7/29/2011

Beauty from Ashes - Examining Eve's Loss

Posted by Stephanie Shott |

Hi ladies! I hope you popped over to Speaker Chicks and joined our email list there! If you haven't, be sure to do that and get your free Event Planning Guide for Event Planners! There are a ton of FREE resources there to help make your next event easier.

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BEAUTY FROM ASHES


Today we're going to continue in our series, From Broken to Beautiful, as we examine God's grace in the midst of Eve's tragic loss.

Separation from God may have been the worst tragedy the first couple would ever experience, but it certainly wasn't the only one.

Just on the heels of the fall of man and the typological expression of our redemption by a blood sacrifice, we find the birth of two beautiful baby boys. It was Eve who named her firstborn Cain (Possession).

In Genesis 4:1, Eve may have expressed an acknowledgment of the Creator, but her newborn's name exposed her heart. He was her possession.

"Adam and Eve had a son. Then Eve said, "I'll name him Cain
because I got him with the help of the LORD." Genesis 4:1

I'm a mom. I get that! But whether I get it or not doesn't mean it's right. God gives us a mother's heart. But it is God who gives us the children to have a heart for in the first place. They are not only His creation, but they are also His possession - not ours.

In Genesis 4:2 (Amplified), we find these words... "And [next] she gave birth to his brother Abel."

Not her son...but 'his' brother. Cain's brother. Her possession's brother. No mention of God. Not a word of the handiwork of the Master Creator - Abel (breath) was Cain's possession - his brother.

Abel's name means breath. It finds its root in the Hebrew word vanity. I can't help but wonder if Cain was a momma's boy - her favorite son. Yet, it was Abel who served God well and Cain who broke his momma's heart.

'Favorites' don't always mean best.

How many mother's pray for their children to walk in the truth - to serve the Living God from the overflow of their relationship with Him? Her possession struggled with pride. His possession did not.

Abel may have seemed like a vain breath to his brother, but he had a heart to please God. Something Cain did not. Cain brought the work of his own hands...a vain attempt to please the Lord. Perhaps it was Cain who should have been named, "Vain" instead of Abel.

In a cold, calculated plan, Cain ended the source of his sibling rivalry. What he didn't realize was that with one swipe of the sword, he also ended his freedom to dwell with his family as well as his potential relationship with the Living God.
Perhaps we've never thought about it from a mother's perspective, but in a moment of time, Eve lost both sons. One, at the hand of her beloved son - the other at the hand of the Creator of the Universe. One was unjustifiable - the other was the just judgment of the Great I Am.
The Bible is silent about her response, but make no mistake about it, she had a momma's heart that ached at the loss of both of her boys. How could she go on when her world had just been turned upside down? How does a mother deal with the death of one child and the murderous heart of another?

What does a mother do when her whole world crumbles in on her and all she's left with are the ashes of what once was?

Genesis 4:25-26 tells us,
"And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, "God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him." To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD."
God began to make beauty out the ashes of Eve's life when she conceived Seth. Seth means compensation. He was her compensation for her loss. Funny how biblical names can be so telling, isn't it.

But more important than a son to compensate for her loss was the legacy that would follow. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD! Her family, which once difined the word dysfunctional, now would be distinguished as the ones who would begin calling on the name of the Lord.

As mothers, we have no greater joy than to see our children walk in truth. The beauty of seeing her children calling upon the name of the Lord may not have ever erased the pain of her loss, but it certainly was an obvious act by the Living God to extend grace to her hurting heart and bring beauty out of her ashes.

Today, you may be in the midst of your own ash heap. Maybe you're a momma who is praying for her prodigal. Perhaps you have a child in prison or one who has a terminal illness. You may not be able to see the beauty that will one day be yours...but our God delights in making beauty out of the ashes of our lives.

We just have to give the ashes to Him and wait for His healing hand to move in our midst.

He did it for Eve. He did it for those who have gone before us. He will do it for you, sweet friend. Hold on...He will do it for you!

Are you going through a difficult time? Can I have the honor of praying for you?







7/26/2011

Some Great News & a Whole New Series

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


Hi y'all! I have been chompin' at the bit to share some exciting news with you, but had to wait 'til permission was granted and all systems were "go"! 

