Homebodies

“By faith Abel…by faith Enoch….by faith Noah… by faith Abraham….by faith Sarah….  All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11

When our kids were little, being in other places was fun and exciting.  Whether we were at the park or at a friend’s house, our announcement of “C’mon, it’s time to go home!” was likely met with protest and wails of “Nooooo!  Just a little bit longer!  I don’t want to go home yet!”  Home was just, home.  It wasn’t ‘special’.  The kids were having fun where they were and they weren’t ready to go home.

But have you noticed, the older one gets, the more they just like to be home?  It’s where they are most comfortable.  It’s where they belong.  They might not mind being out and about, but home is where they really long to be.  There's a comfort about being there with those whom they love and are connected to deeply.  Being out and away quickly loses its charm.  Home is where the heart longs to be.

There’s a spiritual element here.  As believers, we should feel the same about heaven and being with the Lord.  The older we get, the more we see that this world isn’t as exciting and satisfying as we once thought it to be.  We become weary of the shallowness and wary of the promise of wonderful things here that we know will not fulfill us.  What this world promises, it just cannot deliver.  The more we live here, the more we long to be in our real home with the Lord. We know we’re strangers and aliens here and we want to go and be where we belong. We want to be with the Lord.

“My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:2-3 

Here’s another perspective; if we’re getting ready to move, perhaps changing locations or building a new  house, our heart begins to shift from where we currently live to that new place.  We build up anticipation and longing because we know better things are coming.  We begin to imagine living in that new place and we look forward to that new home and the life that comes with it.  Our current location begins to fade in favor and appeal.  We just want to be home.  But home is becoming that other place where we don’t yet live.

Our sons and daughters often struggle with grasping a longing to be with Christ.  Oh, they love Him, but they’re still enamored with this world and all it appears to hold for them.  They haven’t yet ‘tasted’ the spiritual promise that assures them that life in Christ’s presence is far better than anything they’ll experience in this world.  They’re still protesting, “Not yet!  I’m not ready!”

Oh that they would shift their heart and mind to realize that this is not where they belong.  This life, this world, is a shadow.  It’s a poor representation of all that they are meant to enjoy in the presence of Christ.

The Apostle Peter understood well what our situation was as believers when he addressed the believers in 1 Peter 1:1-2. 

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles (or strangers) scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood:  Grace and peace be yours in abundance.”

Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters begin to recognize that, as believers, they are exiles. They are not meant for this world.  They are strangers and aliens and should always sense that this is not where they belong-their true citizenship lies elsewhere.  Let’s pray they have a longing for the home God is preparing for them and they are excited for the coming ‘move’.  Jesus WILL return to gather His bride, the church.  We don’t want to be looking behind us like Lot’s wife, longing for the corrupt place we’re leaving behind, but we want to be looking with anticipation to what lies ahead.  We know that the home Jesus is preparing is far better than anything here.

1 Corinthians 5:1-2 “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling,”

“Oh Father, we know that You intend to bring us to live with You.  Your promise is evident throughout Your Word that this is not our home, but better things await.  I pray that (name) would begin to anticipate that new home, the blessing of standing in Your Presence and enjoying life as you intended.  Lord, help them not to be charmed by this world, but to have clear spiritual vision that assures them better things are to come.  I pray that their prayer wouldn’t be “Not yet, Lord!” but instead would be “Come quickly, Lord Jesus!” “

“Help me to encourage them by setting an example of hope, anticipation and joy at the thought of my heavenly home.  Help me to point them to Scripture that shows us the joy and belonging that await us. Help me to long to be in Your Presence.  But until that day, keep both (name) and I diligent and steady in doing the work You have for us here. Help us to finish well.  Lord, open (name)’s eyes to see the deception that Satan weaves to lure us into complacency and into love for this world.  It’s not what You desire for us and it’s a cheap imitation- a counterfeit that will never deliver the joy, fulfillment and belonging that You give us in Your Presence.  Lord, work in our hearts and minds today.  And come quickly, Lord Jesus.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

When We’re Waiting for an Answer

Think about this.  Each night we go to sleep and we give little thought to whether the next day will arrive.  We just know that it will. 

But tomorrow has never existed before.  How can we be so sure it will come?  In spite of that question, we don’t worry about whether it will be there when we wake up.  We just know that it will.  We don’t lie awake wondering what we’ll do if the day doesn’t dawn.  We don’t make alternative plans in the event that there is a sudden change or an unexpected twist.

God always brings the new day.  It’s always on time.  It’s a new creation and a thing of beauty.  The birds awaken and begin to sing.  The sky melds from its dense blue-black to begin showing hints of pinks and purples, oranges and yellows  The sun peeks over the horizon and then everything is seen in the light of the new day. 

Psalm 65:8 The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders; where morning dawns, where evening fades, you call forth songs of joy.

Yet, we often don’t even think about it, do we?  We wake up just expecting the day and we get ready and go about our business. 

What if?…..What if we approached our deepest prayers in this way?  What if we brought them before God, laid them at His feet and then rested, knowing and expecting that He will answer right on time and in the perfect way?

Psalm 143:8  Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

God is continually creating right before our eyes, and some of it has become so mundane to us that we miss it.  We miss the extravagance of His blessing and the beauty of His creativity.  Could it be that we miss His provision and His response to our prayers as well because we’re looking for other things? 

Do we spend the night wrestling and worrying rather than resting in His faithfulness to always provide just what we need at the right time?

And we worry.  We are consumed by our concerns.  Yet the Lord of all creation is the Lord of our heart and He knows our burdens.  He already has answers and He knows the perfect time and way in which He will deliver them.  All we need to do is trust Him.  And wait. We can rest secure knowing the God of creation knows our needs and He is the only one capable to meet them perfectly and the timing is HIs too. He’s never late. And His answers are never incomplete or lacking.

Psalm 5:3 In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.

Psalm 88:13 But I cry to you for help, LORD; in the morning my prayer comes before you.

It’s the waiting that we struggle with, isn’t it?  Yet, when we go to sleep at night, we know the morning will come.  We just have to wait the appropriate amount of time and then it will dawn.

Our hearts are often heavy for our sons and daughters, aren’t they? Whether it be the choices they’re making or the struggles they're facing, we wrestle in prayer on their behalf, pleading with the Lord for answers and deliverance.   We love them so much, it consumes us.  We hurt for them and we want to see things made better, made new. What if we allowed our prayer life- our conversations with God- to transform us, too?

Psalm 92:1-2 It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,

Did you read that?  Read it again!  “Proclaiming your love in the morning and your faithfulness at night,” 

What if we approached prayer and expectation just that way.  When we wake up, we remind ourselves of His love- He delivered the new day and He longs to give us good gifts.  And then, at night, we take time to remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness- we can lie down and sleep because we know He will bring the new day- He always does.  

If God can create and deliver a whole new day, every day without fail, giving us a day that never existed before, that we are powerless to control its arrival and departure, and then He guides us through it, He can surely answer our biggest prayers and carry our heaviest burdens, can’t He?

In ancient Israel, watchmen would stand on the walls of Jerusalem and would keep watch for enemies in order to call out and put the city on alert for attack.  The city could sleep in peace because the watchmen did their work.  Likewise, the watchmen would call out when morning dawned, waking everyone to the new day.  In the dark of the pre-dawn hours, people might stir and become restless, wondering how soon it would be until they would hear the call, and then it would come!  They waited, not wondering ‘if’, but ‘when’.  They were confident in the answer.

Psalm 130:6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning.

We may have the most heartbreaking situation, the most dire need, but Friends, God sees it and He’s not indifferent to it.  He’s creating the perfect response that fits His plan and will bring Him glory.  And isn’t that the point?  He will reveal it at the perfect time and in a way that sets our heart at rest.

Let’s be waiting in faith.  Watching with trust.  Let’s be confident that just as God brings the new day without fail, He will answer us and our deepest prayers in the same, faithful-God way.  

Psalm 90:14 Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.

Write out a prayer today that not only details your heart’s burdens, but affirms the goodness, faithfulness and perfect deliverance of God.  As Psalm 92:1-2 tells us, let’s proclaim God’s love in the morning. Then, when you go to sleep tonight, proclaim His faithfulness; remind yourself of Who He is.

Finally, pray Psalm 5:3 and wait in expectation.  The Lord is working.  We don’t see the dawn in the darkest hour of the night, but we know it’s coming because God is faithful.  Cling to His faithfulness and proclaim His love.  Don’t give in to the enemy who wants us to fear the darkness will endure forever.

Pray without ceasing, friends.  And then pray more.

Last Words

So many good books and movies are tied to the last words of a character.  Perhaps the words set the stage for the unfolding story or maybe they wrap up the entire plot and provide a moving and meaningful end.  Either way, last words seem to have the ability to elevate a situation or story and deepen its impact.

In Genesis 22, God asked Abraham to offer a sacrifice to show his love and obedience to his Lord.  But it wasn’t ‘just’ a sacrifice, it was the thing dearest to Abraham’s heart. The sacrifice God requested from Abraham was his son, Isaac. The son of the Promise.

Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!”

“Here I am,” he replied.

Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Gen. 22:1-2)

Abraham didn’t question God, he obeyed. But I’m sure with every step toward that mountain, questions flew through his mind and his heart grew heavy in anticipation. As Abraham and Isaac, his only son, climbed Mt. Moriah, Isaac broke the silence and asked his father a question.

“Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

“The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?” (Gen. 22:7) 

At that moment, Abraham had to be aware that the words he spoke to his son might be the last words Isaac would hear from his father.  That’s a sobering moment if ever there was one, isn’t it?   

What if we were in his shoes, what would we say?  If we had one final opportunity to build into our sons and daughters, would we embrace the moment with the clarity of eternity?  Would we take that one final moment to point them to Christ?

Abraham’s response reflected the trust of one who was a friend of God, with the faith of one who believed in the sovereign provision of God,  knowing God could do the impossible and bring the dead to life.  

“Abraham answered, “God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son.” And the two of them went on together.” (Gen. 22":8)

Abraham took the opportunity to point Isaac to the Lord.  Of all the things he could have said, he used that moment to speak life, hope and spiritual confidence into Isaac and to affirm the goodness, the Sovereignty and the perfect provision of God. Isaac was the child of promise, the one God would use to multiply Abraham’s descendants like the stars of the heavens and the sand of the sea. Abraham didn’t know how God would redeem this sacrifice, he just knew that He would. He knew God did not go back on His promises. Abraham spoke into Isaac with strong faith and a confidence in God, his Lord and his Friend.

When we have opportunity to speak into our sons and daughters, let’s not wait for that golden ‘last words’ moment to speak those things of eternal value.  Ponder, what is it we want them to know about Jesus?  What do they need to hold in their hearts and minds?  What will assure them of the hope that anchors the soul and the promise of eternity with Christ? We must have the conviction to speak words into our sons and daughters that affirm the  importance of:

• Knowing God personally 

• Trusting God completely

• Following God unwaveringly 

• Waiting on God expectantly

• Serving Jesus joyfully

• Submitting to the Lord obediently.

1 Peter 1 is a treasure trove of truths for the Christian life and the passage touches on each of these actions.  How can we speak into our kids? We need to read it, pray through it and then pray each word over our sons and daughters.  Even more effective is taking the step to commit it to memory and live by it so that our words and actions continually point our sons and daughters to Jesus and how He calls them to live.  

1 Peter 1:1-25

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To God’s elect, exiles scattered throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance.

Father, God, I pray that (name) would be your chosen and elect, called to salvation in Jesus, set apart for His work and for the inheritance You set in place for them. I ask that in Your foreknowledge, (name) would be chosen as one of Your own, a Christ-follower, sanctified by the work of the Holy Spirit and called to be obedient to Jesus, sprinkled by His blood and blessed abundantly with Your grace and peace.

3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

I pray, Lord, that (name) would know You as God and Father. I pray that they would comprehend Your great mercy and clearly see how it is always enough to cover their sin and restore them to a right relationship with You. I pray that (name) would experience a living hope in Christ. One that would grow an eager expectation for the inheritance You’ve prepared for them, the eternal home that far outshines any blessing or beauty they might experience on this earth. I pray that You would shield (name) by Your power so that they would stand before You, worthy and righteous through Jesus Christ. I pray that (name)’s faith would be authentic, resilient and would withstand anything the enemy might throw at them. May (name)’s life and faith bring glory and honor to You. Strengthen them Lord, so that although they have not seen you, they continue to believe and follow after You and know the joy that You give to those who believe.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. 13 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. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

Father, I pray that (name) would set their hope on the grace that You promised to bring when Jesus is revealed. Do not let them defer to any lesser god offering false hope and counterfeit rewards. I pray that their obedience to You would be unwavering. Continue to increase their knowledge of the Word, their wisdom in spiritual things and their commitment to Jesus, no matter what.

17 Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 18 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 20 He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. 21 Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

22 Now that you have purified yourselves by obeying the truth so that you have sincere love for each other, love one another deeply, from the heart.  23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. 24 For, “All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall, 25  but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word that was preached to you.”

Lord, help them to obey You.

Soften their hearts to love others.

Strengthen their commitment to live in holiness

Sharpen their vision to see the promise of eternity

Deepen their resolve to follow Christ without compromise

In Jesus’ name, amen.

May we speak life-giving, soul-affirming words that will point our sons and daughters to the cross, to Jesus as their Lord and Savior, to the value of eternity in the Presence of Yahweh, the Great I Am.  Speak words of life.  Speak words that will always be remembered and valued.  May the words our sons and daughters recall from us, be the words that continually point them to Jesus.

Pray without ceasing.

Hosanna! Lord, save us!

“Hosanna!”  It is the cry of Palm Sunday and the Triumphal Entry.

“Hosanna!” It’s an expression we likely associate with celebration and recognition of Jesus as King. 

“Hosanna!” We often see it as an exclamation of joy!  But there is a desperation and lostness associated with the plea.  The exclamation, “Hosanna!” comes from two Hebrew words “yasa” meaning to deliver or make wide and spacious (1) and the word “na” which means “I pray, now”. (2) So, Hosanna is actually a prayer that means, “Save, I pray!” or “Lord, save us!” .(3)

The people of Jerusalem cried out to Jesus to be their King and Savior, but not in a spiritual way, they were crying out for political salvation from Rome.  Jesus wept because in their desperation, crying out for salvation, the people still did not see Who Jesus was or what He came to do.  They missed the Son of God. They were as lost and desperate as ever.

As parents, we too understand crying out in desperation.  The desperation of a parent praying for their child is unmatched.  We know what it is to cry out when we are so burdened and in distress over where our sons and daughters are headed, what they are choosing to do and who they choose to follow.  We desperately want them to turn to the Lord, recognize Him as God and Savior, but we have no power to change their heart and capture their mind. 

Yet, God the Father knows that desperation- He gave His son to save a world that didn’t recognize Him and, instead, crucified Him.  He knows the deep loss of loving a Son so dearly, giving the most precious thing He had to give for the sake of others whom He loved, but were not choosing to love Him.  Sometimes the desperation we feel is accompanied by a son or daughter who, in their rebellion, choose to not love us or respect our wisdom or do what is right.  Hosanna!  Lord save us!

We may describe our situation with our son or daughter as being ‘in dire straights’.  But what does that mean? “To be in dire straits means to be in desperate trouble or impending danger. Dire means extremely serious. Straits are narrow passages of water which connect two larger bodies of water, navigating them may often become perilous. In the mid-sixteenth century, straits came to mean any difficult situation, one that carries a high degree of trouble.” (4)  God understands dire straights, and friends, sometimes God allows it. But God is so good to remind us that He sees.  He is ready to save.  

Isaiah 43:1-3a “But now, this is what the LORD says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;” 

God doesn’t tell us that He will keep us from the flood or fire- but He promises He will protect us through it.  The Creator has full control over all of Creation.  He builds our faith by walking with us through the dire straights and holding back the waters so that we’re not overcome.  We may walk those narrow passages/times in life where there is barely room to breathe, when we feel pressed on every side, but He is there.  Hosanna!  Lord save us!

Psalm 32:6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.

Today, we might find ourselves praying Psalm 119:43a  “Trouble and distress have come upon me,” lamenting to God our situation and how dire and desperate it seems.

The Hebrew word for trouble is “sar” which means “narrow, tight, afflicted, anguished, distressed. (5)  And that word ‘sar’ comes from the root word ‘sarar’ which means “to cramp, literally or figuratively,—adversary, (be in) afflict(-ion), beseige, bind (up), (be in, bring) distress, enemy, narrower, oppress, pangs, shut up, be in a strait (trouble), vex.” (6) Distress is the Hebrew word “masoq” and it means anguish, straightness, striaits, (dire straits). (7)  This word comes from the root ‘suq’ which means “to constrain, bring into straits, press upon.” (8)

God knows.  He understands.  He uses words in the original language that intricately describe how we might feel when pressed on every side and overwhelmed with situations out of our control. These words very clearly give us a picture of just how difficult and desperate the situations are that believers may encounter.  But, those situations are not beyond His control- for whatever reason He allows us to experience trouble and distress- anguish and dire straits.  But He doesn’t leave us there and He doesn’t abandon us.  Keep going!  Read further! Psalm 119:143 resolves and gives hope. It ends with “but Your commands give me delight.”  Take a breath.  There is delight to be enjoyed!  God sees and He rescues.  Trust Him.  Hosanna!  Lord save us!

Might we, today, cry out “Hosanna!”  “Lord save us!  Lord save my child!”?  

Step to the side of the pathway and watch your Savior.  Know His Presence.  Reach out for His hand and pray “Hosanna! Lord save us!”  Pour your heart out to your King and  your God for rescue and deliverance from whatever dire straight you find yourself or your son or daughter.   He sees and knows.  He hears you.  He will rejoice over you with singing and provide a way of escape.  Hosanna! Lord, save us!

Pray without ceasing.

