Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. -Isaiah 41:10
For 21 days I have sought the Lord on behalf of my son in very specific areas (see the Warrior Prayers tab at the top for all the related posts). During that time my son has had precious moments of obedience, and challenging moments of defiance. He has hit, kicked, scowled, and said he hated things. I have realistic expectations of my almost three year old, but what if he was 8 or 12 or 21 and I saw no results at the end of this time period? No heart change when I've prayed to the Father?
Brooke talks about fear in her conclusion. The greatest fear we have: that our children will not bend to the Lord. She says, "I know fear is lack of trust, and lack of trust is lack of thanksgiving." It is overwhelming to think of the responsibility we have as mothers to raise Godly young men (or women). I share this feeling with Brooke, "[I'm] wondering if my efforts - my prayers - will ever make a difference. The moment of grace gives me hope that they do and that the God of the universe who made us, sees us. And smiles."
Sometimes it feels like I am speaking to an empty room, but I know that the prayers of a righteous man are effective(James 5:16) and I am the righteousness of God through Christ(2 Cor. 5:21), so MY prayers are powerful and effective. They are not lost in space.
The bottom line is trust. Trust that as we exalt Christ, He will draw our sons to Himself(John 12:32). Trust that He knows what we have need of even before we ask it(Matthew 6:8). Trust.
Lord, may my son trust in You. May he fear not, knowing that You are with him; may he not be dismayed, for You are his God. You will strengthen him, You will help him, You will uphold him with Your righteous right hand.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Day 21 - Humility
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. -Ephesians 4:2
Today completes the twenty-one days of prayer. What an accomplishment! The focus for the last day is humility. Webster defines the word humble as "not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive" and "reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit or submission." To be humble we see what we do not do (do not be proud, haughty, arrogant, or assertive) and we see what we ought to do (reflect, express, and be offered in a spirit of submission).
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. -James 4:10
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. -1 Peter 5:6
For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.
-Psalm 149:4
Jesus is our greatest example of one who was humble, even to die a terrible death to save mankind who was wallowing in their sin. He was perfection and showed that it is right to walk humbly.
Today I pray that my son does not have a haughty spirit, or think himself superior to others. May I see opportunities to show humility, so that I please the Father and am an example to my son.
May my son have unity of mind with other believers, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8)
Today completes the twenty-one days of prayer. What an accomplishment! The focus for the last day is humility. Webster defines the word humble as "not proud or haughty, not arrogant or assertive" and "reflecting, expressing, or offered in a spirit or submission." To be humble we see what we do not do (do not be proud, haughty, arrogant, or assertive) and we see what we ought to do (reflect, express, and be offered in a spirit of submission).
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. -James 4:10
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. -1 Peter 5:6
For the Lord delights in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.
-Psalm 149:4
Jesus is our greatest example of one who was humble, even to die a terrible death to save mankind who was wallowing in their sin. He was perfection and showed that it is right to walk humbly.
Today I pray that my son does not have a haughty spirit, or think himself superior to others. May I see opportunities to show humility, so that I please the Father and am an example to my son.
May my son have unity of mind with other believers, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (1 Peter 3:8)
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Day 20 - Honesty
The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. -Luke 6:45
Brooke shares an illustration in her leader's guide that I think is worth passing along. There was a pastor who held up a Styrofoam cup. He rammed his hand into the side of the cup, water spilling out, and asked why water came out of the cup. Was it because he rammed into it? Or was it simply because there was water inside of it?
If there had been no water, there would have been no spill. If we are the Styrofoam cup, then the ramming of the hand shows the daily hits we get. So what is the water? It is whatever we carry inside us. Good or evil, pleasing to God or destructive to ourselves. What is in your heart today?
Today is about honesty, but Brooke does not focus on that topic in her leader's guide or her main book. Why is that? The true way to be an honest person is to make sure of what is in your heart.
Lord, today I pray that I will store good treasures in my heart so that when difficulties come I will react in a way that is pleasing to you. I pray that my son is softened to your Truth, and that he desires to be an honest man who stores up good things.
May my son live such a good life among the unbeliever that, though they accuse him of doing wrong, they may see his good deeds and glorify God. (1 Peter 2:12)
Brooke shares an illustration in her leader's guide that I think is worth passing along. There was a pastor who held up a Styrofoam cup. He rammed his hand into the side of the cup, water spilling out, and asked why water came out of the cup. Was it because he rammed into it? Or was it simply because there was water inside of it?
If there had been no water, there would have been no spill. If we are the Styrofoam cup, then the ramming of the hand shows the daily hits we get. So what is the water? It is whatever we carry inside us. Good or evil, pleasing to God or destructive to ourselves. What is in your heart today?
Today is about honesty, but Brooke does not focus on that topic in her leader's guide or her main book. Why is that? The true way to be an honest person is to make sure of what is in your heart.
