Fear, Faith, & Examples to Follow
Matthew 14:25-33 “Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.””
Let’s look at the actions and responses of the disciples:
They saw Jesus, but they didn’t recognize Him, they were terrified.
They cried out in fear.
Peter stepped out of the boat at Jesus’ invitation and began to walk on the water
Peter got distracted by the wind and waves around him and began to sink, he cried out in fear
Jesus and Peter returned to the boat together
The disciples worshiped Jesus and acknowledged His Deity.
Now, look at the actions and responses of Jesus:
Jesus walked on the water to the disciples’ boat- He knew right where they were
He immediately reassured them when they cried out in fear
He invited Peter to come out on the water with Him (He didn’t rebuke his doubt or give a sermon, He simply said “Come”
Jesus immediately reached out to catch Peter as he began to sink. There is that word again…immediately
Jesus questioned Peter’s faith and his doubt
He climbed into the boat with Peter and the disciples.
Do you notice the difference? The disciples were focused on the situation. Jesus was focused on the relationship. Go back and read the lists again.
The disciples didn’t even recognize Jesus. He was there. He spoke to them, but their distraction at the things going on around them kept them from hearing His voice.
Then, Peter stepped out in faith to walk on the water. We need to ask, was he motivated to prove something to himself (that it really was Jesus) something to others (that he would be the one to walk on water) or was he fully driven to walk toward Christ- focused on Him, pursuing Him?
Jesus said “Come”, an invitation to join Him, an offer to pursue relationship and Peter was initially focused on Jesus, yes. But as soon as he got distracted, he shifted his focus to what was going on around him. He began to sink. Peter quickly realized the impact of fear on his focus, his faith and his position. He got distracted by the situation.
When we struggle with anxiety and fear and we pursue ways to control it, face it and conquer it, are we doing it to prove something to ourselves, to others, or to pursue Christ? Are we focused on the relationship, or on the events going on around us?
Friends, there is so much that can captivate our thoughts and our hearts. Where is our focus? Are we listening to Jesus, calling us to come to Him? Are we looking to Him alone in the midst of our storm, or are we too busy watching the wind and waves and anticipating what they will do to us? How often do we allow our fear and anxiety to consume our focus? …And if we’re sinking, what kind of example are we setting for others…for our sons and daughters?
Here are the things we need to remember.
In Matthew 14, Jesus knew exactly where the disciples were. He knows right where we are too. He knows where our sons and daughters are. He can be right there with them, reassuring them, calling them to ‘come’.
God will direct us into things we cannot handle on our own- we need to trust Him
The boat was buffeted by the waves…but as soon as Jesus stepped into the boat, the wind died down - When we invite Jesus into our storm, He brings peace. His presence calms our anxiety. The difficulty may still be there, but our focus shifts and our heart is assured because our Savior is at the helm. We hear His voice. We know and enjoy His presence. He brings peace and dispels our fear.
It’s no wonder, then, that we see Peter remind us in 1 Peter 5:7 “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Peter knew that first hand.
Today, stop and talk to the Lord, He’s calling you to come. Focus on Him, not the storm. Invite Him into your ‘boat’. Rest in the fact that He sees and knows all. Nothing is out of his control. Let’s refocus. Let’s cast our anxiety and fear aside and look to the Lord. He’s calling us to come. Let’s set the example for our sons and daughters and pursue Christ instead of sinking in the sea of fear and worry.
Pray without ceasing.
Whatever happens… are we ready?
Philippians 1:27-29 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
When we become believers and followers of Christ, we hear about the wonderful ways we’ll enjoy God’s blessings, mercy and grace. What we don’t often spend time considering is the cost of following Jesus. For those of us living in the West, that’s not really something we’re confronted with very often. But believers in closed countries where Christianity is outlawed, the cost is understood….and sometimes, believers pay with their lives. And they’re willing. That should make us pause and do some introspection. Is our faith strong or are we inch-deep with fragile roots? And are we ready….for whatever happens...?
There is an ever-growing pressure on believers, worldwide. Media, social and otherwise, decries our faith and our convictions as intolerant and abrasive. Believers are taunted, pressured, and shamed in an effort to pressure us to relent and relinquish the standards of our faith and soften our convictions. The goal is that we would substitute our Lord for a lesser god that would not be offensive to those living in darkness and pursuing sin. It’s true, to unbelievers Jesus is the Rock that makes them stumble and the stone that makes them fall (1 Pet 2:8). This world is trying to diminish the power of the gospel and defame the name of Christ. Christians are becoming more and more a target of ridicule and, in some countries, persecution and abuse. And, friends, it’s only going to increase. We are witnessing a battle between darkness and light unfold before our eyes. We have to be ready. So, how do we prepare our hearts and minds?
