Why Pray Scripture?
It’s hard to communicate in words what lies in our hearts and what stews in our minds, isn’t it? Sometimes we just cannot put into words the depths of our griefs and joys, the details of our worries and fears. Oftentimes, in speaking to the God of the Universe, we realize our smallness, our limitations, our insufficiencies…and we should. We are fragile, limited, and insufficient…but we are the children of the King! We are sons and daughters of the Most High God and He stoops to hear us.
Psalm 116:1-2 says “I love the LORD because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!” (NLT)
God bends down to listen to us. Just like a father would get down to listen to his little child who has a need or something to share, God leans towards us to hear what we’re asking, understand what we’re telling Him, and gives us His full attention because He loves us.
So, why should we pray Scripture? God’s word is so complete that it can put into words what we cannot. Speaking God’s words back to Him demonstrates we value His Word, we understand the power that it holds, and shows our submission to its authority.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Meditate on that. God’s word is living, not dead, not antiquated, not ‘yesterday’ but alive and working. The Greek word is ‘energes’ and means “active, working, effectual, operative, powerful” (1) The Word of God is active and powerful! And isn’t that what we want our prayers to be?!
Scripture is also sharp, ‘tomos’, meaning it can cut by a single stroke. It’s not dull, requires no hacking, sawing, or repeated blows. The double-edged sword was a prized weapon in battle because you could swing back and forth, taking out your enemies with each swing. A sharp, double-edged sword was to be feared and could not be competed against. Scripture imparts fear in the enemy, friends! Our own words do little. God’s word pierces and divides. When we pray, we want to pierce the darkness and evil, we want to divide error from truth, we want to separate those we are burdened for from the oppression and evil that would seek to bring them down. God’s word is powerful to do that.
Scripture separates and brings distinction between things as well. Hebrews mentions joints and marrow. We might question, “Why did God talk about that?” Consider what a joint does, it connects things and allows for movement. Yet, sometimes our connections are unhealthy and our movements are in the wrong direction. We can use scripture to pray that any movement is God-led and that our sons and daughters remain closely connected to Him. Psalm 1:1-2 is a wonderful passage to pray: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night.”
But what about the marrow? Ah, the marrow is life-generating. We can live without joints, but we cannot live without marrow. The Greek word for marrow is ‘myelos’ and means blood. Marrow allows for life, generates new blood cells that fight infection, carries oxygen, and helps stop bleeding. A bone marrow transplant can restore life. Death of the marrow brings death to the body.
Finally, scripture discerns the intentions of the mind and heart. It is decisive to address each aspect of the individual’s thought life and heart attitude. Scripture is the all-inclusive remedy to every situation, challenge, attack, and need. Psalm 19:7-8 “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.
When we pray Scripture over our sons and daughters, we’re praying the very words of God that are effectual and life-giving, protective and sustaining. We need to form a habit of opening our Bibles and praying back the words we read. If we do, we are praying words that are alive, active, discerning, penetrating, and effective to fight spiritual battles with the double-edged sword of scripture, battling principalities and powers that would seek to harm and destroy. We can pray a spiritual hedge of protection around our sons and daughters. We can ask that the Lord would bring other believers to encourage, challenge, and keep them accountable. Through prayer and Scripture, we have access to the Throne room of The Almighty, Great I AM, our Father, our Savior, our Friend. Scripture is so precious, we must embrace it, learn it, pray it and memorize it.
Let’s boldly pray Scripture this week, speaking God’s own words over our sons and daughters, asking Him for protection, guidance, wisdom and strength. Psalm 25 is a great place to begin, but please, share the Scripture you’re praying!! Let’s encourage one another as we kneel before the Throne!
Psalm 25
1 In you, Lord my God,
I put my trust.
2 I trust in you;
do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.
3 No one who hopes in you
will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
who are treacherous without cause.
4 Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good.
8 Good and upright is the Lord;
therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them his way.
10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.
11 For the sake of your name, Lord,
forgive my iniquity, though it is great.
12 Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
and their descendants will inherit the land.
14 The Lord confides in those who fear him;
he makes his covenant known to them.
15 My eyes are ever on the Lord,
for only he will release my feet from the snare.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
and free me from my anguish.
18 Look on my affliction and my distress
and take away all my sins.
19 See how numerous are my enemies
and how fiercely they hate me!
20 Guard my life and rescue me;
do not let me be put to shame,
for I take refuge in you.
21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
because my hope, Lord,[c] is in you.
22 Deliver Israel, O God,
from all their troubles!
Pray without ceasing!
G1756 - energēs - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1756/niv/mgnt/0-1/
Be Sure to Leave It Where They Can Find It
“I will sing of the LORD's great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” Psalm 89:1
When we have something important we want to give our kids, we want to leave it where they can find it, especially if we’re not going to be there to point it out. Whether it be a special note or gift, or maybe important paperwork in the event something happens, we don’t want it to be a mystery and we don’t want to make it difficult. If it’s important, we tell them exactly where the items are so they can easily access them, why would we not?
But do we do the same with our faith? If our kids went looking, would they easily find it? Would they be able to quickly point out where our hope is anchored? Or would they have to hunt for it?
There is nothing more important than sharing our faith with our sons and daughters, nothing. If we would be called home to heaven, what would they find as they go through our belongings? What would they write about how we lived? What was so evident in our lives as the most important to us?
