Video Bible Lesson - A Prayer for Your Children By Dr. Neil T. Anderson

1/2 Hour of God’s Power with Scott Ralls

5/20/2020

A Prayer for Your Children

By Dr. Neil T. Anderson

“Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it.” - Psalm 37:5

You can and should uphold Christian values and standards in your own home. But when your child leaves your home, he leaves with his own values, beliefs and personal agenda. This is the first half of the prodigal son story (Luke 15:11-32). The prodigal son wanted to do his own thing, so his father let him. I don't think the father would have let the boy rule in his home, but he did let him go. We don't like to see our children fail or make mistakes like that. When they do, we are too quick to rescue them from the natural consequences of their actions.

The father in the story welcomed his son home after the boy came to his senses. His repentance was complete: "Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no longer worthy to be called your son" (verse 21). The critical insight we need is offered by the father: "This son of mine was dead, and has come to life again" (verse 24). When your child is out of your sight, only God can bring him to his senses, bring him home, and give him life.

You can't go everywhere your child goes, but God can. He is the child's heavenly Father, and He is fully capable of protecting him.

I know of a dear lady who has buried two sons and witnessed the miracle healing of her husband from a near-fatal car accident. But her hardest trial was discovering that her beloved third son was struggling with homosexuality. Months of dark depression were lifted in one day when she realized that her son belonged to God, so she gave her boy to Him. For 11 years she didn't hear from him. Then one day he called and said he had a Mother's Day present for her. He had come back to the Lord!

God is in control. When you pray, you release Him to do what only He can do in your child's life. And when you pray, He can mold your parenting style so you can do what He has called you to do in raising your child.

Prayer:

Lord, I release my children to Your care and protection, and I relinquish my will for them in favor of Your will. I know I can’t go everywhere my child goes, but I know You do. Please protect them. Give us wisdom for how to parent well. Give us peace in Your goodness toward our children and your love for us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

#Jesus, #Christian, #Bible, #Salvation, #Heaven, #God, #HolySpirit

Streams in the Desert

Streams in the Desert

Shall I refuse to drink the cup of sorrow which the Father has given me to drink? (John 18:11, Weymouth).

God takes a thousand times more pains with us than the artist with his picture, by many touches of sorrow, and by many colors of circumstance, to bring us into the form which is the highest and noblest in His sight, if only we receive His gifts of myrrh in the right spirit.

But when the cup is put away, and these feelings are stifled or unheeded, a greater injury is done to the soul that can ever be amended. For no heart can conceive in what surpassing love God giveth us this myrrh; yet this which we ought to receive to our souls' good we suffer to pass by us in our sleepy indifference, and nothing comes of it.

Then we come and complain: "Alas, Lord! I am so dry, and it is so dark within me!" I tell thee, dear child, open thy heart to the pain, and it will do thee more good than if thou wert full of feeling and devoutness.
--Tauler

The cry of man's anguish went up to God,
"Lord take away pain:
The shadow that darkens the world Thou hast made,
The close-coiling chain
That strangles the heart, the burden that weighs
On the wings that would soar,
Lord, take away pain from the world Thou hast made,
That it love Thee the more."
Then answered the Lord to the cry of His world:
"Shall I take away pain,
And with it the power of the soul to endure,
Made strong by the strain?
Shall I take away pity, that knits heart to heart
And sacrifice high?
Will ye lose all your heroes that lift from the fire
White brows to the sky?
Shall I take away love that redeems with a price
And smiles at its loss?
Can ye spare from your lives that would climb unto Me
The Christ on His cross?"

Practical Ways to Bear Burdens.....Dr. Charles Stanley

Practical Ways to Bear Burdens

Dr. Charles Stanley 

1 Thessalonians 5:14

There are hurting people everywhere, but at times we just don't know what to say or do to ease their pain. Here are six practical ways to bear someone else's burden.

1. Be there. At times the best "method" of helping is simply to be present. During our darkest hours, we don't need someone who tries in vain to fix everything; we just need a friend.
2. Listen. Don't attempt to give answers or tell people what to do next. Injured souls frequently want simply a listening ear so they can express what's on their mind.
3. Share. Never parade yourself as someone who has all the answers. Instead, allow your own pain and failures to help others.
4. Pray. There is power in speaking people's names before the Lord. When they hear someone talk to Jesus on their behalf, healing often starts taking place.
5. Give. Sometimes helping others involves more than a handshake or warm hug. Maybe they need something financial or material. One of the best measures of sincerity is how much we're willing to give to others.
6. Substitute.You may know an individual who bears the burden of caring for someone else. If you step in and take his or her place for a while, you are emulating your Savior--He, too, was a substitute.

