Monday, September 20, 2010

What to Do

By Trisha Naten
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You” (2 Chronicles 20:12, NIV).

An Israelite named Uzzah lost his life because he “reached out and took hold of the ark of God” (2 Samuel 6:6).  The New Living Translation says “Uzzah put out his hand to steady the ark of God.”

He placed his hands on it with the best of intentions–but nonetheless, he had overstepped his boundaries by touching the Lord’s work.  Walking through the Christian life often requires us to leave things alone.  Among other things, this also applies to our children.  We have to take our hands off!

If we have completely entrusted our children to God—as we know we have to—there are times when we must “keep our hands off them.” He will guard them and even love them better than we can and He does not need our help. That is the time when we must “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways . . .” (Psalm 37:7).

Things in our lives may seem to be going all wrong— our kids may be stressing us out to the limit, but God knows our circumstances better than we do. He WILL intervene at the perfect moment if we completely trust Him to work in His own way and His own time. Often there is nothing as godly as inactivity on our part and nothing as harmful as our nervous, restless working to get our children to see things our way, or to get them to turn toward God.

God has already promised to work His sovereign will, so we must take our hands away and keep our eyes on God (2 Chronicles 20:12). When it involves our children or grandchildren, we need to memorize—and practice—Philippians 4:6-7, which says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (NKJV). Then we will experience God’s peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

How to Face the Enemy

By Peggy Allen
"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).

I love westerns. I especially like Clint Eastwood in the starring role. You might be asking why a born-again, Spirit-filled, peace-loving woman of God would appreciate a gun-slingin’, cigar smokin’, booze drinkin’ man of the world. Although I really don’t get a thrill out of seeing people get killed, in Clint Eastwood’s movies (at least the ones I remember) I know justice has been served, for he is all about taking out the bad guys.

It’s the way he does it that is so intriguing. He comes into town just looking for a place to get a meal (or a drink at the local saloon) and maybe a place to spend the night. No matter how much he tries to mind his own business, someone will feel the need to start a fight with him. There is something about him that attracts bad guys like pollen attracts bees. Invariably, he gets caught up in someone else’s problems and finds it necessary to defend the defenseless, which usually involves at least one shoot-out.

These characters played by Mr. Eastwood are always cool and unruffled. They are never in a hurry, but they always have a plan. Every movement is deliberate. They simply ooze with confidence—and who can resist confidence? He never feels the need to show off his skill at handling a gun. He doesn’t brag. In fact, he doesn’t even talk any more than is necessary. He keeps his ears and very squinty eyes open. His enemy finds it almost impossible to sneak up on him or outsmart him. These qualities have a knack for irritating men with evil intent, which always leads to trouble. But our guy knows how to handle trouble . . . and he’ll put an end to it!

How does all of this relate to spiritual warfare? If we would face God’s enemy, the devil, who is also our enemy and the enemy of our children, with this kind of confidence and boldness we would soon see the enemy put to flight! Like the movie character, we have no need to boast about our authority in Christ Jesus—we just need to demonstrate it! Yelling at or threatening our adversary won’t get the job done; using our gospel guns on him will! Our job as believers and intercessors is to be aware of what the devil is up to at all times, so we must keep our spiritual eyes and ears open. As the devil goes about “seeking whom he may devour” he will not catch us off guard. He will find us clothed with our spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-18) and ready to defend our position and protect our children in the name of the Lord our God.

We have been given more than a role in a movie; we are representatives of the Most High God on this planet. We have been given His authority and have been called to do the same (or greater) works than our Captain, Jesus Christ. He said he came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8); therefore, we are called to do the same!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

'I Can'-fidence

By Teena Skiles
Have any of you mothers been involved in a conversation with your child such as this?
“I can’t, Mom.”
“Yes, you can.”
“No, I can’t.”
“Yes, you can!”
I have cut the conversation down by at least five “can’ts” and six “cans!” I have been guilty of “conning” my girls into having confidence. Are you guilty as well? Have you said things like, “OK, if you do this, then I will buy that for you,” or “OK, you can do this, and if you, do I promise I will (fill in the blank.)”