Let’s be intentional about sharing our love for the Lord and the evidence of His faithfulness in our lives. Let’s shift the paradigm of our day, our life to testify of God’s goodness and presence that redeems us and transforms us. Let’s be sure to leave behind a legacy of faith for our sons and daughters so that the most precious thing we pass to them is faith in Jesus Christ and hope for eternity.
“Father You are faithful. All throughout my life You’ve been present and working, even when I could not see Your hand or when I was too distracted to make you a priority. I pray that from today onward, I would live in such a way that my sons and daughters would know that my faith in Jesus is the most precious thing I could share with them. I pray that they will see You in me. Lord, let there be no question about what I value and prioritize. Don’t allow me to be distracted by the busyness of this world, the charms of what it promises but cannot deliver, or the lie that my value lies in what I accomplish. My value lies in who I am…and who I am is a child of the Most High God. Lord, I want my sons and daughters to embrace You fully and pursue You daily. Help me to model that to them. Let them see me reading Your Word. Let them be confident that I am praying for them daily and that they can share any burden, need or request and I will take it to the Throne and intercede for them. Help me to memorize Your word so that it becomes part of my language and the Holy Spirit can stir and pour out what I’ve committed to head and heart so that others can be encouraged. Lord, help me to leave my faith where my kids can easily find it and help them to treasure it as they most precious thing I could pass along to them. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”
A Prayer for the Church: Let the Peace of Christ Rule
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
As we anticipate the remembrance of Christ’s death and resurrection, it’s a time many often give something up to remind them of all Christ gave on our behalf. But instead of ‘going without’ why don’t we commit to praying for the Body of Believers, we who daily represent Christ to this world, those with whom we are joined as The Church and The Bride. We should pray, too, for our sons and daughters as they are members of the Body (or if they are not, they would be drawn to know Christ).
Dark days are ahead…in fact they are here and walking faithfully requires us to be intentional. Let’s immerse ourselves in Scripture that reminds us of who we are in Christ and how we are called to live as His church.
Let's commit to pray in the weeks building to Resurrection Day that God would move and work in His Church so that we would stand strong against the enemy and would uphold one another to remain faithful. Will you commit to pray too?
Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
The phrase "Let rule" is the word “brabeuo” in Greek and it means to arbitrate or umpire, to govern.
A question for prayer and meditation:
What are we allowing to rule in our hearts and govern our thoughts and responses?
Our Prayer point:
Pray that the Church would allow the peace of Christ to rule in our hearts individually and collectively and pray the world would see this extraordinary peace and be drawn to Christ.
Pray without ceasing
God is Faithful to Restore Us and Lead Us
“He refreshes [restores] my soul.” Psalm 23:3
(spiritual renewal)
Restoration is hard work. It is the effort to bring something back to its original condition when time, decay, and circumstances affect its beauty, its purpose, and its value. Any shadow of what it once was or was intended to be has long since faded. The beauty is covered in dirt, mold, and decay, the edges are rough, once-strong supports are rotted, the luster is dulled. But an expert still sees the value and knows what it could be, if restored. Restoration requires someone who is skilled and has vision and an understanding of what something once was or was intended to be in order to restore it to its original state.
Jesus is our Restorer. He created us, so He knows us intimately and He knows exactly who and what He intended us to be. He is able to revive, refresh, and restore our spiritual selves to the “shalom” He intended us to enjoy in the garden, where everything was in a right relationship to Him. Isaiah 60:1 says about Jesus, “The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,”
We can pray Psalm 51:2, “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” Jesus is able; He can do it!
“Jesus, You are the Restorer of all things. You promise that You will restore us and make us new. 2 Corinthians 5:17-20 says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” I pray that You would begin a work of restoration and reconciliation in (name) today.”
“Lord, strip away the rotten things that would cause decay in (name)’s life. Replace the battered and worn parts with new. Refresh their outlook and restore their heart to be aligned with Yours. Work in them to stir a desire to be made new with a heart like Jesus. Remind them that, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24. Show them clearly that You love them and You desire that they would be brought into fellowship with You, welcomed into Your house and home for eternity. Give (name) a heart for restoration so they would not only embrace the gospel and receive a new heart but that they would share the life-giving gospel with others so they, too, could be restored. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
“He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”
(direction, purpose)
When God restores us, it’s not for our benefit alone, although we do reap great benefits from the renewal of our heart, mind, and spirit. But it is for His glory that He redeems us! He gives us direction and purpose.
Ephesians 1:11-12 tells us, “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.”
He has a plan and purpose for each of us Philippians 2:13, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.” The phrase, “For His name’s sake” indicates that we are to live in such a way that we maintain his name and reputation (1). If we fail to do that we take His name in vain- calling ourselves Christians but living like we are not. “‘You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.” Deut. 5:11 (NKJV) Our actions, choices and attitudes have bearing on the name we carry.
“Holy Father, Your name is Sacred. You ARE the Great I AM. There is no other like You and Your supremacy is unequaled. I pray that You would give (name) a godly fear and respect of You. Lead (name) in paths of righteousness so that as they bear Your name, they would be righteous (not self-righteous), blameless (not deceiving others or themselves) and authentic in their faith and their convictions. Lord, give (name) perspective that every blessing is from You and for the purpose of serving You and bringing You glory. Strengthen them in their faith, their conviction, and their passion to follow You in the right paths You set before them, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
H4616 - maʿan - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h4616/niv/wlc/0-1/
Pray That They Won’t Drift Away
“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” Hebrews 2:1
The possibility that our kids would drift away from the Lord is real. The enemy wants nothing more than to see our sons and daughters pull away from the Lord. Drifting is subtle. It’s not a willful rebellion or running from God. It’s not a sudden change of heart that takes them away or that has them running in a different direction, it’s a passive indifference. It’s inaction toward or a downplaying of the dangers and deceptions. It’s literally ‘going with the flow’.
