How Fresh is Your Fruit?

“But when he [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:7-8

When I was a little girl, my grandmother lived right next door. I spent time at her house nearly every day. Each time I walked up the steps and into her dining room, the first thing I saw was the dining room table with it’s centerpiece - a bowl of fruit. The bowl was a beautiful green glass with a ruffled edge and it had an unusual shape.  But what really occupied my attention was the fruit inside of the bowl. It looked real to my little eyes, but it wasn’t. I would poke the apple and squeeze the grapes, yet they didn’t have any life in them. They looked the same, day in and day out. 

At first glance, a visitor might see fruit that resembled something authentic, but upon closer inspection, they would realize it was fake.  It had no substance.  It provided no nourishment.  It wasn’t the product of being connected to a tree or vine.  It was plastic. Eventually, the plastic fruit was thrown away. It wasn’t worth keeping- it was fake. And when it was tossed, it didn’t sink into the earth to produce more fruit, no, it just went to a landfill- rubbish with no value.

John the Baptist called out the Pharisees and Sadducees on the same issue. He first called them a brood of vipers- snakes who were shrewd, sly, and full of poison. Then he challenged them to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance!”.  The fruit these men exhibited was artificial- it was a product of following rules, of evaluating themselves in comparison to others who didn’t know as much or follow the rules as well (in that case, they were sure to always come out on top).  Oh, the Pharisees and Sadducees knew how to use Scripture, of that we can be sure. But they didn’t use it to teach and encourage, no, they used it to intimidate and oppress others.  Their knowledge was used to gain power over others and elevate their own standing.

These men stood in judgment over others as if they had the authority by God to do so.  Their fruit was self-manufactured and synthetic. It didn’t give evidence of life, nor did it give evidence of being connected to the Vine- Jesus.  It didn’t nourish others and it didn’t produce a harvest. No, it was just legalistic rule-following, all for show and to earn the praise of men.  It manifested as anger, pride, arrogance, and entitlement. The Pharisees and Sadducees had plastic faith and fake fruit.

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” Ephesians 5:6 

So what distinguishes real fruit from something that ‘looks’ similar, but is fake? Real fruit has a fragrance that draws people to want to enjoy it.  It brings refreshment and nourishment.  It is alive with colors that are vibrant because they’re all natural and a product of creation, not manufacturing.  When the seeds of real fruit are planted they sink into the fertile soil and produce more fruit. 

Isn’t that what the Holy Spirit does in our hearts?  He cultivates real fruit that is fragrant and nourishing.  The fruit benefits not only us, but those around us.  He produces in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.  He grows those character qualities in us that are so appealing that others want to be near, to learn more, to be blessed by us because it’s not us...but God IN us that affects the change and brings the fruit. When we are in Christ, He works in us and through us to show others the life that is transforming us into the likeness of Jesus.

“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15

Godly fruit is nothing we can manufacture in ourselves because we have no power to transform our own hearts and minds- that is always, only Jesus in us producing fruit in keeping with His likeness.

“For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.”Ephesians 5:9

This week, let’s pray that our sons and daughters have clear discernment to recognize fake fruit. There are ‘Pharisees and Sadducees’ all around us, even today. Pray that they would seek to listen to those who are connected to the Vine-producing real fruit and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions versus those with selfish ambition and vain conceit.

Pray, too, that they would allow Christ to work in their heart and mind to produce authentic fruit- evidence of a life lived in pursuit of Jesus. Pray they would surround themselves with others who are also pursuing Jesus.  Philippians 1:9-11 is a wonderful prayer. Let’s pray for real fruit 

“Heavenly Father, You are the Creator and Sustainer.  You cultivated the Garden and placed man there for fellowship with You.  Though sin destroyed it, You made a way, through Jesus, that we can enjoy fellowship and life with You.  I pray that You would work in (name) today.  Cultivate authentic fruit in their life that gives evidence of their faith in Christ.  Keep them from the temptation to be a people-pleaser, going through the motions and saying words only to get the affirmation of others or to ‘look the part’.  I pray, Holy Spirit, that you would grow in them love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Those with fake fruit don’t demonstrate these qualities.  Help me to give evidence as well, so that when my family sees me, they don’t see a synthetic faith, but genuine love for Jesus that produces fruit that is sweet and refreshing.  Lord, change me, grow me, and help me to live out my faith with confidence in Jesus alone.  Let the fragrance of my faith be such that others would catch the fragrance of Jesus and they would breath deeply of Him. Lord, I pray the words of Paul in Philippians 1:9-11 for (name), “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Lord, fill them with the fruit of righteousness and let it grow, let it flourish, let it be authentic and beautiful for the glory and praise of Jesus, in His name I pray, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

Teach Them to Love Jesus

“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5

We’ve taught our sons and daughters many things over the years, often by talking to them and repeating words and phrases and the truths of Scripture, but more often, by being an example to them.  When we taught them how to tie their shoes, we didn’t just say it, we showed them- over and over, until they could do it themselves, and then we praised their efforts.  We taught them how to be self-sufficient, mature, and how to live with integrity.

When it comes to teaching our sons and daughters the truths of faith, our words carry weight, but our example speaks more loudly.  Friends, we need to live it out in front of them.  Our words don’t have nearly as much impact as our actions, our attitudes, and the demonstration of our love and commitment to Jesus being lived out in our daily life.  It cannot be “do as I say, not as I do”.  They’re adults.  They will do what they choose.  But if we live out our faith, consistently, circumspectly, putting Jesus at the forefront, always, our lives will reflect His character and our actions will demonstrate our priority of faith.  Because, if we’re honest, it’s not that we want our kids to do what we say…we want them to do what Jesus says.  

Think back to your days in elementary school.  Do you remember the lessons?  Do you recall how you learned fractions or reading?  It’s possible vague details will return, but if asked about your teacher, you would immediately begin to give  a description of how your teacher interacted with you and made you feel important, seen, and valued.   The teacher had a lot to say, but what impacted us was their character and actions toward us.  

“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.” Philippians 3:12b-15

As we live out our Christian walk, are we investing more time and energy into words, or actions?  Are we trying to convince others (especially our sons and daughters) that what we believe is right and true, or are we modeling it to them?  We must be cautious because we can weary others by always trying to prove our point.  Paul says “and if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.”  Paul was assuring the Philippians that by pursuing the Lord, God would make clear what is right and true.  It wasn’t up to Paul and the church to correct people’s thinking.  Should we speak truth? Absolutely! Can we demand or pressure others to follow it.? Not so much. It’s a heart-decision that only the Holy Spirit can motivate.

Though our sons and daughters are grown, we still feel that burden to know that they are walking with the Lord.  That burden may inspire us to speak a bit too much, press a little too hard, to try and sway their thinking.  But friends, we are still teaching them when we interact with them by living out our faith.  We demonstrate how to be a disciple when we consistently follow the Lord, pursue personal time with Him, memorize His word and obey His commands.  We model what it means to love when we are patient, kind, unselfish, and forgiving (1 Corinthians 13).  We show them the strength and humility that accompanies asking forgiveness when we apologize for saying what we shouldn’t or doing something hurtful. We are not above that, at any age.  