It’s “Con” vs. “Can!” This week, let’s pray that God’s true confidence will be OVER our children and IN them.

We recently went to our youngest daughter’s first softball game. She was quite upset that she actually had to play a game because, in her own words, she thought she had “Just signed up to practice.” She actually has very skilled eye-hand coordination and enjoyed practicing and working with her father and sisters in the front yard to develop her skills. But something happened when she found out that she had to perform in a game—against another team, while a crowd was watching! Something inside her told her she wasn’t good enough, made her nervous, made her want to quit BEFORE she ever set foot on the field. I know for a fact that we did not speak that into her thoughts or being. That tells me the enemy, the devil, starts out lying to children while they are young and impressionable.

That sounds exactly like the enemy I know. He will strike our children with fear and inferiority so they will never get in the game . . . the game of life! That’s where we moms come in! Go ahead, moms, give me a fist pump and a big “YES!” We have the power of prayer to establish our children in God’s true confidence, confidence that will cause them to know who they are and Who is on their side. We repeat Philippians 4:13 together every morning on the way to school: “I CAN do all things through Jesus Christ who strengthens me.” It’s not a coincidence that we say that together; we speak that ON PURPOSE!

Proverbs 14:26 says, “In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence and his children will have refuge” (NASB).
I want to raise strong, confident young ladies who will fear the Lord and will therefore be safe as His Word promises.

Holding hands and swinging our arms while walking to the dugout, my youngest daughter and I spoke the words of Philippians 4:13 again, so she could say to herself “I CAN.” We also spoke positive words like, “Today is about doing your best; today is about meeting new friends; today is about having fun; today is about trying hard; and today is about making someone smile.” By the second inning, she ran to where I was sitting, put her mouth up to my ear and whispered, “Mom, I’m not nervous anymore.” She ran back to the dugout and confidently got back in the game.

Another lesson learned . . . praise the Lord!

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Because I Said So?

By Beverly Hylton
How many of us have been guilty of using that simple phrase as an answer to our child’s questions as to why he or she could not go somewhere or take part in a particular activity? Many times, this is our response because our child is asking to do something that goes against what we believe to be correct. Possibly, we may have a “check” in our spirit and know that a particular activity will not benefit them or even open up an avenue for the enemy to subtly gain access.

As godly mothers, it is our responsibility to lay a firm foundation for our children. They must know “the whys” since they are based on what God’s Word has to say. Then when their faith and belief system is challenged and tested, they will know how to stand and make righteous choices on their own.

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up” (Deuteronomy 6:4-7 KJV).

In today’s culture, we cannot assume that our children are going to hold to godly principles just because that is the environment in which they have been raised. This is particularly true when they enter their college years and gain some independence.

Pray that your child will develop a passion for God’s Word. As he or she gains an understanding of the Word of God, it will keep him or her grounded in our ever-changing world. In our world today, new names are being given to old sins, where wrong is being called right and where doing whatever feels good has become acceptable behavior.

So the next time, instead of saying, “Because I said so!” provide a “know-so” by giving biblical examples to illustrate how the Word of God is to be applied in everyday life situations. As the Scriptures come alive in the heart of your child, he or she will receive the Spirit’s revelation and truth imparted to their heart and mind. Pray that God will open your eyes to everyday teaching moments; when you sit in your house, walk by the way, lie down and rise up! No matter how busy you may be at that moment, stop and take the time to share and explain God’s Word to your child.

As a mother, my ultimate goal is to see my child grow in grace and knowledge and make the right decisions based upon a “knowing” that she has on her own … not just because I said so.

About the Author:
Beverly Hylton and her husband have served as the Senior Pastors of Bethel Family Worship Center in Indianapolis, IN for the past 11 years. She also currently serves as Women’s Ministries Director for the Indiana District. Beverly has been married to Russell for 19 years and they have a beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn, who is their joy.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

For Such a Time as This: Positioned Where and When God Chooses

By Pat Pentecost
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows whether you have attained royalty for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14, NASB).

