Challenge:
The
other day I scolded Havana and Jonah for disobeying and a few minutes
later I overheard Havana say, "Hey Jonah, let's go into the kitchen and
make mama happy." While her heart was so pure and sweet, I felt
convicted that I have not been correcting my children the way I should
be. While I do my best never to raise my voice or say hurtful words in
the correction process - I do tell my children that when they disobey
that makes mommy sad. Yet, in actuality, their obedience (or lack there
of) should have nothing to do with pleasing me, but rather pleasing the
Lord.
Instead
of saying, "Mommy is disappointed in that unwise decision." I should be
pointing out how that decision was in direct disobedience to what the
Word of God says and leave my personal feelings out of it. I want to
teach my children to have a fear of God rather than a fear of man. I
want them to seek the approval of God and not men. In order to
accomplish that I am going to have to remove myself out of the
disciplining and use solely the Word of God. It is, after all, good for
teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy
3:16) and so really that (coupled with a lot of prayer) should be my
only tool when explaining what is right and wrong.
While
this is a good rule to live by while my children are younger - I began
thinking about what it will look like as they grow older. I pictured
chatting on the phone with my adult daughter, and I can only pray that I
will be able to encourage her about the things that are of the Lord and
the lifestyles that are consistent with the Word of God. If she is
making a decision that is not in line with His Word, I hope that I will
be a mother who can lovingly speak the Truth into her life instead of
letting her figure it out or emphasizing her happiness. The best way to
achieve those goals is to start now using Scripture as my only standard.
I don't want my children to obey for my happiness, but because it is
what the Lord has asked them to do.
Dear
Lord, I am so sorry for the times when I don't get things right in
parenting. I thank You for Your unending grace and Your perfect example.
Help me be a parent who teaches my children the benefits of obeying
You. Please remove my own pride and emotions from the disciplining
process and help me instruct them using Your perfect Word. In Jesus
Name. Amen.
For the Love of My Children:
Father
God, I thank You for my children. I know that they are gifts from You
(Psalm 127:3) and I pray that I will always treat them as such. May You
fulfill Your purpose for them (Psalm 138:8) in ways I can't even
comprehend. I know that You are able to do immeasurably more than all we
ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20) and, being confident of that, I ask
that my children would set an example for all believers through their
speech, life, love, faith, and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). May my children
be well favored, skillful, wise, and used by You to teach others (Daniel
1:4). I pray that my children will always have a clear conscious before
You and that they will desire to live honorably in every way (Hebrews
13:18). May my children's delight be in You alone (Psalm 37:4). I pray
these things boldly in the name of Christ. Amen.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Week 18!
Challenge:A few months ago, I went in to get Havana up from her nap and I discovered that she had gotten her diaper rash cream everywhere! It was on her walls, on her sheets, on her toys, on her clothes, and in her hair. I immediately put her in the bath and had to use vinegar and dish soap to get it out of her hair. Her skin remained white for about 24 hours. After washing her sheets and stuffed animals I noticed that they were stained. It took about two days for me to wipe all the cream off of the walls. Her clothes came out of the wash still smelling of Desitin. I was frustrated about it and as I was changing her sheets the Lord stopped me and asked, "Does this diaper cream fiasco hold any eternal weight?" "No, Lord." "Then let it go."
I don't know about you, but sometimes I can focus on things that don't matter eternally. I grumble about sheets having a white stain or the fact I had to give my daughter a bath in vinegar, but neither of those should eat up any of my emotional and parental energy because they hold no eternal weight. It's just diaper cream. Now, if Havana had directly disobeyed me and had gotten into the cream despite my instruction not to, then my daughter's heart would have some issues we would need to deal with because she would not be in accordance with Scripture. However, that wasn't the case for this situation and so I needed to let it go.
I didn't realize at the time, but the Lord was preparing me for what was going to happen a few days later. I painted Selah's toes in front of Havana. I had asked her if she wanted her toes painted as well and she said no. Not thinking much of it I moved on about my day. Yet, later, Havana tried to paint her own toes (while I was in another room) and spilled an entire bottle of RED nail polish on our beige carpet. Talk about a big, gigantic, permanent stain. I tried everything to clean it up, but nothing helped. It is still there and will be until we get new carpet (which is years up the road). I had to breath in deeply and then say, "this holds no eternal weight" -- and like that, my new red carpet was no big deal. Thank You, Lord. :).
