Direction or Distraction: Practicing Discernment
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:9-11
New opportunities can be exciting! They can mean new locations, experiences, and relationships. The possibilities seem endless and the world is wide open. This could be what we’ve been waiting for…or not. But not every opportunity is one we should take. How do we discern what is the right choice? How do we guide our sons and daughters in the process?
Remember when our kids would come running in, breathless and excited, words tumbling over one another in an effort to tell their news, the exciting opportunity, the new discovery or adventure they just learned of? Maybe it was a ‘business idea’ (my daughter’s lemonade stand, in the middle of January, snow on the street and not a soul in sight) or the chance to go to camp (no, honey, you’re only in first grade, you have to wait a few years). But as our sons and daughters grew and matured, the opportunities also matured and grew, “Mom, I have to tell you about this guy…” “Dad, I’ve been considering signing with the Army…”. “Oh, we wanted to tell you guys, we’re moving….to another state.”
Throughout their lives, our sons and daughters will be presented with opportunities, or relationships, or even goals that would help direct and shape them. But just because it’s presented to them doesn’t mean it’s of God. That’s where discernment comes into play. The first question to ask is whether this is direction or distraction. Is God leading or is the enemy trying to derail us? Just because something is ‘good’ does not mean that God wants us to follow it or embrace it.
Discernment is something God asks us to practice. It helps us understand God’s will, His prompting and leading, and gives us clear direction to go and do or stay and wait. But it’s not something we just ‘grow into’ naturally. Discernment is provided by the Holy Spirit through our fellowship with Him and through our growth in our walk with the Lord. The Holy Spirit will provide clear spiritual discernment, but we need to be listening and willing to respond to His voice and His leading.
Paul says in Philippians 1:9-11 “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.”
Discernment is a product of our love for God that is demonstrated in our pursuit of knowledge of Him and depth of insight into Scripture. The Apostle Paul isn’t just talking about the act of knowing information but the knowledge discussed in Philippians 1:9 is the Greek word ‘epignosis’ which means “precise and correct knowledge”. It is the word used for “things ethical and divine.” (1)
We don’t just pursue knowledge, for the sake of accumulating ‘facts’ and information, but we pursue a relationship with God. Knowing the Lord more deeply, understanding His character, pursuing His heart will enable us to understand His love for us and empower us to imitate Jesus Christ and reflect Him correctly (Philippians 2:5-11).
In addition to proper knowledge, Paul also mentions ‘depth of insight’ or good judgment in verse 9. The Greek word here is aisthesis and it means “perception or discernment.” (2 ) The growth in our knowledge of God brings discernment and that discernment is the ability to “test, examine, prove, scrutinize to see whether a thing is genuine or not.” (3) Isn’t that what we pray our sons and daughters would do when presented with an opportunity or decision? We want them to examine it carefully, not based on ‘feeling’ but on knowledge and insight of what and where God would lead.
It’s all connected. Precise and correct knowledge leads to effective discernment and, in turn, that discernment ensures effective decision making- the ability to know whether an opportunity is a direction or a distraction.
As parents, we must tread carefully as we listen and advise. We don’t have the liberty to tell our adult children what they can and cannot do- they are adults and regardless of how much we want to just say “No!” Or “Wait!” We need to practice discernment as well. If we are too vocal, we risk them backing away or perhaps withholding information to prevent our opinions and interference from swaying them or from guilting them into a decision. We don’t want their decision-making to be based on pleasing us, we want them to discern clearly and decide wisely based on God’s will for their lives. Colossians 1:9 is an excellent verse to pray over our sons and daughters as they make decisions and discern whether an opportunity is direction or distraction.
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,”
Then, we can encourage them with these two steps:
When we are presented with opportunities that seem amazing, we need to pause and pray. Is this of God? How can I tell? How would this create opportunities to use my gifts and talents in ways that bring Him glory? Is there any ‘caution’ that I see in moving forward?
Proverbs 19:2 “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.”
2. Next, we should seek wise counsel. Share with spiritual mentors what we believe God is leading us to and to get their insight into whether we are being wise or whether we are only seeing what we want or hope to see.
Proverbs 15:22 “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”
Ask if they’ve spoken to their pastor or a spiritual mentor. Pray with them. Pray for them. Ask the Lord to clearly show whether the opportunity is a direction or a distraction. And understand that our son or daughter may need to hear from someone besides us. Pray for that person. There is mighty power in prayer. It’s not the least you can do, it’s the best you can do.
As parents, we need to have honest conversations with the Lord. Ask Him to put up barriers if the opportunity is a distraction. Ask Him to reveal those things that are of concern and are not of Him. Pray that He makes it evident for all to see, especially our son or daughter. But if this is God’s direction, ask Him to affirm it. Pray that He would make it clear this is the path to follow. And pray that He helps our heart embrace His leading too, because sometimes He asks our sons and daughters to go places and do things that are far away and hard. Sometimes He leads them to decisions that are not our favored outcome. Take heart, obeying God is always better, even if the direction is not what we would have chosen.
Discernment doesn’t mean inaction. It doesn’t mean resistance. It means active pursuit of God’s will, understanding His heart, His leading, and His direction. The more you spend time with Him, the better you understand and hear His voice.
Let’s pray for discernment for our sons and daughters so they can clearly see His direction and avoid the distractions that would pull them away from following Him.
