A Father's Journal
August 26, 2013
There is no particular verse today. I reflect on the things that we, as a family, are doing in trying to follow and obey God’s Word.
There is much joy in my heart because of the fairly consistent family Bible study and prayer time that we have almost every night. We bow our knees and talk to God in prayer. We study His Word and learn together about Daniel, Psalms, Proverbs, I and II Peter, Luke, Esther, and many more. I am especially thankful that the Lord stirs up thoughts and questions in the hearts of the children, and my wife, Haydee, about the things that we learn.
For example, in Proverbs 1:8, the Word reads, "My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother."
The kids understood why I am teaching them and why Haydee is the one who wrote the chores that they must do every day. In I Peter they learned why it’s taking so long for our God to answer our prayers during this difficult season. They understood that we should not be surprised when suffering or trials come to the life of Christians because the Lord Jesus Christ, who is sinless, suffered and endured for us. In these things and many others, we have obeyed God’s teaching.
December 24, 2013
"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given. And the government shall be upon His shoulders. And they shall call His name Wonderful, Counselor, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." ~ Isaiah 9:6
It started with just talking. Talking can be wonderful if it is done God's way. Last night during our prayer time as a family, there was tension and anger instead of thankfulness. We decided that it doesn't take too much to change our attitude.
When it comes to our prayer time, it takes as much effort to be angry as it is to be joyful. We prayed that we would approach the throne of grace with humility instead of bitterness. And God honored this desire of our hearts.
Today, at prayer time, God made a way for us to remember Christmas 2013 with fondness instead of bitterness because of our situation. He gave such joy in our hearts that literally made us cry with laughter! The jokes and anecdotes that were shared weren't even that funny. We didn't have any gifts to give each other, but we were glad. There was not an abundance of rich food, but we were satisfied.
We will always remember this Christmas as a time of joy, love, peace, goodness, and faithfulness to and from our God Most High. Gloria! In Excelsis Deo!
Thank you so much Lord Jesus Christ for your indescribable gift.
Modesto Mendoza and his wife, Haydee, live in Houston, Texas with their three children. He is a teacher, engineer, and yokefellow who is, most of all, a child of the Living God.
