. Sometimes they don't
hear well. Or maybe better said, they hear well, but sometimes choose
not to listen. I mean, if its not something they WANT to hear, its just
easier to pretend like they missed what I said.
But beyond asking them to pick up their rooms, bring me their laundry, or feed the dog, there are times where I have important things to say that I hope they choose to hear. Things that will save them from calamity, failure, or harm. Things that will help their relationships, get to know God more, or help them succeed as they become adults.
Sometimes mothers (or fathers...or our Father) know best...so open those ears, dear ones!!!
Check out those ears...the giraffes, not Alyssa's! (2005)
But beyond asking them to pick up their rooms, bring me their laundry, or feed the dog, there are times where I have important things to say that I hope they choose to hear. Things that will save them from calamity, failure, or harm. Things that will help their relationships, get to know God more, or help them succeed as they become adults.
Sometimes mothers (or fathers...or our Father) know best...so open those ears, dear ones!!!
Kyle (2005)
Lord, thank you for the sense of
hearing. What joy it is to hear a baby's laugh, a parent's blessing,
or the sound of the ocean. There are sometimes, however, things that we
don't want to hear. Lord, help Alyssa and Kyle's ears be open to
hearing the wisdom of others, especially you. When you are tenderly
calling their name, speaking your wisdom, or giving them your love, may
they recognize your voice. May Alyssa and Kyle be receptive to
encouragement, patient with discipline, and understanding of people's
(true and wise) advise. I praise you, dear Jesus, for your presence and
activity in our children's lives.
Friday, March 16, 2012
A New Look Goin' On!
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17
My blog has a new look to it. (I bet you couldn't tell!)
My hair finally got a touch up.
And daily I find myself becoming a new creation in Christ.
I love transformations! Maybe that is why it thrills me that spring is on its way!
Lord, I pray that as Alyssa and Kyle live in you, they become new creations; the old having gone and the new making an appearance. I pray that the Holy Spirit moves their hearts to become more and more like you. When they come to your Word, because it is living and active, and sharper than any double-edged sword, may it penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. Lord, use your Word to judge the thoughts and attitudes of Alyssa and Kyle's heart, transforming them into who you want them to be. Make them beautiful in your sight, dear Jesus! May they always be yours!
It's Spring! (Photo by Lyss)
My blog has a new look to it. (I bet you couldn't tell!)
My hair finally got a touch up.
And daily I find myself becoming a new creation in Christ.
I love transformations! Maybe that is why it thrills me that spring is on its way!
Lord, I pray that as Alyssa and Kyle live in you, they become new creations; the old having gone and the new making an appearance. I pray that the Holy Spirit moves their hearts to become more and more like you. When they come to your Word, because it is living and active, and sharper than any double-edged sword, may it penetrate even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. Lord, use your Word to judge the thoughts and attitudes of Alyssa and Kyle's heart, transforming them into who you want them to be. Make them beautiful in your sight, dear Jesus! May they always be yours!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Stumbling Blocks
"For you, O Lord, have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from
tears, my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before the Lord in the
land of the living." Psalm 116:8-9
Sometimes there are big things in the middle of our path that trips us up. And sometimes we can trip over our own two front feet. I am proof that you can get really hurt, just by a slip of a foot. Four years ago, I lived on crutches and a brace for a couple of months because of one misstep.
There are a lot of things in life that will try to trip up our children. The enemy wants to keep them from a life of peace, happiness, and fullness in Christ. Everyone's stumbling blocks are different. Some are out in the open for them to see. And some sneak up on us while we are unaware.
I am praying that my children's feet stand firm, and walk confidently down the narrow path God has chosen for them, skipping over the stumbling blocks placed in their path. Holy Spirit, lead and guide them in the way they should go.
Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, and that you lead us, alert us, and protect us from the stumbling blocks in our path. I pray that you deliver our children's soul from death, their eyes from tears, and their feet from stumbling. Protect them, dear Jesus, from the stumbling blocks that the enemy uses, and places in their path, to keep them from you. Help their eyes see clearly the things that aren't pleasing to you. Remove the attraction to evil, that which is unholy, and all that keeps them from your presence. Lord, put a hedge of protection around their eyes, ears, hands, and their heart, mind and soul. Create in them a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in them. Amen.
Kyle #12 (2010)
Sometimes there are big things in the middle of our path that trips us up. And sometimes we can trip over our own two front feet. I am proof that you can get really hurt, just by a slip of a foot. Four years ago, I lived on crutches and a brace for a couple of months because of one misstep.