I'm a Speaker Chick


A few months back, Kathi Lipp invited me to be part of a vision she's had to minister to the heart of women by ministering to those who lead them. It's called SpeakerChicks.com.

It's a content site and so much more for women in any type of leadership role, as well as those who want to know and grow more. The site is chock full of free resources to help with events/ministries and even on a personal level.

You can also find information on potential guest speakers for your upcoming event. I can't tell you how uber excited and honored to be on the Speaker Chicks team!

So, before we dive into our new series - or after you get done walking through the Word with me, please take some time to pop over to SpeakerChicks.com and browse all the free resources. Check out the Speaker Chicks and the other resources that are offered. 

Be sure to sign up to be on our email list and you'll get a FREE Planning Guide for Event Planners. Please, please, please LOVE the event planner. I'm wrote it. :-)

Oh, and don't forget to meander your way to Facebook and "Like" Speaker Chicks! Here's the link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/SpeakerChickscom/114510348637866?sk=photos


AND NOW, WITHOUT FURTHER ADIEU...

From Broken to Beautiful

It's the title of our new series and I can't wait to sink my heart into this one! 

As I look around at what's going on in people's hearts and lives, I can't help but see how broken we really are. People are going through some stuff, girlfriend! Perhaps you are too!

I don't know what season you find yourself in, but we all have broken places of our lives; wounds that need to mend; hearts that need to heal. Maybe from a painful past experience or maybe from your present season of stress or struggle.

Wherever you are in your journey, I pray this series will speak to you in your place of need!

We're going to walk through the Word and examine the lives of those who have experienced the gracious grace of God as He brought beauty out of their brokenness. He will do the same for you, sweet friend! Oh yes! He will do the same for you.

Our journey will begin at the beginning where Adam and Eve defines brokenness by choice. Many of the broken places of our lives are the result of choices we've made along the way. Like Adam and Even, we want what isn't good for us; we run after that which we should be running from; we dismiss the warnings; we disregard the consequences; we dive in and hope the water's deep enough. 

Genesis 3:6 echoes humanity's propensity to pursue empty promises and foolish fleshly desires. Honestly, we're not too bright! 
"So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate." 

  • She saw the tree was good for foodlust of the flesh
  • It was a delight to the eyeslust of the eyes
  • It would make one wisepride of life
  • Eve blamed the serpentpassing the buck
  • Adam blamed the woman and Godpassing the buck and losing his ever-loving mind!
We do the same thing! Many of us are suffering the consequences of our own lust-of-the-flesh, lust-of the-eyes and pride-of-life problems.

But even in the midst of Adam and Eve's colossal catastrophe, God showed up and met them at their greatest point of need. The greatest demonstration of love was shown because of our greatest need.

He does that, ya know! He makes beauty out of ashes. He made beauty out of ashes in the garden when He clothed the broken couple in coat-skin. He made beauty out of the ashes of our sinful nature when He went to the cross and purchased redemption for us all!

He rescues the perishing. He sets free the captive. He heals the broken. Even when it's our own fault.

That's what the cross was all about!

Today, I want to encourage your heart with the truth that God delights in mending the broken pieces of our lives. He longs to make beauty out of the ashes of our lives - even if we're the ones who broke the pieces and made our own ash heap.


Some of you are wearing your guilt on your shoulder like a scarlet letter of shame. Jesus died for your guilt AND your shame, sweet friend! Like a Weeble...we all fall down. But we're not to stay down - not when He has lifted us up.

He's just waiting for us to give Him the broken piece of our lives - the ashes of our own choices.

As we start our new series, examine your life. Are you holding on to your ashes because you're afraid to let go of them? What consequences are you walking in today from choices that you've made in the past? Are you willing to let the Living God mend the broken pieces of your life? Will you forgive yourself of what Christ already has? 

Will you allow the Lord to take you from broken to beautiful, my friend? Even if it was your fault in the first place. Someone needs to hear this today! He will move your from broken to beautiful, sweet sister... Just trust Him!






7/21/2011

Fatal Distractions

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


We all know texting while driving is a dangerous distraction - even a fatal one. But as daughters of the King, we can often be drastically distracted from our position, calling and responsibilities and kill our God-given dreams.

