THE BEST PARENT IN THE WORLD

"See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for He allows us to be

called His children, and we really are!"

I John 3:1

The love parents have for their children is found in the heart of God. In order for you to be the kind of parent that all children need, you must understand what kind of a parent God is to His children.

First, your children need leadership. You have been called by God to instruct your child, point your child to the path of life, and show your child how to walk upon it. You are your child's spiritual leader. From your lips, your child needs to hear wise words and wise counsel; from your steps, your child needs to see the importance of wise choices and good decisions; from your love, your child needs to discover their purpose, identity, and true worth.

Your children also need great care. Children are very needy people. Every child needs to be cared for and have their basic needs met. You have the responsibility of caring for and providing for the children God has given you. Not one thing can be overlooked. Would God forsake you? Of course not. Never! Nor should you ever allow the real needs of your children to be ignored, nor matter where they are or in whose care they might be.

Your children need your time. It is our greatest and most precious resource. And time has an extraordinary value to all human life. Those who choose not to spend time with their children came up with the lackluster theory that spending “quality time” is more important than the quantity of time. I see the victims of “quality time” parenting wandering the streets every day with no where to go. It’s not a question of quality, it’s a question of quantity. And that means spending large quantities of time with your kids. Being a parent is about being together with your child to share life's joys and God's blessings. Every moment you spend with your child is another opportunity for good to happen in their young life. You need to value and guard your time with your children.

Finally, you must give yourself. There’s no easy way to put it, to be a parent is to sacrifice your whole life for your child. It’s not about you anymore. But, when you give yourself to a child you are saying, "I am not only spending this time with you, but you have my complete attention. My eyes are upon you, heart follows you, my thoughts are with you, and my love is around you.” Remember, when God spoke to Abram, God gave him this precious promise, "Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” What a wonderful and cherished gift to give to our children as well.

We witness the most exquisite pattern for our own parenting in God, our Father in heaven. He gives us His love through His wise leadership, His uncompromising care, His unlimited time, and His perfect self. Today, it is our responsibility to pass these blessings to our children.

Today’s Prayer

Lord God, You have given us the privilege as well as the responsibility of being loving parents. In the name of Jesus, we ask you to guide us as we invite our children to hear your call to service and leadership in our Church. May our children respond with deep faith and generosity to the needs of God's people. Help us to be a source of love and encouragement to our children as we look to you for courage, strength and wisdom in the years to com. Amen.

YOU ARE THE CURE

“When men are brought low and you say, ‘Lift them up!’

then he will save the downcast.”

Job 22:29

A young man was learning to be a paratrooper. Before his first jump, he was given very clear instructions by the jump master: “Jump when you are told. Count to ten and pull the rip cord. In the unlikely event your parachute doesn't open, pull the emergency rip cord. When you get down, a truck will be there to take you back to the airport.”

The young man memorized these instructions and climbed aboard the plane. The plane climbed to ten thousand feet and the paratroopers began to jump. When the young man was told to jump, he jumped. Just as he was told, he counted to ten and pulled the rip cord. Nothing happened. His chute failed to open. So he pulled the emergency rip cord. Still, nothing happened. No parachute.

"Oh great," said the young man. "And I suppose the truck won't be there when I get down either!"

Sometimes, when trouble comes upon you, it just keeps coming and coming. There is no life without trouble and challenges or even disasters and tragedy. At one time or another, all of us will experience or be close to illness, accidents, betrayals, and death. If it hasn’t happened to you yet, it will. And when these days come upon us, the first thing we ask ourselves is, “Why?” Somehow, we think our troubles will be easier if we know the reason behind them.

Rarely is there a reason we can easily see or comprehend. But, there is always a purpose to our pain, a purpose that God needs you to understand.

There is an analogy from an old minister that goes like this: A bar of iron worth 1 dollar, when hammered into horseshoes, is worth 2 dollars. If made into needles, it is worth 70 dollars. If into penknife blades, it is worth 650 dollars. If into springs for watches, it is worth 50,000 dollars. What a drilling the poor bar must undergo to be worth this! But the more it is manipulated, the more it is hammered and passed through the fire, and is beaten and sharpened and polished, the greater its value.

