This past weekend I was in Sacramento, CA. It was an AMAZING time of
worship with a high energy group of sisters that were a collage of different
backgrounds, denominations and cultures. I can honestly say that this
conference very well may have been one of the most memorable Going Beyond
Events for me. God’s presence was palatable and we all knew that He was there!
During one of the messages, I mentioned that I am very intentional about
speaking affirmative Scripturally- based statements over my boys. I joked that
as soon as I start in on the liturgy of “You are. . .” statements,
they frantically lift their hands up over their ears as if to say, “Mom,
enough already, we hear this every day!”
Well, of course, I demand that they take their hands down from over
their ears and listen intently as I tell them who they are in Christ and who
they are becoming as men who will live in way that is honoring to Him.
They smile – in between sighs of impatience – and indulge their mother
🙂
When I got back home to Dallas last night, I received an email from
Lindsay – a woman who must have been a part of that event. She asked me if I
could be specific about what I say to the boys each day. And. . . how I wish
that I could. It is really just a compilation of Scripture verses – promises
from the Lord that I reword into affirming statements for their lives. I have a
consistent way of starting – an initial first few sentences that they always
expect – but then it’s a free-for-all.
You are a man of integrity and character. You will love the Lord your
God with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength. You will be a
blessing to your teachers and a blessing to your friends. You are the head and
not the tail. You are above and not beneath. You are a leader and not a
follower.
Normally, I say only a few more things before sending them out the door,
backpacks securely in place, to school.
You are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
You are a man of valor.
You have the whole armour of God so that you can stand against the
schemes of the devil.
You will bless the Lord at all times and His praises shall continually
be in your mouth.
This could be a fun activity for you – constructing a statement to speak
over your children (or to speak over YOURSELF for that matter) that is suited
to what you hope for them to become in Christ. They might put their hands up
over their ears in protest every now and then but WHO CARES! They WILL hear you
and what you are saying will nestle deep into their souls over time.
Here are a list of Scripturally-based affirmation statements to get you going. Have fun!
I love the Lord my God with my whole heart, soul, and mind
(Mark 12:30).
I walk by faith and not by sight (II Corinthians 5:7).
The Lord is on my side. I will not fear what man can do to me.
(Psalm 118:6)
I am competent not in my own abilities but because He has made
me competent by His Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:5-6)
I abide in Christ, He abides in me, and I bear much fruit (John
15:5).
I have the mind of Christ therefore I act in a way that is
consistent with His actions (1 Corinthians 2:16).
He will never leave me nor will He forsake me (Hebrews 13:5)
I do no look with disdain upon my weaknesses. I use them as an
opportunity for God will display His powerful strength (2 Corinthians 12:10)
I can do all things through Christ that strengthens me
(Philippians 4:13).
There is no weapon that is formed against me that can prosper,
and every tongue that rises up against me in judgment shall be condemned
(Isaiah 54:17).
I will be hospitable without complaint (1 Peter 4:9).
I will not use my tongue to speak cursings but life-giving
blessings to everyone that I meet and in every situation I face. (James 3:8-10)
The Spirit indwells me therefore I am the temple of the Living
God (II Corinthians 6:16).
I am faithful over a few things, and I will be made ruler over
many (Matthew 25:23).
I humbly submit to God and I actively resist the work of the
devil, and he must flee from me (James 4:7).
I will not give the enemy an opportunity or foothold in my
life. (Ephesians 4:27)
The One who is in me is greater than he that is in the world (1
John 4:4).
I choose to obey the Lord and receive the prosperous abundance and
blessing that He will bestow on me. (Deuteronomy 30:8-9)
My heart keeps the commandments of God, and length of days,
long life, and peace shall they add to me (Proverbs 3:1-2).
I walk by the Spirit and do not fulfill the desires of my flesh
(Galatians 5:16)
I exhibit the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
(Galatians 5:22-23)
The Lord guards my going out and my coming in – today and
forever. (Psalm 121:8).
I rejoice in the Lord whether circumstances are good or bad
(Philippians 4:4)
I will not be afraid when I lie down and my sleep shall be
sweet (Proverbs 3:24).
I obtain the favor of the Lord (Proverbs 12:2).
The Lord is in my midst and sings over me with joy. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I am the apple of my Father’s eye. (Deuteronomy 32:10)
Goodness and mercy will follow me; not only today but all the
days of my life.. (Psalm 23:6).
I
have been made in the very image and likeness of God Himself. This is my
heritage. – (Genesis 1:27)
