Pray Network Forum

We may not have financial wealth to pass on to our children, grandchildren, and future descendants. However, author Jennifer Kennedy Dean shares in her book, The Legacy of Prayer, about a spiritual trust fund that will only increase in value. She writes, “We can leave behind for our descendants a spiritual trust that can never be stolen, squandered, or lost. We can lay up a storehouse of imperishable wealth by praying for our grandchildren and future generations. Our prayers are deposits in their spiritual trust fund and will be for withdrawals when needed.”  1    

Our descendants do not inherit salvation. Nevertheless, we can pray our descendants will live in a constant awareness of God’s presence. Be firmly established in His Word, which will prepare their hearts for the time when they are presented an opportunity to step into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.   

We read in Proverbs 14:26, “He who fears the Lord has a secure fortress, and for his children it will be a refuge.” Jennifer Kennedy Dean also says, “As we seek the Lord ourselves, we are laying up treasures for future generations by the way God is reflected in our lives. As we invest in our own walk with the Lord and our prayers for our grandchildren and future generations, we are investing in eternity.”2 Now that is a great investment return all of us would enjoy seeing.   

I am happy to have the opportunity to invest in a Spiritual Trust Fund for each of my grandchildren, and now my two great-granddaughters. (One pictured above)

Let’s make Grandparents’ Day of Prayer on September 7 a day of investing prayers in the lives of our grandchildren, their parents and future generations. Help us promote this event by forwarding this blog to your friends and sharing it with your friends on Facebook.

I feel like God is waiting for us, as grandparents to unite in prayer to keep our grandchildren from falling captive to the enemy’s deception in the world they are living. I often hear grandparents say, “I may not be around very long, but I am really concerned about the future for my grandchildren.” That statement reminds me of the urgency of developing a spiritual trust fund filled with prayer for my grandchildren.  

Will you invite a group of grandparents to join you or commit to deliberately pray alone on September 7 for your dear grandchildren and their parents.

The greatest gift we can give our

children, grandchildren and future generations

is the legacy of a praying grandparent.

By Lillian Penner

National Prayer Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network, info@gdptpr.com

1. Jennifer Kennedy Dean, Legacy of Prayer Birmingham, New Hope Publishers,  p. 15.
2. Ibid p.48-49

I am aware that many of you have an aversion to writing out prayer lists. And I understand that this may not be your best way of praying on a regular basis. But I want to suggest using prayer lists to stretch your prayer life. You may want to do this as a temporary experiment. Choose a certain period of time, say a day, a week or a month. Then ask God to lead you to people you should pray for each day for the time allotted.

1. Stretch the selflessness of your prayers.

2. Stretch the time of your praying.

3. Stretch the purpose of your prayers.

4. Stretch the faith of your prayers.

“It is not desirable to cultivate a respect for the law, so much as for the right.”

- Thoreau, Civil Disobedience (1849)

Since God is the Absolute Sovereign of the universe, He alone deserves reverential fear.

We should submit to no lesser governor who dares countermand His rules for living.

No matter what society says is permissible, we should walk heaven’s high road.

In every situation, we should honor God above all earthly legal authority.

A higher law of integrity outshines the common practice of compromise.

A higher law of life conquers and cancels the dreadful reign of death.

A higher law of hope transcends the suffocating rule of despair.

A higher law of freedom breaks the merciless tyranny of sin.

Civil disobedience is imperative when human ideas clash with heavenly directives.

Whatever the god of the world advocates, God’s Word is the final answer.

Whatever earthly kings say, the King of kings is the highest authority.

Whatever opinion polls say, we should fear God, nothing else.

“Because the midwives feared God, they refused to obey the king.”

(Exodus 1:17 NLT)

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

This devotion based on Day 37 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized (copy, paste to browser for blog & bio)

We all go through painful experiences of one kind or another, and how we handle life’s adversities will have a lot to do in determining our character and our destiny. The intriguing story of Jabez reveals how our pain can be transformed as we lay hold of God’s promises:

Jabez was more honorable than his brothers; and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” Jabez called upon the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from harm so that it might not bring me pain!” And God granted what he asked (1 Chronicles 4:9-10 ESV).

