Brenda Reid 12/1/21 Brenda Reid 12/1/21

The Light of the World

Isaiah 9:2 “The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light;

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned.”

As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth this month, we are going to focus on the names of Jesus spoken in prophecy, mostly those mentioned in Isaiah 9:6. Each day we’ll have a Christmas Season prayer challenge in addition to our prayer points for our sons and daughters. But let’s start with Jesus as the Light of the World and how that speaks to our need and His provision.

When we think about light, we might consider how our sun gives such radiant light, that nothing can really compare to it. When we wake up and see the sun is out, it illuminates everything and we can see clearly. Oh, we’ve created artificial light that is powerful and pierces the dark, yet it can never match the fullness nor the comprehensive light provided by the sun. Have you ever driven by a highway crew working at night? The powerful lights pierce the darkness, yet they are no comparison to daylight. They still do not offer the fullness of light that daytime brings. They just cannot reproduce that all-encompassing light that drives away the dark. Any other light is just an insufficient, incomplete imitation that can’t even come close. The daylight brings everything into perspective and drives the dark away. That is a beautiful picture of Jesus and the spiritual freedom and release that He brings. Jesus is the Light of the World.

When scripture talks about “People walking in darkness”, we can picture it. People walking slowly, unable to really see what is around them, perhaps stumbling or walking without purpose.. In the darkness there is danger, obstacles and pitfalls that cannot be seen. The darkness hides those with ill intent, wanting to do harm or commit crime. Darkness itself is a metaphor for everything evil, for everything associated with Satan.

Strong’s Concordance defines darkness ‘hosek’ in the Hebrew, as “darkness, obscurity, misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow and wickedness.”(1) There is nothing and no one in this world that can conquer that list. No one but God. Why would we think otherwise? Well, that’s part of the deception of the Enemy. He leads us to believe we can find light, meaning, happiness, restoration, life, wisdom, joy and goodness in anything but Jesus. That’s the great lie and that’s part of the darkness itself.

So when scripture says “People walking in darkness” it’s a very apt metaphor that gives a clear picture of what the human spiritual condition is without Jesus. Without Christ, there is no light; there is no ability to see and perceive spiritual wisdom and no way to have spiritual freedom. But scripture doesn’t just leave it there, it continues saying, the people walking in darkness have seen a great light…. What a powerful, hopeful statement! Jesus is the light of the world and He alone came to shine into the darkness and redeem those wandering without hope and without light. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light (Jesus).”

As we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth, let’s ponder the significance of His entry into this world and what His presence brought to all of mankind. He chose to leave heaven and enter this sinful world so that He could bring light and life to all who would believe. John 8:12 “When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.””

Friends, today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters realize, without a doubt, that Jesus is the Light of the World and in Him they will find life, redemption, forgiveness and purpose. Pray that they will gain an eternal perspective because Jesus’ light dawns in their hearts and minds. And today’s Christmas Season challenge? Choose one person at random, maybe at a traffic light sitting in the car ahead of you, or standing in the checkout line at the store and pray that they would come to know Jesus as the Light of the World, their Savior and Redeemer.

Pray without ceasing.

H2822 - ḥōšeḵ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2822/kjv/wlc/0-1/

Brenda Reid 11/30/21 Brenda Reid 11/30/21

Godly Sorrow vs. Worldly Sorrow

2 Corinthians 7:10-11 “ Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done…”

Do you ever feel overwhelmed, wishing that suffering would end and the unkindness, injustice, and cruelty of this world would be brought to justice? Is your heart ever heavy over the damage sin causes? Friends, that is mourning over sin and it’s Godly. If those things don’t bother us, then that’s cause to question our hearts and our alignment with God’s principles. But when they DO bother us, it’s not a guilt over our own sin, but a sorrow in our hearts over just how lost this world is... they don’t know Jesus. We need to encourage our sons and daughters with these words. There is the danger that the grief of this world could steal our joy and dominate our thoughts. Take every thought captive.

Perhaps the greater question is, what does that sorrow motivate us to do? Do we spend time arguing our principles with others, trying to solve things here and now with politics and other divisive arguments? Maybe we struggle with a compulsion to make it clear to others that we are right and they are wrong (yeah, that always works well….) 2 Tim 2:23 “Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” Friends, that’s a worldly attempt to solve a spiritual dilemma.

