A Parent's Prayer

Oh, heavenly Father, make me a better parent. Teach me to understand my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say, and to answer all their questions kindly.

Keep me from interrupting them or contradicting them.

Make me as courteous to them as I would have them be to me.

Forbid that I should ever laugh at their mistakes, or resort to shame or ridicule when they displease me.

May I never punish them for my own selfish satisfaction or to show my power.
Let me not tempt my child to lie or steal.

And guide me hour by hour that I may demonstrate by all I say and do, that honesty produces happiness.
Reduce, I pray, the meanness in me. And when I am out of sorts, help me, O Lord, to hold my tongue.
May I ever be mindful that my children are children and I should not expect of them the judgment of adults.
Let me not rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to make decisions.
Bless me with the bigness to grant them all their reasonable requests, and the courage to deny them privileges I know will do them harm.
Make me fair and just and kind. And fit me, O Lord, to be loved and respected and imitated by my children. Amen.

—Abigail Van Buren (1918– ), "Dear Abby"

A God Centered Life

CAN WE LIVE A GOD CENTERED LIFE?

Jesus said that the way to be happy and successful in life is to “seek first the kingdom of God,” but how is that possible today? How can we lead a God-centered life, do more than survive in this materialistic world, and still be us?

Yes, it is possible to do all three of those things—and it’s not as hard as you probably imagine.

The first step is to assess your values and goals in life. Put pen to paper. Be honest.

To “seek first the kingdom of God” means to bring your priori­ties in line with God’s, so the next step is to know what God’s priori­ties are. What would He like to see you do? Many people stop here because they expect God to ask something impossibly difficult or sacrificial of them. They would probably be pleasantly surprised if they knew how simple and clear the Bible is on that, and how attainable it is:

“What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8). “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His com­mandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3). “The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Galatians 5:14 NIV).

Yes, living for those things isn’t always easy and may involve some initial sacrifices, but they are sacrifices that are soon more than repaid. “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:38).

It’s also important to clear up another common misconcep­tion: While it’s true that the Bible doesn’t define success in terms of material comfort and gain, God isn’t against material success; it’s what people do with their success that matters to Him. The Bible doesn’t say that money is the root of all evil, as 1 Timothy 6:10 is so often misquoted; it is “the love of money” that’s to blame. God will be more than happy to bless you materially if you will use those blessings to “do justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God,” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” In fact, the Bible prom­ises, “Delight yourself … in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4), and “No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly” (Psalm 84:11).

And what about the third part of your question: Can you still be “you”?—Yes, only you’ll be a happier, more focused, and more fulfilled you. God made you to be a unique expression of His love. He’s not going to spoil that, but rather improve on it!

God wants to give you not just the good life, but the best life there is! It’s within His power to give it to you, but you’ve got to want it too. When your values are in line with God’s values and you let His priorities become your priorities, it’s a win-win situation!

(Author unknown)

Beautiful Phrases

Don't compare yourself with any one in this world
If you compare, you are insulting yourself

No one will manufacture a lock without a key
Similarly God won't give problems without solutions

Life laughs at you when you are unhappy
Life smiles at you when you are happy

Life salutes you when you make others happy

Every successful person has a painful story

Every painful story has a successful ending
Accept the pain and get ready for success

Easy is to judge the mistakes of others

Difficult is to recognize our own mistakes

It is easier to protect your feet with slippers
than to cover the earth with carpet

No one can go back and change a bad beginning;
But anyone can start now and create a successful ending

If a problem can be solved, no need to worry about it
If a problem cannot be solved what is the use of worrying

If you miss an opportunity don't fill the eyes with tears
It will hide another better opportunity in front of you

"Changing the Face" can change nothing

But "Facing the Change" can change everything

Don't complain about others
Change yourself if you want peace

Mistakes are painful when they happen

But year's later collection of mistakes

is called experience, which leads to success

Be bold when you lose and be calm when you win

Heated gold becomes ornament
Beaten copper becomes wires
Depleted stone becomes statue
So the more pain you get in life
you become more valuable.

Give God what's right, not what's left

Man's way leads to hopeless end
God's way leads to an endless hope

A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing

He who kneels before God can stand before anyone

In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma
but never let him be the period

Don't put a question mark where God puts a period

Are you wrinkled with burden

Come to the church for a face-lift

When praying, don't give God instructions

just report for duty

Don't wait for six strong men to take you to church

We don't change God's message

His message changes us

The church is prayer-conditioned

When God ordains, He sustains

WARNING: Exposure to the Son may prevent burning

Plan ahead

It wasn't raining when Noah built the ark

Most people want to serve God

but only in an advisory position

Suffering from truth decay

Brush up on your Bible

Exercise daily walk with the Lord

Never give the devil a ride

he will always want to drive

Nothing else ruins the truth like stretching it

Compassion is difficult to give away

He who angers you controls you

Worry is the dark-room in which negatives can develop

Give Satan an inch & he'll be a ruler

Be ye fishers of men… You catch them & He'll clean them

God doesn't call the qualified

He qualifies the called

Bible Promises

Click here for online bible passage

These are key scripture promises to provide help,
hope and inspiration to your life.
Bible verses are from the New International Version.