Too often, people assume that their upbringing inevitably determines their destiny. But Jabez knew otherwise. Right from the beginning, we see that he stood out from the crowd, and he was “more honorable” even than his own brothers.

However, as we read about Jabez’ life, we realize his life got off to a rough start. It seemed like the cards were stacked against him. His birth was so painful that “his mother called his name Jabez”—derived from the Hebrew word for pain.

Perhaps you can relate to Jabez’ story at this point. Your parents probably didn’t name you “a Pain”—at least not formally! But let’s be honest: Sometimes parents, siblings, peers, pastors, or employers send us negative messages about our identity…who we are. Or maybe there was a bully in your neighborhood who said you were too skinny…too fat…too ugly…too short…or too stupid.

There’s an old saying that is totally false. I’m sure you’ve heard it: “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” That truth is just the opposite: We can recover from sticks and stones and even broken bones—but people’s words often cause us a lifetime of hurt.

That’s how Jabez’ story begins: with pain…with rejection from the very people who should have shown him the most love and acceptance. But the good news is that Jabez wasn’t content to wallow in his situation. He rejected the labels put on him by his detractors, choosing instead to seek God for a new identity…a new purpose…and a new destiny.

How did your story begin in its early chapters? Perhaps you had a wonderful, loving family that cared for you and nurtured you all along the way. But I meet so many people today who have had an experience more like Jabez.

So what did Jabez do to break free from the negative labels that threatened to bind him to a life of failure or mediocrity? The text says, “Jabez called upon the God of Israel.” If you are going to break free from people’s opinions about you, you must cry out for HIGHER opinion—the opinion of Almighty God. In the end, it’s really just HIS opinion that maters, isn’t it? When you stand before Him in eternity, the bullies and naysayers won’t be there to tear you down. The only thing that will matter will be hear His beautiful words of affirmation, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

We’re specifically told that he called upon “the God of Israel.” This doesn’t just mean he was calling upon the God of the nation of Israel. No, Jabez was calling upon the God of JACOB—the patriarch whose name was changed by God to ISRAEL.

Do you see why this is significant? Jacob had a pretty dysfunctional childhood, and his own brother seemed intent on killing him. And just like Jabez, Jacob had been given a rather negative name—Jacob, the “supplanter” or “usurper.” And up until the point when Jacob’s name was changed, he had lived up to his negative name, becoming an opportunistic scoundrel and deceiver.

But after Jacob wrestled all night with God in Genesis 32:22-29, the Lord changed his name to Israel, which meant “Triumphant with God” or “Prince with God.”

You see, Jabez knew the story of Jacob well. He saw how God had transformed Jacob from being a PAIN to being a PRINCE. And Jabez called on the “God of Israel (Jacob)” to do the same for him.

Perhaps you need a name change today…a new identity. God can take your PAIN and make you a PRINCE or PRINCESS. He can take your FAILURES and give you a glorious FUTURE. But you have a role to play. You must cry out to Him, like Jabez did. You may even need to wrestle with Him, as Jacob did. But don’t let go until you have a new name…a fresh start…a new beginning.

And I want you to notice that Jabez asked God to give him several specific things. This is an important lesson for us, because sometimes our prayers and our plans are too vague and undefined. I encourage you today to be specific about what you are asking God for. Specific prayer requests will bring specific answers!

Jabez first requested of the Lord, “Oh that you would bless me.” God wants to bless YOU, my friend! So go ahead, like Jabez, and ASK Him to bless you.

The second thing Jabez asked is that God would “enlarge his border.” In the same way, God wants to enlarge you today. He wants to give you bigger dreams…higher vision…more audacious plans.

But think of how incredible this prayer request must have been for Jabez, the man who was labeled a pain and a loser. He could have curled up in a ball and wallowed in his victimhood, but instead he did just the opposite. He called on God to enlarge his territory and give him greater responsibilities and impact.

So what about YOU? Is there some area of your life that you need God to enlarge? Your career…your finances…your health…your relationships…your ministry…your vision? Today can be your first step in asking God for an INCREASE that will change your entire trajectory in life.