I remember watching the Princess Diaries (one of my favs!) and thinking, "She was a princess and she never even realized it."

You see, Mia had been born into a royal family and by nature of that birth, she was a princess from day one. The only problem is, she never walked in who she was until she came to grips with her position, her calling and her responsibilities.

Even after she was made aware of who she was, she didn't own her identity until she was willing to become who she was created to be.

After finding out she was a princess, she spent a lot of time trying to figure out if she was ready to step into the role that was hers regardless of her decision.

She had a calling on her life but the distractions almost destroyed her destiny.

What about her past?

What about her future?

What about her inabilities?

What about the ceaseless responsibilities?


Like texting, these distractions may or may not be fatal - but they always take our focus off of what matters most.

When we look in the rear view mirror of our lives and allow our hearts to stay there - we can't move forward in our journey to becoming who we were created to be.


A fatal distraction? Well, if we consider that we'll lose ground and never fulfill our God-given dreams and God-ordained roles, then we have to admit that looking back can kill our potential.

When we worry about what the future holds, fear becomes our focus and we become hesitant to take the next step toward the goal. What may only be a few laps away becomes a long distance dream.


A fatal distraction? When we focus on our future instead of on our God, we can kill our calling because it may seem too unattainable, too inconvenient or too far away to reach.

The same is true when our attention is on our own abilities or lack thereof. Or when our focus is on the grandness of the call and the ceaseless responsibilities of it all. Dreams are shattered and destinies die when we set our sights on the temporary instead of the eternal.


Goals go by the wayside and visions are dimmed when we're distracted by the dailies of life - the stacks of dishes and piles of laundry that relentlessly call our names - the bills, bad health and difficult days and discouraging circumstances. It's not that the distractions aren't real, because we all know they are...it's just that they cannot be our primary focus if we are ever going to step into who we were created to be.

May we never allow distractions to deaden our God-given dreams! May we come to grips with who God created us to be! May we see ourselves as daughters of the King, children of the Most High God! May we walk in who we are today and every day, for His honor and His glory!

Like Paul told Timothy, may we fulfill our ministries! (2 Timothy 4:5)


Have you allowed anything to kill your God-given dreams or distract you from what matters most!

7/19/2011

Back to School

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


Good morning ladies! Sorry, I've been a bit MIA after that whole, "When God Is Silent" series, but I'm back and rarin' to go! How 'bout you? (I really enjoyed the conversation we had going throught that series and please know that I'm still praying for you girls who seem to be walking in a season of silence!)

Today, I'm going to talk a bit about seasons and then I'm going to leave you with 5 verses you can put in the backpack of your children's heart before they go back to school. They're entering a new season too!


Time never stands still, does it? Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us,

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."


Yesterday, while I was making my way through the grocery store, I noticed the school supplies were stacked oh-so-conspicuosly on the shelves. All I could think was, "Really? Is it really almost Fall?"

The day before I had just told my husband the air was cooler and if felt like fall was on the way.

I should have known it was coming. It happens every year! But I never seem to be ready. I haven't even enjoyed the summer yet and it's already time for a new season to begin. It's already time for the kiddos to go back to school.

Oh, how I miss those school days! I had a hard time when that season of my life changed too.

I had homeschooled my children for 11 years. ELEVEN YEARS! And then it was over. Just like that.

No more curriculum fairs, used books sales, planning curriculum for the year, heading up the co-op and most importantly - no more sitting side-by-side with my boys, basking in those irriplaceable moments together.

No more, "Back to School" days for me!

Then I realized that I was entering a new school. A school in which I had to learn how to let go of one season of my life in order to fully take hold of the next.

It wasn't easy. It wasn't fun. (And you girls know how I love to make everything fun!). But it was necessary, because it was where I was.

Today, I'm not sure where you are in your journey - what season of life you find yourself in - but this I know... God's plan for you has not changed because your circumstances have...in fact where you are now is part of the journey to becoming who your were created to be!

But you have to fully let go of one season of your life before you can completely take hold of the next! Don't miss what God has ahead for you because you're focusing on the rearview mirror of your life!


Like a trapieze artist - take hold of the next rope and begin to soar! You can do it, my friend. Just let go and fly!

