Don’t Believe the Lies
2 Timothy 4:4 “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
Truth-telling is a lost art. Just tune into any reality tv show and so much of the drama is based upon who can deceive others with the greatest skill and win the prize. Marketing is dependent on creating a ‘truth’ that sells an image or appeals to the ego. Far too often, we need to do so much ‘due diligence’ in order to protect ourselves from being deceived, swindled, or played the fool.
Conspiracy theories are running rampant these days as well. It seems you can find an alternative to just about any belief. And far too many people are willing to believe things that are far-fetched. Despite having far too little proof, the stories are intriguing, so people buy into the story. Why is it that the lies are often easier to believe than the truth? That’s the work of the Enemy, friends. He is the master deceiver. He delights in the fact that people are more willing to put their faith in unsubstantiated theories rather than the truth of Scripture that has been prophesied about and proven true over and over again.
What drives people to fall prey to the lies? Stubbornness and pride are two reasons, “You can’t tell me what to believe!” But really, scripture tells us that this will happen. “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” Their eyes are blinded to the truth. They have more faith in unproven conspiracies than they do the Almighty God.
As our world spins ever-closer to the end of days, the lies will continue to spin with it. Matthew 24:24 “For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.” We need to pray that our sons and daughters can readily distinguish the truth from a lie. We must pray that they are not lured by ‘sweet sounding’ stories that would pull them from the truth of Scripture, but instead would remain true to Scripture as their guide and would invest the time to learn and deepen their knowledge of God’s Word.
“Lord, I pray that the Word of God will remain preeminent in (name)’s life. Let them look to you always and only for guidance, truth and wisdom. Keep their feet from straying off of your path of righteousness and keep their eyes locked onto Your face, Lord. Don’t let them be intrigued and enticed by the theories. Don’t let them question the truth of Your Word. Let them always be faithful to You in everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Stand Firm to the End
Stay True to the Faith
Matthew 24:12-13 “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Have you noticed how people seem to be growing more hostile toward God, toward the Bible and toward believers? Scripture says in the last days scoffers will come, mocking God’s promises and following their own evil desires (2 Peter 3:3)
It’s crucial that we pray for our sons’ and daughters’ protection and growth, but more than that. There is so much at stake. We are stepping into the Last Days and we see Jesus’ return ever-nearer; we must pray that our children stand true and hold fast. The world isn’t just indifferent toward God, it’s hostile. If we are believers and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, guess what...they’re going to be hostile to us as well. Friends, we are not just seeing ‘glimpses’ of this, but nearly weekly reports of hostility, aggression and hatred toward God, the church and the family of believers.
Recently, a large church was torn down in Ireland. The once-vibrant church, built to hold 3500 people, is no longer needed. Eventually, it will be replaced by a smaller building that holds 350 (1)(2). The comments following the news story were very telling…
“Good, now let’s get started on the rest of them.”
”They’ll just build another one, like Ireland needs any more churches… Wish they would spend the money they use for these places on actually trying to rebuild people’s [lives] that they have destroyed.”
“The truth must win in the end, unfortunately, the church has outgrown its use. It’s purpose is done.”
“Churches that size are not necessary any more.”
“...It’s built for 3500 parishioners. No way will the church ever recover to those numbers. Religion is dying. The majority of the nation won’t [care]. Good riddance.” (3)
Friends, back up and look at the big picture. This isn’t about denominations or doctrine. This is a much bigger picture that is representative of the hardened heart of man toward God. The hostility of these people toward church is strong. Their view that worship is unnecessary is clear. The indifference to the dwindling flock is another sign that this world is doing just what God said it would. Hearts are growing cold. People are less and less inclined to even consider God or their position in relation to Him. They have no thought for eternity. They are driven by their own evil desires, lusts and passions. They mock and rail against the Lord. ...And this is the world in which our sons and daughters are living... and in which they must decide to take a stand for Christ, no matter what may come.
“Father, I pray today for (name). Lord, this world is growing more hostile and we all will be tempted to protect ourselves from the onslaught of persecution. But Lord, you call us to lose our lives for You. Whether it be comfort, employment, friends, Lord, we know that we might have to let go of some things in order to lay hold of that which you’ve called us to- eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 says v 17 “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Lord, help (name) to put their hope in You and You alone.
V.18 “Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.” I pray that (name)’s words and actions would represent Christ well. Let them be salt and light in a world that is dark and decaying. Give them strength and boldness to to this. Yes, it will make them stand out as a believer and may bring persecution as a result, but it is what You call us to. Help (name) to do it well and for Your glory. We know the promise is sure v.19 “In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.”
Lord, I pray that (name) would choose to live for the life that is truly life. Let them live uncompromisingly for You. Give them boldness, strength and confidence that You will hold them securely. Don’t let them grow cold, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
1. News, R. T. E. (2020, February 6). Permission granted for demolition of Finglas Church. RTE.ie. Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.rte.ie/news/dublin/2020/0206/1113615-finglas-church/.
2. Annunciation), (I. C. of, & Maps), (I. S. G. (2020, February 6). Demolition of iconic North Dublin Church gets final approval. DublinLive. Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.dublinlive.ie/news/dublin-news/demolition-church-annunciation-finglas-gets-17701410.
3. Here Today Gone Tomorrow. Facebook. (n.d.). Retrieved November 1, 2021, from https://www.facebook.com/jimm1965/posts/1672502186474306.
