What is Love, Really?
Love.
We hear about it a lot. There are holidays dedicated to it. Whole industries are built around it. Music thrives on the idea of love and jewelry companies capitalize on the tokens of love. We celebrate it at weddings and share the joy with those who proclaim they’ve found it and their ‘forever’ person. But really, what is love? Is it just a feeling? Is it an emotion? We can find it, but can we lose it? How can we really know?
Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
If love is a fruit of the Spirit, there is more to it than a feeling…and it’s motivated by more than our emotions. As believers in Christ and followers of His Word, it is important that we understand what love is (and isn’t).
We want our sons and daughters to show evidence of a Spirit-filled life, right? So, over the next few weeks, we’re going to pray through each of these qualities of the heart and mind, asking God to build them up, increase their fruit, and strengthen their faith. This week we will pray through several scriptures about love. You may want to do one a day or you may want to pray the entire list each day. Praying Scripture always brings a return!
It’s important to understand that despite what this world tells us, love is not a feeling- that’s the greatest misrepresentation of that attribute. Love is not something you ‘fall’ into and out of. Love is a choice and an action. It is choosing to love the unlovely. It is choosing to be kind to those who are not. It is choosing to be patient when we’re tired, overwhelmed, or stressed. Love is not something you extend to others because of what you receive in return. Love is not, and was never meant to be, transactional but something we offer to others because Christ compels us.
Understand the Biblical meaning of love:
“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant.” 1 Corinthians 13:4
We’ve all observed people who speak with all the fancy words, do all the ‘noble’ things, but they do it for their own ego. Their actions are selfish and the value and authenticity of their words and convictions come into question. Though they say they are loving, they don’t exemplify it.
On the other hand, you may know someone who is difficult to like. They may not be a nice person; maybe they’re even unkind to you. But, despite your feelings of caution, you consistently choose to show kindness towards that person, you show them respect and meet needs, encourage, and support them. That is being loving. It’s not about the feelings, it’s about the choices and actions. It is a choice to act like Jesus when we’re not inclined to do so, setting our own rights or expectations aside, giving towards those we might otherwise think do not deserve our kindness. When we choose words and actions that portray Jesus, in spite of our feelings, we do not betray His name.
Pray that our sons and daughters would understand Biblical love and would be intentional in how they respond to others. May their life be a testimony. Pray for patience and kindness. Pray against envy, arrogance, and boastfulness.
Understand why we love:
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
We are fallen human beings, limited in every way. Yet, because God loves us, He enables us to show love to others. And the love we are called to show is not the human, faulty, fickle love, but the love of God- sacrificial, selfless, and healing.
“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are.” 1 John 3:1a (NASB95)
Does the immensity and transformational power of God’s love move us? It should. In light of how God loved and redeemed us, how can we not love others?!
Pray that our sons and daughters understand why we love others. Pray that they learn how to love like Jesus. Pray they are moved by the immensity of God’s love and it transforms their hearts and minds in Christ.
Understand that love is the key identifier of Christ-followers:
John 13:35 “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
When you see someone wearing the team jersey, it’s a pretty good indicator that they are supporters of that team. As the World Cup is being played in the United States, we are seeing all kinds of team jerseys and the enthusiasm is high. If someone sees a jersey that reflects their own alliance there is joy and sometimes greetings and encouragement is exchanged. There is connectedness and comeraderie.
As believers, we have the Holy Spirit who indwells us. When the Holy Spirit in us encounters that same Holy Spirit in another, there is joy and excitement. A brother! A sister! We love those encounters and others see how we embrace and support one another. It’s an instant connection. Others observing may ask, “Do you know them?”.
Believers are not (or should not be) in competition with each other, we’re on the same team, working together to glorify God and shine His light. They work together to bring relief and support to those in need. They collaborate to share the gospel, feed the hungry, comfort the grieving, and welcome the stranger. It’s not our vast knowledge of Scripture, but our heart of love that shows others we are different.
The world looks on and they see something different about believers. They see joy. They see purpose. They see love.
Pray that our sons and daughters would embrace God’s love as that character quality that sets them apart, marks them for Christ, and binds them to the brotherhood of believers, not in competition for recognition but in connection for the Kingdom.
Understand that God’s love has the power to keep and protect us eternally:
“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”” Romans 8:35-36
Believers are found in the dark places, serving, rescuing, meeting needs and showing love. Believers go where others will not because Christ’s love compels us. Our boldness comes not from our own bravery, but because we believe God is true to His word and His love is eternal.
