Blogging is wonderful for those who have a million thoughts of things to do and not enough time to do them.  I have wanted to write books for ever so long. But as soon as I start one, my mind jumps to another title and another subject I would like to write about.  Blogging is perfect.  I can just write down my random thoughts and some day maybe come back to them, but at least I have a record of my thoughts. I have not been very faithful lately to blog.  It is not because I have not wanted to, but because this summer has been very busy.  My two older kids were home.  But now they are both gone again.  " He gives and takes away."  so I will continue with the blogging as I am able.

My school year will be different this year as Jo and Ra are both doing SOS.  Josiah has a few subject tho that are not on computer, so I will get to spend some quality time with him.  This is my last year with him as he is now a senior!!

Street in Provence, France

Watercolour by Julie Hughes

Summer 2006

THAT'S MY KING!

The Bible says my King is a seven-way king      He's the King of the Jews      He's the King of Israel      He's the King of Righteousness      He's the King of the Ages      He's the King of Heaven      He's the King of Glory      He's the King of kings, and He's the Lord of lords. That's my King. Well....I wonder, do you know Him? David said, "The Heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork."      My King is a sovereign King.      No means of measure can define His limitless love.      No far seeing telescope can bring into visibility the coastline of His shoreless supply.      No barrier can hinder Him from pouring out His blessings.      He's enduringly strong.      He's entirely sincere.      He's eternally steadfast.      He's immortally graceful.      He's imperially powerful.      He's impartially merciful. Do you know Him? He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world.      He's God's Son.      He's the sinner's Savior.      He's the centerpiece of civilization.      He stands in the solitude of Himself.      He's august and He's unique.      He's unparalleled.      He's unprecedented.      He is the loftiest idea in literature.      He's the highest personality in philosophy.      He is the supreme problem in higher criticism.      He's the fundamental doctrine of true theology.      He is the cardinal necessity for spiritual religion.      He's the miracle of the age.      He's -- yes He is -- He is the superlative of everything good that you choose to call Him. He's the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Savior. I wonder if you know Him today?      He supplies strength for the weak.      He's available for the tempted and the tried.      He sympathizes and He saves.      He strengthens and sustains.      He guards and He guides.      He heals the sick.      He cleansed the lepers.      He forgives sinners.      He discharges debtors.      He delivers the captives.      He defends the feeble.      He blesses the young.      He serves the unfortunate.      He regards the aged.      He rewards the diligent....and He beautifies the meek. I wonder if you know Him? Well, my King....He is the King!      He's the key to knowledge.      He's the wellspring of wisdom.      He's the doorway of deliverance.      He's the pathway of peace.      He's the roadway of righteousness.      He's the highway of holiness.      He's the gateway of glory. Do you know Him? Well, His office is manifold.      His promise is sure....and His light is matchless.      His goodness is limitless.      His mercy is everlasting.      His love never changes.      His word is enough.      His grace is sufficient.      His reign is righteous.      And His yoke is easy, and his burden is light.      I wish I could describe Him to you, but He's indescribable -- Yes He is!? He is God!      He's incomprehensible.      He's invincible.      He's irresistible. Well, you can't get Him out of your mind. You can't get Him off of your hand. You can't out live Him, and you can't live without Him. The Pharisees couldn't stand Him, but they found out they couldn't stop Him.      Pilate couldn't find any fault in Him.      The witnesses couldn't get their testimonies to agree.      Herod couldn't kill Him.      Death couldn't handle Him, and the grave couldn't hold Him.      Yea!!!, that's my King, that's my King. Yes, and Thine is the Kingdom....and the Power....and the Glory....Forever....and ever, and ever, and ever -- How long is that? And ever, and ever. And when you get through with all of the forevers, then. AMEN!

Preached by Rev. S.M. Lockridge

For my 44th birthday, I requested everybody get rounded up and go take family photos.  Here is a sample of our efforts.

Street in Provence

I thought this scene of a street in the south of  France was such a perfect representative of Provence... old buildings, wooden shutters, flowers in the boxes, clean streets, and arches.  I have an affixation for arches.  Now I am painting it. Watercolor.  I'll post it when I am finished

What does this scene make me feel?  Comfortable but Curious.  Makes me want to knock on the doors and meet the interesting people living in the houses.  Makes me want to plant flowers in my flower boxes.  Makes me want to go back in time, or go to France ride my bike around the old streets, find a river I like and sit beside it to keep it company and write in my journal and drink coffee.  Also, makes me want to go around the corner to find a bakery to purchase a crispy baguette and a market to snatch up some freshly- cut flowers for my bicycle basket.