You see, you are of more value to our Lord Jesus when you have gone through the trials and tribulations of life. In fact, those who suffer most are capable of yielding most. Why? Because you are able to identify with the pain and suffering of Jesus on the Cross, thereby bringing you closer to Him, and you are able to identify and encourage others who will go through the fire in the days to come.

Seldom does God use a person greatly who has not been hurt deeply. Yes, you have been through a lot. Sometimes, it’s too much to bear. But, you are warrior of life. And you have been saved from despair and destruction by Jesus Christ.

Now, He wants you to stand by those who need protection from the storms of life. They need you because you know where the pitfalls are. You know the darkness of hopeless days. You know how much it hurts and how lonely it can be. But, you also know what it is like to call upon Jesus. You know how to sit with someone and call His name in prayer. And you know the joy and hope of His voice when the new dawn awakens in your heart.

It has been said that the brook would lose its song if we removed the rocks. And those of us with the voice of pain have the responsibility to sing our song to the hurting people in our lives. It is the blessed sound of heaven’s healing. The music of the Holy Spirit that calls to the broken hearts of the world.

Why do we go through so much in life? Because God put us here for Him and for each other. The Lord has made you strongest where you were wounded the deepest. Today, someone near you needs that strength.

This week’s prayer

Lord Jesus, I love you. As your child, I confess it is sometimes difficult to thank you for the problems I have had in life. But, I do thank you for them all. Your plan is greater than I could ever see or know. I only pray that I may live a life that brings honor and glory to you. I know that my life will have difficult days. Please allow me the strength, patience, and wisdom to use these experiences as a foundation for the healing of others. Make my life a living sacrifice, an encouragement and an example to those who suffer this day. May they see the light of your love coming from my heart. Amen. 

Discovering Your Dream Life

“But now thus says the LORD, he who created you,

O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.”

Isaiah 43:1

Are you inspired by a dream for your life? Chances are, if you are inspired by a dream, others will be as well. Think of the inspiration of one man’s dream four decades ago when he said, “I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” 

What is your dream? You should know that it is of no use unless you discover it, just as a good harvest of golden wheat dies if it stays to rot in the field. But, when you truly discover and define your dream, you will realize the distinct reason God put you on this earth!

Perhaps it’s time to reveal your life’s dream. After all, what’s there to lose? There’s nothing to be afraid of, I assure you. And God Himself is on your side! Commit yourself to a dream! Nobody who tries to do something great but fails is a total failure. Why? Because you can always rest assured that you have succeeded in life's most important battle: the fear of trying.

Let’s get started on Discovering Your Dream Life. First, you’ll need to Get alone with God. The main reason people never uncover their purpose in life is they never stop long enough and listen to what God is saying. This going away from the television, away from work, away from people, just for a little while each day. Just get quiet for a few minutes and let God talk to you. He has a lot to say!

Next, you’ll need to review your gifts and talents. The Bible says we each have gifts. What are the gifts God has given you? Remember now, you didn't choose them. That’s why real fulfillment comes when you use those gifts for the dream God gave you. So ask yourself, What are my best abilities?  What do I really like to do? What are your desires? Don’t be afraid of your desires. As a Christian God has given you “the desires of your heart.” That doesn’t mean He gives you whatever you want. It means He gives you your wants!

Now, take a look at your personal experience. Examine your desires, your talents and your history. This is powerful thing! The Bible says, "All things work together for good" God doesn’t waste a thing. He uses all your training, skills, expertise, all the good times and the bad to build the person He needs you to be. God integrates every moment of your life, so take a good, honest look at it.

Then, let the dreams begin! Taking hold of your dreams means exploring whatever roads, journeys and adventures they will lead you. Explore new areas of ministry, business, and education. There are grand new possibilities every day! Get active and participate. Take classes; volunteer, travel. The sparks of your dream will soon ignite.

Finally, record your dream. When your dream is clear, write it down. This brings it one step closer to reality. It will give you resolve and bring undeniable definition and form to your life’s dream. You must do more than have an idea; you must make and follow a plan for implementing it. Dreams don’t come true just by “daydreaming.” Write them down and like a rudder on a boat, allow them to become a guiding force in your life.