1. H3467 - yāšaʿ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3467/niv/wlc/0-1/

2. H3467 - yāšaʿ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3467/niv/wlc/0-1/

3. G5614 - hōsanna - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5614/niv/mgnt/0-1/

4. https://grammarist.com/phrase/dire-straits/#:~:text=Dire%20means%20extremely%20serious.,a%20high%20degree%20of%20trouble

5. H6862 - ṣar - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h6862/niv/wlc/0-1/

6. H6887 - ṣārar - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h6887/niv/wlc/0-1/

7. H4689 - māṣôq - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h4689/niv/wlc/0-1/

8. H6693 - ṣûq - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (nkjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h6693/nkjv/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.”

1. G1271 - dianoia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1271/niv/mgnt/0-1/

2. G1223 - dia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1223/niv/mgnt/0-1/

3. G1223 - dia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1223/niv/mgnt/0-1/

4. G1097 - ginōskō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1097/niv/mgnt/0-1/

5. 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). 

6. 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.

The Value of Influence (or, why parenting is never really finished)

We would all probably agree that when we were young we didn’t have perspective.  The world was wide open in front of us and we had so much life to live!  There was so much we had yet to experience that we were not necessarily eager for Jesus’ coming.  Though we loved the Lord, we didn’t want to miss out.  We would say things like “I want to get married first.”  “I want to have children”  I want to… the list was endless.  There was much here that held our attention and charmed us.  We didn’t fully comprehend the amazing promise of the hope of heaven and, though we looked forward to it ‘someday’, it wasn’t something we thought we were ready for…just yet.

But as we get older, we begin to realize just how flawed this world is.  We see the brightness become tarnished.  Perhaps we experienced the loss of a loved one or a tragedy close to home and it begins to bring eternity into focus.  Our hearts begin to long for heaven because we know that’s where everything is made whole.  Our ever-increasing awareness of the brokenness here makes us long for the place and the Person who will bring healing and wholeness.  We grow to realize this temporary shadow of a world and of a life are not what we are made for and there is so much more.  We begin to await the promise with an eager expectation.

Our sons and daughters are reaching that age and stage when they are, perhaps, not as forward-looking as they should be… or, rather, upward looking.  They lack perspective because they lack years and experience.

Our task as parents is not to just ‘raise them right and hope for the best’.  We are not done parenting when our sons and daughters step out on their own.  Our parenting changes, yes, but it doesn’t stop.  We should be just as committed to impressing the Truth on them as we were when they were little, but our tactics need to be appropriate to the age and the now adult-to-adult relationship that our grown sons and daughters need and deserve.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:15-17

Titus 2 gives us a great explanation of what God tasks us with as we mature and become the ‘older men’ and ‘older women’. It explains the responsibility we have to build up the next generation of believers.  The chapter calls us to teach the younger men and women how to live godly lives- but to do that, we need to be always learning too!  There is so much at stake.  If we are Christ-followers, our lives should reflect that at every opportunity and it should not stop for our sons and daughters simply because they’ve created their own home and family.  Our influence as parents does not and should not stop.

Titus 2:1-3, 11-14

1 You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. 

2 Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.

3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good….

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. 

12 It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 

13 while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 

14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

So, what should this look like? First, everything we teach, what we say and do, must stem from and be connected to sound doctrine. And what is that?  It’s teaching that is without error.  That takes us right back to scripture.  We, as the older men and women, need to study, to learn, to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and give us discernment and discretion.  It is an intentional pursuit of God’s Truth. We cannot influence others rightly if we’re not pursuing righteousness ourselves.

We must also be cautious as we sit under the teaching of others.  It’s not about the position, status, and power of the individual who is teaching- if that’s becomes the method by which we evaluate truth, that can lead to error because we become enamored, following the person but neglecting to weigh and evaluate the accuracy of their teaching against the standard of Scripture.  When we make assumptions about accuracy because of someone’s popularity, reputation and/or position, we become foolish, not wise. It’s okay to question what you hear and compare it to what Scripture says. Paul praised the Bereans for doing just that! (Acts 17:11)

Following the pursuit of sound in doctrine (an ever-continuing process of learning), Paul calls us, as the older adults, to some very specific tasks and responsibilities.  Gentlemen, you are called to be temperate (sober), worthy of respect (have an honorable character), self-controlled and sound (uncorrupt and wholesome) in faith, love and endurance.  That’s a big task with qualities that do not come naturally.  They require maturity in faith and depth of knowledge of the Truth and an active, intentional pursuit of Christ and submission to the Holy Spirit. It requires honest introspection with the Word of God as your standard of comparison. It requires humility and authenticity.

Ladies, we also are called to some hefty challenges.  We are to be reverent (actions and words that reflect God) in the way we live (our behavior and attitudes), we are not to be a slanderer or a gossip (watch your tongue…and watch how you share ‘prayer requests’), we are not be enslaved to things that would control us (Paul mentions wine, but insert whatever it is that would command our life, our love and attention, our choices other than God…ie: an idol) and we are to teach what is good (or, be a teacher of goodness).

We are called to teach, but here’s the thing.  We can become really good at telling others how they should live.  But if we’re not first inspecting and correcting our own lives, how can we then have the credibility to teach others to do so?  If we’re not living it ourselves, our words lack integrity and any authority we might try to wield really has no power or influence.  We’re ‘full of air’ and our words lack substance. We need to go back to that first instruction- know sound doctrine.

None of this is generated or sustained by our own ability or godliness. It’s generated and sustained by God’s presence and power in our lives.

2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

HIS divine power.  Not our own.  We are set apart and called.  We are tasked with teaching those who are younger than we, whether they are our own sons and daughters or those related to us because of the family of God.

Let’s not lose focus, friends.  Let’s not neglect our calling.  Parenting doesn’t end because the kids grow up.  Parenting should not stop because they’ve ‘aged out’ of childhood into adulthood.  Parenting is taking every opportunity to share wisdom, to encourage and challenge, and to build up the faith of our sons and daughters, and those younger people God puts in our lives, in ways that are beneficial to them and to others.  It is embracing our role as the ‘older’ to teach, encourage and guide the ‘younger’ to walk faithfully with Christ.  Whether you have children or not, you are part of the family of God and there are those in the family who need the godly influence of an older, more seasoned believer. One who is still eager to learn more about God and increase their faith and their faithfulness until the day they stand before Him in glory. We need to live out the example until we become a part of that ‘cloud of witnesses’.

Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Today, let’s pray for one another that we would have a hunger and thirst for righteousness.  Pray that we would continue to learn sound doctrine so that we can teach and encourage correctly.  Pray that we would be fully dependent on the grace of God to empower and guide our learning, our words, our actions and our lives so that our testimony would impact and encourage those around us who are younger and who need godly examples that model how to wait well for the blessed hope.  

Titus 2: 11-13 “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,”

“Father, You have called us to be examples in how we live and influence others because, whether or not we intend to be, we are an influence.  Help us to recognize that our words and actions make an impact and  help us to speak and act wisely.  Help us, as parents, to find effective ways to continue impressing Your Truth on our sons and daughters, ways that respect their adulthood but that allow them to understand they still have much to learn.  Remind us that we are still learning, too.  And if we don’t think we are or should be, teach us Lord to look and listen for You and to understand that until we stand before You, there will always be much to learn.  Mold us into Titus 2 men and women who speak into the next generation with Godly wisdom and who act in ways that show others that Jesus lives in us.  Help us to wait for that blessed hope- Your glorious appearing and I pray that we would not be ashamed at Your coming, but would rejoice that our faith becomes sight!  Oh, Lord, move and work in this next generation.  Raise them up to be mighty men and women of faith who speak boldly for Jesus.  Give them a passion for You and compassion for those who don’t yet know You.  I pray these things in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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.

1. G726 - harpazō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g726/niv/mgnt/0-1/

2. G138 - haireō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g138/niv/mgnt/0-1/

Thanking God for the Family of Believers

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?"  1 Thessalonians 3:9

The word "thanks" in Greek is "eucharistia" which means more than just gratitude... it is speaking actively grateful language directed to God as an act of worship (1). That's a powerful thank you!

Our children bring us such joy, don’t they?  As we watch them grow and mature, we marvel at who they’re becoming and if they’ve committed their life to Jesus, we’re filled with joy that they know the Savior and are walking with Him.  And it’s pretty likely we thank God for that frequently. And if they have siblings, we remind them of what a blessing that is. Oh, they may not have shown love and gratitude for one another as kids, but as they grow and mature, we pray they begin to see the blessing of their brothers and sisters.

But when was the last time we genuinely thanked God for the family of believers and encouraged our sons and daughters to do the same? Are we intentionally mindful and grateful for our brothers and sisters in Christ, or are we just 'coexisting'?  Do we embrace the fellowship of other believers, or do we act as if we simply want to be an ‘only child’? 

Consider what a great blessing it is to have this eternal connection with others because of the blood of Jesus?!  We have others who know the joys and sorrows; who can encourage us because of the difficult things they've endured too.  As a spiritual family, we endure with hope, because we know this life, this world is not our reward, something so much better is promised!  But are we being intentional to encourage and remind our sons and daughters of these things?  We should.  We must. We will not always be with them, but the family of believers will surround them in ways we cannot. It’s important they not only recognize this, but that they have gratitude toward God for His wonderful provision. It’s true, families can be messy, but there is a bond that goes deep and cannot, should not be broken.   Gratitude to God should be ever-present and generously expressed. Eucharistia.