What does this scene make you think of and feel? 

This is your English teacher, Pear!  hahaha

It is an honor to serve the King

During these days of celebration of the King’s 60^th reign, we have seen many specials on TV concerning His Majesty’s life and reign of Thailand.

We have also heard of the different people who have been a part of serving the king. There are people who produce products, perform services, and take care of the Royal family and palace.  These people are dedicated.  They may do their work with little money or fame, but they feel that to serve the King with their life, is a great honor.  Indeed it is.  People serving in even menial tasks can still be proud of their service because it is for some one great.

As believers, we serve the Lord Jesus Christ and we should feel it is an honor, the highest honor in life, to be able to count ourselves as servants of the Most High God.  Even if our jobs seem small, we can be sure that it is an honor to serve him.  Our work may not bring us any fame or acclaim.  Many things we do daily get unnoticed.  Paul said that as an apostle of the early church, he was regarded by some as the “scum of the earth.”  But, when we get to heaven, all things will be revealed.  And those who have followed and obeyed faithfully, will receive glory and honor just as we have given Jesus glory and honor in this life by serving Him.  Our good deeds will be something that will bring more honor and glory to Jesus for it is because of His grace and enablement that we are able to do anything for him.  We will be so happy and feel so honored just to have been able to serve the King and bring glory to him.  In that day we will see his glory and we will receive our reward.  We will say, we were only servants doing our duty.  Jesus will say to us, “Come you blessed of my Father, enter into the joys of the Lord!”  “Well done, my good and faithful servant!”

As Servants of the King our attitudes should be:

1.     “I am doing my duty and do not need thanks or recognition.”

Jesus said in Luke 17:10,

In the same way, when you obey me you should say, 'We are not worthy of praise. We are servants who have simply done our duty.' "

2.         “I will not envy other’s jobs but concentrate on doing my best according to my gifts.”

 Some jobs require more hours, and little thanks but still important to God.  When the Lord thinks well of us that is when we are approved by Him, not when others praise us. 

Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 10:12,17,18

Oh, don't worry; I wouldn't dare say that I am as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are!  But they are only comparing themselves with each other, and measuring themselves by themselves. What foolishness!

"The person who wishes to boast

should boast only of what the Lord has done."

When people boast about themselves, it doesn't count for much, but when the Lord commends someone, that's different!

3.         “I am willing to be the least.”   

Jesus said in Matthew 19:30,

“But many who seem to be important now will be the least important then, and those who are considered least here will be the greatest then.”

You can do just about anything if you don’t care who gets the credit.

 4. “It’s not about money.”

Paul wrote in 2 Cor. 11:7-10a,

Did I do wrong when I humbled myself and honored you by preaching God's Good News to you without expecting anything in return?  I "robbed" other churches by accepting their contributions so I could serve you at no cost.  And when I was with you and didn't have enough to live on, I did not ask you to help me. For the brothers who came from Macedonia brought me another gift. I have never yet asked you for any support, and I never will.  

5.  “Love must always be my motive.”

2 Cor. 10:1-6

Now I, Paul, plead with you. I plead with the gentleness and kindness that Christ himself would use, even though some of you say I am bold in my letters but timid in person. I hope it won't be necessary, but when I come I may have to be very bold with those who think we act from purely human motives. We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you became loyal and obedient.

6.      “I will be faithful to serve God, no matter what it cost me.” 

Being willing to suffer for the cause of Christ is a step further than merely giving up recognition.

  Paul said in 2 Cor. 11:22-30,

I have worked harder, been put in jail more often, been whipped times without number, and faced death again and again.  Five different times the Jews gave me thirty-nine lashes.  Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned.  Three times I was shipwrecked.  Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea.  I have traveled many weary miles.  I have faced danger from flooded rivers and from robbers.  I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles.  I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the stormy seas.  And I have faced danger from men who claim to be Christians but are not.  I have lived with weariness and pain and sleepless nights.  Often I have been hungry and thirsty and have gone without food.  Often I have shivered with cold, without enough clothing to keep me warm.

