New Life!

They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors

of the jail and brought them out.

"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said,

"and tell the people the full message of this new life."

Acts 5:18-20

We were therefore buried with him through baptism

into death in order that,

just as Christ was raised from the dead

through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:4

But now, by dying to what once bound us,

we have been released from the law

so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit,

and not in the old way of the written code.

Romans 7:6

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation;

the old has gone, the new has come!

2 Corinthians 5:17

You were taught, with regard to your former way of life,

to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;

to be made new in the attitude of your minds;

and to put on the new self,

created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:22-24

Heavenly Father,

I am amazed that we can have an audience with you anytime day or night. Even more amazing are the things that can happen when we enter your presence. You not only allow us to come to you anytime, but you desire us to come to you. You must be truly beyond our wildest imagination. If we could really get a glimpse of you - who you really are - maybe the way Moses did on the mountain, I wonder how that would change us - the way we think - the things that are important to us? I pray you would reveal yourself to me, Lord!

School is almost out. I pray for the kids - especially the older ones who will be staying at home alone. Keep them safe and help them find something constructive to do to occupy their time. Spark their interest in hobbies and projects that will help them learn and maybe help other people in the process. Help them find something that will give them purpose for their lives, so they won’t be wondering aimlessly. Help us as parents to give direction. Help us to have the energy and the wisdom to give ideas and encouragement (in a persuasive manner) to direct them to things we think they would enjoy.

I pray for new beginnings for kids who maybe had a bad year this year. A chance to start over - new behavior - a new school year next year - new perspective and outlook. I pray for the kids going to youth camp. I ask that the preparations being made right now would be blessed and anointed. Lives are changed at youth camp. I pray you would prepare hearts now to receive the message you would have for them. I pray the spirit that seems to be on Alden right now would be lifted this summer, so she can start new at a new school. I pray that you would help me to see what she needs from me.

I pray these things in Jesus Name!

Amen