God's Promises

Heavenly Father,

Your promises are REAL! Your promises have endured as evidenced in generation to generation.  Your promises are real and evident in our family.  I pray my children will live in the power of Your promises, Savior God. Thank You, Lord for providing promises as our incentives and long term assurance.  I pray that all believers will avoid being trapped in hopelessness.  May all who call You Lord have a deepened sense of importance of their own behavior so that in all aspects Your Kingdom enters in and eventually takes over life, completely. Oh, to be lost in the miracle and excitement of more of You and less of me. I pray we all have no problem with that! More of You, Lord and less of each of us!  May we all apply Your basic promises and live in the pleasure of knowing that life is not about me nor Bob; not about Chip nor Rebecca; not about Marc nor Alyssa. Life is all about YOU - abundant life is YOU. We are to tell of Your greatness and point the way, but REAL  life is YOU!  That's something to REALLY celebrate!  Father, keep Chip safe, protected and comfortable as he travels from Kyrgyzstan to CapeTown.       In Jesus' Name, Amen

 

They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”  - Acts 16:31

 

This is what the Lord says: “Restrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work will be rewarded,” declares the Lord. “They will return from the land of the enemy. So there is hope for your descendants,”
declares the Lord.  “Your children will return to their own land  - Jeremiah 31:16-17

 

Breakthrough Prayer by Jim Cymbala

Many of us fail to call on God because we don’t understand the need to pray about something God has already promised to do. Through we acknowledge that God has plans for us and that his promises reflect his grace and mercy, we don’t realize that he wants us to petition him for the very things he has promised! It is in response to our prayers that God accomplishes his purpose, demonstrating once again that he is a “hearer of prayer’......

 

Be A Circle Maker by Mark Batterson

There is nothing God loves more than keeping promises, answering prayers, performing miracles and fulfilling dreams. That is who He is and what He does….the greatest moments in life are the miraculous moments when human impotence and divine omnipotence intersect.

Live abundantly rich knowing our God is the first & very best Promise Keeper.

Forever and always ~

Devoting Time to God each Day

Heavenly Father,

 

Today I pray that my children will come to know the value of spending quiet time with You.  I confess, it took me years of practicing how to be disciplined in prayer, journaling, Bible reading and meditation.  What is effective yesterday in meeting with You, may be very different in how I meet with You today. Life changes, circumstances change and we all change.  Just being still is a huge challenge, but the personal benefits of just being still are consistently HUGE Lord. We confess that we are consumed with doing and accomplishments and goals - not bad things, but demanding, consuming tasks. I pray that my loved ones will know the beauty of holiness in Your presence by being still.  I pray we will all slow down and savor precious time with You; time to breathe and do nothing but focus on You, Your beautiful world and how good You. Just thinking about such a time is refreshing! May we all take a revitalizing 'time out' regularly away from screen, electronics, noise and distractions. I pray my kids will give themselves a 'time out' with You. In Jesus' Name, Amen    

 

He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."

​               -   

Psalm 46:10 (NIV)​

He says, "Stop your striving and recognize that I am God! I will be exalted over the nations! I will be exalted over the earth!" 

​ - Psalm 46:10 (​NET Bible)

 

The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.

​ - Exodus 14:14

​“Teach me, and I will be silent; make me understand how I have gone astray. - Job 6:24

Devotion is not a duty. It’s a delight. It is not an exercise in piety. It is a privilege. And it is not so much a visit as it is a homecoming. Without question one of the most remarkable Christian doctrines is that Jesus Christ Himself through the presence of the Holy Spirit will actually enter a heart, settle down and be at home. -from  My Heart Christ’s Home  by Robert Boyd Munger

Spiritual practices are not an end in themselves, but are meant to connect us to Jesus, teach us wisdom, and eventually help transform our lives. - Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy

Are you familiar with phrases about having our daily devotions? Where did that term originate? We don’t know when the word devotion was first used for our periods of Bible study and prayer, but it is appropriate. The word devotion means ‘earnest affection for a person or a cause.’ It is a better term than the word commitment. We can be committed to a cause out of sheer duty; but to be devoted implies commitment plus affection . – Dr. David Jeremiah

There's great value in daily devoting time to be 'still and know' - know  Christ better and thus, know more! It's a win-win!