“Father, You are a good Father. You love and care for us in ways we often can’t see or fully understand. You are working all things for our good and Your glory. I pray for (name) today. As they face decisions and make choices on so many things: relationships, direction for their career or life, locations to live, work, and worship, I pray that You would give them discernment. Grow them in their knowledge of You. Give them depth of understanding of Scripture. Help them to bear fruit that would give evidence of a strong relationship with You. All of these are necessary for Godly discernment. Lord, make them pause if they are leaning on emotions or ‘feelings’. Affirm when they are moving in the right direction. I pray that You would bring other believers around them to speak truth into them, encourage them, and yes, also caution them about potential dangers or missteps that would take them away from You. Lord, if (name) does not have a personal relationship with You, I pray that even today Your Holy Spirit would bring conviction and a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Stir in their heart a desire to set aside every idol and to make You Lord of their life. Grow them in wisdom and knowledge so that their discernment would reflect that which glorifies Christ, not themselves. Give them a desire to serve You and to please You. Help me to parent well in this season of adulthood. Help me not be selfish or controlling but to trust You and Your leading. Your ways are better than mine. Give me peace as I pray for (name). In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing
G1922 - epignōsis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1922/kjv/tr/0-1/
G144 - aisthēsis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g144/kjv/tr/0-1/
G1381 - dokimazō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1381/niv/mgnt/0-1/
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Questioning God
“How long, O Lord , must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, "Violence!" but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds.” Habakkuk 1:2-3
Some might think that questioning God demonstrates a rebellious attitude toward God, a lack of fear of Him, or perhaps a weak faith. Others would say it’s not for man to question God, yet God has given us a reasoning mind that, when we don’t understand something, will ask questions and seek truth and wrestle with things beyond our ability to grasp.
We may even hesitate to admit that we’ve questioned God ourselves in the midst of tragedy, pain, loss, or hardship. Why? Why, Lord? Why me? Why now? Why this? Why not healing, rescue, deliverance?
Our limited minds cannot grasp the eternal, limitless mind of God. Yet we try…and then we get angry or bitter towards Him when we don’t get the answers we think we deserve or we fall into despair thinking that we’ve been punished or abandoned. Oh how our minds jump to conclusions!
Just as we explained to our sons and daughters as we raised them, there is a right way and a wrong way to ask questions. The same applies when we talk to God. There is a right way and a wrong way to question Him. Below are some steps to ensure the questioning is with a right heart and doesn’t become accusing and bitter.
First, determine your motivation.
Are your questions coming from a place of truly wanting to know and understand, or are they motivated by bitterness, anger, and a desire to rail at God? Because one is inquiry and the other is accusatory.
“Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life.” Proverbs 4:23
Have a heart of humility.
Know your place. Who is God? Who are you? Where do you stand in that relationship? Before we bring any questions to God, we must acknowledge Who God is. We need to humble ourselves before Him.
“I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’” Isaiah 46:9-10
“Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?” Exodus 15:11
A great Biblical example is the conversation between Job and God. Despite all of the suffering God allowed in Job’s life, He was still sovereign and still very much in control. When Job began to question Him, God responded and reminded Job of his position and of God’s eternal nature, perfect wisdom, unmatched power, and sovereign authority:
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!
Have you ever given orders to the morning,
or shown the dawn its place,
Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea
or walked in the recesses of the deep?
Have the gates of death been shown to you?
Have you seen the gates of the deepest darkness?
Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth?
Tell me, if you know all this.
“Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?
Let him who accuses God answer him!” Job 38:4-5, 12, 16-18; Job 40:2
Job responded in humility. He understood his place. He realized that the Sovereign God could choose to do whatever He planned. It was not for Job to question, but to trust.
Then Job replied to the Lord:
“I know that you can do anything,
and no one can stop you.”“You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’
It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about,
things far too wonderful for me.” Job 42:1-3
3. Take time to learn the attributes of God.
As human beings, we have finite understanding and experience. We are time bound and limited; we struggle to grasp the eternal and really anything that exceeds our boundaries or occurs outside of our senses. If we learn about God’s character and attributes, we will gain perspective on our situation and our distress in light of eternity and in the bounds of God’s sovereignty. It can temper our bitterness to enable us to surrender in the Presence of God and to HIs purpose and plan:
God is Eternal
“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” Ps 90:2
“Of old you laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but you are the same, and your years have no end.” Ps 102:25-27
God is Sovereign
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” Isa 40:28
God’s wisdom and power is limitless and unsearchable
“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.” Isaiah 40:28
God is omniscient, knowing all, and He is omnipotent-all powerful. He has purpose in whatever hardship He allows and is fully in control over them.
“But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:18-22
God has plans and purposes beyond our understanding
“Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, Who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.” Isaiah 64:4
4. Know that any spiritual discernment and understanding of the situation will only come through the Holy Spirit.
Our limited, mortal minds cannot begin grasp the eternal, spiritual nature of God’s work. We need the intervention and disclosure of the Holy Spirit to enable us to discern God’s work.
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9
Corinthians goes on to say, “But God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.” 1 Corinthians 2:10
“We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.” 1 Corinthians 2:12
5. Respond, don’t react.
Instead of reacting to the situation and circumstances, we need to choose to respond. Lord, what would you have me learn? What is it I need to understand?
Rather than allowing ourselves to cave in to anger, we need to seek the Lord and ask the Holy Spirit to work in our hearts and minds to reveal to us what God is doing and what his purpose is. It is the difference between being godly over being fleshly.
“The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” I Corinthians 2:14
We must ask ourselves, is our response a reflection of wisdom or foolishness. Are we trusting in circumstances or the Sovereign Lord. Are we willing to walk in faith?
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
It’s easy to trust when you see things playing out logically, or in ways that benefit your goals and dreams. But faith is trusting what we do not see and having confidence in the promises of God, even when it’s not easily discerned. We must remember,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” 1 Corinthians 2:9
When our sons and daughters encounter trouble and hardship (and they will) we as parents, mentors, and friends have a choice. What will we say in response to their questions? How will we counsel them? Will we react in kind and lose our self control, becoming angry or hysterical, or will we respond with Godly wisdom and the peace that passes understanding? If we know Jesus as our Savior and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we should always choose the latter.
Questioning God is something that we all will do at some point in our lives because we will all face circumstances and challenges that exceed our capacity to understand and surpass our coping skills and overwhelm our heart’s ability to embrace. Yet, God is there. He’s waiting to hear from us, He’s ready to answer, and He’s always present to supply our needs and sustain us through whatever it is we’re facing.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
Far too often, our reactions demonstrate we have more faith in the power of our circumstances to destroy us than in the Sovereign God of the Universe to deliver us.
