The Rumble

Over the last two weeks, the hubby and I have been sensing a "change" happening about an issue in our life. We have kept communication open between us, but hoping the things we feared were just us being the type A, "first child" people we are. In a nut shell, we were hoping we were wrong.

This particular "thing" has been rolling along with out a hiccup for so long. The problem is that a hiccup would feel like an earthquake if it ever happened. All month we have been telling ourselves that these thoughts were just us over thinking things. Maybe even the enemy planting thoughts....until we felt the rumble this week.

The rumble was our wake up call. The rumble was unsettling to our mind, but comfort at the same time. It was comfort because we knew those thoughts were God given. We knew our options were led by the Holy Spirit.  God is faithful to lead us if we allow Him to.

Leslie from Waiting on a Word wrote this in a recent post,
http://www.waitingonaword.blogspot.com/

"It's in the risk, where we have everything to lose, that God meets us.  It's in our tears, those heaving cries, where He comforts.  It's in the release, where we finally let go of every plan and every detail, that He becomes real."

We have risked this week, and God met us.
We have cried this week, and found comfort in Him.
We have "let go" this week, and He is showing us His plan and how to work out the details

If you have ever questioned if God is real, allow Him to prove it to you.
⁹ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. ¹⁰ That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.  2 Corinthians 12:9-11

Day 23: 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

 Day23:  September 10th

Luke 17:  5-6  The disciples said to the Lord,  "Increase our faith!"  He replied,  "If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'be uprooted and planted in the sea', and it will obey you.

 

Over the years I have "tried this".  "Hey you bush (or problem, or person) go plant yourself somewhere else".  And often I found, it didn't work.  Why?  probably because I waited to see if I could be amazed by God.  See if he would really cause my request to happen.  The request were totally WITHOUT faith they would happen.  So how can we teach our children to have faith in the promises of God?

First you have to know what God has promised to us as children of God.  I love the small scripture books that contain promises of God.  "God's Promises for Women", Parents, Men, children...you name it they have these little books for everything.  They simply outline scriptures on different subjects.  Much like we are praying specific scriptures for our children, these books outline all kinds of issues and scriptures we can stand on to help us.  Anger, Fear, Joy, Laziness, Money, Patience, Success.  You name it, it covers it even a section on Faith!

Dear Lord Jesus, the Giver of every good thing.  I pray that faith will find root and grow in this child’s heart, that by faith they may gain what has been promised to them.  By faith they will trust in you for all their needs.  -Amen

Day 22: 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Day 22:  September 9- 
¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phillipians 4:12-13

Ihave to be honest,  my children have not experienced what it is to "be in need", and because of this struggle with contentment. But two summers ago, my oldest attended a Memorial Basket ball camp in my home town. It was sponsored by locals in memory of a young man who lost his life to Cancer. He was their son, sibling, friend, classmate, childhood buddy. Verse 13 was their theme during the camp.
You see, these young people knew what it was like to have plenty. They had time with this young man that made a lifetime impression on them. They also knew what it was like to be in need. In need to feel connected to him again. Looking for a way to share his memories and character with young boys.  They were looking for ways to be content in every situation. Gaining strength from GOD.  I want this for my children. I want GOD to be their source of strength!  .

• Father, teach this child the secret of being content in any and every situation…through Him who gives them strength.  Remind them of your strength when they experience need. Remind them how you supplied when they experience plenty. May they praise you through every situation, and show they how to share it with those who don't understand the HOPE You have to offer. -Amen
  
  
  
  
  

Day 19- 31 Days Praying Scripture for Children

Day 19:  September 6-  Hebrews 12:1

12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverancethe race marked out for us

Lord, teach this child perseverance in all they do, and help them especially to run with perseverance the race marked out for them.  

Day 18: 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Day 18:  September 5

 

Remind them to submit to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, to speak evil of no one, to avoid fighting, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.  Titus 3:1-2

In our town we have had MAJOR issues over high school football.  Ugly words, taking matters into their own hands, fighting....in fact, just the opposite of this scripture in Titus.  I had the opportunity to spend some time with some little guys last night during our CAMP Wednesday.  Several of them are really into sports, and I just held my breath hoping this brawl would not be the subject of choice for these guys.  I felt impressed to use a backpack to help them understand God's word.  Some back packs were heavy, some were lite.  They had the opportunity to choose which they wanted to carry.  Several chose to carry the heavy one.  Even when help was offered, they refused.  Wanted to show everyone they could do it alone. 

