Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,
for the rights of all who are destitute.
Speak up and judge fairly;
defend the rights of the poor and needy. (Proverbs 31:8,9)
Dear Father,
In this proverb you are telling us that it is not enough simply to care for the poor and the oppressed and to have compassion on them, but that you also expect us to speak up on their behalf, to defend their rights. I pray that these children will have the courage to speak up, to be a voice crying out on behalf of those who have no voice. I pray that they will speak out in defense of the rights of the poor, even when to do so is not popular among their peers. I pray that social activism become part of their nature, a calling that they cannot quench, a burning within their hearts that will not let them be comfortable. And through them I pray you do things to change our society to be more compassionate and caring about the rights and plight of the poor and destitute.
Amen
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Tested by Praise - Proverbs 27:21
The crucible for silver and the furnace for gold,
but people are tested by their praise. (Proverbs 27:21)
Dear Father,
It is indeed a testing when we are praised. We are tempted to take credit for what we have done or for the talents we possess rather than praising you for what you have done through us or for the gifts you have given to us. I pray that these children do not become addicted to the praise of men rather that their goal will be to please you and receive your praise. I pray that they always have a healthy understanding of the Source of their success and gifts and earnestly seek to reflect the praise they receive toward you and thereby many are influenced to seek you and your ways.
Amen
but people are tested by their praise. (Proverbs 27:21)
Dear Father,
It is indeed a testing when we are praised. We are tempted to take credit for what we have done or for the talents we possess rather than praising you for what you have done through us or for the gifts you have given to us. I pray that these children do not become addicted to the praise of men rather that their goal will be to please you and receive your praise. I pray that they always have a healthy understanding of the Source of their success and gifts and earnestly seek to reflect the praise they receive toward you and thereby many are influenced to seek you and your ways.
Amen
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Iron Sharpens Iron - Proverbs 27:17
As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
Dear Father,
It is natural for us to want to surround ourselves with those who are weaker than us, those who will not question us or challenge us. But the wisdom of this proverb is that we are strengthened when we are in the presence of those who are strong, those who will challenge us, those who will hold us accountable.
I pray that these young ones seek out those who are strong and godly to be their peers and to be their spouse. But in those relationships I pray that they do not simply follow the opinions and patterns of the strong, or simply capitulate. I pray instead that they too be a sharpening iron to others by challenging, questioning and holding them accountable. I pray that they are able to develop relationships with people such that this kind of sharpening can be done in the spirit of love where each person is respected and listened to, but at the same time differences can be expressed and examined for wisdom. By this process, I pray that these children continually improve and continually develop and grow their Christian worldview, rather than simply resting on conclusions made long past.
Amen
so one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
Dear Father,
It is natural for us to want to surround ourselves with those who are weaker than us, those who will not question us or challenge us. But the wisdom of this proverb is that we are strengthened when we are in the presence of those who are strong, those who will challenge us, those who will hold us accountable.
I pray that these young ones seek out those who are strong and godly to be their peers and to be their spouse. But in those relationships I pray that they do not simply follow the opinions and patterns of the strong, or simply capitulate. I pray instead that they too be a sharpening iron to others by challenging, questioning and holding them accountable. I pray that they are able to develop relationships with people such that this kind of sharpening can be done in the spirit of love where each person is respected and listened to, but at the same time differences can be expressed and examined for wisdom. By this process, I pray that these children continually improve and continually develop and grow their Christian worldview, rather than simply resting on conclusions made long past.
Amen
Bragging - Proverbs 27:2
Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;
an outsider, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2)
Dear Father,
I pray that these children will avoid the temptation to brag. It is a difficult temptation to overcome, particularly when others are bragging or if their own accomplishments go unnoticed. The end result, though, is never good. Invariably people think poorly of braggarts, and yet the temptation is there none-the-less. I pray that these children develop an appreciation for their own accomplishments as valuable unto themselves, whether or not they are noticed, and that they feel good about the good things they do without recognition. I pray that they come to understand that you are the only important audience and that putting a smile on your face is all that really matters. I pray that they come to desire only one thing - to hear the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant" when they come into your presence.
Amen
an outsider, and not your own lips. (Proverbs 27:2)
Dear Father,
I pray that these children will avoid the temptation to brag. It is a difficult temptation to overcome, particularly when others are bragging or if their own accomplishments go unnoticed. The end result, though, is never good. Invariably people think poorly of braggarts, and yet the temptation is there none-the-less. I pray that these children develop an appreciation for their own accomplishments as valuable unto themselves, whether or not they are noticed, and that they feel good about the good things they do without recognition. I pray that they come to understand that you are the only important audience and that putting a smile on your face is all that really matters. I pray that they come to desire only one thing - to hear the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant" when they come into your presence.
Amen
Boasting About Tomorrow - Proverbs 27:1
Do not boast about tomorrow,
for you do not know what a day may bring. (Proverbs 27:1)
Dear Father,
It is so easy for us to be making plans for the future without acknowledging the uncertainty of it. I pray that these children develop a deep sense of the uncertainty of tomorrow and how they are not in control of their future. From that I pray they develop a sustaining trust in you who provides the only certainty. May that knowledge and wisdom in them guide their actions such that, though they do make prudent plans for the future, they do not rely on those plans for their security.
