Dunford Family Ministries Daily Devo

Kill Your Monsters - July 30

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 05:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> <address>Kill Your Monsters,<o:p></o:p></address> <address>So Your Children Won’t Have To<o:p></o:p></address> <address>Tails From the Farm (Archives)<o:p></o:p></address> <address>                                                <o:p></o:p></address> Ezekiel 16:44<o:p></o:p> Behold, everyone who uses proverbs will use this proverb against you: As is the mother, so is her daughter.<o:p></o:p> <address style='text-align:justify'> <o:p></o:p></address> <address style='text-align:justify'>I always laugh whenever we get the chance to talk with other moms and dads about “child training.”  All of us know the truth.  Parenting isn’t about child training.  It’s really PARENT training!  The parents are in training, and the children are going to survive in the process!  (In Jesus’ Name!)  The importance of parent training is no laughing matter, however.  Those skeletons in our closet (and all of us have some) seem to come out at the most inopportune times.  All of the events of our lives are filed in our soul’s  “hard drive” and can cause us to exhibit poor habits, inexcusable actions, or just plain old sin.  Add on the presence of a crafty enemy who will toss our children the same kind of cards, and you’ve got monsters everywhere.  <o:p></o:p></address> <address style='text-align:justify'> <o:p></o:p></address> <address style='text-align:justify'>The reason children are consistently called a “blessing” in God’s Word is because they force us to deal with ourselves.  We all have monsters to kill, and there’s no shame in that.  But we can’t let them sit there and get bigger, while they get ready to hop on the backs of the next generation.  We are responsible to deal with them.   This will help equip our children for the battles they’ll surely face as well.  <o:p></o:p></address> <address style='text-align:justify'> <o:p></o:p></address> <address style='text-align:justify'>In the above scripture from Ezekiel, the power of the generational blessing is evident, for the good or the bad.  A son or daughter will most likely “be like” their parents in many ways.  We have the opportunity to watch God’s Word and His Spirit so refine our words and actions that we actually do become part of passing a godly heritage to our children, instead of our own monstrous issues.  It is possible!  And according to the prophet Joel, no matter what kind of mess we have or what’s been stolen, God is able and willing to restore us! Look in the mirror today and know you are a powerful representative of a loving Father to the family, friends, and community He’s given to you.  Say by faith that they can “follow you as you follow Christ.”  Living out God’s Word day by day, with His help, is the best weapon you have.  And the biggest monster out there can’t deal with that!    <o:p></o:p></address> Jennifer  <o:p></o:p> Biblical Meditation:  Joel 2:25, 26 I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm-my great army that I sent among you. You will have plenty to eat, until you are full, and you will praise the name of the LORD your God, who has worked wonders for you; never again will my people be shamed.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </div>

Fence Rider - July 29

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 05:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> Fence Rider<o:p></o:p> Tails from the Farm<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Desperado, why don't you come to your senses? You been out ridin' fences for so long now Oh, you're a hard one I know that you got your reasons These things that are pleasin' you Can hurt you somehow<o:p></o:p> “Desperado,” by Don Henley and Glenn Frey<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I’m reading a book to our children right now that we just love.  It’s called “Little Britches,” by Ralph Moody.  Mr. Moody is the main character, nicknamed Little Britches, and he’s basically telling his autobiography during his childhood.  It’s kind of like a boy version of “Little House on the Prairie.”  Little Britches gets into lots of scrapes and spots, and it’s been so interesting to hear the wisdom his parents gave him during another time in our history.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Well, the other night, Little Britches tells how he ran into trouble while herding a neighbor’s cows (he was earning 35 cents a day).  His father had just allowed him to use one of their best plow horses to do the job. (He was about 7 years-old.)  He came home that night with the horse all lathered up and worn down.  His father was very unhappy.  Listen to the little speech that his father gave him (my paraphrase): Son, you’re trying to play cowboy instead of sparing your horse.  Don’t go after each little stray cow at a running gallop.  You’re overdoing it! Keep them in a group, and walk them back to their pasture.  A cowboy with a spent horse is worse than a cowboy with no horse at all.  Always remember, son, the best boss is the one who bosses least.  Whether it’s cattle, or horses, or men; the least government is the best government.  WOW.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The least government is the best government.  What does he really mean by that?  I don’t think he’s necessarily getting political, although it certainly applies.  But he is surely talking about governing our selves.  St. Francis of Assisi said it so well:  Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary, use words.  May we all be marked and branded deeply with the fruit of self-control, yielding to the voice of a loving Master, allowing Him and His grace to seep out of our very pores.  Then, and only then, can the people that come across our path truly catch the good news.  Until we do that, our own agenda for our lives will help us straddle mediocrity, instead of committing fully to a life of truth.  Be governed by the One who gives real liberty, and hop off that fence.  <o:p></o:p> Jennifer<o:p></o:p> Biblical Meditation: Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (emphasis mine)<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div>