Because we were unable to do it ourselves, Jesus bore all of our sin and sorrow, even unto death. As a result, we can live happily and eternally in communion with our Father. If Christ did that for us, how can we ever say, "I'm too busy to bear someone else's burden"?

Does God Care About Tiny Details?

Does God Care About Tiny Details?
REBECCA SMITH

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

Six months after getting married, we miscarried our first baby. It was devastating and unexpected. Almost as unexpected as the pregnancy in the first place. We weren’t sure when we were going to start a family, but that first positive pregnancy test had us head over heels in love with that little gummy bear growing in my belly. We were parents!

Until we weren’t anymore.

The loss began almost as soon as we started celebrating. I was confused. We hadn’t yet asked God for a baby. So why had He given us one and then ripped it away the next moment? I kept hoping if I sat down with my legs crossed tight, I could stop the bleeding. I wondered how it was possible to want something so bad when it had been the furthest thing from my mind just weeks prior.

Despite all our prayers, large progesterone pills and bed rest, we lost our baby. My parents flew out to visit the next week, and my dad walked through the door of our small apartment carrying an enormous green plant.

“It’s a peace lily,” he said, as he set it down near a large window. “It will grow big, beautiful, white flowers soon.”

I took care of that plant in some effort to prove to God I would be a good mother. This plant baby would not die, I promised. I watered it, took it outside for some direct sun, opened the blinds it sat in front of every morning, and then I closed them each night. I dusted its leaves and did everything short of singing lullabies to it.

Yet, it never bloomed.

I was promised big, beautiful, white flowers, and every morning, the plant remained void of blooms. I was failing once again at bringing life into the world.

My dad called often. “To check up on the plant,” he would say, but now I realize he needed a reason to check up on his little girl. “Still no blooms,” I would respond.

Months later, I found myself holding another positive pregnancy test. Feelings of fear followed immediately. We’re probably going to lose this baby, too. I was sure that was the story God was building for us — one of pain and loss and disappointment. I begged Him to make this pregnancy stick and held my breath every time I went to the bathroom.

One morning, after turning the corner from the kitchen into our living room, my eyes landed on the peace lily plant near our window.

Something caught my eye. A small white sliver peeked out from beneath the jungle of green leaves. I walked closer, dumbfounded. My fingers reached out to touch the silky-smooth petal bursting through the green wrapping of the stem. It was blooming! My peace lily was finally flowering!

It was a whisper from God. A small sign that He saw my anxious thoughts and wanted me to be at peace. His plan is good. It is always good. It was good all along. A visual reminder of Romans 8:28, which says: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” I know God doesn’t always answer our prayers in exactly the way we hope, but He does always answer them.

I took a deep breath. It was time to relax and enjoy the beginnings of our new life as parents.

Nine months later, we brought Jonah (meaning “dove — a sign of peace”) home from the hospital and introduced him to the peace lily, flowers now standing tall above the leaves.

“God’s got us, buddy,” I whispered into his squishy cheeks while he slept on my chest. In that moment, I felt seen by a big God who cares about tiny details.

God, thank You for always being good. Thank You for seeing and caring about the small moments in our lives and sending signs and whispers that You are near. Thank You for the promise that You work all things together for the good of those who love You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Exodus 14:14, “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (NIV)

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (NIV)

Tsunami of Emotion and Understanding

Tsunami of Emotion and Understanding
by Shawn McEvoy, Director of Editorial

"Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
Job 2:9

I once came across a story that is all at once heartbreaking and hope-giving, tragic and uplifting, devastating and determined.

The International Mission Board's Shawn Hendricks chronicled what happened to and through one Christian family on India's east coast since the tsunamis of late 2004. His story, could I still link to it, would effectively function as your devotional for today much better than what I am about to write in response to it.

In a real-world account of events straight from the Book of Job, Paramesvaran and Choodamani lost all three of their children the day after Christmas that year. My heart breaks for families who lose one child, much less three. Imagine having lost one of them who was in your arms but who you were just not strong enough to hold on to against the crushing force of so much water.

Imagine being mocked by your friends and family for your faith while you are suffering such tragedy and burying your own offspring.

Imagine being so full of grief you discuss a suicide pact.

But then... eventually... the clouds lift, first for one spouse who is gifted by a word from the Lord about the blessing that her husband survived when so many others did not. Then, later, the husband feels the tugging of the Lord letting him know that his children are safe with Jesus, they're okay, they're full of praise and life.