Scripture tell us we are called to suffer for Christ. Are we ready? When everything starts to circle the drain (and at some point, it will), nothing else will matter. When money is worthless and governments fall, when disorder reigns and religious freedom is a thing of the past, we need to be confident that our sons and daughters will stand firm in their faith. We want to be confident they will live by their convictions and they would be willing to give their all for Christ. Friends, it’s happening in some places now. Who is to say any nation would be immune? Will our sons and daughters have a faith strong enough to withstand the pressure, the persecution? Will they have an eternal perspective that allows them to view these light and momentary troubles as nothing compared to the eternal reward God has waiting?
We need to be on our knees praying a hedge of protection, a spiritual shield around our sons and daughters. And it’s likely we’re pretty good at that, it’s likely we’ve been pleading for God’s protection since they were born. But we also need to pray that they will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10). We need to pray that WHATEVER HAPPENS…. Whatever (that’s a hard word to wrap our Momma minds around, isn’t it?) Whatever happens, that our sons and daughters would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel: suitable and befitting the gospel of Christ.
Let’s take time this week to memorize and pray through Philippians 1:27-29. God’s word never returns void. Scripture renews our minds. And you’ll begin to see how Philippians 1:27-29 applies to so many things around you. Memorize, and then let’s pray for our sons and daughters:
That whatever happens, they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Worthy of Christ- oh how we should crave that as our heart’s desire.
That they would stand firm in the Spirit. They need to be listening to and sensitive to the Holy Spirit in their life.
That they would strive, together with other believers, for the faith of the gospel. This means they need to be in fellowship with other believers.
That they would not be afraid of those who oppose them. (Can they spot the opposition?)
That they would have confidence they will be saved by the Lord- He’s marked them as His own.
If they are not walking with the Lord, pray that the Holy Spirit would stir in their heart and bring them to repentance.
Pray that they would be ready, and willing, to suffer for Christ. 1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” and that they would be rejoicing that His glory will be revealed in them.
We have a full week’s worth of prayer here. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy focused prayer. It’s not a drive-through, it’s more of a sit down meal. Take your time to savor this time with the Lord.
Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers. Deepening your prayer life is not a ‘quick process’, but a deliberate one that requires you to be thoughtful and intentional and willing. Write down how the Lord is speaking to you and note how He’s taking you deeper into prayer. How do you see Him working? And if you’re willing, share with us!
Pray without ceasing, friends.
Philippians 1:27-29 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
Resolutions or Resolved
Philippians 1:20 “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
The turn of the calendar causes us to reminisce about the year that’s complete and urges us to set goals and make resolutions in hopes of accomplishing something good. It’s a new start and often that fills us with hope that this time we’ll accomplish our goals. Sadly, many of those resolutions fall by the wayside quickly. Our determination wanes, our calendars and schedules fill up and we find that we just don’t have time and our once-bold enthusiasm just… isn’t.
Rather than make a resolution- an expression of a good intention, let’s be resolved- firm in purpose, determined.
A resolution is stated.
But being resolved is lived out.
Which do we want our sons and daughters to choose?
Our world is continuing to unravel. If we pause and look carefully, we have to admit, ‘end times’ doesn’t seem so far away. How will our sons and daughters choose to live? Will they make resolutions, or will they be resolved? One will only carry them as far as good intentions can, but will waver when tested…the other will help them stand for Christ in a dark and dying world.
Friends, now is the time to step up our prayer life and commit to pray with urgency, with hope, with fear of the Lord and with confidence that He will answer.
Philippians 1:20 says “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.”
This week, let’s pray through Philippians 1:20 and add in the name of our sons and/or daughters. Let’s pray boldly that they would be resolved to stand for Jesus Christ no matter what. There may come a day, soon, when they will be tested or asked if they belong to Jesus. We need to pray that, above all, they want to exalt Christ in everything.
Take some time and jot Philippians 1:20 on a notecard or put it in your phone where you can look at it. Make it a point to learn the verse and pray it over your family and loved ones today and in the week ahead. Be resolved to stand firm for Christ and pray that your sons and daughters are as well.
Pray without ceasing.
New Year, New Format
A new year often prompts us to consider resolutions and goals with the hope of a new start and a clean slate. But perhaps we can look at this new year as an opportunity that will draw us into a renewed commitment to steady and ever-deepening prayer for our sons and daughters.
In light of that, Join the PAC Prayer is going to shift our format for a while. Rather than daily posts, we’re going to have a weekly post. We want to be able to focus on what scripture says and really take time to pray through it thoughtfully and pray through it more than just once, then moving on to another. How often have we read a verse and then, when we read it again, we find new insights and blessings we had not seen before? The hope is that by spending a week on one scripture, we’ll pray it thoughtfully, repeatedly, and it will give us pause and the chance to ponder how God’s word is living and active. Quality is not always represented by a greater quantity, and we want to pursue quality in our prayer life.
