Which of the following are similar to the ways you've served Christ in your family? [check all that apply]
Taught your kids to see God's glory in nature
Washed the dishes without being asked
Played a board game with your kids
Encouraged your wife to finish her master's degree
Attended a child's open house at school
Worked fewer hours to be with your family
Set an example of a godly prayer life for your children
Held a crying child
Swung on the tire swing with your daughter
Told your wife why you're still in love with her
Told your son he's got what it takes
Coached soccer
Let you child correct you now and then
Fixed the vacuum cleaner
Taught your sons to ride a bike
Listened patiently to a complaint of your wife
Taped your child's artwork to your office wall
Admitted to your kids that you were wrong
Told your children how Christ entered your life
Cleaned up vomit
Taught your children to love books
Been romantic without expecting sex
Told your daughter she's smart/beautiful
Set standards for your kids and stuck to them
Dealt graciously with a busybody neighbor
Peeled carrots
Watched movies together
Pray First, Act Later Theme for this Week: Prayer Cover Monday, May 13, 2002
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May/June 200253Pray First, Act LaterTheme for this Week: Prayer Cover Pray First, Act Later Theme for this Week: Prayer Cover Monday, May 13
Key Bible Verse: We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps (Proverbs 16:9). Bonus Reading:Proverbs 16:1, 3; 19:21; 20:24
The magazine ad for the media company read: "Before deciding on a strategy, developing a plan, or negotiating a deal, we indulge in a nearly forgotten ritual. Thinking."
Has that become true for you? In this cell-phone- and e-mail-driven world in which we live, can you afford the time to think? Can you afford not to? More importantly, substitute praying for thinking in the ad copy.
What can you do to counteract the tendency to act first and pray later? A few tips:
Start your day that way. Before your feet hit the floor, ask God to order your steps through the day.
Snack on some Scripture. Keep your Bible handy. There's no better business reference book ever printed.
One more thing, Daddy. Children have a way of stretching the day when it's time for lights out. If you've lost that feeling of "hanging on for a few more minutes" with your heavenly Father, seek to rekindle the flame at day's end.
So, instead of thinking first, try praying, for starters. I'll guarantee your thinking not only will be more productive, but you'll also find yourself more closely aligned with the Father's will.
Bob Peters in Life@Work
My Response: Today, I'll work on a reflex of turning to God first.
Thought to Apply: Let prayer be the key of the morning and the bolt of the evening. Matthew Henry (English pastor, Bible commentator, 18th century)
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