Tuesday prayer & verses (20 10 2009)

Thought for the day

There's a beautiful story about a little boy who couldn't wait for his new baby sister to come home from the hospital. He couldn't wait to be near her, to talk to her. But his parents didn't want him to be left alone with her. After all he was only four years old, so they wanted to supervise his visits. He kept begging to be alone with her, so one night his parents finally relented.

The boy tiptoed into her room, stood next to his sister's crib and said: "Tell me about God - I'm starting to forget.

"There are times when we as adults get so caught up in the "rat race" and all of our responsibilities. Perhaps we need to go to the children around us and say, "Tell me about God -- I'm starting to forget."

There are weeks when we've been dealing with irate customers and heavy traffic. We need to fellowship with the saints and worship God together because "I'm starting to forget."

There are weeks when we've had to focus on crying babies, the paying of bills and doctors' appointments. We need the reminder of the Lord's Supper to see God's love and grace because "I'm starting to forget."

There are days when we're so caught up in deadlines at work and getting the kids to soccer practice, days when we need to slow down a bit and spend time with God in prayer because "I'm starting to forget."

"Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life." (Deuteronomy 4:9)

Are you starting to forget? Ask someone to tell you about God once more.

Verses

Ephesians 6:13

Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to meet the evil one, and being prepared you shall prevail.

Isaiah 53:5

And he is pierced for our transgressions, Bruised for our iniquities, The chastisement of our peace [is] on him, And by his bruise there is healing to us.

1 Corinthians 10:13

Every temptation that has come your way is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist; at the time you are tempted he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

Mark 11:24

I therefore tell you that whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it; and it shall come to you.

Romans 8:32

He who has not spared even his own Son but has delivered him for us all, how can he fail to grant us all other blessings with him?

Prayer

Father, we read of those in the Bible from generations long ago who lived upright and godly lives. They were discerning and wise in making decisions which helped them make difficult choices, such as Stephen or Joseph. Some of their choices brought about visible blessings but other choices brought forth great sacrifice, persecution, or even death. We also read of those who were proud and foolish, thinking only of themselves, such as Samson or Demetrius the Silversmith. They serve as warnings to us. We want to follow those commended for their faith whose promise of eternal reward awaited them on the other side. Help us as we journey here below to model those from generations past who have been faithful to walk in Your ways. Help us to also appreciate and surround ourselves with people older than us, who set for us an example of wisdom, maturity, and perseverance. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.