Forever and always ~

Unforgiveness; Forgiveness

Heavenly Father,

I hear people everyday talking about forgiveness....every aspect of forgiveness.  We don't forgive another or we fail to ask for forgiveness for our own inconsiderate or selfish acts.   We allow unforgiveness to settle down in an ugly place deep inside us where it spoils, destroys and ruins a spirit, a personality and even a relationship.  Unforgiveness can be a very lonely place, Lord. I pray my precious children will be forgiving.  I pray that they will have a wise, discerning forgiving spirit and will easily ask for forgiveness. Pridefulness or self-righteousness prevents many of us from humbly asking for forgiveness.  If we are to be more like You, Jesus, we must learn to forgive and to seek forgiveness from others. Otherwise, we are held captive by the bonds of living in denial and not dealing with truth.  Thank You, Lord for Your forgiveness.  We are all such a mess and yet you do more than forgive. You forgive and still keep loving us with a love that never changes. That's how we are to forgive and love; just like You!  Teach us all how to be better forgivers.   In Jesus' Name, Amen

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him so that your Fahter in heaven may forgive you your sins. Mark 11:25

A marriage is made up of two good forgivers - Anne Graham Lotz  (a quote Pastor Dan used in Chip and Rebecca's marriage ceremony - do you remember??!)

Forgiveness, like love, is a decision we make. - Dr. John Trent

Breaking Free (updated) by Beth Moore

Forgiveness involves my handing over to God the responsibility for justice. The longer I hold on to it, the more the bondage strangles the life out of me…Memories may still be painful to me at times, but they no longer have power over me.

This isn’t the life I signed up for…But I’m Finding Hope and Healing by Donna Partow    What does forgiveness have to do with Satan and his schemes? EVERYTHING! He knows the power of forgiveness better than anyone. It was God’s willingness to provide a means of forgiveness for the human race that foiled Satan’s plans at the cross. What is Satan’s scheme in your life? It’s real simple! To keep you stuck in your old ways. To keep you so focused on who did what and who said what and how dare they and you’ve had it! So you can’t move forward with the rest of your life. ....There can be no authentic forgiveness as long as we are in denial.

Living in denial is living a lie, Beautiful Children.  Walk in the Light and live in Truth....know and practice forgiveness.  It is a God's healing balm of reality and true freedom.  

Always and forever ~

Expect Fulfillment from God, not from Each Other or Money

Heavenly Father,

It is very easy to desire things from a relationship that we are only able to get from You; should  get from only You.  Praise You for being the ultimate Keeper of Promises.  Forgive us, Lord for expecting to receive certain feelings of worth from a partner. When somethings feels 'off', may we learn to examine our own walk with You first.  Forgive us for looking to another to meet needs that can only be met by You.  I pray these loved ones will not allow significant relationships to be riddled with unrealistic - ungodly - expectations. You promise to meet all our needs.  You promise that nothing can separate us from Your love.  You promise that no one can snatch us out of Your hand.  Lord God, if we want our relationships to be healthy, we have to first believe Your promises and look to You before looking to another person to complete us. Only You and You alone can complete Your creation, man and woman.

 Philippians 4:19 And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you.”

Romans 8:38-39 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

John 10:27-29  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.  My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all ; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand

Be A Circle Maker by Mark Batterson: There is nothing God loves more than keeping promises, answering prayers, performing miracles and fulfilling dreams. That is who He is and what He does….the greatest moments in life are the miraculous moments when human impotence and divine omnipotence intersect.

