Forerunner Turns Five

photo source

In returning and rest you shall be saved;

In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.

- Isaiah 30:15a

... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I know what it is to be in need,

and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,

whether well fed or hungry,

whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

- Philippians 4:11-13

For My people have committed two evils:

They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters,

And hewn themselves cisterns--broken cisterns that can hold no water.

- Jeremiah 2:13

A prayer for my first grandson, Forerunner, as he celebrates his fifth birthday:

Dearest grandson, your grandfather and I prayed for you as soon as we knew that you were already being formed in your mother's womb.

We prayed for you everyday... and on the day you were born, we lifted you up before God.

And I have done it countless times, to this very day.

My faith declaration for you today is that Abba Father will fill your heart with peace.

You will find contentment and joy, whatever your circumstances may be.

You will focus your eyes not on things of this earth, but your gaze will ever be heavenward.

Your heart will find beauty even in the midst of the ugliness and pain of this world.

Your heart will be safe from unhealthy self-love. 

Rather, you will find ways to bring honor and delight to your earthly parents, 
and above all to your heavenly Father.

I decree and declare that your heart will be free from any form of greed.

Even the subtle greed to always have things go your own way.

I decree and declare that your heart will be protected from any fear of lack or want.

The spirit of poverty will never gain any foothold inside your heart.

Instead, your heart will be full of trust in God's boundless supply and provision,

and you will have an abundance mindset, even at your age.  

You will grow up knowing what honor means - to live a lifestyle of honoring God and others above all.

When your heart is not greedy for gain, when your heart is not saddled with fear of lack, 

then your heart is full of peace and contentment.

And you will be an honorable young man,
not greedy, never grasping or self-focused,

but generous, content, secure and confident... 
knowing that Your heavenly Father watches over you.

How I pray that your values will be formed and shaped 
even now as you are at a vulnerable stage of learning.

Because values are caught, not taught, I declare that your learning environment will be conducive to your absorbing eternal truths.

Heavenly Father, surround this young child with heaven's peace, that he will not crave for material things that will not satisfy his soul.

Teach Him to be a man after Your heart...

Abba Father, grant the desires of my heart for my grandson.

Be honored in his life. 

I love you, Forerunner!

Forerunner's 5th birthday family photo