Jabez’ next request was that “God’s hand” would be upon his life. This expressed Jabez’ recognition that he needed GOD’S FAVOR in order to accomplish his life’s PURPOSE. This is so important for you to see: In order to escape from any painful experiences that would hold you back from your destiny, you need God’s favor.

Jabez’ final request was that God would keep from harm—from the things that would cause pain, either to himself or the people around him. Jabez was a man of great faith, but he also was a realist. He understood that he had received a legacy of pain and dysfunction, and the natural thing would be to continue that legacy in his own life. It’s no secret that people in pain tend to cause pain to others. People who have been abused often become abusers. Children of alcoholics and addicts too often follow in their parents footsteps.

But Jabez knew the negative patterns must STOP! He had been called a pain, but that’s not how he wanted to treat others.

This passage about Jabez ends with a beautiful conclusion: “And God granted what he asked.” I love happy endings, don’t you? Just as God did in the life of Jabez, He has planned a happy ending for YOU!

For the Christian, faith is not asking for what we don't have, but making use of what God says we already possess. It's simply trusting God's Word to be true. Nowhere else is this more profoundly true than in what is given us in God's Spirit." - Henry & Mel Blackaby, (What's so Spiritual about Your Gifts? pgs. 14-15)

Is Relationship the Root?

Our society tells us to utilize time for speed, efficiency, effectiveness, investing long hours of hard work, an attitude of "never let it rest until your good is better and your better is best," being the best-of-the-best, and more. 

Yet, did Jesus model this form of living?  What did He do?  How did He handle the gift of time He was given?

Inviting the Holy Spirit's help and deepening presence draws us closer to the heart of God, but so does setting aside time to ask, meditate, ponder, and listen for God's impressions of our lives, decisions (past and upcoming), and more while being still before Him.

"But the biggest misfortune for a Christian does not lie in the calamity that befalls him in this world. It is the betrayal of God for the sake of secular things on earth." - Yuan Fusheng, house church leader in Beijing, China.

“I can’t decide whether to watch the evening news, and be unable to eat;

or to watch the nightly news, and be unable to sleep.”

- Anonymous

The person who said this would have an even bigger problem these days.

Up-to-the-minute 24/7 news keeps us informed of the global turn of events—

events often so discouraging, we begin to wonder how the world even holds together.

Reviewing today’s CNN headlines does little to encourage an optimistic outlook for the future—

ISIS executes Yazidis who refuse to convert, crucifying people and bragging about it online;

Ebola outbreak has killed 961 people, triggering international public health emergency;

St. Louis suburb scene of looting and violence, following shooting of teen by police;

West Bank clashes in Hebron turn deadly, as Mideast spirals in war and terror;

Iraq President appoints new prime minister, complicating power struggle;

Tens of thousands of Yazidis flee trying to escape ISIS in Iraq and Syria;

Iraqi tanks surge toward Baghdad, threatening the U.S. Embassy.

In an effort to end its broadcast on a good note, a major network has a “Making a Difference” segment.

It’s nice to hear about occasional sparks of goodness in a fallen world, gleams of hope in the shadows.

However, when “everything nailed down comes loose,” we ask what in the world will happen next.

Jesus warned of “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6)—as always, it turns out He’s right.

He said “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

Nothing short of Christ’s return can bring peace to this troubled world.

Believe it or not, this dream of universal peace will materialize.

Revelation could be summarized—relax, we’re going to win!

In the midst of all the bad news, here’s some good news that’s a promise we can count on coming true—

“As the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west,

so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”  (Matthew 24:27)

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized (copy, paste to browser for blog & bio)

I think we are in the midst of a cultural shift. R. Albert Mohler, Jr. writes in his book, Cultural Shift, “Mass media and technology are exploding. Popular entertainment relentlessly pushes the envelope. Biomedicine stretches boundaries. Political issues shift with the polls, Christian orthodoxy is questioned in every front. The world we live in is undergoing a major cultural transformation, one leading to a widespread lack of faith, an increase of moral relativism, and a rejection of absolute truth.”

 Satan has launched an aggressive attack on all fronts using media, technology, education, social influences and political pressures to desensitize and cloud the boundaries of truth and righteousness that hold nations and families together.

