January 22

⁶”If anyone causes one of these little ones-those who believe in me-to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”  (Matthew 18:6)

There’s many times in the New Testament that Jesus warns those around Him to not keep children away from Him.  If you are reading this verse and you are a parent to children who do not know Jesus or God, you may want to read this verse again and revisit Matthew Chapter 18.  Do not keep your children from God.  Find a fun, exciting church that really engages your children and makes them want to go to church every week.  But make sure it is a church that also teaches them, and helps them grow closer to having a relationship early on in their lives with their heavenly Father.  My personal testimony can attest to the fact that my wife and I have been blessed beyond measure with our children and one of the reasons I believe God has watched over us through the years is that we have always done everything in our power to teach and raise our children in a Christ centered home.  We pray with them, read their devotionals with them, and teach them all we know about Jesus and the Gospels.

And we also teach them openly about Godly figures in the world.  Especially a figure like MLK, Jr.  I pray that if you have children, they were taught at an early age what the first federal holiday of the year was all about.  Take every opportunity you have with your to sit, talk, and teach your children all you know.

Reading plan:  Matthew Chapter 20

Deeper reading plan:  read/listen to one MLK’s most controversial speeches:  “Beyond Vietnam:  A Time to Break the Silence.”

Prayer and meditation:  continue to pray for your request from day 1 and seek guidance to actively engage children.

Fitness challenge:  Week four of our 7×14 challenge.  2 sets, nice and slow reps, focus on form.

1.  Standard push-up                2.  Sit-up or crunches

3.  Air squats                                4.  Hand-release push-up

5.  Leg lifts                                    6.  Lunges (7-each leg)

7.  4-count flutter kick

Journal:  In your journal, write your thoughts on what you can do to work at leaving a legacy in your life this year, whether it be at work, at home, in your relationships.  Or even jot down bigger, loftier goals.  What can you do in 2020 to live a life that would make this country better than it has ever been before?  This is your journal, do not be ashamed of anything that comes to mind, but record it here so you can look back on all you accomplish at the end of the year.