Month: June 2017

At first glance, this is an “easy A”. Murder is kind of a big deal, and I feel confident that the kids I know and love will, like me, be able to refrain from murdering someone.  But then Jesus points out a hard truth; our hearts matter. So when we harbor anger, insult others, or even treat others as worthless we reveal the true state of our hearts, and it’s not what we were created to be.

I am overwhelmed now as I think about this truth- we are created in the image of God! And God is love, he is life giving and strengthening and forgiving, and that is what we are created for, too! We are created to love one another, build each other up, encourage and strengthen. Murder- well, isn’t that the opposite? Along with hate and harbored anger?

Father, I pray that we would see the anger and hurt that we so often hold against others- even those closest to us.  Help us to turn that over to you for healing so that we can become what you created us to be- people who love others freely and powerfully. #prayersformychildren

It seems self- serving to pray that my children would “honor father and mother,” doesn’t it? My kids and I both know I am unworthy of honor, and it just doesn’t seem fair. But the command is followed swiftly by an interesting promise- “you’ll live a long time in the land that God, your God, is giving you.”  I see this as a reminder that the good things in life are not inherited, or given by parents.  Our security and provision is a direct, continually given gift from our God.  We obey God because it is the right thing to do, and God provides because that is his nature and his plan.

Father, I pray that we would all honor our parents, regardless of our age or theirs.  Help me as a parent to grow in godliness and wisdom so that I am the parent each of my children needs me to be.  I pray that my children would rely on your kindness and strength as they obey you in this way.  Thank you for the promise, Lord; may we truly inhabit the land you have given us in a way that brings glory to you.  #prayersformychildren