Let’s be purposeful to point our sons and daughters to the cross. Let’s be deliberate about doing the same when we face hardship ourselves. Our children learn by watching us- even as adults. Let’s give them something worthy to emulate. Jesus and only Jesus should be our focus, our desire, our comfort, our refuge, and our strength. If we’re drawing strength and peace from another source, it’s artificial and cannot sustain us. Let’s go to the Authentic Source of life, strength, purpose and peace. Let’s cling tightly to Jesus.
“Oh Lord, God of the heavens and the earth. Before this world ever began, You were. You are always present and working. You always will be- You are eternal. That is more than my mind can grasp and for that I am so grateful. I know that my God is bigger than anything I will ever face, stronger than any enemy, and Your wisdom is more profound than I can comprehend. I pray that You would give me strength, discernment, and wisdom to encourage my sons and daughters. I pray especially for (name) as they struggle. Lord, You see them, You love them, and I know You have a purpose and plan that is beyond our understanding. I pray that You will protect them from bitterness. Open their eyes to see whether they are responding to you or reacting in anger and bitterness. Give them a humble heart to listen for Your voice and trust Your work. Lord, even when they don’t understand, help them to rely on Your goodness, Your lovingkindness, Your Sovereign power and Your eternal plan. Remind them of Your attributes. Then, give them strength and wisdom to seek the Holy Spirit for discernment. Lord, if they do not know you personally, if they are walking a path that is not with Jesus, I pray that You would use this situation to bring them to repentance and to salvation in Jesus through His death on the cross and His resurrection from the dead. Fill them with joy in Your Presence so that no matter what circumstances they face here, they know you have far better things planned for them in eternity with You, things that our minds can’t even begin to imagine. I pray, Father, that through Your Son, Jesus and through the Holy Spirit working, alive and active in their heart, that they would listen for Your voice, be ready for Your answers, and be trusting that You will never leave or forsake them. Give me courage to support them correctly, using Your Word and Your wisdom to point them to Jesus, again and again. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
Be still, my soul! the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul! your best, your heav’nly friend
Thru' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul! your God does undertake
To guide the future as he has the past;
Your hope, your confidence, let nothing shake;
all now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul! the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he lived below.
Kathrina von Schlegel (1)
Pray without ceasing.
von Schlegel, K. (1752). Be still, my soul. Hymnary.org. https://hymnary.org/text/be_still_my_soul_the_lord_is_on_thy_side#Author
The Time that Remains
As for man, his days are like grass, he flourishes like a flower of the field; the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. Psalm 103:15-16
Last week our news feeds were suddenly filled with the tragic stories of two different plane crashes. The first involved a military helicopter that collided with a passenger jet in Washington D.C.. It left 67 dead and the Potomac River filled with debris and the bodies of so many individuals whose lives held so much promise. Then, just two days later, a Learjet taking off on a medical flight plummeted to the ground at high speeds. The crash filled a busy street in Philadelphia, leaving a scene unlike people had ever witnessed. Cars and houses were burned and a crater and scattered debris was all that remained of the plane.
All told, 73 lives were lost and countless families were sent into a spiral of grief and disbelief. Both tragedies hit close to home here. The first in D.C. took the life of a student from a university at which I have many ties. The loss is felt keenly. The second happened in my hometown of Philadelphia, where so many who I know and love live and work, some close to the scene.
None of those 73 people knew that day would be their last. All had plans and dreams. Many were athletes, competing to earn their spot in the national and world rankings with hopes of the Olympics someday. Others were professionals, making a mark in their field and working to make a difference. They were sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers all making their way to their destination with plans for the next day and appointments in their agenda. But it all stopped. Suddenly. Without warning. Life ceased abruptly. And those left behind are left wondering, weeping, and asking ‘what if’ questions that can’t change the outcome. Each one has a story. Each one was loved. Each one needed to know Jesus as their Savior. Some did. Others, likely did not. And that is the real tragedy.
When each traveler stepped foot onto their respective flight, none of them knew their time was short. They each expected to exit their plane on their own two feet, headed toward the baggage claim. Instead, their bodies were recovered and identified, families were notified, and grieving began to take hold. When we stop to think about it, it’s disturbing. It’s unfair. It’s heartbreaking. And the eternal consequences are sobering.
What if we had some idea of the time that remains…of our own or of others? Would we prioritize differently? Would we be bolder? More joyful? Would we have a sense of urgency to tell others about Christ? How would we live differently? Oh friends, none of us knows how long we have, yet we often fall into the lull of the ordinary and of expecting the expected and doing what was planned. If we knew that the time that remained was limited, I suspect that we might change what we choose to do and say so that we make the most of the time God gives us.
As parents, we help prepare our kids for the future. We send them to school, we help them define goals. We give them guidance on a degree, a career, a relationship. But when do we take time to talk to them about the temporary nature of life here in this current reality on Earth? We do talk about eternal life, but far too often that’s removed from the reality of today. It’s a ‘someday’ thing, but rarely do we talk about it as a ‘could be today’ thing. And far too often our children have an invincible perspective that doesn’t acknowledge the reality of the brevity of life here.
For each of those passengers, their last day was the regular day that became their entrance into eternity. Were they ready? Did they consider their souls as much as they considered their boarding pass? Were they mindful that there is more to life than what is lived here and now?
Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 4:14
It’s time to begin talking about eternity today with our sons and daughters. Bring it into the conversation. It’s important to recognize that at any moment, we can step from ‘here’ to ‘hereafter’ and we change dimensions, but also at that moment, our faith becomes sight! There should be anticipation, not dread, and preparation, not procrastination. We should be so ready to meet Jesus that we step into eternity and into the arms of Jesus with a joyful gasp and cry of delight!
