Web
www.christianactivities.com
//–>
The Lord has been saturating me in the book of Philippians lately. The other day I saw Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi from a different perspective. Obviously, it was because my focus is on my children, especially the ages they are, and my passion for them to know Christ in His fullness. But, as I read Paul’s letter I understood that he was writing to his “children” with the same passion for the same goal that I have for mine. So I “prayed” Philippians for my three kids. I thought you might want to do the same so I’m jotting down some of my prayer focuses. Let me encourage you to set aside some time to read the Scriptures and then pray th! em for your children. (Or for yourself if you don’t have children — since you are God’s child.)
Read Philippians 1:1-11
Thank You, Father that I don’t really have to worry because You are faithful and it is up to You, not me, to complete the good work You, not me, have begun in my children’s hearts. Overflow their hearts with Your love and a hunger for knowledge and wisdom and discernment. May they love what You love and hate what You hate. Keep them from evil and fill them with Your Holy Spirit that bears good fruit for Your glory.
Read Philippians 1:12-18
When they inevitably suffer tough times, whether by their own choices or simply the times in which we live, use those opportunities to draw them closer to You and be a testimony of Your sovereignty. No matter what happens in their lives, use it for Your glory and to further the good news of Jesus Christ.
Read Philippians 1:19-30
Give my children an eternal perspective so the choices they make will be in light of their real home in Heaven with You. When they are stressed and pressed because of the challenges of growing up today, enable them to see beyond the magnified mountains of today called peers, grades, acceptance, confusion, success, and all the other very real pressures they face. Remind them that You have not promised to remove them from suffering but to walk beside them through it. And to reward them for finishing the race.
Read Philippians 2:1-11
Lord, please help my kids to get along with each other! If they can’t serve each other from a heart of humility and love, then show them how it is really serving You when they do. Enable them to look out for one another’s interests and not just think of themselves which results in a three-way tug-of-war for power. Remind them that You laid down your rights as God for us, even though we didn’t deserve it. Show them how to follow You by laying down their rights even if their sibling is completely wrong and doesn’t deserve grace.
Read Philippians 2:12-13
Dear God, give them the desire to obey You whether I’m around or not. It is about their hearts; make their salvation their own, not just their parent’s faith. Help them to make everything from life decisions to thought choices knowing that You are watching. It isn’t about pleasing mom, dad, friends, or themselves, but You alone ultimately.
Read Philippians 2:14-18
May they serve You with such a heart of gratitude that the world around them is drawn to You through their sweet attitudes. Lord, I have tried so hard to impress Your Word upon their hearts from the time they were small, please take hold of their hearts so that my labor will not be in vain. I can’t make them believe and choose You but I so desperately want them to know the abundant and eternal life that comes from You. Implant Your Word and Your will and Your way in their hearts by Your power.
Read Philippians 2:19-30
Father, would you send godly mentors, role models, influences, heroes, teachers, friends, and authority figures into their lives. I understand that as my children get older, I will not be the only influence in their lives; they will become increasingly influenced by others. Protect them from those who would lead them astray. Send men and women, girls and boys, with character and like-mindedness to encourage, support and strengthen their walk with You.
Related Links:
Lisa Whelchel Shares the REAL “Facts of life”LisaWhelchel.comPut Others First
more.
Great gifts can be found at the Christian Activities Music & Books Store
LET US HELP YOU PUBLISH YOUR BOOK!
Back to Devotionals Page
Christian Activities is on MySpace at:
Swag out with Christian Activities Merchandise!
Visit the CHRISTIAN ACTIVITIES MUSIC & BOOK STORE
Use this link to shop Amazon.com and support Christian Activities
