Blessing for our Homes

Lord God, Heavenly Father, you are wonderful to behold and gracious in mercy. We thank you for the abundance of your love for each of us. We enter into your gates with thanksgiving, and into your courts with praise, we are thankful to bless your Holy Name.

Thank you Lord for dwelling in our home. We mark our door Lord with your precious word so that as we enter we remember to honor your presence in our home and as we leave, we remember to take the light of your Word with us to the nations.

We dedicate our home Lord to be your house, a house of prayer.  We boldly proclaim that Jesus Christ, our Savior, is lord over our home and our family and our neighborhood and our city.  As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

God is light and in Him is no darkness. The light of God fills our home and our home becomes a lighthouse for the weary traveling to find their path to the peace of God.  Lord your peace fills our home and overflows to the streets of our neighborhood.

Lord from this home, let us fulfill our destiny for the nations to which you have personally called all who are blessed by your presence in this place.  Lord, let your peace fill every soul who passes through this home and may their lives be eternally changed by your blessed presence here.  May your presence heal every affliction and disease.

Lord, may your presence and the presence of your Son Jesus Christ and the presence of the host of angels, bring blessings to all who enter here and make this holy ground and truly an open heaven for visions and miracles to flow.

We thank you for blessing our home, our neighborhood and our nation. Lord, we ask you to  sanctify this home as a lighthouse for your peace and love, in the ever mighty name of Jesus Christ. 

The Salvation of Bo Reahard

The Salvation of Bo Reahard

It was June of 1970, I was almost 24 years old and I was in the middle of a three week class on the Bible in New Knoxville Ohio at the headquarters of The Way International.  My Mom and Dad had suggested that it would be a good idea for me to take this class to learn more about God and the Bible.

After the first evening in the Biblical Research Center, where the class was taught, I thought the three weeks were going to be a big joke. I know Mom and Dad had taken the course but I also knew that they had never attended services at the Biblical Research Center.  I thought for sure they had no idea what went on there and if they did, they would not have sent me there.

As I sat through the teachings night after night, my opinion began to slowly change.  One of my first challenges was to learn the names of the 66 books of the Bible and be able to recite them in order. At almost 75 years of age, I can still do it.

Saturday was a free day with no class and so I went to Dayton, Ohio about 45 minutes away to do some shopping.  While I was walking along a downtown street, I was approached by a tall black man who said to me “Hey what’s happening man?”.  I guess he spoke to me because I looked like a typical 1960’s hippy type.  By that time in the Biblical studies I had really begun to get excited about the possibilities of living a life based on the Bible and my reply to the total stranger was “Everything is happening, do you want to hear about it?”  The man agreed and we left the street and entered a department store and sat down at the coffee shop.

As we began to talk, with me sharing a little about the class I was taking, he shared with me a long story about his spiritual journey in life and his search for truth and the meaning of life.  He told me about his Christian childhood and his later times spent in several different denominations trying to find some answers.  He shared that his questing had left him empty. He moved on to trying to practice Islam. He went to Saudi Arabia and made the holy pilgrimage of the Muslims to Mecca.  He shared that the only way to make the pilgrimage was to walk in to the city.  He said that he also came away from that experience empty and confused.

I started to share with him some things I was learning from the Bible about becoming a Christian.  I shared with him that it was possible to be born again of God’s spirit and to receive eternal life.  His face lit up and he said that sounds just like what he had been thirsting for all these years.  He said “Tell me more!”

Well, I was not prepared for that since I was not yet through with the course and was not really sure of what to say to him. I said, “Wait right here, I need to make a phone call and I’ll be right back”.

In those days making a phone call was not quite as convenient as it is today but I did find a pay phone and had enough change to make a call back to the headquarters where I was able to reach one of the course graduates who later became a close friend, Nancy Duncan.  I said to Nancy, “I’m down here in Dayton witnessing to a guy about becoming born again and I don’t know what to tell him. I’m not even sure if I am born again.  What should I do?”

Nancy was very calm as she answered me and she said, “Do you remember in Romans 10:9,10 that it says

                “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine hear that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved, for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto righteousness.”