Take time today to intentionally and actively speak words of gratitude to God for His incredible blessing of the family of God.  Let your words be an act of worship.  If you're holding a grudge, confess it.  If someone's blessed you, acknowledge it.  And ask Him to show you how you can be a blessing and encouragement to others today.  

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.

You will notice we say "brother and sister" 'round here,
It's because we're a family and these are so near;
When one has a heartache, we all share the tears,
And rejoice in each victory in this family so dear.

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God.

From the door of an orphanage to the house of the King,
No longer an outcast, a new song I sing;
From rags unto riches, from the weak to the strong,
I'm not worthy to be here, but praise God I belong!

I'm so glad I'm a part of the Family of God,
I've been washed in the fountain, cleansed by His Blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,
For I'm part of the family,
The Family of God

Family of God- Bill and Gloria Gaither (2)

Then, let’s pray that our sons and daughters embrace a spirit of gratitude for their physical family, but even more importantly, for their spiritual family.  Pray that they have a strong desire to remain in fellowship with other believers and that they would become an encouragement to others in their faith and their walk with the Lord.  And if they’re not walking with the Lord, pray that the Holy Spirit would stir in them a longing for belonging, a craving for a place at God’s table and an insatiable need for fellowship and encouragement from believers.  Pray they would become a source of joy for other believers because of their commitment to the Lord.

Eucharistia. Pray without ceasing.

1. G2169 - eucharistia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2169/niv/mgnt/0-1/

2. The family of god - Bill Gaither. SongLyrics.com. (n.d.). Retrieved January 29, 2023, from https://www.songlyrics.com/bill-gaither/the-family-of-god-lyrics/

A Call to Parents: Encouraging Our Sons & Daughters

“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

We spend much time here at Join the PAC Prayer focusing on praying for our sons and daughters, but today we’re going to take a look at what God calls us to do as parents.  What are we called to do? How can we do it well?

Paul wrote to the Thessalonians to encourage them in their faith. Throughout the first and second chapters, Paul urged them to remain true and faithful.  He instructed them on how they should live and commended them for what they did well.  In chapter two, he explained his ministry motives along with those of Silas and Timothy and the nature of their instruction.   Then he gave the statement in verses 11-12 and it’s here we need to pause and take time to ponder because Paul explained three key actions that exemplify how a father (a parent) should deal with his children,   “For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” 

Let’s dig deep and get a better understanding of what God encourages us to do as parents.

Encouraging: Parakaleo

The first thing Paul mentioned is that he, Silas and Timothy were encouraging the believers.  The Greek word for encouraging is parakaleo.  It means to call near or call to one’s side; to exhort, console and comfort; to strengthen and instruct; it means to call in a loud voice; it’s not a silent, behind-the-scenes cheering on (1). 

There is more to encouraging our sons and daughters  than just saying “Good job! I knew you could do it!”  The word ‘parakaleo’ comes from two root words, ‘para’, meaning beside or near, having proximity to (2) and ‘kaleo’ which means to call by name (3).  So when we’re encouraging our sons and daughters, we need to call them near, call them by name, take time to be present and to teach and comfort them.  We must be focused on them, and strengthen them in those things that are uniquely their own needs- it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.  It’s personal.  It requires our presence and our mindfulness towards them so that we’re focused and our encouragement stems from knowledge of the individual son or daughter and knowledge from Scripture.  

Like a paramedic is a medical professional who comes near to the patient, calls them by name and tends to their needs, our encouragement must be parakaleo, near our sons and daughters, calling them by name and meeting their needs to encourage them to walk faithfully, understand God’s word accurately and remain true to their faith and commitment to God.

Comforting: Paramytheomai

The next thing Paul mentions is comfort.  The Greek word for the act of comforting is paramytheomai, which means “to speak to, address one, whether by way of admonition and incentive, or to calm and console” (4).  It’s another form of encouragement.  Note the prefix ‘para’ is once again a part of the word.  It requires coming alongside of another to accomplish the  purpose at hand. Paramytheomai means we need to be present and choose to be near, whether in person or, if that’s not possible, in communication and prayer.  It’s an active role and not just that of an observer.  The other portion of the word, ‘mytheomai’ means to speak, tell a story, a narrative.  Often this word was applied to the sharing of genealogies in Biblical times.  Consider what is your family’s story and how your sons and daughters could learn from it.  Some questions to consider:

What is the heritage that undergirds your family?  

What stories of faith are held forth?  

What mistakes were made that should not be repeated?  

Maybe the heritage of faith began with you … How did you come to know Jesus and begin a personal relationship with Him?

How can your sons and daughters carry on the Godly legacy?  

How can you comfort them with lessons from the past and encourage them to be true to God into the future?

Comfort and encouragement can come through the stories of others and out of our own experiences.  Those stories should be carried and shared by parents to their children to stand as encouragement and be cautionary as well.

Urging: Martyomai

Finally, Paul urged the Thessalonians to live a life worthy of God.  The word used for urging is ‘martyomai’, which means “to be a witness, testify, charge or give evidence, bear record.” (5)  Yes, it is related to the word ‘martyr’, describing those who gave their life for their faith.  They bore witness and held fast to the testimony of Christ, even to the end.  Paul urged, testified and bore witness to the Thessalonians in an  effort to encourage them and teach them to hold fast to their faith.

The root word is martys means “one who is mindful, obeys”. (6)  It’s not only what Paul wanted the Thessalonians to do, but it was what he held fast to as he lived out his testimony before them.  And it’s what we need to do as parents.  We need to demonstrate obedience to God and be mindful of what He calls us to do so that our words and actions testify faithfulness to Him to our sons and daughters.

The encouragement, the comfort and the urging are all directed toward helping our sons and daughters live wisely and follow Christ faithfully, or as the King James Version says, “that ye would walk worthy of God” who calls them into His kingdom.  Isn’t that one of our most fervent prayers for our sons and daughters?  We want them to live a life that acts as an example to others that we are Kingdom bound, sons and daughters of the Most High, His heirs and dearly loved children.

But what does it mean to “walk worthy of God”?  The word for walk in Greek is peripateo  and it means “to occupy oneself, make progress and follow; to make one’s way and make use of opportunities.” (7)  It’s more than just heading in a direction.  It’s being cognizant of where one is going, making use of opportunities along the way and always being mindful of whom you are following and the direction in which you are headed.  The prefix, peri, comes from a root word, peran, which means, “beyond, on the other side.” (8) It’s directional and locational.  It indicates that this walk is more than just a stroll.  It’s purposeful.  It has a specific destination.  It requires mindful participation.  

But here’s the powerful part: the remainder of the word, pateo, has a profound meaning.  Let’s look at the original wording from Strong’s Concordance.  Pateo means, “to advance by setting foot upon, tread upon; to encounter successfully the greatest perils from the machinations and persecutions with which Satan would fain thwart the preaching of the gospel.”(9)  Wow!!  When we pray for our sons and daughters to walk worthy of God, we’re praying that they will encounter successfully the greatest perils, deceptions, schemes of Satan and will overcome!  We pray that they will live out and speak the gospel in ways that will defeat Satan and his demons and will overcome the ‘dangers, toils and snares’ of this life because they’re directionally moving toward the ‘other side’- the Kingdom of God…and Satan will do anything and everything to keep them from it.

These two verses are so rich and so powerful!!  It would be beneficial for us to meditate on these Scriptures this week as we pray for our sons and daughters.  He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world.  We have the power of the Eternal God within reach.  He hears the cry of His children and He does not let it go unanswered.  Take time today to pray for encouragement, for comfort and to urge this next generation to live victoriously.  Why not write these verses down and carry them with you this week, memorize them and meditate on them, they are  powerful directives and timeless truths and God can and will use them mightily.

Pray without ceasing.  

1.  G3870 - parakaleō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3870/niv/mgnt/0-1/

2. G3844 - para - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3844/niv/mgnt/0-1/

3. G2564 - kaleō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2564/niv/mgnt/0-1/

4. G3888 - paramytheomai - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3888/niv/mgnt/0-1/

5. G3143 - martyromai - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3143/niv/mgnt/0-1/ 

6. G3144 - martys - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3144/niv/mgnt/0-1/ 

7. G4043 - peripateō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4043/kjv/tr/0-1/

8. G4012 - peri - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4012/kjv/tr/0-1/ 

9. G3961 - pateō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3961/kjv/tr/0-1/
   
   
   
   

Burdens and Remedies

Isaiah 53:4-6

Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
    stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

Whatever you’re carrying today, Jesus already bore the weight of it all on the cross.  Think about that… all of the pain, sorrow, grief, sin… all of it from the beginning of time to the very end- He saw it, He knew it, He carried it to the cross, so that in His suffering, our suffering is never out of His control, but it’s present to remind us we are called to be like Christ. 

The picture above is profound. The entire scene seems to be overlaid with a fingerprint. There is no part of the man’s experience that isn’t touched by it. It’s representative of our lives. God’s hand is all over everything we face, even the dark, difficult, painful days are not out of God’s control and mediation. His hand is all over anything we might face and He meters what we must endure. It is all to draw us closer to Him and make us more like Christ.