What does Hebrews mean when it cautions us against drifting away? The words “drift away” come from the Greek words “para” to be near (1) and “rheo” to flow (2). Strong’s Concordance words it this way “lest we be carried past” (3). Picture it… a boat near the shore or close to the dock, yet unanchored. Those nearby can see the boat and because it’s floating (as a boat should) and lingering near the dock, no one takes notice that it’s not tethered. The current is mild and nothing seems amiss. But soon enough, it becomes evident that the boat is drifting and eventually it moves noticeably out of reach, away from the safety of the dock. It’s at the mercy of the current. No one is navigating; it’s simply drifting, but soon would be lost. It’s a great illustration and it shows us that although someone may be ‘near’ the gospel or “kind of” following Jesus, if they’re not anchored, they will easily drift. It’s not radical, it’s not sudden; it’s a slow drifting that, once realized by those around, often has that person out of reach and moving away, further and further.
Drifting is enabled by many seemingly harmless things and legitimate excuses: busyness, weariness, distractedness…but they’re all dangerous because they lull us into passively ‘being’ instead of actively clinging.
How can we pray that our sons and daughters don’t drift? Hebrews is FULL of all kinds of encouragement on this!
Pay the most careful attention. (Hebrews 2:) The Greek word used here is prosecho which means to “turn the mind towards, be attentive to” but it also means to “bring a ship toward land or to put in” (4). Do you see what the author of Hebrews is doing here? It’s a beautiful dual use of a word!
I Peter 1:13 (NIV) tells us, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” The NASB says it this way, “Prepare your minds for action”. There is nothing passive in this, it is active, intentional, and forward looking. If you’re alert, fully sober and preparing for action, you won’t fall victim to drift.
Fix our thoughts on Jesus. (Hebrews 3:1) The word “fix” is katanoeo in Greek and it means to perceive, understand and consider attentively (5). It’s an active verb.
Hold onto our courage and the faith we profess. (Hebrews 3:6, 4:14) Hold on, or “katecho” in Greek means to detain, hold back, retain to keep from going away” (6) Again, it’s an active verb.
Do not harden your hearts. (Hebrews 3:8; 3:15; 4:7)
Don’t have an unbelieving heart that turns away from the Lord (Hebrews 3:12)
Encourage one another so that no one is hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13)
Hold firmly to the end with the confidence we had at first (Hebrews 3:14)
Don’t follow the example of disobedience and fall (Hebrews 4:11)
Take hold of the hope offered, this hope is an anchor (Hebrews 6:18-19)
Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. (Hebrews 10:23)
Drifting away is a real danger for all believers and it’s rarely drastic. No, it happens subtly. It often doesn’t garner attention until one day we might recognize that our loved one has drifted from their faith and they’re further away than we thought. Let’s pray over our sons and daughters that they would not be passive in their faith but always actively pursuing Jesus, aware of the dangers and the things that would pull them away. As parents, we can’t let our guard down just because everything “seems good” and they’re walking with Jesus. Praise God if things are good and their faith is strong! But it’s only good, until it’s not. And that can happen any time, friends. Our sons and daughters are a target of the enemy. Let’s pray for protection over their faith and their walk with Jesus. No drifting.
“Almighty Father, I pray for (name) today. Protect them from drifting away from You and from their faith. Lord, please help them to pay the most careful attention to Your Word and to fix their eyes and thoughts on Jesus. They are surrounded by those who do not believe and by temptations and influences that would pull them away from You. The enemy would love nothing more than to see them become indifferent and to be passive toward their faith. Help (name) to be alert. Give (name) strength to hold on to the hope that they profess. Protect (name) from an unbelieving and/or hardened heart. Keep them tender towards You, growing and deepening their faith as they read and study Your word, pray, and fellowship with other believers. Keep them in fellowship, Lord, that’s such an easy drift to fall into- pulling away from church and from the commitment to worship corporately. They need encouragement from other believers, so I pray that You would surround them with others who love and serve You. Lord, bring strong believers into (name)’s life, even today, who would challenge and encourage them. Pursue (name) and don’t allow them to drift. Remind (name) of the hope they have in Jesus- this hope is an anchor. Keep them from cutting the ties that bind them to You- strengthen those ties and help (name) to hold unswervingly. Lord, you are mighty to save. I pray that You would protect your child today, keep them from disobedience and from indifference. Fan the flame of faith and lead them in righteousness for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
G3844 - para - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3844/kjv/tr/0-1/
G4482 - rheō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4482/kjv/tr/0-1/
G3901 - pararreō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3901/kjv/tr/0-1/
G4337 - prosechō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4337/kjv/tr/0-1/
G2657 - katanoeō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2657/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G2722 - katechō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2722/niv/mgnt/0-1/
How Can A Young Man Keep His Way Pure?
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9
Remember when our kids would build a fort out of pillows and cushions? They would surround themselves with them to protect themselves from any ‘enemy’ whether it be a sibling or pet who was the perceived ‘intruder’. It was creative and fun. But there is a great spiritual significance to that fort building.
Psalm 119:9 says “How can a young man keep his way pure? By living (or keeping) according to Your word.”