Lord, today I pray that I will store good treasures in my heart so that when difficulties come I will react in a way that is pleasing to you. I pray that my son is softened to your Truth, and that he desires to be an honest man who stores up good things.
May my son live such a good life among the unbeliever that, though they accuse him of doing wrong, they may see his good deeds and glorify God. (1 Peter 2:12)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Day 19 - Salvation
If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. -Romans 10:9
There are good men in the world. Men who care for their families, provide, try to be honest in their relationships. Men who are giving to the needy and have a gentle disposition. It is not simply traits we are praying for our sons to have. It is that their minds are hearts are changed by the salvation that comes through Christ.
Elyse Fitzpatrick says in her book Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus, that "There is no easy way to say it, but it must be said: parents and churches are not passing on a robust Christian faith and an accompanying commitment to the church."
My husband and I have been in church work for about four of the five years we have been married, and he was a youth pastor for three years before we married. In this time we have seen the further decline of the family unit, and have seen more young adults than not walk away from the church. Maybe this is the church's fault - not providing what people need. Maybe it is the person's fault - not being committed to the work of the Lord in their local church.
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. -Romans 10:17
Many times it feels like parents give the church the sole responsibility of teaching their children about Christ. It is the church's job to come along side parents, not to replace their jobs of teaching Christ in the home.
Today I pray for my son. That the Lord would draw his heart at a young age. That my son would have a desire for the Lord and His truth. I pray that I have the resolve to make our home all about Christ.
May my son fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for him. (Exodus 14:13)
There are good men in the world. Men who care for their families, provide, try to be honest in their relationships. Men who are giving to the needy and have a gentle disposition. It is not simply traits we are praying for our sons to have. It is that their minds are hearts are changed by the salvation that comes through Christ.
Elyse Fitzpatrick says in her book Give Them Grace: Dazzling Your Kids with the Love of Jesus, that "There is no easy way to say it, but it must be said: parents and churches are not passing on a robust Christian faith and an accompanying commitment to the church."
My husband and I have been in church work for about four of the five years we have been married, and he was a youth pastor for three years before we married. In this time we have seen the further decline of the family unit, and have seen more young adults than not walk away from the church. Maybe this is the church's fault - not providing what people need. Maybe it is the person's fault - not being committed to the work of the Lord in their local church.
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ. -Romans 10:17
Many times it feels like parents give the church the sole responsibility of teaching their children about Christ. It is the church's job to come along side parents, not to replace their jobs of teaching Christ in the home.
Today I pray for my son. That the Lord would draw his heart at a young age. That my son would have a desire for the Lord and His truth. I pray that I have the resolve to make our home all about Christ.
May my son fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will work for him. (Exodus 14:13)
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Day 18 - Anger
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. -Ephesians 4:31
My son and I play a game where we are able to talk freely about feelings. It's found at Nick Jr, and there are five cards each with Rintoo (a character off of Ni Hao, Kai Lan) showing a different emotion. There are stories that I read to my son then he tells me how Rintoo is feeling in each story. The two feelings that he understands well is happy and angry.
In your anger, do not sin. -Ephesians 4:26
We DO get angry everyday, but what do we choose to do with that anger? Brooke says, "We almost always have a choice when it comes to anger. We can choose to embrace it and sin or choose to put it away, and instead choose kindness, self-control, compassion, and love." What will I choose today? Anger or self-control and kindness.
Brooke brings out the truth that every one of these areas we are praying over our sons are areas that we ourselves must strive to accomplish in our own lives.
Today I pray that I am quick to show kindness, self-control, compassion, and love, and put away all that anger tends to bring out in me (impatience, yelling, rudeness, etc). I pray my son is slow to anger, controlling his feelings when it is difficult.
May my son not be quick in his spirit to become angry. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
May my son know that God himself is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)
My son and I play a game where we are able to talk freely about feelings. It's found at Nick Jr, and there are five cards each with Rintoo (a character off of Ni Hao, Kai Lan) showing a different emotion. There are stories that I read to my son then he tells me how Rintoo is feeling in each story. The two feelings that he understands well is happy and angry.
In your anger, do not sin. -Ephesians 4:26
We DO get angry everyday, but what do we choose to do with that anger? Brooke says, "We almost always have a choice when it comes to anger. We can choose to embrace it and sin or choose to put it away, and instead choose kindness, self-control, compassion, and love." What will I choose today? Anger or self-control and kindness.
Brooke brings out the truth that every one of these areas we are praying over our sons are areas that we ourselves must strive to accomplish in our own lives.
Today I pray that I am quick to show kindness, self-control, compassion, and love, and put away all that anger tends to bring out in me (impatience, yelling, rudeness, etc). I pray my son is slow to anger, controlling his feelings when it is difficult.
