Thought for the day
A man asked his wife, "What would you most like for your birthday?
"She said, "I'd love to be ten again."
On the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off theywent to a theme park. He put her on every ride in the park -- the DeathSlide, The Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear. Everything there was, she rode. She staggered out of the theme park five hours later, her head reeling and her stomach upside down.
Into McDonalds they went, where she was given a Double Big Mac with extra fries and a strawberry shake. Then off to a theater to see Star Wars--more burgers, popcorn, cola and sweets. At last she staggered home with her husband and collapsed into bed.
Her husband leaned over and asked, "Well, dear, what was it like being ten again?"One eye opened and she groaned, "Actually, I meant dress size.
"That story reminds me of what happened to James and John. They came to Jesus with a request. Jesus said, "What do you want Me to do for you?"(Mark 10:36)."They said to Him, 'Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand andthe other on Your left, in Your glory.'" (Mark 10:37).
Jesus told them they really didn't know what they were asking for. He asked them, "Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" (Mark 10:38).
Their response? "Of course!" However, what they had in mind (prestige,power and glory) wasn't the same thing Jesus had in mind (persecution,suffering and servanthood). Jesus gave them exactly what they asked for,but it wasn't at all what they were hoping for when they made the request!
So often, the same thing happens in my life. God has a way of answering my requests, my prayers, in ways I never even dreamed of -- not always in a pleasant way, not always in a way I would have chosen, but always in a way that He sees best.
Verses
Ephesians 6:13
So put on all the armor of God. Then you will be able to stand firm when days are evil, and to hold your ground to the end.
Proverbs 3:7-8
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones
Matthew 16:19
I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth will be allowed in heaven.'
Colossians 4:2
Keep up strongly in prayer; attend to it diligently with the offering of thanks,
Prayer
Father, we as parents want to help build a Christ-centered home: with the teaching of Your Holy Word as our golden text for living. Help us to instill love for acquiring knowledge and imparting wisdom. May we be living examples of committed believers demonstrating those character qualities that bring glory and honor to You. Because You have given us so much You now require us to give much in return. May our home be a place that stimulates creativity, that offers opportunity for the study of music, of books, of hobbies where ideas can be shared and questions safely discussed. May Christ’s presence permeate our conversation and synchronize our hearts.
Father Your creation reveals that You are a lover of beauty, color, simplicity, and creativity. When disunity or rebellion crashes the loving setting that we so greatly desire, help us to reflect Your character of endurance, faithfulness and self -control. Our example as leaders in the home is more often taken notice of when we’re required to deal with the undesirable circumstances of life. May our family, in as much as it is possible, be a reflection of You whom we serve. Amen.
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