My challenge, then, is to be conscious of my corrections and encouragements. Are they over the things that matter in eternity? If not, they don't need my praise or my correction... I need to save my energy and focus in parenting to the things that matter to my child's soul. Correcting disobedience, helping them overcome sin, helping them fall in love with Christ, and teaching them to serve and love others... those are big deals. Stained carpet, spilled milk, successful career, or full ride college scholarship... those are not big deals.
Dear God, so many times I can focus on what doesn't matter - the outward appearance or action, but You look at the heart (Samuel 16:7) and I pray that I would do the same. Teach me, Lord, what holds eternal weight and what does not. Help me differentiate what is worth my energy and focus and what I need to let go of. I pray that I would be less controlled by the flesh and more led by the Spirit as I parent my wonderful children. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Prayer: Lord, I pray that You would teach my children about Yourself. I pray that You would teach them about Your power and Your might. I pray that they will know that Your name is the LORD (Jeremiah 16:21). May my children experience first hand that among all the gods in the world, there is none like You; no deeds can compare with Yours (Psalm 86:8). I pray that they would never turn to anything in this world to fulfill them, but that they would know that wine will betray them, arrogance with bring them no rest, and greed will never satisfy (Habakkuk 2:5). In the name of Jesus, I ask that my children would never become an enemy of You by having a friendship with this world (James 4:4), but instead I pray that my children will be a servant of Christ Jesus, called and set apart for the Gospel of God just as Paul was (Romans 1:1). May the God-shaped hole in their lives be filled with nothing other than Your incredible Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus I ask these things. Amen.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Week 17!
Challenge:The body of believers is such a beautiful thing. There are so many reasons why the author of Hebrews encourages us to "not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25). A few days ago this verse came alive to me, yet again, in church as I was chatting with a friend who has two children. One has her same personality and the other doesn't. She told me how she specifically prayed for the Lord to show her ways to invest in and pray for her son whose personality is the opposite of her own.
I thought that was very wise and it made me realize that while I pray certain things for all three of my children (i.e. that they would love the Lord, believe the Bible's truth in today's society, to remain pure, etc.) and I pray for each child individually based on the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual struggles I see in their lives. I have never asked the Lord to show me how to relate to and pray for each child individually.
No two children are the same. They have different personalities, interests, love languages, and skills. It makes sense that each child might have different spiritual gifts that the Lord has given them to serve others and to help them connect with Him and His holy Word. While my heart's desire is for my children is to know, love, and obey the Lord; I should be asking God, who knows them better than I do, how I can make that prayer request for my children more applicable for each child on an individual level. My challenge will be to listen to the Lord as He answers my prayers on how to best relate to, invest in, and pray for each of my children.
Father God, You are familiar with all of our ways (Psalm 139:3) and so I look to You to educate me on my own children. Lord, help me become even more familiar with all of their ways. Direct me in how to best instruct and relate to each of them. May I never assume that the ways I connect with You are going to be the ways they connect with You. Give me spiritual eyes to see the gifts and talents You have instilled in them and grant me the wisdom to help them apply Your Word to their daily lives. Teach me all about my children, I pray, and show me the areas I need to be interceding on their behalf. Thank You, Lord, for being an active, involved, and personal God. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer:
This week, let's connect the challenge and the prayer. I won't be able to write out a prayer that will be applicable to us all, but let's spend time praying for each of our children, by name, as the Lord leads us. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to learning more about my children as I pray for them the things the Lord shows me. What a mighty God we serve!
I thought that was very wise and it made me realize that while I pray certain things for all three of my children (i.e. that they would love the Lord, believe the Bible's truth in today's society, to remain pure, etc.) and I pray for each child individually based on the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual struggles I see in their lives. I have never asked the Lord to show me how to relate to and pray for each child individually.
No two children are the same. They have different personalities, interests, love languages, and skills. It makes sense that each child might have different spiritual gifts that the Lord has given them to serve others and to help them connect with Him and His holy Word. While my heart's desire is for my children is to know, love, and obey the Lord; I should be asking God, who knows them better than I do, how I can make that prayer request for my children more applicable for each child on an individual level. My challenge will be to listen to the Lord as He answers my prayers on how to best relate to, invest in, and pray for each of my children.
