Being sifted like wheat?

Do we realize that Satan asks permission to "sift us like wheat"? 

He asked to sift ALL the disciples, but Jesus spoke to Peter directly saying " I have prayed for you Simon that your (singular) faith may not fail.  Why only Peter, the one who would deny the Lord three times? 

The answer to that is in what Jesus said next - "and when you are converted STRENGTHEN YOUR BROTHERS!" 

All of us must be sifted, all of us have and will fail - but WHO among us will be the first to be converted so that we can STRENGTHEN OUR BROTHERS? 

 James wrote, "when a man has been PROVEN he will receive the crown of life the Lord promised those who love Him."  

Those who love Him do what He told Peter to do.  Those who become PROVEN, have been truly CONVERTED, and they STRENGTHEN their brothers by FEEDING HIS SHEEP!  

May the Lord's prayer for us keep our faith from failing and lead us to conversion from our own shallow self-concerns to the spiritual life of loving our brothers.   Rejoice that the Lord is praying for each of us.  Let's be CONVERTED and  strengthen our brothers. ~DAD

(above is a text sent out to the children...)

Father, we bless you for all you send, to show us our need of you...moment by moment.  Give us wisdom in how to be your hands, and your feet.
How to take up the basin and the towel.

Take up the Towel and the Bowl


In a time of tremendous temptation
to take up the bow and the sword
Let's remember our Lord's preparation
before the travail of His soul
And let our full love manifest now
and take up the towel and the bowl


Let's wash all the feet of our brethren
and bless them in grace and in peace
without wood a fire cannot linger
without tale bearing strife too will cease


If we see with the eyes that are carnal
the enemies look much like men
and our anger will place us in danger
and drive us with passion to sin


O Lord set a guard on my mouth now,
and keep a watch over my tongue
grant me discernment with each thought
and I'll mortify them while they've young


Give me the mind of Christ Jesus
to yield to Your ways and be still
And lay down my life for my brothers
in prayer that this fulfill Your will


I thank You for using men's passions
to work out Your purpose on earth
And I thank You for travailing labor
that brings us to spiritual birth


I have one request for today Lord,
just one pressing hope for this hour
That more of Your likeness I'll bear now
and know more of Your living power
~Am