The Sinful nature - immorality Galatians 5:19

Father,

As I prayed from Psalm 1 about avoiding the counsel and the ways of evil people, I am reminded of just how difficult that prayer is to put into practice. Evil counsel is everywhere, in peers, in teachers and professors, in the media in all forms. That counsel tells these children that sexual immorality is not only ok, but actual to be admired. It is considered odd, if not just wrong for a single person in their 20's to be a virgin. How do these children combat and turn from such counsel? Certainly the old song by Isaac Watts gains more meaning to me as I see the world as it is becoming - "How shall the young secure their hearts and guard their lives from sin?" he then answers with the simple, truthful, and yet difficult answer "Thy word the choicest rules impart to keep the conscience clean". Psalm 119 says it this way - "How can a young man keep his way pure?

By living according to your word. (Psalm 119:9)

I pray that these children take seriously your word and your formula for a meaningful life. That they value themselves and their bodies and your word enough that they are willing to be unusual, to go against the crowd and keep themselves sexually pure. That they do save themselves for their future mate so that the two of them can share themselves in the way of joy that you intended.

Amen

Blessed is the one who does not listen to bad counsel - Psalm 1

Dear Father,

I pray that these children are not drawn to bad influence. That they recognize evil influence and understand that the end result is disaster. I pray that as they turn from bad counsel, that you will bless them for that choice so that they learn that there are blessings in choosing your ways. May they instead come to delight in your word such that they think about it all the time as they seek to follow you. And by that, they will become like a tree planted by the water that yields fruit in its season and whose leaves do not wither. And whatever they do prospers.

May they see and fully understand the destruction that comes to those who choose evil ways so that they will fully comprehend the end result of those choices.

I pray that you watch over them as they seek righteousness.

Amen

Happy Birthday KMA!

Dear Father,

Today we celebrate the birth of KMA. Thank you for her and for her life. I pray that she continues to grow up into a strong woman of God. Guide her life such that she sees what it is you want her to be and that you grow in her a desire to follow that vision. Bring strong positive Christian influences into her life, both adults and peers and silence those who would have negative influence on her. Give TH and JH great wisdom as they raise her on a day to day basis. Increase her sphere of influence so that generations may be brought closer to you.

Amen

God Will Meet All Your Needs - Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

The Lord Who Provides,

I confess that it is easy to slide into worry about money. And I see people around me in the church who struggle financially. But as much as some of them struggle, they are never without basic needs. Though I certainly cannot know all situations in the world, your word I believe promises that, for the Christian, you will, in some way provide for our basic needs - in some cases through the generosity of other Christians.

I pray that these children come to trust in you to provide their needs so that they do not fret over such things. Certainly they should do their part in providing by being willing to seek work and to work, but may they not worry about what will actually happen in that regard. That is not easy, and they will need to learn that trust and reliance. I pray that you guide them in this way. Help them to see all the times you have provided for them so that they can build that trust. Help them see you act in other people's lives as an example.

And through that learning, I pray that they develop a calm and peaceful heart.

Amen

I Can Do All Things - Philippians 4:13

I can do everything through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)

Dear Father,

There will many obstacles that these children will face. Many of them will appear insurmountable. Sometimes they will think they have failed. But here Paul expresses the Secret - the secret of contentment. That secret is the knowledge that no matter the circumstances, if we allow you to be master of our lives, you will work powerfully through us to accomplish great things. Some of those great things we may never know about because we are separated from the ultimate outcome by space and time. But regardless, we can always know that we are never useless when we are in your hands.

I pray that these children never dispair. That they never conclude that their lives do not matter. Rather I pray that they will always know and be confident and content in the truth that their lives are never wasted in your service. That you take feeble efforts and achieve powerful results. That your strength is always magnified through our weakness.

Amen

Welcome to the World OFH!!

Dear Father,

Thank you for bringing another precious one into the world who will call me Grandad. I pray that you will keep her healthy and allow her to grow physically and mentally. I pray for TH and JH as they raise her that you will give them great wisdom and patience. Be with her big sisters that they will be strong godly examples to her. Protect her with your mighty angels, shield her from the evil one. Grow into a powerful woman of God.

Amen

The Secret of Being Content

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. (Philippians 4:12)

Dear Father,

I pray that you help these children and the ones raising them to learn the secret - the secret of being satisfied with what they have. Your servant Paul said that it was a secret that he has to learn. From experience I know that it does not come naturally. Give them experiences early in their lives in which they learn that things do not bring happiness nor do they bring genuine respect from others. By this they may learn that possessions can be enjoyed as gifts from you, but as no more or no less than that.

May they then learn that true contentment comes from being in your presence.

Amen