May my son not be quick in his spirit to become angry. (Ecclesiastes 7:9)
May my son know that God himself is our peace. (Ephesians 2:14)
Sunday, July 17, 2011
Day 17 - Self-Control
So whether you eat of drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
-1 Corinthians 10:31
Everyday I struggle between doing what I want to do and doing what the Lord wants me to do. I have been in a Christian household my entire life and have had a personal relationship with Christ since my mid teen years - still this is a struggle. Brooke asks, "What is on the throne of your son's heart?" My son is almost 3, and quite honestly I think Power Rangers are on the throne of his heart.
I know my son will grow and will be drawn to worship things instead of choosing to worship God fully. He might worship friendships, athletics, music, girls... But Brooke shares, "The key to overcoming our tendencies toward worshipping something other than Christ is to choose to love Him more than we love our sin. A constant laying down of our desires and picking up of Christ is the only fix."
Since I choose often to not control my sin and give in to what I want instead of what my Perfect Father wants, how can I be surprised when my son chooses to disobey me? As my Father extends grace to me, so I should freely extend grace to my son.
Today I pray that my son desires to be obedient to my husband and me as his earthly parents, and to God most of all as his heavenly Father. May I show him grace instead of frustration or anger, showing self-control in my own actions.
May my son not let sin reign in his mortal body, to make him obey its passions. May he not present his members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present himself to God as one who has been brought from death to life, and his members to God as instruments for righteousness. (Romans 6:12-13)
-1 Corinthians 10:31
Everyday I struggle between doing what I want to do and doing what the Lord wants me to do. I have been in a Christian household my entire life and have had a personal relationship with Christ since my mid teen years - still this is a struggle. Brooke asks, "What is on the throne of your son's heart?" My son is almost 3, and quite honestly I think Power Rangers are on the throne of his heart.
I know my son will grow and will be drawn to worship things instead of choosing to worship God fully. He might worship friendships, athletics, music, girls... But Brooke shares, "The key to overcoming our tendencies toward worshipping something other than Christ is to choose to love Him more than we love our sin. A constant laying down of our desires and picking up of Christ is the only fix."
Since I choose often to not control my sin and give in to what I want instead of what my Perfect Father wants, how can I be surprised when my son chooses to disobey me? As my Father extends grace to me, so I should freely extend grace to my son.
Today I pray that my son desires to be obedient to my husband and me as his earthly parents, and to God most of all as his heavenly Father. May I show him grace instead of frustration or anger, showing self-control in my own actions.
May my son not let sin reign in his mortal body, to make him obey its passions. May he not present his members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present himself to God as one who has been brought from death to life, and his members to God as instruments for righteousness. (Romans 6:12-13)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Day 16 - Gentleness
The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. -James 3:17
Gentle is not the first word that comes into my mind when I think of my son. It is not one of the top TEN words I think of! Active is a word that I think of. Brooke shares about how aggression in males is the norm. All males are aggressive in some way (physically or intellectually, etc) and we have to figure out how we are going to approach bringing gentleness out in our sons.
My son exerts his strength (he is almost 3, so the strength isn't overwhelming) on me, my husband, his cousins, his dog, random children... This is an area I need direction in. Brooke tells her sons, "God wants you to use your strength to protect, not to hurt. Superheroes don't look for fights, but they will fight to protect others."
I pray that my son controls his strength and uses it for the benefit of others. May the Lord give him a desire to do good to others, not putting himself first. I pray I am a mother who leads by example.
May my son be completely humble and gentle; patient, bearing with others in love.
(Ephesians 4:2)
Gentle is not the first word that comes into my mind when I think of my son. It is not one of the top TEN words I think of! Active is a word that I think of. Brooke shares about how aggression in males is the norm. All males are aggressive in some way (physically or intellectually, etc) and we have to figure out how we are going to approach bringing gentleness out in our sons.
My son exerts his strength (he is almost 3, so the strength isn't overwhelming) on me, my husband, his cousins, his dog, random children... This is an area I need direction in. Brooke tells her sons, "God wants you to use your strength to protect, not to hurt. Superheroes don't look for fights, but they will fight to protect others."
I pray that my son controls his strength and uses it for the benefit of others. May the Lord give him a desire to do good to others, not putting himself first. I pray I am a mother who leads by example.
May my son be completely humble and gentle; patient, bearing with others in love.
(Ephesians 4:2)
Friday, July 15, 2011
Day 15 - Faithfulness
Now therefore fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness... -Joshua 24:14
Brooke begins by sharing what today is not specifically about. It's not about men being faithful to their wives, holding down a job, providing for their family, or being faithful as a father. Today the focus is that our sons are faithful to the living God.
If our sons grow to be men who are faithful to God, everything else will be addressed. Brooke says, "A man whose first love is Jesus, will be faithful in all of the areas above. He won't be perfect, but he will possess the ability to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be faithful."
Today I pray that my son will walk faithfully with God. That he will not be influenced by the world to seek after his own desires, but rather be a faithful servant to our Creator who loves us.