The word “pure” is the Hebrew word “zaka” which means translucent or morally innocent (1). Oh how we pray that for our sons and daughters! But in this world, corruption is easily attained, even if it’s not pursued. So how can they guard against it? And how can we pray?
We pray that they are living according to God's word. That word “living” is the word “samar” in Hebrew. Samar means to hedge about as with thorns, the guard, attend to, be circumspect and keep watch.
In Medieval times, the castle was always built with a keep- that portion of the castle that was the strongest and safest place. It was a fortified town and a place of refuge. Psalm 61:3 says, “For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”
Our sons and daughters will only keep their way pure, not just by going about their day with God in mind, but by surrounding themselves with His word, being circumspect- looking all around them and guarding against attack by the enemy.
Just knowing God’s word isn’t enough. Being familiar with it won’t provide the protection and defense we need. No, we need to surround ourselves so that we do not fall into sin.
Today, let’s pray that they revert back to their childhood days of building a wall of protection against the enemy, not with cushions and pillows, but with the mighty Word of God.
“Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.” Ps 119:165
“Heavenly Father, You are the Mighty Protector and the Great Defender. I pray that You would surround (name) today with a hedge of spiritual protection against the Enemy. Lord, let (name) be ever-mindful of You and Your Word. May it not just be something that is ‘familiar’ to them, but let Your word be light and life to them. May they look to You for their guidance and protection. May their first thought in the morning be You and their last in the evening as well. Lord, help (name) to keep their way pure- not hiding sin but translucent, allowing Your light to shine through them. Help them to be morally pure, not following after deception or evil but wholeheartedly following after You. Be their Keeper, Lord and may their life be full of peace because they love You completely. “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25, KJV)
Pray without ceasing, friends.
1. H2135 - zāḵâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2135/niv/wlc/0-1//
2. H8104 - šāmar - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8104/niv/wlc/0-1/
The Battle of the Mind- Loving God with All of It
Matthew 22:37 “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”
Loving God with all our mind seems like a ‘no-brainer’, right? We know we should do that. We talk about it. We encourage others to do it. It’s likely we taught our sons and daughters this very scripture. But when it comes down to it, how do we really do that… and are we intentional about it? Do we really understand what it means to love God with all our mind?
The word ‘mind’ in Matthew 22:37 is the Greek word, dianoia. It means “deep thought, the ability of the mind or its disposition, by implication, its exercise: imagination, mind, understanding.” (1) That encompasses quite a bit, doesn’t it? If our thoughts are captive on God (2 Corinthians 10:5), we are spiritually setting our minds on things above (Colossians 3) and protecting ourselves from spiritual attack and oppression. We are intentionally exercising our minds in ways that will spiritually strengthen and protect us.
But there’s more. Let’s break the word “dianoia” down a bit more. It’s important to dig in so we really understand. The prefix of the word dianoia is ‘dia’, which means “through, over, across, the channel of an action”(2). The second part of dianoia is the Greek word “nous” which means, “mind or understanding” (3) and comes from the root word “ginosko” meaning to “allow, be aware of, feel, have knowledge, perceive, be resolved, be sure, understand.” (4)
Think about it. The Greek word for mind is vastly more detailed than what we might recognize by only reading the English. Dianoia involves the channel or direction of one's thoughts, the depth of their understanding and what one chooses to allow to be present and active in their mind; what they are pondering and meditating on. It’s the direction, the action and the permission of our thought life.
Dianoia isn’t a word we use on the daily. It’s likely we may be more familiar with the word ‘paranoia’. The prefix of the word, “para” means “beside, next to, near, against or contrary to”(5). When we focus on what is near or around us (para), it can stir fear. If we allow what is contrary to God to consume our thoughts, we are dwelling on things that do not support Godly thinking. What we choose to marinate in begins to saturate us. It colors our thinking. It flavors our choices. It overtakes us so that we think of Godly things less and less and we become more and more filled with the world around us. We need the ‘dia’ not the ‘para’.
The little things matter, friends. What we choose to watch and listen to. What we read and discuss. Who we fellowship with and how and where all impact our thinking. And our thinking impacts everything. Are we taking intentional time to think on God’s word and meditate on His precepts? Are we marinating in the honey of the Word or the acid of the world? We need to pray for our sons and daughters and, really, for all believers that as this world grows darker, we strive intentionally to love God with all our mind.
Are we marinating in the honey of the Word or the acid of the world?
“Love the Lord your God with all your mind.” It’s a straightforward command that we need to embrace with all that we are. We need to be intentional. God will not falter or cool in His love for us, be we can certainly grow cold in our love for Him.
“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,” Matthew 24:12
Today, let’s pray for our sons and daughters, for our friends and loved ones, that they would understand and pursue loving God with all their mind. Pray for purity in thought. Pray that they would choose ‘dia’ over ‘para’. If we look around, we’ll be overcome by the darkness and decay of the world, but if we choose to look toward God, we’ll be blessed and protected. We’ll know hope- elpis - the eager expectation of good and the confident joyful expectation of eternal salvation (6).