We read story after story of missionaries who go to difficult places. They take their children to countries that are foreign to them, with different languages, customs, food…and different gods. They face resistance, persecution, and even willing to face death. Why? Because they are compelled by the love of God. The eternal has a more powerful hold on them than anything this world can threaten or deliver. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.
Believers know the value of bringing others into the Kingdom and sharing the redemption of Jesus to bring them from the kingdom of darkness into the Kingdom of Light. They understand this life and its struggles are temporary. They are building kingdom treasure by way of souls turned to Jesus through the gospel.
Pray that our sons and daughters would have eternal perspective. Pray that God would have such a hold on their heart that everything they do is motivated by love for Him and for others to know Him. Pray that they would be confident that there is nothing that can happen to them here that would impact, lessen, or remove God’s love.
Understand that love must be authentic, both from us and from other believers:
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.” Rom 12:9 (ESV)
Other translations put it this way:
“Love must be without hypocrisy.” (NIV)
“Don’t just pretend to love others.” (NLT)
“Let love be without hypocrisy.” (NKJV)
There is nothing more distasteful than hearing someone spout the virtues of Scripture and then be observed being deceptive, vindictive, cruel, or dishonest. They speak like Jesus but turn around and live like the world. Fruit is evidence of what you value, what you consume, and what you prioritize. Authentic love, agape, is the fruit of being surrendered to and abiding in Christ. He must increase, we must decrease (John 3:30).
Pray that our sons and daughters will be able to identify authentic agape and will be drawn to that. Pray they would demonstrate that love in their lives and in their interactions with others. Pray that when others see them, they see Jesus in them. No counterfeit. No hypocrisy. No pretending.
Understand that God’s love is immeasurable and eternal; there is no authority that can overcome it or diminish it, we don’t have to earn it, we cannot lose it, we are held secure:
“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
So much in this world is tenuous. People come and go from our lives. Jobs are gained and lost. Wealth is earned and lost. Wars and conflicts erupt, boundaries change, and powers rise and fall. There is little that can be considered a ‘sure thing’. But God. He is forever faithful. And His love is immoveable, eternal, and cannot be overcome, diminished, or ruined. God will never ‘fall out of love’ with us. Praise Him!
Pray that our sons and daughters understand the immensity and certainty of God’s love for us and the unshakeable assurance that we have in Him. Pray that they are encouraged, compelled, and confident to live for Christ and share His love with the world. Pray that when they think about love, they don’t look to this broken world and its poor examples, but to God alone.
There are SO many scriptures we can pray through. Here is a further list if you want to continue beyond what we discussed:
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,” Hebrews 10:24
“Let all that you do be done in love.” 1 Cor 16:14
“Through love serve one another”. Gal 5:13b
“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” Eph 5:2
Feel free to go to the comments and add more scripture that you are praying through! We would all benefit from it!
We’re all praying for those we love and as followers of Jesus, we are all part of the family of God. No matter what country, what time zone, what language, we are united in the Body of Believers and one day we will stand in His presence, together, worshipping Him! What a glorious day that will be!
Pray without ceasing, friends. God is working!
How Fresh is Your Fruit?
“But when he [John] saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to where he was baptizing, he said to them: “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” Matthew 3:7-8
When I was a little girl, my grandmother lived right next door. I spent time at her house nearly every day. Each time I walked up the steps and into her dining room, the first thing I saw was the dining room table with it’s centerpiece - a bowl of fruit. The bowl was a beautiful green glass with a ruffled edge and it had an unusual shape. But what really occupied my attention was the fruit inside of the bowl. It looked real to my little eyes, but it wasn’t. I would poke the apple and squeeze the grapes, yet they didn’t have any life in them. They looked the same, day in and day out.
At first glance, a visitor might see fruit that resembled something authentic, but upon closer inspection, they would realize it was fake. It had no substance. It provided no nourishment. It wasn’t the product of being connected to a tree or vine. It was plastic. Eventually, the plastic fruit was thrown away. It wasn’t worth keeping- it was fake. And when it was tossed, it didn’t sink into the earth to produce more fruit, no, it just went to a landfill- rubbish with no value.
John the Baptist called out the Pharisees and Sadducees on the same issue. He first called them a brood of vipers- snakes who were shrewd, sly, and full of poison. Then he challenged them to “produce fruit in keeping with repentance!”. The fruit these men exhibited was artificial- it was a product of following rules, of evaluating themselves in comparison to others who didn’t know as much or follow the rules as well (in that case, they were sure to always come out on top). Oh, the Pharisees and Sadducees knew how to use Scripture, of that we can be sure. But they didn’t use it to teach and encourage, no, they used it to intimidate and oppress others. Their knowledge was used to gain power over others and elevate their own standing.