Never forget that whoever God says you are, that is who you are. Let Him speak to you today so that He can introduce you to that very special person He created you to be in HIS dreams.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, please allow me to see my life the way You do; through Your eyes. Allow me to see and nurture the talents and gifts you have given me. Reveal to me all that I am good at doing, and how I can do those things more and more for Your Kingdom and greater glory. Reveal my purpose and allow me to rest in the knowledge that because you are good, you are working for good in every situation in my life. Keep me moving in the right direction, even though I can't see all of Your incredible plan. Lead me on this great adventure, this miraculous journey to my destiny in You. Amen. 

DREAM A BIG DREAM

“And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;”

                                                Acts 2:17

Along with every individual in the world, you have been created by God to have a glorious dream, a magnificent destiny and a higher reason for living. On that day long ago when God created you, He needed something accomplished on Earth that no other person could do, so He designed you to do it better than anyone else could.

Your God-designed, unique destiny, your dream, that certain something only you can do better than anyone is meant by our Lord to change the course of human history. Every one of us, and you are NO exception, has a moment when our dream and destiny can somehow impact the lives of people all over the world for generations to come. So, as you journey through the adventure of your life, remember that God has already arranged appointments and opportunities that will fulfill your destiny of making an eternal impact on His Kingdom.

What are these dreams? (No, I don’t mean the images that flash through your sleeping mind in the night.) By dreams, I mean the goals and visions that burn so brightly in your heart and permeate your soul with joy at their very thought. These are the strong and clear visions of what you want your life to be at your highest level of fulfillment. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” You see, it’s all about what you truly want to do with your life, how you want to do it to your greatest potential, and who you want to become in the process.

Your dream is more than a goal. It should be the very definition of your life. Eventually, you should be able to define your life in one word. When people think of Michael Jordon, they think "basketball." When they think of Shakespeare, they think "Playwright." What word pops into the minds of your family and friends when they thing of you? Why not "servant," "soul winner," "giver," or "discipler"?

As you go about your day today, please know that dreams do come true. Without that possibility, God would not incite us to have them. Next week, we’ll discuss how you can discover a clearer view of your dreams and some very real tips for making your dreams become reality.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, thank you for creating me. Give me the courage to make my dreams come true. For, I know you have given me those dreams. If they come true for me, they come true for you. Oh, that you would allow me to do great things for You and Your Kingdom. Grant me that I would never underestimate what you have created me to do and the great things you need me to do this very day. Amen.

God, please Bless America

Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD,

the people he chose for his inheritance.

                                    Psalm 33:12

Please take a moment to read and meditate upon this proclamation given by Abraham Lincoln in 1863 . . .

“It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

Know that by His divine law, nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world. May we not justly fear that the awful calamity of civil war which now desolates the land may be a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people?

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of heaven; we have been preserved these many years in peace and prosperity; we have grown in numbers, wealth and power as no other nation has ever grown.

But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us, and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that God should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged, as with one heart and one voice, by the whole American people.”

This proclamation is more ominous when observed from its historical perspective. Only four years before, a prayer and revival movement swept across America. It was not a planned event with guest speakers and complicated productions. It had no schedule and began spontaneously without any time limit. It was fast-paced, Spirit-led and genuine. As the phenomenon spread, news began to spread. Newspapers reported on the meetings because of the enormous crowds. Telegraph operators discovered that similar occurrences were happening all over the growing nation. A million souls were swept into the Kingdom, including folks in the South, in both Black and White churches. People and communities were changing.

Yet, despite the blessings of a great nation in revival, America’s sins remained an open wound before God. And during the height of the Civil Ware, that is what Lincoln called us to recognize. Has anything really changed that in 148 years . . . or in 2000 years? It can change today if we repent our sins and recognize our blessings!

What does the future hold for America and other nations of the world? God only knows. We can only pray for God’s tender mercies upon us and use His blessings to sweep more souls into the Kingdom of God!