Paul E Miller gives a thought provoking idea in his book A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World. "Mature Christians are keenly aware that they can't raise their kids. It's a no-brainer. Even if they are perfect parents, they still can't get inside their kids' hearts. That's why strong Christians pray more."
What do you feel when you read that? I agree and I see how the Lord desires to use our Children to draw US into a closer relationship with Him.
May my son fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. (Joshua 24:14)
May my son trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
(Psalm 37:3)
Brooke begins by sharing what today is not specifically about. It's not about men being faithful to their wives, holding down a job, providing for their family, or being faithful as a father. Today the focus is that our sons are faithful to the living God.
If our sons grow to be men who are faithful to God, everything else will be addressed. Brooke says, "A man whose first love is Jesus, will be faithful in all of the areas above. He won't be perfect, but he will possess the ability to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to be faithful."
Today I pray that my son will walk faithfully with God. That he will not be influenced by the world to seek after his own desires, but rather be a faithful servant to our Creator who loves us.
Paul E Miller gives a thought provoking idea in his book A Praying Life: Connecting with God in a Distracting World. "Mature Christians are keenly aware that they can't raise their kids. It's a no-brainer. Even if they are perfect parents, they still can't get inside their kids' hearts. That's why strong Christians pray more."
What do you feel when you read that? I agree and I see how the Lord desires to use our Children to draw US into a closer relationship with Him.
May my son fear the Lord and serve Him in sincerity and in faithfulness. (Joshua 24:14)
May my son trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.
(Psalm 37:3)
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Day 14 - Goodness
Woe to your, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. So you outwardly appear righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. -Matthew 23:27-28
Brooke begins today by posing this question: What are we aiming for?
Her answer is this, "I want their hearts. No behavior modification or fad parenting of the day. No, I want the hearts of our boys, because God wants the hearts of our boys. I'm aiming for the heart."
Does it matter that our sons are obedient if they have simply figured out what actions they should do? I know there was a time that I behaved a certain way at home and a very different way with my friends. I had learned to manipulate the system. I sure seemed perfect but my heart was not right. I was a whitewashed tomb.
Brooke says, "Are we raising little Pharisees? Or are we raising Godly men with a heart for God? If a Godly son is your goal, you must aim for the heart."
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. -Matthew 12:34
Today I pray that my son is like the good man who brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart. I pray that I identify actions as being a heart problem so that I address the real issue.
May my son do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with him. (Deuteronomy 6:8)
Brooke begins today by posing this question: What are we aiming for?
Her answer is this, "I want their hearts. No behavior modification or fad parenting of the day. No, I want the hearts of our boys, because God wants the hearts of our boys. I'm aiming for the heart."
Does it matter that our sons are obedient if they have simply figured out what actions they should do? I know there was a time that I behaved a certain way at home and a very different way with my friends. I had learned to manipulate the system. I sure seemed perfect but my heart was not right. I was a whitewashed tomb.
Brooke says, "Are we raising little Pharisees? Or are we raising Godly men with a heart for God? If a Godly son is your goal, you must aim for the heart."
Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. -Matthew 12:34
Today I pray that my son is like the good man who brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart. I pray that I identify actions as being a heart problem so that I address the real issue.
May my son do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may go well with him. (Deuteronomy 6:8)
Day 13 - Kindness
Love one another with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. -Romans 12:10
Disciplining boys can be quite the challenge. It is sometimes difficult to know whether you should discipline an action or discipline the heart. Sally Clarkson, author of The Mission of Motherhood, shares, "From personal experience and many years of observation, moms often discipline boys for being boys, instead of understanding that God wants them to grow into strong men." We need to honor our sons and train them up to be warriors - and that means letting them practice being little warriors in their youth.
A soft answer turns away wrath. -Proverbs 15:1
Treating our sons with kindness will be better received during discipline, as it shows we are respecting and honoring them. Sally also talks about how to earn a place at the table of your son's life. She said, "Learning not to react to the noise of my boys, but the understand the 'glory of man' and their need to show off at times, made me a cheerleader for them, and gave me the right to speak into their lives."
I pray that my son experiences kindness (though I know he will have his share of heartache) and that he freely gives it to everyone. I pray that I am an example of kindness to others.
May my son be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others, as God in Christ forgave him. (Ephesians 4:32)
Disciplining boys can be quite the challenge. It is sometimes difficult to know whether you should discipline an action or discipline the heart. Sally Clarkson, author of The Mission of Motherhood, shares, "From personal experience and many years of observation, moms often discipline boys for being boys, instead of understanding that God wants them to grow into strong men." We need to honor our sons and train them up to be warriors - and that means letting them practice being little warriors in their youth.
A soft answer turns away wrath. -Proverbs 15:1
Treating our sons with kindness will be better received during discipline, as it shows we are respecting and honoring them. Sally also talks about how to earn a place at the table of your son's life. She said, "Learning not to react to the noise of my boys, but the understand the 'glory of man' and their need to show off at times, made me a cheerleader for them, and gave me the right to speak into their lives."