There are a lot of things in life that will try to trip up our children. The enemy wants to keep them from a life of peace, happiness, and fullness in Christ. Everyone's stumbling blocks are different. Some are out in the open for them to see. And some sneak up on us while we are unaware.
I am praying that my children's feet stand firm, and walk confidently down the narrow path God has chosen for them, skipping over the stumbling blocks placed in their path. Holy Spirit, lead and guide them in the way they should go.
Lord, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit, and that you lead us, alert us, and protect us from the stumbling blocks in our path. I pray that you deliver our children's soul from death, their eyes from tears, and their feet from stumbling. Protect them, dear Jesus, from the stumbling blocks that the enemy uses, and places in their path, to keep them from you. Help their eyes see clearly the things that aren't pleasing to you. Remove the attraction to evil, that which is unholy, and all that keeps them from your presence. Lord, put a hedge of protection around their eyes, ears, hands, and their heart, mind and soul. Create in them a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in them. Amen.
Monday, January 30, 2012
A Heavenly Bath
"Elisha sent a messenger to say to him, “Go, wash yourself seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed.” 2 Kings 5:10
Today, I am praying for Alyssa and Kyle to be sensitive to the sin that is present in their lives, and that their hearts tender towards asking their Heavenly Father for a good cleansing. What joy that comes when we are "clean behind ears" and "sparkling from head to toe"... our heart included!
A heavenly bath!
"Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin." Psalm 51:2
Dear Precious Savior, thank you for cleansing us from within, and making that cleansing available to each one of us. I pray that you make Alyssa and Kyle sensitive to the sin in their lives and their true need for you. Sin can quench your Holy Spirit from being heard and felt in their lives, but as they repent and seek you for forgiveness and cleansing, their hearts will be open and available to hear your still small voice. Lord, wash away Alyssa and Kyle's iniquity and cleanse them from their sin. Thank you, dear Jesus, for making us beautiful and presentable in your sight. May Alyssa and Kyle be forever yours!
Lyss (1995)
Baths were always a fun time when our kids were little. Bubbles, toys, and splashing were always a delight until it came time for the washing of the hair. Oh the torture. Often there would be tears, struggles, and gasps as the water fell over their heads.
And don't you just love the smell of a freshly bathed baby. I kind of miss those days.
Kyle (1998)
Washing is sometimes not an easy task. Check out the Old Testament for proof. There were rules and tasks that had to happen for ceremonial cleansing. Elisha told Naaman, a commander of the kings army who had leprosy, that he needed to wash himself in the Jordan river seven times. Can you imagine telling your kid that they are going to have to bathe seven times in order to be clean? I remember well the torture when baths needed to become a more common occurence than twice a week. Oh my.
I'm thankful that God had a different plan for His people, and that internal cleansing comes just by asking Jesus to wash us clean!
A heavenly bath!
Dear Precious Savior, thank you for cleansing us from within, and making that cleansing available to each one of us. I pray that you make Alyssa and Kyle sensitive to the sin in their lives and their true need for you. Sin can quench your Holy Spirit from being heard and felt in their lives, but as they repent and seek you for forgiveness and cleansing, their hearts will be open and available to hear your still small voice. Lord, wash away Alyssa and Kyle's iniquity and cleanse them from their sin. Thank you, dear Jesus, for making us beautiful and presentable in your sight. May Alyssa and Kyle be forever yours!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
A "Flogging"...Or Not
"When he does wrong, I will punish him with the rod of men,with floggings inflicted by men. But my love will never be taken away from him." 2 Samuel 7:14
Tar and feathers?
A pillow womping?
The dictionary defines flogging as a bit more harsh...To beat severely with a whip or rod.
I don't want to beat my kids, be rest assured, but I do want them to recognize when they are in the wrong. Sometimes that will mean living with the consequences of their actions and decisions. Sometimes it will mean the Holy Spirit's still small voice speaking into their hearts, moving and bending them in the right directions.
Oh may it be so.
And we can rejoice and be thankful that your love will never change for us.
Oh precious Father, thank you for loving Alyssa and Kyle (and myself) no matter the wrongdoing done in their lives. I am blessed that you don't flog your children for all that they do that is not according to your will and plan. However, you discipline those you love. Holy Spirit, please convict, bend, teach, and move Alyssa and Kyle's hearts and minds so that they reflect you living in them. Thank you, Lord, that your love will never be taken away!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
God of Wonders
God of Wonders
Written by Marc Byrd and Steve Hindalong
"God of wonders, beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord, reveal Your heart to me
Father holy, holy
The universe declares Your majesty
You are holy, holy, holy, holy..."