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I thank you for this great nation and for the freedom to worship and praise You to my hearts desire! Thank you for the blessings you have given me. Please open my heart and eyes that I might use your blessings to bless others. Forgive me, forgive us, as a nation under God, for our sins and for turning away from you. Give us the courage to forever turn our faces toward you so that we may clearly see where you are leading us. Amen.

THE ROAD OF LIFE

"Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good morals'"

                                                    1 Corinthians 15:33

Fellowship is such an illustrious word! It is derived from the idea of two people traveling together on a ship. It meant two or more companions, working on a journey together, sharing one common community and communication. Along the way they would revel in the energy of the relationship and experience the adventure together.

I think of my own journeys on airlines in the modern age. Fellowship can be impossible on a long flight when you’re sitting next to someone who isn’t very nice, but instead rude and demanding. I am sure you have had this experience as well. The hours go by so slowly. Fellowship like this can make you look for the nearest emergency exit!

In the long-term, fellowship must be taken very seriously. If we choose the right partners in fellowship, it sustains us, causes us to grow in faith and ultimately brings us closer to God. But, the wrong fellowship, one that is negative or unhealthy, can break your spirit and tear down your soul.

If you were to check the passengers on the journey of your life, who would be there? Are there people who can assist you in getting to your final destination in victory? Or is your vessel filled with those who make you stumble and fall?

Perhaps you have never considered fellowship like this before, but the company you keep is essential to the success or failure of your entire life. You may like to believe that you are immune to the influence of others, but we are designed by God as social creatures. Those around us affect our behavior.

The Bible says, "Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnerships have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?" If you are constantly surrounded by the voices of anxiety, you may be in fellowship with the darkness of fear. This would keep you anchored to the shores of safety and comfort. But, you were made for the journey, not to rest at the docks.

Don’t set sail with the wrong companions. You may find yourself seeing everything through a dense fog and end up at the wrong destination. Faith comes by hearing, but so do doubt and fear. How much better is it to voyage with Jesus Christ, to climb aboard and find Jesus at rest in spite of the storm around you. With Jesus as your traveling partner, you can raise the sail of hope and embark on a journey, knowing that joy and wisdom will travel with you!

Whatever you find in the hold of your ship that causes you to fellowship with darkness, throw it overboard this very moment! Invite Jesus into your mind and ask the Holy Spirit to bring you to home.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, I pray that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit will be with me on my journey to you. Protect me from those who would sink me into despair. Surround me with people who believe in you and my life in you. Together, we will seek your Kingdom on this great adventure! Amen.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN THE LIGHTS COME ON?

"This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."

John 3:19-21

What is your initial reaction when the lights come on? Doesn’t it depend on the source of the light? Think of how you feel differently when various sources of light suddenly shine on you: Police lights? Stage lights? Christmas Lights? Bedroom Lights? Each source of light sparks a wide range of reactions.

Animals respond to a light very differently. An insect will scramble with fear to the nearest place of darkness. A deer in the road stands frozen, immobilized and unable to move in any direction. A moth will turn from the darkness and fly with purpose directly into the light.

People respond to the light of God in the same ways. Some run to the nearest place of darkness when confronted with God. Some stand frozen, never making a decision.  While others turn from the darkness in their lives and pursue God, never looking back.

But, the source of the light is not the only thing to which we react. Your reaction to the light also depends on what the light is shining on! What does the light reveal? Do the police lights reveal that you’re going to fast? Does the kitchen light reveal all those dirty dishes? Does your computer light display all the work you have to do?

This week, ask yourself how your respond to God’s light and what it is revealing in your life. Do you run into His magnificent light or hide in the darkness. Are you happy by what you see in His light or does it trouble you. Either way, you don’t need to be afraid. The light of the Lord is love and in His light you will find healing, comfort and peace.

This Week’s Prayer

Lord, you are the light of the world. I do not want to stay in the dark any longer. Please give me the courage to run into your incredible light and accept the love waiting for me there. Yes, there are things I do not want your light to reveal. I ask for your strength as I examine each area of my life that remains in the dark. I ask for your grace as I bring these things before you. Amen.