Is there such a thing as being too comfortable in our walk faith? Do we easily take God's presence for granted? Is our inherent forgetfulness taking over the space where our trust should be? Maybe. There's a reason that we are meant to study God's Word daily and pray without ceasing. We need to stay alert and be watchful for a few things. The enemy is always on the prowl and has all the time in the world to wait for his moment to tempt us away from what God has for us. However, he only has until the return of Jesus, which we also need to be watching and ready for. That's when His time is up and we need to be ready to receive Him. We may not see that day while here on earth, but rest assured that we will see it from wherever we are on that day. So, do you need to stretch and renew your mind as much as I do? Let's do this together!

Scripture in This Episode:

1 Corinthians 16:13

Mark 14:38

1 Peter 5:8-11

Luke 12:35-40

1 Thes. 5:2-9

Many will suggest that we get in or stay in the habit of going to church. I would like to offer the idea that going to church is not meant to be a habit, but something that we live out each week. We are called by God to get together with believers on a regular basis to worship together, to hear the Word of God read and taught, to encourage one another, and to pray for one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). It is beneficial to our souls to know that we are not alone in our spiritual walk. Although each person will have their own path led by God, we meet others along that path that we can serve and be served by. We need others, specifically other believers so that we can be reminded of our purpose: to live out the Truth of the Gospel. 

If we need that example from one another, how much more do our children need it? They need to see that it isn't just their parents who are teaching them about God and they are not the only kids being "forced" to go to church (because doesn't it feel like that sometimes as kids?). Church is a wonderful place to let others poor Truth into their hearts so they can wrestle with God and find their own faith path. Our path is not theirs, although we get to share it with them for a time. They will need to figure out their own relationship with Jesus and it's necessary to surround them with as many resources as we can (people included) to guide them along the way.

If you are not part of a bible-based church yet, I encourage you to find one and attend regularly, build relationships within that church body, and encourage your children to participate in any way they can, whether it is in the Children's or Youth Ministry or during worship and prayer. Let's come together as a family to praise and worship the Lord, lift one another up to Him, and be guided by the Truth that our leaders read out and teach each week. Our hearts, souls, and children, will be better for it.

Want to find me? Here are a few places:

https://www.facebook.com/aperfectgod

https://coffeewithjesusbox.com

https://goodgiftsgalore.com

https://instagram.com/aperfectgod

If you find it hard to squeeze time out for God each day or week, a great way to remedy that is to find someone to be accountable to. Think about adding a prayer partner to your life, get regular time penned into your calendar, and show up for each other and God will show up for you.

ESV Scriptures in Today's Episode:

Psalm 145:18

Matthew 18:19-20

James 5:16

1 Thes. 5:11

Romans 15: 5-6

Luke 9:28

By which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.  2 Peter 1:4

It is a good thing that God created us to love our children unconditionally because they are constantly pulling at our patience when they just. don't. listen. Am I right? 

We have a God who loves us unconditionally, which is great news because we are constantly screwing up too. It is .for this reason that we need Jesus. We cannot overcome our own sins through works Many of us have tried and failed miserably. We get to use this wisdom from experience to teach our children about their need for Jesus each time they fall short. Isn't that great? It's all about perspective. Take a listen to this podcast and see if something doesn't tug at your heartstrings today.

If you like this podcast, be sure to rate, review, and share it with others. That's how more people can find us! Thanks for listening!

The power of prayer is incredible and fruitful. God calls us to pray continuously as well as set an example for our children. 1 Timothy 2:1 says "First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people." (ESV) Paul tells us that we are to pray on behalf of others just as the Lord has set up the Holy Spirit to do for us. Romans 8:26 assures us that "likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groaning too deep for words." I think that is amazing. If God has given us the Holy Spirit to do that for us, we need to also pay it forward toward our fellow man. Let's use this priceless gift to offer the power of prayer to others by lifting them up to the One who knows all. Come dive into more detail about this with biblical examples in this podcast. 

Scripture in this episode:

1 Timothy 2:1

Romans 10:1

James 5:14

Numbers 12:13

God's strength is an infinite resource for us. So why are we always trying to do things on our own? This world is full of messages about being independent, self-reliant, and helping ourselves. That's what our kids see too. Let's alleviate that burden from them and encourage them to rely on God's strength and not just their own. Many places in the Bible remind us that God's strength is ready and waiting for us. He is with us in times of trouble and we can call on Him whenever we need Him. 

I challenge you to spend your week encouraging your kids to tap into this valuable resource in your morning prayer time. Remember, when we don't "got this," God does.

Scriptures to Memorize:

Psalm 46:1 

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Isaiah 41:10

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.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

Doing hard things is, well, hard. It is easy to grow weary in the mundane. When you are faced with difficult or even repetitive things, do you shy away or tend to put them off?  Some people actually work better when they wait until the last minute.  I like to get things done ahead of time, but at times, things are just so tempting to put off until later.  Dishes are a perfect example in my house.  We all hate doing dishes, yet we all hate looking at dirty dishes in the sink.  Go figure.  But the worst thing is when we run out of spoons for ice cream!  What?!?  That should never happen.  And so, we do the dishes so that we all have what we need to eat our meals, and dessert. God reminds us throughout Scripture to be diligent in all that we do.  He gives us opportunities that we may not feel ready for, but if it is something God is calling us to do, He will equip us along the way.  He is faithful in that every time.  I have many testimonies that I can give on that.  I have grown so much over the years in skills, character, and faith because I have trusted Him and then He has equipped me.  What are you putting off that you should be jumping into?  What are you trusting God with right now?  How is He equipping you to do the hard things?

Scripture in Today's Episode (ESV):

Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

James 1:12 - Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

Proverbs 4:23 - Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.