Let’s consider memorizing these scriptures, too. If we’re spending time each week on one verse or passage, we can commit them to memory and finish 2022 with 52 new verses in our hearts and minds. God’s word is living and active and can transform our hearts and renew our minds.
Join the PAC Prayer is excited to step into 2022 with you and pray for this next generation. Why not invite others to join us? How amazing would it be if we could ignite a revival and stir our sons and daughters to stand for Christ and shine His light in this ever-darkening world!
Pray without ceasing!
Wrapping Up The Year
How amazing is it that the Lord brought our paths together this year to pray for our sons and daughters?!! It’s been exciting and there has been growth, change, and a greater love for our Lord in all of it.
As we look forward to 2022, we’re taking a bit of a break here at Join the PAC Prayer to rest, strategize, and work on some new things. But, we’ll be back in January with new posts and a new project- can’t wait to share!!
Until then, look through the site and read through some of your favorite posts. Maybe share with a friend who needs encouragement. Ponder what God might be calling you to in the new year. And be ready to watch Him work!! Pray with us that God would continue to bring others to join us in praying for this next generation. Time is short. Jesus is coming!! What can we do to impact others for Christ?
Take time to enjoy family and reflect on the amazing gift of our Savior this season.
Pray without ceasing.
O Come, O Come, Immanuel
O come, O come, Immanuel,
and ransom captive Israel
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Wisdom from on high,
who ordered all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show
and teach us in its ways to go.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to your tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times did give the law
in cloud and majesty and awe.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,
unto your own and rescue them!
From depths of hell your people save,
and give them victory o'er the grave.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Key of David, come
and open wide our heavenly home.
Make safe for us the heavenward road
and bar the way to death's abode.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O Bright and Morning Star,
and bring us comfort from afar!
Dispel the shadows of the night
and turn our darkness into light.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
O come, O King of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind.
Bid all our sad divisions cease
and be yourself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel
shall come to you, O Israel.
Translator- J.M. Neale (1851)
Pray It Again
It’s always good to pray. It’s beneficial to bring things to the Lord again and again. He never tires of hearing us call on His name and talk with Him in prayerful fellowship. He knows what weighs on our hearts, but He wants to hear us share it with Him, trusting in His provision, intervention and Sovereign authority. Let’s pray through these prayer points one more time:
Pray that our sons and daughters see God’s work all around them today. Let’s pray they can and will testify to others about the Presence and Power of their Mighty God.
Pray that our sons and daughters would have perspective and peace despite the uncertainty of world leaders and fragility of peace.. Rather than being alarmed at what they see happening in the world, pray that they have confidence in our Mighty God and look forward to the day when He will reign forever, unchallenged on David’s throne. Pray that they long for God’s justice and righteousness over the temporary solutions offered by human leaders.
Pray that sons and daughters would realize that God requires their full attention and allegiance. Pray that they would look up, not around. Pray that they would not be distracted by all the ‘glitter’ of the season but would be committed to the Reason, Jesus.
Pray that our sons and daughters know, without a doubt, that their Mighty Warrior is rejoicing over them with singing, protecting and caring for them. Pray they have hope because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. Pray for those who have faced loss this year, that they would find hope and comfort in Jesus.
Pray that our sons and daughters would know, without a doubt, that their worth, purpose and meaning are found in Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior, and their relationship with Him.. Let’s pray they are not ‘performance driven’ but soul-stirred by the Holy Spirit to run after God with all they have and all they are.
Pray without ceasing.
Yet He Saved Us
Psalm 106:8 “Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.”
Look around. Our world is coming apart at the seams, isn’t it? People are gasping for life and grasping for anything to catch them from falling further into despair. Anger is strong and is expressed freely and often against others. So many people are struggling with a lack of purpose and meaning. They chase after things to fill the emptiness and yet they look around and exclaim, “there has to be more than this!” Sin is a destroyer. It decays us from our outward self with sickness and age all the way down to our innermost soul, trapped in darkness desperately searching for life and light.
When man sinned in the garden, God could have wiped it all away and started fresh. But He didn’t. No, He loved us too much for that. We were His image-bearers, the ones who walked with Him in the garden in the cool of the day, with whom He enjoyed sweet fellowship. So, instead of starting over, He made a way for His image-bearers to be redeemed and restored to fellowship with Him. And that way? Oh, it wasn’t the grand production you might imagine, no, it involved God stepping out of eternity and into time as a baby, the Christ-child, born to die for our sins.