I pray that my son experiences kindness (though I know he will have his share of heartache) and that he freely gives it to everyone. I pray that I am an example of kindness to others.
May my son be kind to others, tenderhearted, forgiving others, as God in Christ forgave him. (Ephesians 4:32)
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Day 12 - Patience
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,and he turned to me and heard my cry.
-Psalm 40:1
Impatience is something I struggle with. Clearly, God needs to develop patience in me because He gives me many opportunities to practice it! My son was two weeks late and I thought he would literally never come out of my stomach. As week 38 approached I thought "he could come any day now" but he didn't. Sunday after Sunday, well meaning women would say, "You STILL haven't had him?!" I never wanted to punch so many people in the face (and at church, no less).
Brooke shares something thought provoking in her leaders guide. "And greatness is only measured by how well we respond to Christ in the little things. Being patient for what God's plan is and not necessarily pursuing our own dreams." She poses this question, "Do you think we're reaching our sons that the 'little things' are what matter most?"
Today I pray that I teach patience to my son. I pray that God helps me to exercise patience so that I do not act rashly and also so I do not chase plans that are mine and not God's.
May my son put on, as God's chosen one, holy and beloved, a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
-Psalm 40:1
Impatience is something I struggle with. Clearly, God needs to develop patience in me because He gives me many opportunities to practice it! My son was two weeks late and I thought he would literally never come out of my stomach. As week 38 approached I thought "he could come any day now" but he didn't. Sunday after Sunday, well meaning women would say, "You STILL haven't had him?!" I never wanted to punch so many people in the face (and at church, no less).
Brooke shares something thought provoking in her leaders guide. "And greatness is only measured by how well we respond to Christ in the little things. Being patient for what God's plan is and not necessarily pursuing our own dreams." She poses this question, "Do you think we're reaching our sons that the 'little things' are what matter most?"
Today I pray that I teach patience to my son. I pray that God helps me to exercise patience so that I do not act rashly and also so I do not chase plans that are mine and not God's.
May my son put on, as God's chosen one, holy and beloved, a compassionate heart, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Day 11 - Peace
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you,all whose thoughts are fixed on you. -Isaiah 26:3
Nap time and bed time feel like the two main times of peace in my house. Laura Lee Groves shares in the leader's guide that she is outnumbered by males in her home (5-1) and she understands how life can get overwhelming. She gives four ways to help bring peace into your life as a mother:
1. Find someone to confide in who is walking/has walked the same path as you
2. Find time to step away from your demands
3. Shift your perspective as your son grows
4. Pray for your son and for your relationship
Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7
Today I pray for my son to walk in peace and be a man of peace. I pray that I walk in peace so that he has an example of what trusting the Lord is.
May my son be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage others. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with him. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Nap time and bed time feel like the two main times of peace in my house. Laura Lee Groves shares in the leader's guide that she is outnumbered by males in her home (5-1) and she understands how life can get overwhelming. She gives four ways to help bring peace into your life as a mother:
1. Find someone to confide in who is walking/has walked the same path as you
2. Find time to step away from your demands
3. Shift your perspective as your son grows
4. Pray for your son and for your relationship
Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7
Today I pray for my son to walk in peace and be a man of peace. I pray that I walk in peace so that he has an example of what trusting the Lord is.
May my son be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage others. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with him. (2 Corinthians 13:11)
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Day 10 - Joy
Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength! -Nehemiah 8:10
If the joy of the Lord is our strength, then joy is not dependent on our circumstances. Our joy is dependent on the Lord - and he is a constant, never ceasing to be faithful. Brooke shares, "Here's the secret: Focus on Christ... Christ's work on the cross was never intended to be something we took joy in one time and then never again."
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. -Psalm 28:7
Today I pray that my son has this kind of joy in his life. That he continually remembers the sacrifice Christ made for us and the faithful, loving nature of our Father, and that he takes joy in the Lord. As I pray the ten prayers over my son, I am going to remember Christ's sacrifice and take joy regardless of my circumstances.
May the God of hope fill my son with all joy and peace as he trusts in him, so that he may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
If the joy of the Lord is our strength, then joy is not dependent on our circumstances. Our joy is dependent on the Lord - and he is a constant, never ceasing to be faithful. Brooke shares, "Here's the secret: Focus on Christ... Christ's work on the cross was never intended to be something we took joy in one time and then never again."
The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him. -Psalm 28:7
Today I pray that my son has this kind of joy in his life. That he continually remembers the sacrifice Christ made for us and the faithful, loving nature of our Father, and that he takes joy in the Lord. As I pray the ten prayers over my son, I am going to remember Christ's sacrifice and take joy regardless of my circumstances.
May the God of hope fill my son with all joy and peace as he trusts in him, so that he may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 15:13)
Friday, July 08, 2011
Day 9 - Love
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.