Our interaction with them says more than our words ever could.  It communicates that God is what is most important to us and we will always submit to Him, making Him the head, the Lord, and the Shepherd of our hearts. He is the One to whom we surrender all of ourselves, and that will be reflected in our life, so more than in our words. Take a moment to check yourself, is that what your life demonstrates? Could others testify to it… would they?

Model Jesus to your sons and daughters at every opportunity.  Let your actions speak loudly and let the Holy Spirit do His work. 

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5

Pray that they would love Jesus authentically and that He would be the foundation upon which they build their life.

Pray without ceasing.

Praying for a Godly Spouse

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

As our sons and daughters grow into adulthood, our ability to impact their choices begins to diminish.  We hope and pray that the things we taught them about God, about Scripture, about living a life that pleases the Lord, are deeply rooted.  But we no longer have the ability to steer them away from influences that may be negative or unproductive and we have little say in the friends they choose, especially if they’re living at a distance.  Parenting adult children is challenging.

When it comes to finding a spouse, there are challenges there, too.  Though we hope our son or daughter would choose to make their decision based on our discernment and approval, by the time the relationship reaches that point, our beloved child may have already made up their mind… our input is just a formality.  That’s hard to take, isn’t it?

But we’re not powerless! Not at all. We can make a huge impact on their life choices by talking to the Father and asking for His guidance, His intervention, and His protection. We can ask the He would give our son or daughter His best- better than we could choose or imagine!

So, how do we pray?  Many of us likely began praying when our children were just little ones, praying that God would be preparing a godly husband or wife for them.  Here’s the thing, don’t stop.  Don’t stop praying like that.  God will bring the right person at the right time, or make it clear He has a plan that asks our son or daughter to remain single.  We need to be okay with that.  We need to pray that our children would be okay with whatever God asks of them, too. Because isn’t that the best?

Here are some prayer points we can pray for both future husbands and future wives, and for our sons and daughters, all tied to Scripture.

• Pray that they would be like Christ and that He would mold them and shape their heart and mind to be like Him. (Philippians 2:5;  Ephesians 4:14-15)

• Ask the Lord to make their words (and heart) authentic, not just filled with knowledge, but seasoned with grace (I Corinthians 13:1; Colossians 4:6)

• Pray they would exhibit patience and kindness (1 Corinthians 13:4)

•  they would not be jealous or envious, but truly want the best for others and would celebrate when they have success or honor (1 Corinthians 13:4; Romans 12:15)

• Ask God to help them value others before themselves (Philippians 2:3)

• Pray that they would have a precise and correct knowledge of Scripture that would enable them to love others well (not to be puffed up with knowledge) and that they would be discerning in the teaching they listen to and the leaders they follow. (Philippians 1:9)

• Pray that they would hide God’s word in their heart to keep them from sin (Psalm 119:11)

• And pray that God’s word would be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (Psalm 119:105)

• Pray God’s protection over them, so they would keep their way pure by living according to God’s word (Psalm 119:9)

• Ask the Lord to keep them legalism and that He would help them truly understand God’s grace and the freedom He gives to trust Jesus alone for salvation (Ephesians 2:8; 2 Timothy 1:9).

• Pray that they would not lean into the world’s standards or be pressured to compromise to be accepted, but that they would stand for God’s truth, unwaveringly. (Hebrews 10:23)

• Ultimately, pray that God would cultivate two people who, together, would have a godly marriage that would reflect Christ and the Church, surrender and obedience, love and protection, selflessness and sacrifice no matter the circumstances, because their hope is in Jesus and not in the other person to whom they are married.

There are so many things we can pray to this end; this is just the start.  Add to the list as you pray and let the Holy Spirit guide your words and your petitions.  The words of Scripture are always powerful and effective, it is the most you can do. Let’s God’s word do the speaking for you.

And pray for both the ‘unknown’ future spouse and for your son or daughter, that God would prepare their hearts and cultivate in them the qualities that are important for a God-centered relationship to be developed in His time and His way.

If your son or daughter is already married, pray that God would grow them in these areas. Pray that He would build a strong, God-honoring marriage that would be a testimony of His grace and redemption.

Why not write out a prayer, and then, when the time is right, share it with the one for whom you’ve been praying.  What a precious gift that could be for the ‘other’, knowing that they’ve been prayed for and seeing the Scripture that’s been spoken over them, even before they were known to you.

Pray without ceasing!

God Teaches Us Prayer Through Parenting

It’s likely we all pray every day, in some form or fashion.  Whether it’s giving thanks before a meal or a quick ‘rocket’ prayer for help or intervention.  But what about a dedicated time of prayer each day when we’re talking and listening to the Lord, deeply and intentionally interacting with Him, being still before Him and waiting on Him?

If we’ve parented, or cared for children at all, whether they were our own or belonged to others, we’ve undergone a sort of prayer ‘boot camp’ whether we realize it or not.  The skills and habits we developed in taking care of children are those God wants us to use to be more effective in prayer.  

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

The Apostle Paul used the word ‘devote’ to impress on us the need for more than just “minute prayers”.  It is the Greek word ‘proskartereō’ and it means “to be earnest towards, to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor):—attend (give self) continually.” (1) 

Constantly diligent.  Doesn’t that describe parenthood?  And if we had a busy, adventurous, adrenaline-seeking child, well, that diligence shot to a whole new level.  Whether it is an infant, a toddler, really, a child of any age, a parent is constantly diligent because they need to be aware of the dangers, aware of where that little one is, what they’re doing, and be continually ready to intervene.  Isn’t that so much like prayer?  Always watching, diligently aware, ready to intervene, attending continually.  Oh how God gives us such tangible examples of what our walk and talk with Him should be like!  Do we recognize it? Do we practice that?

Then, He tells us to be watchful.  The Greek word is grēgoreō and it means “to be  watchful in, employ the most conscientious care in a thing.” (2) Again, our parenting prepares us well for how we should pray.  And God tells us so often to be watchful:

• Matthew 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” 

• Matthew 25:13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”

• 1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”

• 1 Thessalonians 5:6 “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake (alert) and sober.”

• 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.”

We wouldn’t dream of leaving our children to fend for themselves for days on end, we wouldn’t dare let them venture into dangerous places or with questionable or unsafe people.  No, we are always alert and awake, watching and caring.  Even as they move into adulthood, our parental watchfulness isn’t easily released.  Friends, that is how God wants us to pray.  Alert to the dangers at hand and to the enemy who stalks; ever awake and watching for His return. It could happen today! 

Finally, Scripture tells us to be thankful.  eucharistia is “gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship).” (3)  Maybe it’s time for a checkup.  Is our prayer life an act of worship?  Or does it more resemble the ‘instacart’ of our spiritual life, checking off our order and waiting for the delivery?

Devoted, watchful and thankful.  That’s the kind of prayer life we need to engage in daily and that which we need to model to our families and to the body of believers.  Look around you.  This world is on fire.  Things are not getting better.  Sin is rampant and celebrated.  What is right is ridiculed as wrong and offensive.  Those who stand for Godly principles are mocked, persecuted, and in some countries, executed.  Time is short and Jesus’ return is near.  What do we want our sons and daughters to know and remember?  Our awareness of the times should increase and deepen our prayer life.

