Christian Reflection and Prayer

Scripture:

Psalms 33:11 NLT
11 But the Lord ’s plans stand firm forever; his
intentions can never be shaken.

Reflection:

"The LORD's plans stand firm forever." Are you
frustrated by inconsistencies you see in others,
or even in yourself? God is completely trustworthy-
his intentions never change. There is a promise
that good and perfect gifts come to us from the
Creator who never changes. When you wonder if
there is anyone in whom you can trust, remember
that God is completely consistent. Let him
counsel you, and trust in his plans for your life.

Scripture:

Now Deborah, a prophet, the wife of Lappidoth, was
leading Israel at that time. — Judges 4:4

Deborah show's us powerful leadership. That is
feminine leadership — nurturing and encouraging,
inspiring growth through love.

There is a story about a circus clown and an
elephant who sits on the clown’s hat. The clown
gestures wildly and yells at the elephant to move,
but the animal ignores him. Frustrated, the clown
kicks the elephant, but all he gets is a sore foot.
Finally, the clown ridiculously and unsuccessfully
tries to lift the elephant. After that, he plops down
defeated and eats a peanut. Upon smelling the
peanut, the elephant immediately gets up and
walks over to the clown, freeing the hat from
underneath him.

When we want to get someone to do something —
be it our children, our spouse, co-workers, or
friends — there are two ways we can go about it.
We can use force, or we can use love. As Deborah
teaches, and as the clown unwittingly demonstrates,
the softer touch is often a more powerful force for
change.

Whom might you motivate this week? More
importantly, how?

With prayers for shalom, peace,

Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein

Scripture:

 Psalms 22:30-31 NLT
30 Our children will also serve him. Future
generations will hear about the wonders of
the Lord. 31 His righteous acts will be told
to those not yet born.

Reflection:

If we want our children to serve the Lord,
they must hear about him from us. It is not
enough to rely on the church or those with
more knowledge to provide all their Christian
education. We must reinforce the lessons
of the Bible in our homes.