Green Pastures, Still Waters

“He makes me lie down in green pastures,” Psalm 23:2

(rest, satisfying our hunger)

“Rabas-'' to cause to lie down, stretch out; [term] used of quadrupeds, which lie on their breast with their feet tucked under them.” (1)

When our children were young, we often made them lie down for a nap because we knew they needed rest. It was good for them and refreshing.  We’d peek in on them to see them stretched out or curled up, snug in their bed and secure in their safety because they knew we were present to protect them.  They didn’t feel the need to sleep in a pose that would have them ready to defend themselves because they rested in our watchful protection.  “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8  God is our watch-care Shepherd.  He leads us to safe places where we can rest and be refreshed without concern of the enemy.  

The green pastures are not just for rest, though.  God uses them to satisfy our hunger with good nutrition.  When we follow our Shepherd we are spiritually filled and satisfied beyond anything this world could supply.  Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Parents, we need to live by example and show our sons and daughters that we, too, find our spiritual nutrition in the ‘green pastures’ to which the Lord leads us.  We set an example for our sons and daughters to not fill up on the ‘junk food’ of this world but to fill ourselves with the lush spiritual truths from Scripture.  And how satisfying that is!

“Great Creator, Lord of all, Jehovah Provider, I pray that (name) would feast on the abundance of Your table each day.  Help them to satiate their hunger on the Truth of Your Word and savor the beauty of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Let them develop a distinguished spiritual palate that is put off by ‘processed’ and ‘fake’ foods that wouldn’t nourish them.  Give them discernment about what they would choose to spiritually ingest so that what they consume is life-giving and strength-sustaining, ensuring they are properly nourished so they can follow You well.  Lord, give them rest in Your pastures, free from predators who would seek to deceive them and pull them from Your flock.  Surround them with Your protection, Lord, and help them rest secure in the salvation You offer.”

“He leads me beside quiet waters,” Ps 23:3

(refreshment, quenching our thirst)

Sheep don’t swim well at all.  In fact, they’re afraid of moving water because, even in their simplicity, they understand that their wool, soaked with water, would quickly drag them under and the current would carry them off.  God has given them the instinct to know that fast-moving water is a threat.  Deep water and strong currents are deadly.  

God gives us the Holy Spirit to warn us away from those things that would drag us down and carry us off, as well.  Our Shepherd leads us beside quiet waters where we can drink our fill and be quenched without fear.  He knows what is best.  But we have to trust His leadership and listen to His voice.  You see, sometimes still water runs deep, and well-under the surface are strong currents that could put us in danger.  We need to trust the Shepherd and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit to ensure we’re protected and drinking deeply from waters that are best for us.  When our sons and daughters look to find a church, and fellowship with other believers, we need to pray that the Holy Spirit leads them to refreshing waters that don’t have an undercurrent that distorts or defies Scripture.  Pray that He leads them to a fellowship that isn’t all about a man-leader, but all about God and His Word.  We need to pray that He leads our sons and daughters to quiet waters where they can learn and be refreshed.  Isaiah 49:10 “They will neither hunger nor thirst.  The searing sun will not reach them anymore.  For the LORD in His mercy will lead them; He will lead them beside cool waters.”

“Father, God, You watch us closely and lead us carefully.  You desire that we would find rest and refreshment in You, but to do that, we need to trust You and listen to Your voice.  We need to depend on and be submitted to the Holy Spirit to lead and guide us to teaching and learning that is God-honoring and true to Your Word.  I pray that (name) would find a church home and a fellowship of believers who follow their Shepherd without compromise and cling to His Word with all the strength You provide.  Lord, keep them from dangerous currents that would carry them off to apostasy, to deception and to following their own heart- which is deceitful above all things.  Help (name) to follow Your heart, to trust Your leading, and to drink their full of the refreshment of Scripture each day.  Give them a deep spiritual thirst for Your Truth and the careful discernment to quench that only with what You provide- no substitutions.  Sustain them, Lord, by Your provision and protection, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Let’s pray that our sons and daughters continue to pursue true refreshment and rest in Christ and that they would not look to the world to satisfy those longings within, but would turn to Jesus to be their Provider, Sustainer, and Source of Life.  Pray that they would drink deeply of the Living Water that quenches our ever-present spiritual thirst.  Only Jesus can satisfy.  Pray that they trust and follow their Shepherd into green pastures and still waters.

Pray without ceasing

1. H7257 - rāḇaṣ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h7257/kjv/wlc/0-1/

Praying Psalm 23:1 Our Lord and Shepherd

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I lack nothing.” Psalm 23:1

Throughout the next few weeks we’re going to pray though this familiar Psalm, but with a renewed understanding of the deeper meanings presented there.  We often hear people quoting the 23rd Psalm when they are in crisis.  It seems to be a universally accepted way to face mortality.  Yet, when the crisis is past, the words are tucked away and forgotten or ignored.  But there is so much more to them then just a general ‘prayer of comfort’.

There is deeper meaning within these words that, when paired with a relationship with Jesus Christ, brings life, hope, and purpose.  We can pray these words for our sons and daughters and in doing so, cover every aspect of life that, as parents, we (try not to) worry and pray over.   

Psalm 23:1a “The Lord is my shepherd,”

(belonging, identity)

LORD = Jehovah = The Existing One. 

Who is it that our sons and daughters bow to as Lord?  To whom do they give their allegiance and for whom do they live their life?  To whom do they belong?  For someone to say “The Lord is my Shepherd” they are declaring their submission to God and their obedience to follow Him.  They are identifying themselves as His.  What follows in the Psalm are the blessings of being His sheep.  Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters authentically make this declaration that the Yahweh,  is truly their Lord and Shepherd

“Father, God, I pray that (name) would truly surrender their heart and life to You.  Give them a sincere faith, bolstered by Your promises and Your faithfulness.  Be the LORD of their life and be the One for whom they live and to whom they direct their thoughts and obedience.  Lord, I pray that (name) would be surrendered to You and allow You to guide their actions.  May they seek to reflect You in all they do so that others see You ARE their LORD.”

Shepherd = One who guides and tends sheep. 

A Shepherd of sheep leads them, because sheep are followers.  Conversely, goats are herded, moved from behind because they don’t follow well.  They have an independent streak (isn’t that so representative of our sinful heart?).  Goats want to do what they choose, they blaze their own trail with little thought to the dangers of predators, getting lost, or eating what they shouldn’t, because they think they’re in charge.   Their shepherd, or rather goatherd, follows them to ensure they stay together, but the goats are leading the way.  Goats don’t submit to a leader or a Lord.  