Then, besides all this, I have the daily burden of how the churches are getting along. 

2 Cor. 12:9-10

So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may work through me.  Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite content with my weaknesses and with insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philip. 3:10

As a result, I can really know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I can learn what it means to suffer with him, sharing in his death,

We also must suffer with Him as we are his body.  But we will be happy to suffer, to share with Christ in his sufferings and in His power.

2 Cor. 4:10

Through suffering, these bodies of ours constantly share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies.

7.     “I will keep an eternal perspective.”

In heaven- holiness and glory are the atmosphere

Isaiah 63:15

Lord, look down from heaven and see us from your holy, glorious home. Where is the passion and the might you used to show on our behalf? Where are your mercy and compassion now?

8 “I am part of His Church.”

Jesus fills his church and completes her.  He is the head of the body and the source of the body’s life.

Col. 1:18

Christ is the head of the church, which is his body. He is the first of all who will rise from the dead, so he is first in everything.

Col. 2:15

In this way, God disarmed the evil rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross of Christ.

9“I will remember when His kingdom comes, it will come with power.”

In these last days, God is doing to display his glory and power through the church.  The church will be His instrument and the world will be impacted.

When Jesus was on earth God displayed his image and glory through Christ.  Now Christ is in us and he has chosen to reveal his glory through us who believe. 

How will God show his Glory?

Through signs and wonders, miracles, healings, salvations, more and more people coming to the Lord.

This will result in many prayers and thanksgiving being offered up and they will bring and give glory to God too. 

2 Cor. 4:15

All of these things are for your benefit. And as God's grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory.

10. “I must shine!”

Philip. 2:15,16

…so that no one can speak a word of blame against you. You are to live clean, innocent lives as children of God in a dark world full of crooked and perverse people. Let your lives shine brightly before them.

Hold tightly to the word of life, so that when Christ returns, I will be proud that I did not lose the race and that my work was not useless.

Offer the message of life and on the day of Christ we will see our efforts and work have not been wasted. 

11.      “I am special to be chosen to be a servant.”

Jesus said in John 15:16,

You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.

1 Peter 2:9

    … for you are a chosen people. You are a kingdom of priests, God's holy nation, his very own possession.  This is so you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.

It is such an honor to serve the King of Kings.

12.  “The world, the flesh and the Devil has no part in me.”

Col. 2:20

You have died with Christ and are set free from the ruling spirits of the universe.  Why, then, do you live as though you belonged to this world?

2 Tim. 2:4

    No man that goes to war entangles himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier.

13. “Christ gives me his victory.  I do not walk in defeat.”

Ephes. 1:22,23

And God has put all things under the authority of Christ, and he gave him this authority for the benefit of the church.

And the church is his body; it is filled by Christ, who fills everything everywhere with his presence.

Rev. 17:14

… the Lamb will defeat them because he is Lord over all lords and King over all kings, and his people are the called and chosen and faithful ones."

Rev. 12:11

    And they have defeated him (Satan) because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony. And they were not afraid to die.

Did you know there is a wonderful alterntative to buying expensive, sugary, oily, and not very fresh peanut butter?

I have discovered making my own peanut butter is quick, easy and so much fun.  But most importantly it is so much more delicious.  Spread on a thick slice of homemade multigrain bread, it is the taste you will never forget.  It gets pretty addicting. 

The cost of peanut butter here is about 3.50 US dollars.  But for less than 75 cents, I can make the same amount of peanut butter from raw peanuts.  All you need to do is add a bit of salt.  No oils!  The calorie difference is wonderful with less sugar and less fat!

Here is my photo journey in making peanut butter.

Roast raw peanuts in the oven at 350 F. until golden brown.

Use your grinder attachment to make the peanut butter.

While peanuts are still warm, place a portion of your nuts in the grinder (about half full)  and grind till the peanut butter begins to stick to the sides.

Add salt if desired, about a 1/4 t. and then grind more about 2 min.

Place in container and store upside down in refrigerator.

Hope you love your healthy lower fat, lower sugar fresh peanut butter.

Day 21

Neh. 8:10

And Nehemiah continued, "Go and celebrate with a feast of choice foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!"

Proverbs 17:22

A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.

Psalm 16:11

You will show me the way of life,

granting me the joy of your presence

and the pleasures of living with you forever.