So whatever you’re facing today, He knew it before you faced it and He’s already got the remedy.  Little sheep, listen to your Shepherd.  Follow Him closely, lean into Him, trust Him.  Don’t turn to your own way and don’t grow bitter.  There is safety in the fold of Jesus.  Find your place there.

There is no sorrow too heavy that He cannot carry it. Jesus is a Man of sorrows, He understands.

There is no grief too deep He cannot reach it. He is acquainted with grief. Let Jesus be your comfort.

There is no pain too intense He cannot bear it. Let Him be a balm to your hurting heart.

There is no darkness too great He cannot breach it. Look to the Light of the World to bring light to the darkness.

El-Roi- the God who sees

Jehovah-Jireh- the God who provides

Jehovah-Rapha- the God who heals

Jesus- the God who saves

 Maybe you’re praying for a prodigal and the sorrow, grief, pain and darkness are overwhelming. God is not overwhelmed. He sees. He knows. He is working. Even if you cannot see it, trust Him. He is Sovereign and He loves your precious prodigal more than you ever could. He wants all to come to repentance. Pray that it would be so!

Let’s pray that our sons and daughters find their safety and identity in Christ.  Pray that they would run to Him, not away from Him.  Pray that their hearts would be drawn to the One who already endured everything and carefully sifts what will touch their lives because nothing is out of His control.

Pray without ceasing.

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!

How to Pray When Our Sons and Daughters Reach a Crossroads, Part 2

This is what the Lord says:“Stand at the crossroads and look (see); ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.   But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.’

We began part one of “How to Pray When Our Sons and Daughters Reach a Crossroads” by looking at the words “Stand” and “Look” to really understand what God was calling the Israelites (and us) to do when faced with a decision of life, direction and conviction.  They were not to wander, to sit or to linger but God said, “Stand” which in Hebrew meant to set firmly, take a stand, be still and endure (1).  But they were not only to stand, they were to stand and “looK”.  While they stood firm and endured, they were to see, perceive, consider and discern (2).  They were to actively do the looking, they were to look for something specific and God would be (should be) the One prompting them to take the action of looking, no one or nothing else should be their motivation.  But then what?

Well, as we might say, “Don’t just stand there!”   God says, “ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is”.  The word “ask” is the word “saal” in Hebrew and it means “ to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand.” (3)  To saal is to ask with purpose and even a sense of urgency.  It’s not a casual inquiry, but an intentional seeking of answers and information.  Can you see the importance here?  God is telling us we need to stand with purpose, look and then ask with urgency for the ancient paths.  It’s important.  It’s vital.

So, what are the ancient paths?  Are we supposed to look for antiquated ways of doing things?  No, not at all.  That word “ancient” is the word “olam” and it means “enduring, perpetual, time out of mind, both past and future.”(4)  God is telling us to look for the eternal ways, HIS ways, which are often concealed and hard to see, especially by those who do not walk with the Lord.  But if we walk with the Lord, He will reveal them to us (remember, the word “look” has a causative nature… which means something or someone prompts us to do the looking… in this case, it’s God, calling us and causing us to look for and understand His ways.

Daniel 2:20-22 ““Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his.  He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.  He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness and light dwells with him.”

God wants us to look for and pursue His ways (derek), not just any way.  The word “derek” means way, but it also means “direction,habit, course of life and moral character.” (5)  The ‘way’ God wants us to walk encompasses all of us (our being) and our direction.  It is the way that isn’t seen with physical eyes but discerned with spiritual insight granted by God. 

But here’s the thing, He doesn’t want us to just identify it by looking, He calls us to walk in it.  When God calls us to walk (yalak), He calls us to “walk (literally or figuratively); to carry; bear, bring, depart, follow, grow, prosper, pursue, cause to run.”(5)  Isn’t that such a picture of our Christian walk with the Lord?!  We are to walk, follow, grow, prosper and pursue Him.  We are to bring our burdens, bear our cross and depart the life of sin to walk in obedience to Him.  All of that wrapped up in the simple, but not so simple word ‘yalak’ or walk.

1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”

2 Peter 3:18 “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To Him be glory both now and forever!  Amen.”

God promises us that if we do these things we “will find rest for our souls”.  Oh, friend, isn’t that what we long for?  Rest for our souls.  A spiritual rest, a relief from the oppression of sin, a balm for the pain and heartache of this life.  Rest.  “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” Psalm 62:1  

But the warning stands from Proverbs 21:16 “Whoever strays from the path of prudence comes to rest in the company of the dead.”  It matters which path you choose and that choice determines where you will find your rest and in whose company you will be.  

Jeremiah 6:16 doesn’t stop there, though.  There is a final statement in the verse that is jarring.  God told all of these things to the Israelites.  But their response was, “We will not walk in it.” Think about that.  God showed them.  He called them.  He gave them clear direction and a promise of rest.  Yet they rejected it.  They rejected Him.  They made a willful decision to turn from God.  How they were blinded!! 

Proverbs 14:12 “There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.”  

As our sons and daughters are at the crossroads, there is so much to bring to the Lord.  Oh, there is promise of great things, direction, protection, growth, rest…but there is great danger as well and we can’t ignore that.  The enemy wants nothing more than to blind this next generation so they cannot see and so they will not follow.  He does not want them to find rest for their souls.  We need to be on our knees daily asking God to intervene and protect, to open eyes and guide steps.  Let’s do that now…and pray without ceasing.

“Father, You are good and what You do is good (Ps 119:68).  You show us right paths and call us to walk in them.  You desire good for us and Your word says “The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. (Pr. 11:23)  I pray that (name) would pursue righteousness so that their desires would be good and wholesome and that their heart would long after You.  Lord, help (name) to pursue Biblical knowledge that will guide their steps so they won’t be a living example of Proverbs 19:2 “Desire without knowledge is not good - how much more will hasty feet miss the way!”  Lord, help them not to have hasty feet, but let them stand at the crossroads and be resolute in their conviction to follow You. Let them have clear, right spiritual discretion so they will be able to spot evil and avoid it.  Let them not be deceived by the enemy or led astray by things and people who are ungodly.”

“Lord, God, I pray that You would open (name)’s eyes and show them Your path.  Enable them to see the eternal way that leads to life and rest.  Give them strength to walk in it.  Motivate (name) to consistently ask where the good way is and pursue it with all of their heart, soul, mind, and strength.  I pray that (name) would walk with You unwaveringly.  Father, protect (name)’s steps.  Guard (name)’s heart.  Keep (name)’s eyes always seeing clearly with correct spiritual discernment and never, never let them refuse to walk in the way You set before them.  Lord, help them to be faithful and eager to follow You.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

1. H5975 - ʿāmaḏ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5975/niv/wlc/0-1/

2. H7200 - rā'â - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7200/niv/wlc/0-1/

3. H7592 - šā'al - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7592/niv/wlc/0-1/

4. H5956 - ʿālam - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5956/niv/wlc/0-1/

5. H1870 - dereḵ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h1870/niv/wlc/0-1/

6. H3212 - yālaḵ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3212/niv/wlc/0-1/

How to Pray When Our Sons and Daughters Reach a Crossroads, part 1

“This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look (see); ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.   But you said, ‘We will not walk in it.”” Jeremiah 6:16

Crossroads.  They’re fraught with uncertainty, difficulty and, sometimes, painful choices.  Crossroads challenge us and stretch us.  They demand that we evaluate our values, our goals and dreams and decide what is important and what is non-negotiable.  Sometimes we don’t realize just how much hangs in the balance…and sometimes we do.  

When we imagine someone at a crossroads, whether literally or figuratively, we think of someone who has reached a point of decision (or indecision), direction (or indirection) and they’re living in a ‘pause’ of sorts. We might see them as unsure, confused or even overwhelmed.  A decision must be made, a direction chosen, but the individual might appear ‘stuck’, paralyzed, or even rudderless.  

As parents, when we see our sons and daughters reaching a crossroads, we might get nervous or heavy-hearted, hoping and praying they make the right decision.  But what God says in Jeremiah should make us reevaluate a crossroads.   ‘Stand at the crossroads’ doesn’t imply uncertainty or confusion- a stopping and standing because we’re befuddled.  

The crossroads is a decision point, a choice of direction and intention, yes.  But when God says “stand” at the crossroads, He’s not calling us to simply stop and wait.  No, that word “stand” is the Hebrew word “amad” which means “take a stand, present oneself, hold your ground, arise, endure and stand firm.” (1)  There is nothing uncertain about it.  It is being sure of your convictions and what you will not compromise Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”.  Standing is the opposite of wavering.  

Here’s the thing, when our sons and daughters reach a crossroads, is not the time to begin praying they stand strong in their convictions.  That’s something for which we need to have already been praying.  We should daily be asking the Lord to help them be unwavering in their pursuit of Christ so when they do reach a crossroads, there is no question about Who they will follow or what road they will choose.