Sheep are keen to hear their Shepherd’s voice- they can distinguish it from that of other shepherds and they are eager to follow.  Though they can wander and get lost, the Shepherd ensures they stay together and on the path.  He continually talks to them as he leads them so they can hear and follow.  The Shepherd protects the sheep from their own foolishness and from dangers that would harm them or lure them away.  He even carries them if they’re weak or wounded- isn’t that such a picture of our Savior?  Isaiah 40:10-11 “See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and He rules with a mighty arm. See, His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him.  He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those who have young.”

Let’s pray that our sons and daughters would be willing sheep of the Shepherd and not goats of this world.  Sheep find their identity and belonging in the Presence and the Purposes of the Shepherd.  It’s not an oppressive Shepherd-sheep relationship, it’s a protective and supportive belonging, a purpose that nurtures and sustains us.  God’s Shepherd-ship enables us to do what we’re created to do.  

“Father, I pray that my son/daughter follows You steadily, wholeheartedly, and without pause.  Let (name) understand their identity is found in You.  Give them understanding of their Purpose according to Your plan.  Help them to hear Your voice and distinguish it from all the other ‘noise’ of this world.  I pray that they would not foolishly run ahead of You or try and blaze their own path, but they would submit to Your leadership, trusting that You will protect and provide for them.  Lord, please be (name)’s Shepherd.”

Psalm 23:1b “I lack nothing.”  [“I will not be in need” -NASB]  

(provision)

Lack- haser- to decrease, fail or diminish, to suffer want (1)  

If Jehovah God is our LORD and Shepherd, there is nothing we might need that He cannot provide.  We can rest securely in His Lordship and His ability to Shepherd us.  The sheep don’t worry about the direction they’re headed or about the provision along the way because they trust their Shepherd.

“Oh precious Savior, Shepherd, Guide and Friend, You are our Sustainer.  We can be confident that You will provide all we need in every way.  Spiritually we will be fully satisfied because You are all we need.” 

“Abba Father, we live in a fallen world in which there is so much need and nothing, apart from You, can supply what is lacking.  I pray that (name) would fully trust and rest in You, confident that You are able to and will provide what they need at the perfect time, especially when times are difficult and lean.  Philippians 4:19 tells us, “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  Your riches far exceed anything we could ever amass here on earth and Your provision is plentiful.   2 Corinthians 9:8 “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”  I ask that You would bless (name) abundantly, in all things at all times.  Lord, you can do more than we could ask or think.  Show Yourself as Shepherd and Provider today.  Open (name)’s eyes to see that You are the Source of every gift, every provision, every blessing they enjoy.  Let them look to no other.  Strengthen them to acknowledge Your sovereignty over every part of their life, their need, and the provision You offer, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Let’s continue to pray throughout the week that our sons and daughters find their identity and belonging in Christ alone and that they trust His protection and provision for all of their needs.

1. H2637 - ḥāsēr - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2637/kjv/wlc/0-1/

Pray without ceasing

Prayers of Protection to Pursue Wisdom and Soul Refreshment

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.

The fear of the Lord is pure,

    enduring forever.

The decrees of the Lord are firm,

    and all of them are righteous.

Psalm 19:7-9

“Father, I pray that (name) would recognize Your law as perfect- far exceeding the rightness and justice of any man made laws and fully complete in its ability to define what is right and good.  I pray that (name) would love Your law and they would continually look to it and find a satisfying refreshment for their heart and soul- one that cannot be replicated by anything this world offers.  Restore their soul, Lord, as they follow You and trust in Your Word.  Just as you promised in Psalm 23:3 “he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.” I pray that You would guide (name) in Your pathways.”

“Give (name)wisdom beyond what this world would grant them and provide discretion as they live by Your words.  1 Corinthians 13:9 “For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight.  As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.””  Fill them with joy, Lord, that only You can give when we walk faithfully and consistently with You.  There is joy in following Jesus and a contentment that this world will never be able to offer. Help them to value the wisdom from Your Word.  Proverbs 16:16 “How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!”  Proverbs 23:19 “Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path:”

“Help (name) to trust your statutes (laws) understanding that Your words are right and true and You’ve decreed them for our good and for Your glory.  Trust is hard sometimes when we see so much brokenness.  Remind them that what they see in this fallen broken world is not representative of the way You intended things to be.  Sin has worked it’s poison into every aspect of life.  Remind them that You are preparing a place for us that is far beyond what we could imagine, and it will bring joy, peace, satisfaction and fulfillment, but remind them too, that following Your laws here will give a glimpse of that life to come.  Psalm 16:11 “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”  Lord, help (name) to embrace Your paths, Your laws and precepts, with uncompromising conviction.”

“Father, I pray that You would remove the veil and allow (name) to see the truth of Your Word and the righteousness of Your ways.  Help (name) to turn to You, Lord.  “But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.” 2 Corinthians 3:16  Your Word promises that “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart” Psalm 97:11.  Let it be that (name) enjoys those blessings of the Lord as they pursue Your truth.”

“Above all, Lord, I pray that (name) would fear You because “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts have good understanding.” Psalm 111:10.  I pray Your mighty protection over (name) today and all the days of their life.  May they fear You, be wise and unwavering in their commitment to Your laws.  Lord, let them reap the rewards of following after You.  Protect them from disillusionment, deception, and the influence of those who do not follow You.  May (name) be salt and light to their generation and to those who would follow.  Lord, help them to be fishers of men, pointing others to the Cross.  Your name be praised.  Amen.”

Fleeing Sin: the value of living with integrity

Joseph fled from sin. He turned an he ran. Oh that our sons and daughters would do the same!

Today’s scripture is a longer portion because we need to understand the context of Joseph’s situation in order to grasp the integrity, the love and fear of God that Joseph held, and to see the sovereignty of God in his life. 

Genesis 39: 6-23 “So Potiphar left everything he had in Joseph’s care; with Joseph in charge, he did not concern himself with anything except the food he ate.  Now Joseph was well-built and handsome, and after a while his master’s wife took notice of Joseph and said, “Come to bed with me!”  But he refused. “With me in charge,” he told her, “my master does not concern himself with anything in the house; everything he owns he has entrusted to my care. No one is greater in this house than I am. My master has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. How then could I do such a wicked thing and sin against God?” And though she spoke to Joseph day after day, he refused to go to bed with her or even be with her.  One day he went into the house to attend to his duties, and none of the household servants was inside. She caught him by his cloak and said, “Come to bed with me!” But he left his cloak in her hand and ran out of the house.  When she saw that he had left his cloak in her hand and had run out of the house, she called her household servants. “Look,” she said to them, “this Hebrew has been brought to us to make sport of us! He came in here to sleep with me, but I screamed. When he heard me scream for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”  She kept his cloak beside her until his master came home.  Then she told him this story: “That Hebrew slave you brought us came to me to make sport of me.  But as soon as I screamed for help, he left his cloak beside me and ran out of the house.”  When his master heard the story his wife told him, saying, “This is how your slave treated me,” he burned with anger.  Joseph’s master took him and put him in prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were confined.