I replied, “Yes, I think I remember that”.  She said, “Well do you confess that Jesus Christ is your Lord?”  I thought about that for a moment and answered, “Sure, OK, I guess so, yes I do accept that Jesus is Lord of my life”.  Then she followed up with, “Do you believe that God raised him from the dead?”  I took a longer time to reply to that and finally said, “Yes, I do believe that God raised him from the dead”.  Nancy said, “That’s great, now you are born again, just go share that with the man you are witnessing to and he can get born again also.”

I hung up the phone and walked back to the coffee shop.  On the way back I noticed the place in the department store where they sold books and I guessed there would be a Bible for sale there. I asked the man to follow me over to the books section, I  found a Bible, opened it up to Romans 10:9.10 and shared the verses with him just as if I had been preaching the gospel all my life and it was no big deal to get born again. He said, ”Thank you, this is something I have been searching for a long time”

We went back to the coffee shop and sat down.  It was at that point that he shared with me some more about his life. His name was David Hilliard.  He told me that he was the Minister of Defense for the Black Panther Party.  His assignment as Minister of Defense for that Saturday night was to make the 50 mile journey to Cincinnati and carry out an execution for the Black Panther Party.  He told me that the guy in Cincinnati had me to thank for his life. He said the things that I had shared with him had led him to decide to cancel his trip and not carry out the execution.

That was my first experience at sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and it had a very profound impact on me.  I could hardly believe that something I had shared with someone had caused something so dramatic to happen. I told God later that day that if He never did anything else for me, I owed him the rest of my life as a living sacrifice.  Now after 50 years, I am still trying to live up to that promise that I made to God.

Over time, as I reflected on this incident, at first I felt blessed that the guy in Cincinnati was not executed.  Then I became grateful that I had been able to share the  gospel with David Hilliard and that he had accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He had entered that department store very full of himself and left full of the holy spirit.  He came in like a raging bull and left as peaceful as a lamb.  It wasn’t until much later that I realized that the greatest miracle for me on that day was my personal decision to accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior.

Honor Your Father and Mother

The command to honor your parents was carried over into the law of Christ intact. "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise: "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."" (Ephesians 6:1-3). The word "honor" means to place a value on something, to consider it a prized possession. In the original Hebrew, as found in Exodus 20:12, the word "honor" has very interesting roots. It comes from a Hebrew word which means "to be heavy." The word is used to describe someone who was heavy with wealth; someone who is considered important and impressive. The word is used to describe Samuel in I Samuel 9:6, "And he said to him, "Look now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. So let us go there; perhaps he can show us the way that we should go.""

So what does it mean to honor one's parents? In Ephesians 6:1 Paul tells children to obey their parents and proves his point by quoting the command to honor your parents. Therefore, honoring your parents means obeying them. Such obedience is pleasing to God. "Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord" (Colossians 3:20). And by obedience, we are not talking about selective obedience where we chose the things we want to obey. "My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother; for they will be a graceful ornament on your head, and chains about your neck" (Proverbs 1:8-9). Children honor their parents by listening to their advice and obeying their instruction. Godly parents are a treasure to a child. They have a wealth of experience which they can pass down to their children. The importance of listening to your parents is so emphasized that even when a child is being disciplined, they are encouraged to pay attention. "A fool despises his father's instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent" (Proverbs 15:5).

Being grateful is another way that a child can honor his parents. "There is a generation that curses its father, and does not bless its mother" (Proverbs 30:11). Such a generation is not giving honor. Honoring your parents means that you do not mock them or treat them scornfully, even with a mere look. "The eye that mocks his father, and scorns obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley will pick it out, and the young eagles will eat it" (Proverbs 30:17). Quite a vivid picture, isn't it. Mistreatment of our parents will come back to haunt us in later years.

Honor is even shown in our body language. "You shall rise before the gray headed and honor the presence of an old man, and fear your God: I am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:32). Older people, including our parents deserve respect. Slouching in a chair and saying, "Hi pops!" is not honor, though I know many parents who would accept even that small of an acknowledgement from their children.