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, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade--kept in heaven for you, 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. I Peter 1:3-5
To think that there are so many people who wouldn’t have the relationship with Jesus to be able to imagine that scene is heartbreaking. Too many people are unsure of what awaits after death. Some believe that death is the end, there is nothing, they simply cease to exist. Others ‘hope for the best’ but have no assurance. But we, as believers in Christ, KNOW for sure that we have eternal security with Jesus in heaven. Why wouldn’t we feel compelled to share the hope we have in Christ?!
Romans 10:9-11, 13, “That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
We need to model for our sons and daughters what it is to use the time that remains in a way that honors God and shares the hope of salvation with others.
This week, let’s pray that the Holy Spirit leads and gives us the words to share the gospel with someone. Don’t force it, but let the Spirit lead. Pray that He would give our sons and daughters the words to share with others around them! Be mindful of the time that remains, both for you and for others. Whether God calls us home or Jesus returns to claim His Bride, the Church, we have a job to do and an urgency to use the time well. Let’s pray that our sons and daughters do the same.
Romans 10:14, 17 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ.
Let’s pray together:
“Oh, Lord, You created us in Your image to be Your vessels, yet so often we take matters into our own hands, or we lose sight of our calling to make Your name known. We waste time or worry over time when You are Lord of time and we are Your servants. I pray that You would give us boldness this week to share Jesus with others. I pray for (name) that You would help them gain perspective of the time that remains. None of us know how long we have. Oh that (name) would live for You each moment! Help (name) to share Jesus with others unashamedly, boldly, and with joy. Lord, they need to know You!! They need to have hope for eternity and strength for today. As believers in Christ, we have that hope because we know You as our Lord and Savior. There is nothing better than the confidence and assurance we have in Christ. Give us the words and the opportunity. I pray for those grieving after the tragedies this week. Comfort them, Lord. Help them to cling tightly to You. Draw them to cry out to Jesus for salvation. Lead them into green pastures where they can rest and be refreshed. I pray that You would empower believers to come alongside them and share the hope of Christ. Help each of us to stand strong in these last days and boldly proclaim the gospel in our words and actions. Help us to live rightly in ways that bring glory to Jesus. In His name I pray, amen.”
Prodigal Prayer
“Heavenly Father, my precious prodigal (name) is headed for eternal disaster without Christ. They are oblivious to the dangers or maybe they just don’t care. Holy Spirit, speak to their heart and mind today. Help them to recognize they are in desperate need of a Savior and that Jesus died for their sin so they could live eternally. I pray that you would sober them with the realization that time is short and they must decide who they will serve. Lord, open their eyes to see the reality of their destination without Christ and the hope and salvation that comes with surrendering their heart to Him. I pray they would crave forgiveness, redemption and a hope of eternity with Him. Please, Lord, redeem the time that remains, bring them to salvation, restore the relationships that have been broken and bring joy where there is grief. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
If you don’t know Jesus as your Lord and Savior and you have questions about how to have a personal relationship with Him, reach out! I would love to share the hope of Jesus with you today!
Teach Them to Love Jesus
“Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5
We’ve taught our sons and daughters many things over the years, often by talking to them and repeating words and phrases and the truths of Scripture, but more often, by being an example to them. When we taught them how to tie their shoes, we didn’t just say it, we showed them- over and over, until they could do it themselves, and then we praised their efforts. We taught them how to be self-sufficient, mature, and how to live with integrity.
When it comes to teaching our sons and daughters the truths of faith, our words carry weight, but our example speaks more loudly. Friends, we need to live it out in front of them. Our words don’t have nearly as much impact as our actions, our attitudes, and the demonstration of our love and commitment to Jesus being lived out in our daily life. It cannot be “do as I say, not as I do”. They’re adults. They will do what they choose. But if we live out our faith, consistently, circumspectly, putting Jesus at the forefront, always, our lives will reflect His character and our actions will demonstrate our priority of faith. Because, if we’re honest, it’s not that we want our kids to do what we say…we want them to do what Jesus says.
Think back to your days in elementary school. Do you remember the lessons? Do you recall how you learned fractions or reading? It’s possible vague details will return, but if asked about your teacher, you would immediately begin to give a description of how your teacher interacted with you and made you feel important, seen, and valued. The teacher had a lot to say, but what impacted us was their character and actions toward us.
“I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.” Philippians 3:12b-15
As we live out our Christian walk, are we investing more time and energy into words, or actions? Are we trying to convince others (especially our sons and daughters) that what we believe is right and true, or are we modeling it to them? We must be cautious because we can weary others by always trying to prove our point. Paul says “and if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.” Paul was assuring the Philippians that by pursuing the Lord, God would make clear what is right and true. It wasn’t up to Paul and the church to correct people’s thinking. Should we speak truth? Absolutely! Can we demand or pressure others to follow it.? Not so much. It’s a heart-decision that only the Holy Spirit can motivate.
Though our sons and daughters are grown, we still feel that burden to know that they are walking with the Lord. That burden may inspire us to speak a bit too much, press a little too hard, to try and sway their thinking. But friends, we are still teaching them when we interact with them by living out our faith. We demonstrate how to be a disciple when we consistently follow the Lord, pursue personal time with Him, memorize His word and obey His commands. We model what it means to love when we are patient, kind, unselfish, and forgiving (1 Corinthians 13). We show them the strength and humility that accompanies asking forgiveness when we apologize for saying what we shouldn’t or doing something hurtful. We are not above that, at any age.
Our interaction with them says more than our words ever could. It communicates that God is what is most important to us and we will always submit to Him, making Him the head, the Lord, and the Shepherd of our hearts. He is the One to whom we surrender all of ourselves, and that will be reflected in our life, so more than in our words. Take a moment to check yourself, is that what your life demonstrates? Could others testify to it… would they?