But while Joseph was there in the prison,  the Lord was with him; he showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.  So the warden put Joseph in charge of all those held in the prison, and he was made responsible for all that was done there.  The warden paid no attention to anything under Joseph’s care, because the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did. “

Joseph was a slave in Egypt, sold by his brothers, but ultimately he was there because God intended for him to save, not only his family, but the nation of Israel.  God placed him in Egypt and guided him into opportunities that would eventually position him to have power, authority and ability to rescue the nation of Israel.

Joseph had three specific areas in which he gave God the Supremacy in his life.

1. Place/Location:  Joseph was a slave IN Egypt, but not a slave TO Egypt.  He obeyed the authority God put over him, but he still submitted himself, ultimately, to God.  He didn’t use his location as an excuse for sin.  He still operated with deep integrity.  His actions and responses were based on what God expected and allowed, not what the culture expected and allowed.  He didn’t allow his location to be an excuse for sin.  We need to pray that our sons and daughters don’t allow their location to impact their integrity and walk with the Lord.

1 Peter 2:11  “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.” 

When our sons and daughters are in hard places, let’s not just rush to pray for ‘rescue’ asking God to move them, but let’s be steady to uphold them in prayer for strength to stay the course and remain where God places them in order to accomplish what He has for them to do. Pray that they have perspective and can see God’s hand in their place and His purpose in their being there.

2. Possessions:  Joseph didn’t value things over the right thing.  He wasn’t willing to compromise or wait around to ‘save’ something of temporal value and risk his character, integrity, and testimony.  When Potiphar’s wife grabbed his cloak, he didn’t think twice.  He turned and ran.  He ran!!  He didn’t hesitate.  He didn’t back away.  He didn’t wrestle to keep his cloak.  He turned and ran.  The cloak was a symbol of identity and protection in Biblical times. Joseph was willing to let go of his ‘identity’ for the sake of his godly testimony and he gave up his physical ‘protection’ in exchange for Godly protection of his character and testimony.

We need to pray that when our sons and daughters are confronted with temptation that they turn and run with all their might, their will, their mind and intention.  That split-second moment they make the rock-solid decision that NOTHING (no thing) is more valuable than obedience to God.  

3. Position of heart vs. Position of title:  Others in Egypt recognized Joseph’s integrity.  Both Potiphar and the jailer gave Joseph much responsibility.  They trusted him because he was trustworthy.  And because he lived with integrity, it opened the doors to opportunity, position, and power.  But Joseph wasn’t willing to compromise to maintain those positions.  He trusted that God had a better plan and God rewarded that obedience and trust.

I Peter 2:12 “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

When Joseph chose to do the right thing, he lost his position in Potiphar’s house.  He could have grieved that, but instead, he trusted that God protected him from something dangerous and believed that God had purpose in his ‘demotion’.  Indeed, He did!  God needed Joseph in prison so that Pharaoh could see his ability and integrity.  Think about that! 

Joseph valued his heart being right with God vs. a title and position achieved through earthly values and choices.  Had Joseph compromised and given into lust and sin, he may have kept his position in Potiphar’s house, but he would have forfeited the greater role of being second in command of all of Egypt and part of God’s greater plan for Israel. Greater still, he would have damaged the testimony of the Living God to those around him.  His story may have ended as a cautionary tale rather than a record of God’s triumph. 

Sometimes God removes the titles and achievements to make way for more impactful opportunities.  Sometimes He takes us to harder places but it’s never without intention, never by mistake, and always part of His greater plan. As we pray for our sons and daughters, let’s be careful not to quickly grieve when things take a turn toward what we might see as a loss or demotion, a setting back or giving up of something valuable. Instead, let’s pray for Godly insight and protection from short-sightedness. Let’s pray that God shows our sons and daughters that He’s working, protecting, and leading them to accomplish what He intends.

Temptation is real.  It is frequent, and it is everywhere.  We can easily succumb to the lures and we can quickly make excuses, because it surrounds us and can easily consume us. We are immersed in a culture of sin, compromise, and self-satisfaction. Achievement is celebrated.  But God calls us to live lives in this world that reflect we are citizens of another place with a standard of living that reflects our submission and commitment to an eternal King in whose Kingdom we are not only citizens, but daughters and sons of the Most High.  We love Him.  And if we do, our lives, our choices, and what we hold dear will determine how we respond and will give a testimony to the world around us. “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all!” 2 Corinthians 4:17

Joseph didn’t compromise.  He didn’t make excuses.  He didn’t bemoan his ‘misfortune’.  He trusted God.  He knew God had a better plan and, though it may not have been obvious at the time.  Joseph responded to his brothers in Genesis 50:20 - the same brothers that sold him into slavery and essentially brought Joseph to a life of bondage…but servitude to God, in Egypt.  He said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.  He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people.”  Joseph rested in the knowledge that God loved him and would guide his steps.  He needed only obey and act with integrity.  Sin wouldn’t prosper him, but following God with his whole heart, mind and strength, well, that would provide protection all his days.

“Heavenly Father, Protector, Provider and Guide, I pray for (name) today.  Keep them from sin.  Lord, when they encounter temptation, give them strength of conviction and presence of mind to flee, to leave behind anything this culture may deem ‘valuable’ in exchange for what is of eternal value.  Father, I pray (name) would hear your voice, not the voices of those around them calling them to compromise.  I pray that (name) would have confidence and conviction that their position in Christ is of greater value than any title or position this world can offer.  Lord, help them to hold things here loosely so that they hold onto the cross and to Jesus with all their strength.  Lord, I pray that (name) would “Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for Him to act.  Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes, …for the strength of the wicked will be shattered, but the LORD takes care of the godly.  Day by day the LORD takes care of the innocent and they will receive an inheritance that lasts forever….The LORD directs the steps of the godly.  He delights in every detail of their lives.  Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand. ” Psalm 37:7, 17-18, 23-24  Lord, use this scripture in (name)’s life this week and throughout their life.  Keep them from sin.  Strengthen them to follow You without turning.  Convict them to live with integrity and to never swap their eternal inheritance for temporary things of this world.  Help them to flee from sin.  In Jesus’ name, amen.”