We need to take a step back to see the bigger spiritual picture and understand this is all headed in the direction God ordained… at some point, things here will all unravel. Sin is a terminal condition. It leads to death...and everyone is afflicted. We cannot infuse enough ‘good’ into this world to reverse what God ordains as the end result. That’s not to say we abdicate any responsibility to effect change, but it is a checkpoint to ask ourselves, what kind of change are we trying to bring...and how?

We can and must share the hope we have in Christ. I Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” We have to remember, this world is not our home, we are not destined to live here for eternity.

Maybe we should ask, “do we even have godly sorrow?” If we can’t answer that with confidence, it’s time to take inventory in our lives and check our hearts and our priorities. If we’re truly possessing godly sorrow, it will manifest itself in an eagerness to purify ourselves- to ensure we are blameless in how we live. If we have godly sorrow, we will be indignant…not pleased with ourselves and how well we argue our points, but frustrated at the lack of reverence and obedience to the Lord and we’ll be moved to share how He can redeem. We’ll be alarmed, having a true fear for the eternal condition of those who don’t know the Lord. We’ll be motivated with a deep longing to see others come to Christ. We’ll act with a zeal and fervor that indicates our lives are committed to something more than what this world can offer and we’ll have a burning desire to see God work justice against those who have done evil against others and scorned God and His Lordship. Do we long for God’s justice or are we hesitant?

Friends, we need to pray for our sons and daughters. They’re living in a world that pressures them to compromise their values and that would steal their joy and passion for Christ. Let’s pray that they would have a true, godly sorrow that would bring repentance in earnest. Pray that they would be eager to live in such a way as to strongly defend their beliefs. Pray that they would be indignant, alarmed at what they see this world doing and would have a longing and concern to see God’s justice done. Pray that they stand strong in their faith and would defend the gospel effectively.

Pray without ceasing.

Brenda Reid 11/29/21 Brenda Reid 11/29/21

Sharing Your Treasure

I Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

When our kids were little, it’s likely they had a ‘treasure’ in a box or special spot somewhere. If it was a recent ‘discovery’ or acquisition, they probably kept it close. They were eager to show us and would maybe let us touch it, or even hold it, but it quickly came back to them for safe keeping. They guarded it carefully because it was precious to them. They would excitedly tell us all about it and their eyes would sparkle with excitement. It may have inspired them to learn more about that item and to seek out knowledge, whether in books or the internet, to find information that would help them understand it even better.

Oh, that’s what Jesus should be to us, friends- a treasure that we hold close but are excited to share with others!. Our relationship with Him should be our most precious possession that we guard carefully but want others to enjoy, too! Our eyes...and our lives, should sparkle with joy and light, enough that others will want to know what we have and how they can have it too! Our love for Jesus should compel us to want to know HIm more and learn His word so we can understand Him better.

As time grows short, we must be diligent to pray that our sons and daughters know and pursue the truth of Christ. Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters have this precious relationship and an eager desire to learn and grow in their faith. Let’s pray they have a living hope that compels them to share Jesus with others gently and respectfully and that they are ever ready to give an answer for that hope they hold. Pray they are salt and light.

Pray without ceasing.

Brenda Reid 11/28/21 Brenda Reid 11/28/21

I Surrender All

Ah, Sunday. A day of focused worship. A day of rest. Today, spend some time in praise and worship of our Lord. Be refreshed in His Word. Sing to Him. Let your worship be a fragrant offering to the Lord.

All to Jesus I surrender,
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.

Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Humbly at His feet I bow;
Worldly pleasures all forsaken,
Take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power,
Let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender,
Now I feel the sacred flame;
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!

Judson W. Van DeVenter, 1896

Brenda Reid 11/27/21 Brenda Reid 11/27/21

Saturday Review

Wow, we covered a lot this week, didn’t we? It’s always good to go back and review. Repetition isn’t unfruitful, it’s necessary for learning and reinforcing what we know. God never tires of hearing our prayers. Let’s go to Him once more with this week’s prayer points.