Pray that your loved one will learn how to relax in the Lord and, in his/her greatest times of stress, find joy and peace in his/her relationship with God.  Pray that he/she will submit his/her schedule to the Lord.

Day 22

Ephes. 4:32

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Hebrews 12:15

Look after each other so that none of you will miss out on the special favor of God. Watch out that no bitter root of unbelief rises up among you, for whenever it springs up, many are corrupted by its poison.

Pray that your loved one will practice forgiveness in your relationship and with others.  Pray that he/she will recognize any roots of bitterness, and yield any resentment and unforgiving attitudes to the Lord.

Day 23

 Ephes. 6:4

And now a word to you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.

Col. 3:21

Fathers, don't aggravate your children. If you do, they will become discouraged and quit trying.

2 Tim. 2:1-2

Timothy, my dear son, be strong with the special favor God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2You have heard me teach many things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Teach these great truths to trustworthy people who are able to pass them on to others.

Pray that your loved one will be a good parent—disciplining his/her children wisely and loving them unconditionally.  If he/she is not a parent, pray that he/she  will find a young man/woman to mentor in the things of the Lord

Day 24

Luke 2:52

So Jesus grew both in height and in wisdom, and he was loved by God and by all who knew him.

Proverbs 13:15

A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person walks a rocky road.

Pray that your loved one will have a balanced life—that he/she will balance work and play.  Pray that he/she will fear God, but also gain favor with others.

Day 25

Psalm 31:24

So be strong and take courage,

all you who put your hope in the Lord!

Ephes. 6:13

Use every piece of God's armor to resist the enemy in the time of evil, so that after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Psalm 27:14

Wait patiently for the Lord.

Be brave and courageous.

Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Pray that your loved one will be courageous in his/her stand against evil and injustice, and that he/she will stand for the truth.  Pray that he/she will be protected from Satan’s attacks.

Day 26

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

1 Cor. 10:31

Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.

Pray that your loved one will discover and live his/her God-given purpose.  Pray that he/she will offer all his/her dreams to the Lord, and pursue goals that will bring God glory and count for eternity.

Day 27

Romans 12:1-2

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? 2Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is.

1 Cor. 6:19-20

Or don't you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, 20for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.

1 Cor. 9:27

I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.

Pray that your loved one will understand the importance of taking care of his/her body—the temple of the Holy Spirit—for the glory of God.  Pray that he/she will practice self-control by making wise food choices, and get sufficient exercise to stay healthy.

Day 28

1 Thes. 5:17

Keep on praying.

Luke 22:46

"Why are you sleeping?" he asked. "Get up and pray. Otherwise temptation will overpower you."

James 5:16

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.

Pray that your loved one will be a man/woman of prayer.  Pray that he/she will seek and pursue God in purposeful quiet times.

Day 29

Ephes. 5:15-16

So be careful how you live, not as fools but as those who are wise. 16Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.

1 Cor. 12:4

Now there are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but it is the same Holy Spirit who is the source of them all.

1 Cor. 12:7

A spiritual gift is given to each of us as a means of helping the entire church.

Pray that your loved one will surrender his/her time and talents to the Lord.  Pray that his/her spiritual gifts will be manifest in his/her career, at church, and home.

Day 30

1 Cor. 10:13

But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

John 7:17-18

Anyone who wants to do the will of God will know whether my teaching is from God or is merely my own. 18Those who present their own ideas are looking for praise for themselves, but those who seek to honor the one who sent them are good and genuine.

Col. 3:23-24

Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and the Master you are serving is Christ.

Pray that your loved one will serve God and others with pure motives.  Pray that he/she will obey the Lord from his/her heart, and glorify Him in everything.

Day 31

John 8:44

For you are the children of your father the Devil, and you love to do the evil things he does. He was a murderer from the beginning and has always hated the truth. There is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.

2 Cor. 10:4-5

We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. 5With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ.

Pray that your loved one will recognize the lies of the Enemy in his/her life.  Pray that his/her attitudes and actions will be guided by the truth as he/she brings his/her thoughts into captivity to the Word of God.

Day 11

Proverbs 15:33

Fear of the Lord teaches a person to be wise; humility precedes honor.

Ephes. 6:6

Work hard, but not just to please your masters when they are watching. As slaves of Christ, do the will of God with all your heart.