I can't wait to hear about where the wind of God takes you, sweet friend!

Now, here are 5 verses to help prepare your children for their own new season of life!

1. Equipping them with the knowledge of God's abiding presence and help: Isaiah 41:10 - "Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand."

2. Teaching them how to avoid unsavory friendships: Proverbs 29:19 - "Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot."

3. Teaching them to submit to authority: Romans 13:1 - "Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God."

4. Teaching them to be trustworthy - people of integrity: Proverbs 13:6 - "Righteousness guards the person of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner."

5. Teaching them to be diligent in their school work: Proverbs 12:24 - "The hand of the diligent will rule, But the lazy man will be put to forced labor."

I know there are a plethora of other verses that our children need to be armed with, but I hope these get you started.

Don't let the school year slip up on you and get so busy packing their backpacks that you forget to pack their hearts first! This is a new season for them too!

Are you in a new season? Are you helping your children prepare to fully take hold of their own new season? What verses are you arming your children and yourself with to be ready for the changes that are about to take place?

7/14/2011

When God is Silent - Because He's God

Posted by Stephanie Shott |



Well, this is the last day of our study on When God is Silent friends and I can't help but wonder where this series finds you.

I'm back over at Scripture Dig finishing up this study and I want to tell you girls, this one is the most perplexing. I hope you'll pop over to Scripture Dig and let me know what you've thought about this whole series!

Know you are loved, sweet friends!

7/13/2011

When God is Silent - To Know Him More

Posted by Stephanie Shott |



GOOD MORNING SWEET FRIENDS! How are y'all doing with our study this week? I can't help wondering if you're in your own season of silence. If so, you're going to love today's post!

So pop on over to Scripture Dig and start diggin'! I think what you read will make your heart smile big time! I sure do hope so! :-)

7/12/2011

When God is Silent - Tested by Silence

Posted by Stephanie Shott |



Hi ladies! I'm at Scripture Dig today talking about how sometimes our season of silence is a time when we are being tested by silence. You might be surprised by who was tested by God's silence in the Bible!

Let's just say it's encouraging to know that some of the godly that have gone before us have walked the wilderness of silence too.


I thought that rather than getting you started with the beginning of the post here, I'd just ask you to pop in over there and begin at the beginning. (You won't have to find your place that way!) :-)

You can click here to continue at Scripture Dig.

7/11/2011

When God is Silent

Posted by Stephanie Shott |



Hi friends! I hope you had a FANTABULOUS weekend! Mine was crazy busy...again. But I'd rather be busy than bored.

This week I'll be over at Scripture Dig sharing about an evergreen topic in a Christian's life. It's one I speak on at retreats and conferences and one that we all unfortunately can relate to...Those times when God is silent.

We've all been there. Some of us are there now. But seasons of silence often speak louder than words. When we feel as though we are going through a season of silence, we begin to question everything. Yet God's Word is not silent about those times when He is.

Walk with me through this week's study as we shed some spiritual light on those dark places of silence. Perhaps you'll soon begin to tilt the ear of your heart upward and hear the still small voice of God again.

♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦


While recently thumbing through an old prayer journal, I was reminded of a very difficult time in my life when our son had drifted far from God and far from all he knew to be right and good. I never even saw it coming...he had become a prodigal. Night after night, I soaked my pillow with tears and wore holes in the carpet next to my bed where I cried out to the Living God to do something in his life. But nothing happened. God was silent.

We’ve all been there. Desperate to see God move. Crying out for heavenly help, yet nothing seems to happen and we begin to wonder if God even cares. Does He see us? Why won't He answer us? We know the Bible teaches us that God’s sheep hear His voice. So, what’s going on when we can’t hear Him? Why is it that we experience seasons of silence?

Click here to pop over to Scripture Dig and read more. I pray God will use it in your area of silence!

7/08/2011

Praying for Our Children - For Their Future

Posted by Stephanie Shott |



"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4


I remember when I was pregnant I would often dream about what those little bundles of joy would be like when they grew up...what kind of life they would have...what type of career they might have...what type of woman they would marry...what kind of fathers they would become. The dream list went on and on.