The real, personable, meaningful faith in God pulls the couple up, and back together. They are blessed with two new children. But beyond that...

...the fact they are alive and together allows them to become adoptive parents to TWENTY orphaned children. Each of them has come to a saving relationship with Jesus, several helping their new father preach the gospel throughout the area. 

The example of the family, assisted by donations of Christians around the world, has "brought the Good News into areas that were once unreceptive to Christianity."

The ends of things are truly never known until later. Purpose is often invisible until it isn't. Damaging floods can become cleansing baptisms through the passage of time and reflections from fresh perspectives.

Job refused to curse God and die. He instead decided ultimately to acknowledge that nothing he ever had was his, and that the only thing worth living for was the knowledge that God is awesome, powerful, and beyond our comprehension. And yet, loves us beyond measure.

His story is not just a fable or morality tale. It can seem that way to our modern ears, which are unaccustomed to the reality of THAT much tragedy. But that much tragedy occurs all too frequently around our globe, and when it does, it should not shock me to the extent it did when I read this story. I feel like I should nod knowingly about the cost and fragility of life on this big blue ball, and how despite all the shaking and quaking there can still be a steady security when I give up any notions that I am god, that I am in control, that my job is to do anything with my time here but praise and share, worship and help, live and move and be every minute that he allows. 

Intersecting Faith & Life: May God continue to bless the ministry of Paramesvaran and Choodamani, and increase the strength in them that was built from climbing out of their tragic valley. May I not complain today about events that matter not. May I continue to see God's hand in everything as long as I have eyes to take it all in. And should I or my loved ones suffer anywhere close to this much, may we never forget this example of coming out the other side reborn, making ministry from the madness.

You Can Find Power in His Word

You Can Find Power in His Word
By Kay Arthur

“For the word of God is alive and active…” - Hebrews 4:12

How would your life change if you committed to meeting with God every day?

The writer of Hebrews tells us the Word of God “is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

God’s Word is power. God watches over His Word to see that his will is accomplished (Jeremiah 1:12). His Word is His plan, and His plan is something He makes happen. And so He promises, “So will My Word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” (Isaiah 55:11). God’s Word never fails! The writer of Hebrews says the Word is “active” (in other words, it has energy and power, Hebrews 4:12).

According to 2 Timothy 3:16, God’s words are “God-breathed” — not in-spired, meaning some kind of vague power or ghost breathed into man’s preexisting words, but literally breathed or spirited out of the mouth of God. So as 2 Peter 1:21 tells us, these words did not originate in the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

The Word sanctifies (purifies, cleanses) — “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). No wonder the apostles gave themselves to undistracted prayer and the Word of God (Acts 6:4)!

Take time this month to read Psalms 119 and mark every occurrence of the word "word" and its synonyms. You’ll see the truth, power, life, and treasure aspects of God’s Word shine forth. It’s a lamp for our feet, a restraint on our sin, a sustainer, a comforter, a reviver; it’s wisdom in our mouth for answering those who reproach us. Just think, Beloved, what would happen if we breathed the Word, lived it, and proclaimed it when we were jostled, stabbed, or shot at by the world. It would make a lasting difference! Do you believe the Word of God is living and active?

A Prayer to be the Hands and Feet of Christ

A Prayer to be the Hands and Feet of ChristBy Brian Kolodiejchuk

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’" – Matthew 25:40

Dear Jesus,

Help me to spread Your fragrance wherever I go.
Flood my soul with Your Spirit and life.
Penetrate and possess my whole being so utterly,
that my life may only be a radiance of Yours.

Shine through me, and be so in me
that every soul I come in contact with
may feel Your presence in my soul.

Let them look up, and see no longer me, but only Jesus!
Stay with me and then I will begin to shine as You shine,
so to shine as to be a light to others.

The light, O Jesus, will be all from You; none of it will be mine.
It will be You, shining on others through me.
Let me thus praise You in the way which You love best,
by shining on those around me.

Let me preach You without preaching, not by words but by my example,
by the catching force, the sympathetic influence of what I do,
the evident fullness of the love my heart bears to You.
Amen.

—Inspired by John Henry Cardinal Newman’s own prayer, prayed by Mother Teresa daily after holy communion.

Heavenly Father, in this time of prayer, we reach out in the assurance that you will embrace your children and lead us home. Thank you for your grace, without it we are lost. Teach us to be your hands and feet. Send us where we are needed, and help us to look upon other with eyes unclouded by hate.