Father God, You are familiar with all of our ways (Psalm 139:3) and so I look to You to educate me on my own children. Lord, help me become even more familiar with all of their ways. Direct me in how to best instruct and relate to each of them. May I never assume that the ways I connect with You are going to be the ways they connect with You. Give me spiritual eyes to see the gifts and talents You have instilled in them and grant me the wisdom to help them apply Your Word to their daily lives. Teach me all about my children, I pray, and show me the areas I need to be interceding on their behalf. Thank You, Lord, for being an active, involved, and personal God. I pray these things in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Prayer:
This week, let's connect the challenge and the prayer. I won't be able to write out a prayer that will be applicable to us all, but let's spend time praying for each of our children, by name, as the Lord leads us. I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to learning more about my children as I pray for them the things the Lord shows me. What a mighty God we serve!
Monday, October 8, 2012
Week 16!
Challenge: What does the "bedtime routine" look like at your house? At our house we brush teeth, change diapers, read a Bible story, act out a Bible story, and then we begin the individual routines: we read a story with Havana, pray with her, and then do a series of kisses and snuggles that are the same every night. Then we go to Jonah's room where we read a story with him, say his prayers, and then do his routine of touching his basketballs and playing with his race cars. Selah goes last and her routine involves lotions/baby massage, prayers, and a bottle. From the time we start the process until the last child is down can take anywhere between 45-60 minutes!
I don't know about you, but for me, this can be a very challenging part of the day. It seems that the only time I can get anything accomplished (e-mails, dishes, laundry, phone calls, etc) is after their bedtime and so as the bedtime routine drags out I get impatient knowing that every minute we spend putting the children to bed is one less minute that I have to get things accomplished since my bedtime isn't too much later than theirs.
I recently read a Dr. Phil book (don't make fun of me!) and in it he stressed the importance of a routine and his example was the bedtime routine. He talked about the endless benefits having a night time routine has for the children. I certainly was convicted as I read it because I often rush through the routine to get them to bed when I should be relishing in the sweet moments with them and taking my time with them since predictable routines are healthy for children. The Lord didn't stop there in His conviction. I started talking to a friend this week who just returned from a christian parenting conference and she said they talked about how bedtime is the one time of the day that you should never rush.
So, clearly, I knew I had to make this week's challenge about developing/keeping a special bedtime routine. If you are like me and your family already has one, then let's make our challenge not to rush it or be disgruntled about it when it takes longer than we expect. If you don't have one- then start one! This doesn't just apply to people with younger kids - I started thinking about what I would want this to look like for us as the children grow into their teenage years and I do picture it as a time for praying together, studying the Word as a family, and then talking with each child about their day and their feelings. So even though the baby massages and race cars won't be around when my kids are older - being an ear and a prayer partner would certainly be a beneficial bedtime routine. If you're children are out of the house - perhaps encourage them to develop a bedtime routine with their little ones.
Dear Lord, You created both day and night and as I carry on about my day and as I tuck my children into bed - help me never forget that You are the creator of this world and You have such a purpose for me, my children, and my family. Help me develop a bedtime routine where You are honored and my children feel secure. Help me never to rush past this very important time. Thank You for giving me these precious souls to raise. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that my children would be like Zacchaeus as we read about him in the Bible. Just as Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus in the crowd (Luke 19:3-4), I pray that my children would spiritually and physically do whatever is necessary to see You. May they rise above this culture and climb over sin struggles to fix their eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). May my children know that You will acknowledge them personally (Luke 19:5) and that no matter the sin in their life or the mistakes they have made; You desire a relationship with them just as you did with "the sinner" Zacchaeus (Luke 19:7). And, following his example, I pray that my children will open up their hearts to You just as he opened up his home to You (Luke 19:5-6). Zacchaeus declared before everyone that he was changing his ways and turning from his sin "here and now" and I pray that my children would do that as well - "here and now" - may nothing keep them from making behavioral changes after You have called them to repentance (Luke 19:8). Lord, You came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and I pray my children come to personalize that verse and know that You came to seek and save them. May the awesome truth of Your pursuit of them coupled with Your unconditional love and forgiveness bring them to their knees. I pray my children will live their life time glorifying You in every relationship, every deed, and with every breath. I ask all of these things in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
I don't know about you, but for me, this can be a very challenging part of the day. It seems that the only time I can get anything accomplished (e-mails, dishes, laundry, phone calls, etc) is after their bedtime and so as the bedtime routine drags out I get impatient knowing that every minute we spend putting the children to bed is one less minute that I have to get things accomplished since my bedtime isn't too much later than theirs.