Today, our dear grandchildren are growing up in a culture where dishonestly, the blame game and self-centerness is prevalent. The times have changed since we raised our children. The parents of our grandchildren desperately need our prayers to help them grow up in this confusing broken world in which we live.

Therefore, the Christian Grandparenting Network is making the National Grandparents Day on September 7, a Day of Prayer for our grandchildren and their parents. As our grandchildren return to school this fall, we invite you to join other grandparents in your community and around the world for an intentional “Day of Prayer” on behalf of the next generation.

 Grandparents who believe in the power of prayer can make a great impact on their children, grandchildren and future generations with prayer not only on National Grandparents’ Day but everyday.

 It is only 31 days until September 7 will you ask God how you can be part of this special event? At this time we are also asking for volunteers who will take the lead to organize an event in their church, in their home, or any meeting location you choose. It’s not a complicated process. We will supply you with resources and a step-by-step guide to help you create a successful event.

To find out more about becoming a volunteer,

follow the steps below.

Check out this website for blogs, endorsements, testimonials and promotional materials and free downloads. www.grandparentsdayofprayer.com.

For additional information, contact me - Lillian Penner,

National Prayer Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network  lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net.

Let’s make the National Grandparents’ Day a Day of Prayer

for our grandchildren and their parents

What do you do when you read something you do not understand in the Bible? Some things may even offend you. How do you respond?

There are several ways people approach this fairly common dilemma. Some study harder, read commentaries, search for explanations by others. This is often the right thing to do. We need to allow difficulties to motivate us to study. However, this can be a dangerous first step. Understanding scripture requires more than diligent study and natural intelligence. It calls for wisdom and spiritual insight. James says anyone who lacks wisdom should ask God. (James 1:5)

Sometimes people try to twist the scripture to say what they already think. I do not need to tell you this is wrong, but we certainly see it a lot.

I also see people getting louder in their affirmation of what a scripture seems to contradict. How many angry retorts have you heard against Paul’s statements about predestination (Eph.1:5) or some other doctrine that Scripture affirms or seems to put forth? Right or wrong this is unspiritual behavior.

Romans 12:14 tells us spiritual things are discerned by the Holy Spirit. He begins by bringing us to the point of meekness. We must submit to God’s truth no matter what. Then ask the Spirit to work patience in your heart to wait on His illumination. I recommend memorizing the verse or difficult passage. Then, in patience and meekness, meditate on it, praying for God to speak to your heart.

With this Spiritual foundation in place you can go study what others have written about a passage. It is interesting that commentaries seldom delve into passages that trouble us. But that will not keep God’s Spirit from giving you special insight into His truth.

My book SPIRITUAL INSIGHT should be published later this year. http://daveswatch.com

“Those who hope for no other life are dead even in this.”

- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

People frequently make sad mistakes at funerals—

eulogizing a loved one only in the past tense, as if life were all history;

mourners speaking of the need for closure, laying to rest previous relationships;

through ritual and ceremony, trying to bury strong emotional ties along with the remains.

Grieving people do need to continue responsibly; and life, whether we like it or not, does go on.

However, what we need most is a sense of OPENING—a skylight of hope in the dungeon of despair.

Human beings do live on after death; it’s not all over when names appear in obituary columns.

The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph did not say He was their God—He said I am.

God is the God of the living, not the dead—death does not have the final say—Life does.  

The future will be as bright as the promises of God.

The Lamb’s wedding will follow Satan’s funeral.

Life’s gala will succeed death’s dirge.

Heaven will cancel heartbreak.

Jesus is our skylight of hope.

“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?

Sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power.

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

(1 Corinthians 15:55-57 ESV)

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity

[Devotion based on Day 36 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]

GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized (copy, paste to browser for blog)

I am so happy again after my long missionary journey.

I am i Mali Bamako where people are giving their lives to Christ.

I strongly believed that it is the prayer of some of you that are working here in Mali.

within nine months 42 persons came to christ.

one of the converts give us a land for the church building.

thanks so much for your prayers.

The country Mali is in west Africa, about 98 percent of the people are musulam.

but the Lod give us victory and we have converts in the city, please continue your prayer for the lost souls.