Pray that our sons and daughters choose to embrace Jesus and live in His light.
Pray they would not be deceived by the Enemy who masquerades as light but leads people to a life of darkness, separated from God.
Pray that they live out the truth in authentic, visible ways that would clearly show Whose side they are on and they would do it without compromise.
Pray that our sons and daughters are convicted to Love the Lord their God with all their heart and love others in a godly way as well.
Pray that they obey his word, and that love for God is truly made complete in them.
Pray they will live as Jesus did.
Pray that our sons and daughters would cling to life in Christ and would avoid those sins that would damage their relationship with God.
Pray protection over and around them.
Pray for discernment and a submissive spirit.
Pray that our sons and daughters cling to the truth of scripture and weigh everything they hear against the Truth.
Pray that what they’ve heard from the beginning remains in them and that God’s Word continues to stay rooted in them, deepening their knowledge and understanding of Jesus.
Pray that our sons and daughters would walk faithfully with the Lord and would be unashamed when He returns…and while we’re at it, let’s pray the same would be true for believers around the world. Jesus is coming…soon.

Pray without ceasing

Brenda Reid 11/26/21 Brenda Reid 11/26/21

And Now, Dear Children, Continue in Him

1 John 2:28-29 “And now, dear children, continue in him, so that when he appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him.

When He appears…. can you imagine? When Jesus appears, where will we be? Maybe the better question is, what will we be doing? Will He find us faithful?

Oh how we want our sons and daughters to walk faithfully with the Lord! That’s our heart’s cry, isn’t it? And when Jesus returns, we want to be confident that our sons and daughters would be unashamed at His coming, standing boldly for Christ, eager to be in His presence.

Today, let’s pray 1 John 2:28-29 over our sons and daughters and as we pray, let’s put their names into the scripture to personalize it.

“Heavenly Father, I pray that now, and always, (name), would continue in Christ, so that when he appears (name) may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming. If (name), knows that he is righteous, they know and understand that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. I pray that (name) would live in such a way that others would see evidence of their new birth in Christ and a life that is committed to righteousness. I pray that (name) would walk with You faithfully, not compromising or wavering in their commitment to You and Your word. Help them stay the course and would walk carefully in Your path of righteousness. I pray that (name) would be eager for Jesus’ return and would be unashamed, ready to stand with Him in glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

Brenda Reid 11/25/21 Brenda Reid 11/25/21

Truth and Lies- Know the Difference

Today, in America, we celebrate Thanksgiving. It’s a time to pause, gather with family and friends, feast on traditional foods and family favorites, and be thankful. I’m thankful for all of you who faithfully follow Join the PAC Prayer! What started as an occasional ‘encouragement’ to others on Facebook has grown into a global community of parents and loved ones praying for their sons and daughters. It’s an amazing community of brothers and sisters in Christ and a powerful, praying force!. It is a joy to connect with you and to see God moving and working. I’m grateful for the opportunity to encourage you and pray that God uses each of us to impact others for His Kingdom! From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!!

1 John 2:21-26 “I do not write to you because you do not know the truth, but because you do know it and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It is whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist—denying the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you. If it does, you also will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is what he promised us—eternal life. I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.”

Smooth talkers. We see them everywhere. Years ago, they were often called ‘Snake Oil Salesmen’ because these people would peddle remedies that were acclaimed to cure every ailment. Most often, however, it was a concoction of colored water that did nothing but cost the buyer precious money that they couldn’t really afford to spare. Fast-forward a century and the snake oil salesman became the used car salesman, telling the buyer whatever he needed to hear in order to sell the car. Deception and falsehoods were all part of the game. Integrity was not part of the job description. Today, smooth talkers are not just limited to the used car lot. You see them on TV, you find them at your front door selling utility plans, you also find them in church or other ministries. Friends, these people are not out to point you to Christ, they’re out to gain followers who will financially support them in the way they think they should live. They are slick, smiley, appealing, and peddle a message that is just a bit ‘off’ from scripture, but close enough to fool the unwary.

John warns us that we need to be mindful of the truth. Yes, we know what scripture says, but are we paying particular attention to what that individual or ministry says and how it aligns with scripture? If something is a little ‘off’ that’s a big indication that something is not right. Don’t dismiss the stirring of the Holy Spirit in your heart, friends!! If you feel uneasy in your spirit, it’s likely there is something very wrong with the message you’re hearing. Be alert!!