Model Jesus to your sons and daughters at every opportunity. Let your actions speak loudly and let the Holy Spirit do His work.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:” Philippians 2:3-5
Pray that they would love Jesus authentically and that He would be the foundation upon which they build their life.
Pray without ceasing.
God Teaches Us Prayer Through Parenting
It’s likely we all pray every day, in some form or fashion. Whether it’s giving thanks before a meal or a quick ‘rocket’ prayer for help or intervention. But what about a dedicated time of prayer each day when we’re talking and listening to the Lord, deeply and intentionally interacting with Him, being still before Him and waiting on Him?
If we’ve parented, or cared for children at all, whether they were our own or belonged to others, we’ve undergone a sort of prayer ‘boot camp’ whether we realize it or not. The skills and habits we developed in taking care of children are those God wants us to use to be more effective in prayer.
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2
The Apostle Paul used the word ‘devote’ to impress on us the need for more than just “minute prayers”. It is the Greek word ‘proskartereō’ and it means “to be earnest towards, to persevere, be constantly diligent, or (in a place) to attend assiduously all the exercises, or (to a person) to adhere closely to (as a servitor):—attend (give self) continually.” (1)
Constantly diligent. Doesn’t that describe parenthood? And if we had a busy, adventurous, adrenaline-seeking child, well, that diligence shot to a whole new level. Whether it is an infant, a toddler, really, a child of any age, a parent is constantly diligent because they need to be aware of the dangers, aware of where that little one is, what they’re doing, and be continually ready to intervene. Isn’t that so much like prayer? Always watching, diligently aware, ready to intervene, attending continually. Oh how God gives us such tangible examples of what our walk and talk with Him should be like! Do we recognize it? Do we practice that?
Then, He tells us to be watchful. The Greek word is grēgoreō and it means “to be watchful in, employ the most conscientious care in a thing.” (2) Again, our parenting prepares us well for how we should pray. And God tells us so often to be watchful:
Matthew 24:42 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
Matthew 25:13 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.”
1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
1 Thessalonians 5:6 “So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake (alert) and sober.”
1 Peter 5:8 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
We wouldn’t dream of leaving our children to fend for themselves for days on end, we wouldn’t dare let them venture into dangerous places or with questionable or unsafe people. No, we are always alert and awake, watching and caring. Even as they move into adulthood, our parental watchfulness isn’t easily released. Friends, that is how God wants us to pray. Alert to the dangers at hand and to the enemy who stalks; ever awake and watching for His return. It could happen today!
Finally, Scripture tells us to be thankful. eucharistia is “gratitude; actively, grateful language (to God, as an act of worship).” (3) Maybe it’s time for a checkup. Is our prayer life an act of worship? Or does it more resemble the ‘instacart’ of our spiritual life, checking off our order and waiting for the delivery?
Devoted, watchful and thankful. That’s the kind of prayer life we need to engage in daily and that which we need to model to our families and to the body of believers. Look around you. This world is on fire. Things are not getting better. Sin is rampant and celebrated. What is right is ridiculed as wrong and offensive. Those who stand for Godly principles are mocked, persecuted, and in some countries, executed. Time is short and Jesus’ return is near. What do we want our sons and daughters to know and remember? Our awareness of the times should increase and deepen our prayer life.
Let’s get on our knees this week in devoted prayer- constantly diligent. Let’s be watchful and pray for what is going on around us and for those who are engaging in spiritual battles. Let’s pray for the Body of Christ, the fellowship of believers, interceding for their spiritual growth and protection. Then, worship the Lord in prayer through thankfulness.
Be thankful we CAN pray- we have that privilege and access. Be grateful that God provides examples and encouragement to guide our prayer so we can align our words and actions with His word and expectations. Be thankful we still have breath and life to intercede for others. Then, let's pray for our sons and daughters that God would guide them to deeper, more effective, more worshipful prayer, too.
Set aside the list and get on your knees and commune with the Father, allow the Holy Spirit to intercede when your words cannot. Pray in Jesus' name for God to work and move powerfully. He will do it.
“Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is because of Him that I can enter Your throne room and sit at Your feet. I praise You for Your greatness. I surrender myself to You, the Great I Am, the Lord of Lords, and King of Kings- there is no other. What a tremendous blessing I have in being Your child!”
“Lord, I ask that my prayer would be an act of worship toward You, exalting Your name and bringing glory to You. Teach me to pray more effectively, keep me ‘awake’ so that I would be diligent in prayer- always recognizing the things I need to bring before You and readily falling on my knees to entrust You with each burden, care, and battle. I want to be so devoted to prayer that my sons and daughters would know that their parent prays daily, diligently, and authentically, not just for what I want or wish for, but in serious, spiritually-led prayer that is life-changing, life-protecting, and effective. Lord, I cannot pray well on my own. But You can guide me in prayer so that I please You with my words and with the attitude of my heart. Work in me so that I am always keeping watch, praying for those things You bring to my attention, and allowing You to guide my words and my heart. In Jesus’ precious name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
G4342 - proskartereō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4342/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1127 - grēgoreō - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1127/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G2169 - eucharistia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2169/niv/mgnt/0-1/
Pray for Sharpening
It was always my father’s job to cut the meat, whether it be the Thanksgiving turkey or the Sunday roast. I remember how he would open the knife drawer and look through, pushing some aside looking for ‘that one’ that would do the job.
There were knives in the drawer that were the favorites and then there were those that were hardly ever used. The former had a nice blade, the latter was dull and almost useless. Dad would pull out a knife and inspect the blade. Then, if his chosen knife needed to be sharpened, he would take hold of the long wand-like tool that was textured and rough. It sat in the drawer alongside all of the knives.
As I watched him, Dad would swipe the blade of the knife back and forth along the sharpening tool, both sides, up and down, back and forth. It would make a scraping sound that was rhythmic and musical and it required that he was attentive to the process. The friction and abrasion of the knife edge against the rough, textured tool made the knife sharp and ready. Once he was finished, the knife was sharper than ever and ready to use. He would give it a quick polish and then set into the carving of the meat.
