How Should We Live?
"Be on your guard;
stand firm in the faith;
be men of courage;
be strong." I Corinthians 16:13
How might we live differently if we KNEW Jesus would return today? Would we share our faith more boldly? Would we live without worry and fear?
If our sons and daughters are believers in Jesus, they are members of the Body of Christ, the Church, the Bride of Christ. We need to pray they will actively pursue their relationship with Jesus and live it out so others can see the fruit.
Today, let’s pray the Church lives purposefully (confident in our 'why') and intentionally (making it happen), ready to meet our Savior and actively sharing the hope that we have with those who don't know Him.
Pray that believers around the world are watchful and vigilant, that they will stand fast and persevere in their faith in Christ, pray they would be brave and be ever-strengthened in their faith and commitment to Jesus.
Of Giants, Valleys, and Godly Parents
We’re all familiar with the story of David and Goliath. We know a bit about David’s family, too. Three of his brothers were in the service of Saul’s army, though he had 7 brothers, altogether. David was the youngest of them and he tended the sheep. Their father’s name was Jesse, the son of Obed, who was the son of Ruth and Boaz. David had a godly heritage.
But have you ever wondered about David’s mother? She’s not mentioned in the Bible, but her influence is there, if you stop and look.
But first, let’s agree on a major factor of parenthood. We strive to protect our children, right? We watch over them, teach them to be cautious and careful. We caution them against danger and we encourage them to avoid those people, locations, and situations that could lead to harm.
Now, imagine you’re standing in the sandals of David’s mother. An unnamed woman only referred to in Scripture one time (bear with me, we’ll get there). But her influence is evident if we look closely. And the impact she had on her son gave him wisdom and guidance for years to come, and impacted the heritage of the Messiah.
When David encountered Goliath, scholars estimate he was likely in his teens. His brothers were old enough to serve in the army, but David was not. Saul even called him a ‘youth’ (1 Samuel 17:33) Yet, in spite of his age, he demonstrated character, faith, and bravery beyond his years.
David went toward the conflict.
David, following his father’s direction, went to the camp of the Israelite army to deliver food and supplies to his brothers (1 Samuel 17:17-18). Any good mother likely would have added, “You go and you come right back- be safe!” Yet, David’s mother didn’t argue, resist or try and keep him from going toward the conflict. She didn’t shield him from it. That’s brave, friends.
Do we pray that our sons and daughters avoid the conflict, or do we pray they are kept safe in the midst of it?
David was prepared, even before he knew he would fight a giant.
David’s mother wasn’t there to tell him how to fight, but it’s likely she reminded him to always step out prepared. As a shepherd, he needed to defend his sheep and where there was one enemy or predator, there would likely be more lurking, awaiting the opportunity to attack. David’s mother knew that - she surely heard the story of the lion…and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36). So she certainly reminded him of the danger and encouraged him to be ready.
David also knew conflict typically wasn’t resolved with one stone or by one fight. He fully depended on God for the victory, but knew it might require more than one throw, so he collected five stones. (There is history to suggest that Goliath had 4 brothers 2 Samuel 21:15-22). David was prepared for whatever God led him into that day.
Do we speak into our sons and daughters so they walk out prepared? Are we reminding them of the spiritual dangers they may face? Training doesn't start after the battle begins. No, the training and preparation begin in order to be ready when the conflict occurs, and it will occur. Are we reminding our sons and daughters of the importance of time in the Word and fellowship with other believers to sharpen them? Are they cognizant of the dangers they may face and intentional to be ready when they come? We need to pray that they are.
David didn’t allow the taunts and words of others to deter him, deflate his courage, or damage his faith.
When David offered to face Goliath, David’s own brothers hurled angry words and insults at him, mocking his bravery and casting him aside. They had no faith in his ability and their warrior-egos were offended at the thought.
But Goliath’s words were what struck a chord with David. Goliath didn’t just mock Israel, he mocked God (I Samuel 17:36-37)
You see, David wasn’t defending himself. He was standing up for the fear and reputation of Jehovah, the Almighty God.