But just in case we needed more encouragement, the Lord says, “Stand and LOOK”.  The word look (also ‘see’) is the word ‘raa’ in  Hebrew.  It means to perceive, to have vision, to perceive and take heed (2).  Let’s get a little “grammarly” here… the word “look” is a verb that, according to Strong’s Concordance, is transitive, intransitive and causative.  But what does that even mean and why is it important?

Transitive means the word takes action on something.  So when we’re told to “look”, it means to “look and see the way”.  God wants us to direct our attention to the ancient ways, what God instructed the generations before to do and follow and to know and understand we should do the same.

Intransitive means there is no object, it’s directly happening.  In this case, the believer is looking.  You look.  You see.

“Causative verbs are used when one person or thing is a stimulus that enables or causes someone or something else to carry out the main action in a sentence.” (3)  The causative nature of the word “look” means that we’re being directed by God to do something.  He’s calling us and enabling us to look and see- it suggests more than just vision with the eyes, but with the mind and heart.  

Isn’t that profound?!  One word, three uses! The action itself, the object toward which the action is directed and the cause of the action- who or what has prompted it. Isn’t it amazing that God can use one word to tell us so many things?!

So, friends, when we pray for our sons and daughters as they reach a crossroads, we first must pray that they are confident in their convictions and unwavering in their faith so that they will STAND.  Then, we need to pray that they will LOOK- taking action to open their eyes, to see what is before them, that they will look for the ancient paths- the way God wants them to go that they would direct their gaze to the way that leads to life and godliness.  Then, that they will look and understand and deeply perceive where God is leading and what steps He wants them to take, not just next steps, but life choices and direction of the heart and mind. Pray for the correct action, the correct object of focus and the correct understanding and discretion.

We’ll follow up on the next aspects of Jeremiah 6:16 later this week, but for now, let’s pray for our sons and daughters that they will Stand and Look in the ways that God desires.

“Father, so often we’re presented with crossroads in our lives, those moments when we’re faced with decisions and directions and it’s difficult and confusing to know what to do and which way to go.  I want to pray for (name) right now.  Lord, I pray that (name) would stand when they reach a crossroads.  Let them be decisive in what they believe and why.  Help them to be unwavering in their faith and their convictions.  Help them to consider every choice in light of their relationship with You so that they would hold their ground and be firm in their commitment to Scripture and to You.  Lord, I pray that (name) would do their best to present themself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. (2 Timothy 2:15).  And while (name) stands at the crossroads, I pray that they would look.  Open their eyes to see what it is You would have them do.  Help them to look for the way they should go and help them to actively seek your face, Lord.  I pray that they would see not only with physical eyes, but with spiritual insight and discretion.  Lord, do not allow a crossroads to be a point at which they will diverge from Your will for their life, but they would evaluate the best way, the godly way, the right way and would walk in it.  I pray that You would be blessed by their actions and their insight and that their choices would bring You glory.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing, friends.

1. H5975 - ʿāmaḏ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h5975/niv/wlc/0-1

2. H7200 - rā'â - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7200/niv/wlc/0-1/

3. Lohman, L. (n.d.). Causative Verbs | Causative Form in English: Overview & Examples. Retrieved from https://study.com/learn/lesson/causative-verbs-form-overview-examples.html

Tune My Heart

Psalm 125:4 “O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.” (NLT)

Have you ever watched musicians play their instruments?  I mean, really watched them?  They start by tuning their instruments, individually, and then together.  Why?  So the sound they produce is in harmony with one another and is a proper representation of the song.  The ‘first chair’ will play a note and then all of the other instruments align their sound with that one to ensure they’re all on key- they’re all adjusted to the standard to ensure they produce a correct and pleasant sound.

But sometimes, instruments require more than just one tuning.  If you’ve ever watched a band play bluegrass music you know the songs are often fast and the fretwork on the banjo, guitar and fiddle is intricate.  The instruments are played with skill, finesse and very, very quickly. The stress can loosen the strings and begin to change the sound the instrument produces.  The musician is always listening and attentive to whether the sound and ‘fruit’ of the instrument is correctly representing the notes and harmonizing with the other instruments.  It requires a good ear and knowledge of pitch, otherwise the tuning can actually make the sound worse.

Tuning becomes a continuous effort, otherwise the instrument begins to sound ‘off’ and doesn’t harmonize well with the others.  It begins to play its own tune, rather than what was written.  So, every so often during the performance, the musicians will take a moment to adjust their instrument, tuning it so that it stays on key and produces a beautiful, pleasing sound.  An instrument out of tune is a poor representation of what the composer intended and becomes a distraction and an offense to the ears. 

This is such a picture of our spiritual walk. Walking with Jesus isn’t a ‘one and done’ moment.  It needs to be a daily checking of our heart and mind to ensure we’re in tune with HIm and His Word- aligning our heart to what He asks of us and ensuring that our thoughts and desires are reflecting His truth and submitted to His will, not our own.  We need to tune our hearts to the standard God sets for us.  If we think we’re ‘in tune’ with the Lord, yet we don’t spend time with Him, we fall out of tune and we become tone deaf and unpleasant to listen to.  We don’t hear ourselves and how ‘off’ we’ve become because we’re not listening to the Savior.  We’re setting our own standard of “right” and “good” and that’s never right or good.  

We need to submit to the work of the Holy Spirit in us, follow good teaching and be intentional to ensure that we are attentive to God’s Word- learning, committing it to memory and living it out.  As Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:13-14, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.”  Just as the musician guards his instrument, continually ensuring that it’s in tune and working as it should, we need to guard our hearts so that we’re correctly representing Him and aligning our hearts with His instruction in Scripture.  “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters are not ‘tone deaf’ but that they are constantly listening to the Lord and checking their walk to ensure they’re in tune with Him.  There is so much ‘noise’ in our world, noise that drowns out the good that we should hear and that can distract us from recognizing we’re out of tune with the Lord.  We can begin singing out of tune and not even recognize it…and if we’re surrounded by others who are out of tune as well, we lose our pitch and our ability to correct and adjust ourselves.  We must always, always look to the Savior.  He is the only One to whom we should align our lives to ensure we’re walking in tune with Him.

“Father, You put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. (Psalm 40:3) But, Father, if I’m out of tune with You, my song will be off-putting to others and won’t represent You well. How can I pray for my son or daughter to be in tune with You if I am not? I pray that You would daily help me tune my heart to You. I pray that my life would reflect Psalm 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” And I pray for (name) today, help them to see that I long to follow after You with all my heart and that I trust You, no matter what. I pray that the testimony of my life and the song of my heart speak to them with more than just words, but that the life I live would reflect my total surrender to You. Encourage them, inspire them, move in their heart today so that they recognize their heart condition and they ‘hear’ any place that they are off key and out of tune with You. I pray that they would submit to You, Lord, and would allow You to work in them, correct the areas that need to be brought back into Your Lordship and that they would begin to sing a new song, a song of praise to You that would point others to the saving grace of the gospel. Lord, I ask that You- the Master musician- would skillfully take their life, their heart, their mind and their all and would use it to bring glory to Your name. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Praying without ceasing

A willingness to pray “God, do what You must.”

If you’re a parent, you’re a ‘fixer’.  It’s what we do.  Whatever the situation, we’re always at-the-ready to find a solution, make it better, fix what is broken or soothe what is hurt.  We hate to see our kids in pain or dealing with hardship.  Our hearts hurt to know that they grieve or struggle. When we see it, we jump to try and fix it.

Yet, sometimes we can’t fix it.  It’s not that we don’t want to, it’s that we’re unable to.  That’s a hard place to be, isn’t it?  When our son or daughter is going through a hard time, it’s difficult to watch and we want, more than anything, to make it better.  But sometimes it’s beyond our ability.  And if our son or daughter is running from God, we can’t change their heart or bring repentance.  That’s something only God can do.  No matter how much we desire it, we cannot ‘will’ them to change.

We become like the little child, bringing the much-loved broken toy to our Father saying ‘fix it’, ‘heal it’, ‘make it better’.  But sometimes the situation and damage requires intervention that is difficult to watch and painful to endure.  We don’t want our son or daughter going through pain- we’ve spent our lives working to spare them from it!  We don’t want to see things get worse- our entire prayer directive has been that it would be made better.

It’s akin to someone needing a heart transplant.  The hope for life and health lie in getting a new heart.  But it’s not that easy.  First, a new heart must come from a donor, someone who lost their life and was willing to donate their organ to be a life-saving opportunity for someone who is dying.  Then, the patient must be willing to undergo extensive transplant surgery.  They’re surgically opened up and their old heart is removed and the new one is put in place.  It is radical, painful, and dangerous.  But the hope for life overrides the fear of pain and the anxiety about the procedure.  And the hope for life requires that the patient undergoes the painful process.

Friends, the prodigal has the same need.  They need a new heart.  Their current heart is damaged and diseased.  Their situation will surely lead to death, perhaps not a physical death, but a spiritual death looms..  The enemy laughs and takes delight in the slow demise and the sure destination that a prodigal life assures.  The process required to remedy this direction and destination means the prodigal has to die to themselves and be willing to allow the Lord to give them a new heart  to remedy the damage that’s been done.  It’s a painful process.  It’s difficult to watch and we know what needs to happen. But it’s excruciating to see our son or daughter go through difficulty, pain, and suffering. But when we’ve done all we can and there is still no change, we need to step back and allow God to work.