But after they were born I became so wrapped up in each moment of mommy-hood that several years slipped by before I really began to pray for their future like I should. I was too busy praying we'd make it through diapers, potty training and trips to the emergency room to shift my focus forward and ponder the path of their little feet more than a few weeks into their futures.

But our prayers for their tomorrows are just as important as our prayers for their todays.


The Word of God arms us with beautiful and powerful verses to pray for our children - for their todays and for their tomorrows.

Below, I have listed quite a few verses to put in your prayer arsenal. If you're not familiar with how to pray God's Word back to Him, I've personalized several of them to give you an example of how you can speak God's Word over your children in prayer and how you can cling to God's promises in prayer as you pray like crazy for your kids!

A prayer of Jeremiah 29:11
Lord I'm thankful you have plans for my sons, and I know they are plans for good and not disaster - plans to give them a hope and a future. Lord unfold your plans for them and open their eyes to see Your plans are good.

A prayer of 1 Chronicles 29:18-19
O Lord, the God of our ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, make my children always want to obey You. See to it that their love for You never changes. Give my sons, Karl and DJ, the wholehearted desire to obey all Your commands, laws, and decrees, and to do everything necessary to finish the work You have prepared for them.

A prayer of Psalm 1:1-2
Lord, don't let my children follow the advice of the wicked - or hang out with sinners - or join in with mockers. Let them delight in Your law and make it their meditation night and day.

A prayer of Isaiah 11:2
Oh Lord, let Your Spirit rest upon my children as it did upon Your only begotten Son. Help them be conformed to His image. Give them the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel and might. Give them the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord.

A prayer of Ecclesiastes 12:1
Don’t let the excitement of youth cause my children to forget their Creator. Cause them to honor You in their youth before they grow old and say, “Life is not pleasant anymore.”

A prayer for a Proverbs 31 wife
Lord lead my sons to chose the wife You have created for them. One whose value is far above rubies - one who they will be able to safely trust in - one who will do them good and not evil all the days of their lives - one who is wise, strong, generous, diligent, loving and kind. One who will garner the praise of her family by the way she lives her life.


Do you see how you can personalize your prayers as you cling to the promises of God? There is power in praying God's Word back to Him. You are demonstrating faith in His Word. You are praying God's Word back to the heart of God!

Make no mistake about it...the devil is out to steal, kill and destroy. But Jesus came to give us life...and to give it to us more abundantly.

Cover your children in prayer. Pray for them like crazy! If you don't, who will?


Below are several other Scriptures you can use in your prayer arsenal as you stand in the gap and go to the front lines in battle over your children's souls - as you fight for their futures on your knees. Prayer IS the greater work!

Look at the verses below. Take the time to personalize them as you seek God's face for your kids!


"That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power." Ephesians 1:17-19

"That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height—to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." Ephesians 3:17-19

"Oh, that my ways were directed to keep Your statutes! Then I would not be ashamed, when I look into all Your commandments. I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I learn Your righteous judgments." Psalm 119:5-7

"How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you." Psalm 119:9-11

"Deal bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. I am a stranger in the earth; Do not hide Your commandments from me." Psalm 119:17-19

"Therefore be imitators of God as dear children." Ephesians 5:1

" Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 'Honor your father and mother.' This is the first commandment with a promise." Ephesians 6:1,2

"Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12

"If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91:9-16

"I will teach all your children, and they will enjoy great peace." Isaiah 54:13

"Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s!" Psalm 103:2-5

"Thus says the LORD who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you: ‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring." Isaiah 44:2-3


Sweet sister, pray like crazy for your kids! Hold on to the hand of Heaven for the heart of your children! Pray like it really matters, because it does!

Pray for their future. Pray for their salvation. Pray for their character. Pray for their protection. Pray for their friends. Pray for their future spouse. Pray for their teachers. Pray for their direction. Pray for their influences. Pray for their gifts and abilities. Pray for their hearts.

Pray like crazy for your kids...because if you won't - who will?


Has this series on prayer encouraged you to pray more specifically? More fervently? To join others and pray for their kids like crazy too?

Perhaps you could form a group of moms who get together and stand in the gap for each other's kids. Time is a ticking away and before you know it, they'll be grown.

Pray now. Pray hard. Pray without ceasing. Pray like crazy for your kids!