 

This is not how God intended for us to live life.  He wants us to submit to authorities, he wants us to be obedient.  In fact, this scripture reminds us to "be ready" to do a good deed (show mercy).

 

Dear God, please cultivate in this child the ability to show true humility toward all.  Help us all to be gentle, to avoid fighting even when it feels like that is all that is left  to do.  Remind us that good always wins in your eyes.  We ask you to forgive us when we take matters into our own hands.  Help us stand strong on Your Word!  -Amen

Day 17: 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Day 17:  September 4-

You paid careful attention to the way we lived among you, and determined to live that way yourselves. In imitating us, you imitated the Master. Although great trouble accompanied the Word, you were able to take great joy from the Holy Spirit!—taking the trouble with the joy, the joy with the trouble.  1 Thessalonians 1:5-6

 

Joy in the midst of trouble.  That can be a hard one to follow on our own.  In fact, many are not able to see joy through their trouble.  Trouble becomes like that piece of bubble gum you chew to long.  You chew and chew and chew, and it gets bigger and bigger.  You dwell and dwell and dwell on your trouble, and the bigger it gets.  The verse in Thessalonians reminds us that we need examples to imitate.  If children learn other things by example, they also learn how to live through trouble through example.  In your prayer time today, ask God to allow the Holy Spirit to use you as an example of joy. 

 

 

May this child be filled with joy given by the Holy Spirit.  Even in the midst of trouble, help them see Your joy through others among them.  Let them become determined to live a joyful life through the Holy Spirit.  Help me be an example of joy through my troubles, so that others may see You through me.  -Amen

Day 16: 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Day 16:  September 3-  

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. ¹⁹ In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. I Timothy 6: 18-19

What a picture this scripture paints.  If we do good and are generous and willing to share, we lay up treasures that create a firm foundation.  It is kind of like a "nest egg" or savings account that gives us sure footing to stand on.  This is described as True Life....a firm foundation created by giving and doing good.  Be an example of this "living" for children today.  How can you do good and be generous?

Lord of Heaven and Earth, Grant that this child may be generous and willing to share and so lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age.  -Amen

Day 15: 31 Days of Praying for Children

Romans 14:19  Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.

 

The past two days have been so peaceful in our family.  My children have not fought each other.  No "I'm not touching you" in the car.  No "that's mine".  In fact, last night I walked into one of their rooms and found them both playing together.  It made me so happy to see them growing and loving each other.  Learning from each other.  Enjoying each other.

 

Father, let this child make every effort to do what leads to peace.  Let them look for ways to bring peace every where they go.  -Amen

Day 13: 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Day 13:  August 31- Psalms 51:10  Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalms 51 is a prayer from David to God.  David had been confronted about the sin in his life.  You can feel the weight of sin upon him as he prays to God.  Recognizing that God was the only one who could "clean him up" and make something out of him.  The only one that could do something with his life.  What an attitude of submission and repentance David prayed. 

Generous in Love- God, Giver of Grace!
Allow this child to sense the need for your love and grace in their life.  Create in them a pure heart, O God;  Let their purity of heart be shown in their actions.  Do not throw them out or fail to breath holiness in them.  Going through the motions doesn't please you Lord, a flawless performance is nothing to you.  Teach this child "God-worship" through a "heart-shattered life ready for love.  It is this kind of life that will not escape God's notice.  -Amen

Day 11: 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

This week marked the 50 year anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech.

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character." 

King knew what it was to struggle for equality.  He knew the importance of good character. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 says, "Be strong, take courage.  Don't be intimidated.  Don't give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you.  He's right there with you.  He won't let you down;  He won't leave you. 
                                                What a promise we can stand on today!!!

Lord, may this child always be strong and courageous in their character and actions.  May they rest assured that You, their GOD, is going ahead of them.  May they feel your presence at all times.  -Amen

Day 9: 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Today's scripture talks about love.  Love is such an easy thing to talk about.  If you google the word love, you will see a VAST display of information.  The past month our church kids have been learning about obedience.  Now this is something kids just see as "rules".  They are very aware that they fail OFTEN when it comes to obedience.  They are quick to let you know how they try to FIX their failures.  We have learned that if we LOVE God, we are obedient to God.
-  Even if we don't understand
- Even if we don't know how it will work out
- Even if others are not doing it
-Even when it's hard to trust

Day 9: Grant Lord that this child may learn to live a life of love through the Spirit who dwells in them.  Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22

Dear Lord, Your Spirit in us produces Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control.  Against these things, there is no law.  Help our child to live Love through the Spirit.  May they realize how important LOVE is in all they do.  -Amen

Day 10- 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

So the 2nd Week of school is in full swing.  After reading today's scripture, I realize how much my children and I both need this one.  If you could see our kitchen and living room at the moment, it looks like a tornado ransacked it last night.  We truly couldn't complete one task before needing to start another.  Chaos, confusion, stress, unsettled feelings were whirling by the time the Mr. came home.  It wasn't much better this am.  Crying over spilt milk, worried about the threat of detention....you name it, it came up!! 