Friends, are we willing to pray, “God, do what You must”?  

Are we willing to pray, “God, do what you must”? That’s a hard prayer. It’s an anguished prayer. It’s a prayer of surrender, acknowledging that the rescue is beyond our ability to achieve. This prayer requires that we not interfere with what God chooses to do.  We have to squelch the urge to rush in and rescue, to mitigate the painful consequences, to redeem the bad choices, to make it better, because really, we won’t make it better, we’ll only prolong the process.  When we truly turn our son or daughter over to God to work as He wills, it is the ultimate act of trust.  It’s trusting Him that He can parent them better than we can.  It’s trusting that our God loves them more than we do.  It’s trusting that His ways are higher than our ways and that He is the only One who can effect change and redeem the wayward heart. It requires full surrender on our part to achieve surrender in their heart.

It requires full surrender on our part to achieve surrender in their heart.

“God, do what you must, and help me to trust You.” It’s a prayer of surrender. Here’s another question…if we’re not willing to pray that prayer, are we fully surrendered to the Lord? Do we love Him more than we love our son or daughter? Do we trust Him enough? It requires some introspection into our own hearts and attitudes. It’s a peeling away of those things we’ve trusted other than the Lord. It’s a purifying of our own faith. We must be willing. But we can be honest with God, too, and tell Him how it scares us, because that prayer does bring fear of what may come. But, brothers and sisters, He is Lord of what may come. We need to rest in His goodness.

“God, do what you must, and help me to trust You.” Continue praying that prayer.  Every moment, every day.  Breathe it out.  Remind yourself that God is Sovereign and He can do whatever He wills.  He WILL do whatever He wills.  We can either accept and support it, or fight it and be miserable.  We must trust the Great Physician.  He is able to give the prodigal a new heart and a surrendered spirit.  Ezekiel 11:19 “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

“What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish. Matthew 18:12-14

Today, write out a prayer of surrender and trust to the God who is able to do more than we could ask or imagine.  He spoke all of creation into existence.  He subdues nations.  He rules over every power and principality.  He can turn a heart of stone into a heart of flesh, tender and surrendered to the Lord. Trust Him. Ask HIm to work mightily and to show you that He is working and moving. Remember, His timeline doesn’t mirror our own, but He is Lord of the clock, Lord of the calendar and Lord of the one He created… He loves the prodigal and longs to see them return. Trust Him.

God is not done working!

Pray without ceasing, friends. 

Psalm 145: 17-21

17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.

Lord, You are righteous, yet You love us, sinners condemned by our sin.  It’s an example for us, who follow You, that we too can love others even if they don’t know You or follow You.  They are image bearers and as such, we need to love them- how will they know?  How can they see the love of God if we’re not willing to live it out in front of them?.  Help us, Lord.  Help us to love those who are ‘different’ than we, who do and say things we don’t like or approve of.  Help us to know that by loving them, we’re not condoning what they do.  By loving us, Lord, You are not condoning our sin, but You love us in spite of our sin.  Your kindness leads us to repentance.  Father, I pray that (name) would learn how to be loving to others and by loving them, show the power of God and the change it can bring in a heart and life.  

18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,  to all who call on him in truth.

Father, You affirm that You  are near to all who call on You, convinced without a doubt,  that You will hear and answer. They trust and know that You are not indifferent or disconnected.  You are faithfully present and supporting us even before we ask.   I pray that (name) would believe without waffling or wavering that You are faithful and True and when (name) calls on You, You will answer and be near.  I pray that (name) would understand Your trustworthiness and see Your faithful steadfast Presence in each day and night, in each joyful moment and dark season.  Lord, You ARE near to all who call on You in truth.  Thank You.

19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him;  he hears their cry and saves them.

Just as we heard the cries of our children an ran to help them, You hear our cries.  You save us, Lord, even when it seems like there is no way out, You make a way.  “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them.  He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.” (Ps 107:6-7)  Lord, I pray that (name)’s heart desire would be refuge in the shadow of Your wings and a place in Your house that is their own, a belonging, a provision and a dwelling in Your Presence.  Lord, lead them to a city of refuge because they fear You.  Let (name) cry out to You today Lord.  Direct their eyes, their heart and their plea to Your throne room where You hear and answer abundantly.  Fulfill (name)’s desires in a way that brings glory and honor to Your name and that draws them nearer to You.  Hear their cry and save them, Abba Father.

20 The Lord watches over all who love him,  but all the wicked he will destroy.

Thank you, Lord, for Your watchful care.  As a parent, our eyes were always watching for danger and seeking to protect them.  But now that (name) is an adult, I can’t do that any more.  I have to trust…I have to trust You that You will watch over and protect (name) so much better than I ever could.  I pray that (name) would love You.  Stir  a deep desire in (name)’s heart and mind to run after You with all they have and are.  Help them to see this world is temporary and the titles and promotions, the gadgets and trappings will all rot.  But their heart…oh their heart is the most valuable thing they have and they need to ensure that it’s properly and rightfully invested.  Please, Lord, let them invest themselves in Your kingdom.  Let them surrender all they are and have to You.  Don’t let them be counted among the wicked.  Oh how we love them, but Lord, we know, unless they surrender to You and are counted as Your child, Your saint, Your beloved, unless that is their identity, they are among the wicked.  Lord, it hurts our hearts to think that.  Show us fruit, Lord!  Watch over (name) and guide their steps so they remain faithful to You.  If (name) doesn’t know You as their Lord and Savior, I pray that even today You would bring another believer into their life who would speak truth and share the life-giving hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Lord, I pray that (name) would confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9).  Lord, watch over (name) today and do a work in their life.  I believe.  I know You can and will.  Bring fruit, Lord.

21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.

Oh, how I love You Lord!  My mouth is filled with Your praise.  My heart is overwhelmed by Your goodness and I want to share that joyful praise with others.  I want to know that (name) is filled with joyful praise for You.  May it overflow and cause them to wonder and be amazed at how praising You brings contentment, fulfillment and joy.  Lord, to know that every creature will praise Your holy name is humbling.  Today give me moments to sit outside or gaze out the window at Your creation and ponder what the praise of creation for You  might look like  When the trees sway in the breeze, are they praising You?  When the birds sing, are they proclaiming Your greatness?  We can’t know, but Lord, Your Word tells us that if we don’t praise You, even the very rocks would cry out in praise of You.  (Luke 19:40).  Creation knows its Creator.  Help us to know You more and more and to live in a way that reflects that knowledge to others..  May the generations of my family praise You and carry on a commitment to follow after You for all their days, no matter what may come.  May our lives exhibit praise for Your holy name, always and through eternity.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray without ceasing

Psalm 145:13-16

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,  and your dominion endures through all generations.  The Lord is faithful to all his promises  and loving toward all he has made.

Abba Father, how encouraging it is to know and be confident that the God we love and follow is eternal?!  Lord, there is nothing that can shake your Kingdom- that is so reassuring.  When our world seems to unravel around us, we can know without a doubt that Your Kingdom is secure and because of that, our future is secure.  I pray that You would encourage (name) today with that truth.  Give them confidence to know that nothing will ever push You from the Throne.  No King will ever topple Your kingdom and no authority will ever exceed Your power and dominion.  You are faithful to all of Your promises- we can be sure You will bring each one to pass..  Remind us of that today, Lord.  Remind us of Your love.  I pray that (name) would rest secure in Who You are and in how You love them.

14 The Lord upholds all those who fall  and lifts up all who are bowed down.

Thank You, Father, that you are strong enough to hold us when we falter and fall.  You won’t let us go.  You see our struggle and our weakness.  You see when we stumble and when we fall.  You are there beside us when life is too hard and You reach down and lift us up.  We can’t do it ourselves and that’s why You are God and we are not.  I pray that (name) would see Your strength, protection and Your closeness today.  Let there be no shadow of turning.  Lord, grab their attention and help them to see that You ARE there and You know all that they face, even if they hold it close to their heart without telling anyone.  Lord, You see the darkness and the struggle and depression.  You see the sin, the pride, the addiction.  And You are strong enough to battle it all and lift us up, clean us off and set us back on our feet.  (Name) needs to believe it, Lord.  Work in their heart today.  Let them know YOU are the rescue they need and the only One who is strong enough to win the battle, overcome the obstacle and lift the burden.  Work in (name)’s heart today.  Uphold them.  Lift them.  Love them, Lord.

15 The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.

I pray that (name) would look to You and no other.  Help them to see that You, and only You, are the provider of peace, the remedy to the sick heart and broken mind, the lifter of the fallen and the healer of the broken.  Remind them that Your timing is perfect.  You are never early and never too late.  Your clock runs differently than ours and although we’re impatient and have a sense of urgency, Your perfect will always is best.  Help us to submit to that.  Help us to wait, Lord.  Psalm 27:14 tells us to “wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”  So, instead of growing more impatient and losing our focus and our temper, help us to be strong and take heart while we wait for Your proper time.  You will not fail us, Lord!