Nothing Runs Like a Deere - July 28

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> Nothing Runs Like a Deere<o:p></o:p> Tails from the Farm<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Mark 4:28 All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I used to do a lot of plowing when I was growing up.  It was probably my favorite job on the farm.  I loved getting to see the transformation of a field as I began, terrace by terrace, to turn over the soil. I’ve been able to plow a little the past few days, and I still love it.  I must clarify though, driving through a field in a four-wheel drive John Deere tractor with a plow that covers about forty-three feet is a very far cry from the “way back” way of doing the job!  The old barn by our house has a couple of sets of plowing gear from my great-grandpa’s time including harnesses, tugs, and the hames that all worked together to connect to a farmer’s shoulders.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I’m pretty sure my great-grandpa had a great satisfaction in watching his soil as it changed and shifted with the seasons.  And I’m also sure that he trusted the “magic” of the acres of dirt for which he was responsible. Not only because it would feed his family, but because there is some kind of deep satisfaction in watching literal miracles pop up from the newly turned soil and eventually into a stalk of wheat or corn, yielding many times more than the original seed!  When you add in the fickle nature of the sun, wind, and rain, well, you’ve got a monster miracle on your hands when you see a crop that wasn’t there before!<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We are God’s soil, His creation and beautiful masterpiece.  What can be produced from the soil of our lives is beyond imagination.  The potential of it is staggering.  But we must plant the right seed inside of our hearts.  We must diligently take care of this soil as if our very breath depended on it.  We have to plow up the weeds of hate, jealousy, and gossip, and plant seeds that will produce one hundred-fold, like kindness, forgiveness, and love. There are many things to maintain in this life.  But nothing is more important than maintaining the field of our hearts.  And, thankfully, it won’t take a John Deere to plow it up.  <o:p></o:p> Jennifer<o:p></o:p> Biblical Meditation: Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div>

We're Obligated - July 27

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 04:30:00 GMT

Kind-ness - July 26

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> Kind-ness<o:p></o:p> Tails from the Farm<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Genesis 1:24-25 NKJV<o:p></o:p> And God said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind." And it was so.  God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Living creatures are fascinating.  Just the other day the kids and I were picking wild plums, and I noticed a great number of ants busily working.  Under the thicket I was picking from lay a mess of fallen and bruised fruit.  Without any coaxing or prodding, those ants were making short order of it; nature’s own cleanup crew, if you will.  The same thing is true for the turkey buzzard that always seems to know just where the decaying carcasses have fallen.  The buzzard and the ant are uniquely designed to function in order to maintain a divine balance and without each one, life would be overrun with death and decay.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Along the same lines, cows and coyotes both have their special place.  Our family is privileged to eat farm-raised beef.  But for those who work with them day in and day out, sometimes they can be a royal pain. Not too long ago a buddy of mine had two cows give him all he wanted as he strived to wrangle them so he could get them to the vet.  Nevertheless, he and I agree, in our world, they are a necessity.  Such is the case with Mr. Wiley Coyote; he can be pesky and a bit scary with all the hollering.  But when it comes down to it, he serves a vital role in the circle of life.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> The same is true with every one of us…some of us are by nature more industrious and some of us are more astute when it comes to knowledge.  No matter how we are wired, the fact of the matter is the good Lord had something very special in mind for each kind of human he put on this earth!  Daily, we do well to remind ourselves that it is more than ok to be the “somebody” God made you to be.  With that said, let us be about the business of maintaining the balance! <o:p></o:p> Lorenzo<o:p></o:p> Biblical Meditation: Psalms 139:4 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div>

