Pastor's Ponderings, April 25, 2018

Let Us Pray God’s Blessings For Our Children

Recently, our family saw my grandson, Ethan Dennis Clay, playing his cello with a talented group of high schoolers.  Having played a cello over fifty years ago, it was wonderful to see how God has blessed my progeny. Sadly, most of the news of young black men is replete with violence, unfulfilled dreams, and deprivation while surrounded by a society that works to systematically stifle their progress. It is so great to see a talented, intelligent, and hard-working young man aiming towards his goal of excellence.  

His performance is even more remarkable considering a April 24, 2018 Huffington Post article by Rebecca Klein entitled, “New Federal Data Shows How Black Students Are Getting Pushed Out Of School.” The article indicates, “Indeed, even more than in years past, the latest figures show that a growing number of black students are disproportionately subject to school-based arrests and referrals to police.” My grandson has been blessed to do well in school, but according to this article, “Black students are also disproportionately suspended and expelled. At the same time, the data shows that high schools dominated by black and Latino students have less access to high-level STEM coursework, compared to all high schools.”

But the Bible says that no weapon that is formed against us shall succeed (Isaiah 54:17).  It goes on to say that no evil shall happen to us or attack our homes (Psalm 91:10-11). Our family has been praying for our progeny for years.  We have believed the word of God concerning our children both biological and those who we call our spiritual children (Proverbs 11:21).  The Bible says that when we are in agreement with the word of God concerning His promises to us that He would bless our requests (Matthew 18:19). Our parents and grandparents prayed for our offspring long before our progeny were even imagined. Clearly God has given unusual opportunities to the children our family.  They have been very blessed in their endeavors and have vastly outperformed our efforts.   Of course we have had heartbreak, since even the righteous have afflictions and troubles, but God has been faithful to give us all that we need (Philippians 4:19).

Our families face many challenges in a quickly changing world with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, unforeseen attacks on our children, and low societal expectations of their success. Let us continually keep praying those effective prayers. Let us praise our God and believe that He has a great plan for our children and us to give us hope and a glorious future (Jeremiah 29:11).

Isaiah 54:17
New International Version (NIV)

17no weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the Lord.

Psalm 91:10-11
New International Version (NIV)

10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

Proverbs 11:21
New Life Version (NLV)

21 Know for sure that the sinful man will not go without being punished, but the children of those who are right with God will be saved.

Matthew 18:19
New International Version (NIV)
19“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven

Philippians 4:19
New International Version (NIV)

19And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus

Jeremiah 29:11
New Life Version (NLV)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for well-being and not for trouble, to give you a future and a hope.