-Galatians 5:22
Today is the first day of praying the fruit of the Spirit over our sons, and we begin with love.
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. -1 John 4:8
They are one in the same. God=Love and Love=God. We must show our sons what real love is in our daily life. In English, we have one word for love. Greek, for instance, has three words for love in the New Testament. We can be handicapped by our lack of wordage here and have to be deliberate in teaching what real love is (verses love for food, cars, toys, etc).
{Agape - self-sacrificing love, given to those who have done nothing to deserve it}
This is the love that God has for us, and the kind of love He wants to produce in our lives. We can never accomplish this on our own because it goes against human nature. We must have God work this love through us.
May my son love the Lord his God with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
May my son, when he becomes a husband, love his wife as his own body. He who loves his wife loves himself. (Ephesians 5:28)
-Galatians 5:22
Today is the first day of praying the fruit of the Spirit over our sons, and we begin with love.
But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. -1 John 4:8
They are one in the same. God=Love and Love=God. We must show our sons what real love is in our daily life. In English, we have one word for love. Greek, for instance, has three words for love in the New Testament. We can be handicapped by our lack of wordage here and have to be deliberate in teaching what real love is (verses love for food, cars, toys, etc).
This is the love that God has for us, and the kind of love He wants to produce in our lives. We can never accomplish this on our own because it goes against human nature. We must have God work this love through us.
May my son love the Lord his God with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
May my son, when he becomes a husband, love his wife as his own body. He who loves his wife loves himself. (Ephesians 5:28)
Thursday, July 07, 2011
Day 8 - Honor
But there will be glory and honor and peace from God for all who do good.
-Romans 2:10
Honor (noun) - honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor.
Honor (verb) - to hold in high respect; revere: to honor one's parents.
To teach honor is to teach an abstract ideal. Last night when I was praying scripture over my son, I told him tomorrow I would be praying for him to have honor. He asked what honor was and I had a really hard time thinking of a definition he could compute.
Brooke recommends a book called The Princess and the Three Knights. She tells, "The only knight good enough to win the heart of the princess was the one who would do anything to protect her. That's the kind of honor I'm praying for in my sons." Karen Kingsbury also has a book that is visually geared toward boys called Brave Young Knight. Literature is a GREAT way to teach concepts.
Today I pray that my son grows into a man of honor. That he would give honor to the Lord with the way he conducts every aspect of his life. I pray that I teach him in a way honoring to the Lord.
May my son do good, and receive glory, honor, and peace. (Romans 2:10)
May my son honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. (1 Peter 2:17)
-Romans 2:10
Honor (noun) - honesty, fairness, or integrity in one's beliefs and actions: a man of honor.
Honor (verb) - to hold in high respect; revere: to honor one's parents.
To teach honor is to teach an abstract ideal. Last night when I was praying scripture over my son, I told him tomorrow I would be praying for him to have honor. He asked what honor was and I had a really hard time thinking of a definition he could compute.
Brooke recommends a book called The Princess and the Three Knights. She tells, "The only knight good enough to win the heart of the princess was the one who would do anything to protect her. That's the kind of honor I'm praying for in my sons." Karen Kingsbury also has a book that is visually geared toward boys called Brave Young Knight. Literature is a GREAT way to teach concepts.
Today I pray that my son grows into a man of honor. That he would give honor to the Lord with the way he conducts every aspect of his life. I pray that I teach him in a way honoring to the Lord.
May my son do good, and receive glory, honor, and peace. (Romans 2:10)
May my son honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. (1 Peter 2:17)
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Day 7 - Servant's Heart
The greatest among you shall be your servant. -Matthew 23:11
Jesus Christ is the one we are striving to be like, and He is the One we desire for our sons to be like. When He was on earth He showed us what a servant looked like. He was all perfect and He purposefully served others. If we want our sons to be like Christ, we need to show them what a servant looks like.
Brooke encourages us to "Try finding ways to serve with your family... Find ways to teach your sons the value of serving others." This is another one of those biblical words (like obedience, wise man, foolish man) that needs to be introduced to our sons so they have a grasp on what it really means.
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Galatians 5:13-14
Today I pray that my son has a heart like Christ, that of a servant to all. That he understands the freedom we have in knowing Christ and then uses that freedom to serve.
May my son serve wholeheartedly, as if he were serving the Lord, not men. (Ephesians 6:7)
Jesus Christ is the one we are striving to be like, and He is the One we desire for our sons to be like. When He was on earth He showed us what a servant looked like. He was all perfect and He purposefully served others. If we want our sons to be like Christ, we need to show them what a servant looks like.
Brooke encourages us to "Try finding ways to serve with your family... Find ways to teach your sons the value of serving others." This is another one of those biblical words (like obedience, wise man, foolish man) that needs to be introduced to our sons so they have a grasp on what it really means.
For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” -Galatians 5:13-14
Today I pray that my son has a heart like Christ, that of a servant to all. That he understands the freedom we have in knowing Christ and then uses that freedom to serve.