Let’s get on our knees this week in devoted prayer- constantly diligent.  Let’s be watchful and pray for what is going on around us and for those who are engaging in spiritual battles.  Let’s pray for the Body of Christ, the fellowship of believers, interceding for their spiritual growth and protection.  Then, worship the Lord in prayer through thankfulness.

Be thankful we CAN pray- we have that privilege and access. Be grateful that God provides examples and encouragement to guide our prayer so we can align our words and actions with His word and expectations.  Be thankful we still have breath and life to intercede for others.  Then, let's pray for our sons and daughters that God would guide them to deeper, more effective, more worshipful prayer, too.

Set aside the list and get on your knees and commune with the Father, allow the Holy Spirit to intercede when your words cannot.  Pray in Jesus' name for God to work and move powerfully.  He will do it.

“Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  It is because of Him that I can enter Your throne room and sit at Your feet.  I praise You for Your greatness.  I surrender myself to You, the Great I Am, the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings- there is no other.  What a tremendous blessing I have in being Your child!”

“Lord, I ask that my prayer would be an act of worship toward You, exalting Your name and bringing glory to You.  Teach me to pray more effectively, keep me ‘awake’ so that I would be diligent in prayer- always recognizing the things I need to bring before You and readily falling on my knees to entrust You with each burden, care, and battle.  I want to be so devoted to prayer that my sons and daughters would know that their parent prays daily, diligently, and authentically, not just for what I want or wish for, but in serious, spiritually-led prayer that is life-changing, life-protecting, and effective.  Lord, I cannot pray well on my own.  But You can guide me in prayer so that I please You with my words and with the attitude of my heart.  Work in me so that I am always keeping watch, praying for those things You bring to my attention, and allowing You to guide my words and my heart.  In Jesus’ precious name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

1. G4342 - proskartereō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4342/niv/mgnt/0-1/

2. G1127 - grēgoreō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1127/niv/mgnt/0-1/

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

God Gives Good Things

“Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for He satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.” Psalm 107:8-9 

Recently, while I was driving home, I pulled up to a stop sign.  There, on the far right corner was a lady walking her large pit bull in a harness.  The dog was pulling and straining and having fits as she looked across the street.  When I looked over, there was a mail carrier on the far left corner, messenger bag and pith helmet in place.  I thought, “Oh my, what those poor mail carriers have to contend with…he’s just trying to do his job.” 

I wondered if he would cross to the opposite corner before going on his way, but no, he didn’t.  That mail carrier stepped into the crosswalk and walked right toward the lady and her dog.  The closer he got, the more the dog strained and pulled and then I noticed, the dog was wiggling, wagging her tail and honestly, she smiled.  That assumedly “vicious dog” was eager to see her mail carrier friend and he was just as glad to see her! 

The mail carrier pulled out a dog treat from his bag and the pup eagerly ate it up.  There was no aggression, no fierce bark or growl.  The dog knew the mail carrier brought good things and she waited with anticipation until they met and ‘talked’.  And here’s the thing, the dog wasn’t at all bothered by how others might view her or the assumptions they held…she only had eyes for that mail carrier.  She knew he valued her and she’d be getting a treat as soon as he came near.  They trusted one another and enjoyed their impromptu meeting on the corner.

It made me think about we look to Jesus, or rather, how we should look to Him.  Do we see Him and get excited to talk to Him because He brings good things?  Or are we bothered about what others might think of us, of our affection for and commitment to Jesus.  Are we “all in”, knowing all that matters is how God sees us and that He wants fellowship with us?  Jesus sees our heart.  He knows our value.  He embraces us as His beloved child for whom He gave His life.  He’s not bothered by those looking on, He only has eyes for us- His beloved. He desires good for us.  And He longs that we would be excited to spend time with Him.  

God didn’t create us to be ‘religious’, to check the boxes and go through the motions.  He created us to enjoy a relationship with Him, to worship and adore Him and to enjoy all the benefits of knowing God personally. He wants us to desire to see Him, talk to Him, move closer and enjoy fellowship. He desires that we would trust Him and rely on Him for those good things.

Oh that our sons and daughters would be excited to wake up and talk to God!!  Imagine if their eyes would light up at the mention of Him!  Let’s pray that our sons and daughters take time with Jesus today because they’re excited to talk to Him.  Pray that they would look for the good things He promises and to respond to Him with joy!  Then, let’s lead by example!  Spend time enjoying the Presence of your Savior today.  Sit with Him, listen, worship, praise His name.  

Pray without ceasing.

The Ultimate Desire

Fellowship with God is the core desire that we were designed to experience and pursue.  It is the deepest longing and need we will ever know-whether or not we choose to acknowledge that fact.  We experience this longing because God has set eternity in the hearts of men (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and that will always stir a deep desire for something more than this world can give us…it’s the desire for more of Him, more of His Presence and more of His peace.  

But that we recognize it as a longing for God isn’t guaranteed.  Too often we strive to fill that longing with inadequate substitutes that cannot satisfy our hearts, our souls, and we struggle because of it.  We wrestle with restlessness.  We wander trying to find our purpose.  We pursue the ‘next thing’ assuring ourselves that will be the answer.  We continue to pursue temporal things to fill that God-desire in us, Even believers are duped into the deception of the futile pursuit of satisfaction by other means.  

Before we came to know Jesus as our Lord and Savior, “we were in slavery under the elemental spiritual forces of the world” Galatians 4:3.  But when we confessed with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believed in our heart that God raised Him from the dead, we moved from eternal death to eternal life (Romans 10:9).  And in that confession and belief, something in our heart, mind, and spirit changed.  God placed His Spirit in us.  “Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father” Galatians 4:6.  And we began a relationship with God, unlike any we knew or experienced before.  We began to experience the fulfillment of that longing that was set in our hearts from the time God created us.

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb” Psalm 139:13.

God designed us to desire a relationship with Him.  Once we realize nothing else fills us and completes us like Jesus can and does, we are compelled to pursue more of Him.  But if we turn back and pursue other means to fill that longing, our spirit still cries out for our Abba Father. We cannot run from it.

The world tells us to pursue what will fill us and make us happy.  The job.  The relationship.  The ‘things’.  Renovate, redecorate, relocate.  Move up, move out, move on.  But what the world offers will never fulfill that eternal longing, because the world doesn’t possess the means, power, and resources to fill what only God can.  “For this world in its present form is passing away” 1 Corinthians 7:29. 

This is Satan’s biggest lie- that we can satisfy the longing of our hearts with the things of this world- lesser things, things that are not God.  And when we pursue that, we are dissatisfied, frustrated, and disillusioned. The result is that we often turn and rail at God because we are unhappy, lost, hurting, and unfulfilled. We blame Him for our discontent when we’ve tried to soothe it with everything but Him. 

HE is all we need.  ALL we need.  Any attempt to fill ourselves with anything else will always result in frustration and emptiness. 

“The Lord knows the thoughts of man; He knows that they are futile” Psalm 94:11.

So, how can we fulfill that desire?  Read Colossians 1: 9-12

“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”

Take Action:

1. Be filled with the knowledge of His will- study His word and get to know it.  The more we read Scripture, the more it sinks deeply into our heart, soul, and mind.  We must allow our spirit to run freely in the environment it was created to- in the Presence of the Most High God.  Our spirit cannot thrive when it’s seeking life from a source that is spiritually malnourished or empty of the things of God.  