Parents, have we taught our sons and daughters to fear God? Do we encourage them to defend the name of Jesus Christ, no matter the cost? Believers in so many nations around the world know the cost of claiming Jesus as Lord, but Western cultures don’t often face that, in fact, we often are indifferent to the cost because we haven’t suffered. Someday soon we may come face to face with that. We must all be ready.
Oh how we need to pray that:
1. Our sons and daughters would listen for and hear the Word of the Lord over the words of the world
2. That they would defend the name of Jesus, no matter the cost
David stepped into the valley to face the giant.
David didn’t run away from the conflict, he walked toward it. The Israelite camp was on a hill on one side of the Elah Valley and the Philistine camp was on the other. There was no misdirection or error in David’s steps. He went down into the valley. Now, read Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
There is no evidence to say his Goliath encounter was David’s inspiration for Psalm 23:4, but it surely gives us something to ponder! It helps us look at it in a new light.
Do we encourage our sons and daughters to have strong faith in the Lord that will strengthen them as they face hardships? Or do we pray they avoid the hard things? Do we pray they are protected from suffering? Because if we do, we’re actually praying them to a weakened faith. Think about that. Our effort to shield and protect them can actually leave them weak and vulnerable!
Romans 5:3-5 ““we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.””
Now, back to David’s mother
Though David’s mother isn’t mentioned by name in Scripture, her influence is noted by David in Psalm 86:16 “Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength on behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.” (NIV)
“I serve you just as my mother did.” That’s a testimony that will preach, friends.
It brings two questions:
How are we serving God as parents?
How are we praying for our sons and daughters?
Our children will face Goliaths. They will walk in the valley. They will be mocked and taunted. But will they be prepared and will they fear God more than they fear man?
Today, let’s pray in the power of the Holy Spirit that God will transform our sons and daughters into bold spiritual warriors who will boldly face the enemy, not for their own glory, but for the name and fame of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
“Almighty Father, I come to You in the name of Your risen Son, Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells me because of Calvary. Put Your hand on (name) today. First, draw them in to spend precious time in Your word before they start their day. Let their time be sacred and inspired, may it fill them with spiritual strength and boldness. Prepare them, Lord, for what they may face. Give them words to respond and courage to speak up for the name of Jesus. If You lead them into the valley, surround them with Your protection. Help (name) to fully realize that their victory is not dependent on their strength or wisdom, their cunning or skill, but fully on Your power and Presence in the battle. Lord, I know they will face conflict. I know they will walk through dark valleys in the presence of enemies, but I know You are greater, stronger and You are victorious. Lord, be their armor and their light. Open their eyes to see the necessity of being spiritually prepared. And Lord, I pray that my life would be a testimony of being surrendered to you, wholly and completely.. I pray that my sons and daughters would one day pray “Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength on behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother (or father)did.” In Jesus’ mighty, victorious name I pray, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Fight or Flight
Psalm 143:3-4 “The enemy pursues me, he crushes me to the ground; he makes me dwell in the darkness like those long dead. So my spirit grows faint within me; my heart within me is dismayed.”
Friends, the Enemy DOES pursue our sons and daughters. Satan wants nothing more than to defeat believers and bring them down. And nothing frustrates him more than young men and women on fire for God.
Romans 12:12 tells us one of the signature characteristics of a believer is being ‘devoted to prayer’. What does that word ‘devoted’ mean? According to Strong’s concordance (1) it is to be “steadfastly attentive to, continue all the time, be in constant readiness, give unremitting care”
Friends, are we steadfastly attentive to pray for our sons and daughters? And are we encouraging one another in that pursuit? If we are truthful, we would probably say we’re not doing either as much as we should be. And if not, we need to be prepared for what may ensue.