Pray that your loved one will have a humble, teachable spirit and a servant’s heart before the Lord.  Pray that he/she will listen to God and desire to do His will.

Day 12

Proverbs 5:15

Drink water from your own well—share your love only with your wife.

Proverbs 5:18

Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth.

1 Cor. 7:3

The husband should not deprive his wife of sexual intimacy, which is her right as a married woman, nor should the wife deprive her husband.

Song 7:10

Young Woman: "I am my lover's, the one he desires.

Pray that your loved one will yield his/her sexual drive to the Lord and practice self control.  If you are married and praying for your spouse, pray that your sexual intimacy together will be fresh, positive, and a reflection of selfless love.

Day 13

Galatians 5:13

For you have been called to live in freedom—not freedom to satisfy your sinful nature, but freedom to serve one another in love.

Philip. 2:3-4

Don't be selfish; don't live to make a good impression on others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourself. 4Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.

Pray that your loved one will use practical skills to build your family and make wise decisions.  Pray that he/she will serve unselfishly.

Day 14

Proverbs 18:21

Those who love to talk will experience the consequences, for the tongue can kill or nourish life.

Ephes. 4:29

Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Pray that your loved one will speak words that build you and your family, and reflect a heart of love.

Day 15

Proverbs 13:20

Whoever walks with the wise will become wise; whoever walks with fools will suffer harm.

Proverbs 27:17

As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend.

Pray that your loved one will choose his/her friends wisely.  Pray that God will bring him/her friends who will encourage his/her accountability before God, and will not lead him/her into sin.

Day 16

1 Cor. 6:12

You may say, "I am allowed to do anything." But I reply, "Not everything is good for you." And even though "I am allowed to do anything," I must not become a slave to anything.

1 Cor. 10:31

Whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, you must do all for the glory of God.

2 Tim. 2:4

And as Christ's soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army.

Pray that your loved one will choose healthy, God-honoring activities. Pray that he/she will not live in bondage to any questionable habits or hobbies, but that he/she will experience freedom in holiness as he/she yields to the Spirit’s control.

Day 17

Ephes. 3:16

I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.

1 Peter 2:21

This suffering is all part of what God has called you to. Christ, who suffered for you, is your example. Follow in his steps.

1 Cor. 10:11

All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us, who live at the time when this age is drawing to a close.

Pray that your loved one will pattern his/her life after Christ and other strong

men/women in the faith.  Pray for his/her physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual strength.

Day 18

Deut. 6:5

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.

Ephes. 5:16

Make the most of every opportunity for doing good in these evil days.

Psalm 90:12

Teach us to make the most of our time,

so that we may grow in wisdom.

Matthew 6:33

and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.

Pray that your loved one will have an eternal perspective—living in light of eternity. Pray that he/she will reject materialism and temporal values and put God first in his/her life.

Day 19

Romans 14:19

So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.

Psalm 34:14

Turn away from evil and do good.

Work hard at living in peace with others.

Pray that your loved one will be patient and a person of peace.  Pray that he/she will not give in to anger, but will allow the Holy Spirit to control his/her responses.

Day 20

Proverbs 27:12

A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

2 Cor. 10:5

With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ.

Pray that your loved one will yield his/her mind and thoughts to the Lord.  Pray that he/she will not entertain immoral or impure thoughts, and that he/she will have the power to resist temptation.

THE ONE MONTH PRAYER CHALLENGE

Challenge:  to pray for your loved ones each day for a month.

Tip:  We are not praying as an attempt to control our loved ones, we are only praying that they will be under the directed by the purposes of God and His will for their lives.

Suggestion:  To avoid judging others, pray these same things for your self.

Introduction: In Ephesians 6:18 we are instructed to pray for one another.  This is our responsibility and privilege to pray for those we love.  Earnest prayer brings forth good fruit.  You will be blessed as well as you see the spiritual atmosphere of your relationships becoming enriched with love and the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

Satan desires to destroy your relationship with your friends and family.  He destroys people by destroying their character.  When we pray the scriptures over them, we are praying God’s will for their lives.  Trust God through prayer as you daily surrender your loved ones to the Lord’s wise and loving care.

Note: All scriptures are taken from the New Living Translation of the Holy Bible.