So how do we pick up the pieces?  How do we see our self through Christ?  We MUST turn over a new leaf in HIM today! 

Day 10:  August 28- Help this child develop their identity in Christ that is rooted in the realization that they are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus.  Ephesians 2:10

Hello Again Lord, 

It's me, MOM.  Please give my family and I PEACE that can only come from You.  Help us see who we are THROUGH You.  Help us realize that You created us in your image.  Realize that we are Your carefully crafted creation.  Ephesians 2:10 goes on to say that we were created to do GOOD works that You planned in ADVANCE for us to do.  Help us steer clear of the chaos, confusion, stress.  Help us see our work through You.  Help us see our task at hand through You.  Help us bring all our cares to you!  -Amen

 

Such Peace......Have a great day!

Day 8- 31 Days of Praying for Children

Mercy is defined as compassion or forgiveness show towards someone, when it is within one's power to punish or harm.  It is so easy to dismiss the mercy we receive.  I am reminded of a funny song from my childhood,  "Oh Lord it's hard to be humble, when your perfect in every way...." (sung in the best southern drawl)  How often do we consider ourselves "perfect"?  Thankfully the Lord grants us new mercies each day. 

 

Day 8:  August 26- May this child always be merciful, just as their Father is merciful.  Luke 6:36

 

Dear Father, 

We thank you for your undeserving mercy.  Please help my child see the love and compassion they receive daily, and help them to be merciful to others.  -Amen

 

Day 7- 31 Days of Praying scripture for Children

The hubs and I went to the movies this weekend. "The Butler". Wow what a powerful plot. I think it allowed me to get a glimpse of how things really were during the Civil Rights movement. I had "learned" about it in school, have even been a part of some discussion in days gone by.  But this movie was truly an eye opener for me. Such clear representation of the struggle that our nation suffered. 

After reading today's scripture, I am reminded that we all have a role to play when it comes to Justice,  and Mercy. How will God choose to use us?  Will we support how He might choose to use our children?

Day 7:  August 25- God, help this child to love justice as You do and to act justly in all they do.  Psalms 11:7, Micha 6:8 

DO
LOVE
WALK
With YOUR GOD

Lord,
I pray for a stirring in the heart of my child. To DO justice, to LOVE Mercy, to WALK Humbley before you in all that they do. May these words cause action. May it cause them to rise up and find purpose in You. -Amen

Day 6:  August 24- May this child grow to find Your Word more precious than gold, than much pure gold; and sweeter than honey from the comb.  Psalm 19:10

God Your Word is a treasure. It is more valuable than the finest gold. Hide Your Word in the heart of my child. Let it be a road map for his life. May the experience it sweeter than the day  before. - Amen

Day 5- 31 Days of Praying for Children

I recently encountered someone who lost ALL self control. Their words, their expressions, their actions. Unfortunaly I happened to be in the neighborhood and got caught in the cross fire. It was NOT pretty!  

After reading today's scripture, I realized something. The verse says "let them be alert". I began to think about the situation mentioned above. This person was so consumed with letting all their feelings out, that they were not aware of anything else around them. They could have been on fire and I truly believe it would have been to late before they realized it. 

I recall many times praying to The Lord.  Asking Him to grant self control to my little one. It would have been beneficial to me for them to have NOT thrown a tantrum over a toy, but this scripture alludes that it is SO much more than tantrum control. It is for their safety, it is for their well being. When uncontrol sneaks in, it takes over and we are no longer in control of anything.  