Our purpose in life is bigger than our own agenda or accomplishments. It goes beyond ‘living our best life now’ and discovering ‘who we are meant to be’. God’s eternal plan was set in place long before the world was even created and each of us has a role, custom-written for us by the Father. Psalm 139:16 says “all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”
He saved us not because of anything we have done or could do, but for His glory and might alone! We, on our own, are so unworthy. 2 Timothy 1:9 says “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” Oh dear ones, do we realize how precious we are to our Father?
Parents, have we instilled enough Biblical, Godly wisdom and knowledge into our sons and daughters that they truly understand this? -That their worth is in God alone to bring Him glory? Or, have we pressured them on the performance level, reinforcing an undercurrent of ‘I love you more if…’
You please me as a parent and do what I expect
You perform on the scoreboard
Your GPA is strong
Your career is successful
You have a family-husband, wife, grandkids… that I am proud of…
Oh, that may seem harsh, but friends, far too often young people strive to gain the approval of us, their parents, because we’ve created a narrative that tells them that is where their worth is found… or we withhold encouragement and love if they have not done these, and thereby reinforce those messages again. In our warped, human frailty, we struggle to make ourselves worthy and we fall into the trap of thinking we actually can.
Friends, if God loved us that way, we’d all be goners. There is NOTHING we can do that would make us acceptable to God or make us fit to gain His approval. And that, friends, is why Jesus came. He provided a way of salvation for us when there was no way. And why? “Yet he saved them for his name’s sake, to make his mighty power known.”
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would know, without a doubt, that their worth, purpose and meaning are found in Jesus Christ, their Lord and Savior, and their relationship with Him. Let’s pray they are not ‘performance driven’ but soul-stirred by the Holy Spirit to run after God with all they have and all they are. Let’s pray they are sold-out for Jesus…and let’s encourage them in that!!
Christmas Season Challenge: Whenever you see a manger scene, pray that others who see it would have their eyes opened to the gift of Jesus- the eternal stepping into the temporal to save our weary souls. Pray for salvation for all who need the Lord.
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
Come quickly, Lord Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
Our Mighty God Sings Over Us
Zephaniah 3:17 “The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.””
Christmas is a joyful time, but for some, it’s a painful time when loss is felt more deeply, loneliness is more isolating and joy is hard to find. For some parents, it’s filled with grief and heartache. For some children, it’s the loss of something they once knew, or perhaps never knew, yet grieve all the same.
Jesus was a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. He knew the loss of a loved one as his earthly father passed away. He knew loneliness and pain. But He knew all of that because He chose to insert Himself into our world-the eternal stepping into the mortal, the infinite becoming finite, and yet infinite still. He became one of us so He could reach us and in doing so, He offered us forgiveness, redemption, and joy in His presence, eternally. He chose to come, even knowing what He would face and feel and lose…
The Lord our God IS with us! He is the Mighty Warrior who saves-even in the midst of grief, hardship and loss. This world is broken. Sin broke the God-ordained fellowship and ‘shalom’- everything in perfect harmony and brought pain, dysfunction and loss that continues to ripple through the generations, creating heavier waves of grief and brokenness. We feel it. But even when we fear we won’t ever feel joy again, He rejoices in us and takes great delight in us because He knows our story- He’s already written each part and He knows the end! We will be with Him one day and He will wipe away every tear. One day we will rejoice and dance in His presence, fully restored and our painful stories redeemed.
Today, pray that our sons and daughters know, without a doubt, that their Mighty Warrior is rejoicing over them with singing, protecting and caring for them. Pray they have hope because of Jesus’ birth, death and resurrection. And for our Christmas Season Challenge, pray the same for someone you know who has faced loss this year. Pray that they will be certain God is with them and rejoices over them.
“Father, thank You for being our Mighty God. Thank You that You are sovereign and You hold each moment in Your hands. Nothing takes You by surprise and nothing can overcome Your will. We know that in this world, we will have sorrow. Lord, I pray that You would be near to those who are suffering and grieving today. Encourage that one who needs You today. Lift up their head so they can see that You will redeem every trial and sorrow. Nothing is wasted- help that grieving one to trust You. Lord, I pray that You would bring joy in the midst of the sorrow and grief. Let this Christmas season be one of grateful thanks and joy for the redemption You provided through Jesus’ birth. I pray for my (son/daughter) today. Help them to be an encouragement to someone who needs hope. I also pray that if (name) is not walking with You or if their priorities are askew,, that You would get their attention and bring them back into sweet and right fellowship with You. Lord, we look at Christmas and see the miracle of God becoming man, entering a sin-filled world to bring hope, I pray that we would not lose sight of all You’ve done and continue to do. Thank you for rejoicing over us- help us to rejoice in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
That One Thing
Psalm 89:6-8 “For who in the skies above can compare with the Lord? Who is like the Lord among the heavenly beings? In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him. Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you.”
