Developing And Perpetuating A Lifestyle Of Faith.
Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:3-7
Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey. Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:
And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.
What is God endeavouring to do here? He is endeavoring to pass down a heritage—a spiritual heritage. In many families, the children see Christianity demonstrated only on Sundays and special occasions. The only time they see their parents praying is just before a meal. The only time they see them reading the Bible is on Saturday night in last-minute preparation for Bible Class the next day. The only time they hear them speaking of the Lord is when the pastor comes to pay a visit. Most children who see such a double standard being set before them grow up not wanting to have anything to do with that kind of empty, hypocritical lifestyle.
PRAYER
THE SETTING OF PROPER PRIORITIES
Father, I ask You to help me establish priorities. Your grace is enough; it’s all I need. Your strength comes into its own in my weakness. I desire to live purposefully, worthily, and accurately as a wise, sensible, intelligent man.
You have given me a seven-day week: six days to work and the seventh to rest. Help me to make the most of the time [buying up each opportunity]. With Your help, I plan my day and stay focused on my assignments.
In the name of Jesus, I smash warped philosophies, tear down barriers erected against the truth of God, and fit every loose thought, emotion, and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ. I clear my mind of every obstruction and build a life of obedience into maturity.
Father, I plan the way I want to live — organising my efforts, scheduling my activities, and budgeting my time — but You alone enable me to live it. Jesus, You want me to relax, to not be preoccupied with getting, so I can respond to God’s giving. I know You, Father God, and how You work. I steep my life in God-reality, God- initiative, and God-provisions.
Father, I cast all my cares, worries, and concerns on You, that I might be well-balanced (temperate, sober of mind), vigilant, and cautious at all times. I tune my ears to the word of wisdom, set my heart on a life of under- standing, and make insight my priority. My life is complete in Christ.
Father, You sent Jesus that I might have abundant life. Help me remember that my relation- ships with You and others are more important than anything else. Amen.
Ephesians 5:15,16 AMP 2 Corinthians 10:5,6; MESSAGE Matthew 11:29; MESSAGE, AMP Colossians 2:10 John 10:10 ; Proverbs 2:2,3; 16:3,9 MESSAGE; Genesis 2:2 NIV Matthew 6:31-33; MESSAGE; 1 Peter 5:7,8 AMP