“Father, you call us to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5). You know that Satan attacks our minds and it is there that the spiritual battle and downfall begin. Lord, help (name) to love You with all of their mind. Don’t allow them to give away little corners and pieces of their mind. Protect them from ‘marinating’ in ideas and activities that would have them dwell on ungodly things. Lord, let the helmet of salvation protect their mind from any attacks because we know 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 (Ephesians 6:12). Help (name) to set their mind on things above (dia), not on earthly things (para) and strengthen them to walk faithfully with You. Lord, time is short. Our world is dark. Satan will do anything he can to destroy believers and keep unbelievers from turning to Jesus. I pray Your mighty protection over each of my family and friends and over Your Church today and in the days to come. Lord, work mightily and may all the glory be Yours now and forever, in Jesus’ name, amen.”
G1271 - dianoia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1271/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1223 - dia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1223/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1223 - dia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1223/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1097 - ginōskō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1097/niv/mgnt/0-1/
Para-word meaning. Wiktionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/para-#:~:text=From%20Ancient%20Greek%20%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%AC%20(par%C3%A1,against%2C%20contrary%20to%E2%80%9D).
G1680 - elpis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1680/niv/mgnt/0-1/
Pray without ceasing.
*Join the PAC Prayer will be taking a short break for the month of March. See you in April! Until then, pray faithfully. Pray often. Pray without ceasing.
Like a Thief in the Night
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman and they will not escape. But you brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”
We spend much time praying over our sons and daughters that they would have a heart for Jesus, an understanding of Scripture and would pursue holy living. But how often do we stop and pray that they would have an eye on the future? Sometimes it seems so far off that, although we know Jesus’ return could happen at any moment, we too easily find ourselves lulled into a mindset of ‘someday’ vs. ‘imminent’, “even today”. It should change how we live. It should determine our focus. It is the important thing by which we should prioritize our days, our choices, our lives. Yet, too often, it’s buried in the back of our minds as something that ‘might’ happen in our lifetime, but is probably unlikely because look how much time has gone by already? It’s been two thousand years. As days go on the imminence seems to lose its urgency, and isn’t that what Satan hopes will happen in the believer’s heart and mind? The Lord tells us we need to be aware and watching.
Look at current events- what do you see? Are things becoming more peaceful? Is crime becoming less prevalent? Are people caring for one another in ways that bring harmony and show kindness? Oh, governments and leaders will proclaim peace and tell us alliances are certain to assure us of the same, but Scripture tells us that’s the deception of the enemy. Satan is the Prince of the power of the air. This is his domain. He breeds chaos and pain. Matthew 24:7 says, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” Watch what is happening and don’t be unaware.
Sin is rampant, this world is in deep decay and Jesus is the only remedy that will change anything. Yet, scripture tells us at some point, He will return and catch up those who confess His name and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord. We call it the rapture. Some will say, “well, that word isn’t even in scripture!”. Hmmm. No, the English word is not in scripture. But the Bible wasn’t written in English. If you dig a little deeper you’ll see something very interesting in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” Those words ‘caught up’ is the word ‘harpazo’ which means “to seize, catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).” (1) It comes from the word ‘haireo’ which means “to take for oneself, i.e. to prefer, choose.” (2)
This ‘catching up’ of believers won’t come with a warning or a ‘heads up!’. That’s already been given in Thessalonians. We are told to live ready. Much like a special forces military officer lives always ready to go at a moment’s notice. Their ‘go bag’ is packed and ready so that when they get the call, they’re on their way immediately. When we get the call from Jesus, we’ll be out- in a moment, caught up and pulled out. It will be that quick. It will be unexpected. People will be caught unaware.
Matthew 24:36-44 says, ““But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark; and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
Jesus is coming back. Are we keeping watch? Do we teach and encourage our sons and daughters to be alert and aware? We need to pray that our sons and daughters live in the light of Jesus return, always watching, always ready, because this world is not where we are meant to be. This is not our home, so we shouldn’t get too comfortable. Pray that our sons and daughters would have a burden to share the hope that they have in Christ with those who are spiritually dying. Pray that they are excited to see His return because that will be the moment their faith becomes sight! Can you imagine? What an amazing, breath-taking moment that will be! Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!
“Heavenly Father, You assure us that Jesus will return for us. You also remind us in Your Word that the day and the hour is unknown to all but You. It could happen at any moment. But I fear we lose our focus too easily and we become comfortable here. So many years believers have been waiting, and we may wait even more. But that waiting is Your kindness toward those who have yet to believe (2 Peter 3:9). I pray that You would give us a fresh excitement and anticipation for Jesus’ return. Help us always to be watching with hope, waiting while being busy for Your kingdom, eager to see Jesus but burdened for those who don’t yet know Him. Lord, I pray for (name) today. Don’t let them live unaware. Remind them of the promises in Scripture that tell us this is not our home. Stir them to action and cause them to think about what they choose to say and do- would it please Jesus if He returned to find them doing it? Lord, affirm to us, even today, that You are working and that Jesus return is near. Don’t let us grow dull. Don’t allow us to become desensitized to the urgency. Lord, we long for that moment when our faith will become sight- I pray that (name) would long for that too! Lord Jesus, come quickly!”
Pray without ceasing.
Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior or are you unsure of what you believe? Do you know where you will spend eternity or are you just hoping for the best?
If you have questions or would like to know more, please reach out! I would be happy to share the hope you can find in Jesus and point you to what He says in Scripture that gives confidence in His plan for our lives.
G726 - harpazō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g726/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G138 - haireō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g138/niv/mgnt/0-1/
How Do You Measure the Love of God?