I recently read a Dr. Phil book (don't make fun of me!) and in it he stressed the importance of a routine and his example was the bedtime routine. He talked about the endless benefits having a night time routine has for the children. I certainly was convicted as I read it because I often rush through the routine to get them to bed when I should be relishing in the sweet moments with them and taking my time with them since predictable routines are healthy for children. The Lord didn't stop there in His conviction. I started talking to a friend this week who just returned from a christian parenting conference and she said they talked about how bedtime is the one time of the day that you should never rush.
So, clearly, I knew I had to make this week's challenge about developing/keeping a special bedtime routine. If you are like me and your family already has one, then let's make our challenge not to rush it or be disgruntled about it when it takes longer than we expect. If you don't have one- then start one! This doesn't just apply to people with younger kids - I started thinking about what I would want this to look like for us as the children grow into their teenage years and I do picture it as a time for praying together, studying the Word as a family, and then talking with each child about their day and their feelings. So even though the baby massages and race cars won't be around when my kids are older - being an ear and a prayer partner would certainly be a beneficial bedtime routine. If you're children are out of the house - perhaps encourage them to develop a bedtime routine with their little ones.
Dear Lord, You created both day and night and as I carry on about my day and as I tuck my children into bed - help me never forget that You are the creator of this world and You have such a purpose for me, my children, and my family. Help me develop a bedtime routine where You are honored and my children feel secure. Help me never to rush past this very important time. Thank You for giving me these precious souls to raise. I love You, Lord. Amen.
Prayer:
Lord, I pray that my children would be like Zacchaeus as we read about him in the Bible. Just as Zacchaeus climbed a tree to see Jesus in the crowd (Luke 19:3-4), I pray that my children would spiritually and physically do whatever is necessary to see You. May they rise above this culture and climb over sin struggles to fix their eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of their faith (Hebrews 12:2). May my children know that You will acknowledge them personally (Luke 19:5) and that no matter the sin in their life or the mistakes they have made; You desire a relationship with them just as you did with "the sinner" Zacchaeus (Luke 19:7). And, following his example, I pray that my children will open up their hearts to You just as he opened up his home to You (Luke 19:5-6). Zacchaeus declared before everyone that he was changing his ways and turning from his sin "here and now" and I pray that my children would do that as well - "here and now" - may nothing keep them from making behavioral changes after You have called them to repentance (Luke 19:8). Lord, You came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and I pray my children come to personalize that verse and know that You came to seek and save them. May the awesome truth of Your pursuit of them coupled with Your unconditional love and forgiveness bring them to their knees. I pray my children will live their life time glorifying You in every relationship, every deed, and with every breath. I ask all of these things in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Week 15!
Challenge: There is a music group out right now that is popular with toddlers called The Fresh Beat Band. We have their CD and Havana and Jonah love belting out the songs. There is this one song, Freeze Dance, where when the music stops you are supposed to stop dancing. Well, Jason and I have taken it upon ourselves to dance like crazy during the music and then we will freeze in silly positions. This makes both Havana and Jonah laugh hysterically. The other day during this whole family dancing/freezing episode Havana laughs and says, "This is my favorite!!!!" and then when the song was over she says, "Freeze Dance makes me happy."
Both Jason and I thought that was very profound of her to be able to articulate how that song makes her feel - and we both think it is because it is something we all get into together. It is something special just for our family. It makes me wonder, though, how many other things is she excited about or interested about that I don't join in with her? Am I missing more of these opportunities to enjoy doing what she likes to do. Another example is our son Jonah - he loves sports and playing with any ball. I personally love basketball and so I've often thought, "I hope Jonah plays basketball... it would be so much fun to go to all the games." But what if Jonah doesn't play basketball - what if he plays football or baseball (or any other sport I'm not that interested in)? I want to get in the habit now and being excited and interested in the things my children are excited and interested about. I want to be there to experience it with them, a listening ear as they tell me all about it, and I want them to know what is important to them is important to me too. My challenge is to use those times my children want to play, talk, or do something that I think is incredibly boring or a waste of time or whatever my personal opinion is as a growing opportunity for me to join in with them. I want to make a choice to get excited about what they are excited about. I want to spend time with them doing the things they are passionate about.
