"All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105
"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:11
For as long as I can remember, my family has always done family devotions in the morning. I have to admit that sometimes I wished I could skip it. Often I was just anxious to get on with the day and did not want to listen to Bible stories that I had heard countless times before. However, I am now very thankful for family devotions. Most of what I know about the Bible I learned in our family devotions, and I still continue to learn from them.
As a part of our family devotions, or "Bible Class" as we call it, Dad would often have us memorize scripture. One of my favorite sets of verses that he had us quote were the "A, B, C verses," which I still remember to this day.
"for All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:23
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Ephesians 6:1
"Do everything without complaining or arguing." Philippians 2:14
"Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him." Proverbs 30:5
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16
"Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Ephesians 5:11
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Genesis 1:1
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" John 14:6
"Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said, 'Never will I leave you. Never will I forsake you.'" Hebrews 13:5
"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as we see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19
"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1
"Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they though best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness." Hebrews 12:10
"Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18
"A Quick-tempered man does foolish things, and a crafty man is hated." Proverbs 14:17
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!" Philippians 4:4
"But Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." Matthew 6:33
"Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5, 6
"Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." Proverbs 127:1
"Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die." Romans 5:7
"Finally, brothers, Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." Philippians 4:8
"Follow my eXample, as I follow the example of Christ." 1 Corinthians 11:1
"You have heard that it was said, 'eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also." Matthew 5:38, 39
"Never be lacking in Zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." Romans 12:11
If you do not already do so, I would encourage you to start your own personal or family devotions in the morning. Work on memorizing scripture. When we start our day out by reading God's word, we honor him by putting him first in our daily routine. Also, it prepares us for the day. With God's word fresh in our minds, we are better equipped to resist temptations. His word will guide us throughout the day.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
For My Sister
I know that I'm a window
Letting in the Son.
It's my love and it's my duty
To show others what He's done.
I'm a window to a world
Much larger than their own.
If only they will look through,
Oh, then they'll understand.
My little sister Amber, just had her 8th birthday yesterday. I was reminded how I need to be a window, not only to strangers and friends, but also to my sister. She looks up to me and wants to do what I do. This gives me an opportunity to shine Jesus' light. When Amber looks at me, I want her to see Jesus. I want her to look up to Him and want to be like Him.
This is a prayer that I wrote a little less than a year ago when Amber was baptized.
Lord,
Today I would like to pray about my dear sister, Amber. Out of all the gifts that I have received, she is one of the most precious. She is full of joy and laughter. Amber is compassionate and loving. She is an answer to a prayer I used to pray every night before bed. Then, I was like her, not knowing about the great, big world with all of its mysteries and confusions which often devour mankind. Even now I only see a glimpse of it. Today, Amber has given her life to you, O Lord. She has decided to become separate from this world. I pray that she will continue to stay separated from this world and its worldly desires as she continues to grow in her faith.
Lord, let her shine like a star, so that others may find their way. Also, let her shine like the moon and reflect your glory. O Lord, if she slips and falls into the darkness help her to trust that you will pick her up and be her guiding light on the narrow path. Help her to remember that I love her, and that you love her so much more. You love her with an unfailing love, the love that loves even if she makes mistakes. Also, Lord, help her to remember that you are a just God. You do not let the ungodly go unpunished.
Most of all, Lord, help Amber to love you, her Heavenly Father, with all of her heart. I pray that she will serve you with all of her strength, never lacking in zeal. Show her that she does not need to be afraid what man can do to her, because you are always with her. Help her to be who you want her to be. I know that you can do marvelous things through her. Finally, I pray that I will be the example for her that you want me to be. Your will be done, O Lord.
In Jesus Name, Amen
This is a prayer that I wrote a little less than a year ago when Amber was baptized.
Lord,
Today I would like to pray about my dear sister, Amber. Out of all the gifts that I have received, she is one of the most precious. She is full of joy and laughter. Amber is compassionate and loving. She is an answer to a prayer I used to pray every night before bed. Then, I was like her, not knowing about the great, big world with all of its mysteries and confusions which often devour mankind. Even now I only see a glimpse of it. Today, Amber has given her life to you, O Lord. She has decided to become separate from this world. I pray that she will continue to stay separated from this world and its worldly desires as she continues to grow in her faith.
Lord, let her shine like a star, so that others may find their way. Also, let her shine like the moon and reflect your glory. O Lord, if she slips and falls into the darkness help her to trust that you will pick her up and be her guiding light on the narrow path. Help her to remember that I love her, and that you love her so much more. You love her with an unfailing love, the love that loves even if she makes mistakes. Also, Lord, help her to remember that you are a just God. You do not let the ungodly go unpunished.