​ ......​

I

​t

 is absolutely imperative at the outset that you come to terms with this simple, yet life changing truth:  GOD IS FOR YOU.

To hear God’s promise is to hear something that perhaps no one else around us can hear. It is to feel ourselves begin to tap our toes and move gently to the beat of the music, perhaps to the bewilderment of those watching us. The music we hear is the music of God’s future. Hope is hearing the tune. Faith is to dance to it now. – Ben Patterson

​So, dance, my Darlings......Forever and Always ~​

We are not in Control; Trust Jesus

Heavenly Father,

I pray our children will confess any lack of belief in You or any question that You are in control. 

We are delusional if we think we are in control. I pray that we all express our faith in You and learn to trust You more each day. Replace our temporal perspectives with eternal ones.  Thank You, Lord that we don't have to be in charge.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

Unselfishness

Heavenly Father,

    Our world is so harsh and self-centered, Lord.  Most days we hear lots of 'me', 'I' and 'my.'  It is truly sad to know we are so self-absorbed while we dwell in a world that is aching for a positive word, a considerate gesture or an expression of kindness.  I pray these loved ones and I will grow in kindness and consideration. There is no loss and only gain in being good to others. Nothing could be more Christ-like than to extend a caring hand.  Kindness softens hearts and is contagious.  I pray that our children and all our family will be wrapped in authentic kindness and consideration and if these attributes do not come naturally, may we all be diligent about refining them within ourselves. Holy Spirit, keep us mindful of being kind until it is an authentic overflow from our hearts.  

In Jesus' Name, Amen

 

^{Romans 12:10-19 (The Message)}  Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.  Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.  Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down. Get along with each other; don’t be stuck-up. Make friends with nobodies; don’t be the great somebody.  Don’t hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you’ve got it in you, get along with everybody. Don’t insist on getting even; that’s not for you to do. “I’ll do the judging,” says God. “I’ll take care of it.”

 

The hardest thing for God to do is to make a man kind – Dwight L Moody

Kindness has converted more sinners than zeal, eloquence and learning. – Frederick Faber

When McDonalds first set up shop in the Soviet Union, the company had to teach cashiers to smile and say thank you  - courtesies not required back when all stores were government monopolies - The Christian in Today’s Culture, Charles Colson

​  ​

 

Forever and Always ~

H.E.A.R.T; Spiritual Vitamins

Heavenly Father,

I confess that I need to take 'spiritual vitamins' to maintain a healthy positive outlook.  My vitamins are worship, prayer, study, Christian community and service.  I pray my children will identify the spiritual vitamins that keep them sustained, healthy and strong.  Lord, it is also prudent for me to often do a self-checkup on my heart.  When  I begin to feel overwhelmed or out of balance, it's time to pause and examine life.  We all need Your Truth to self-assess, Lord.  We can relapse into denial or convince ourselves that we can handle life without help from You or each other.   I pray we will all regularly make time for a H-E-A-R-T check up and ask ourselves:
Am I H - hurting?

          E - exhausted?

          A - angry?

          R - resentful?

          T - tense?   For if we are experiencing any of these things, it is a heart problem with potential for serious or even permanent damage to ourselves and others, alike.  Bring healing and resolve in Your way and in Your perfect timing, Lord.  Give us each a teachable spirit that has the courage to do a regular self-examination so we remain healthy.  Hard questions require honest answers or else we live in avoidant behavior or even a lie.  Give us clean hearts - healthy hearts, O God for life is good and we seek to live in Your goodness.

 

Watch over Chip in his long journey.  Watch over Alyssa as she visits with family in Florida.  Keep Marc and Rebecca safe and comfortable at home.   Lord, keep all these precious ones heart-healthy.  We love them so and You love them even more!  In Jesus' Name, Amen.  