Greater Things - July 23

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 04:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> Greater Things<o:p></o:p> Tails from the Farm<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> John 1:49-51 NKJV<o:p></o:p> Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”  And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> This morning I made it up in just enough time to catch the sunrise.  I don’t care how old I get, that big yellow ball coming up out of nowhere gets me going. How in the world could anyone doubt the existence of God?  To me, it is very clear that His fingerprints are all over things like the sun, moon and stars.  But, I guess I am one of those who don’t require a whole lot of evidence to believe that God is, and He loves me.  Why? I don’t really know.  I just know that the day I heard about God and His son Jesus, I had no problems accepting the old, old story.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> But each day of my life, I see “greater things” about God unfold before my very eyes.  For instance, I woke up one morning in a state of wonder.  “Lord, I feel a little sluggish…..I’ve missed some precious moments with you…..Am I still on the right track?”  I didn’t share my thoughts with anyone else; it was just me and God.  Things had been a bit hectic and I needed a spiritual realignment, so to speak.  And out of the blue, one of my dearest friends called me up and without introduction begins to speak to me as if he had heard my conversation with God earlier that morning.  And tit-for-tat, he confirmed that God indeed was still close to me and working.  Now, He didn’t have to do that, but I am so glad He did.  Because no matter how “grown up” we get, there is a little person inside that longs to be awed and overjoyed.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I don’t know where today finds you.  Maybe life’s been a little hectic and God time has been no time at all.  And maybe He seems distant.  If that’s the case, take a moment to latch on to one of those times when He felt really close.  Then ask Him to show you some “greater things” to get you back in focus.  When He does, make a note of it, because you might just need to refer back to it in the future.<o:p></o:p> Lorenzo<o:p></o:p> Biblical Meditation: Psalm 39:1 O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div>

Always On Guard - July 22

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:30:00 GMT

Law and Order - July 21

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 03:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> Law and Order<o:p></o:p> Tails from the Farm<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> 2 Timothy 2:3, 4 Endure hardships with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> If you drive around out here, you will be guaranteed to see different groups of cattle.  They are one of the main farming pursuits in Western Oklahoma.  You could talk to almost any farmer or rancher and they’ll most like say the same thing.  They love taking care of herds of cattle.  Most herds include raising babies with a group of momma cows. And hopefully, a nice bull.  Regardless of their temperament, bulls always demand one’s attention.  I’ll never forget my dad teaching us, “You always respect a bull.  Always.”  A good bull is the law and order of a cow and calf herd.  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> We have several friends who serve our state in law enforcement.  We were explaining to our children the other night that someone who guards and protects others as a profession takes his position very seriously.  Even if they are eating Thanksgiving dinner, they are always on guard.  You can’t take them off guard.  They’re trained and ready to respond at a moment’s notice.  Our friend who recently got back from Iraq had an experience where he heard a balloon pop as his wife was getting ready for their son’s birthday party.  He instantly pulled and cocked his gun, even in his own house, with his own family.  Responding at a moment’s notice is always life and death.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our heads are in the sand if we do not see and sense that we are at critical mass in this country.  Evil is lurking at every corner, and righteousness is fading from our actions and words as a whole.  But God is not surprised.  He’s always been for the underdog.  And He’s very good at surprises.  He knows who the real enemy is and we must know, too.  Our war is not with flesh and blood.  If you’ve never seen it this way before, take a moment to register these words and react.  Put on the full armor of God and stand your ground.  Pray, stay alert, and strive to please our Commanding Officer.  Rest assured, He will establish law and order like we’ve never had before.<o:p></o:p> Jennifer <o:p></o:p> Biblical Meditation: Ephesians 6:11-13 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div>

Now is the Good Old Days - July 20

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 03:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> Now Is the Good Old Days<o:p></o:p> Tails from the Farm<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Exodus 3:14 God said to Moses, "I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' ” <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> "Have you ever thought about that?  Have you ever stopped, and smiled, and said, “Wow, now THIS is the good old days?” You might be laughing, or crying, at that question, because all of us seem to think that the good old days are something that has already passed, or something we’ll finally get to be a part of someday.  We hear grandparents tell us stories about how good it was way back when, but when they actually were living in those times, would they have said that?  Or listen to the younger adults as they talk about someday they’ll have the house they want, or someday the kids will be all gone and they can enjoy life.  What is going on with this weird time warp of discontent?  <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> My hubby and I have watched several dozen sunsets since we came out to the country.  We almost felt embarrassed as we first discovered the joy of just sitting still and enjoying those moments right as they were happening.  It was like we were fiddling with being content, when of course, there’s still so much to do!  How in the world can we be thankful, in the NOW, and call the present moment the best of our lives?<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> I believe a great picture of this is the way God looks at time.  If you’ll notice from our verse today, He describes Himself to Moses and asks Moses to describe Himself to the Israelites as “I AM.”  Not I WAS, not I WILL BE.  There is a very powerful truth here in God’s words about Himself and a lesson for us that must burn deeply on our hearts.  We can spend the rest of our lives regretting the past, or worrying about the future.  And we will mess around and miss the whole point.  Regardless of our circumstances, which can change in an instant, we must know and absorb the love God has for us. Spending a few precious moments thinking on His plan for our lives every day can give us the sweetest satisfaction and joy we can ever know.  And that joy can, in turn, help transform the areas for which we need help and healing.  You don’t have to miss out on the good old days.  They’re happening right now.<o:p></o:p> Jennifer<o:p></o:p> Biblical Meditation: Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. <o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div>