Dear Lord, thank You for being the God of the universe and still having personal knowledge of each one of us. Thank You for caring about what is important to us. I pray that I would learn how to be a better parent by Your example. Help me put up on the shelf the activities and games that I find interesting and help me enjoy what my children are enjoying - no matter how simple. Help me capture the moments to express to them Your love through my love. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen
Prayer:
Father God, this world tries to tell us what is important: social status, relationships, wealth, tolerance, happiness, and selfish gain. Yet, You clearly state in Your word a very different standard. While my children are growing up in this fallen world, I pray that they would know that the things that society values are actually foolishness in Your sight (1 Corinthians 3:19). Help them to not conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so that they can test and approve what Your good, pleasing, and perfect will for them is (Romans 12:2). I pray that my children would hold firmly to the trustworthy message of the Bible so that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:9). And, Lord, I know that by having my children "side" with Your standards - they will become enemies of this world. I pray that You would give them the strength to handle that challenge. Help them remain confident that You have chosen them out of the world (John 15:19) and that there is no only holy like You, there is no one besides You, and that there is no Rock like You, God (1 Samuel 2:2). I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
Both Jason and I thought that was very profound of her to be able to articulate how that song makes her feel - and we both think it is because it is something we all get into together. It is something special just for our family. It makes me wonder, though, how many other things is she excited about or interested about that I don't join in with her? Am I missing more of these opportunities to enjoy doing what she likes to do. Another example is our son Jonah - he loves sports and playing with any ball. I personally love basketball and so I've often thought, "I hope Jonah plays basketball... it would be so much fun to go to all the games." But what if Jonah doesn't play basketball - what if he plays football or baseball (or any other sport I'm not that interested in)? I want to get in the habit now and being excited and interested in the things my children are excited and interested about. I want to be there to experience it with them, a listening ear as they tell me all about it, and I want them to know what is important to them is important to me too. My challenge is to use those times my children want to play, talk, or do something that I think is incredibly boring or a waste of time or whatever my personal opinion is as a growing opportunity for me to join in with them. I want to make a choice to get excited about what they are excited about. I want to spend time with them doing the things they are passionate about.
Dear Lord, thank You for being the God of the universe and still having personal knowledge of each one of us. Thank You for caring about what is important to us. I pray that I would learn how to be a better parent by Your example. Help me put up on the shelf the activities and games that I find interesting and help me enjoy what my children are enjoying - no matter how simple. Help me capture the moments to express to them Your love through my love. I pray this in Jesus' Name. Amen
Prayer:
Father God, this world tries to tell us what is important: social status, relationships, wealth, tolerance, happiness, and selfish gain. Yet, You clearly state in Your word a very different standard. While my children are growing up in this fallen world, I pray that they would know that the things that society values are actually foolishness in Your sight (1 Corinthians 3:19). Help them to not conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of their minds so that they can test and approve what Your good, pleasing, and perfect will for them is (Romans 12:2). I pray that my children would hold firmly to the trustworthy message of the Bible so that they can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it (Titus 1:9). And, Lord, I know that by having my children "side" with Your standards - they will become enemies of this world. I pray that You would give them the strength to handle that challenge. Help them remain confident that You have chosen them out of the world (John 15:19) and that there is no only holy like You, there is no one besides You, and that there is no Rock like You, God (1 Samuel 2:2). I pray this in the powerful name of Jesus. Amen.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Week 14!
Challenge:
My sweet Selah woke me up at 5 this morning. I sleepily made her a bottle and took her out of the crib. As I sat down in the rocker I thought, "I should change her diaper before I feed her". She had been asleep since 7:30pm and I knew she would go back to bed after this feed and it would be a few more hours until I got her up for the day. Yet, I chose to give her the bottle without changing her. As I was feeding her I began to feel guilty and was worried that her diaper would become so full over the next few hours that urine would get all over her skin, clothes, and crib. I prayed, "Lord, please help Selah's diaper to hold tight until the morning." As the words were coming out of my mouth I felt so selfish. And the Lord very kindly whispered into my heart that I was asking Him to spare Selah any discomfort despite my own selfish decision. It was true. I didn't want to change her diaper because I wanted to go back to bed as quickly as possible.
Sadly, though, I'm sure that self-motivated prayer isn't isolated to that one incident. There are many times that I make choices that are easier for me in the moment and hope that my children aren't the ones who will pay the price. Sure, most of these are very insignificant occasions where the worst that can happen is a wet diaper or not the healthiest lunch, but at the same time, it really showed me my own sinful heart and the limitations I put on the Lord. What is He wanting to do in my own life if I only allowed Him to stretch me? What does He want to spare my children from if only I would go the extra mile? My challenge, this week, is to recognize those times when I want to take a short cut at the expense of my children. Is it over sleep time? Is it taking the time to fix a healthy meal rather than thaw out something easy? Is it so that I can sit in front of the computer instead of reading to my kids? Etc. Recognizing what situations make me prone to selfish short cuts will help me change not only my actions, but my attitudes. Calling on the Lord to grow me and mold me into the parent He wants me to be!