When I am in trouble
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life;
You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes, with your right hand you save me.
Psalm 138:7

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your heart be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 14:27

When no one seems to care
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.
Deut 31:6

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phil 4:7

When I need strength
The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
Psalm 18:2

He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3

I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.
Phil 4:13

When I am at wit's end
I lift my eyes to the hills; where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip, he who watches over you will not slumber.
Psalm 121:1-3

And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.
Rom 8:28

When God seems far away
The Lord is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
Prov 15:29

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."
Isa 41:13

When I feel like giving up
Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous fall.
Ps 55:22

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Ps 73:26

When I need to know right from wrong
Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will do this.
Ps 37:4,5

When I am tempted
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.
1 Cor 10:13

If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgement while continuing their punishment.
2 Pet 2:9

When I need assurance that God loves me
You are forgiving and good O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.
Ps 86:5

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our trangressions from us.
Ps 103:8,11,12

Therefore since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Rom 8:1

When my faith in God is lacking
You give me your shield of victory, and your right hand sustains me; you stoop down to make me great. You broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn.
Ps 18:35, 36

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mudand mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
Ps 40:1,2

Jesus said, "Everything is possible for him who belives."
Mk 9:23

When I am depressed
The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in time of trouble.
Ps 9:9

Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Ps 27:14

Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.
Ps 32:10

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Ps 29:11

When I feel lonely
Those who know your name will trust in you, for you Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Ps 9:10

The Lord watches over you. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun will not harm you by day nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life.
Ps 121:5-7

When I face opposition
You armed me with strength for battle; you made my adversaries bow at my feet.
Ps 18:39

You who saves me from my enemies. You exalted me above my foes; from violent men you rescued me.
Ps 18:48

Then my enemies will turn back when I call for help. By this I will know that God is for me.
Ps 56:9

When I need assurance that God hears my prayers
If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked way, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
2 Chron 7:14

Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matt 7:7,8

If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish and it will be given you.
Jn 25:7

This is the confidence we have in approaching God; 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 what we asked of Him.
1 Jn 5:14,15

When I am fearful
You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.
Ps 32:7

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruins that overtakes the wicked, for the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.
Prov 3:24-26

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isa 41:10

For God did not give us the spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
2 Tim 1:7

When I worry about the future
If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand.
Ps 37:23,24

When I have sinned
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
1 Jn 1:9

When I do not know which way to turn
Submit yourself, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near you.
Jas 4:7

Who am I in Jesus Christ

CHOSEN BY GOD
For he chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
Eph 1:4

MADE PERFECT FOREVER
Because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Heb 10:14

MADE AT PEACE WITH GOD
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom 5:1

TOTALLY FORGIVEN
When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ,. He forgave us all our sins.
Col 2:13

TOTALLY CLEANSED
But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the spirit of our God.
1 Cor 6:11

MADE HOLY AND BLAMELESS
But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation.
Col 1:22

GIVEN CHRIST'S RIGHTEOUSNESS
God made Him to who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteounesss of God.
2 Cor 5:21

FREED FROM CONDEMNATION
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those that are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.
Rom 8:1,2

MADE INTO A NEW CREATION
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Cor 5:17

RECONCILED TO GOD
For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Rom 5:10,11

MADE HEIRS OF GOD
So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Gal 4:7

God's Phone Numbers

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God's Emergency Phone numbers may be dialed direct.
No operator assistance is necessary.
All lines are open to Heaven 24 hours a day!
Feed your faith, and doubt will starve to death!

When in sorrow, call John 14.
When men fail you, call Psalm 27.
If you want to be fruitful, call John 15.
When you have sinned, call Psalm 51.
When you worry, call Matthew 6:19-34.

When you are in danger, call Psalm 91.
When God seems far away, call Psalm 139.
When your faith needs stirring, call Hebrews 11.
When you are lonely and fearful, call Psalm 23.
When you grow bitter and critical, call 1 Cor. 13.

For Paul's secret to happiness, call Col. 3:12-17.
For idea of Christianity, call 1 Cor. 5:15-19.
When you feel down and out, call Romans 8:31-39.
When you want peace and rest, call Matt. 11:25-30.
When the world seems bigger than God, call Psalm 90.

When you want Christian assurance, call Romans 8:1-30.
When you leave home for labor or travel, call Psalm 121.
When your prayers grow narrow or selfish, call Psalm 67.
For a great invention/opportunity, call Isaiah 55.
When you want courage for a task, call Joshua 1.
How to get along with fellow men, call Romans 12.
When you think of investments/returns, call Mark 10.

If you are depressed, call Psalm 27.
If your pocketbook is empty, call Psalm 37.
If you're losing confidence in people, call 1 Cor. 13.
If people seem unkind, call John 15.
If discouraged about your work, call Psalm 126.
If you find the world growing small and yourself great, call Psalm 19.

Lord sometimes...
...You allow breakages, so You can rebuild
...You allow wounds, so You can heal
...You allow me to walk in darkness, so that I see Your light
...You allow me to be confused, so I seek Your truth
...You allow me to be empty, so You can fill me
...You allow me to be lonely, so I can see what a friend You are
...You allow me to learn hard things, so I can be a gentle teacher
...You allow me to be void of feelings, so I learn to walk by faith
...You take away my future plans, to teach me to live one day at a time
...You allow me to see the futility of life, so I will see that everything is loss
compared to the surpassing value of knowing your son Jesus Christ my Lord