Blessing

Our attention spans have become so splintered that prayer, and the Word of God for many, have become go-to things almost only in cases of emergency.  When the heat is turned up, only then is the Bible opened or prayer to God turned to as a means to provide hope, relief, or help.

We sell God, His promises, resources, and our relationship with Him FAR too short!  He is not honored as such.  This can be changed, but let's consider a few things first.

Let's consider two things:  Prayer and the Bible (the Word of God)

Our short attention spans can easily lead us to offering a quick burst of prayer in a moment; one that may not be truthful at its core.  We would do well to pause, consider what we're truly thinking about asking God in prayer, and then proceed in asking only after considering if what we're asking is being done so "in truth."

How to Properly Study God's Word

Torrey outlines four things that make for effective study of the Bible as the Word of God.

1. "The unquestioning acceptance of its teachings when they are understood, even when they may appear unreasonable or impossible.  Reason demands that we submit our judgment to the statements of infinite wisdom.  Nothing is more irrational than rationalism.  It makes finite wisdom the test of infinite wisdom and submits the teachings of God's omniscience to the approval of man's judgment.  Conceit says, 'This cannot be true, even though God says it, for it does not approve itself to my reason.'  'O man, who are you to reply against God?' (Romans 9:20)."

"Real human wisdom, when it finds infinite wisdom, bows before it and says, 'Speak what You will and I will believe.'  When we have once become convinced that the Bible is God's Word, its teachings must be the end of all controversy and discussion.  A 'Thus says the Lord' will settle every question.  Yet many who profess to believe the Bible is the Word of God will shake their heads and say, 'Yes, but I think so and so,' or  'Doctor--- or Professor--- or our church doesn't teach it that way.'  There is little advantage to that sort of study."

2.  Absolute reliance on all its promises in all their length and breadth.  "The person who studies the the Bible as the Word of God will not discount any one of its promises one iota.  A student who studies the Bible as the Word of God will say, 'God who cannot lie has promised,' and he will not try to make God a liar by trying to make one of His promises mean less than it says.  (See 1 John 5:10)  The one who studies the Bible as the Word of God will be on the lookout for promises.  As soon as he finds one, he should seek to discover what it means and then place his entire trust on its full meaning."

"This is one of the secrets of profitable Bible study.  Hunt for promises and appropriate them as fast as you find them by meeting the conditions and risking all upon them.  This is the way to make all the fullness of God's blessings your own.  This is the key to all the treasures of God's grace.  Happy is the one who has learned to study the Bible as God's Word and is ready to claim for himself every new promise as it appears and to risk everything on it."

3.  Prompt obedience to its every precept.  "Obedience may seem hard or impossible; but God has commanded it, and you have nothing to do but to obey and leave the results to God.  To get results from your Bible study, resolve that from this time on, you will claim every clear promise and obey every plain command.  When the meaning of promises and commands is not yet clear, try to discern their meaning immediately."

4.  Study in God's presence.  "When you read a verse of Scripture, hear the voice of the living God speaking directly to you in these written words.  There is new power and attractiveness in the Bible when you have learned to hear a living, present Person- God our Father- talking directly to you in these words."

The short attention spans of modern Christians seek more to honor the clock (how much or little can I pray, cram, or read in the short, allotted time I've set aside for God today?) than dwell deeply in His presence- for as long as He desires us to dwell with Him.

Today, we read Hebrews 5.

Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,

And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Warning Against Falling Away

We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

He shares some wise, and pertinent, advice regarding prayer in our daily lives:

Our lives, our relationships with God and others, and our world, are changed as we pray; if we'll pray.

              “You may call for peace as loudly as you wish, but where there is no brotherhood there can be in the end no peace.” (Max Lerner, “The Gifts of the Magi,” 1949)

                Images from the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict are disconcerting—Palestinians searching through debris for survivors; corpses amid the rubble of more than 10,000 destroyed houses; boys carrying pages of copies of the Quran from a mosque hit in an airstrike; distraught mourners at funerals of Israeli soldiers.

                Since the conflict started July 8, more than 1900 Palestinians have been killed, mostly civilians. More than 60 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the fighting.