The Value of Discipline

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful.  Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”  Hebrews 12:11

Ask any parent whose son or daughter has shipped off to boot camp and they’ll tell you… they don’t like to think about what their kids will face when they’re there.  The yelling, the humiliation, the long days…and longer nights- it all makes a Momma’s heart ache with concern.  We want to protect them from harm and to those looking on, the practices certainly look harmful.  We’ve all heard the stories of excruciating exertion and the drills that tax body, mind and spirit - it’s something we’d rather not see our sons or daughters experience.  But it’s all part of the training.  We might look at it and think that it’s too much, it’s too harsh, it’s overkill.  If we were there we might be tempted to step in and put a stop to it, give them all a break, give the drill sergeant the ‘stink eye’ for being too hard and unkind.  We’d want to protect them…. But by helping them avoid the testing, we’d actually be doing them harm.  All of those hard things are training them  for hardship and building discipline that will carry them through.  It’s preparing them for war.  That’s even harder to think about.

If our soldiers are called upon to defend our country or to assist an ally, they will be stretched beyond their limits and will endure more than they imagined.  They will be sleep deprived.  They will be exhausted beyond their limits, but still pushed to give more.  They will need to think fast, make life-altering decisions and pursue them with conviction.  They will face the enemy and they’ll need to know how to respond.  Then, we would be glad for the extreme training they endured because it would make us more confident in their ability to withstand the dangers of war and the advances of the enemy.  Boot camp is hard and downright painful.  But it’s necessary and it’s all designed with the intention of preparing the soldier to survive and to win the battle because the enemy doesn’t fight with compassion…the enemy fights to destroy.

The question is, do we want our sons and daughters to be comfortable or to be victorious?  Our sons and daughters are not possibly headed to war, they’re already there.  Do they have the spiritual discipline to be victorious?

Do we want our sons and daughters to be comfortable or to be victorious? 

God tells us we have an enemy that seeks to destroy us, spiritually. 

1 Peter 5:8-10 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”

He assures us that we will all face trials, hardships, and opposition, but these will come to test, strengthen, and build our faith so that we can resist the enemy and come out victorious.  Without that testing, we wouldn’t be able to stand firm and without discipline, we wouldn’t produce fruit that gives evidence that we belong to Christ.

James 1:2-4 “ Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” 

That word “produce” in Hebrews 12:11 is the word “apodidommi” in Greek and it means “to deliver again, give again, restore, reward and yield.” (1)  If we accept God’s plan of discipline and training, it will pay off each and every time we go to battle!  The training will make us strong and help us endure and come out victorious.  

Are we spiritually prepared and strengthened to go up against the enemy?  

Ephesians 6:12 “For 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.”

Friends, it’s not a scheduled conflict.  We don’t ‘show up’ for a fight, this is guerilla warfare.  The enemy stalks us while we’re unaware, he attacks us when we’re weak and unprepared.  He seeks to lean into our weaknesses and bait us with those desires that are not of God.  He has armies who advance against us, so we had better be prepared.  No discipline is pleasant at the time, but when we’re in the midst of battle, we’ll be thankful for it, because it will produce a harvest of peace and righteousness.  It will protect us from defeat.  It will be the strength and preparation we need to be steadfast against the enemy and to be victorious in Jesus Christ.  

We can’t balk if our sons and daughters are called into a spiritual boot camp, because that tells us God is preparing them to be stronger, more secure in their faith, and for a greater work for His kingdom.  So, rather than worry about how WE can protect them, let’s get on our knees FOR them.  Pray for their endurance.  Pray for their strength.  Pray that they can see, with spiritual eyes, what God is calling them to and preparing them for.  Pray that they remain steadfast and see beyond the realm of the tangible to the spiritual realm where they will do battle with the enemy.  And pray for victory.

“Almighty Father, You are Sovereign over all my son or daughter may face today.  I pray that You would strengthen (name) to walk unwaveringly with You.  Keep their steps firm and make their path straight.  Give (name) confidence to trust You, even when life gets difficult.  Don’t let (name) weaken or lose their grip, but help them cling tightly to You.  Carry them through the hardships they may face today and in the coming days.  Increase their faith.  Call to mind Scripture that will encourage them and keep them focused on You.  I pray, Father, that You would guard them in Jesus’ name.  Protect them from the enemy.  When they are pressed on every side, surround them with Your Presence.  When they are burdened with difficulty, lift them up and train their eyes to look to You.  When they are in deep waters, hold back the waves with Your mighty hand so they can see the Rock of Salvation to which they must cling.  Lord, build in them the discipline they need to remain faithful to You.  I pray this all in the name and through the blood of Jesus, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

1. G591 - apodidōmi - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g591/niv/mgnt/0-1/

Pray That They Won’t Drift Away

“We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.”  Hebrews 2:1

The possibility that our kids would drift away from the Lord is real.  The enemy wants nothing more than to see our sons and daughters pull away from the Lord.  Drifting is subtle.  It’s not a willful rebellion or running from God.  It’s not a sudden change of heart that takes them away or that has them running in a different direction,  it’s a passive indifference.  It’s inaction toward or a downplaying of the dangers and deceptions.  It’s literally ‘going with the flow’.

What does Hebrews mean when it cautions us against drifting away?  The words “drift away”  come from the Greek words “para” to be near (1) and “rheo” to flow (2).   Strong’s Concordance words it this way “lest we be carried past” (3).  Picture it… a boat near the shore or close to the dock, yet unanchored.  Those nearby can see the boat and because it’s floating (as a boat should) and lingering near the dock, no one takes notice that it’s not tethered.  The current is mild and nothing seems amiss.  But soon enough, it becomes evident that the boat is drifting and eventually it moves noticeably out of reach, away from the safety of the dock.  It’s at the mercy of the current.  No one is navigating; it’s simply drifting, but soon would be lost.  It’s a great illustration and it shows us that although someone may be ‘near’ the gospel or “kind of” following Jesus, if they’re not anchored, they will easily drift.  It’s not radical, it’s not sudden; it’s a slow drifting that, once realized by those around, often has that person out of reach and moving away, further and further.

Drifting is enabled by many seemingly harmless things and legitimate excuses: busyness, weariness, distractedness…but they’re all dangerous because they lull us into passively  ‘being’ instead of actively clinging.   

How can we pray that our sons and daughters don’t drift?  Hebrews is FULL of all kinds of encouragement on this!

• Pay the most careful attention.  (Hebrews 2:)  The Greek word used here is prosecho which means to “turn the mind towards, be attentive to”  but it also means to “bring a ship toward land or to put in” (4).  Do you see what the author of Hebrews is doing here?  It’s a beautiful dual use of a word!  

  I Peter 1:13 (NIV) tells us, “Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.”   The NASB says it this way, “Prepare your minds for action”.  There is nothing passive in this, it is active, intentional, and forward looking.  If you’re alert, fully sober and preparing for action, you won’t fall victim to drift.