God of wonders, in this amazing season where we celebrate the birth of your son, Jesus Christ, may Alyssa and Kyle seek you and find you. Oh how I pray that you reveal your heart to our children. May they know the height and depth and width of your love them. Open their eyes that they may see you in new ways this Christmas season. You are holy, you are good, you are God!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Beautiful Disasters
"He redeemed my soul from going down to the pit, and I will live to enjoy the light." Job 33:28
People do some amazing things to mess up their lives. In ministry, my eyes and ears have been privy to many, many things that I sometimes can't even begin to comprehend. Some choices leave a path of destruction that seems irreparable.
Even I have broken God's heart at times. We all have.
But we have a God who makes beauty out of the ashes of our lives. He loves us despite our failures. He can redeem, make knew, and use the hard things in our lives.
Today I am praying that my kids not only stay clear of big mistakes, but that they also sense God's Spirit check theirs when they are tempted to do something that doesn't fall in line with His expectation and hope for their lives.
But if there are disasters, or when there are disasters, may God make something beautiful.
Lord, you are our Redeemer, and you can make beautiful things out of our lives. You can pull us up from the pit, take our old self, and make us a new creation. Oh what a wonderful God you are! Lord, protect my children from making huge disasters of their life. Prod them with your Spirit to make wise choices in their lives, and not go down roads that don't include you, or stand in your perfect will, Of course, because they are human they will not live perfect lives, but I pray that when they do make mistakes or poor choices, they will sense your unconditional love and forgiveness. Lord, please make then teachable, moldable, and sensitive to your Holy Spirit. I know and trust that you make beautiful things out of our lives, and you will do so for our children as well.
People do some amazing things to mess up their lives. In ministry, my eyes and ears have been privy to many, many things that I sometimes can't even begin to comprehend. Some choices leave a path of destruction that seems irreparable.
Even I have broken God's heart at times. We all have.
But we have a God who makes beauty out of the ashes of our lives. He loves us despite our failures. He can redeem, make knew, and use the hard things in our lives.
Today I am praying that my kids not only stay clear of big mistakes, but that they also sense God's Spirit check theirs when they are tempted to do something that doesn't fall in line with His expectation and hope for their lives.
But if there are disasters, or when there are disasters, may God make something beautiful.
Lord, you are our Redeemer, and you can make beautiful things out of our lives. You can pull us up from the pit, take our old self, and make us a new creation. Oh what a wonderful God you are! Lord, protect my children from making huge disasters of their life. Prod them with your Spirit to make wise choices in their lives, and not go down roads that don't include you, or stand in your perfect will, Of course, because they are human they will not live perfect lives, but I pray that when they do make mistakes or poor choices, they will sense your unconditional love and forgiveness. Lord, please make then teachable, moldable, and sensitive to your Holy Spirit. I know and trust that you make beautiful things out of our lives, and you will do so for our children as well.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Godly Successes
"In everything he did he had great success, because the Lord was with him." 1 Samuel 18:14
Lord, what blessed assurance to know that you are with Alyssa and Kyle. I pray that their hearts are always stayed on you, their Savior and their God. As they grow up in you, may they recognize that you are walking with them, you provide them all the strength and wisdom they need, and you have wonderful plans for their lives. With you by their side Alyssa and Kyle can do anything. Everything is possible with you. Following you will always lead to godly successes, and through those successes, Alyssa and Kyle's lives will glorify you. May our dear children's lives be marked by success and joy because they call you Father, and are willing to go wherever you lead!
Kyle and his pumpkin (2003)
Lord, what blessed assurance to know that you are with Alyssa and Kyle. I pray that their hearts are always stayed on you, their Savior and their God. As they grow up in you, may they recognize that you are walking with them, you provide them all the strength and wisdom they need, and you have wonderful plans for their lives. With you by their side Alyssa and Kyle can do anything. Everything is possible with you. Following you will always lead to godly successes, and through those successes, Alyssa and Kyle's lives will glorify you. May our dear children's lives be marked by success and joy because they call you Father, and are willing to go wherever you lead!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Praying Scripture: The True Vine
John 15:1-16
Lord, you are the true vine, and our Father is the gardener. I pray that you cut off every branch in Alyssa and Kyle that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, prune so that it will be even more fruitful. Alyssa and Kyle are already clean because of the word you have spoken to them. I know that if Alyssa and Kyle remain in you, you will remain in them. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can Alyssa and Kyle bear fruit unless they remain in you.