May my son serve wholeheartedly, as if he were serving the Lord, not men. (Ephesians 6:7)
Tuesday, July 05, 2011
Day 6 - Purity
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your word. -Psalm 119:9
Here is an article that shows exposure of online pornography in children. 93% of boys will see online pornography by the age of 18, and 4% after the age of 18. This is a battle for the minds of sons. Earliest common exposure was 11.
Hal and Melanie Young (authors of Raising Real Men) share that we need to be open and honest with our sons from an early age, establishing frankness and communication. As they become older we need to help them look for temptation and equip them with tools to fight against it. Lastly, we need to pray for their protection and that they will be strong to stand against temptation.
Today I pray for the heart and mind of my son to be grounded in God so that he may have the strength and resolve to stand against sexual temptation. It is so difficult with the onslaught of images that are shoved into our society's face and with the incredible ease of access to pornography. While I will create every safeguard possible, my son will have to choose to be pure. God, help him choose to be pure.
May my son be blameless and innocent, a child of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. (Philippians 2:15)
Here is an article that shows exposure of online pornography in children. 93% of boys will see online pornography by the age of 18, and 4% after the age of 18. This is a battle for the minds of sons. Earliest common exposure was 11.
Hal and Melanie Young (authors of Raising Real Men) share that we need to be open and honest with our sons from an early age, establishing frankness and communication. As they become older we need to help them look for temptation and equip them with tools to fight against it. Lastly, we need to pray for their protection and that they will be strong to stand against temptation.
Today I pray for the heart and mind of my son to be grounded in God so that he may have the strength and resolve to stand against sexual temptation. It is so difficult with the onslaught of images that are shoved into our society's face and with the incredible ease of access to pornography. While I will create every safeguard possible, my son will have to choose to be pure. God, help him choose to be pure.
May my son be blameless and innocent, a child of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation. (Philippians 2:15)
Monday, July 04, 2011
Day 5 - Pride
In his pride, the wicked do not seek Him; in all his thoughts there is
no room for God. - Psalm 10:4
It is shown in scripture over and over that the humble are exalted but the proud are brought down to nothing. Kings with pride issues were wiped out, and the lowly were called to do great things for the Lord. Mary chosen as the mother of our Savior, David chosen to be king, Gideon chosen to lead Israel out from under the Midianites. When the king was to be selected from the house of Jesse, Jesse didn't even bother to have David brought to the line up. God wanted to exalt the youngest son, a shepherd.
Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” -1 Samuel 16:10-11
My desire is that my son achieve excellence in his life, but that in his achievements he would show humility. Without a doubt, the most important thing for my son is that he lives in harmony with God's word - holding fast to a relationship with Christ. Brooke talks about how boys need to see people (and especially men) laying down their pride. I will say that I am humbled quite often in public thanks to my son's actions :)
Today I pray for my son to grow into a man of humility, one who walks with the Lord.
May my son be lowly in spirit and obtain honor, for one's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. (Proverbs 16:18)
no room for God. - Psalm 10:4
It is shown in scripture over and over that the humble are exalted but the proud are brought down to nothing. Kings with pride issues were wiped out, and the lowly were called to do great things for the Lord. Mary chosen as the mother of our Savior, David chosen to be king, Gideon chosen to lead Israel out from under the Midianites. When the king was to be selected from the house of Jesse, Jesse didn't even bother to have David brought to the line up. God wanted to exalt the youngest son, a shepherd.
Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, “The LORD has not chosen these.” So he asked Jesse, “Are these all the sons you have?”
“There is still the youngest,” Jesse answered. “He is tending the sheep.” Samuel said, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.” -1 Samuel 16:10-11
My desire is that my son achieve excellence in his life, but that in his achievements he would show humility. Without a doubt, the most important thing for my son is that he lives in harmony with God's word - holding fast to a relationship with Christ. Brooke talks about how boys need to see people (and especially men) laying down their pride. I will say that I am humbled quite often in public thanks to my son's actions :)
Today I pray for my son to grow into a man of humility, one who walks with the Lord.
May my son be lowly in spirit and obtain honor, for one's pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. (Proverbs 16:18)
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Day 4 - Avoiding Foolishness
The Bible's definition of a fool is someone who says in his heart, "There is no God" according to Psalm 14:1.
Tedd and Margy Tripp say in their book, Instructing a Child's Heart, that "If there is no God, I am autonomous - a law unto myself. There is no consideration in life more profound than , 'What will please me?' Children don't say those words, but such foolish thoughts are the underlying justifications for hundreds of impulses every day. It is expressed in all the acts of disobedience, selfishness, willful temper, and compulsive self-love." (p. 112)
Brooke talks to her sons about the two type of men that are in the world: the wise man and the foolish man. We need to help our sons understand what the Bible says about the wise man and the foolish man, because one day our sons will make a decision to be one or the other. Today we are praying that they are wise men, and avoid foolishness.