“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all of the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19
Remember when our kids were little and we’d tuck them into bed at night? The routine usually included a story and maybe a song, and prayers. Then, before we left them to fall asleep, we’d tuck them in and give them a good night kiss and remind them of how much we love them. Little sayings like “I love you to the moon and back!” or “I love you to the end of counting” would be the affirmations we would give. As our children grew, they would add their own affirmations back again. We just wanted them to know how much we loved them…and still do. What a sweet time of encouraging the hearts of our little ones.! It set the foundation for our relationship with them and gave them a small glimpse of how our Heavenly Father loves us.
When God tells us He loves us, He gives us affirmations, too. But in our limited human capacity, it can be hard to grasp and understand, mostly because we base our understanding of love on our own experience and the love we’ve received ourselves. So, our concept of love can be skewed, limited, and broken. God knew we would struggle with this, so He provided some strong word pictures to help our limited minds understand His limitless love.
First, God’s love flows from His glorious riches. His treasury of love is abundant- there is enough for every person from the dawn of time through eternity. That’s a lot of love!! It won’t ever run out- it’s abundant and free-flowing from the Father.
Next, to understand and fully enjoy the love of God, we have to be in a relationship with Him. God loves everyone, it’s true. But not everyone loves God. Unless you have a relationship with Him, you cannot begin to grasp the magnitude of His love for us and what it accomplishes on our behalf. When we enter into a relationship with God, we gain a foundation on which God builds us up in Him. We are ‘rooted’ and ‘established’. We become fixed, firm and founded in God. We have a ‘place’ and a ‘purpose’ and God’s love dwells in us.
Romans 5:5 “…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
But here’s the best part…the dimensions of God’s love. When we try to figure out if something will fit into a space, we ask for the dimensions. How wide? How high? How deep? When we understand the dimensions of the item, we can gain an understanding of the ‘fit’. Friends, God’s love exceeds every dimension!! We can’t make it fit, we can’t limit it, yet it can fill us, follow us and consume us all the days of our earthly lives and follow us into eternity. The Psalmist tried to put it into words we can understand:
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. … But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children–with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.” Psalm 103:11-12, 17-18
“As high as the heavens are above the earth” Have you ever seen pictures of the expanses of space? Telescopes give us a glimpse of the vastness of the heavens…they go on and on… and galaxies beyond our own are so expansive, we just cannot comprehend how far they stretch. And the love of God stretches even farther.
“As far as the east is from the west” East and west will never meet- they expand away from one another. These cardinal directions will never meet, but will continually stretch endlessly. It’s another mind-blowing example of God’s love and His abundant forgiveness of our sin.
“From everlasting to everlasting” Forever. Always. Without beginning or end. God’s love has no origin and no finality. It always was, is and will be. It is an attribute of His character and nature and cannot fail. Read that again, friends…. God’s love can and will never fail!
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;” Lamentations 3:22
”Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34
As we begin this new year, let’s pray that our sons and daughters spiritual eyes are opened to see the magnitude of God’s love around, in and through them. Pray that they have confidence in the perfect love of God and that they don’t judge His love based on the flawed human examples or their own less-than-perfect experiences. God’s love toward us doesn’t cool, it doesn’t grow weary, it doesn’t dry up. It is steadfast and enduring, plentiful and perfect.
We need this next generation to know, firmly and without question, that God’s love is sufficient and abundant and it is readily available to them, designed for them, and freely given. We need them to be compelled to share His love, with conviction, to others who need to know the Lord. Time is short. Jesus’ return is near. This world needs to know there is a God who loves them desperately and dearly and who gave His Son for them so they could live rooted firmly in the love of God. Let’s pray with and for one another today and for our sons and daughters.
Why not share with someone today how they can experience God’s love too!
Pray without ceasing!
Testing the Narrative
Philippians 1:20-21 “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
As we watch events unfold globally, it’s both interesting and disturbing to see how often one side will choose to spin information in an effort to deceive and gain sympathy from those who will listen and believe the lies. The deception is often an effort to undermine the ‘underdog’ - those who are weaker and whose cause is often in the right, those who are defending their country and people. But the aggressor creates a narrative about the conflict in an effort to gain (or keep) the upper hand, to sway or intimidate others into support….or silence. Despite the fact that pictures and first-hand accounts of the victims are clear evidence against them, the aggressor continues to spin the story. They go as far as to celebrate their criminal actions and unjust ‘victories’.
Unfortunately, there are always some who believe the lies. Those supporters are convinced their leader is right and justified. They choose to listen to the narrative and they don’t look with discretion and critical thinking at the bigger picture that gives evidence of unjustified aggression, intentional deception, and a warped agenda. For those who stand apart, it’s easier to see the deep deception, but for those who are entrenched and surrounded, it’s blurry and difficult to discern.
Friends, this could be describing current events…but it can also describe spiritual warfare. Isn’t it interesting that both have similar qualities? Could it be that what we’re seeing play out in the news has a deeper, more sinister source and agenda? It seems so.
We live in a time when prophecy is unfolding. Current events are beginning to mirror scripture. It’s thrilling and terrifying all at the same time. What is it that God calls us to do? What is our role? Friends, we need to take an eternal view. We need to see the scope and nature of what is happening and understand that God is weaving His story and we are a part of it all. He doesn’t call us to build a bunker, hoard food and prepare for nuclear Armageddon. We already know Who wins and we need to rest secure in that knowledge! We need to step up and put our fear aside. We need to look, with clear eyes, at what our role needs to be. God is calling us to be salt and light to a world in desperate need of a Savior. We have work to do! Too many believe the deceptive narrative of the enemy. Satan is deceiving image-bearers and drawing them toward eternal death. It’s his agenda and his goal and he’s busy about his business.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8
As parents, we see what is happening and it’s not difficult to begin to fear the possibilities. We want, more than anything, to protect our sons and daughters from harm. We want to see them prosper and grow. We want to ensure their safety. We don’t want to imagine the ‘what ifs’, but as we watch and see what’s happening, we tend to think that way. But that way of thinking can become our ‘undoing’. And our fear can potentially hold our sons and daughters back from leaning in to obey the Lord and His call for their life. We don’t want to be a barrier.