These men stood in judgment over others as if they had the authority by God to do so. Their fruit was self-manufactured and synthetic. It didn’t give evidence of life, nor did it give evidence of being connected to the Vine- Jesus. It didn’t nourish others and it didn’t produce a harvest. No, it was just legalistic rule-following, all for show and to earn the praise of men. It manifested as anger, pride, arrogance, and entitlement. The Pharisees and Sadducees had plastic faith and fake fruit.
“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient.” Ephesians 5:6
So what distinguishes real fruit from something that ‘looks’ similar, but is fake? Real fruit has a fragrance that draws people to want to enjoy it. It brings refreshment and nourishment. It is alive with colors that are vibrant because they’re all natural and a product of creation, not manufacturing. When the seeds of real fruit are planted they sink into the fertile soil and produce more fruit.
Isn’t that what the Holy Spirit does in our hearts? He cultivates real fruit that is fragrant and nourishing. The fruit benefits not only us, but those around us. He produces in us love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He grows those character qualities in us that are so appealing that others want to be near, to learn more, to be blessed by us because it’s not us...but God IN us that affects the change and brings the fruit. When we are in Christ, He works in us and through us to show others the life that is transforming us into the likeness of Jesus.
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” 2 Corinthians 2:15
Godly fruit is nothing we can manufacture in ourselves because we have no power to transform our own hearts and minds- that is always, only Jesus in us producing fruit in keeping with His likeness.
“For the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth.”Ephesians 5:9
This week, let’s pray that our sons and daughters have clear discernment to recognize fake fruit. There are ‘Pharisees and Sadducees’ all around us, even today. Pray that they would seek to listen to those who are connected to the Vine-producing real fruit and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their words and actions versus those with selfish ambition and vain conceit.
Pray, too, that they would allow Christ to work in their heart and mind to produce authentic fruit- evidence of a life lived in pursuit of Jesus. Pray they would surround themselves with others who are also pursuing Jesus. Philippians 1:9-11 is a wonderful prayer. Let’s pray for real fruit
“Heavenly Father, You are the Creator and Sustainer. You cultivated the Garden and placed man there for fellowship with You. Though sin destroyed it, You made a way, through Jesus, that we can enjoy fellowship and life with You. I pray that You would work in (name) today. Cultivate authentic fruit in their life that gives evidence of their faith in Christ. Keep them from the temptation to be a people-pleaser, going through the motions and saying words only to get the affirmation of others or to ‘look the part’. I pray, Holy Spirit, that you would grow in them love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Those with fake fruit don’t demonstrate these qualities. Help me to give evidence as well, so that when my family sees me, they don’t see a synthetic faith, but genuine love for Jesus that produces fruit that is sweet and refreshing. Lord, change me, grow me, and help me to live out my faith with confidence in Jesus alone. Let the fragrance of my faith be such that others would catch the fragrance of Jesus and they would breath deeply of Him. Lord, I pray the words of Paul in Philippians 1:9-11 for (name), “And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.” Lord, fill them with the fruit of righteousness and let it grow, let it flourish, let it be authentic and beautiful for the glory and praise of Jesus, in His name I pray, amen.”
Pray without ceasing.
Passing through the Valley
“Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.” Psalm 84:5-7
The Valley of Baka in Psalms is also known as the valley of weeping. We can all likely look to a time when we experienced a difficult, dark time. Maybe we encountered hardship and it seemed as if we were in a dark valley of grief or sorrow that weighed us down and seemed to last longer than we had strength to endure.
It’s one thing to go through it personally, but ask any parent who has watched their son or daughter go through hard things and they’ll tell you, it’s not only difficult, it’s downright painful. We want to fix it. We want to bring it to a quick end. We want to make everything okay and get things “back to normal”, yet, we’re powerless to do it.
As parents, the valley experience of our children calls us to a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. It calls us to trust Him more than we can see in front of us. It calls us to rely on His strength and Sovereignty over our own power and ingenuity. It asks us to relinquish our parental ‘controls’ and trust in the One Who parents them best. The valley is a tough place to be, that’s certain. And, as parents, we can either be the voice of spiritual encouragement that points our son or daughter to Jesus, or a detractor that pulls their focus to their current situation and supports their despair.
But Psalm 84 gives us a beautiful, powerful picture of the valley as a place of victory, not defeat. Yes, the Psalmist writes about being in the valley of weeping, but he says, “Blessed are those whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Blessed. It’s the Hebrew word “eser” and it means “happiness, or how happy” (1). Our sons and daughters can experience deep happiness and joy, in spite of the valley experience if they’re focused on Jesus! They may be in the valley, but if they’re still pursuing Jesus, they are blessed!! Their location and their situation do not determine their joy. Jesus is joy!! That’s a lesson we should all be reminded of daily.