2. Cultivate spiritual wisdom.  This comes when we spend consistent time in God’s word (see #1) and we begin to grow ‘smart’ in the things of Scripture.  Our heart and head align in the context of the wisdom of God because we are saturating our mind with truth.

3. Desire and pursue understanding.  The word ‘understanding’ in Greek is ‘synesis’ and it means “a mental putting together” (1).  In other words, when we understand, we begin to perceive and interpret correctly; we connect the precepts, truths, and council of Scripture and understand how God reveals Himself through it.  We begin to see how Scripture supports itself.  God’s word never returns void (Isaiah 55:11).

4. Live a life worthy of the Lord.  We have to make the conscious choice to put ourselves aside and live for Him.  If we are forever pursuing our own happiness, we will be exhausted in the pursuit- it’s a perpetual cycle that goes nowhere and achieves nothing of eternal satisfaction.  We will continue to be dissatisfied, disillusioned and unfulfilled.  We must seek Him.  “But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find Him if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.”  Deuteronomy 4:29

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:6

Who or what are we allowing to govern our mind?  Pursue life.  Pursue Peace.  Pursue Jesus.  Sit at His feet.  Let Him speak into your soul.  Live for Him and allow Him to fill that which is lacking in you.  You will know a deep satisfaction and a fellowship like no other.  You will be filled.  

”Whom have I in heaven but you?
    And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
    but God is the strength of my heart
    and my portion forever.”

Psalm 73:25-26

Take time in prayer that God would fill you with a desire for more of Him and would guide you in pursuit of that relationship. Then, pray for others to do the same.  Pray for your family, your sons and daughters.  Pray for your loved ones.  Pray for your church and the global church at large.  Pray for those in ministry.  Satan wants nothing more than to have God’s people seeking that which will not satisfy and living in frustration because God isn’t fulfilling their misdirected desires.

Prayer is never pointless and it brings us to the Throne of the One who can effect change and bring all things under His Lordship where we can delight in fellowship with the One who made us.  

Pray without ceasing.

1. G4907 - synesis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4907/niv/mgnt/0-1/

2. G2556 - kakos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2556/niv/mgnt/0-1/

Forgive, and then, Forgive More

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”

Matthew 6:12

Debts: opheilema (Greek) that which is owed; an offense or sin. (1)

Consider this: withholding love and forgiveness from someone because of hurt they've caused us may seem justified...we want them to acknowledge just how much they hurt us. We want them to earn our forgiveness. Oh, we 'plan to offer forgiveness' once they've proven themselves sorry enough and we consider that being the 'bigger person'. We rationalize our stance based upon our rightness (and our level of hurt) and upon calling the other 'up' to what is right.

But that isn't what Christ calls us to do. He tells us to forgive, and forgive more. If He withheld His love from us until we were sorry enough and worthy enough, we'd never know His forgiveness. We are not deserving of His redemption. He saved us because He loves us. Do we love enough to forgive?

Pray about having a forgiving heart and then, forgive. Forgive again. And keep on forgiving, because it’s what God does for us. You see, forgiveness isn’t about being right. It’s not about holding others accountable. It’s about freeing our own heart to be right with God and to hear His voice because we’ve quieted our own by His truth.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13

“Oh, Heavenly Father, You love us so deeply and far too often, we don’t comprehend the depth of Your love, nor the cost of forgiveness that You extend to us so freely. The depth of the dirtiness and depravity of our own sin is often lost on us. We see ourselves as ‘not THAT bad’, yet all of our perceived righteousness is as filthy rags, impure, soiled, and good for nothing. It can’t purchase our forgiveness- we don’t deserve it. We are hell-bound yet righteous in our own eyes.”

“Lord Jesus, give us a true picture of our sin and lostness. Help us to see that we are so undeserving and, in seeing how lost we are, help us to see how Your redemption is perfect, eternal, unchanging, abundant and FREE. We don’t deserve it, yet You extend it. We can’t earn it, yet You give it to us freely. Help us to see just how much You’ve given and how greatly You forgive, and then prick our hearts with compassion. Convict us to want to forgive others quickly and completely. Remind us that forgiveness is not a ‘feeling’ but a choice, an action, and a willingness to allow You to be the judge and hold the ‘other’ accountable. Remind us that if we want to be like You, Jesus, we will forgive even those who don’t understand how they’ve hurt us.”

“Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’” Luke 23:34

“Holy Spirit, fill us with more of You so that we willingly forgive others. Free us from the bondage of unforgiveness that poisons us and makes it difficult to hear Your voice and obey Your will. Give us strength and conviction to extend forgiveness to others, not with a “yes, but..” rather, with an “I already have, I love you.” Help us to forgive others, just as you forgave us, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing. Forgive without stopping. Love others generously. Be like Jesus.

1. G3783 - opheilēma - Strong's Greek Lexicon (nasb95). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3783/nasb95/mgnt/0-1/

Pray for Sharpening

It was always my father’s job to cut the meat, whether it be the Thanksgiving turkey or the Sunday roast.  I remember how he would open the knife drawer and look through, pushing some aside looking for ‘that one’ that would do the job. 

There were knives in the drawer that were the favorites and then there were those that were hardly ever used.  The former had a nice blade, the latter was dull and almost useless.  Dad would pull out a knife and inspect the blade. Then, if his chosen knife needed to be sharpened, he would take hold of the long wand-like tool that was textured and rough.  It sat in the drawer alongside all of the knives.  

As I watched him, Dad would swipe the blade of the knife back and forth along the sharpening tool, both sides, up and down, back and forth.  It would make a scraping sound that was rhythmic and musical and it required that he was attentive to the process.  The friction and abrasion of the knife edge against the rough, textured tool made the knife sharp and ready.  Once he was finished, the knife was sharper than ever and ready to use.  He would give it a quick polish and then set into the carving of the meat.  

The knife sharpening rod went back into the drawer.  Interestingly, though the rod always stayed in there with all of the knives, proximity to the sharpener did not mean all the knives remained sharp.  It was only when a knife interacted with the rod that the knife experienced sharpening and was ready for the task it was created to do.  Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Iron only sharpens iron when there is friction and different textures or edges interact with each other to refine and define one another. If the items are identical, sharpening won’t occur.

If we surround ourselves with people who only agree with us, who think alike all the time, who don’t challenge us, guess what?  We become dull, myopic, and insular.  If we’re honest, we can become selfish, thinking that our way is the right way because everyone around us thinks so too.  If we’re not challenged at all, we lose our sharpness.  But when we encounter those who think differently, who may worship differently, who stretch us to think about why we believe what we do, we are ‘sharpened’.  The friction wears down the parts of us that would cause us to be dull and ineffective and sharpens the edges of our resolve and conviction.  No, it isn’t pleasant, but the alternative is even less appealing because it alludes to spiritual dullness. It doesn’t mean we become like the other…the knife didn’t become the sharpening rod. But instead, it became a better version of what it was created to be.