We must be intentional about prayer for our sons and daughters….and serious about it as well. We have to choose to spend time in daily prayer...and then continue it throughout the day. We need to pray for God’s divine protection over them. Satan prowls about looking for who he can devour...not just annoy, but devour. 1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” He seeks to crush any in his path. But here’s the thing. Satan is not omnipresent. He is limited in where he can be. And he’s looking for an easy target. Friends, if we are praying diligently, if we are steadfastly attentive to pleading for the protection of the Omnipotent Omnipresent God of the Universe over our sons and daughters, they will not be an easy target. If we pray for God’s divine protection around them, and the armor of the Lord to guard and protect them, they will not be easily swallowed. The Enemy will need to find another target. We can crush his efforts before He can bring us to defeat.
Today, lets pray that David’s words in Psalm 143:3-4 are not representative of what our sons and daughters experience. Let’s diligently pray for God's protection over them.
Why not write a one-sentence prayer here...and together we can mightily hold up our sons and daughters, and one another as we pray for their protection.
“Lord, the enemy pursues us, yet we ask that you would help each of us stand firm. Surround (name) with Your divine protection today. Though the enemy would seek to crush them to the ground, we pray that You would help them stand firm. Don’t let them be an easy target. Bring scripture to mind that would help (name) take every thought captive. You have not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. I pray that the enemy would not have any success to make (name) dwell in the darkness like those long dead. Strengthen (name’s) spirit and embolden their heart so that they can stand up against the enemy and be victorious. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray with diligence. Pray without ceasing.
1. G4342 - proskartereō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (nasb95). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4342/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/
Powerful Prayer: Day 1
Psalm 141:1-4
“I call to you, Lord, come quickly to me;
hear me when I call to you.
May my prayer be set before you like incense;
may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.
Set a guard over my mouth, Lord;
keep watch over the door of my lips.
Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil
so that I take part in wicked deeds
along with those who are evildoers;
do not let me eat their delicacies.”
Friends, so much has happened in our world in just the last few days. We’ve seen the devastation of a country due to an earthquake. We watched a category 4 hurricane barrel down on the southern portion of the US while wildfires in the west hungrily consume thousands of acres, and homes and livelihoods without mercy. And we watched in horror as people desperately press toward an airport for evacuation to flee the prospect of human slavery, torture and evil oppression. The sight of parents willingly holding out their children- pleading for anyone to take them away from the evil descending brings desperation and reality right into our homes and hearts. We’ve seen brave soldiers give their lives and parents and families hit their knees and wail in deep grief with the heart wrenching loss. Evil and darkness is on the move...and it’s getting closer to home.
Do you feel a sense of urgency? Good. It’s time we take stock of what is important because all the signs are pointing to the soon return of Christ and we need to be ready. We NEED to be praying. It’s time that we as parents take our intercession to the next level. So this month, we’re going to pray through some Psalms, verse by verse, really focusing on those words on behalf of our sons and daughters, and ourselves. Let’s commit to spend some serious, focused time in prayer on their behalf. We will face some mighty battles in the coming days. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
When our sons and daughters were small, we provided for their needs to ensure they were cared for: food, clothing, shelter, and love, among other things. We didn’t want them to be without what they needed most. Now that they’re grown, we need to pray that they will grow to be spiritually mature and complete, not lacking anything. We don’t want them to be without what they need most.
Let’s pray Psalm 141:1-4 today
“I call to You, Lord, come quickly to me; hear me when I call to You.” I bring (name) before Your throne today and plead with You on their behalf.
“May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.” May my words be fragrant and sweet. Lord, forgive my own sin and don’t let it inhibit my requests. I pray that You would draw (name) into daily fellowship and communion with You. Make them hunger and thirst for righteousness. Lord, set them apart for Your Kingdom and let them live, speak and act in ways that would be salt and light to those around them. Lord, the days are evil. The battle between darkness and light is becoming visible everywhere we turn. I pray that You would protect (name) and help them to see with their own eyes the urgency and importance of following after You with an undivided heart.
“Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” Help me, as a parent, to speak words of value and spiritual truth to them. Help me to reinforce the truths of Scripture to them in any way I can. Lord, don’t let me miss an opportunity. Do not let me fall into sin of gossip, complaint or shallow conversation that would detract from You and their focus on You.