• Fix our thoughts on Jesus.  (Hebrews 3:1)  The word “fix” is katanoeo in Greek and it means to perceive, understand and consider attentively (5).  It’s an active verb.

• Hold onto our courage and the faith we profess.  (Hebrews 3:6, 4:14)  Hold on, or “katecho” in Greek means to detain, hold back, retain to keep from going away” (6)  Again, it’s an active verb.

• Do not harden your hearts.   (Hebrews 3:8; 3:15; 4:7)

• Don’t have an unbelieving heart that turns away from the Lord (Hebrews 3:12)

• Encourage one another so that no one is hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13)

• Hold firmly to the end with the confidence we had at first (Hebrews 3:14)

• Don’t follow the example of disobedience and fall (Hebrews 4:11)

• Take hold of the hope offered, this hope is an anchor (Hebrews 6:18-19)

• Hold unswervingly to the hope we profess. (Hebrews 10:23)

Drifting away is a real danger for all believers and it’s rarely drastic. No, it happens subtly.  It often doesn’t garner attention until one day we might recognize that our loved one has drifted from their faith and they’re further away than we thought.   Let’s pray over our sons and daughters that they would not be passive in their faith but always actively pursuing Jesus, aware of the dangers and the things that would pull them away.  As parents, we can’t let our guard down just because everything “seems good” and they’re walking with Jesus.  Praise God if things are good and their faith is strong!  But it’s only good, until it’s not.  And that can happen any time, friends.  Our sons and daughters are a target of the enemy.  Let’s pray for protection over their faith and their walk with Jesus.  No drifting.  

“Almighty Father, I pray for (name) today.  Protect them from drifting away from You and from their faith.  Lord, please help them to pay the most careful attention to Your Word and to fix their eyes and thoughts on Jesus.  They are surrounded by those who do not believe and by temptations and influences that would pull them away from You.  The enemy would love nothing more than to see them become indifferent and to be passive toward their faith.  Help (name) to be alert.  Give (name) strength to hold on to the hope that they profess.  Protect (name) from an unbelieving and/or hardened heart.  Keep them tender towards You, growing and deepening their faith as they read and study Your word, pray, and fellowship with other believers.  Keep them in fellowship, Lord, that’s such an easy drift to fall into- pulling away from church and from the commitment to worship corporately.  They need encouragement from other believers, so I pray that You would surround them with others who love and serve You.  Lord, bring strong believers into (name)’s life, even today, who would challenge and encourage them.  Pursue (name) and don’t allow them to drift.  Remind (name) of the hope they have in Jesus- this hope is an anchor.  Keep them from cutting the ties that bind them to You- strengthen those ties and help (name) to hold unswervingly.  Lord, you are mighty to save.  I pray that You would protect your child today, keep them from disobedience and from indifference.  Fan the flame of faith and lead them in righteousness for Your name’s sake.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

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

2. G4482 - rheō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4482/kjv/tr/0-1/

3. G3901 - pararreō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3901/kjv/tr/0-1/

4. G4337 - prosechō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4337/kjv/tr/0-1/

5. G2657 - katanoeō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2657/niv/mgnt/0-1/ 

6. G2722 - katechō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2722/niv/mgnt/0-1/

Of Giants, Valleys, and Godly Parents

We’re all familiar with the story of David and Goliath.  We know a bit about David’s family, too.  Three of his brothers were in the service of Saul’s army, though he had 7 brothers, altogether.  David was the youngest of them and he tended the sheep.  Their father’s name was Jesse, the son of Obed, who was the son of Ruth and Boaz.  David had a godly heritage.  

But have you ever wondered about David’s mother?  She’s not mentioned in the Bible, but her influence is there, if you stop and look.

But first, let’s agree on a major factor of parenthood.  We strive to protect our children, right?  We watch over them, teach them to be cautious and careful.  We caution them against danger and we encourage them to avoid those people, locations, and situations that could lead to harm.

Now, imagine you’re standing in the sandals of David’s mother.  An unnamed woman only referred to in Scripture one time (bear with me, we’ll get there).  But her influence is evident if we look closely.  And the impact she had on her son gave him wisdom and guidance for years to come, and impacted the heritage of the Messiah.  

When David encountered Goliath, scholars estimate he was likely in his teens.  His brothers were old enough to serve in the army, but David was not.  Saul even called him a ‘youth’ (1 Samuel 17:33)  Yet, in spite of his age, he demonstrated character, faith, and bravery beyond his years.

David went toward the conflict.

David, following his father’s direction, went to the camp of the Israelite army to deliver food and supplies to his brothers (1 Samuel 17:17-18).  Any good mother likely would have added, “You go and you come right back- be safe!” Yet, David’s mother didn’t argue, resist or try and keep him from going toward the conflict. She didn’t shield him from it.  That’s brave, friends.

Do we pray that our sons and daughters avoid the conflict, or do we pray they are kept safe in the midst of it?

David was prepared, even before he knew he would fight a giant.

David’s mother wasn’t there to tell him how to fight, but it’s likely she reminded him to always step out prepared.  As a shepherd, he needed to defend his sheep and where there was one enemy or predator, there would likely be more lurking, awaiting the opportunity to attack.  David’s mother knew that - she surely heard the story of the lion…and the bear (1 Samuel 17:34-36).  So she certainly reminded him of the danger and encouraged him to be ready.

David also knew conflict typically wasn’t resolved with one stone or by one fight.  He fully depended on God for the victory, but knew it might require more than one throw, so he collected five stones.  (There is history to suggest that Goliath had 4 brothers 2 Samuel 21:15-22).  David was prepared for whatever God led him into that day.

Do we speak into our sons and daughters so they walk out prepared?  Are we reminding them of the spiritual dangers they may face?  Training doesn't start after the battle begins.  No, the training and preparation begin in order to be ready when the conflict occurs, and it will occur.  Are we reminding our sons and daughters of the importance of time in the Word and fellowship with other believers to sharpen them?  Are they cognizant of the dangers they may face and intentional to be ready when they come?  We need to pray that they are.

David didn’t allow the taunts and words of others to deter him, deflate his courage, or damage his faith.

When David offered to face Goliath, David’s own brothers hurled angry words and insults at him, mocking his bravery and casting him aside.  They had no faith in his ability and their warrior-egos were offended at the thought.

But Goliath’s words were what struck a chord with David.  Goliath didn’t just mock Israel, he mocked God (I Samuel 17:36-37)

You see, David wasn’t defending himself.  He was standing up for the fear and reputation of Jehovah, the Almighty God. 