Father God, being a parent is such a gift and I thank You so much for this privilege. One of the many lessons I am learning on this journey is realizing how selfish I can be. I am sorry and I seek Your forgiveness for the times when I give into my flesh. Help me be faithful to Your leading by no longer taking short cuts simply for my own benefit. May I be aware of which situations are easiest for me to put my own desires above the needs of my children so that I can better combat my sinful nature. Please continue to mold me into the parent You have called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I pray that my children would be men and women who would seek Your face (Psalm 27:8) every day of their lives. Use their hearts and devotion to You, Lord, to bring about a revival in this land. May they may rise up with other believers and be part of a generation that seeks You (Psalm 24:6) and who sets apart Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:15). I pray that my children would fear You and serve You with all faithfulness (Joshua 24:14). I'm looking forward to watching You work in and through my children. Thank You, Lord, for loving my children so much. In Your name I pray. Amen.
My sweet Selah woke me up at 5 this morning. I sleepily made her a bottle and took her out of the crib. As I sat down in the rocker I thought, "I should change her diaper before I feed her". She had been asleep since 7:30pm and I knew she would go back to bed after this feed and it would be a few more hours until I got her up for the day. Yet, I chose to give her the bottle without changing her. As I was feeding her I began to feel guilty and was worried that her diaper would become so full over the next few hours that urine would get all over her skin, clothes, and crib. I prayed, "Lord, please help Selah's diaper to hold tight until the morning." As the words were coming out of my mouth I felt so selfish. And the Lord very kindly whispered into my heart that I was asking Him to spare Selah any discomfort despite my own selfish decision. It was true. I didn't want to change her diaper because I wanted to go back to bed as quickly as possible.
Sadly, though, I'm sure that self-motivated prayer isn't isolated to that one incident. There are many times that I make choices that are easier for me in the moment and hope that my children aren't the ones who will pay the price. Sure, most of these are very insignificant occasions where the worst that can happen is a wet diaper or not the healthiest lunch, but at the same time, it really showed me my own sinful heart and the limitations I put on the Lord. What is He wanting to do in my own life if I only allowed Him to stretch me? What does He want to spare my children from if only I would go the extra mile? My challenge, this week, is to recognize those times when I want to take a short cut at the expense of my children. Is it over sleep time? Is it taking the time to fix a healthy meal rather than thaw out something easy? Is it so that I can sit in front of the computer instead of reading to my kids? Etc. Recognizing what situations make me prone to selfish short cuts will help me change not only my actions, but my attitudes. Calling on the Lord to grow me and mold me into the parent He wants me to be!
Father God, being a parent is such a gift and I thank You so much for this privilege. One of the many lessons I am learning on this journey is realizing how selfish I can be. I am sorry and I seek Your forgiveness for the times when I give into my flesh. Help me be faithful to Your leading by no longer taking short cuts simply for my own benefit. May I be aware of which situations are easiest for me to put my own desires above the needs of my children so that I can better combat my sinful nature. Please continue to mold me into the parent You have called me to be. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, I pray that my children would be men and women who would seek Your face (Psalm 27:8) every day of their lives. Use their hearts and devotion to You, Lord, to bring about a revival in this land. May they may rise up with other believers and be part of a generation that seeks You (Psalm 24:6) and who sets apart Christ as Lord (1 Peter 3:15). I pray that my children would fear You and serve You with all faithfulness (Joshua 24:14). I'm looking forward to watching You work in and through my children. Thank You, Lord, for loving my children so much. In Your name I pray. Amen.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Week 13!
Challenge:
Starting back in December, my son Jonah started waking up in the middle of the night crying. This became frequent and soon progressed to him crying hysterically when we would put him down for bed. We were left puzzled by this new phase and unsure what to do. It finally got to a point where Jonah would get anxious about entering his room even during the day. My husband's work schedule kept him away many nights in January and so I often put the children down by myself. I would always put Jonah down last and as I was getting him ready for bed... I can't really articulate it, but there was darkness present in his room. I could feel it in my spirit and I simply had to pray when I was in there. I mentioned this to Jason a few different times and he ended up seeking council about it with a trusted man of God. This man looked right at Jason and without hesitation he said, "Satan wants Jonah." Jason came home with a resolve that we will fight Satan tooth and nail because he will not have our son.
