On the Go - July 7, 2008

It's never too late to do the right thing by our children although we will likely inherit problems for having done it wrong for so long.

Live it
We've come a long way from the early church, but in some ways it hasn't been in a positive direction. Consider the first Hebraic family of believers and the way things changed under the strong influence of the Greek culture. The Greeks never considered their children worthy of participating in adult conversation, and over time that led church leadership to employ aged segregation in education, worship and play. But the Hebrews did all that in small groups which usually included all members of the family. The father would lead each family unit and a gray haired man called an elder did the same thing for groups of families when the church met. Any question was addressed, open conversation was encouraged and no one was demeaned. It's not uncommon to hear of problems today in homes and in church and one can only surmise how things would have been had we embraced the Hebrew's way of dealing with our children. One thing for sure, the way our children talk to us is indicative of the way we've talked to them. The next time we see them block us out and become overly consumed in playing a computer game with their peers, we should ask ourselves whose fault that is.

Pray it

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. Eph 6:18

Resources
Psalms is primarily the personal prayer journal of David. (2000)
If conviction validates the child of God, then compromise exposes a cheap imitation. (2001)
Holiness is learning to live like Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.. (2003)
God hates sin and so should we. (2004)
It's not enough to offer thanksgiving, we should be thanks-living. (2005)
Devotional. (2006)
Devotional (2007)
Are we on God's side? (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Build a spirit of sacrificial love in me toward my life partner.

My children.
Protect them from trouble unless in so doing you're preparing them to serve you.

Their school.
Keep those of bad influence from teaching my children.

Their teachers.
Grant boldness to godly teachers to speak the truth, even when threatened for doing so.

My children's friends.
Teach my kids to stand alone inspite of the influence of ungodly friends.

My friends.
Teach me how to be a good friend to someone else today.

My work.
Bless my business unless you find it ungodly. In that case, help me find work that honors you.

My city.
Break down every attempt of those seeking to raise revenue through unholy means.

Governmental leaders.
Keep our leaders from making ungodly decisions, but lead them to be righteous instead.

My country.
May our citizens recognize the greatest patriot is the one who recognizes Jesus as Lord.

My President.
Guard his life and protect him.

My church.
Keep people out of leadership roles who work on the basis of their own ability.

My pastor.
Give him the courage to shepherd the church as you would in his place.

My church leadership.
Restore the joy of those church leaders who are serving without passion.

Sister churches.
Use all the Spirit-filled churches in this area to make a real impact on the lost.

Persecuted churches.
Provide the needs of persecuted brothers and keep moles away from the flock.

Missionaries.
Give missionaries the resources they need to do the work for which you called them.

The sick..
Restore those who are suffering from illness in a way that you receive the glory.

The lost.
Convict the lost of sin today and give them desire to do something about it.

Those in despair.
Give hope to those who may be in despair today.

Those in the hospital.
Place your hand in the gloves of the doctor(s) and nurses today.

Those grieving.
Comfort those grieving and build in them a spirit of trust to replace the doubts.

Widows.
Take care of the widows using the Church to do the work by which you called them.

Orphans.
Place orphans in the care of godly men and women who know you.

Myself.
Bless me with spiritual discernment and use me to help others.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green: Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003), Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004), Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005).and One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).
Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.