The idea of honor or reverence even includes a bit of fear. "Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father" (Leviticus 19:3). "Revere" is the same word used when the Bible warns to fear God. As children, we ought to fear the consequences of not obeying our parents. It is what drives young people to tell their friends, "I know we're not done, but if I don't make it home by ten, I'm going to get it from from my dad." There are two halves to honor: a desire to obey and a fear of not obeying.

"Whoever curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in deep darkness" (Proverbs 20:20). The word "curses" means more than a child who uses profanity at his parents. Such is wrong because it shows the contempt the child holds for his parents. Yet, "curses" literally means to make light of one's parents or to treat them with contempt. Hence, it includes much more than use of profane words. Whenever a child treats his parents as if they really don't matter, he is cursing them. When they tell him to be home by midnight and he response with "whatever," he is treating them with contempt. "And he who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 21:17). In our era of lax parenthood, a death penalty for cursing one's parents seems overly harsh. But there is reason behind this law. A child who holds his parents in contempt, will hold other forms of authority in contempt as well. If a child believes he can ignore his parents as he pleases, he will assume that he can ignore the laws of society and the laws of God as well. A child who curses his parents is a disaster in the making.

A direct application of this law against cursing one's parents is that a child must not strike his parents. "He who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 21:15). Parents represent authority to a child. To strike back at authority cannot be tolerated in a peaceful society. Parents need to reserve their most severe punishments for children who are willing to strike back. They have forgotten honor and reverence. It is up to the parents to put some fear back into their relationship. Without that fear, the child's soul will be in jeopardy. A child who thinks he can overrun his parents will destroy himself. "Whoever robs his father or his mother, and says, "It is no transgression," the same is companion to a destroyer" (Proverbs 28:24).

Finally, honoring your parents means seeing to their needs. "Honor widows who are really widows. ... But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. ... If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows" (I Timothy 5:3, 8, 16). Your parents cared for you when you were small and helpless. Even as you grew to be able to provide for yourself, your parents frequently stepped in to ease your burdens. Now, when they have grown old and feeble, it is your turn to return the favor. Honor them by making sure they are comfortable in their declining years.

A Parent's Responsibility

While honoring your parents is not dependent on your parent's behavior, there are implied obligations placed upon each parent by the command to honor your father and mother. To ask something of the child implies the parent gives something worth having.

If a child honors his parents by listening to their instruction, then a parent ought to give instruction. "And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). You cannot expect a child to learn solely by osmosis. Teaching needs to be done and that teaching needs to be in accordance with God's will. "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land of which the LORD swore to your fathers to give them, like the days of the heavens above the earth" (Deuteronomy 11:19-21). Children need constant reminders as to what is right and wrong. It takes time for lessons to sink in and become a part of their natural thinking.

It also follows that if a child is to respect his parents, then that respect must be expected of him. There are far too many indulgent parents who never teach their child how to be respectful. "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; the rod of correction will drive it far from him" (Proverbs 22:15). I'm surprised how often I hear a child speak disrespectfully to his parent and that parent never scolds him or corrects his misbehavior in any way. Is it a wonder that we have a generation of children who are disobedient to parents, teachers, and all others in authority (Romans 1:30)? "He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly" (Proverbs 13:24). Children are not necessarily born respectful. They are taught it. "Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect" (Hebrews 12:9).

When a child is taught to respect his parents, it is the beginning of a greater perspective on the world. Young children are notorious for their self-centered view of the world. Everything revolves around their needs and demands. But such a view cannot be carried over into adulthood. By giving respect to his parents, a child begins to see that there are others worthy of consideration. Such thinking about others eventually leads a person to loving his neighbors as himself.

As with each of the Ten Commandments, there is more to God's law than what may appear on the surface. The command to honor your father and mother is not just a command to children, it is also a command to their parents. And, as with all of God's commands, there is a benefit to obeying this law. It comes with a promise of a longer life. But don't think of it as just life in this world. Obeying God leads you to the living waters of eternal life. Ultimately we are called upon to honor our Heavenly Father.