Contend for the Faith
Jude 1:3 “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”
Contend for the faith. What does that statement bring to mind? Fighting? Arguing? A conflict that gets heated? Dictionary.com (1) says that the word ‘contend’ means to struggle in opposition or to assert and maintain earnestly. However you look at it, if we are called to contend for the faith, it means we will face opposition and challenges that will try and persuade us otherwise. (Remember, the word ‘faith’ means persuaded). Jude is telling us to contend for the faith because he knows, he KNOWS, that there is an ongoing spiritual battle between believers and the powers of darkness that is going to continue to get worse. Let’s not kid ourselves, friends, our greatest enemies are unseen. Our faith is always being attacked...and even when we don’t sense it, the battle is likely raging around us. Our sons and daughters MUST be ready to contend for the faith, because if it’s not already here, oppression and persecution are coming.. If we identify with Christ, we will partake of His suffering. 1 Peter 2:20 “For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”
So many believers around the world know very personally what this means. They suffer persecution and loss, they are beaten, imprisoned, ridiculed and mistreated for the name of Christ. Yet they stand. Why? Because the name of Jesus means more to them than life itself. They are not so comfortable here that they hesitate to give up what they have for what Jesus promises them in glory. They have extraordinary courage in Christ. Are we ready? Could we withstand the pressure?
How much does Jesus mean to us? Enough to say we’re willing to give up everything for His name?
Contend for the faith. Today, and every day, we need to pray that our sons’ and daughters’ spiritual strength and faithfulness is strong and unwavering. Pray that when they are confronted with pressure, or worse, with persecution, that they rise up and contend for the faith, confident that He who began a good work in them will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ (Phil 1:6) Today is a day to be honest with ourselves… the last days are near, we can’t deny it. The powers of darkness are becoming more visible and more active. Believers are getting powerfully distracted by things that do not matter, arguments that only serve to divide and selfish demands that dishonor the gospel. We need to pray that we all contend for the faith with a passion and commitment that will carry us through until we stand before the Lord. Let us stand, unwaveringly.
Pray without ceasing.
Dictionary.com. Contend definition & meaning. Dictionary.com. Retrieved October 8, 2021, from https://www.dictionary.com/browse/contend.
Pray it again!
God doesn’t tire of hearing our prayers. It’s important that we keep bringing our heart’s burdens to Him and lay them before Him. It’s not repetitive, it’s persistent, committed and trusting. We trust that He hears us and we are confident He will answer in His time and according to His will. Take time to review our prayer points from the week and pray them again.
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.
Pray that our sons and daughters would cry out to God for help when things are difficult and they are ‘sinking’. Let Him be who they run to first and always.
Pray that in their crying to the Lord, they practice patience, understanding that He really does hear them and will answer.
Pray that they would have confidence that God would rescue them and give them a firm place to stand, no matter the crisis and no matter the time or day or night.
Pray that our sons and daughters know and claim Jesus’ victory over sin and death as their own. Pray that they stand firm and devote themselves to working for the Lord with all of their being.
Pray that our sons and daughters would: Be on their guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; and be strong
Let’s pray today that our sons and daughters are mindful of where and with whom they stand. Pray that they refuse to stand in the way that sinners take lest they find themselves on a road that leads away from the Lord.
Pray without ceasing.
Where are you standing?
Psalm 1:1 “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,”
Have you ever been to a concert or sporting event? The crowd gathers outside, waiting for the venue to open. All around are people standing and waiting, pressing closer and jostling for position. When the moment comes and the doors open, the crowd starts moving-pushing, and, ready or not, you’re carried along with them. You couldn’t resist if you wanted to. The force of the group is too strong to push against and, like it or not, you’re headed in a direction that may, or may not be where you want to go.
Or, maybe you’re standing in the aisle of a store, looking ‘smart’ and someone mistakes you for a store employee. They approach you and ask about inventory or a question about the merchandise. All you were doing was standing there, but your location and stance gave the appearance of belonging and participation.
Oh, and then there are those who get arrested for their proximity to the crime. “But, I was just standing there!” That doesn’t serve as a valid excuse and it doesn’t exonerate that person. Their ‘standing’ was interpreted as ‘participation’ and they were implicated along with those who were actively participating in the crime. “Just standing” can be “just dangerous”.
As parents, we have all kinds of warnings for our kids “Don’t stand too close to the edge!” “Don’t stand in the street!” “Don’t stand too close to the fire!” “Don’t stand on that chair- it’s not strong enough!” But, friends, it’s not just the physical location about which we need to warn them. Our sons and daughters need to be mindful of where they stand spiritually as well.
Does their location give the appearance of supporting something questionable or ungodly?
Are they surrounded by others who will ‘carry’ them along into things that are not wise or perhaps spiritually dangerous?
Have they chosen to stand where they might be mistaken for someone who does not stand on Godly principles?
How, where and with whom we stand is important. Let’s pray today that our sons and daughters are mindful of these and they don’t stand in the way that sinners take lest they find themselves on a road that leads away from the Lord.
“Lord, I pray for (name) today. Give them strength to stand in wise places where they will represent You well. Encourage them, Lord, to step away from people, places, and events that would challenge their testimony or tempt them to sin. I pray that You would give them good discretion, make their spiritual feet strong to hold them steady in the tide of evil that is pulling us more each day. Father, I pray that (name) would stand with You and not crumble to or be carried off by the ‘crowd’ of popular opinion. I pray this all in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
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.