The knife sharpening rod went back into the drawer. Interestingly, though the rod always stayed in there with all of the knives, proximity to the sharpener did not mean all the knives remained sharp. It was only when a knife interacted with the rod that the knife experienced sharpening and was ready for the task it was created to do. Proverbs 27:17 “Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.” Iron only sharpens iron when there is friction and different textures or edges interact with each other to refine and define one another. If the items are identical, sharpening won’t occur.
If we surround ourselves with people who only agree with us, who think alike all the time, who don’t challenge us, guess what? We become dull, myopic, and insular. If we’re honest, we can become selfish, thinking that our way is the right way because everyone around us thinks so too. If we’re not challenged at all, we lose our sharpness. But when we encounter those who think differently, who may worship differently, who stretch us to think about why we believe what we do, we are ‘sharpened’. The friction wears down the parts of us that would cause us to be dull and ineffective and sharpens the edges of our resolve and conviction. No, it isn’t pleasant, but the alternative is even less appealing because it alludes to spiritual dullness. It doesn’t mean we become like the other…the knife didn’t become the sharpening rod. But instead, it became a better version of what it was created to be.
As parents, we don’t like to see our sons and daughters experiencing discomfort or pain. We don’t enjoy seeing them face difficult things. Our ‘momma heart’ aches to see them struggle. Our natural reaction might be to try and ease the situation, soothe the irritation, or fix the problem. Yet, would we interfere with God’s work in their life? Consider this, that friction, discomfort and irritation they are experiencing might be God’s way of smoothing out their rough edges. It might be God’s brake pedal, slowing them down so they don’t rush into something that is not His will or giving them space so they can hear His voice and see His hand. Maybe God needs to soften their heart and sharpen their mind so they are ready for what He brings next. Godly friction can bring rewards.
Let’s pray for some sharpening friction in the lives of our sons and daughters. Let’s pray that they can have perspective on the process and gratitude that the Lord is preparing them for what’s next. And let’s pray that we, as parents, have perspective too- not feeling the urge to step in and fix it, but to pray that God uses it for their good and for His glory.
“Father, I pray for (name) today. I know things are difficult…or maybe soon will be. Give (name) strength to endure and perspective to understand that You are enthroned as the Holy One (Ps. 22:3) and that You use difficult circumstances and people to refine us and sharpen us. No one, no thing, no event, or authority can interfere with Your plan and purpose, nor will it ever be out of Your control. That’s a comfort, Lord.”
“I pray for sharpening in (name)’s life. I pray that You would bring people and events into their life that would stretch them, teach them, and make them more like Christ. Refine them to be what You created them to be. Challenge their thinking, Lord, so that they know what they believe and why. Sharpen them so they would live their faith with conviction, regardless of the responses or reactions of those around them. Lord, let them be a ‘sharp knife’ that is willing to experience friction because they know it prepares them for what You are calling them to do. Don’t let them sit dull and idle, unusable because they’re unwilling to be sharpened. Let (name) crave Your sharpening because they know it will equip them to be used in effective ways to accomplish Your will for their good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Dear Children…Don’t Let Anyone Lead You Astray
“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
Have you ever been deceived? It’s an awful realization, isn’t it? When you believe and trust in someone or something, only to realize that what you believed to be true, thought you understood and wholeheartedly supported is not what it seemed. It can throw you for a loop. And watching someone go through it can be equally as difficult…especially when that other person doesn’t recognize the deception.
Deception is a slippery slope that pulls people further and further from the Truth and into false hope, misdirected loyalty, and often, victimization. Deception leads to loss of resources, relationships, and hope. It’s a ploy of the enemy to convince people to believe a lie, isolate them from one another and keep them from following Christ.
But how do you recognize deception? How can you spot a ‘fake’? Those who are trained to spot fake money and art look for certain characteristics and inconsistencies. But in order to do so, they have to have intricate knowledge of the original before they are able to spot a fake. Our sons and daughters need to have strong knowledge of Scripture and a consistent, growing relationship with the Lord in order to protect themselves from deception. Inch-deep knowledge and casual practice of spiritual disciplines leave us vulnerable to being led astray by teachers whose teaching “sounds similar” but whose doctrine weaves in error and deception.
The enemy will try to convince us that what we’re following is “okay” or “not really as bad as we might think”, or even label it as “my truth” so others cannot tell us it’s wrong. If he can do that, then he is accomplishing his goal of deception and disruption. Lord have mercy! Our sons and daughters need to be on guard!!
1 John 3:7-8 says, “Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.”
So, how do we recognize and avoid deception? How do we remain faithful? We need to pray that our sons and daughters will:
Recognize God’s Truth:
Colossians 1:9-14 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Be able to identify falsehood
Jude 1:17-19 But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold. They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.” These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.”
2 John 2:7, 9-11 “I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them. Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.
Avoid evil:
Proverbs 16:17 “The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives.”
I John 1:6 “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”
Fellowship with other believers who walk in the Truth:
Acts 2:42 “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
1 John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.”
Listen to the Holy Spirit Who lives in us- He will help us recognize those who walk with Christ in genuine fellowship vs. those who are ‘posers’.
1 John 4:6 “We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.”
Strive to maintain a testimony that gives evidence of Christ in us- our life should speak truth and give evidence of Christ to others
3 John 1:3 “ It gave me great joy when some believers came and testified about your faithfulness to the truth, telling how you continue to walk in it.”
Today, let’s pray these scriptures over our sons and daughters. But let’s also pray for the Body of Believers. Satan is strong, yes, but the God that lives in us is stronger and He holds the victory!! Let’s pray He will surround us with His mighty protection and keep us walking faithfully.
Pray without ceasing.