                This morning, another ray of hope is on the horizon. After several short-lived humanitarian truces, Israel and Hamas have accepted a three-day cease-fire proposal from Egypt beginning at 8 a.m.

                The Israeli military reports that its ground troops are in the process of pulling out of the Gaza Strip, following its destruction of 32 cross-border tunnels designed to permit Islamic militants to attack Israel. If the cease-fire works, Egypt will host talks to work out a long-term agreement. Israel insists that Gaza be demilitarized. Hamas continues to protest its economic isolation. Hope for lasting peace is precarious.

                National leaders seek to protect their citizens, and diplomats attempt to broker compromise between warring peoples. But centuries-old disputes die hard. Lasting peace continues to be illusive in the maelstrom of the Middle East. The best minds and noblest efforts have never been able to resolve the issues of warring sides. Cordiality seems a fanciful dream, conflict inevitable.

                Ultimately, Christians believe, the answer to the world’s perennial problem of war is the return and reign of the Lord Jesus Christ. We live in hope that the Son of God will bring enduring tranquility to the human situation. Despite all temptations to give in to despair, we look forward to the time of peace negotiated by the Prince of Peace.

                “Out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”  (Isaiah 2:3-4 ESV)

Johnny R. Almond

Christian preacher and writer

Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized

GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized (copy, paste to browser for blog & bio)

Often, when I am preaching on Sunday morning, I have a sleepless Saturday night, or at least partly so. But this was Thursday night and there appeared to be nothing of great significance on my Friday agenda. With her recent death, poet Maya Angelou has been widely quoted. Once she wrote of sleepless nights, “There are some nights when sleep plays coy, aloof and disdainful. And all the wiles that I employ to win its service to my side are useless as wounded pride, and much more painful.” So it was for me, that Thursday night. I simply did what I learned from my prayer-warrior mother, I prayed – for everything and everyone I remembered. I’ve seen the quote on bumper stickers, and bookmarks, on wallpaper, and wall plaques, on coffee cups and clothing, on church bulletin boards and in church bulletins – “Don’t count sheep, talk to the Shepherd.” So, it must be a popular subject and I knew I was not alone in my sleepless state. Even Paul, twice wrote about his own “sleeplessness” (2 Corinthians 6:5 and 2 Corinthians 11:27) and added in the second reference, “in sleeplessness often” implying it happened to him more than a few times. Next time you have a sleepless night, I highly recommend prayer. Even if it doesn’t put you to sleep, it will be a night well spent.

A transformed perspective

who you are praying to

...produces a transformed pattern

asking for Holy Spirit leading through questions,

rather than asking for things

...which leads to transformed petitions

that each person you pray for

"may stand firm in all the will of God,

mature and fully assured" - see Colossians 4:12)

Celebration Ideas for Grandparents Day

If you are wondering how you can celebrate Grandparents Day, check out these ideas my friend, Cathy Jacob shared with me.

http://passthelegacy.wordpress.com/2014/07/23/grandparents-day-celebration-ideas/

GRANDPARENTS DAY - CELEBRATION IDEAS

by cathyjacobs

click the photo for detailed project instructions

1. PRAY BLESSING ON THE GOLDEN AGENTS IN YOUR CONGREGATION

The easiest way to celebrate during a Sunday church service is to pray for Grandparents. Ask all grandparents to stand, have someone nearby lay hands on them and pray as a congregation for these “golden agents” that the Lord has placed in our families.

2. ADOPT A GRANDPARENT : HAND PICKED PRAYER PARTNERS

On the Sunday kids go back to school, put all the names of the people in your church community that are over 60 on cards in a mystery container.  Invite children to draw one or two names from the container.  Children may make a handmade card, craft or personalized coupon for their "adopted grandparent" and present their gift on Grandparents Day. Encourage the adopted grandparents to pray for this child throughout the school year and check in with them occasionally

3. EXPRESS APPRECIATION

Give a gift to highlight the presence of grandparents in your worship service.  A few ideas: a carnation or any flower to pin to a lapel or wrist corsage style, a special "G-Parent" name-tag / button, or bracelet as the grandparents enter the church service.