The story of Esther is one of my favorite Old Testament stories. It is such an exemplary model of how we as women need to be intercessors for our sons, daughters or those God has placed in our lives.

Esther was not in the regal line to become a candidate for the position of queen as she had been raised by her cousin as an orphan and Jew, a people who were considered to be enemies to the king and his provinces. Yet, Esther was among those chosen to stand before the king and immediately found favor with those in authority and was given special preparation treatment. As the story unfolds, we see that the king loved Esther more than all the virgins and crowned her as queen (Esther 2:17).

We may feel that we are not in a position to be used of God, but He needs us as a mom, grandmother, aunt or friend to be available and willing to receive God’s special preparation treatment of grace and ability to be ready for our Heavenly King to choose and use.

When Esther heard the decree of death for the Jews, she and her cousin, Mordecai, were in great anguish. Mordecai requested Esther to plead for favor from the king but she reminded him that she had not been summoned by the king for 30 days and could be killed if he did not invite her by holding out his scepter. But Esther and the Jews fasted and prayed, and as we know, God had placed Esther in the right position at the right time—“for such a time as this.” When she petitioned King Ahasuerus, she was granted favor, the Jews were delivered from the edict of death, and Mordecai was advanced to a position of great authority over the whole nation.

Sometimes we may be in great anguish for the situation that our sons and daughters are facing. God desires that we take our petitions to Him with boldness as Hebrews 4:16 states “…come boldly before the throne of grace, that we might obtain mercy and grace to help in time of need.” My three sons are now grown and starting their own families, but there have been many times that I called out “when my heart was overwhelmed within me” and God reassured me that “he knows my [and their] path” (Psalm 142:3) and brought peace to the situation. He needs us to be in a position of availability to intercede when the report or situation seems hopeless; then He will be faithful to help in the time of need.

Monday, April 12, 2010

I Wouldn’t Trade It for the World!

By Rebecca Bogle
Boy, has my life changed in the last few years! I was first a friend, then became a stepmother to my little girl, Lydia. Never in my life would I have seen myself raising a child that wasn’t my own.

It’s funny how God works sometimes!

I’ve been married for a year-and-a-half, and I am still learning to “mother.” I’m sure it’s not easy for anyone to be a mother, but sometimes I wish children came with an “Easy Button!” Regardless of the stress that comes with “mothering,” I would not trade it for the world. I’ve experienced her first days of learning to swim on her own, watched and helped as she memorized her Bible verses and looked on as she rode the swings at a carnival for the first time. She loves the swings! On the other hand, I’ve also experienced her being sick, fussy and talking back. (Already!) We’ve had good times and bad times, but that’s life, right?

I pray for Lydia daily. I pray that she would be kept safe at school and that her day would go well. I pray that Jesus’ light would shine through her to those around her. I also pray that she grows up to be a good girl, a prayer that I’ve picked up from her dad. Praying for these things puts a great responsibility upon my shoulders. Without a good example to follow, how will she ever be a good girl? When I think of that, I begin to pray for good mothering skills. I ask God to show me how to be a good mom and that He would help me provide the right answers to Lydia’s questions, regardless of how serious or silly they may be. I pray that she would grow closer to Christ, just as I grow closer to Him.

“And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4, NKJV). This applies to moms, too!

I try my best to be a good example for Lydia to live by. I’ll also admit I’ve asked several times why God chose me to be that example for her. Every night we snuggle up in bed and read a story together; as I tuck her in, she takes my hand and begins to pray. It is at that moment that I begin to see how great a gift it is to be a mother!

I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Equipped to Fight . . . and Win!

By Rene Shute
Thank God! The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; Casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought unto the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4, 5).

As moms, we are acutely aware that the enemy of the souls of our children “walketh about seeking whom he may devour;” seeking to steal the lambs from the fold. But we are NOT ignorant of Satan’s devices, so we keep the weapons of our warfare in constant use. With our sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, we go to war praying THE WORD over our children; and speaking those precious promises as reality in their lives at that very moment. We are indeed calling those things which be not, as though they were.