In a world where everything seems to be a competition to be ‘bigger’ ‘better’ ‘smarter’...the list goes on and on telling us what we should want…what we need, what the ‘hottest gifts are. Too often we’re searching for that ‘one thing’ that will bring contentment and fulfillment, but what we really need is the Lord and a singular passion for and commitment to Him.
We need to stop and refocus on what truly is most important. But in seasons like this, that’s hard. Most of what we’re drawn into is counterproductive to being still and knowing God. So much to do! So little time! We’ll never be done or ready… But really, the question should be, are we ready to meet the Lord?
More than ever, we need to pause and take stock of our life and of our eternity that hangs in the balance. Here’s the question…are our sons and daughters mindful of where they stand with the Lord, God Almighty? Does it give them pause to ponder their choices, their actions and who and what they choose to live for and love?
Far too often, we get easily distracted. We become consumed with life and comfort here on Earth. Especially as we head into the Christmas season, those distractions often intensify and we can run ourselves ragged tying to ‘do’ all the things and ‘buy’ all the things, when, all the time, we need to be focused on the ONE thing- our Mighty God and His desire for our whole heart.
Today, let’s just stop and pray for our sons and daughters that they would realize that God requires their full attention and allegiance. Pray that they would look up, not around. Pray that they would not be distracted by all the ‘glitter’ of the season but would be committed to the Reason, Jesus.
Christmas Season Challenge: When you see an advertisement for the ‘hottest item’ this season, pray for those people who are running after those things- seeking joy and fulfillment. Pray that they would see their need for Jesus and would pursue Him with all they have and all they are.
Pray without ceasing.
Hallelujah, We Have a Mighty God
Isaiah 9:6-7 ““For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.””
Imagine receiving a birth announcement that detailed the child’s future resume-
Welcome Johnny Jr, our little bundle of joy!
He’ll be the joy of his parents and teachers.
Johnny will most certainly be voted most likely to succeed and will excel in the classroom and on the football field.
He’ll be salutatorian and even graduate a year early.
He’ll earn a generous scholarship to university where he’ll participate in the pep band and will spend spring break volunteering with refugee ministries. John will graduate with honors and then go on to law school. He will be admired and respected by his family, his church and his coworkers…
A birth announcement like that would seem odd, premature at best, but more likely pretentious and very presumptuous.
But centuries before Jesus was born, his birth announcement told us exactly who He would be and what He would do.
He will be called-
Wonderful Counselor
Mighty God
Everlasting Father
Prince of Peace
And He will Lead like no other-
The greatness of his government and peace will have no end.
He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.
These days, we are so accustomed to hearing news of saber-rattling and watching world leaders vying for position and power. But this leader, our Mighty God, will outrank and outshine them all. He is the ultimate world leader and His power and authority will be unmatched. Under His reign we will know true justice, righteousness and peace. Can you imagine? And centuries before He was born, God shared the good news of this birth announcement that would change the world.
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would have perspective and peace despite the uncertainty of world leaders and fragility of peace.. Rather than being alarmed at what they see happening in the world, pray that they have confidence in our Mighty God and look forward to the day when He will reign forever, unchallenged on David’s throne. Pray that they long for God’s justice and righteousness over the temporary solutions offered by human leaders.
Christmas Season Challenge: Today, take time to listen to the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. Close your eyes and just soak in the truth of the words and the beauty of the music. Then, take a few moments to pray for our political leaders. Yes, pray for them. Pray that their eyes would be opened to the Truth of the Gospel and they would surrender their hearts to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Pray without ceasing.
Mighty God
“The Mighty One, God, the Lord,
speaks and summons the earth
from the rising of the sun to where it sets.
From Zion, perfect in beauty,
God shines forth.” Psalm 50:1-2
“Mighty God”, it’s one of the names given to Jesus in Isaiah 9. But what characterizes our God as a “mighty God”? Just look in scripture and you’ll see vivid descriptions and powerful accounts. Psalm 50 gives us just one example. “He speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to where it sets.” No other God has the power to do that, to ‘summon the earth”. If that doesn’t ‘wow’ us, Psalm 147:15-18 says “He sends his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly. He spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. He hurls down his hail like pebbles. Who can withstand his icy blast? He sends his word and melts them; he stirs up his breezes, and the waters flow.” All creation bows to His authority. He is the Mighty God.
He is a God of miracles both in creation and in the heart and mind of mankind. He parted the Red Sea; He brought water from a rock in the desert. He made the sun stand still and He made a donkey talk. He healed the blind and cured the leper. He can transform the sinner into a saint, the lost into the found and the indifferent into the passionate. He is our Mighty God! Isn’t that amazing and encouraging?