As we read through Scripture, we see that God often uses young people in mighty ways by placing them in hard situations. Think about Daniel- taken hostage, led to a foreign country, impressed into the King’s service, learning a new language, new customs and, yet, mightily used by God to impact not only the nation of Israel, but the Kingdom of Babylon too. Then, there are his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They refused to compromise; they refused to bow to an idol. They knew that obedience to God had eternal blessings versus giving way to the King for a temporary moment of safety. Friends, there are SO many examples: Joseph, David, Ruth, Jeremiah, the list goes on and on. And then, there’s Esther., about whom Mordecai said “For if you keep silent at this time, relief and deliverance will rise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Perhaps God is raising up our sons and daughters for such a time as this.
God may bring difficult times ahead. And He may call our sons and daughters to do hard things. Are we ready? Are we willing to stand for Truth? Are we willing to pray that our sons and daughters choose Jesus over a moment of safety? Can we authentically pray Philippians 1:20-21 for them?
“I eagerly expect and hope that (name) will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in (name)’s body, whether by life or by death. For to (name), to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
Philippians 1:20-21
That’s a difficult prayer, isn’t it? So, how do we do this. How can we wrap our parent-hearts around what may come and yet, pray with peace, ‘Thy will be done”?
First, we need to pray that our sons and daughters evade deception. This is a battle of the heart and mind, and victory is gained through having firm wisdom and knowledge of Jesus. They ARE fighting an enemy, every day. Do we pray as if they are?
“I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God.”
Ephesians 1:16-17
It’s important that we pray that our sons and daughters are alert to the nature of deception and how Satan works. Pray that they are not led astray, but stand firm in Jesus with an undistracted, undivided heart.
“But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.”
2 Corinthians 11:3-4
Next, we need to pray that our sons and daughters have keen discretion to identify false teaching, a false Spirit and a false Jesus. They’re out there friends, and they’re dangerous. They ‘sound good’. There is just enough truth to woo the unsuspecting mind. There is a smattering of ‘love’ to soothe the hurting heart. There is false hope that is dished out in plentiful portions, until the deception takes hold and the enemy rejoices. It’s dangerous and we’re not immune. Our sons and daughters are prey for the enemy and they’re headed to the front lines.
“For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
Matthew 24:24
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2 Timothy 4:3-4
We need to ask the Lord to give our sons and daughters a strong grasp of Biblical knowledge and wisdom so they can test what they see and hear against the Truth of Scripture. Pray that they are always alert and on guard, ready to battle the enemy. Pray that they understand it’s not about ‘checking the boxes’ but living authentically. And friends, as parents we need to be intentional to live out that truth without compromise.
“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:1-4
Finally, we must pray that our sons and daughters are ‘sold out’ for Christ. Pray that they value their relationship with Him and the promise of eternity over comfort and pleasure in this temporary life. Yes, I know, we’re praying hard things. We don’t want to imagine where this might lead, yet scripture tells us we will face hard times.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33b
Are we expending our energy and targeting our focus and worry on the “what if” or are we fully investing our hope and trust in What IS - the Great I Am, the First and the Last, the Eternal One. Intentional, targeted Scriptural prayer is the key that we must grab onto and not let go.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:27
Will we choose to pursue peace in Christ or allow our earth-bound focus to stir turmoil in our hearts by putting too much focus on the events and direction of this world? Hard times may come. Our faith may be tested. We need to love the Lord more than life itself, because He is the Giver of Life.
So how do we shift our focus? We need to pray that God would help us to have a “Hannah Heart”, a willingness to allow our sons and daughters to serve the Lord, wherever He may lead them…and to trust that He will care and keep them and use them for His glory.
“I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.”
1 Samuel 1:27-28
It’s daunting to consider what may come. But we KNOW our God is sovereign and there is nothing that will happen that is out of His control. We need to trust Him. We can absolutely trust Him- He is Faithful and True.
Let’s pray with great commitment. And let’s not only pray over this in the coming week, but in the days, weeks and months ahead. God is working, but so is the enemy. We can’t grow complacent or comfortable. We, and our sons and daughters, must always test the narrative to determine whether it is of God or of the enemy. Pray without ceasing, friends.
“Father, you see the turmoil in our world…and in our hearts. What we see is distressing and sometimes it sinks so deeply into our hearts and minds that we’re distracted, disturbed and distressed. Our focus becomes our worry and fear and our efforts shift to ‘fixing’ and ‘protecting’. Help us to get our focus back onto You- to take every thought captive and bring it into obedience to Christ. Whether our sons and daughters are walking a hard path because of their profession, or because of their life choices, You are capable of defeating the enemy that threatens them physically and spiritually. Lord, You are mighty to save. Help me to rest in that. Help me to remember that He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Remind me that You will cover them with your feathers and under Your wings they will find refuge. You will be their shield of defense and their rampart of offense. Your power can protect them so much more than my worry. Lord, I pray that they would be fully committed to Jesus, serving Him faithfully without wavering. Help them to identify deception and not fall victim to false teaching and those who would lure them from You. Protect them Lord. Make them mighty followers of You. Use them for Your glory and help me to pray faithfully. Bind my heart to Yours, Lord, so that I trust without wavering. Please help each of us to love You, the Giver of Life, more than this temporary life. You are our King and Savior. Keep us faithful, Lord. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Are you questioning where you stand with God? Do you want peace and assurance that your eternity is secure? Do you want to know more about having a personal relationship with Jesus? Reach out! I would love to talk with you and share how to have hope in Jesus Christ!