As parents, we don’t like to see our sons and daughters experiencing discomfort or pain.  We don’t enjoy seeing them face difficult things.  Our ‘momma heart’ aches to see them struggle.  Our natural reaction might be to try and ease the situation, soothe the irritation, or fix the problem.  Yet, would we interfere with God’s work in their life?  Consider this, that friction, discomfort and irritation they are experiencing might be God’s way of smoothing out their rough edges.  It might be God’s brake pedal, slowing them down so they don’t rush into something that is not His will or giving them space so they can hear His voice and see His hand.  Maybe God needs to soften their heart and sharpen their mind so they are ready for what He brings next.  Godly friction can bring rewards.

Let’s pray for some sharpening friction in the lives of our sons and daughters.  Let’s pray that they can have perspective on the process and gratitude that the Lord is preparing them for what’s next.  And let’s pray that we, as parents, have perspective too- not feeling the urge to step in and fix it, but to pray that God uses it for their good and for His glory.

“Father, I pray for (name) today.  I know things are difficult…or maybe soon will be.  Give (name) strength to endure and perspective to understand that You are enthroned as the Holy One (Ps. 22:3) and that You use difficult circumstances and people to refine us and sharpen us.  No one, no thing, no event, or authority can interfere with Your plan and purpose, nor will it ever be out of Your control.  That’s a comfort, Lord.” 

“I pray for sharpening in (name)’s life.  I pray that You would bring people and events into their life that would stretch them, teach them, and make them more like Christ. Refine them to be what You created them to be.  Challenge their thinking, Lord, so that they know what they believe and why.  Sharpen them so they would live their faith with conviction, regardless of the responses or reactions of those around them.  Lord, let them be a ‘sharp knife’ that is willing to experience friction because they know it prepares them for what You are calling them to do.  Don’t let them sit dull and idle, unusable because they’re unwilling to be sharpened. Let (name) crave Your sharpening because they know it will equip them to be used in effective ways to accomplish Your will for their good and Your glory.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

Praying for Evidence

Just because someone says something is true, does not make it so.  Anyone can make a claim, but without evidence, it’s just that, a claim, the proof remains to be seen.  That’s where evidence comes in.  Evidence is what backs up a claim and proves it to be true. We see this in the process of a legal trial.  Any claim brought in court must be backed up by evidence or it’s dismissed for failure to prove its truth.  The judge looks for the burden of truth.

Here’s another way to look at it.  We may say that we believe in the power of exercise.  We can follow ‘all the influencers’.  We can save insta-videos and articles.  We can talk the talk, but if we don’t actually exercise, there is no evidence that it’s working a change in us.  When others watch us, they won’t see us out walking, lifting, running, or stretching.  Our claim in the life-changing power of exercise in our life and our belief that it works is just that, a claim.  There is no evidence if we don’t live it out.  Our words are unsupported. 

3 John 1:4 “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”

As parents, we feel the weight of wanting our sons and daughters to have a genuine walk with the Lord, fully surrendered and obedient to Him.  We want those whom we love and treasure to not just know about Jesus, but to have a life-changing relationship with Him.  And a life that is surrendered will be a life that produces evidence of Who they worship and follow, of Who they prioritize and desire to please.  We long to see evidence and know with assurance that the burden of proof is present and their eternity is secure.

Matthew 7:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you;”  

That word, ‘ask’, is the word ‘aiteo’ in Greek and it means to “ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require.” 1

We need to ask the Lord- beg, call for, crave, desire and require- that He would let the life of our loved one exhibit the fruit of a sincere and active relationship with Him.  If we’ve raised our sons and daughters in the knowledge of the Lord, teaching them Scriptural truth in the power and Presence of God, the saving grace and mercy of Jesus Christ, the effective advocacy and teaching of the Holy Spirit, they know.  They know.  They have the words to speak…But knowledge is not evidence of the working of Christ in their heart and mind.  Life-changing faith is manifested in everything we say AND do'; it is the evidence of the change and the proof that backs up the claim that we are changed and that we follow Christ.

James 2:14 “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?”

Deeds won’t save us.  By themselves, they are an empty effort to prove ourselves worthy. If we pursue and rely on good deeds, alone, we make ourselves our own god - trying to effect our salvation through our good works.  But deeds, supported by our faith in Christ, are evidence that our life is changed, that it’s surrendered to and guided by Someone greater than we. We’re not doing good deeds for our own benefit, but because we are compelled by the love of Christ toward others. We can’t not do what God compels us to…and we find joy in it!

Hebrews 11:17-19 “By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death.”  

Abraham was willing to obey God in whatever God asked of him, because He knew God.  He trusted Him.  He believed that if God asked him to do it, there was reason for it and God would redeem it in ways only He could and for His glory. Abraham saw evidence of God’s goodness and faithfulness in his life that bolstered his faith and gave him confidence that God’s promises were not just a claim, but were true and faithful. And Abraham’s obedience wasn’t in word only.  His actions provided evidence for the faith he claimed.  His actions were the proclamation.  Abraham set an example for all of us in faith and obedience.

James 2:21-22  “Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.”

Today, let’s begin praying that the Lord would reveal evidence of the faith of our children.  Pray that their faith would truly be their own, not just what they’ve been taught and what they’ve heard.  Pray they would give of themselves to be the hands and feet of Jesus to others.  And pray that they would not just have head knowledge, but that their understanding of Scripture and their experience of God’s faithfulness in their life would transform their life and would be evident to those around them.  

“Heavenly Father, oh how I want to see evidence of (name)’s faith.  I ask, not because I’m deserving, Lord, but because I crave to see that (name) is authentically following after You.  I yearn to see genuine fruit showing others that they know You, not just because it is what we taught them, but because it is what they believe themselves.” 

“Strengthen (name) with deep conviction to be obedient to You when You ask them to do hard things. Increase their faith to trust You without wavering.  Open (name)’s eyes to see what You are doing, how you are protecting and providing, and how You are answering their prayers, even those unspoken. Father, I pray they would have the faith of Abraham, the love of God as David did, nurture in them the fervent heart of Hannah and the boldness of Abigail.  Lord, You provided so many examples of faith- may (name) be someone You would write about whose faith would be evidence through their actions, choices, and words and who would inspire others to follow Jesus in the midst of this dark world.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

1. G154 - aiteō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (esv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g154/esv/mgnt/0-1/

Why Pray Scripture?

It’s hard to communicate in words what lies in our hearts and what stews in our minds, isn’t it?  Sometimes we just cannot put into words the depths of our griefs and joys, the details of our worries and fears.  Oftentimes, in speaking to the God of the Universe, we realize our smallness, our limitations, our insufficiencies…and we should.  We are fragile, limited, and insufficient…but we are the children of the King!  We are sons and daughters of the Most High God and He stoops to hear us. 

Psalm 116:1-2 says “I love the LORD because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.  Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as  I have breath!” (NLT) 

God bends down to listen to us.  Just like a father would get down to listen to his little child who has a need or something to share, God leans towards us to hear what we’re asking, understand what we’re telling Him, and gives us His full attention because He loves us.

So, why should we pray Scripture?  God’s word is so complete that it can put into words what we cannot.  Speaking God’s words back to Him demonstrates we value His Word, we understand the power that it holds, and shows our submission to its authority. 

Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Meditate on that.  God’s word is living, not dead, not antiquated, not ‘yesterday’ but alive and working.  The Greek word is ‘energes’ and means “active, working, effectual, operative, powerful” (1) The Word of God is active and powerful!  And isn’t that what we want our prayers to be?!  

Scripture is also sharp, ‘tomos’, meaning it can cut by a single stroke.  It’s not dull, requires no hacking, sawing, or repeated blows.  The double-edged sword was a prized weapon in battle because you could swing back and forth, taking out your enemies with each swing.  A sharp, double-edged sword was to be feared and could not be competed against.  Scripture imparts fear in the enemy, friends!  Our own words do little. God’s word pierces and divides.  When we pray, we want to pierce the darkness and evil, we want to divide error from truth, we want to separate those we are burdened for from the oppression and evil that would seek to bring them down.  God’s word is powerful to do that.

Scripture separates and brings distinction between things as well.  Hebrews mentions joints and marrow.  We might question, “Why did God talk about that?”  Consider what a joint does, it connects things and allows for movement.  Yet, sometimes our connections are unhealthy and our movements are in the wrong direction.  We can use scripture to pray that any movement is God-led and that our sons and daughters remain closely connected to Him.  Psalm 1:1-2 is a wonderful passage to pray: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on His law day and night.”

But what about the marrow?  Ah, the marrow is life-generating.  We can live without joints, but we cannot live without marrow.  The Greek word for marrow is ‘myelos’ and means blood.  Marrow allows for life, generates new blood cells that fight infection, carries oxygen, and helps stop bleeding.  A bone marrow transplant can restore life.  Death of the marrow brings death to the body. 

Finally, scripture discerns the intentions of the mind and heart.  It is decisive to address each aspect of the individual’s thought life and heart attitude.  Scripture is the all-inclusive remedy to every situation, challenge, attack, and need.  Psalm 19:7-8 “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes.   

When we pray Scripture over our sons and daughters, we’re praying the very words of God that are effectual and life-giving, protective and sustaining.  We need to form a habit of opening our Bibles and praying back the words we read. If we do, we are praying words that are alive, active, discerning, penetrating, and effective to fight spiritual battles with the double-edged sword of scripture, battling principalities and powers that would seek to harm and destroy. We can pray a spiritual hedge of protection around our sons and daughters. We can ask that the Lord would bring other believers to encourage, challenge, and keep them accountable. Through prayer and Scripture, we have access to the Throne room of The Almighty, Great I AM, our Father, our Savior, our Friend. Scripture is so precious, we must embrace it, learn it, pray it and memorize it.

Let’s boldly pray Scripture this week, speaking God’s own words over our sons and daughters, asking Him for protection, guidance, wisdom and strength.  Psalm 25 is a great place to begin, but please, share the Scripture you’re praying!!  Let’s encourage one another as we kneel before the Throne!

Psalm 25

1 In you, Lord my God,
    I put my trust.

2 I trust in you;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    nor let my enemies triumph over me.

3 No one who hopes in you
    will ever be put to shame,
but shame will come on those
    who are treacherous without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.

5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.

6 Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
    for they are from of old.

7 Do not remember the sins of my youth
    and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
    for you, Lord, are good.

8 Good and upright is the Lord;
    therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

9 He guides the humble in what is right
    and teaches them his way.

10 All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful
    toward those who keep the demands of his covenant.

11 For the sake of your name, Lord,
    forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

12 Who, then, are those who fear the Lord?
    He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.

13 They will spend their days in prosperity,
    and their descendants will inherit the land.

14 The Lord confides in those who fear him;
    he makes his covenant known to them.

15 My eyes are ever on the Lord,
    for only he will release my feet from the snare.

16 Turn to me and be gracious to me,
    for I am lonely and afflicted.

17 Relieve the troubles of my heart
    and free me from my anguish.

18 Look on my affliction and my distress
    and take away all my sins.

19 See how numerous are my enemies
    and how fiercely they hate me!

20 Guard my life and rescue me;
    do not let me be put to shame,
    for I take refuge in you.

21 May integrity and uprightness protect me,
    because my hope, Lord,[c] is in you.

22 Deliver Israel, O God,
    from all their troubles!

Pray without ceasing!

1. G1756 - energēs - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1756/niv/mgnt/0-1/

My Dear Children…Continue in Him

“And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.” 1 John 2:28

Ask any parent who loves the Lord what they truly want for their sons and daughters. Most would be quick to say they want nothing more than to know their children continue with God, walk faithfully, hold tightly, trust unwaveringly.

Persistence is a characteristic necessary for life, isn’t it?  If we don’t persist, we don’t learn, accomplish, grow, or survive.  There are so many sayings that tell us to keep going- it’s a theme across all generations and cultures.  Dory, in Finding Nemo, sang, “just keep swimming,” and people quickly picked up on the melody…and the positive message…to remind themselves to press on.   Country music croons to us to “keep on keeping on.”  Elisabeth Elliott, a Christian author and teacher, faced extraordinary circumstances when, as a young mother with a 10 month old baby, her husband was killed on the mission field.  In the days following, she would remind herself to “just do the next thing” because life was so difficult and she struggled to know how to manage it.  

Those who lived in Biblical times struggled to manage and persist, too.  Life was hard.  There was loss and grief; there were obstacles and opposition.  The Apostle John knew there was even more to come- the Christian life was not easy and persecution was very real.  He gently and lovingly wrote 1 John 2:28 to encourage the believers,  “And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.”

Dear children, continue!  Don’t give up!  Persist!!  Press on!  It wasn’t a rallying cry for the sake of survival, but for the promised reward of standing before the Lord, confident and unashamed.  John redirected their focus from the circumstances to the Purpose and the goal.

When we pray that our sons or daughters ‘continue’ in the Lord, we might picture a steady walk in the right direction, not wavering or wandering.  But if we look at the word ‘continue’, ‘meno’ in Greek, it actually means, “to stay in a given place, state, relation or expectancy; to abide or remain” (1).  

If we’re serious about praying for our children to continue in the Lord, we need to pray for these aspects of ‘continuing’ specifically.

Our place:  When we hear someone say, “Know your place”, it’s often a reprimand to keep quiet, don’t presume you have a right to speak or interject.  But in Christ, we have a place that qualifies us to step into His presence, speak to Him freely, live with confidence, and face the future with hope.  We are children of the King!  We have home and a place at His table.  We’re not a visitor or a stranger, we’re family.  We’re brought into His protection, welcomed and adopted as His very own.  We have a place and we belong.

Psalm 23:5  “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.  You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.”

Ephesians 2:6 says, “And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,”

Our state:  As believers, our condition is confirmed.  We are no longer condemned!  The state of the believer is one that brings hope!  We are forgiven, redeemed, justified, sanctified, and accepted with the promise of eternity in His presence.  We are no longer slaves to sin and our sinful nature.

Romans 8:1-2, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.”

Our relationship: Our relationship with and to the Lord is confirmed; we are His children and his heirs.  

Romans 8:15-17 “...rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.  And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”  The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.  Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”

Our hope: We can live with eager expectation and hope because we are His heirs and He’s promised us a life in His presence.

Ephesians 1:18-19 “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.”