We could all probably write a list of the incredible things we’ve seen God do in our own lives and those that we’ve witnessed in the lives of others. Oh how we want our sons and daughters to be able to testify to the work of God in their lives, don’t we? The book of John uses the word ‘testify’ more than 10 times in regard to Jesus: His deity as the Son of God, the truth and power of His message and the authenticity of His resurrection. John had a passion to spread the truth of the gospel and to help others see, through his testimony, that Jesus was truly the Son of God, come to save the world from their sins. Let’s be intentional to testify to others about our Mighty God so they might know the truth!
Today, let’s pray that as the sun rises, that we’re reminded of the strength, sovereignty and might of our God. Then, let’s pray that our sons and daughters are reminded as well and that they really see and recognize God’s work all around them today. Let’s pray they can and will testify to others about the Presence and Power of their Mighty God.
Then, let’s begin to make a list- a written testimony of God’s work in our lives and on our behalf- a testament to our Mighty God. As parents, we not only want to pray and encourage our sons and daughters, but we want to leave a legacy of faith that can testify long after we’re gone. Why not begin today to record your testimony today?
Christmas Season Challenge- We are 12 days away from Christmas. Choose 12 people and pray for them today that they would be blessed this Christmas season and would recognize those blessings are straight from the Lord, our Mighty God. Jot down the names of those you’re praying for and, if you witness a blessing on them, record it!
Pray without ceasing.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!"
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (public domain)
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Saturday Review
As we reach the end of the week, let’s pray through our prayer points one more time. Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor., do we believe that? He guides, directs and instructs us, let’s pray that He leads our sons and daughters in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Today, the scripture for each prayer point is included. Take some time to read and meditate on the truths. Keep on praying friends, God is still working, always working. He will nurture those seeds and bring growth and fruit. Trust Him.
Isaiah 9:6-7
So many voices are competing for the attention and alliance of our sons and daughters, promising life, joy, health, wealth and the like. But those voices only lead to bondage, emptiness, disappointment, and disillusion. We need to pray that our sons and daughters look to Jesus and only Jesus to be their Wonderful Counselor. He alone is wise, trustworthy and powerful enough to bring resolution, redemption and righteous freedom. He is the Wonderful Counselor who longs to be Lord of their heart and their life.
Isaiah 11:2-3
Pray for our sons and daughters that they will understand that Jesus is the ultimate Counselor, full of wisdom and understanding. Pray that they would trust Him with their burdens and challenges. Pray that they would rest in His strength and might. Pray that their hearts would desire Jesus and His integrity and fear of the Lord over the ‘bargain options’ that offer cheap counsel that cannot save them.
Psalm 32:8
Pray that our sons and daughters would lean on Jesus for wise instruction and direction. He watches over them so lovingly. He WILL counsel them, but they need to be listening. Let’s pray, too, that as parents, we point them in the direction of finding answers from the Lord and listening to His voice as they wait.
Psalm 16:7
Pray that our sons and daughters are drenching themselves in the truth of God’s word, day and night. Let’s pray that there is much in their hearts and minds that God can use to counsel and instruct them, day and night.
Psalm 73:23-26
Pray that our sons and daughters would take hold of Jesus’ hand and let Him guide them each and every day. Pray they would look for and listen to His counsel. Pray that God would be the strength of their heart and their portion forever, their Wonderful Counselor.
Pray without ceasing.
You Guide Me with Your Counsel
Psalm 73:23-26 “Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory. 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.”
Healthy people typically don’t feel the need for a counselor. It’s those who are feeling like they’re falling apart, that something isn’t right and they can’t fix it on their own. When things are going badly and life seems to be spiraling out of control, we long for someone who will listen to us and tell us it will get better. Yet, it’s then, too, that we most often feel quite alone.
We all have times when we struggle with our emotions and need someone to help us find our footing and ensure that we remain grounded. When we are faced with a dilemma we want objective guidance that is wise. And if we’re suffering loss or trauma, we need someone to come alongside us, hold us up, tell us the pain won’t always be this intense. We want someone to give us glimmers of hope in our shattered world . It is in those times we desperately want someone to hear us, affirm us and give solid, comforting advice. We long for a counselor who will fulfill all those things.
Jesus is that Wonderful Counselor who is always with us. Always. He is that strong Presence we can cling to when we’re struggling. Psalm 73 says “you hold me by my right hand”… In ancient times, the right hand was the symbol of power, control and authority. So, think about it… if God holds us by our right hand, who is in control? What is God saying by coming alongside us like that? He’s saying, “trust me, hold onto me, I’ve got this and I’ve got you- you don’t need to do this alone and you don’t need to figure it out.”