The second thing to remember is that the valley isn’t their destination, it’s just a part of the journey. And the valley shouldn’t be the focus of their heart, the passage to Jesus should be their focus! The joy is generated and determined by the Source of their strength. The One who walks every step of the way with them through the valley and the One in whose Presence they long to stand. The journey is one of reliance on Jesus and trust in His Presence and leading.
Not only will the valley bring blessings, but it can become a place of refreshing. Imagine that! A valley of weeping becomes a journey of refreshing?! “As they pass through the Valley of Baka, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools.” The word “spring” in Hebrew is the word “mayan” and it means "fountain or source of satisfaction” (2). Psalm 87:7 gives us another perspective on Who and what that fountain represents, “All my fountains are in You.” In other words, all of my blessings and Source of joy, delight and pleasure are in You, Lord. The valley doesn’t supply the source of satisfaction, the believer traveling the valley does through his full reliance on Christ and his delight in His presence. So, if our sons and daughters are in the valley, they can make it a place bubbling with delight, joy and pleasure if they remain focused on and grounded in the Lord. Blessings bubbling over, generatd by the Source of Life.
Then, there are the autumn rains. To some that may seem odd, but in Israel, the hot dry summer gives way to autumn rain that softens the soil and makes it pliable, easily broken up for cultivation and planting. It creates fertile ground- and isn’t that what God seeks to create in our hearts? The autumn rains in the valley of weeping can soften hearts and make them ready to receive the Word and be fruitful. The springs and fountains of delight, pleasure, and joy along with the refreshing, nourishing rains that soften the hardened ground make the trek through the valley a journey from strength to strength. This word, strength, is “hayil” in Hebrew and it means “resources, ability, and might” (3). Do you see? God uses the valley to bring joy in Him- not generated by our circumstances. He brings delight, not in the location, but in His Presence. He brings growth because of the believer’s focus and reliance on Him, not on the situation or location. He draws the traveler to Himself and in doing so, the situation and location become secondary.
Finally, the destination of walking through the valley is the anticipation of standing before God, in His presence. Psalm 16:11 says, “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.” If our heart is set on pilgrimage to God’s presence and Jesus is our Guide and Companion, there is strength and joy in the journey because we know the valley isn’t the destination, nor does it hold what we’re seeking, and there is so much more that awaits us. We will ALL stand before the Lord, whether we intend that as our destination or not. It is determined beforehand for us.
How will we pray for our sons and daughters in their faith journey? Will we pray the valley is short and the weeping is minimal? That’s likely and why wouldn’t we? God understands our parent-heart well. But, maybe we should pray that the focus of our son or daughter is Jesus alone and that He would be their source of joy, delight and strength. And maybe, just maybe, we should pray for autumn rains that soften the ground of their hearts so they can receive the Word of God and bear fruit. Perhaps we should pray that their journey is not just a short one, but is one of moving from strength to strength until they appear before God in Zion and that ultimately, they would hear, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Let’s pray that the valley is a place of blessing and growth and that if He wills, the Lord would allow us a window on all of it while we lift our sons and daughters in prayer. There are features of the valley experience that can lead us and our sons and daughters to a stronger, more certain faith. And yes, even deep joy. That’s how we can pray effectively and fervently for their journey.
Pray without ceasing.
1. H835 - 'ešer - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h835/kjv/wlc/0-1/
2. H4599 - maʿyān - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h4599/niv/wlc/0-1/
3. H2428 - ḥayil - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2428/niv/wlc/0-1/
Psalm 145: 17-21
17 The Lord is righteous in all his ways and loving toward all he has made.
Lord, You are righteous, yet You love us, sinners condemned by our sin. It’s an example for us, who follow You, that we too can love others even if they don’t know You or follow You. They are image bearers and as such, we need to love them- how will they know? How can they see the love of God if we’re not willing to live it out in front of them?. Help us, Lord. Help us to love those who are ‘different’ than we, who do and say things we don’t like or approve of. Help us to know that by loving them, we’re not condoning what they do. By loving us, Lord, You are not condoning our sin, but You love us in spite of our sin. Your kindness leads us to repentance. Father, I pray that (name) would learn how to be loving to others and by loving them, show the power of God and the change it can bring in a heart and life.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Father, You affirm that You are near to all who call on You, convinced without a doubt, that You will hear and answer. They trust and know that You are not indifferent or disconnected. You are faithfully present and supporting us even before we ask. I pray that (name) would believe without waffling or wavering that You are faithful and True and when (name) calls on You, You will answer and be near. I pray that (name) would understand Your trustworthiness and see Your faithful steadfast Presence in each day and night, in each joyful moment and dark season. Lord, You ARE near to all who call on You in truth. Thank You.
