Pray For Your Son: 31 Day Challenge—Day Seven

Mike Leake 3 Comments

Day Seven: That he would lay aside entangling sin

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Each of our sons will likely have certain sins that they are prone to. There are some things that might be a great snare for my child that is less of a temptation for yours. Regardless of the sin, we are called to cast aside that weight and run with endurance. This text helps us to see that the war against sin is a battle that is marked with suffering. Our only hope is to fix our eyes upon Jesus and learn from his joy. Today let us pray that our sons would fix their eyes on Jesus, find joy in Him, and cast aside those entangling sins.

Father, I know that my son will have a cross to bear. I know that he, like me, is a sinner that has certain things he is prone to do. I also know that Jesus Christ is greater. Lord, I plead with you to give my son the grace to look to you. Fix his eyes upon You. May he find his joy in You, and through this joy help him to cast aside the weight of sin. Rescue him from the sin that so dearly wants to choke the life out of him. Help him to endure for Your glory and his good. Amen.

Pray For Your Son: 31 Day Challenge—Day Six

Mike Leake 1 Comment

Today’s post comes from Marc Mullins:

Day Six: That he would show himself a man

When David’s time to die drew near, he commanded Solomon his son, saying, “I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, and show yourself a man, and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn, that the Lord may establish his word that he spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your sons pay close attention to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, you shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel.’ (1 Kings 2:1-4, ESV)

Prevailing wisdom of the world caricatures true manhood as brute strength, callous leadership and arrogant self-reliance. In contrast, a mark of Godly manhood is that he leads others with a head and heart that has been saturated with the Word of God for the enduring glory of God. It is far easier to appease mankind than it is to remain steadfast on the firm foundation of God’s word in the face of opposition and temptation. Of course, this is only possible by the power of The Holy Spirit which transforms men of man to men of God.

Lord, You have graciously given us your word and statues through men of God who shown themselves men. Most of all thank you for becoming the only true man who would keep your charge, walk in your ways, and fulfill your law so that you might remain on the throne forever. May you continue to mold me into the image of Jesus, the true man, so that I lead my son in delightful obedience and impress upon him the strength that comes in relying on the Lord alone. Give him a heart to boldly stand on the rock through adolescence and adulthood. I pray if you call him to father a son that he might pass the torch of truth to his son so that your glory will extend from generation to generation. Amen.

This Week in Blogworld 10.01-10.05

Mike Leake

10 Techniques for More Precise Writing

This is helpful.

The Strange Glory of Ordinary Things

In this post is Clyde Kilby’s 10 things for mental health.

Mothers Are Never Alone When Alone

“Motherhood is the most exhilarating experience. But it is also extremely isolating.”

Jack’s Typerwriter

I absolutely loved this piece by Tony Reinke. It’s interesting and it is beneficial to writers. I appreciate all of his leg work and seeing historical curiosity in play. Beautiful.

Finding Happiness in Horrible First Jobs

Yep.

Nice. I love a capella music. (RSS click through)

What’s the Difference Between Calvinism and Arminianism?

Dr. Schreiner answers.

10 Silly Things Christians Say

Be sure to read to the end. Jared’s point is spot on. I need to learn to forgive myself on this one…or maybe just Let go and Let God.

George and Barbara Witness a Wedding

Dr. Mohler comments on the Bush family attending a homosexual wedding.

Pray For Your Son: 31 Day Challenge—Day Five

Mike Leake 3 Comments

Today’s prayer comes from Nick Horton.

Day Five: That he would covenant to be pure

“I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a young woman.” Job 31:1 (NIV)

Job here is talking about his personal covenant for purity. As the writer of Ecclesiastes said so long ago, “there is nothing new under the sun.” So too have men struggled with lust since the fall. Job was concerned with the discipline needed to maintain a righteous and holy life before God. He knew that lust was sin and harmful to his life, and covenanted with “his eyes” not to look on young women with lust. Today, we are bombarded with images of flagrant sexuality. Our sons cannot watch TV, play video games, walk in the mall, or even down the city streets without being tempted by images of women, or women themselves, dressed provocatively. Our culture is at war with holiness.

Lord, may our sons covenant with you to be pure. The world is full of fleshly desires and temptations to sin. The sin of lust is celebrated and pervasive. Father, keep our sons close to your heart that they desire the discipline of holiness above sin. Keep them faithful to their wife, whether presently married or the one they have not met for the unmarried. May they be men of integrity, who treat women like their sister. May they look on women as fellow image bearers of God and not as objects to be exploited. May they learn then that manliness is not promiscuity, but protecting and providing with honor and integrity. Please Lord mold our sons to be pure for your glory above all. In Christ’s name, Amen.