Parents, have we taught our sons and daughters to fear God?  Do we encourage them to defend the name of Jesus Christ, no matter the cost?  Believers in so many nations around the world know the cost of claiming Jesus as Lord, but Western cultures don’t often face that, in fact, we often are indifferent to the cost because we haven’t suffered.  Someday soon we may come face to face with that. We must all be ready.

Oh how we need to pray that:

1. Our sons and daughters would listen for and hear the Word of the Lord over the words of the world

2. That they would defend the name of Jesus, no matter the cost

David stepped into the valley to face the giant.

David didn’t run away from the conflict, he walked toward it.  The Israelite camp was on a hill on one side of the Elah Valley and the Philistine camp was on the other.  There was no misdirection or error in David’s steps.  He went down into the valley.  Now, read Psalm 23:4 

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”  

There is no evidence to say his Goliath encounter was David’s inspiration for Psalm 23:4, but it surely gives us something to ponder! It helps us look at it in a new light.

Do we encourage our sons and daughters to have strong faith in the Lord that will strengthen them as they face hardships?  Or do we pray they avoid the hard things?  Do we pray they are protected from suffering? Because if we do, we’re actually praying them to a weakened faith. Think about that. Our effort to shield and protect them can actually leave them weak and vulnerable!

Romans 5:3-5 ““we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.””

Now, back to David’s mother

Though David’s mother isn’t mentioned by name in Scripture, her influence is noted by David in Psalm 86:16 “Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength on behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did.” (NIV)

“I serve you just as my mother did.”  That’s a testimony that will preach, friends.  

It brings two questions:

1. How are we serving God as parents?

2. How are we praying for our sons and daughters?

Our children will face Goliaths.  They will walk in the valley.  They will be mocked and taunted.  But will they be prepared and will they fear God more than they fear man?

Today, let’s pray in the power of the Holy Spirit that God will transform our sons and daughters into bold spiritual warriors who will boldly face the enemy, not for their own glory, but for the name and fame of Jesus Christ and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

“Almighty Father, I come to You in the name of Your risen Son, Jesus and through the power of the Holy Spirit who indwells me because of Calvary.  Put Your hand on (name) today.  First, draw them in to spend precious time in Your word before they start their day.  Let their time be sacred and inspired, may it fill them with spiritual strength and boldness.  Prepare them, Lord, for what they may face.  Give them words to respond and courage to speak up for the name of Jesus.  If You lead them into the valley, surround them with Your protection.  Help (name) to fully realize that their victory is not dependent on their strength or wisdom, their cunning or skill, but fully on Your power and Presence in the battle.  Lord, I know they will face conflict.  I know they will walk through dark valleys in the presence of enemies, but I know You are greater, stronger and You are victorious.  Lord, be their armor and their light.  Open their eyes to see the necessity of being spiritually prepared.  And Lord, I pray that my life would be a testimony of being surrendered to you, wholly and completely..  I pray that my sons and daughters would one day pray “Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength on behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother (or father)did.” In Jesus’ mighty, victorious name I pray, Amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

How Can A Young Man Keep His Way Pure?

“How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living according to Your word.” Psalm 119:9 

Remember when our kids would build a fort out of pillows and cushions?  They would surround themselves with them to protect themselves from any ‘enemy’ whether it be a sibling or pet who was the perceived ‘intruder’.  It was creative and fun.  But there is a great spiritual significance to that fort building.

Psalm 119:9 says “How can a young man keep his way pure?  By living (or keeping) according to Your word.”

The word “pure” is the Hebrew word “zaka” which means translucent or morally innocent (1).  Oh how we pray that for our sons and daughters!  But in this world, corruption is easily attained, even if it’s not pursued.  So how can they guard against it?  And how can we pray?

We pray that they are living according to God's word.  That word “living” is the word “samar” in Hebrew.  Samar means to hedge about as with thorns, the guard, attend to, be circumspect and keep watch. 

In Medieval times, the castle was always built with a keep- that portion of the castle that was the strongest and safest place.  It was a fortified town and a place of refuge.   Psalm 61:3 says, “For You have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe.”

Our sons and daughters will only keep their way pure, not just by going about their day with God in mind, but by surrounding themselves with His word, being circumspect- looking all around them and guarding against attack by the enemy.

Just knowing God’s word isn’t enough.  Being familiar with it won’t provide the protection and defense we need.  No, we need to surround ourselves so that we do not fall into sin.

Today, let’s pray that they revert back to their childhood days of building a wall of protection against the enemy, not with cushions and pillows, but with the mighty Word of God. 

“Great peace have they who love Your law, and nothing can make them stumble.”  Ps 119:165

“Heavenly Father, You are the Mighty Protector and the Great Defender.  I pray that You would surround (name) today with a hedge of spiritual protection against the Enemy.  Lord, let (name) be ever-mindful of You and Your Word.  May it not just be something that is ‘familiar’ to them, but let Your word be light and life to them.  May they look to You for their guidance and protection.  May their first thought in the morning be You and their last in the evening as well.  Lord, help (name) to keep their way pure- not hiding sin but translucent, allowing Your light to shine through them.  Help them to be morally pure, not following after deception or evil but wholeheartedly following after You.  Be their Keeper, Lord and may their life be full of peace because they love You completely.  “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.” (Jude 1:24-25, KJV)

Pray without ceasing, friends.

1.  H2135 - zāḵâ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2135/niv/wlc/0-1//

2.  H8104 - šāmar - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h8104/niv/wlc/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.

Homebodies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray without ceasing.

When We’re Waiting for an Answer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray without ceasing, friends.  And then pray more.

Last Words

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

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

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

“Here I am,” he replied.

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

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

“Father?”

“Yes, my son?” Abraham replied.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Knowing God personally 

• Trusting God completely

• Following God unwaveringly 

• Waiting on God expectantly

• Serving Jesus joyfully

• Submitting to the Lord obediently.

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

1 Peter 1:1-25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lord, help them to obey You.

Soften their hearts to love others.

Strengthen their commitment to live in holiness

Sharpen their vision to see the promise of eternity

Deepen their resolve to follow Christ without compromise

In Jesus’ name, amen.

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

Pray without ceasing.

Hosanna! Lord, save us!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray without ceasing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. H6693 - ṣûq - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (nkjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h6693/nkjv/wlc/0-1/

The Battle of the Mind- Loving God with All of It

Matthew 22:37 “Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

Loving God with all our mind seems like a ‘no-brainer’, right?  We know we should do that.  We talk about it.  We encourage others to do it.  It’s likely we taught our sons and daughters this very scripture.  But when it comes down to it, how do we really do that… and are we intentional about it?  Do we really understand what it means to love God with all our mind?