Then, Psalm 73 says “you guide me with your counsel and afterward you take me into glory.” Oh, friends, when we’re at the end of ourselves, we desperately want someone to guide us, don’t we? Our wonderful counselor does that- consistently and endlessly. He doesn’t just stand by us until we’re ‘good’, He stands by us each and every moment of every day until we are in His presence, eternally. What a wonderful counselor!
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would take Jesus’ hand and let Him guide them each and every day. Pray they would look for and listen to His counsel. Pray that God would be the strength of their heart and their portion forever. Pray, because this world is fighting to pull them in the other direction.
Christmas Season Challenge:
Pray for those who are grieving this Christmas season, that God would indeed hold them by the hand and guide them with His counsel. Pray that they would know His comfort, peace and joy despite the heart-shattering grief they also know too well. Pray that God would be the strength of their heart and their portion forever. Pray they would come to embrace and follow the Wonderful Counselor.
Pray without ceasing.
24/7 Counselor
Psalm 16:7 “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.”
Have you ever gone to bed with a dilemma or problem that needed solving, only to wake in the morning with a solution to what you were pondering the night before? Maybe you woke up with a song in your heart or a verse on your tongue that fills you with hope and you wonder how it got there. Our brains are quite fascinating, so much so that we spend a lifetime trying to figure them out! God designed them to do wonderful things that even science and doctors can’t fully explain. When you weave in the beauty and mystery of the Holy Spirit working in us, it’s amazing!
While we sleep our conscious self is, well, unconscious, but our brain and body are still very much at work. We can still hear things and our brains work to give meaning and make sense of it. And, oh how we dream!! Those thoughts and memories stored in our brains turn into stories and dramas and we wake up only to realize that while we slept and rested, we were actually quite busy. So, if that’s the case, how much more our spiritual awareness continues to be active and alive. When Psalm 16:7 tells us the Lord counsels us- even at night! It’s true!
Here is the wonderful thing about sleep. Not only does it restore and refresh our physical selves, but it works in our brains to cement the learning that took place during the day. “Your brain is making a map of the information,” — “making new connections and breaking other ones.” (1) Sleep enables our brains to lock in the information we learn and makes meaningful connections so we can recall and use that information in new and meaningful ways. Without sleep, our learning suffers and our memory falters.
Just as a scary movie stays with us long after we fall asleep and can cause bad dreams, God’s word in our hearts and minds, it is the ‘material’ He uses to encourage, chastise, and instruct us. Even at night, our heart can instruct us, as long as the ‘textbook’ is God-approved. So, what are we putting into our hearts and minds during the day that can then be confirmed and used by the Lord at night while we sleep? Friends, this is why it’s so important that we spend time in the Word. We want our minds to be consumed with what is true, honest, just, pure and lovely (Phil 4:8) so that when we sleep, our minds and hearts are moved and reinforced by the truth of God. If we are going to be receptive to God’s counsel, we need to know His word. If we want to say, like David in Psalm 16 “I praise the Lord who counsels me” we have to be a willing participant.
Psalm 119:11 “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Psalm 16:8 “I have set the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.”
Psalm 119:55 “In the night, Lord, I remember your name, that I may keep your law.”
Psalm 119:105 “ Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
Let’s turn the ‘night light’ on, let’s allow the Lord to move and work in our hearts and minds, even while we sleep. Our Wonderful Counselor is working 24/7 to speak truth into our lives. Can we do our part to ensure the knowledge we consume is worthy of His name?
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters are drenching themselves in the truth of God’s word, day and night. Let’s pray that there is much in their hearts and minds that God can use to counsel and instruct them.
Christmas Season Prayer Challenge: When you see a sign that says ‘open 24 hours’ pray for the people who walk into that business. Pray that they would come to know the Wonderful Counselor who is always ready to move and work, redeem and restore.
Pray without ceasing.
NBCUniversal News Group. (2017, October 23). What happens in Your body and brain while you sleep. NBCNews.com. Retrieved December 8, 2021, from https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-happens-your-body-brain-while-you-sleep-ncna805276.
Who is Your Counselor?
Psalm 32:8 “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Today’s prayer point is simple. Pray that our sons and daughters would lean on Jesus for wise instruction and direction. He watches over them so lovingly. He WILL counsel them, but they need to be listening. Let’s be mindful to point them in the direction of looking for answers from the Lord and listening to His voice as they wait.
Christmas Season challenge: As you listen to Christmas carols today, pray for those people on the other side of the radio, listening along. Pray that their eyes are opened to the truth and light of Jesus. Pray that when they sing these words ….
God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Traditional English Carol
Or these…..
O Holy Night!
The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!
Song by Adolphe Adam
….that these lost ones would hear and finally realize the truth of the words they sing. Pray their hearts would be transformed and they would fall on their knees to follow after the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus.