 

Psalm 51: 10-12

Create in me a clean heart, O God and renew a right Spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

 

In the end, it doesn’t matter how well we have performed or what we have accomplished – a life without heart is not worth living. For out of this wellspring of our soul flow all true caring and all meaningful work, all real worship and all sacrifice - Brent Curtis & John Eldredge

 

 The heart is something of a garden that requires tending. Many things might have occasion to grow there. A root of bitterness is so potent it will invade other people’s gardens and worst of all, it will choke the grace of God in my life. I will miss what I want most. - Paula Reinhart, Strong Women, Soft Hearts

 

Always and forever ~

Never Feel Alone

Dear Lord,

I pray that these dear ones will never feel alone or abandoned.   We praise You for being a God who will never allows us to be beyond Your sight or Your reach. May these loved ones know the reassurance of Your constant watch-care and provision.  Help my children to face trials with a courage that is firmly routed in your strength and power so others might be drawn to You and know Your grace. We remain grateful that we have one another, Lord - to encourage, lift up; to be accountable and to sustain. We all lift up express prayers for Chip as he travels to see Stephen and Leah.  Keep him safe, rested and strong, Lord. May the flight and connections be well timed. I pray for his comfort and mobility during the travel time and during his stay away from home.    In Jesus’ name, Amen

 

You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.  Psalm 32:7

 

Hank Williams dropped out of school to pursue his dream of being a country music star, but he ran into problems with alcoholism. He married Audrey Sheppard at a gas station in Alabama. But Audrey threw Hank out of the house. Fueled by heartache, Williams wrote the song, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Shortly afterward he died at age 29 in the back of his Cadillac en route to a performance. His songs of loneliness and heartache made him an American icon, for somehow his plaintive melodies touched the hearts of those who are so lonely they could cry. The Bible has a one word answer for loneliness: fellowship. That is our opportunity to be best friends with the Lord and part of His worldwide family. It is the Divine answer. – Dr David Jeremiah

How to Succeed at Being Yourself  by Joyce Meyer

It is very difficult to get into serious trouble stepping out one step at a time. But those who won’t step out are already in serious trouble because they will never accomplish anything in life. Another safety factor we have followed is being sure our hearts are right concerning the thing we are doing. We have to be sure we have pure motives and are doing it solely because we believe it is God’s Will.

Always and forever ~​

Accomplish Your Best

Heavenly Father, 

I pray these precious children will be the best that they can be for Your sake.  Your gave them all strong bodies, incredible minds and a spirit that will empower them to never settle for mediocrity.  Lord, I pray that each of them will support the other in accomplishing ones best, as well. Mutual encouragement and support is a powerful motivator,  especially when times are trying or difficult. Thank You for providing believers with the Holy Spirit to guard, guide, direct and comfort; our constant companion Thank You for providing us each other to tangibly do the same.  May we all count it a high and humble privilege to do whatever we do and say for Your sake.  In Jesus Name, Amen 

"Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship in the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, United in Spirit intent on one purpose. " 

- Philippians 2:1-2 

forever and always - 

Humility

(I have been reading several Bill Bright books and his autobiography ...amazing man who has changed the world through Campus Crusade for Christ, now known as CRU. ) 

Heavenly Father, 

Learning to be humble is a lifelong challenge for most of us.  Lord, You know how easily we take for granted those we love who are usually those to whom we allow our true selfish, carnal nature to be exposed.  Even though it is probably because our closest loved ones are with us all the time or we tend to take them for granted, we tend to be less considerate or even more emphatic about rights, communicate and equal distribution of power.  I know how we still struggle with like issues after many years of faithful marriage.  Thus, I pray for my dear children to be mindful of sharing information, making decisions together and maintaining healthy communication.  Another skill that is refined over the years!!