Day one

2 Peter 3:18

But grow in the special favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

To him be all glory and honor, both now and forevermore. Amen.

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.

Pray that your loved one will grow spiritually and consider his/her accountability before the Lord.  Pray that he/she will guard his/her heart by developing spiritual disciplines—Bible reading and study, prayer, meditation, scripture memorization, etc.

Day 2

Proverbs 3:7

Don't be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn your back on evil.

Proverbs 9:10

Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.

Psalm 112:1

Praise the Lord!

Happy are those who fear the Lord.

Yes, happy are those who delight in doing what he commands.

Pray that your loved one’s relationship with God and His Word will bear fruit in his/her life.  Pray that he/she will be a person of wisdom and understanding, fearing the Lord.

Day 3

Psalm 51:2-4

Wash me clean from my guilt.

Purify me from my sin.

3For I recognize my shameful deeds—

they haunt me day and night.

4Against you, and you alone, have I sinned;

I have done what is evil in your sight.

You will be proved right in what you say,

and your judgment against me is just.

Micah 6:8

No, O people, the Lord has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.

Pray that your loved one will be humble and quick to agree with God about his/her sin.  Pray that his/her heart will be tender toward the voice of the Lord.

Day 4

Ephes. 5:25-29

And you husbands must love your wives with the same love Christ showed the church. He gave up his life for her 26to make her holy and clean, washed by baptism and God's word. 27He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. 28In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man is actually loving himself when he loves his wife. 29No one hates his own body but lovingly cares for it, just as Christ cares for his body, which is the church.

Col. 3:19

And you husbands must love your wives and never treat them harshly.

Pray that your loved one will grow in leadership skills protecting and providing for their family.   Pray that he/she will lead wisely and love sacrificially.  Pray that God will be glorified in your relationships.

Day 5

Proverbs 20:6

Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is really faithful?

Genesis 2:24

This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.

Pray that your loved one will be faithful to his/her wedding vows.  Pray that he/she will have a desire to cultivate a Godly relationship as a sign of loyalty and commitment and as a picture of Christ’s love for the Church.

Day 6

Proverbs 27:12

A prudent person foresees the danger ahead and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

John 17:15

I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.

 1 Cor. 10:12-13

If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. 13But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.

Pray that your loved one will love righteousness and hate wickedness.  Pray that he/she will recognize and avoid wickedness in his/her own life, and if necessary, take a clear, strong stand against evil.

Day 7

Proverbs 6:23-24

For these commands and this teaching are a lamp to light the way ahead of you. The correction of discipline is the way to life.

24These commands and this teaching will keep you from the immoral woman, from the smooth tongue of an adulterous woman.

Proverbs 6:26

For a prostitute will bring you to poverty, and sleeping with another man's wife may cost you your very life.

Romans 13:14

But let the Lord Jesus Christ take control of you, and don't think of ways to indulge your evil desires.

Pray that your loved one will safeguard his/her heart against inappropriate relationships with the opposite sex.  Pray that his/her heart will be pure and undivided in his/her commitment to his/her spouse.

Day 8

Romans 12:11

Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically.

1 Cor. 15:58

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

Pray that your loved one will work hard to the best of his/her ability.  Pray that the character qualities necessary for a successful career and ministry will be a growing part of his/her character – persistence, decisiveness, strength, an analytical mind, organizational skills, positive relationships with people, determination, etc.

Day 9

Proverbs 23:4-5

Don't weary yourself trying to get rich. Why waste your time? 5For riches can disappear as though they had the wings of a bird!

Romans 12:13

When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

Hebrews 13:5

Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

"I will never fail you.

I will never forsake you."

Pray that your loved one/s will handle finances wisely and will have discernment concerning budgeting and investments.  Pray he/she will be a good steward of his/her money in regard to giving to the Lord’s work.  Pray that money will not become a source of discord in his/her family.

Day 10

Proverbs 20:7

The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children after them.

1 Tim. 1:5

The purpose of my instruction is that all the Christians there would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and sincere faith.

1 Tim. 3:7

Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not fall into the Devil's trap and be disgraced.

Ephes. 6:10-12

A final word: Be strong with the Lord's mighty power. 11Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil. 12For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.

Pray that your loved one will cultivate strong integrity, and not compromise his/her convictions.  Pray that his/her testimony will be genuine, that he/she will be honest in his/her business dealings.