Further, I pray that this healthy view causes them to focus on today as a gift from you which they should enjoy and well use. Presuming tomorrow causes us to ignore today. And yet today is when we will have the world changing impact on those around us. By focusing on the day you have given them, I pray that they will focus on the simple acts of kindness that they can share amidst their daily walk.
Amen
for you do not know what a day may bring. (Proverbs 27:1)
Dear Father,
It is so easy for us to be making plans for the future without acknowledging the uncertainty of it. I pray that these children develop a deep sense of the uncertainty of tomorrow and how they are not in control of their future. From that I pray they develop a sustaining trust in you who provides the only certainty. May that knowledge and wisdom in them guide their actions such that, though they do make prudent plans for the future, they do not rely on those plans for their security.
Further, I pray that this healthy view causes them to focus on today as a gift from you which they should enjoy and well use. Presuming tomorrow causes us to ignore today. And yet today is when we will have the world changing impact on those around us. By focusing on the day you have given them, I pray that they will focus on the simple acts of kindness that they can share amidst their daily walk.
Amen
Practical Jokes - Proverbs 26:18,19
Like a maniac shooting
flaming arrows of death
is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!” (Proverbs 26:18,19)
Dear Father,
I pray that these children develop a great sense of humor since your Son patterned a behavior that included humor and laughter. Laughter is healing to the soul, a balm in the midst of pain. But joking can be destructive. I pray that these children never make jokes as someone else's expense, that they learn that making fun of people, even though they say they were "only joking", is hurtful and damaging. Some practical joking can be fine, but many times those jokes embarrass people greatly and many who are on the receiving end are not well equipped or self assured enough to deal with the embarrassment. I pray that these children understand, as this proverb well describes, that it is dangerous to play practical jokes - like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death. You never know what effect the joke might have and how a person might be hurt by it. I pray that in any such acts, the jokes they play are mild and the people they play them against are well able to handle any embarrassment. But moreover, I pray that you give these children the wisdom to think through the possible ramifications of these actions.
Amen
flaming arrows of death
is one who deceives their neighbor
and says, “I was only joking!” (Proverbs 26:18,19)
Dear Father,
I pray that these children develop a great sense of humor since your Son patterned a behavior that included humor and laughter. Laughter is healing to the soul, a balm in the midst of pain. But joking can be destructive. I pray that these children never make jokes as someone else's expense, that they learn that making fun of people, even though they say they were "only joking", is hurtful and damaging. Some practical joking can be fine, but many times those jokes embarrass people greatly and many who are on the receiving end are not well equipped or self assured enough to deal with the embarrassment. I pray that these children understand, as this proverb well describes, that it is dangerous to play practical jokes - like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death. You never know what effect the joke might have and how a person might be hurt by it. I pray that in any such acts, the jokes they play are mild and the people they play them against are well able to handle any embarrassment. But moreover, I pray that you give these children the wisdom to think through the possible ramifications of these actions.
Amen
A Stray Dog by the Ears - Proverbs 26:17
Like one who grabs a stray dog by the ears
is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. (Proverbs 26:17)
Dear Father,
Good hearted people want to fix situations. We want people to get along. We want to create peace because your Son said "Blessed are the peacemakers". We want to defend the helpless and the oppressed because your word tells us many times that such is what we should be about. However, this proverb gives us great wisdom by telling us not to rush in. It does not tell us to totally avoid these situations, but simply not to rush in. That before we jump headlong into a situation, we need to be sure we understand the facts. By rushing in, we may falsely conclude who is at fault and who is the oppressor. A situation's outward appearance is often not the true circumstance and by our naïvity we can do more harm than good.
I pray that these children develop a healthy balance between compassion and skepticism. That they assume that a situation may not be all that it appears to be. I pray that they are willing to enter a difficult situation, but that they do so with caution as they attempt to discern the truth. They will need your wisdom in order to do this and I pray you give them a special gift of discernment so that they can, in fact, with a healthy understanding of the facts, make peace and defend the helpless against oppression.
Amen
is someone who rushes into a quarrel not their own. (Proverbs 26:17)
Dear Father,
Good hearted people want to fix situations. We want people to get along. We want to create peace because your Son said "Blessed are the peacemakers". We want to defend the helpless and the oppressed because your word tells us many times that such is what we should be about. However, this proverb gives us great wisdom by telling us not to rush in. It does not tell us to totally avoid these situations, but simply not to rush in. That before we jump headlong into a situation, we need to be sure we understand the facts. By rushing in, we may falsely conclude who is at fault and who is the oppressor. A situation's outward appearance is often not the true circumstance and by our naïvity we can do more harm than good.
I pray that these children develop a healthy balance between compassion and skepticism. That they assume that a situation may not be all that it appears to be. I pray that they are willing to enter a difficult situation, but that they do so with caution as they attempt to discern the truth. They will need your wisdom in order to do this and I pray you give them a special gift of discernment so that they can, in fact, with a healthy understanding of the facts, make peace and defend the helpless against oppression.
Amen
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