 Yet Lord, You call us to remain faithful and true to Your precepts for a healthy, safe and contented life; individually, as a couple and as a community.  This devotion was especially powerful,knowing that spiritual icons like the Brights had a reckless moment.  May we all learn to recognize the approach of such a defining moment that could change lives forever all because of ones selfish pride.  You tell us 'count the cost' .....may we do just that in every response: count the cost. InJesus Name, Amen

See Luke chapter 14 

Always and forever - 

Judgmental Behavior

Heavenly Father,

May my children turn away from judgmental behavior.  We all want to use good judgment, but it's challenging to not be judgmental and compare.  Because I have wrestled with the the demon of judgmentalism all my life I pray they can come to peace with not being tolerant of unacceptable behavior; but, will define and protect themselves without 'classifying' others.  May we strive to be like  Joshua, saying, 'as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" without casting a negative light on someone else. I pray we never have to apologize for our faith in Christ or be sorry for Godly integrity.  I pray for myself along with these dear ones to live with Joshua's mindset. IJN Amen 

 

So be careful. If you are thinking, 'Oh, I would never behave like that' - let this be a warning to you.  For you, too may fall into sin.  I Corinthians 10:12

 

Beyond Boundaries by John Townsend

Use judgment instead of judging. That is, evaluate another person based on their own words and actions over time rather than stereotyping them based on previous destructive relationship. This will help you move beyond your protective boundaries and you will find more opportunities for authentic connection.

 

Battlefield of the Mind  by Joyce Meyer

God is the only One Who has the right to condemn or sentence, therefore, when we pass judgment on another, we are in a certain sense, setting ourselves up as God........Judgment and criticism are fruit of a deeper problem – pride. When the “I” is us is bigger than it should be, it will always cause problems. 

Always and forever ~ 

Quality Time

Heavenly Father,

In the changing rhythms of life, please bless my children with consideration and timing to sustain and nurture quality time with one another. We know that distractions and demands vary in seasons of life.  It is easy to be caught up in the tyranny of the urgent and forget what is truly important in life.  I pray for these beautiful young adults to be keenly aware of one another in everyday life; especially when relationships are challenged by time, deadlines and distractions.  I pray that I can do the same and confess that I fail to keep 'the main thing the main thing'.  IJN, Amen

Planning

Heavenly Father,

Give my children wisdom for planning for days ahead. You don't want them obsess about what will or won't be, but give them forethought to be prepared and practical in their decisions for next steps of life. Your parable about 'counting the cost' was given to us for a specific reason - that we be equipped in life. These bright and capable young men and women know that You hold the future and they are secure in that fact.  I pray that they also grasp that they are partners with You in how things unfold.  May they live in security and use the gifts You gave them so that recklessness or impulsive behaviors don't set them up for failure. God.   We trust You and praise you, in advance, for created for each of them a plan, a hope and a future.  May they do their part and join You in the beautiful dance of living well; living abundantly,  Lord.   IJN Amen

 

A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them. The simpleton never looks, and suffers the consequences.  Proverbs 27:12

 

I think dwelling on God’s plan for the future often excuses us from faithful and sacrificial living now. It tends to create a safe zone or sorts, where we can sit around and have spiritual conversations about what God might have planned for our lives. Thinking, questioning and talking can take the place of letting the Spirit affect our immediate actions in radical ways. God wants to see His children stake everything on His power and presence in their lives.  - Francis Chan

Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for a future that only He can see.  - Corrie ten Boom

​Always and forever ~​

My Hope is Built on Nothing Less...

Heavenly Father,

Today I pray my favorite hymn for my children.  I pray that they can claim its promises and stand alone on
Christ! Anything other than
Christ will falter, sink and fail.  IJN Amen

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteous,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus name,
On Christ the solid rock I stand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.

Always and forever -

Power of Words

Heavenly Father,

Today I pray that my children be fully aware of the power of their words; especially words spoken to loved ones.