7/07/2011

Praying for Our Children - For Their Character

Posted by Stephanie Shott |



"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." 3 John 1:4


From the time our children begin interacting with others, they begin the the human struggle of choosing right from wrong. And although we can do everything possible to instill good and godly character in their hearts, it is up to them to decide what kind of people they want to be.

Thankfully, we are armed with precious promises and the power of prayer to cling to as we seek to see our children become men and women of character - men and women whose integrity speaks louder than their words - men and women whose very lives validate their faith.

So, sweet sister mommas, we need to pray like crazy that our kids will be people of character!

Character is defined as, moral or ethical quality. A short definition for such a significant word. Character is really about integrity. It's who you are when no one is looking.

Dwight L. Moody said, "Character is what you are in the dark."


Character can not be bought but it can be sold. It defines who we are in the eyes of those we come in contact with. Our character composes our reputation. Apart from our relationship with Christ - regardless of social, economic or racial status - our character is the most important possession we have.

In fact our character is an overflow and an expression of our relationship with Christ. Our character is our reputation - and it is PRICELESS!


Billy Graham once said, "When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost; when character is lost, all is lost."

As mothers, we are desperate to see our children be men and women of character. And while we can't assure the final outcome, God's Word is chauk full of verses that can help us pray for our children's character.

Let's look at a few...

FAITHFUL:
"And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all." Acts 3:16

"Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong." 1 Corinthians 16:13


TRUSTWORTHY:
"He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy and faithful in spirit keeps the matter hidden." Proverbs 11:13

"And he said to him, Well done, excellent bond servant! Because you have been faithful and trustworthy in a very little [thing], you shall have authority over ten cities." Luke 19:17


TRUTHFUL:
"The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment." Proverbs 12:19

"Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, But those who deal truthfully are His delight." Proverbs 12:22



PURE:
"Blessed are the pure in heart, For they shall see God." Matthew 5:8

"Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart." 2 Timothy 2:22

"Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." 1 Corinthians 6:18


STRONG AND COURAGEOUS:
"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6

"Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go." Joshua 1:7


Oh, sweet friend, I realize that there are a slew of Scriptures that point us to how to pray for character for our kids, but these should get us started.


Do you see unhealthy character traits in your children? Do you pray consistently for their character? What verses could you share with us about praying for our kids' character? Can I pray for your children's character this week as I pray for my own?

7/06/2011

Praying for Our Children - For Their Protection

Posted by Stephanie Shott |



As mothers, we want our children shielded from harm. Skinned knees and broken bones are often part of their journey through childhood. Oh, how we so desperately strive to protect them!

But their bodies aren't the only things that can can be wounded along the way. Their hearts, minds, emotions and spirit all need protection of the Divine kind too.

We live in a world that is striving to steal our children's souls. We live in a world where they are calling wrong right and right wrong. We live in a world that is lewd, crude and shouting out lies louder than anything else our children can hear.

Our children unknowingly stand in desperate need of our intercession. They may not feel like they need protection, but make no mistake about it... THEY DO!

Today, we're going to focus on praying for our children's protection. If the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous woman accomplishes much, then we better get busy praying like crazy! The souls of the next generation are at stake!

Don't underestimate it, sweet friend...prayer is serious, life-changing business!


There are a plethora of 'praying for protection' verses in the Word of God! We aren't the first generation to stand in need of the hand of protection from the Living God - Scripture gives us umpteen examples to chose from.

So let's look at just a few...

Isaiah 52:12

"For you shall not go out with haste, Nor go by flight; For the LORD will go before you, And the God of Israel will be your rear guard."

Isaiah 58:8
"Then your light shall break forth like the morning, Your healing shall spring forth speedily, And your righteousness shall go before you; The glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard."

2 Thessalonians 3:3
"But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one."

Psalm 34:7
"The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,And delivers them."

Psalm 91:11
"For He shall give His angels charge over you,To keep you in all your ways."

As you read through Scripture and you find verses that reveal God's heart to protect His people, begin praying that for your children.

When you come across the pleas for protection in the Word of God, let those prayers begin to echo in your own heart, as well!