Moms, pray such promises as:

“The Lord shall give His angels charge over (name your children), to keep them in all their way . . . a hedge of protection is built about them to keep them from harm . . . the Lord will never leave them nor forsake them . . . He is their ever present help in time of trouble . . . He will calm the troubled waters of their souls. The Lord is leading them in the path of righteousness . . . they are following, in Jesus Name! His blood covers them . . . His banner over them is love . . . His word is a light on their pathway, a lamp unto their feet. They shall run the race of life and not be weary . . . they shall mount up with wings as eagles, rising victoriously above the evil spirits that would hinder their spiritual and emotional stability. I know in whom I believe and am persuaded that He is able to keep (name children) whom I am committing into His hands today.” My children walk in safety and victory… IN THE ALMIGHTY NAME OF JESUS! Amen.

Monday, March 22, 2010

A Mom's Prayer

By Jo Ann Hutsell
Psalms 116:1-2
I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live (KJV).


We live in hard times, but sometimes the hardest thing to do is just pray.

When our first son was born, I used to rock him in a squeaky old rocker. Long after he had gone to sleep, I would still be holding him, rocking and singing. I would sometimes pray into the night for the tiny life I held in my arms. Our friends and family told me I would be sorry, but I don’t regret one moment of lost sleep. He is now over six feet tall and far too big to fit in my arms! Yet I still hold him in my heart and sometimes pray far into the night for him and his brother.

Intercession is something we can’t take lightly; we must pray without ceasing.

If there is one thing this life has taught me, it is that I can’t wait until the midst of a crisis to begin praying. I don’t always know how to pray for my children and grandchildren. At those times, I just have to do like the disciples did and ask Jesus to teach me to pray as I ought. I didn’t make all of the right decisions and choices when my boys were growing into men, but my choice to pray for them was always right.

Friday, March 12, 2010

Commended for Devotion, Part Two

By Peggy Allen
Luke 10:38-42
38. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.


Two Sisters/Two Personalities
Mary and Martha are representative of two kinds of personalities or mindsets. Gary Chapman has come up with a popular way of knowing how to say I love you in a way that the recipient can best receive the message. It is called the Five Love Languages. These languages are listed as “Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.” The idea is to show love to others in the way that most pleases the recipient. Those who have not learned otherwise, however, will most likely give love in the way that most pleases themselves.

Mary’s personality was totally different from her sister’s. Although she was not one to avoid work and service, her disposition led her to show love to others by giving quality time. Jesus had come into her home and he would only be there for a short time. He had important things to say and she didn’t want to miss a word. Because she loved Jesus so much, eating was the last thing on her mind. She probably realized that Martha’s love language was serving, so she turned that over to her.

Blessed to Love
While it is apparent that Mary’s love language is giving and receiving quality time, her love language could also include “words of affirmation.” She not only enjoyed the encouraging words Jesus spoke, but without a doubt she communicated her love to Jesus through her words, as well. But then, we are reminded of yet another dimension of Mary’s capacity to show love. John 12:1-3 tells about an incident that took place six days before the Passover, just prior to Jesus’ death. Jesus had been invited for a supper and, as usual, Martha served. But Mary took “a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.” Two new love languages seem to be surfacing here—physical touch and the giving of gifts.

How many truly important things are missed in life because we are so focused on responsibilities rather than relationships. While Jesus was thankful for Martha’s love language gift, Mary’s devotion revealed a desire to know Him in a deeper way, for which He commended her. Knowing Jesus more deeply can only come by spending time in His presence. Service is important, but sitting at His feet is necessary.

Friday, March 5, 2010

Commended for Devotion, Part One

By Peggy Allen
Luke 10:38-42
38. Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. 40. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. 41. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42. But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.