Words are forever. Once said, they cannot be taken back or erased from a memory.  I have lived in regret for so many spoken words.  I am still learning when to speak and when to be silent; when to let my yes be yes and my no be no and then to hush. So, I pray these precious ones will not have to ask forgiveness over and over because they grow to be acutely aware of the power of the words.  Words build up or tear down....all in the power of the tongue. May we all handle that power with special care and Holy Spirit discernment. IJN Amen

May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14 NIV).

 

Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer

Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt 12:34).  The enemy knows that if he can get enough of the wrong things going on in our mind, they will eventually begin to come out of our mouth. Our words are very important because they confirm our faith – or in some instances our lack of faith.

​Loving you always and forever ~​

Authenticity

Heavenly Father,

Fill these precious loved ones with authenticity - no motives, no agendas, to guise or hesitation about truth. May they live in truth, seek truth, see truth in others and be wise beyond their years in  defending truth.  Truth is a person - it is Jesus Christ.  Lord, You said, "I am the way; the truth and the  life. No one comes to the Father but by me."  May my children walk in Your way, live in Your truth and experience the abundancy that comes from life in you.  IJN Amen

 

Cross examine me, O Lord and see that this is so; test my motives and affections too.  - Psalm 26:2

 

​We can justify our every deed but God looks at our motives. - Proverbs 21:2​

​

 

 from Fearless by Max Lucado:

In the movie Hook, Peter Pan had grown up become old and overweight and looked nothing like the Peter the lost boys knew. In the midst of the boys shouting that this was NOT Peter, one of the smallest boys took him by the hand and pulled him down to his level. He then placed his hands on Peter’s face and proceeded to move the skin around, reshaping his face. The boy looked into Peter’s eyes and said, “There you are Peter!” We have a lot in us that only God can see. O that we could feel God’s hands on our faces, pushing away all the stuff of life and hear Him say, “There you are! There you are!”

from ​

Living the Maximized Life,  Dr I.V. Hilliard

Precepts are informational truths. The mind is like a muscle and truth, principles and precepts are the barbells needed for the exercise that is critical for the mind’s development. 

​always and forever ~ ​

All Things Possible with God

Lord God, 

Grant these ambitious beautiful adults Your peace..... a peace that cannot be explained or put into words. Give them that gut-level calm that permeates into a full sensory experience - heart, mind and soul.  Settle them down to rest in Your provision while they partner with You to keep moving forward in life. There is peace in knowing we are moving forward; whether it be 100MPH or inch-by-inch.  You hard-wired us to be  progressive and the Holy Spirit provides the power and might to keep us motivated.  With all You have provided working in harmony with an obedient, teachable human spirit, nothing is impossible. Thank You, Father, that all things are possible WITH YOU.  IJN Amen

EPHESIANS 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us ... (NIV)

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (nlt)

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us.. (ESV)

Hurricanes can travel up to 200 MPS often destroying everything in their path. However, inside the center of these tropical storms – described as the eye of the cyclone – is mostly calm weather with minimum barometric pressure. The contract of the raging winds outside the peaceful center of rhe storm is an awesome illustration of the safety found in living life in the center of God’s Will.

​-Max Lucado ​

When John Paton was translating the Bible for a South Seas Island tribe, he discovered that they had no word for peace. One day, a native who had been running very hard for several miles came to the missionary's house, flopped down into a large chair and tried to catch his breath. "It's good to rest my whole weight on this chair" the runner said. Paton thought for a minute before replying, "I'll translate peace as the result of resting one's whole weight on God."