My Dear Children, Do Not Sin
1 John 2:1 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
Imagine receiving a letter that begins with the words, “ My Dear Children”. One immediately senses that it’s going to say some important things. The greeting gets our attention; it identifies us as loved, important and connected to a family. The sentiment “Dear children” tells us we are precious to the writer… a parent-figure, and isn’t that what our sons and daughters are to us? Dear. Beloved. Cherished and important. Stop and consider, if we would write to our sons and daughters, what would we say?
The Apostle John wove that very phrase into his letters to the early church. He wrote often to the believers because had a burden to encourage them in their walk with the Lord. He understood, better than most, the cost of discipleship and the dangers of our life in this earthly realm, the kingdom of darkness. The book of 1 John is filled with encouragement, cautions, and reminders of how the believers should live and why. And many of those directives start with the phrase, ‘dear children’. John loved the believers as his spiritual children and wanted to ensure they knew the words he was speaking to them, via the Holy Spirit, were words of love and conviction.
Over the next few weeks, we’re going to look at these “dear children” directives and pray through them for our own beloved sons and daughters. What better way to encourage their walk with the Lord?!
1 John 2:1 “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
Oh what words of direction AND comfort!! Do not sin! Don’t do it! We need to pray that specifically and often for our sons and daughters because we all know, far too well, that the enemy wants nothing more than to cause us to sin. Sin leads us away from the Lord, it defeats us, it tries to define us (although that is not how our Savior sees us, we’re deceived into believing we are what we do and our value is in our efforts). We need to pray that God keeps our dear children from sin.
BUT we can’t stop there!! No! We need to pray that next portion of 1 John 2:1 because it’s vital for our dear children to understand, and us as well, that if we DO sin (and we will, we’re fallen people), we have an advocate who speaks to the Father on our behalf- Jesus Christ.
That word ‘advocate’ is the word ‘parakletos’ in Greek. It means "one who pleads another's cause before a judge, a pleader, counsel for defense, legal assistant; an advocate, and intercessor" (1) We have our very own legal counsel who comes to our defense and clearly states that the price for every sin, past, present and future, is paid for by His precious blood sacrifice and is eternally effective because of His resurrection from the dead. There is no sin that cannot be forgiven by Jesus and there is no failure for which He will not step up and advocate for us. He is our paraclete- our advocate and our counselor. He not only speaks to the Father on our behalf, but He speaks truth into us and reminds us of who we are and Whose we are. Sin does not define us.
John was so adamant that the church understood this that he said it again in 1 John 2:12, “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of His name.” Yes, he encouraged them not to sin, but twice he reminded them that Christ paid the price for their sin and they had, and would always have, His forgiveness, not because of anything they might do, but because of His Name. Oh friends, it’s SO important that our sons and daughters understand not only God’s commands not to sin, but also God’s complete and perfect forgiveness when they do!! When the world wants to define them by what they’ve said and done and how they’ve messed up, God defines them as His child, loved, forgiven, redeemed and justified through Christ. Today, let’s pray these very words for our sons and daughters.
“Heavenly Father, (name) is my dear child, whom I love very much, but I know You love even more than I do. I pray that (name) would not sin. That’s blunt and straightforward, but it’s so needed, Lord. Keep them from sin. It destroys and rots the life You would have them live abundantly in You. Lord, please help (name) to remain in You- to abide and live a life that is consumed with You so that there is no room for sin to take hold. But I know that in this world, this life, none of us can fully avoid sin. We are a fallen humanity and the old self still lives in us. We still wrestle with it every day. So, as You keep them from sin, I pray, too, that You would remind (name) that You, Jesus, are their advocate and You are the One to whom they should run when they’ve mis-stepped, or worse, fallen into steady consuming sin. Jesus, You will always advocate for (name) to the Father, making a way for forgiveness and restoration. Lord, keep (name) running to You always, clinging to You for counsel and defense. Lord, keep them always, in Jesus’ name, amen,”
Why not text 1 John 2:1 to your son or daughter today? “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” Encourage them with scripture and pray without ceasing.
G3875 - paraklētos - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g3875/niv/mgnt/0-1/
Tune My Heart
Psalm 125:4 “O LORD, do good to those who are good, whose hearts are in tune with you.” (NLT)
Have you ever watched musicians play their instruments? I mean, really watched them? They start by tuning their instruments, individually, and then together. Why? So the sound they produce is in harmony with one another and is a proper representation of the song. The ‘first chair’ will play a note and then all of the other instruments align their sound with that one to ensure they’re all on key- they’re all adjusted to the standard to ensure they produce a correct and pleasant sound.
But sometimes, instruments require more than just one tuning. If you’ve ever watched a band play bluegrass music you know the songs are often fast and the fretwork on the banjo, guitar and fiddle is intricate. The instruments are played with skill, finesse and very, very quickly. The stress can loosen the strings and begin to change the sound the instrument produces. The musician is always listening and attentive to whether the sound and ‘fruit’ of the instrument is correctly representing the notes and harmonizing with the other instruments. It requires a good ear and knowledge of pitch, otherwise the tuning can actually make the sound worse.
Tuning becomes a continuous effort, otherwise the instrument begins to sound ‘off’ and doesn’t harmonize well with the others. It begins to play its own tune, rather than what was written. So, every so often during the performance, the musicians will take a moment to adjust their instrument, tuning it so that it stays on key and produces a beautiful, pleasing sound. An instrument out of tune is a poor representation of what the composer intended and becomes a distraction and an offense to the ears.
This is such a picture of our spiritual walk. Walking with Jesus isn’t a ‘one and done’ moment. It needs to be a daily checking of our heart and mind to ensure we’re in tune with HIm and His Word- aligning our heart to what He asks of us and ensuring that our thoughts and desires are reflecting His truth and submitted to His will, not our own. We need to tune our hearts to the standard God sets for us. If we think we’re ‘in tune’ with the Lord, yet we don’t spend time with Him, we fall out of tune and we become tone deaf and unpleasant to listen to. We don’t hear ourselves and how ‘off’ we’ve become because we’re not listening to the Savior. We’re setting our own standard of “right” and “good” and that’s never right or good.
