Let Us Pray…

James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

prayToday as we reflect on God’s blessings and grace on our lives, lets not forget that there are many around us struggling with recent events that impacted their lives in traumatic ways. Though they may nor be near to us, let us remember those in Russia who have lost children,dreams and innocence; and those in Florida and the Caribbean that have suffered great loss of home and life. Remember too, the families of those who pave paid the ultimate sacrifice over the last few years to make our world safer.

It is evident that our world has become full of evil and violence. Let us pray for our nation and its leaders that they will turn once again to the God of all peace so that our children will have a world worth inheriting. Let us pray…

The Presence of God

1 Chronicles 13:14
Thus the ark of God remained with the family of Obed-edom in his house three months; and the Lord blessed the family of Obed-edom with all that he had.

familyI love the verse above; as long as the ark, presence of God, was in the house of Obed-edom they were blessed. The desire of our hearts should be to have the presence of God in our home. As we go through the month of the family and draw our hears toward God and family, I thought some might enjoy this acronym.

Father
And
Mother
Intimately
Loving
Your Spouse, Children and God

Strong and Courageous

Dueteronomy 31:6
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.

unknownIn an hour when there are fewer and fewer who stand up for principle I enjoyed the words of Zell Miller. While affiliated with his political party for years Mr. Miller understood that he had a greater allegiance than to an organization, club or party; he understood he had a responsibility to his heart, his values , his family and before God. While many will criticize his actions, I am here to applaud him. It takes courage in this hour to stand fro principles, values and truth.

My prayer for you this week is that you too will have the courage to stand for what is right and true. The future of our lives, families and a nation depends upon men and women of faith standing for principle, values, and truth. May God bless you and your family this month as we turn our focus toward our families; we must be strong and courageous.

The Gesture

kindness-22744798Michael Phelps, his face is plastered everywhere. Eight medals, six which are gold and two bronze. He is the new icon of American swimming. But what draws my attention to Michael Phelps today is what he did outside the pool. In an era of sports when it seems that less emphasis is placed on sportsmanship and team and more on individual success, we saw a wonderful gesture of kindness and sportsmanship this week.

After winning the preliminaries in the relay, a coach, not Michael, announces Michael has given his spot up in the finals to Ian Crocker, the same Ian Crocker that probably cost Michael his seventh gold medal and a one million dollar bonus. In a time when he could have been selfish, arrogant and bitter, Michael chose to be a sportsman.

Micheal’s act reminds me of another act of kindness. When the Creator robed himself in flesh, came dwelt among us, died for us, so that we might have everlasting life; He didn’t have to do it, but he did. He did so we could have peace and hope. Today as we pray for our children, lets pray not only for their safety and provision, but also that they will become people of faith, character and integrity.

Give Them Jesus

Acts 17:23
For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.

give-jesusWatching the pageantry, splendor and parade of ancient mythological Greek gods at the opening of the 2004 Olympics brought the above verse to my mind. While the ceremony was beautiful to watch, it was sad reminder of a society that once was great but lost its morals, direction and worshiped any god a mind could imagine. Paul steps on Mars Hill 2000 years ago to a lost people and proclaims, “Him declare I unto you.”

Today, we live in a society that mirrors that of the ancient Greeks; great emphasis on sports, worshipping god of all type and pleasure is our highest purpose. Now, like then, we need Christians to proclaim, “I know the God you desire.” His name is Jesus. Jesus, not made of stone but able to be touched by your every burden is the answer. Lets give them Jesus!

Do the Right Thing

Micah 6:8
He has told you, O man, what is good;

And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?

do_the_right_thing_poster-rbbbfcb1984424936bae7e7f321f5a45d_w2j_8byvr_512Sometimes it’s good to know what’s expected of you spelled out in black and white. No questions, no hidden agendas, just follow the instructions and everything turns out right. Micah writing for God, gives us just such a statement in Micah 6:8. When asked what is good, gives us the following:

  • Do justly
  • Love mercy
  • Walk humbly

Need a clear and simple direction for doing good in life? Micah gives us three principles plain and simple. Now as Doctor Laura would say, “go out and do the right thing.”

He’ll Be There

Hebrews 13:5
 Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever

father-teaching-daughter-to-ride-bike-close-up-photo-small-girl-holding-handlebar-her-bicycle-hands-her-her-riding-55064765Over the last ten days I have done battle teaching our daughter how to ride a bike. Having gone through this process once already I should have it down to a science. To win her over I had to gain her confidence and trust. Little by lite it came. At first my hands could never leave her, then I could let go for a few seconds and finally she decided she could go it alone. Why I had to do is let her see that I was not going to let her crash and I wasn’t going to leave her when she was unsure of herself. Once that battle was overcome, the balancing and riding were a breeze.

Learning to walk as a Christian is much like riding a bike. We’re not sure we can make it, we want God’s arms around us, but eventually we learn that He will never leave us or forsake us and then we run with confidence. Wherever you are today and whatever you are gong through, know that God is with you. He won’t let you and He won’t let you crash.

Like Dad

1 Peter 1:15
But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves in all your conduct [be set apart from the world by your godly character and moral courage];

He hadn’t seen me yet. Rounding the corner and heading toward our bedroom I hear, dad-son-tie“Dad, what am I supposed to wear,” but when he see me everything changes. Seeing my kakis and blue dress shirt he quickly says, “never mind Dad,” and off he runs. A few minutes later he returns with kakis and a blue dress shirt on. Needles to say, you couldn’t hold the pride and joy I felt in my heart. He wanted to look just like his dad.

I imagine the same holds true for our heavenly father. When we strive to be like Him, there must be a smile as big as a rainbow and joy that causes the sun to shine. Why live a holy life? Because he is holy and that is what He disrespects. Live above the level of this world. Don’t just do holy, be holy.

Where’s the Instructions

instructionWith the progress of modern society has come he never ending modernization of our homes; the latest kitchen appliances, computers, game systems and surround sound equipment. With each an instruction manual is given. Generally, we discard it to the side, tear open the box and a half hour later ask, “where are those instructions?

Unfortunately, we often do the same with our life, we jump right into life’s journey without looking at the instruction manual, only to get to a place where we finally ask, “are there any instructions on how to live in this world?” Fortunately there is, its called the Bible. Read it and you get instructions on how to raise your kids, treat your spouse and get along with friends and neighbors. Struggling in life? Try opening up the instruction manual and see what the creator of life has to say about your dilemma. It will be amazing how much easier life will go together. Now back to programming this DVD player…