Revelations 21:3-4 “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

When we pray for our children to continue in their faith, we’re not praying that they have the personal strength to keep walking…we’re praying they will remain in Christ, unmoved, not deceived, not led astray by false teachers or lured by temptation.  We also pray that they would have a fixed position that is anchored in Christ.  We pray they would understand God’s precepts and would live with conviction as a forgiven, redeemed, justified and sanctified child of God.  A child who holds fast to their position in Christ and to their inheritance as an heir of the promise.  We ask the Lord to help them live with hope, not looking to this world for satisfaction, joy and rescue, but to Christ alone.  He provides everything they need for this life and for eternity. Finally, we pray that they will stand unashamed at His coming because they truly understand who they are and Whose they are.

Today, let’s pray that our dear children will continue in Christ and all that it means to do so.  Colossians 1:9-12 is a great scripture passage to pray over our sons and daughters. Or take time to write out a specific prayer naming your child/children and praying over all of the aspects of what it means to continue in their walk with the Lord.  

Colossians 1:9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to His glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of His holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, 14 in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Pray without ceasing

1. G3306 - menō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3306/niv/mgnt/0-1/

My Dear Children, Do Not Sin

1 John 2:1 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

Imagine receiving a letter that begins with the words, “ My Dear Children”.  One immediately senses that it’s going to say some important things.  The greeting gets our attention; it identifies us as loved, important and connected to a family.  The sentiment “Dear children” tells us we are precious to the writer… a parent-figure, and isn’t that what our sons and daughters are to us?  Dear.  Beloved.  Cherished and important.  Stop and consider, if we would write to our sons and daughters, what would we say?

The Apostle John wove that very phrase into his letters to the early church.  He wrote often to the believers because had a burden to encourage them in their walk with the Lord.  He understood, better than most, the cost of discipleship and the dangers of our life in this earthly realm, the kingdom of darkness.   The book of 1 John is filled with encouragement, cautions, and reminders of how the believers should live and why. And many of those directives start with the phrase, ‘dear children’.  John loved the believers as his spiritual children and wanted to ensure they knew the words he was speaking to them, via the Holy Spirit, were words of love and conviction.

Over the next few weeks, we’re going to look at these “dear children” directives and pray through them for our own beloved sons and daughters.  What better way to encourage their walk with the Lord?!

1 John 2:1 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”

Oh what words of direction AND comfort!!  Do not sin!  Don’t do it!  We need to pray that specifically and often for our sons and daughters because we all know, far too well, that the enemy wants nothing more than to cause us to sin.  Sin leads us away from the Lord, it defeats us, it tries to define us (although that is not how our Savior sees us, we’re deceived into believing we are what we do and our value is in our efforts).  We need to pray that God keeps our dear children from sin.  

BUT we can’t stop there!!  No!  We need to pray that next portion of 1 John 2:1 because it’s vital for our dear children to understand, and us as well, that if we DO sin (and we will, we’re fallen people), we have an advocate who speaks to the Father on our behalf- Jesus Christ.  

That word ‘advocate’ is the word ‘parakletos’ in Greek.  It means "one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant; an advocate, and intercessor" (1)  We have our very own legal counsel who comes to our defense and clearly states that the price for every sin, past, present and future, is paid for by His precious blood sacrifice and is eternally effective because of His resurrection from the dead.  There is no sin that cannot be forgiven by Jesus and there is no failure for which He will not step up and advocate for us.  He is our paraclete- our advocate and our counselor.  He not only speaks to the Father on our behalf, but He speaks truth into us and reminds us of who we are and Whose we are.   Sin does not define us.

John was so adamant that the church understood this that he said it again in 1 John 2:12, “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name.”  Yes, he encouraged them not to sin, but twice he reminded them that Christ paid the price for their sin and they had, and would always have, His forgiveness, not because of anything they might do, but because of His Name.  Oh friends, it’s SO important that our sons and daughters understand not only God’s commands not to sin, but also God’s complete and perfect forgiveness when they do!!  When the world wants to define them by what they’ve said and done and how they’ve messed up, God defines them as His child, loved, forgiven, redeemed and justified through Christ.  Today, let’s pray these very words for our sons and daughters.

“Heavenly Father, (name) is my dear child, whom I love very much, but I know You love even more than I do.  I pray that (name) would not sin.  That’s blunt and straightforward, but it’s so needed, Lord.  Keep them from sin.  It destroys and rots the life You would have them live abundantly in You.  Lord, please help (name) to remain in You- to abide and live a life that is consumed with You so that there is no room for sin to take hold.  But I know that in this world, this life, none of us can fully avoid sin.  We are a fallen humanity and the old self still lives in us.  We still wrestle with it every day.  So, as You keep them from sin,  I pray, too, that You would remind (name) that You, Jesus, are their advocate and You are the One to whom they should run when they’ve mis-stepped, or worse, fallen into steady consuming sin.  Jesus, You will always advocate for (name) to the Father, making a way for forgiveness and restoration.  Lord, keep (name) running to You always, clinging to You for counsel and defense.  Lord, keep them always, in Jesus’ name, amen,”

Why not text 1 John 2:1 to your son or daughter today?   “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin.  But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”  Encourage them with scripture and pray without ceasing.

G3875 - paraklētos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3875/niv/mgnt/0-1/

The Trouble with Darkness

Recently there was a blackout in the middle of the night.  It was planned and we were all warned it was going to take place, but we didn’t prepare for it.  

I awoke about 1:30 am and everything was black. It wasn’t just dark; it was pitch black. It took me a moment to realize what was going on.  My eyes were wide open, but I was not seeing anything.  It didn’t matter how much I blinked, the dark was impenetrable.  

Since I was awake, I decided to get up. I thought I could navigate the room from memory… three steps forward, watch your left foot on the foot of the bed… one more step past the dog bed and turn right, five steps and left into the bathroom, but ‘wham!’ Instead, I ended up bumping clumsily into my husband's dresser… I went a step too far and I missed the doorway.  The darkness had totally disoriented my sense of direction and shaken my confidence that I could navigate the room without any light.

Every day I walk around that same room.  The furniture has been in the same places for years.   Yet, when I couldn’t see anything, it was suddenly not as automatic.  On the way back, I measured my steps but met a wall where there wasn’t one before.  The darkness was so deep that my human eyes couldn’t discern anything. The darkness brought a kind of chaos to a room that was once well-ordered in the light. It seemed easier to just keep my eyes closed than to try to strain and see. 

Finally, I realized that rather than try and look around me (that was fruitless), I relied on what I knew and remembered.  It helped guide my steps.  I didn’t get distracted by the darkness, but rather, recalled to mind what I knew was true.

As I lay in the dark, I realized how much spiritual symbolism was in those ill-fated moments during the blackout…

1. First, we were warned it was coming, but we didn’t heed the warning.  

How many people hear the gospel, yet disregard its importance? They hear the warning about eternity without Christ, yet they don’t give it a second thought?  If we look around, we see the signs of the times, nation rising against nation, wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, famines- it’s all there.  Jesus' return is very near. It WILL matter whether you chose to follow Him or not.

John 3:13 “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.”