The word ‘mind’ in Matthew 22:37 is the Greek word, dianoia.  It means “deep thought, the ability of the mind or its disposition, by implication, its exercise: imagination, mind, understanding.” (1)  That encompasses quite a bit, doesn’t it?  If our thoughts are captive on God (2 Corinthians 10:5), we are spiritually setting our minds on things above (Colossians 3) and protecting ourselves from spiritual attack and oppression. We are intentionally exercising our minds in ways that will spiritually strengthen and protect us.

But there’s more. Let’s break the word “dianoia” down a bit more.  It’s important to dig in so we really understand.  The prefix of the word dianoia is ‘dia’, which means “through, over, across, the channel of an action”(2).  The second part of dianoia is the Greek word “nous” which means, “mind or understanding” (3) and comes from the root word “ginosko” meaning to “allow, be aware of, feel, have knowledge, perceive, be resolved, be sure, understand.” (4)  

Think about it.  The Greek word for mind is vastly more detailed than what we might recognize by only reading the English.  Dianoia involves the channel or direction of one's thoughts, the depth of their understanding and what one chooses to allow to be present and active in their mind; what they are pondering and meditating on. It’s the direction, the action and the permission of our thought life.

Dianoia isn’t a word we use on the daily. It’s likely we may be more familiar with the word ‘paranoia’.  The prefix of the word, “para” means “beside, next to, near, against or contrary to”(5).  When we focus on what is near or around us (para), it can stir fear.  If we allow what is contrary to God to consume our thoughts, we are dwelling on things that do not support Godly thinking.  What we choose to marinate in begins to saturate us.  It colors our thinking.  It flavors our choices.  It overtakes us so that we think of Godly things less and less and we become more and more filled with the world around us. We need the ‘dia’ not the ‘para’.

The little things matter, friends.  What we choose to watch and listen to.  What we read and discuss.  Who we fellowship with and how and where all impact our thinking.  And our thinking impacts everything. Are we taking intentional time to think on God’s word and meditate on His precepts?  Are we marinating in the honey of the Word or the acid of the world? We need to pray for our sons and daughters and, really, for all believers that as this world grows darker, we strive intentionally to love God with all our mind.

Are we marinating in the honey of the Word or the acid of the world?

“Love the Lord your God with all your mind.”  It’s a straightforward command that we need to embrace with all that we are.  We need to be intentional. God will not falter or cool in His love for us, be we can certainly grow cold in our love for Him.

“Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold,” Matthew 24:12

Today, let’s pray for our sons and daughters, for our friends and loved ones, that they would understand and pursue loving God with all their mind.  Pray for purity in thought.  Pray that they would choose ‘dia’ over ‘para’.  If we look around, we’ll be overcome by the darkness and decay of the world, but if we choose to look toward God, we’ll be blessed and protected.  We’ll know hope- elpis - the eager expectation of good and the confident joyful expectation of eternal salvation (6).

“Father, you call us to demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and to take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5).  You know that Satan attacks our minds and it is there that the spiritual battle and downfall begin.  Lord, help (name) to love You with all of their mind.  Don’t allow them to give away little corners and pieces of their mind.  Protect them from ‘marinating’ in ideas and activities that would have them dwell on ungodly things.  Lord, let the helmet of salvation protect their mind from any attacks because we know our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).  Help (name) to set their mind on things above (dia), not on earthly things (para) and strengthen them to walk faithfully with You.  Lord, time is short.  Our world is dark.  Satan will do anything he can to destroy believers and keep unbelievers from turning to Jesus.  I pray Your mighty protection over each of my family and friends and over Your Church today and in the days to come.  Lord, work mightily and may all the glory be Yours now and forever, in Jesus’ name, amen.”

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

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

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

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

5. Para-word meaning. Wiktionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/para-#:~:text=From%20Ancient%20Greek%20%CF%80%CE%B1%CF%81%CE%AC%20(par%C3%A1,against%2C%20contrary%20to%E2%80%9D). 

6. G1680 - elpis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1680/niv/mgnt/0-1/

Pray without ceasing.

*Join the PAC Prayer will be taking a short break for the month of March. See you in April! Until then, pray faithfully. Pray often. Pray without ceasing.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Titus 2:1-3, 11-14

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray without ceasing

Like a Thief in the Night

1 Thessalonians 5:2-4  “for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.  While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman and they will not escape.  But you brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.”

We spend much time praying over our sons and daughters that they would have a heart for Jesus, an understanding of Scripture and would pursue holy living.  But how often do we stop and pray that they would have an eye on the future?  Sometimes it seems so far off that, although we know Jesus’ return could happen at any moment, we too easily find ourselves lulled into a mindset of ‘someday’ vs. ‘imminent’, “even today”. It should change how we live.  It should determine our focus.  It is the important thing by which we should prioritize our days, our choices, our lives. Yet, too often, it’s buried in the back of our minds as something that ‘might’ happen in our lifetime, but is probably unlikely because look how much time has gone by already? It’s been two thousand years. As days go on the imminence seems to lose its urgency, and isn’t that what Satan hopes will happen in the believer’s heart and mind?  The Lord tells us we need to be aware and watching.

Look at current events- what do you see?  Are things becoming more peaceful?  Is crime becoming less prevalent?  Are people caring for one another in ways that bring harmony and show kindness?  Oh, governments and leaders will proclaim peace and tell us alliances are certain to assure us of the same, but Scripture tells us that’s the deception of the enemy.  Satan is the Prince of the power of the air.  This is his domain.  He breeds chaos and pain.  Matthew 24:7 says, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.”  Watch what is happening and don’t be unaware.

Sin is rampant, this world is in deep decay and Jesus is the only remedy that will change anything.  Yet, scripture tells us at some point, He will return and catch up those who confess His name and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord.  We call it the rapture.  Some will say, “well, that word isn’t even in scripture!”.  Hmmm.  No, the English word is not in scripture.  But the Bible wasn’t written in English.  If you dig a little deeper you’ll see something very interesting in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”  Those words ‘caught up’ is the word ‘harpazo’ which means “to seize, catch (away, up), pluck, pull, take (by force).” (1) It comes from the word ‘haireo’ which means “to take for oneself, i.e. to prefer, choose.” (2)

This ‘catching up’ of believers won’t come with a warning or a ‘heads up!’.  That’s already been given in Thessalonians.  We are told to live ready.  Much like a special forces military officer lives always ready to go at a moment’s notice.  Their ‘go bag’ is packed and ready so that when they get the call, they’re on their way immediately.  When we get the call from Jesus, we’ll be out- in a moment, caught up and pulled out.  It will be that quick.  It will be unexpected.  People will be caught unaware.