The challenge and the prayer will be combined this week. For my challenge, I need to be aware at just how active the devil is in my family's life. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." While we have been aggressive in fighting Satan over Jonah (which I'm thankful to report has solved all his anxiety!) we have not been as equally active in praying over and anointing Havana or Selah's rooms because they aren't being scared at night, but that doesn't mean Satan isn't after them... we know he is. I need to be more mindful that while I have hopes and dreams and prayers for my children - Satan does as well. He as an agenda for my family and it is the complete opposite of my agenda (and even more important God's agenda)! I need to be much more active in battling him over my children today and every day!
Prayer:
(there isn't one prayer I can write to cover all of this, but here is the basic prayer that can be used to launch into your own prayers specific to your family):
Father God, in the powerful name of Jesus Christ I ask you to come and protect my children. Protect them from the Evil One. Protect them from his lies and schemes. I know we were bought with the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28) and I ask for it to be sprinkled over my children, their rooms, and their thoughts. Like Jesus, I exclaim, "Away from my children, Satan" (Matthew 4:10). I bind Satan, in the name of Jesus Christ, from my family. From the windows and doors of my house - specifically in each of their rooms. From my children's thoughts, their dreams, their hearts, their spirits. From their closets to the shadows in their rooms... Satan has no power here. He cannot have my children and I command him to flee from here in the name of Jesus. I ask You to put a hedge of protection around each of my children and send your angels to guard our house. I love you, Lord, and I lay my family at Your feet knowing that You will keep us safe. We submit our lives to You, Lord, help us resist the devil so that he will flee from us (James 4:7). Thank You, Lord, for Your protection and watchful eye. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
Starting back in December, my son Jonah started waking up in the middle of the night crying. This became frequent and soon progressed to him crying hysterically when we would put him down for bed. We were left puzzled by this new phase and unsure what to do. It finally got to a point where Jonah would get anxious about entering his room even during the day. My husband's work schedule kept him away many nights in January and so I often put the children down by myself. I would always put Jonah down last and as I was getting him ready for bed... I can't really articulate it, but there was darkness present in his room. I could feel it in my spirit and I simply had to pray when I was in there. I mentioned this to Jason a few different times and he ended up seeking council about it with a trusted man of God. This man looked right at Jason and without hesitation he said, "Satan wants Jonah." Jason came home with a resolve that we will fight Satan tooth and nail because he will not have our son.
The challenge and the prayer will be combined this week. For my challenge, I need to be aware at just how active the devil is in my family's life. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." While we have been aggressive in fighting Satan over Jonah (which I'm thankful to report has solved all his anxiety!) we have not been as equally active in praying over and anointing Havana or Selah's rooms because they aren't being scared at night, but that doesn't mean Satan isn't after them... we know he is. I need to be more mindful that while I have hopes and dreams and prayers for my children - Satan does as well. He as an agenda for my family and it is the complete opposite of my agenda (and even more important God's agenda)! I need to be much more active in battling him over my children today and every day!
Prayer:
(there isn't one prayer I can write to cover all of this, but here is the basic prayer that can be used to launch into your own prayers specific to your family):
Father God, in the powerful name of Jesus Christ I ask you to come and protect my children. Protect them from the Evil One. Protect them from his lies and schemes. I know we were bought with the blood of Jesus (Acts 20:28) and I ask for it to be sprinkled over my children, their rooms, and their thoughts. Like Jesus, I exclaim, "Away from my children, Satan" (Matthew 4:10). I bind Satan, in the name of Jesus Christ, from my family. From the windows and doors of my house - specifically in each of their rooms. From my children's thoughts, their dreams, their hearts, their spirits. From their closets to the shadows in their rooms... Satan has no power here. He cannot have my children and I command him to flee from here in the name of Jesus. I ask You to put a hedge of protection around each of my children and send your angels to guard our house. I love you, Lord, and I lay my family at Your feet knowing that You will keep us safe. We submit our lives to You, Lord, help us resist the devil so that he will flee from us (James 4:7). Thank You, Lord, for Your protection and watchful eye. In Jesus' Name I pray. Amen.
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