A Prayer For My New Daughter Taylor

Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor thy father and thy mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Build me a Daughter, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when she is weak, and brave enough to face herself when she is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. Build me a daughter whose wishes will not take the place of deeds; a daughter who will know and love Thee -- and know that your Word is the foundation stone of knowledge. Lead her, I pray, not in the path of ease and comfort, but under the stress and spur of difficulties and challenge. Here let her learn to stand up in the storm; here let her learn compassion for those who fail. Build me a daughter whose heart will be clear, whose goals will be high; a daughter who will master herself before she seeks to master others; one who will reach into the future, yet never forget the past. And after all these things are hers, give her, I pray, enough of a sense of humor, so that she may always be serious, yet never take herself too seriously.

Give her humility, so that she may always remember the simplicity of true greatness, the open mind of true wisdom, and the meekness of true strength. Then her Heavenly father, will whisper, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter into the rewards of My kingdom."Adapted from a prayer by General McArthur for one of his children

Prayer for S & R Promotions - Tampa, FL

Heavenly Father, God of the Universe, only you are worthy to be praised and worshipped. God you are our strength and our refuge in times of trouble.

Father, into your hands do we commit our business endeavors. This business is yours Lord. We wholly dedicate our efforts to making the business an honor to your goodness and mercy.
You have led us through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. You have brought water out of hard rock.

You have promised that you will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys and that you will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Lord we pray that the business you will bring will be a never ending river of prosperity which will secure your financial blessings for our family for this generation and generations to come.
Always let us work heartily as unto the Lord to bring the excellence of your wisdom and virtue to each project.

Lord let the lives of every person who sets a mouse on any web site we build be blessed by your love and presence. We claim each web site we touch as holy ground for your blessing to flow as it flows in the Holy Land of Israel.

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Each site we build, we dedicate to you as part of your kingdom here on earth.

Lord, let each site we build be a place of peace and rest for the visitors so they can live and labor under your blessing and protection. We are building safe havens in a world of chaos where your blessing is overtly manifest.

Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be. There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.

Crafted Prayer for Munro Design in Atlanta, GA

Heavenly Father, God of the Universe, only you are worthy to be praised and worshipped. God you are our strength and our refuge in times of trouble.

Father, into your hands do we commit Munro Design. Munro Design is yours Lord. We wholly dedicate our efforts to making the business an honor to your goodness and mercy.
You have led us through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. You have brought water out of hard rock.
You have promised that you will open rivers in high places, and fountains in the midst of the valleys and that you will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.
Lord we pray that the business you will bring will be a never ending river of prosperity which will secure your financial blessings for our family for this generation and generations to come.
Always let us work heartily as unto the Lord to bring the excellence of your wisdom and virtue to each project.

Lord let the lives of every person who sets foot in any space that we design be blessed by your love and presence. We claim each space we touch as holy ground for your blessing to flow as it flows in the Holy Land of Israel.

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Each space we build, we dedicate to you as part of your kingdom here on earth.

Lord, let each space we build be a place of peace and rest for the inhabitants so they can live and labor under your blessing and protection. We are building safe havens in a world of chaos where your blessing is overtly manifest.

Every place whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost sea shall your coast be. There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the LORD your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you.

A Prayer for the United State of America

Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: Who by the mouth of our founding fathers hast said, "All men are created equal" and has brought forth on your land a Christian nation blessed with abundance and compassion.
Now Lord we say to all the evil rulers in our land, "O full of all subtilty and all mischief, thou child of the devil, thou enemy of all righteousness, wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord?" And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee and thou shalt be bound from destroying this nation.
Lord God, Father of Light, we stand on your promise that if your people, which are called by your name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways, then You will hear from heaven, and will forgive our sin, and will heal our land.
We humble ourselves under your mighty hand and ask your blessing on America. Forgive us our sins, known and unknown. Fulfill your promise, as we cry out each night to you for mercy instead of judgment, for grace instead of justice.
We pray for the leadership of our country that we might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. Just as you called evangelists to be the first settlers in this land , cause us to continue to be a light on the hill . Keep us always as one nation under God, trusting in your provision.
We ask that you bare your mighty arm in our behalf and heal our land. May your kingdom come and your will be done on the earth as it is in heaven. God bless America.