16 You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.

Psalm 37:4 tells us that if we delight ourselves in the Lord, that You will give us the desires of our heart.  If we delight ourselves in You, our desire will be to know You more, to obey You, to be like Jesus and  honor You with our lives.  I pray that today that (name) would delight themselves in You and that  You would open Your hand and satisfy those desires.  Grow (name) into a man/woman after Your own heart.  May their desires please You and when You open Your hand, spiritual blessings pour out on (name) and fill them to overflowing.  I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray without ceasing

Psalm 145:8-12

8 The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.

Oh, Lord.  We are grateful for Your grace- it is so much more than we deserve.  Your compassion is overwhelming to us, sinful as we are. You hear the cry of the afflicted, the cry of Your image-bearers and You answer with perfectly designed responses for each one.  No cry goes unheard.  No cry goes unanswered.   Thank You that You hear us and that You care.   When You  reach down and pull us out of the pit, Your grace and compassion are at work.  You set our feet on a rock, with our heads high above our enemies. Even when we were still in our sin, You loved us and ransomed us.  Thank You for your plentiful, steadfast love.   And thank You that Your anger is slow to kindle- I know we press in and test the boundaries far too often and we ought to receive Your wrath, but instead you show us your steadfast, plentiful love in the form of grace and compassion.   You can’t contradict Yourself.  Lord, help us to live worthy of You.   We are blessed by You in so many ways. Today, help (name) to see your grace and compassion and realize that it is present and plentiful for them. No sin is too great for You to forgive. No distance is too for for You to find them and help them return to You. Lord, show (name) Your rich love today.

9 The Lord is good to all;  He has compassion on all he has made.

Lord, when I look at this world and the ways people rail against You and defy You, I know we deserve nothing more than Your wrath.  But You are good to all, even to those who spit at Your name.  You are Good!  You nourish the earth with rain and sun.  You bring forth fruit and grain for us to enjoy.  You provide fellowship and protection.  And when it comes to Your children, You nurture and care for us so that we can serve You well.  Your compassion is akin to tender mercies- that of a parent cherishing, protecting and loving a growing child.  Even when we rebel, You love us.  Lord, I pray that You would help (name) to know Your love today.  May they reject the lies of this world and follow after You.  May they pursue You with their whole heart, overwhelmed by Your goodness and grace, convicted to live a life worthy of the love and mercy You so freely give.  Don’t let them go, Lord.  Chase after them with your goodness and mercy until they turn and follow you willingly and with joy.

10 All you have made will praise you, O Lord; your saints will extol you.

Heavenly Father, one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess, yet even in that moment, not every heart will be surrendered to You.   I pray that  (name) would be fully surrendered, living a life of obedience to You.  I pray that (name) would praise You with their whole heart.  Lord, help them  sing with abandon, raising their hands to heaven in powerful praise of who You are and all that You do.  Let their hearts be full and overflowing with joy.  Lord, I pray that (name) would be counted among your saints, a child of the Most High God, counted worthy to escape everything coming in this world and worthy to  stand in glory with You, blessing Your name for all eternity.  Give them a head-start in that praise and blessing today and give (name) a glimpse of heaven so they are overwhelmed with the magnificence of what is to come- the promise of eternity with You.  Never let Your name leave (name)’s heart and mind.  May it always be on their lips, ready to share with those who need to know You.  

11 They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might,

The glory of Your kingdom is more than we can explain with words, but I ask that You would  give us words that would help bring understanding to those who need to know You; those who need to understand that Your Kingdom is an everlasting Kingdom and they can be a part of it!.  Compel us to speak of Your power and might.  We want to stand in awe of You, Lord, and in so doing, leave others in awe of You as well.  I pray, Lord, that (name) would represent You well.  Let the legacy of our family bring glory to Your name.  Let our place in Your kingdom be a blessing to You and a testimony to others.  Lord, wreck us with Your glory and goodness so that we have no choice but to praise and extol Your Name to all that we meet.  Help each of us to put ourselves aside for the sake of Your plan and purpose.  May our lives radiate the glory of the Lord because we are continually seeking to follow after You with abandon.  Lord, help (name) to understand the importance of being sold out for Christ.

12 so that all men may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.

Burden us, Lord, for those who don’t know You.  Help us to grieve for those who live in bondage and darkness. Change our plans, get our attention, and use us to bring the gospel to those who need to know Jesus.  Give us words to share the wonder of Your mighty acts with those who don’t know.  Remind us of your grace, compassion and Your rich love that offers forgiveness and redemption so we can share that hope with others. Give us insight to explain just how glorious Your kingdom is and that You desire that we all have a room in Your house, so that where You are, we can be there too.  I pray that (name) would be homesick for You, Lord, and would take every chance to share the way Home with others who need Your hope and salvation.  I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Pray without ceasing

Psalm 145:5-7

Let’s continue to pray through Psalm 145

5 They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty,

    and I will meditate on your wonderful works.

Give my sons and daughters a glimpse into the glory of Your Kingdom, Lord.  Show them that this temporal life is just a shadow, a mist, a quickly passing moment.  Help them to see and understand that all that You have waiting for us is beyond comprehension.  The glorious splendor of Your majesty should stun and overwhelm us so that we are stopped short and without words, leading  us to meditate on your wonderful works.  May it be so, Lord.  May (name) pause today, overwhelmed by Your greatness and be  moved to awe-filled wonder and meditation on all You’ve done through the ages and in their own life.  Help (name) to meditate on Your word, filling their heart and mind with truth that will guide and guard them.

6 They will tell of the power of your awesome works,

    and I will proclaim your great deeds.

Lord, let (name) speak freely about Your greatness, Your salvation and Your deep love for each individual. Move them to tell others about their relationship with You.   Fill their mouth with praise for You so that others will see and hear and be drawn to follow You, Lord.  Let (name)’s life be a witness to the life-changing power of God and the joy and hope that You bring.  May (name) continuously share how marvelous You are and recount all the wonderful things You’ve done for them.  Don’t let them forget, Lord, and don’t allow them to be silent.

7 They will celebrate your abundant goodness

    and joyfully sing of your righteousness.

Celebrate!  It’s what we are called do as believers!  There is so much to be grateful for, Lord, yet too often we get distracted and discouraged by the darkness around us.  Help us to see and have perspective that You are good and what You do is good and that there is so much more provided for us than we realize. There is so much more waiting for us than this fallen, broken world could ever offer.  Open our eyes to witness Your hand at work every moment of the day, from a safe drive to work to the ability to get groceries or have a warm blanket. Lord, Your provision and protection are abundant.  The joy of being able to worship You freely and openly should move us to live and celebrate You joyfully and out loud!  Help (name) to celebrate Your abundant goodness…ABUNDANT goodness.  Help them to see that they are blessed and favored.  Put a song in (name)’s mouth and let their heart sing along today. I pray this all in Jesus’ precious name, amen.

Praying Psalm 145:1-4

This week we are going to pray through Psalm 145, verse by verse.  No devotional.  No extra thoughts.  Just praying God’s word and watching it work powerfully in and through us. 

Each day we’ll take a portion and pray it back to the Lord on behalf of our sons and daughters.

Journal what you see and learn this week as you pray. It will become a testimony for later days and future generations.

Psalm 145

1  I will exalt you, my God the King;

    I will praise your name for ever and ever.

Lord, I ask today that You would enable my sons and daughters to exalt You. Fill them with wonder at the thought of You.  Let their words and actions lift you high.  May their life bring glory to Your name.  I pray that they would deeply desire to live a life that honors You.  Give them strength to praise You forever and ever.

2 Every day I will praise you

    and extol your name for ever and ever.

Father, I pray that every day (name) would praise you.  Let praise fill their heart and spill out of their lips.  Let praise of You be a habit they will not abandon, because Your word says you inhabit the praise of your people.  May (name) bless You every morning as they see You work, and Lord, let them see you work, clearly and powerfully so they will never cease their praise and wonder of You.

3 Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;

    his greatness no one can fathom.

You are worthy, Lord, of all our praise.  I pray that (name) would be amazed and in awe of Who You are and what You do.  Lord, never allow us to be satisfied with our knowledge and understanding of You, because that would mean we’ve stopped seeking more of You.  You are so much greater than we can imagine and understand.  Just as it is impossible to fathom the depths of the deepest seas, so Lord, it is even more impossible to fathom all of You- the immortal, invisible, almighty God.  

4 One generation will commend your works to another;

    they will tell of your mighty acts.

Oh, Lord, how I pray that my sons and daughters would commend your works to the next generation and that the legacy of believers would continue in our family. Let (name) tell of your mighty acts- all the wonderful ways You’ve provided, protected and led our family through danger, hardship and grief. Let (name) boldly share the blessings You’ve given. May the joy that You pour into to those who love You be evident in (name)’s life. Let my children, my grandchildren and their children after them know Jesus, love Him and commit their lives to Him. May our family be mighty in our faith and humble in our following and may You bless us with generations who will follow after You faithfully, in Jesus’ name, amen.

(Maybe you have a family heritage of believers, or maybe you are the start of that heritage- either way, pray that the Lord continues the testimony of His saving grace through your family. What a beautiful legacy to pass on!)

Tomorrow we’ll pray through verses 5-7