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs... - Daniel 1:8-9
I desire for my son to take a stand against things he knows are wrong. Daniel could have compromised his beliefs and eaten the food presented to him, the KING'S food no less. He chose to be set apart.
May my son have a wise man's heart inclining him to the right, and not a fool's heart inclining him to the left. (Ecc 10:2)
Tedd and Margy Tripp say in their book, Instructing a Child's Heart, that "If there is no God, I am autonomous - a law unto myself. There is no consideration in life more profound than , 'What will please me?' Children don't say those words, but such foolish thoughts are the underlying justifications for hundreds of impulses every day. It is expressed in all the acts of disobedience, selfishness, willful temper, and compulsive self-love." (p. 112)
Brooke talks to her sons about the two type of men that are in the world: the wise man and the foolish man. We need to help our sons understand what the Bible says about the wise man and the foolish man, because one day our sons will make a decision to be one or the other. Today we are praying that they are wise men, and avoid foolishness.
But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. And God gave Daniel favor and compassion in the sight of the chief of the eunuchs... - Daniel 1:8-9
I desire for my son to take a stand against things he knows are wrong. Daniel could have compromised his beliefs and eaten the food presented to him, the KING'S food no less. He chose to be set apart.
May my son have a wise man's heart inclining him to the right, and not a fool's heart inclining him to the left. (Ecc 10:2)
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Day 3 - Integrity
Today we are praying for our sons to be children and men of integrity. Webster defines integrity as a firm adherance to a code of especially moral or artistic values. Our moral code is set forth by God, so true integrity clings fast to His moral code regardless of the circumstances.
Throughout the past few days I have found times that I feel silly for praying certain things over my son, seeing that he is only about to turn three. "Surely, my son doesn't have a heart of stone YET." He was born into sin and is already struggling with telling the truth and being obedient, so I see that it IS time to begin praying these over him. Lord, may you draw my son to your truth at an early age.
I am examining myself this morning. Have I walked in integrity this past week? Brooke talks about how we cannot give something to our sons that we ourselves don't have. She states, "One of the best things we can do for our sons is to admit when we've sinned and ask them to forgive us for it."
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. - Ezekiel 36:26-27
Brooke shares that if our sons knees are ever going to bend to Jesus as Savior, their hearts must bend first. Only God can cause this to happen. Today I am praying for God to change the heart of my son and give him a deep desire to do what is right.
Lord, take my son's heart of stone and turn it into a heart of flesh.
Like David with Goliath, may my son stand up for the living God. (1 Samuel 17)
Throughout the past few days I have found times that I feel silly for praying certain things over my son, seeing that he is only about to turn three. "Surely, my son doesn't have a heart of stone YET." He was born into sin and is already struggling with telling the truth and being obedient, so I see that it IS time to begin praying these over him. Lord, may you draw my son to your truth at an early age.
I am examining myself this morning. Have I walked in integrity this past week? Brooke talks about how we cannot give something to our sons that we ourselves don't have. She states, "One of the best things we can do for our sons is to admit when we've sinned and ask them to forgive us for it."
And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. - Ezekiel 36:26-27
Brooke shares that if our sons knees are ever going to bend to Jesus as Savior, their hearts must bend first. Only God can cause this to happen. Today I am praying for God to change the heart of my son and give him a deep desire to do what is right.
Lord, take my son's heart of stone and turn it into a heart of flesh.
Like David with Goliath, may my son stand up for the living God. (1 Samuel 17)
Friday, July 01, 2011
Day 2 - Submission to Authority
Submission to authority is an extension of the obedience topic we had yesterday. We all have to submit to authority throughout the course of our life and so do our sons. A few that most people will submit to are parents, teachers, bosses, the government, and God.
But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men."
-Acts 5:29
The greatest authority we want our sons to submit to is God, and teaching him to submit to authority as a child develops a road for submission to Father God.
Brooke asks, "When was the last time you told your son you were proud of a choice he made to submit to authority?" We need to give our sons the opportunity to submit (not step in and MAKE the choice for them), then celebrate the good choices that they make or let them see us praying for their lack of submission when they make poor choices.
For freedom Christ has set us free; may my son stand firm therefore, and not submit to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
Seek the Father on behalf of your son today. May God plant submission in their hearts.
But Peter and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than men."
-Acts 5:29
The greatest authority we want our sons to submit to is God, and teaching him to submit to authority as a child develops a road for submission to Father God.
Brooke asks, "When was the last time you told your son you were proud of a choice he made to submit to authority?" We need to give our sons the opportunity to submit (not step in and MAKE the choice for them), then celebrate the good choices that they make or let them see us praying for their lack of submission when they make poor choices.
For freedom Christ has set us free; may my son stand firm therefore, and not submit to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)
Seek the Father on behalf of your son today. May God plant submission in their hearts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)