May 22, 2015

Read: Exodus 20:3

My parents raised me in a sincere Christian home from the time I was born. As a 5-year-old, I sat with them (and my big sister) on my bed and prayed to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I am so thankful for the wholesome and devout upbringing God gave me. Growing up, I was always a “pretty good kid.” No dramatic turnaround testimony here!!

However, while in high school, I learned the hard way that God would not let anything take first place in the life of His children. What did I worship? Baseball. I remember telling a friend that I did not think I could be happy unless I was playing baseball. For those wondering, that is called idolatry! Shortly after that statement, I endured a very difficult baseball season and a knee injury that allowed me to come to my senses, like a starving prodigal.

Graciously, God did not stop there. Within a year I had wrestled with, and surrendered to, a call of vocational ministry. My passion for ministry easily outweighs my passion for baseball!

As God’s timing would have it, I bought my 7-year-old son a baseball bat this weekend (some of those things are expensive, by the way!!). I am going to help him on his swing. But, that won’t be the only lesson I teach him . . .
 
Pray: 

Adoration: God is holy, mighty, gracious, and merciful. Spend time declaring your love for Him and expressing your thoughts of praise and worship.  

Confession: Ask God to search your heart and reveal any areas of unconfessed sin. Acknowledge these to the Lord and thank Him for His forgiveness.  

Thanksgiving: Express your thankfulness to God for the blessings He has given you. When we consider that we deserve punishment because of our sinfulness, and instead God gives to us His love and mercy, our only response should be one of thankfulness.  

Supplication: Petition God for growth in your character and personal discipline, and for physical health and strength.  Ask for Him to empower you for spiritual warfare against the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil.  Ask for help regarding your activities of the day and other concerns you have.  Intercede for the poor and hungry, the oppressed and persecuted, and those in control of world resources.  Offer prayers for peace among the nations and current events and concerns.