Pray without ceasing.
The Ultimate Counselor
Isaiah 11:2-3 “The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord- and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.”
When we need counsel, we look for someone who is well-qualified, right? We want deep wisdom, excellent training, good critical thinking, excellent connections and references and deep integrity. Why? Because we’re entrusting that person with our needs, our thoughts, our vulnerabilities and our defense. We want to be able to have peace in how they advise us. We want the best.
Isaiah ensures us that our Wonderful Counselor is just that. He is well-qualified, filled with the Spirit of the Lord, the spirit of wisdom and understanding- He knows all there is to know and can provide the most insightful course of action that will always be in your best interest.
He possesses the Spirit of counsel and might- no courtroom, no judge, no government official can outthink or overpower Him. No one has authority over Him.. He is the strongest of the strong and the mightiest in the land. He is our protector and shield.
And if that isn’t enough, He possesses the knowledge and fear of the Lord and He delights in the Lord. He has unquestionable integrity. He doesn’t cut corners or cheat; He isn’t disingenuous, He is authentic, honest and exceptional in every way. He is the ultimate counselor.
Look, we’re not walking up to a booth and offering 5 cents for advice. We’re not having to track down a grimy office in a dark building to get advice from someone who seems less than trustworthy. We’re not even needing to check references, track records and work history. Our Wonderful Counselor is the finest God provides because He is God Himself. Why should we scurry around looking for ‘others’ or substitutes or a ‘bargain option’ when all Jesus is and will do is ours because we are His child?!
Today, let’s pray for our sons and daughters that they will understand that Jesus is the ultimate Counselor, full of wisdom and understanding. Pray that they would trust Him with their burdens and challenges. Pray that they would rest in His strength and might. Pray that their hearts would desire Jesus and His integrity and fear of the Lord over the ‘bargain options’ that offer cheap counsel that cannot save. Pray that they don’t run themselves ragged looking everywhere else for what is only, completely found in Jesus.
Christmas Season challenge: when you see a ‘sale’ advertisement stop and pray for those who are looking for answers and counsel in every place but in Jesus. Pray that their eyes would be opened to the deception and that they would be protected from ‘false advertising’.
Wonderful Counselor
Isaiah 9:6-7 “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
What is a counselor? We often think of those who offer wise advice or guidance. Perhaps we opt to see a counselor when we’re facing a life crisis or struggling with difficult emotions. That individual serves as a sounding board and source of direction and boundary for us in those times when we can’t seem to find our way.
Schools have Guidance Counselors who are trained and equipped to provide direction on next steps in education. But they also serve to provide resources and support for students in crisis or comfort when there is a tragedy.
In the legal system, attorneys are often called counselors because they guide their clients through the legal process and help them navigate the intricacies of the law that otherwise they might not understand or possess the expertise to manage successfully. They offer advice, protection and defense.
Look at the many uses and examples of ‘counselor’ in scripture:
Moses’ father in law counseled him to be the representative to God for the people of Israel, to stand before God on their behalf and be an example to them of how they should live, according to God’s commands (Exodus 18:19). Jesus shows us how to live.
Counselors help establish purpose and wise counsel helps plans succeed. Proverbs 15:22 “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” God is the ultimate wise counselor and His plans will always succeed.
Proverbs 19:21 ”Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Isaiah 46:9-10 “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’”
Wise counsel brings Joy. Proverbs 12:20 “Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.” Friends, Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, brings joy, light and life.
There are so many examples in scripture, we could go on for days! When scripture calls Jesus a “Wonderful Counselor” God is showing us that Jesus, the promised Messiah, is all of these things, and more!! His birth brought spiritual wisdom and the light of the knowledge of God to a darkened, dying world.
Do you need someone to listen to your heavy heart? Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor who will listen and encourage with words of life.
Are you searching for direction in life? Jesus can point the way and His navigation is always perfect.
Are you in trouble and need someone to come to your defense? Jesus is the best Counselor you can have who will wield wisdom and powerful truth to defend you.
Are you accused or held captive? Jesus is the counselor who can loose the chains of deception and lies and bring freedom with God’s truth.
Friends, there are so many voices out there competing for the attention and alliance of our sons and daughters, promising life, joy, health, wealth and the like. But those voices only lead to bondage, emptiness, disappointment, and disillusion. We need to pray that our sons and daughters look to Jesus and only Jesus to be their Wonderful Counselor. He alone is wise, trustworthy and powerful enough to bring resolution, redemption and righteous freedom. He is the Wonderful Counselor.
Christmas Season Challenge: pray for those who are incarcerated over the holidays, yes, pray for those in prison, that they would come to know Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor and would find true freedom in their hearts and minds.
Pray without ceasing.