Two Sisters/Two Personalities
Mary and Martha are representative of two kinds of personalities or mindsets. Gary Chapman has come up with a popular way of knowing how to say I love you in a way that the recipient can best receive the message. It is called the Five Love Languages. These languages are listed as “Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch.” The idea is to show love to others in the way that most pleases the recipient. Those who have not learned otherwise, however, will most likely give love in the way that most pleases themselves.

Martha is without a doubt the kind of person who would be more responsive to acts of service, because that is what she is noted for giving to others. When Jesus came to her house, the way she showed love for Jesus was by cooking a fine meal and serving Him. There is nothing wrong with serving people. The gospel enjoins us to do so, in fact.

In the first incident, where Martha served and Mary sat at Jesus’ feet, Martha’s love language seemed to be wearing thin. “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me” (Luke 10:40, NKJV). Martha’s attitude speaks volumes to us who are called to be servants. We, like Martha, often become irritated when we feel like no one else is sharing the load. But doesn’t that attitude sort of take away from our love offering? Jesus’ answer to Martha wasn’t what she expected or wanted: “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her” (verses 41, 42, NKJV).

Martha’s job was important; people have to eat, and it was especially important to feed an honored guest! She probably would not have felt imposed upon if Mary had not been having such a good time. Why should she have to do all the work when everyone else is enjoying fellowship with the Lord? Do you detect a little bit of jealousy? Do you think Jesus’ response to Martha’s love offering would have been different if she had not complained about it?

How many truly important things are missed in life because we are so focused on responsibilities rather than relationships. While Jesus was thankful for Martha’s love language gift, Mary’s devotion revealed a desire to know Him in a deeper way, for which He commended her. Knowing Jesus more deeply can only come by spending time in His presence. Service is important, but sitting at His feet is necessary.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

War with Confidence

By An Anonymous Guest Dad
The crisis had come. The frantic, desperate phone calls had been made. It was time to take action, time to go to war. It was my time . . . I was now the one who was feverishly fasting, praying and interceding for a member of my own family.

Fasting was easy; I wasn’t hungry anyway. Seeing God replace this storm with blue skies was far more appealing to me than any of my favorite foods. It seemed truly appropriate to fill my normal times for breakfast, lunch and dinner with prayer.

It would have been impossible to keep from praying. Like a moth drawn to a flame, every waking minute I was either praying silently, praying aloud or praying in the Spirit that God would change the situation.

Once every hour, I would stop everything and intercede on my knees for ten minutes. Here is what I prayed during these focused times of intercession, inserting the name of the person I was praying for in the blanks:

Based on Colossians 1:9-14 (NIV)
God, please answer this prayer for _____________ in Jesus’ Name:
“. . . we have not stopped praying for _______ and asking You to fill him/her with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that _______ may live a life worthy of You and may please You in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in Your knowledge, being strengthened with all power according to Your glorious might so that _______ may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to You, Father, who has qualified _____________ to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. For You have rescued ________ from the dominion of darkness and brought him/her into the kingdom of the Son You love, in whom he/she has redemption, the forgiveness of _____ sins.”

Based on Zephaniah 3:17 (NIV)
God, please reveal to ______________ in Jesus’ Name:
“You, the LORD his/her God are with ____________,
You are mighty to save him/her.
You will take great delight in him/her,
You will quiet him/her with Your love,
You will rejoice over him/her with singing.”

Based on Ephesians 1:17-19 (NIV)
God, please do this for _____________ in Jesus’ Name:
May the ". . .God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, give ______ the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that he/she may know You better. I pray also that the eyes of ______’s heart may be enlightened in order that he/she may know the hope to which You have called him/her, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints, and Your incomparably great power for him/her because he/she believes.”

I began praying that God would reveal the Truth of these Scriptures to my loved one, but I had no feeling of reassurance. As I pressed on, more in desperation than in faith, God gave me a strong sense that these times of intercession based on His Word were driving back the darkness.

God answered, changed my loved one’s heart and the entire situation. He will do the same for you! Go to war, intercede, pray and fast with confidence in God. He WILL win!