On the Go - August 3, 2008

Devotionals are normally posted every morning.

Live it
Today, the most used word to describe a family in distress is "dysfunctional." I'm not so sure God wouldn't use more accurate terminology to identify abuse and neglect. The root of most everything we do is based on sin, is it not? Samuel and David are but two fathers in Scripture who accomplished great things at work but were lacking when it came to parenting. It's amazing to think these men of God failed to raise godly boys, but they did. And we'll never know what the first son of David and Bathsheba might have been like, for he was not allowed to live because of David's gross sin.

I was just a kid when my wife and I started raising a family. When we had our first child, I was barely able to vote and my wife was not. I vividly remember the moment I started to mature. It was in front of the glass in the hospital viewing area when I looked at this helpless little person who would one day call me " father." Before that, I lived to fulfill my personal desire and ambition, but afterwards, it was to be the right example for her. I wish I could say marriage and parenting was easy, but the only thing easy about it is the frequency of mistakes and the tendency to apply the wrong correction. Still, one of the benefits of praying for other people is being in the right position to hear from God and make the proper course correction. I'm certain of one thing in this life. God will continue, but on earth we will not. God protects and provides for the family of fathers in the right position before Him. I can rest at night knowing He will complete what I may not be able to finish.

Pray it
I have no proper words of gratitude to thank you for blessing me. It wasn't earned or deserved, but without it, I'd not be able to go on. Whereas I've obviously failed as a father in many ways, you have never failed me. Thank You!

Resources
Are you ready to share your testimony with the saints who've gone before? (2000)
Following God implies obedience, not physical movement. (2001)
Partnering in the Gospel has many benefits. (2002)
It's hard to believe, but most believe tradition trumps truth. (2004)
Feedom of choice may only last through the day. (2005)
What excuse will you present to someone who expects you to act like Jesus? (2006)
Devotional (2007)
To whom are you comparing yourself? (2008)

How to Pray for...
My husband or wife.
Build a spirit of sacrificial love in me toward my life partner.

My children.
Protect them from trouble unless in so doing you're preparing them to serve you.

Their school.
Keep those of bad influence from teaching my children.

Their teachers.
Grant boldness to godly teachers to speak the truth, even when threatened for doing so.

My children's friends.
Teach my kids to stand alone inspite of the influence of ungodly friends.

My friends.
Teach me how to be a good friend to someone else today.

My work.
Bless my business unless you find it ungodly. In that case, help me find work that honors you.

My city.
Break down every attempt of those seeking to raise revenue through unholy means.

Governmental leaders.
Keep our leaders from making ungodly decisions, but lead them to be righteous instead.

My country.
May our citizens recognize the greatest patriot is the one who recognizes Jesus as Lord.

My President.
Guard his life and protect him.

My church.
Keep people out of leadership roles who work on the basis of their own ability.

My pastor.
Give him the courage to shepherd the church as you would in his place.

My church leadership.
Restore the joy of those church leaders who are serving without passion.

Sister churches.
Use all the Spirit-filled churches in this area to make a real impact on the lost.

Persecuted churches.
Provide the needs of persecuted brothers and keep moles away from the flock.

Missionaries.
Give missionaries the resources they need to do the work for which you called them.

The sick..
Restore those who are suffering from illness in a way that you receive the glory.

The lost.
Convict the lost of sin today and give them desire to do something about it.

Those in despair.
Give hope to those who may be in despair today.

Those in the hospital.
Place your hand in the gloves of the doctor(s) and nurses today.

Those grieving.
Comfort those grieving and build in them a spirit of trust to replace the doubts.

Widows.
Take care of the widows using the Church to do the work by which you called them.

Orphans.
Place orphans in the care of godly men and women who know you.

Myself.
Bless me with spiritual discernment and use me to help others.

Prayertower Devotionals are the original creation of James R. Green: Just Thinkin'... (2000-2003), Read the Bible Thru in 365 Days (2004), Pray Thru the Word in 365 Days (2005).and One-minute Devotionals (2006 to present).
Scripture provided by God's Word Translation (c)1995 - God's Word to the Nations. All Rights Reserved.