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.
Just as we heard the cries of our children an ran to help them, You hear our cries. You save us, Lord, even when it seems like there is no way out, You make a way. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle.” (Ps 107:6-7) Lord, I pray that (name)’s heart desire would be refuge in the shadow of Your wings and a place in Your house that is their own, a belonging, a provision and a dwelling in Your Presence. Lord, lead them to a city of refuge because they fear You. Let (name) cry out to You today Lord. Direct their eyes, their heart and their plea to Your throne room where You hear and answer abundantly. Fulfill (name)’s desires in a way that brings glory and honor to Your name and that draws them nearer to You. Hear their cry and save them, Abba Father.
20 The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy.
Thank you, Lord, for Your watchful care. As a parent, our eyes were always watching for danger and seeking to protect them. But now that (name) is an adult, I can’t do that any more. I have to trust…I have to trust You that You will watch over and protect (name) so much better than I ever could. I pray that (name) would love You. Stir a deep desire in (name)’s heart and mind to run after You with all they have and are. Help them to see this world is temporary and the titles and promotions, the gadgets and trappings will all rot. But their heart…oh their heart is the most valuable thing they have and they need to ensure that it’s properly and rightfully invested. Please, Lord, let them invest themselves in Your kingdom. Let them surrender all they are and have to You. Don’t let them be counted among the wicked. Oh how we love them, but Lord, we know, unless they surrender to You and are counted as Your child, Your saint, Your beloved, unless that is their identity, they are among the wicked. Lord, it hurts our hearts to think that. Show us fruit, Lord! Watch over (name) and guide their steps so they remain faithful to You. If (name) doesn’t know You as their Lord and Savior, I pray that even today You would bring another believer into their life who would speak truth and share the life-giving hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Lord, I pray that (name) would confess with their mouth and believe in their heart that Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9). Lord, watch over (name) today and do a work in their life. I believe. I know You can and will. Bring fruit, Lord.
21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever.
Oh, how I love You Lord! My mouth is filled with Your praise. My heart is overwhelmed by Your goodness and I want to share that joyful praise with others. I want to know that (name) is filled with joyful praise for You. May it overflow and cause them to wonder and be amazed at how praising You brings contentment, fulfillment and joy. Lord, to know that every creature will praise Your holy name is humbling. Today give me moments to sit outside or gaze out the window at Your creation and ponder what the praise of creation for You might look like When the trees sway in the breeze, are they praising You? When the birds sing, are they proclaiming Your greatness? We can’t know, but Lord, Your Word tells us that if we don’t praise You, even the very rocks would cry out in praise of You. (Luke 19:40). Creation knows its Creator. Help us to know You more and more and to live in a way that reflects that knowledge to others.. May the generations of my family praise You and carry on a commitment to follow after You for all their days, no matter what may come. May our lives exhibit praise for Your holy name, always and through eternity. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Pray without ceasing
When ‘Knowing’ isn’t Enough
2 Peter 1:9-11 “But whoever does not have them [the qualities in vs. 5-8] is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
So, what if our son or daughter is indifferent to their need for spiritual growth? Does it matter? If they’re saved, that’s the most important thing, right? Well, friends, that may be our way of assuaging our own concerns and worries about where they really stand with the Lord. Yes, it’s vitally important that our loved ones have a personal relationship with Jesus, but it’s more than that. If they DO have a relationship with the Lord, they need to pursue growth, deepen their understanding and grow in their knowledge of Him and His word.
Think about someone you love dearly. You don’t just count ‘knowing’ that person as good enough for a relationship. No, you want to spend time with them, know them more, learn their deepest thoughts and dreams. You enjoy spending time with them and you find that you miss them when they’re not near. Friends, that’s a relationship with Jesus! We should be falling in love with Him more and more each day.
We don’t want our sons and daughters to be nearsighted or blind to what that spiritual relationship needs to be. If ‘knowing’ Jesus is all they have, they likely do not have a saving relationship with Him. James 2:17-19 says “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” Yes, even the demons believe. That should give us pause.
The bottom line here is that there must be fruit. A fruitless life is a life without Christ. Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters begin making an honest, committed effort to pursue the heart of Jesus. Let’s pray for fruit that gives evidence that they are a believer who is growing in their walk with the Lord. Pray that they would not stumble. Pray that they would be counted as one worthy to escape all that is coming on this earth and would stand before Jesus, richly welcomed, as one of His own.
Pray without ceasing.