4. AWESOME GRANDPARENTS :  AWARENESS BRACELET

Give grandparents attending worship September 7th a custom message of encouragement on a silicone bracelet: "Super G-Parent" "Passing the Legacy" "God Bless Grandparents" "Ultimate Grandparent" or "Golden Agent"

5. SAY IT WITH A SERMON ILLUSTRATION

Take your appreciation to a higher level!  Include a significant grandparent in the sermon connecting their God-given role to the sermon topic for the day.

6. DEDICATE A MUSICAL NUMBER

Invite boys and girls to learn a medley of Grandparent tribute songs to share at a small group event, worship service, or retirement community (or all of the above.)

7. NEXT GENERATION COVER DISH : A CHEESY CASSEROLE COOK OFF

Golden Spoon Trophy Sold in the UK

Invite grandparents to enter their best Casserole creation and appoint celebrity judges (kids, priest, choir master, area mayor or school principal etc.) The grand prize winner is awarded "THE JOY OF COOKING GOLDEN WOODEN SPOON AWARD" (a simple homemade trophy or award made from a painted wooden spoon.)  Runner up certificates can include "The Heart Attack" dish most likely to result in heart surgery. "South of the Border Award" for the most spicy dish, "The Grand Kids Special" for the most kid friendly dish or "The Kraft-licious Award" awarded for the cheesiest dish etc. Following the judging everyone enjoys samples of the covered dishes.

PS: Lactose Tolerance Required. Have some Lactaid on hand for those that would appreciate it.

8. COFFEE HOUR : EASY AS PIE

Have a special dessert contest in “honor” of the grandparents at your coffee hour.  Invite folks to make their best pie - savory or sweet.  Invite a small panel of grand-kid judges of varying ages to score the pie entries. Use old fashioned blue, red and white ribbons for prizes and give grandparents the honorary "first slice" of each pie.

9.  GRANDPARENTS EVE SERVICE : Saturday, September 6th

Invite all grandparents to a time of special prayers in the church giving thanks for them. Also, pray for them to pass a legacy of faith to their children and grandchildren. Invite prayer teams to offer prayer for specific relationship concerns. Include a candle lighting experience for worshipers to pass the light of faith with the generations coming after them.

10. HOST a G@P Group Supper : Sunday, September 7th

Introduce “G@P Groups” to a gathering of small group leaders at a supper hosted in a home. “G@P Groups” are a national organization founded by Lillian Penner of http://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com. These groups establish an intentional time of prayer where grandparents gather regularly (weekly or monthly) to pray diligently for their families. Not only do these groups cover loved ones with prayer but also “G@P groups” are excellent ways to promote regular community and fellowship vital to energizing this generation in their Godly roles.

Other places to find ideas:

a. http://www.christiangrandparenting.net

b. http://www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com

c. http://www.grandparents.com

cathyjacobs | July 23, 2014 at 11:42 pm | Tags: cheese, dessert, GrandparentsDay, prayer, worship | Categories: Resouces, Why not? | URL: http://wp.me/p2MP7O-ll

SIN THAT CLINGS TO US

An Opportunity for Spiritual Development

Experiencing Prayer Days and Short Retreats will be in September, 2014 at the White Oak Conference Center in Winnsboro, SC. (an hour’s drive from Charlotte, NC).

The Full Session is September 17–26, and the Short Session September 17–22. Participants will experience prayer topics, retreat topics, and one leadership topic using Jesus’ example. It will be a time of deepening intimacy with God and experiencing a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit through a time of retreat, rest, and renewal.

In addition, participants will work with a staff member in presenting one of the topics, and will be prepared to facilitate the topics with others. Leaders will be Andy Ring, Ph.D. and Kate Ring, M.A., (serving with The Seed Company), and author/coordinator will be Evelyn Davis, Ed. D. (SIL International Training Consultant).

The full session is $795.00. and the short session $585.00. This covers accommodations, the meals, all the materials, the books, and other basic resources. Donors have given funds so that partial scholarships will be available. Participants from churches and missions are welcome. If you need additional information, have questions, and to get a copy of the Overview and Application, contact evelyn_davis@sil.org. And when you apply, return only page three.