Our Tears Move Our Mountains - July 19

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 05:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> (After traveling throughout the weekend, we thought we’d send this devo from the archive.  “Tears” were on my mind and heart for those who might be having a tough time.)<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Our Tears Move Our Mountains<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the LORD and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah lay with Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her.  So in the course of time Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I asked the LORD for him."<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Hannah wanted a baby. Nothing could console her as she walked through the grief of supposed barrenness.  It didn’t help that she was tortured by a second wife having children left and right.  In the temple one morning, she wept so much over her longing for a child that the priest  thought she was drunk!  But we all know you can only cry so much.  Eventually the tears dry up and a resolve can surface.  Hannah walked away with a peace that day, and a knowing, that God was moving on her behalf.  Notice the words, “In the course of time…Hannah conceived.”  I love watching how Hannah walked through her valley.  Crying out to God gave her the patience to wait on Him, to be still and know Him. And she refused to take her circumstances lightly. Her tears were “watering” the “seeds” of her heartfelt and anguished prayers.  Ladies, don’t take your tears for granted!  They are an effective tool against the enemy.  Our emotions are truly a part of the character of God and designed by Him.  Use your tears to move your mountains!!  Yes, we can be emotional creatures…for God’s purposes and not for manipulation of others or self-pity.  Our tears literally bring us to a place of expectancy and hopefulness in the Lord.  Is something heavy on your heart today? Let the tears flow, and trust their power to heal and restore as you wait on a God who hears.<o:p></o:p> Jennifer<o:p></o:p> At Home, #8: A Woman’s Arsenal<o:p></o:p> <a href="http://dunfordfamilyministries.com/dunford-family-ministries-videos.htm">http://dunfordfamilyministries.com/dunford-family-ministries-videos.htm</a><o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div>

Let It Burn - July 16

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 05:30:00 GMT

<div class=WordSection1> Let It Burn<o:p></o:p> Tails from the Farm<o:p></o:p> Luke 12:49-51 I've come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I've come to change everything, turn everything right side up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I've come to disrupt and confront!<o:p></o:p> Fire is pretty amazing.  The same spark that heats a home in the winter can burn that house to the ground.  That’s why those who handle it must do so with the utmost preparation and care.  Speaking of fire, I have always been intrigued with the “controlled” field fires.  Often I would pass by a field ablaze and ask my wife, “Do you really think everything is ok?”  I didn’t quite understand all the safety features that go into burning off a field, nor did I comprehend the reason for the procedure.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> That has all changed.  Just the other day, I got to experience “the burn” first hand.  First, I learned that the field is plowed in such a way as to contain the fire, so that it doesn’t “jump” and burn other areas or items.  Next, I realized the reason for the burn.  When a field has unwanted stuff (rye, cheat, crab grass, etc.) that can hinder an excellent yield during harvest, burning becomes an option.  But here’s something I noticed that got my attention; as I set fire to undesirables in the field, the dead stuff went up in a puff of smoke.  But in the areas where the weeds and grass were green, they stymied the fire.  As a matter of fact, where the green was real thick, it looks like the fire just went around it! <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Now, I still have a lot to learn about the burn, but one thing stands out in my mind as an applicable lesson.  Daily, you and I are doing deeds and sowing seeds. And although God’s love for us is unconditional, He is a Father; He will and does reward our work.  The Bible teaches that one day all will stand before Him and give an account of what they have done with the life he gave them.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wait that long to find out if I’ve  got “stuff” that needs to be burned off so the good seeds can grow.  All you’ve got to do is ask Him to “try” your life by the fire of His Spirit.  If there is something that needs to go, His presence can and will reveal it.  My advice; whatever it is, let it burn!  There is nothing in this world more important than yielding a good harvest for the Father. <o:p></o:p> Lorenzo<o:p></o:p> Biblical Meditation: I Corinthians 3:13  Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.<o:p></o:p>  <o:p></o:p> </div>