You are am vine; and Alyssa and Kyle are the branches. If they remain in you and you in them, they will bear much fruit; apart from you they can do nothing. If Alyssa and Kyle do not remain in you, they are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. If Alyssa and Kyle remain in you and your words remain in them, they can ask whatever they wish, and it will be given to them. This is to my your glory, Father, that Alyssa and Kyle bear much fruit, showing themselves to be your disciples.
As you, Father, have loved Jesus, you have also loved Alyssa and Kyle. I pray that they always remain in that love. If they obey your commands, they will remain in your love. You have told your children this so that their joy may be in you and that their joy may be complete. Your command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. Alyssa and Kyle are your friends if they do what you command. You no longer call them servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, you have call them friends, for you make yourself known to them. You choose Alyssa and Kyle and appoint them to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then you, Father, will give them whatever they ask in your name.
Friday, April 15, 2011
A Wondrous Wake-Up Call
In a dream, in a vision of the night,
when deep sleep falls on men
as they slumber in their beds,
he may speak in their ears
and terrify them with warnings,
to turn man from wrongdoing
and keep him from pride,
to preserve his soul from the pit,
his life from perishing by the sword.
when deep sleep falls on men
as they slumber in their beds,
he may speak in their ears
and terrify them with warnings,
to turn man from wrongdoing
and keep him from pride,
to preserve his soul from the pit,
his life from perishing by the sword.
Job 33:15-18
Oh I had great fun the other day. Well, it ended fun anyway. Sundays seem to be my kids worst days at getting up out of bed when they should. Therefore the "mama-alarm clock" started throwing a fit as it continued to go off every nine minutes. What would get those kids out of bed?!?!
Then a light-bulb came on. Ah-ha.
I have to tell you, lighting a match and waiting for the fire alarm to go off, was almost as thrilling as the wait for Santa to arrive on Christmas Eve.
And it worked like magic. Within seconds I heard the bathroom door close and the shower running. I laughed that they knew that there was really no fire...they new that the alarm was their final warning.
Life will be full of warnings, advise, and constructive criticisms that Alyssa and Kyle will need to "wake up" to. I pray that when they hear the "alarms", no matter how quiet they are, that they pay attention. And if they are walking into something dangerous, may the fire alarm resound loud and clear, keeping them from harm.
Will I light the match again if needed? Oh yeah!
Lord, I know you are watching over Alyssa and Kyle. Thank you for protecting them, teaching them, and leading them down right paths. Thank you for the warning signals you place in their life. Open their ears, so that in a clear and concise way, they are aware of the warnings all around them. May you, Holy Spirit, prick their hearts and minds when they need to pay attention. Slumber will keep them from experiencing freedom, and keep them in bondage to sin. Lord, speak warnings that will turn them away from wrongdoing and pride. Sound the alarm and draw Alyssa and Kyle into the safety of your arms. Amen.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Living Water
"They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water." --Isaiah 49:10
Did you know you can spend a lot of money at the grocery store on fluids to drink? My family seems to have this need for liquids galore. In my refrigerator I can find milk, water, iced tea, juice, a variety of pop. and creamer for my coffee. One could think that my family has some deep thirst that is in need to be filled.
Thirst:
I'm praying that my kids have an "insistent desire" and crave God like nothing else, because He truly is the only "Real Thing". He ultimately quenches every thirst that we have.
Lord, I am so thankful that you have compassion on your children and you guide us and lead us beside springs of water. You quench every thirst as our true Living Water. I pray, dear Jesus, that my children have an insatiable thirst for you, and you alone. May they not look to anyone or anything else to fill any emptiness or dryness that they may feel in their lives. As a deer pants for water, so may their soul pant for you.
Did you know you can spend a lot of money at the grocery store on fluids to drink? My family seems to have this need for liquids galore. In my refrigerator I can find milk, water, iced tea, juice, a variety of pop. and creamer for my coffee. One could think that my family has some deep thirst that is in need to be filled.
Thirst:
1. a. A sensation of dryness in the mouth and throat related to a need or desire to drink.
2. An insistent desire; a craving b. The desire to drink.
I'm praying that my kids have an "insistent desire" and crave God like nothing else, because He truly is the only "Real Thing". He ultimately quenches every thirst that we have.
Lord, I am so thankful that you have compassion on your children and you guide us and lead us beside springs of water. You quench every thirst as our true Living Water. I pray, dear Jesus, that my children have an insatiable thirst for you, and you alone. May they not look to anyone or anything else to fill any emptiness or dryness that they may feel in their lives. As a deer pants for water, so may their soul pant for you.
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