We all have friends and loved ones who know “about” Jesus, but do not walk in relationship with Him.  Do our sons and daughters have dull hearing and veiled eyes?  When we talk about the dangers of spiritual darkness, do our sons and daughters just ‘bob their heads’ (yeah, yeah, yeah… I’ve heard it all before)?  Maybe they pass off our warnings as overreactions. Perhaps they think they have time, or maybe they are indifferent to spiritual things altogether.  This darkness is powerful.  

John 12:46 “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

We need to pray that the Light of Christ breaks through the darkness and shines a spotlight on their sin, their desperate need for a Savior and on the Truth that will give them life!  Let’s pray for deep grief over sin and a hunger and thirst for righteousness.

John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

2. Darkness disorients us to what is right and true.  Spiritual darkness does the same.

Darkness takes what we know and distorts it.  It twists and confuses things.  It calls into question what we think we know and makes us unsure. We become a target for the Enemy.  Disoriented victims are easy to hold captive.

2 Corinthians 11:14-15 “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

Darkness also lulls us into a false belief that we can navigate this world on our own, without the light of Christ.  We clumsily bumble and stumble but pridefully think we’re doing just fine.  We’re painfully ignorant or outright stubbornly resistant to admitting our need for Him.  Darkness makes us believe a lie.

Proverbs 4:19 “But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.”

Colossians 2:8 “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.”

We need to pray that the Holy Spirit will move in the hearts of those who don’t yet know Christ and open the eyes of those who are walking in darkness so they see their need for Jesus and long for the Shepherd to lead them.  They are living in spiritual chaos, but Christ can bring order and direction.

Acts 26:18 “To open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”

3. Deep darkness almost forces one to keep their eyes closed- and isn’t that what the enemy wants?! 

2 Corinthians 4:4 “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

Now is the time to pray scripture over our loved ones.  Verses that plead for clear spiritual vision and discernment needed for dealing with the darkness that surrounds all of us and for the protection from the Prince of Darkness that only Christ can give.

Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law.

Isaiah 42:16-17  “I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.  These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.  But those who trust in idols, who say to images, ‘You are our gods,’ will be turned back in utter shame.”

4. Finally, we can only battle darkness and confusion with the Truth of God’s Word. 

We must turn our eyes to the Truth of the Gospel, the infallibility of Scripture, the Sovereignty and Holiness of God.

2 Samuel 22:29 “You, LORD, are my lamp; the LORD turns my darkness into light.”

Psalm 143:8,10  “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.  Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.”

2 Corinthians 10:5 “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Darkness is present. We can’t deny that. Satan prowls like a lion, looking for anyone to devour. But our God reigns and His Word is powerful and effective.  It has the ability to deter and defeat the enemy.  It brings life and light and penetrate the darkness .  Jesus is that Word.  Let’s pray continually for our sons and daughters, for our loved ones, for those who don’t know Christ that He would defeat the darkness and lead them to walk in the Light of Life.

Take time today and throughout the week to pray these Scriptures over your sons and daughters, over your friends and loved ones. Put their names into each one, speak them out loud, call on the name and the blood of Jesus to bind the enemy and defeat the darkness.

Jude 1:24-25  “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

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.

Despising a Vile Man

Psalm 15:1-4

1. Lord, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain?

2. The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart;

3. and has no slander on his tongue, who does his neighbor no wrong and casts no slur on his fellowman,

4. who despises a vile man but honors those who fear the Lord, who keeps his oath even when it hurts,

We live in a world of opposites, don’t we?  What is right is often ridiculed as being wrong, antiquated or intolerant and what is actually wrong and sinful is celebrated and exalted as the standard to follow.  Scripture tells us we should despise a vile man, yet this world will tell us that word is strong and should have no place in our lives.  “Tolerance” is the word of the day.  

So what exactly IS a vile man?   A vile man is one who rejects or spurns the Lord.  It is the opposite of one who accepts Jesus (1)  

And what does it mean to despise?  Strong’s defines this as holding in contempt, to disdain, not honor or admire (2)  Consider a court of law.  When someone speaks out against the judge or dishonors the trial process, they are held in contempt of court.  “Contempt of court, also referred to simply as “contempt”, is the disobedience of an order of a court. It is also conduct tending to obstruct or interfere with the orderly administration of justice” (3). Someone who is in contempt is not honored or celebrated, they’re reprimanded.  Yet, this world celebrates those in contempt of Christ- those who go against His rules of justice and righteousness.

But God tells us this:

1. We should hate sin and hate anything that is contrary to God, “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech.” Proverbs 8:13 

2. We are called to stand for the Lord, “Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

3. We are called to defend our faith, “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” 1 Peter3:15 

4. We are strangers here and should be seen as in this world, but not of it, “I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.  My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.  They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.”  John 17:14-16.  

5. We need to live as we are called, and not embrace the sin around us, but be separate, “ Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.  For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.  The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”  1 John 2:15-17)

We can’t be followers of Christ and approving of, celebrating, excusing or tolerating things that go against God and His word.  That’s being double-minded and will lead to instability in our faith (James 4:8).

And if we’re followers of Christ, we must stand by our commitment to Him, not waffle or wither when opposition comes (and it will) we must stand by our oath and be faithful to our commitment to God.  (I Peter 1:6-7)

Finally, we need to honor those who fear the Lord.  But we must be watchful and careful because there are many who claim to fear God, yet they use His word and His name to do ungodly things.  Discretion must be at play here and we need to be cautious we’re not lifting up those who are doing sinful things and hiding behind their ego, their knowledge of Scripture and their ability to manipulate others.  Friends, those would be considered vile men because they are not serving God, but themselves. Just because they are popular doesn’t mean they are Godly.

There is so much to ponder in Psalm 15:4.  Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters despise anything that rejects or stands in opposition to God and His word.  We’re not called to be tolerant of sin.  We’re called to stand for Truth.  Then, pray that our sons and daughters have discretion to know and discern who truly is a follower of Jesus and that they do not misplace honor that should not be given. Finally, pray that they would stand firm in their faith, not turning back on their commitment to God but keeping their conviction, even in the face of opposition, persecution and trial.

“Father God, Sovereign of the Universe, You chose us according to your foreknowledge for sanctification through the Holy Spirit for obedience to Jesus.  Give (name) strength and conviction today to hold to that commitment to follow Christ.  I pray that You would help (name) to be uncomfortable with sin.  When something is wrong- contrary to Your word, I pray that (name) would turn away, not defend it and not celebrate it.  Give them integrity to stand for Truth even in the face of opposition.  Give (name) the ability to love others as Jesus loves, but disdain the sin and the rebellion that is present.  I pray You would also give (name) discretion to know the difference between someone who simply spouts scripture versus someone who lives it out.  Lord, help them to follow You, not people or preachers or teachers.  Lord, we know this world will continue to worsen and sin will continue to corrupt.  Satan’s time is short and he’s doing all he can to destroy.  Lord, protect (name) from the enemy.  Keep them from being influenced by sin and evil.  Guard them in Your love and strength so they will stand in the day of salvation (1 Peter 1:3-9).  I pray this all in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing, friends.

1. H3988 - mā'as - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h3988/niv/wlc/0-1/

2. H959 - bāzâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h959/niv/wlc/0-1/

3. Legal Information Institute. (n.d.). Contempt of court. Legal Information Institute. Retrieved June 12, 2022, from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/contempt_of_court