“Do not let my heart be drawn to what is evil so that I take part in wicked deeds along with those who are evildoers; do not let me eat their delicacies.” There is so much evil and so much wickedness Lord, let my heart and mind be alert and on guard so that I pray effectively and continuously for my sons and daughters. Lord, do not let (name)’s heart be drawn to what is evil. We live in an age where what is evil is called good- Lord, let it not deceive (name)! Protect them from the evil one. Set a guard on their heart and mind. Remind them to put your spiritual armor on daily so they can extinguish the fiery darts of the evil one. Don’t let (name) be tempted and enticed by sin. Keep them faithful, Lord and protect them so they will stand firm, even when their faith is tested, because that day will come. Father, protect them. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
The time is short. Pray without ceasing, friends.
Stand by the Sea
Exodus 14:13-14 ”Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.””
Do our sons and daughters stand firm when they face opposition? Oh, the Israelites could write a book on this (well, they kinda did). They faced opposition often, they were the underdog in so many fights, yet, with God on their side, they had nothing to fear.
So, when Pharaoh let the Israelites go from Egypt, his agreement was for a brief moment, then he quickly changed his mind. Yet, that was part of God’s plan.
He rallied the chariots and horses, commanded his troops and they set off after the Israelites to drag them back to Egypt and a life of slavery. But, the pursuit was part of God’s plan.
When the Israelites reached the shores of the Red Sea, they had nowhere to go. They were blocked by the Sea in front of them and had the Egyptian Army bearing down on them from behind. It’s understandable that they would be afraid, sink to their knees in despair and assume the worst. Yet, they had seen God act miraculously on their behalf already! Moses’ command to stand firm and watch the Lord deliver was an invitation to stand on the front row and see God do amazing things.
And amazing things DID happen. God parted the Red Sea so the Israelites could walk across on dry land...of them!! Many scholars estimate the Israelites numbered over 2 million. Can you imagine 2 million men, women and children, along with their belongings, walking through the sea with walls of water on either side, not a muddy foot in the bunch? Miraculous!!
Each one reached the other side with dry, clean feet and a heart full of hope. And when they were safely across, God threw the Egyptians into a tizzy, they panicked, they were confused...and then they were overcome by walls of water, no longer held back by supernatural hands.
The Israelites only had to stand firm, believe that God would do it, and then watch while He did.
Too often we sink to our knees and focus on the trouble. We look at the impossibilities rather than looking at our Omnipotent God. Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would be emboldened by the knowledge that our God is Sovereign, Almighty and always present with them. There is NO enemy that can overcome Him and no obstacle too great for Him to remove. Pray that they see God part the Sea for them and know that He will fight for them, they need only stand and be still.
“Almighty God, Lord of the Universe, You have no rival and You have no equal. There is none that could ever challenge You or interfere with Your plan. I pray that You would give (name) the courage to stand in faith and believe that You can and will work on their behalf. I know they may be facing a Red Sea, yet You are mighty and able to part that sea and show them the way to deliverance. If they see the enemy bearing down on them, help them to focus on You, not the threat. Encourage them with Your faithfulness and power. Remind them they are loved. You have a plan and sometimes, when things look bleak, it’s not because You’ve forgotten, but because You want to show Yourself mighty and Sovereign. Show yourself to (name) today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Courage to Live…or Die
Philippians 1:20 “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
A classic question that is often asked of children is, “what do you want to be when you grow up?”. The answers vary from ‘ballerina’ and ‘princess’ to ‘doctor’ or ‘army guy’. Sometimes you get funny, unexpected responses, like the student who wanted to ‘be’ the dump truck…(not just drive the truck, but BE the truck).
But few, if any, would have said ‘I want to die for my faith’. That’s sobering and probably not the sort of conversation that we would think to have with our children. (Yet, there are belief systems out there that train their children from a young age that giving their life for their god is honorable and rewarding.)