We need to submit to the work of the Holy Spirit in us, follow good teaching and be intentional to ensure that we are attentive to God’s Word- learning, committing it to memory and living it out. As Paul said in 2 Timothy 1:13-14, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Just as the musician guards his instrument, continually ensuring that it’s in tune and working as it should, we need to guard our hearts so that we’re correctly representing Him and aligning our hearts with His instruction in Scripture. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters are not ‘tone deaf’ but that they are constantly listening to the Lord and checking their walk to ensure they’re in tune with Him. There is so much ‘noise’ in our world, noise that drowns out the good that we should hear and that can distract us from recognizing we’re out of tune with the Lord. We can begin singing out of tune and not even recognize it…and if we’re surrounded by others who are out of tune as well, we lose our pitch and our ability to correct and adjust ourselves. We must always, always look to the Savior. He is the only One to whom we should align our lives to ensure we’re walking in tune with Him.
“Father, You put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in him. (Psalm 40:3) But, Father, if I’m out of tune with You, my song will be off-putting to others and won’t represent You well. How can I pray for my son or daughter to be in tune with You if I am not? I pray that You would daily help me tune my heart to You. I pray that my life would reflect Psalm 28:7 “The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” And I pray for (name) today, help them to see that I long to follow after You with all my heart and that I trust You, no matter what. I pray that the testimony of my life and the song of my heart speak to them with more than just words, but that the life I live would reflect my total surrender to You. Encourage them, inspire them, move in their heart today so that they recognize their heart condition and they ‘hear’ any place that they are off key and out of tune with You. I pray that they would submit to You, Lord, and would allow You to work in them, correct the areas that need to be brought back into Your Lordship and that they would begin to sing a new song, a song of praise to You that would point others to the saving grace of the gospel. Lord, I ask that You- the Master musician- would skillfully take their life, their heart, their mind and their all and would use it to bring glory to Your name. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Praying without ceasing
Whatever happens… are we ready?
Philippians 1:27-29 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”
When we become believers and followers of Christ, we hear about the wonderful ways we’ll enjoy God’s blessings, mercy and grace. What we don’t often spend time considering is the cost of following Jesus. For those of us living in the West, that’s not really something we’re confronted with very often. But believers in closed countries where Christianity is outlawed, the cost is understood….and sometimes, believers pay with their lives. And they’re willing. That should make us pause and do some introspection. Is our faith strong or are we inch-deep with fragile roots? And are we ready….for whatever happens...?
There is an ever-growing pressure on believers, worldwide. Media, social and otherwise, decries our faith and our convictions as intolerant and abrasive. Believers are taunted, pressured, and shamed in an effort to pressure us to relent and relinquish the standards of our faith and soften our convictions. The goal is that we would substitute our Lord for a lesser god that would not be offensive to those living in darkness and pursuing sin. It’s true, to unbelievers Jesus is the Rock that makes them stumble and the stone that makes them fall (1 Pet 2:8). This world is trying to diminish the power of the gospel and defame the name of Christ. Christians are becoming more and more a target of ridicule and, in some countries, persecution and abuse. And, friends, it’s only going to increase. We are witnessing a battle between darkness and light unfold before our eyes. We have to be ready. So, how do we prepare our hearts and minds?
Scripture tell us we are called to suffer for Christ. Are we ready? When everything starts to circle the drain (and at some point, it will), nothing else will matter. When money is worthless and governments fall, when disorder reigns and religious freedom is a thing of the past, we need to be confident that our sons and daughters will stand firm in their faith. We want to be confident they will live by their convictions and they would be willing to give their all for Christ. Friends, it’s happening in some places now. Who is to say any nation would be immune? Will our sons and daughters have a faith strong enough to withstand the pressure, the persecution? Will they have an eternal perspective that allows them to view these light and momentary troubles as nothing compared to the eternal reward God has waiting?
We need to be on our knees praying a hedge of protection, a spiritual shield around our sons and daughters. And it’s likely we’re pretty good at that, it’s likely we’ve been pleading for God’s protection since they were born. But we also need to pray that they will be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Eph. 6:10). We need to pray that WHATEVER HAPPENS…. Whatever (that’s a hard word to wrap our Momma minds around, isn’t it?) Whatever happens, that our sons and daughters would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel: suitable and befitting the gospel of Christ.
Let’s take time this week to memorize and pray through Philippians 1:27-29. God’s word never returns void. Scripture renews our minds. And you’ll begin to see how Philippians 1:27-29 applies to so many things around you. Memorize, and then let’s pray for our sons and daughters:
That whatever happens, they would conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Worthy of Christ- oh how we should crave that as our heart’s desire.
That they would stand firm in the Spirit. They need to be listening to and sensitive to the Holy Spirit in their life.
That they would strive, together with other believers, for the faith of the gospel. This means they need to be in fellowship with other believers.
That they would not be afraid of those who oppose them. (Can they spot the opposition?)
That they would have confidence they will be saved by the Lord- He’s marked them as His own.
If they are not walking with the Lord, pray that the Holy Spirit would stir in their heart and bring them to repentance.
Pray that they would be ready, and willing, to suffer for Christ. 1 Peter 4:13 “But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” and that they would be rejoicing that His glory will be revealed in them.
We have a full week’s worth of prayer here. Be sure to set aside time to enjoy focused prayer. It’s not a drive-through, it’s more of a sit down meal. Take your time to savor this time with the Lord.
Consider journaling your thoughts and prayers. Deepening your prayer life is not a ‘quick process’, but a deliberate one that requires you to be thoughtful and intentional and willing. Write down how the Lord is speaking to you and note how He’s taking you deeper into prayer. How do you see Him working? And if you’re willing, share with us!
Pray without ceasing, friends.
Philippians 1:27-29 “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him,”