Most of all, Lord, help Amber to love you, her Heavenly Father, with all of her heart. I pray that she will serve you with all of her strength, never lacking in zeal. Show her that she does not need to be afraid what man can do to her, because you are always with her. Help her to be who you want her to be. I know that you can do marvelous things through her. Finally, I pray that I will be the example for her that you want me to be. Your will be done, O Lord.
In Jesus Name, Amen
Thursday, April 14, 2011
When a Child Prayed
Eight years ago I had no idea what marvelous things God can do through prayer. My family consisted of six members: Mom, Dad, my three brothers, and of course me. My Dad was a preacher, and my Mom stayed home and schooled us. Although there were only six of us, we lived in a huge white house which was around century old. It was connected to the church building where my Dad preached. It was here that I rested in the safety of friends and family. As a result, hardship was a foreign concept to me.
One would think I was a happy child. After all, I had everything I needed. For the most part, I was content; but there was something I longed for. In fact, I would often pray for it when I was tucked into bed each night. I would say, “Dear God, please give me a little sister.” It was not like I was lacking in friends or siblings. In fact, my brothers would play dolls with me. I just wanted a little sister.
It may have seemed like quite a coincidence when my parents started taking foster care classes saying they wanted to take in a little girl. Even more surprisingly, as they learned more about the kids in foster care, they decided we might even take in a sibling group. As a result, when we got a call in May of 2006, the number of children in our house almost doubled. We took in a sibling group of three. I remember going to my aunt's house to wait for Mom and Dad to return with my new siblings. Dad finally came to take us home to meet them. I was excited. When I climbed out of the van, one of the first things I remember seeing was Troy zooming past on Ryan's bike. From the first time I saw him he was full of energy. I do not remember what Michael, who was the quietest and orneriest of the three, was doing, but I remember Amber. She ran and hid behind a tree. I am not sure whether she was shy or scared, but her blue eyes, blond hair, and adorable smile could have captured anybody's heart. She was my little sister.
The year that followed was probably the most difficult of my entire life. Adjusting to three new siblings all at once is not an easy thing, but it was during that time it struck me. My prayers had been answered. I had received my little sister plus two brothers I did not even ask for. I know it was not just a coincidence. It changed my life, but it was for the better. Though they frustrated me at times, like all siblings tend to do, they are gifts from God that I will treasure forever.
Now, life seems to have returned to normal. Dad works the same job. Our church has a new building, and the old one is my grandparent's apartment. Mom faithfully continues to teach us, and all seven of us siblings act like typical brothers and sisters. We still have our little quarrels here and there, but for the most part there is fun, laughter, and most of all love. Life continues on as though it has always been this way. Sometimes it rushes by so fast that I forget to thank God for the many blessings He has showered upon us, but there is something I will never forget: prayer is a powerful tool, even in the hands of a child.
One would think I was a happy child. After all, I had everything I needed. For the most part, I was content; but there was something I longed for. In fact, I would often pray for it when I was tucked into bed each night. I would say, “Dear God, please give me a little sister.” It was not like I was lacking in friends or siblings. In fact, my brothers would play dolls with me. I just wanted a little sister.
It may have seemed like quite a coincidence when my parents started taking foster care classes saying they wanted to take in a little girl. Even more surprisingly, as they learned more about the kids in foster care, they decided we might even take in a sibling group. As a result, when we got a call in May of 2006, the number of children in our house almost doubled. We took in a sibling group of three. I remember going to my aunt's house to wait for Mom and Dad to return with my new siblings. Dad finally came to take us home to meet them. I was excited. When I climbed out of the van, one of the first things I remember seeing was Troy zooming past on Ryan's bike. From the first time I saw him he was full of energy. I do not remember what Michael, who was the quietest and orneriest of the three, was doing, but I remember Amber. She ran and hid behind a tree. I am not sure whether she was shy or scared, but her blue eyes, blond hair, and adorable smile could have captured anybody's heart. She was my little sister.
The year that followed was probably the most difficult of my entire life. Adjusting to three new siblings all at once is not an easy thing, but it was during that time it struck me. My prayers had been answered. I had received my little sister plus two brothers I did not even ask for. I know it was not just a coincidence. It changed my life, but it was for the better. Though they frustrated me at times, like all siblings tend to do, they are gifts from God that I will treasure forever.
Now, life seems to have returned to normal. Dad works the same job. Our church has a new building, and the old one is my grandparent's apartment. Mom faithfully continues to teach us, and all seven of us siblings act like typical brothers and sisters. We still have our little quarrels here and there, but for the most part there is fun, laughter, and most of all love. Life continues on as though it has always been this way. Sometimes it rushes by so fast that I forget to thank God for the many blessings He has showered upon us, but there is something I will never forget: prayer is a powerful tool, even in the hands of a child.
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