Matthew 24:36-44 says, ““But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;  and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away. That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.  Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.  Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left. “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Jesus is coming back.  Are we keeping watch? Do we teach and encourage our sons and daughters to be alert and aware?  We need to pray that our sons and daughters live in the light of Jesus return, always watching, always ready, because this world is not where we are meant to be.  This is not our home, so we shouldn’t get too comfortable.  Pray that our sons and daughters would have a burden to share the hope that they have in Christ with those who are spiritually dying.  Pray that they are excited to see His return because that will be the moment their faith becomes sight!  Can you imagine?  What an amazing, breath-taking moment that will be!  Even so, come quickly Lord Jesus!

“Heavenly Father, You assure us that Jesus will return for us.  You also remind us in Your Word that the day and the hour is unknown to all but You.  It could happen at any moment.  But I fear we lose our focus too easily and we become comfortable here.  So many years believers have been waiting, and we may wait even more.  But that waiting is Your kindness toward those who have yet to believe (2 Peter 3:9).  I pray that You would give us a fresh excitement and anticipation for Jesus’ return.  Help us always to be watching with hope, waiting while being busy for Your kingdom, eager to see Jesus but burdened for those who don’t yet know Him.  Lord, I pray for (name) today.  Don’t let them live unaware.  Remind them of the promises in Scripture that tell us this is not our home.  Stir them to action and cause them to think about what they choose to say and do- would it please Jesus if He returned to find them doing it?  Lord, affirm to us, even today, that You are working and that Jesus return is near.  Don’t let us grow dull.  Don’t allow us to become desensitized to the urgency.  Lord, we long for that moment when our faith will become sight- I pray that (name) would long for that too!  Lord Jesus, come quickly!”

Pray without ceasing.

Do you  know Jesus as your  personal Lord and Savior or are you unsure of what you believe?  Do you know where you will spend eternity or are you just hoping for the best?

If you have questions or would like to know more, please reach out!  I would be happy to share the hope you can find in Jesus and point you to what He says in Scripture that gives confidence in His plan for our lives.

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

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

Thanking God for the Family of Believers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family of God- Bill and Gloria Gaither (2)

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

Eucharistia. Pray without ceasing.

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

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

A Call to Parents: Encouraging Our Sons & Daughters

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

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

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

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

Encouraging: Parakaleo

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

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

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

Comforting: Paramytheomai

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

What is the heritage that undergirds your family?  

What stories of faith are held forth?  

What mistakes were made that should not be repeated?  

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

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

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

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

Urging: Martyomai

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pray without ceasing.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Burdens and Remedies

Isaiah 53:4-6

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

El-Roi- the God who sees

Jehovah-Jireh- the God who provides

Jehovah-Rapha- the God who heals

Jesus- the God who saves

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

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

Pray without ceasing.

How Do You Measure the Love of God?

“And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge that you may be filled to the measure of all of the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19

Remember when our kids were little and we’d tuck them into bed at night?  The routine usually included a story and maybe a song, and prayers.  Then, before we left them to fall asleep, we’d tuck them in and give them a good night kiss and remind them of how much we love them.  Little sayings like “I love you to the moon and back!” or “I love you to the end of counting” would be the affirmations we would give.  As our children grew, they would add their own affirmations back again.  We just wanted them to know how much we loved them…and still do.  What a sweet time of encouraging the hearts of our little ones.! It set the foundation for our relationship with them and gave them a small glimpse of how our Heavenly Father loves us. 

When God tells us He loves us, He gives us affirmations, too.  But in our limited human capacity, it can be hard to grasp and understand, mostly because we base our understanding of love on our own experience and the love we’ve received ourselves.  So, our concept of love can be skewed, limited, and broken.  God knew we would struggle with this, so He provided some strong word pictures to help our limited minds understand His limitless love.

First, God’s love flows from His glorious riches.  His treasury of love is abundant- there is enough for every person from the dawn of time through eternity.  That’s a lot of love!!  It won’t ever run out- it’s abundant and free-flowing from the Father.

Next, to understand and fully enjoy the love of God, we have to be in a relationship with Him.  God loves everyone, it’s true.  But not everyone loves God.  Unless you have a relationship with Him, you cannot begin to grasp the magnitude of His love for us and what it accomplishes on our behalf.  When we enter into a relationship with God, we gain a foundation on which God builds us up in Him.  We are ‘rooted’ and ‘established’.  We become fixed, firm and founded in God.  We have a ‘place’ and a ‘purpose’ and God’s love dwells in us.

Romans 5:5 “…God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

But here’s the best part…the dimensions of God’s love.  When we try to figure out if something will fit into a space, we ask for the dimensions.  How wide?  How high?  How deep?  When we understand the dimensions of the item, we can gain an understanding of the ‘fit’.  Friends, God’s love exceeds every dimension!!  We can’t make it fit, we can’t limit it, yet it can fill us, follow us and consume us all the days of our earthly lives and follow us into eternity.  The Psalmist tried to put it into words we can understand:

“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  … But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children–with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.”  Psalm 103:11-12, 17-18

“As high as the heavens are above the earth”  Have you ever seen pictures of the expanses of space? Telescopes give us a glimpse of the vastness of the heavens…they go on and on… and galaxies beyond our own are so expansive, we just cannot comprehend how far they stretch.  And the love of God stretches even farther.

“As far as the east is from the west”  East and west will never meet- they expand away from one another.  These cardinal directions will never meet, but will continually stretch endlessly.  It’s another mind-blowing example of God’s love and His abundant forgiveness of our sin.

“From everlasting to everlasting”  Forever.  Always.  Without beginning or end.  God’s love has no origin and no finality.  It always was, is and will be.  It is an attribute of His character and nature and cannot fail.  Read that again, friends…. God’s love can and will never fail!

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end;” Lamentations 3:22

”Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, his love endures forever.” 1 Chronicles 16:34

As we begin this new year, let’s pray that our sons and daughters spiritual eyes are opened to see the magnitude of God’s love around, in and through them.  Pray that they have confidence in the perfect love of God and that they don’t judge His love based on the flawed human examples or their own less-than-perfect experiences.  God’s love toward us doesn’t cool, it doesn’t grow weary, it doesn’t dry up.  It is steadfast and enduring, plentiful and perfect.

We need this next generation to know, firmly and without question, that God’s love is sufficient and abundant and it is readily available to them, designed for them, and freely given.  We need them to be compelled to share His love, with conviction, to others who need to know the Lord.  Time is short.  Jesus’ return is near.  This world needs to know there is a God who loves them desperately and dearly and who gave His Son for them so they could live rooted firmly in the love of God.  Let’s pray with and for one another today and for our sons and daughters.

Why not share with someone today how they can experience God’s love too!

Pray without ceasing!