Pray for the protection of their souls from the onslaughts of the enemy. Pray for the protection of their hearts from the lies of the world and the wicked one. Pray for the protection of their faith from the deceptive schemes of satan. Pray for the protection of ungodly influence, unsavory friends and unconscionable peer pressure.

When they were young, you had to put their clothes on for them. If they are still too young or unable, you dress them in the Armor of God until they can do it themselves. Dress them in prayer with those things that will protect them in this world.


Pray for protection over the things they see, hear and come in contact with. Pray for discernment and wisdom to know and walk in what is right.

Don't ever stop praying. Not when they're 2, not when they're 20, not when they're 70. As long as you're alive, you pray for your child like crazy.

You remain a covering of intercessory prayer and watch how God answers the prayers of a mother's heart!

Do you pray for your children's protection? Have you seen God protect them as a result of your prayers? Do you pray for the protection of this generation? Oh, how they need it! PLEASE DO!


Yesterday, I was honored that some of you left your children's names and the names of other children for me to pray over. Please know that I count it such an honor that you allowed me to do that! Please know that I did...and will continue to do so this week! Let me know if you want me to join you in prayer for your children's protection. It would be my privilege!

7/05/2011

Praying for Our Children - For Their Salvation

Posted by Stephanie Shott |


"I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." 3 John 1:14

I remember when we were on the mission field and we were struggling with some issues in our family. I looked at my husband and said, "I will not win a nation and lose my own son!"

No matter how successful I am in life, if my children do not walk with God, I will feel as though I failed in the most important role I've ever been given...the role of a mother.


I realize that our job is to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; that we are to live out loud for Jesus in front of them and that we are to equip them in the Word. I also realize they are responsible to God for the choices they make once they become adults.

But just because the clock of life ticks past the magic age of 18, it doesn't mean we stop praying for our children. We never stop being a mother, so we can never stop praying for our children.

Whether your little bundle of joy still resides in your womb or lives in his or her own home, you are a mom... and we all know - there ain't no love like a momma's love!

That means, no one will pray for your kids like you will! No one will love your kids like you will! No one will bombard heaven for your kids like you will!


This week, I'm going to write about praying for our children.

There is nothing greater you can do; there is no greater work; there is no greater way to spend your time as a mother than on your knees in intercession for your kids.

As Oswald Chambers once said, "Prayer is the work!"


But as you pray, be specific. Cover them well in prayer. Seek God's face for their future. Pray protection over them. Ask God to guard their hearts. Ask God to rebuke the enemy and to shield your children from every fiery dart he tries to send their way.

Today, let's focus on praying for our children's salvation. It's the most important thing you can pray for in their lives.


So, here are a few verses we can cling to in prayer...claim by faith...and trust to come to pass. Here are some verses that we can pray knowing we are praying according to God's will:

"Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15

"Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish." Mattew 18:14

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

"This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." 1 Timothy 2:3-4

“Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” Acts 16:31

"And He said to them, 'Which of you shall have a friend, and go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; and he will answer from within and say, 'Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give to you'? 'I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened." Luke 11:5-10


There are a host of other verses you can pray for your children...but hopefully, these will get you started.

Go back over those precious verses, sweet friend. Look at how many times it talks about the will of God. When we pray God's Word back to Him in accordance to His will, we know He hears us - we know He is working behind the scenes of our children's lives to bring about their salvation.

Hold on to heaven with all you've got and bombard the throne of God for the salvation of your children. Whether they're a newborn babe or an adult, you're still their mom and no one is going to pray for them like you are! Absolutely no one!

If your child is saved, you are surely blessed! You have the joy of watching your children walk in the truth. Pray for those who don't have that same joy. Pray for their children. Join them in prayer as one mother praying on behalf of another!

Join hands and hearts for the salvation of the next generation and let's see what God will do when we do our greatest work...on our knees!


Are you praying for your child? Are you praying for someone else's child? Would you like to add some verses for mothers to cling to and claim as they pray for their children's salvation?

If you'd like to list your child's name in the comment section, I'd be honored to pray for them. No one will ever pray for your children like you. But no one will ever understand the prayer of a mother's heart like another mother! Let's pray for our children - let's keep knocking until the door opens - let's keep trusting God to save our children and then stand back and see the salvation of God!

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