But at some point, we as parents, need to have those serious conversations. We need our sons and daughters to understand that following Christ requires them to be ‘all-in’. They will spend their life on something, will it have eternal value? Have we trained our sons and daughters to understand and fully believe that a life surrendered to God is a life well-lived? Have we communicated the seriousness of the choice set before them: life with Christ or eternity without Him? Here is the real question, would our sons and daughters be willing to give their life for Jesus?
Oh we have so many hopes and dreams for our sons and daughters, don’t we? But we need to look beyond this temporal life and consider our hopes and dreams for their eternity. Our sons and daughters may be called to hard places where life is fragile or where followers of Christ are viewed as enemies worthy of death. It seems foreign to us, yet God calls people to these hard places to be salt and light. And for some of us, that may become a life that is lived by our son or daughter. Are they willing? Are we willing?
Today, let’s pray Philippians 1:20 for our sons and daughters and ask the Lord to give them courage to live for Him, whether in life or in death, and to live with eternity in mind. And lets pray that the Lord gives us courage, as parents, to support them wherever God calls them.
“Father, I pray for (name) today that they would eagerly live for you in an expectation of pleasing You in all they say and do. I pray that their sincere hope today, and every day, would be that they would honor You. Give (name) an eternal perspective that sees beyond this day, week or year, that pushes past the five-year plan and the retirement goals to the value of eternity at Your right hand. Lord, help them to truly understand how fleeting this life is and make them willing to lay down their life for You. Wherever You lead, I pray that (name) would following, willingly and with full trust in You. Lord, help my desires for them to align with Yours. I pray that I would not get distracted by accomplishments and successes but would pray daily for their spiritual maturity and willingness to serve You with their life. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
With Boldness, No Matter What
Acts 28:31 “He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!”
Let’s be honest, we don’t like to see our sons and daughters struggle and, if we could, we would change it. When we see them face difficulty accompanied by frustration or pain, we want to step in and take it away. But...what if…..what if God designed that difficulty to create circumstances that would allow them to boldly share Jesus with others? What then? Would we still wish and pray it away?
Your challenge today is to read all of Acts 28 as if you were the Apostle Paul’s parent. Yep, you read that right… imagine he was your son….now go on and read the chapter. What do you see? What are your feelings about what he’s facing? What would you have said...or done on his behalf? And when you get to verse 31… what would your perspective be?
Paul was arrested and, eventually, sent to Rome where he remained imprisoned until his death. He was under house arrest, yet took every opportunity to talk to others about Jesus. Jews and Romans alike were saved and transformed by his ministry. Roman guards became brothers in Christ. God used Paul’s imprisonment to get the gospel to Rome and to the Gentiles.
God had a purpose and plan in Paul’s hardships and Paul understood that. He trusted God more than he trusted his experience and more than he regretted his circumstances. He wasn’t imprisoned by his attitudes and despair. His faith in God’s plan gave him boldness to share the gospel and a spiritual freedom that no government or official could take from him. He was willing to go and share boldly wherever God placed him.
Friends, sometimes God puts our sons and daughters in hard places because He intends to use them in ways that, otherwise, would not happen. Rather than fuss, fret, and try and interfere, let’s pray with boldness that our sons and daughters would have boldness for Christ!!
Yes, this is hard. No, we don’t like to see our children (grown or not) in hard places. But do we trust God? Can we trust Him with what is most precious to us? Of course we can. Absolutely. They are safer in His keeping than they ever were in ours. Trust Him and pray for boldness.
“Lord, I know that you may take (name) to hard places or into difficult circumstances. Help me to trust You. I pray that my “parent heart” would not stand in the way of Your plan. Give me wisdom, Lord, to know what to say and when, or to sense when You are putting a hand on my mouth and heart to bring peace and quiet so you can work. I ask that you would give (name) boldness to speak of Jesus to those around them and give them eyes to see spiritual opportunities that hard places and circumstances may cultivate. Lord, I know time is short and those You will add to Your Kingdom may be nearing completion. Use us to spread the truth of Jesus, the joy of salvation, the ministry of mercy and grace to those around us. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”