​ - from Memoirs of John Paton ​

Loving you always and forever ~

Healthy Relationships

Heavenly Father,

I lift up these beautiful adult children to You and pray that they acquire the tools and skills to keep relationships healthy. I pray that they become masterful in being positive and uplifting to others.  May they learn to trust those who have earned the privilege of being trusted.  Grant them  the wisdom to know that communication is key is every relationship - honest, open conversation with no secrets and no deception, no agendas - keep them true to self and true to You, Lord.  IJN Amen

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you..." Matthew 7:12

"Therefore, laying aside falsehood, speak truth, each one of you with his neighbor, for we are members of one another. Be angry and yet, do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger."  Ephesians 4:25-26

Love forever and always --

Learn Through Trials

Heavenly Father,

 

Strengthen my children's faith.  In the face of joy, fulfillment, trials and adversity - all that life holds for all of us - may these blessed children lean heavily into talking with you through prayer. It is absolutely true that we learn more through trials than from victories so we are all learning, Lord. We never stop learning! Strengthen our faith in every circumstance so that we see Your fingerprints on our lives and others witness Your Glory; Your splendor. .  IJN - Amen

 

^{James 1:2-4 "}Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way."

 

 

(the following poem certainly applies to women, too! )

·        When God wants to drill a man,

And thrill a man

And skill a man

To play the noblest part;

When He yearns with all His heart

To create so great and bold a man

That all the world shall be amazed,

Watch His methods, watch His ways!

How He ruthlessly perfects

Whom He royally elects!

How He hammers him and hurts him

Intro trial shapes of clay which

Only God understands:

While his tortured heart is crying

And he lifts beseeching hands!

How He bends but never breaks

When his good He undertakes;

How he uses whom He chooses,

And with every purpose fuses him;

By every act induces him

To try His splendor out –

God knows what He’s about.  – The Disciplines of Life by V. Raymond Edman

Confidence in Prayer

Heavenly Father,

I pray these beautiful children grow in confidence and faith, especially in their prayer lives.  May they live so sure of who they are in You, that they can be assured that in Your Will and impeccable timing, You will answer their prayers in ways that in their best interests.  May they be accepting of Your answers.  IJN Amen

"You will have plenty to eat and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord Your God who has wondrously dealt with you; then my people will never be put to shame."

Love always and forever.

Do not Live in Fear, but Faith

Heavenly Father, 

I pray the power of scripture for these precious young adults today.  "For God has not given...." Marc nor Alyssa nor Chip nor Rebecca..."a spirit of fear, but of power, love and self control."  You, Dear Lord, do not want your loved ones to live in fearfulness....fear is from the evil one. Your children are to live in confidence and love and discipline that births greater love, power and confidence.  May we all have a prioritized mind that dissolves discomfort, confusion and disorder.  May we all control our lives with Godly wisdom and confidence in every situation.  There is no fear in faith.  In Jesus' name, Amen

"Fear and faith cannot be friends." - Bob Battoe !!!

Loves always and forever ....

Faithfulness

Heavenly Father,

I pray these blessed adult children will know their faith in You - live their faith in You - love and flourish in their faith in You. When they are confused, anxious, happy or hurt, may they lean on faith in their God that He has a handle on everything .....He is working for their good.  Thank You, mighty God! IJN Amen
Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

"God does not require success, only faithfulness" - James MacDonald

"Faith is simply obeying God no matter how we feel, what we see or what we think might happen." -      Warren Wiersbe

Loves always and forever -

Healing; Peace; Love

Heavenly Father,

I lift up those precious loved ones to you.  We all want to be prayer warriors for Alyssa's beloved grandmother, Barbara, newly diagnosed with advanced cancer.  Because Barbara knows You as Lord and Savior, we have the blessed assurance that Your plan, hope and future for her is secure.  We pray for comfort, courage and great discernment for Alyssa, her mother and extended family as they care for Barbara.  Remind them, Lord that Barbara is drawing from their strength, as well as her own.  Their countenance, responses and encouragement as caregivers is crucial to Barbara's well-being and confidence that she will be sustained in her condition.  With peace for today and bright hope for tomorrow, we pray for the Brooks/Snow family and will lean on Your provision and understanding in the days ahead.  In Jesus' Name, Amen

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,  And He shall direct ^] your paths."

God’s child who trusts His love possesses security in God’s leadership, in her salvation, in His mercy, in His comfort.  

​- Beth Moore​

​Forever and always ~​