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
Romans 10:9-11
Doubt, part 2. The Poison of Distrust and Ignorance
If you’ve come back for part 2 of the “Doubt Series”, thank you!! Here’s our chart again, for reference: (If you missed part 1, just look at last week’s post)
This week we’re going to tackle the next two words on our chart, distrust and ignorance. Both of those words have a negative connotation, and rightly so. Doubt grooms negative, questioning attitudes. We’re not talking about questions that arise from good discretion, we’re talking about questions that are born from the attacks of Satan due to a lack of scriptural knowledge and spiritual discretion.
We’ve all had times of questioning. Does it mean we’re not believers in Christ? Of course not. Mark 9 gives the account of the man who brought his demon-possessed son to Jesus for healing. He’d heard of Jesus’ miracles. He listened to His teaching and he knew that if anyone could help his son, it was Jesus. He believed. Then the man approached Jesus and said,
“But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “‘If you can’?” said Jesus. “Everything is possible for one who believes.” “Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!””
This man believed, yet he knew his faith was nowhere near what it could and should be. He was humbled and awestruck all at the same time. Friends, that’s us sometimes. We KNOW the Lord can…. Yet we wonder if He will and when. We waver, but we don’t lose our faith. That’s a different kind of doubt than what we’re addressing today.
Doubt stirs a lot of different responses. Distrust is one of them and is a strong emotion often motivated by negative, hurtful experiences or outright betrayal from others, whether in the church or outside. These negative experiences can cause a distrust of all people, and a tendency to hold others at arm's length. Much like a child bitten by a dog who then views all dogs as suspect. To those who have been hurt or betrayed, relationships can be unsafe. Their distrust is a protective measure they put in place to ensure they won’t fall victim once again.
So when we approach others who have been hurt and explain the freedom and salvation found in a relationship with Christ, we should try to understand why there may be distrust. The thing is, people and institutions are a poor representation of God. Yes, we’re His image-bearers, but we are flawed and human. We’re sinful. And sometimes we just do a bad job of representing Him well.
But God is faithful. He’s perfect! He’ll never disappoint or deceive. God assures us that we CAN trust Him! Psalm 9:10 “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” We can encourage others that they, too, can have confidence in God. He won’t betray. He won’t abandon. His love won’t grow cold.
Oh what peace comes when we rest in Him! And we CAN rest!! We don’t have to be on our guard with God. He is our Protector and our Shelter and Strength. He is patient with us to help us overcome our distrust. We need to not look to others or to a ‘church’ or denomination. (yes, those relationships are needed and healthy for spiritual growth…but our salvation comes from God alone.) We need to train our eyes and heart to look to the Lord. Psalm 105:4 “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.”
Psalm 62 is such an encouragement for those who struggle with distrust.
Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God[c];
He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done.”
The next aspect of doubt is Ignorance-a lack of knowledge. Sometimes people realize their lack and seek to remedy that with pursuing knowledge. While others seem to glory in the fact that they don’t know…and they don’t care. Perhaps pride dictates and they argue, insisting they are right. That’s the behavior of someone who lacks a teachable spirit. Proverbs 1:7 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Ignorance isn’t bliss. It’s a dangerous riptide that will pull the unassuming ‘floater’ into a tide of dangerous beliefs. And far too often we try and argue with the ignorant one to change their mind and show them the error of their ways, only to realize they’re stubborn and we’re exasperated. Prayer changes things. It really does. We need to pray that the one who struggles with ignorance begins to crave knowledge. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” The Lord offers hope and help for those who lack wisdom and understanding! He’s at the ready to combat the doubt! James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
Today, let’s pray on several fronts
That our sons and daughters would be protected from negative experiences or betrayal that would impact their confidence in God, in Scripture and in fellowship with believers.
That our sons and daughters would pursue Biblical knowledge. Pray that they would have a hunger and thirst for righteousness and they would enjoy spending time reading and studying God’s word. Pray that pride and ignorance would not be the dynamic duo that derails their faith.
“Father, You have the power and authority to orchestrate experiences and relationships. I pray that You would put a hedge of protection around (name) today to keep them from anything that might cause them to question their faith or doubt Your goodness. Lord, I pray that they would put their hope in You, not in a person or institution. Human things will always disappoint, but You are the Great I Am, the Sovereign of the Universe, the Lord of all Creation, with You is unfailing love. I pray that (name) would lean into Your love today and be reassured that You are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I pray, too, that (name) would pursue Biblical knowledge without tiring. Give them a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Give them insight and discretion to spot ignorance and false teaching. Lord, guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus today. May (name) ask you for wisdom and knowledge and look to You for the answers to their questions and their problems. Lord, may the knowledge of Scripture hold a charm and value to them that nothing in this world would ever match. I pray for Your protection over them and Your provision for them today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.