Day 5:  August 23-  Father, help this child not to be like many others around them, but let them be alert and self-controlled in all they do.  1 Thes. 5:6

Dear Lord,  as much as I want my child to be self controlled for MY benefit, I want them to be self controlled for their own benefit. Please cause the seed of self  control to be deeply rooted in their heart. Let them be alert when that "out of control" feeling wants to creep in. We thank you for your Word, and the wisdom it gives. -Amen

Day 4- 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Day 4: August 22- May integrity and honesty be their virtue and their protection. Psalms 25:21

Recently someone asked me, " how is it that your 8 ( almost 9) year old is still so innocent, carefree?" They commended my husband and I for protecting that youthfulness in her. I left the conversation feeling AWESOME about my parenting skills, but did quietly ask The Lord, yeah but how did we do that...? See I know that all my parenting abilities come from God and from the example I had in my own parents. But what caused this phenomenon? I was sure I had very little to do with the process lol!

After reading today's scripture, this is the answer to the "secret". The combination of integrity and honesty produces the virtue and protection of a persons heart and mind. It is so easy to be "honest" with someone, but we don't always include the integrity part of this verse. So what is integrity?
Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes.

Integrity Lord is the key to virtue and protection of our minds and heart Lord. Please help my child see the difference in "just being honest and having integrity as their guide for their words and actions. May they live their life through a lens of principles, morals, values as they make decisions, choose friends, and speak truth. -Amen

Day 3- 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Day 3: August 21- Grant, Lord, that my children may learn to live a life of love, through the Spirit who dwells in them. Ephesians 5:2, Galatians 5:22

In September, our church children will begin learning about the fruit of the Spirit and how God wants it to enhance our life. We will compare it to "JUICY" delicious fruit or a dry, withered branch. As I read and meditate on today's scripture, th...e image of a small child and giant piece of watermelon comes to mind. It is so difficult to eat even a bite of melon without it dripping all over....well, everything. That is the "life of love" God wants us to live. I'm thinking watermelon for supper!

Dear Lord, I thank you for the vivid image and example that Your word gives. Your words truly are LIFE! I pray that the Holy Spirit dwell in my child. That His presence be like Juicy, dripping fruit as my child lives and has being. May I be a sticky, messy example for them Lord as I savor the opportunities to love them. In Jesus sweet name, Amen

Day 2- 31 Days of Praying Scripture for Children

Day 2: August 20- I pray that they may grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ 2 Peter 3:18

Grace is defined as simple elegance or refined movement.

Knowledge is information and skills acquired through experience or education.

So this scripture is a prayer for action to take place in their life based on the knowledge of Jesus. Let's pray!

Dear Heavenly Father, ...You are the Potter and we are your clay. Please work in our child's life today to refine their inner man. To master these simple refined changes in their heart, based on their growing relationship with Jesus. To know you is to love you. To love you is to obey you. Help my child grow closer to you today Lord. -Amen

31 Days of Prayer for Your Children- Day 1

As a new school year approaches, our church often looks for ways to reach out to parents, teachers, children.  A way that will let them know that God loves them, and so do we.  This summer I ran across a Facebook site "31 Days of Prayer for Your Children"   31 Days of Prayers for Children.  It has such good scriptures selected to pray for kids. 

Our Children's Ministry Team decided we would use this as our jumping off point this Fall.  We made bracelets with each child's name on it, printed out a guide with the scriptures listed, and asked our congregation to take a child (either their own or someone elses) and focus in on God's promises for our kids.  I hope you will check out their FB page, and that you enjoy it as much as I have!

So why pray scriptures?  I have found that praying scripture for your children is so beneficial for several reasons:

• Builds Confidence-  Often times I hear people who are not confident they are praying "the right way".  They need assurance they are praying and God is listening.  I can assure you if you utter God's name, He listens!  Regardless, those who need reassurance can be reminded that this is God's word.  Pray it, and it will surely be the "right thing".  It will be heard, and it will be said in a way that God can see your heart.  Why?  Because it's His heart growing inside you and coming from your mouth.  The Bible says that His word will not return null or void. 
• Develops Inner Person-  As I mentioned above, reading and meditating on scripture allows us to see God's heart.  It helps us get to know Him.  If we are created in His image, then we can see who he wants us to be. 
• Shares God's Promises-  God's promises are shared all throughout scripture.  If we don't take time to discover the promises, then we can't be sure they come true in our life.  Children never forget a promise you make to them, and God doesn't want you to forget His promises to you.

So, We will play catch up (since we are really on Day 4)  Feel free to use this guided prayer as a way to pray for your kids.


Day 1: August 19- Lord, let salvation spring up within this child, that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Isaiah 45:8, 2 Timothy 2:10

Dear Lord, We thank you for holding our children in your hands today. We know that you are the God of salvation. We ask that you cause salvation to spring up within this child. You are the way, the truth, and the light. No one comes to the Father except through You. -Amen