Satan has the mighty power to deceive. And he does. If he deceived the only two humans living, who daily walked and talked with God in the garden, face to face, imagine what he can do today?! We have to be on our guard. It doesn’t matter how genuine someone sounds or how friendly and caring they are. It doesn’t matter how many followers they have.. If their message is not scriptural, it’s deception and we need to run the other direction!!

Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters cling to the truth of scripture and weigh everything they hear against the Truth. “No one who denies the Son has the Father; whoever acknowledges the Son has the Father also. As for you, see that what you have heard from the beginning remains in you.” Let’s pray that what they’ve heard from the beginning remains in them and that God’s Word continues to stay rooted in them, deepening their knowledge and understanding of Jesus.

“Father, my heart’s desire is that (name) would remain true to Your Word and the authenticity of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Guard them against the deception that is so prevalent around us. Holy Spirit, help (name) to be sensitive to Your promptings and I ask that You would give them pause when they hear a message that is deceptive. Give them Godly discretion to know when a ‘good-sounding’ message is not Biblical. Give them swift feet to walk away from those people and ideas that would draw them away from Christ. Thank you for the Truth of Your Word and that it is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. I pray that (name) would have a strong desire each day to spend time in Scripture, learning about You, gaining wisdom and understanding that would protect them from the enemy’s lies. Thank you for Your love and protection, Lord. I pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.”

Brenda Reid 11/24/21 Brenda Reid 11/24/21

Down the Garden Path

1 John 2:15-17 “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”

What was the original sin, committed by Adam and Eve? It was these, the lust of the flesh, the cravings of the body and senses, “Oh, that fruit looks sweet- I bet it tastes good, if I could just try it...take a bite, satisfy my craving….” It was the lust of the eyes and mind- the knowing better than, “And, really, I’m sure God didn’t mean what He said, right? Think about it… why would He deny us something that He placed right here in the garden for us to enjoy?! It only makes sense that we should be totally fine. And, really, we’re smart, right?” And the pride of life, not needing God because we know better… “We would be just like God, knowing good and evil, why, we would be even more compatible with Him- we deserve to be like Him!” Interestingly, Strong’s Concordance defines the pride of life as “an insolent and empty assurance, which trusts in its own power and resources and shamefully despises and violates divine laws and human rights, and an impious and empty presumption which trusts in the stability of earthly things” (1) Ah, knowing better than God…a surefire attitude that ruins any life.

It boils down to these: what we crave and desire, what we see with our eyes and think we know and understand in our minds and the prideful arrogance that tells us we are able to control our own destiny, we know better than God. It’s a full and total rebellion against God and His rightful Lordship in our lives. It’s the very trap with which Satan delights to ensnare us….since the beginning of time.

John is warning us of the lures and traps because not much has changed. Sin is sin. Yet, people still resist the warning, why? (go back are re-read the previous two paragraphs). We have a sinful heart that rebels against God. The desires and cravings that lead us down that garden path are the very same that lured Adam and Eve, the first man and woman living in the perfect garden in the Presence of God, into abandoning their perfect relationship with God.

Oh that we could protect our sons and daughters from these traps!! They lead to death. They ensnare us in darkness. They rob us of joy and purpose. Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters would cling to life in Christ and would avoid those sins that would damage their relationship with God. Pray protection over and around them. Pray for discernment and a submissive spirit.

“Father, I pray that you would control the cravings of life. Do not allow (name) to long for thing that are ungodly or sinful. The lust of the flesh needs to die and the longing for the Spirit needs to be strong. I pray that you would help (name) to hunger and thirst for righteousness, not for things that would satisfy their sensual desires. Put a guard on (name)’s eyes. Keep them from craving things that would not support their relationship with You. Don’t let them see things that would distract them from You or that would put thoughts and desires in their mind that would war against Your will for them. I pray that they would guard their eyes and thoughts so that what they fill them with are good and Godly, not dark and sinful. Lord, I pray that (name) would be fully submitted to You, recognizing their deep need for Your lordship in their life. Let them daily surrender to You so that You are Who they trust in, and not themselves. Let them lay their will aside to follow after You with their whole heart, their whole mind and with all their being. I pray that they would seek to do Your will and bring You glory in everything. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

G212 - alazoneia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g212/kjv/tr/0-1/d

Brenda Reid 11/23/21 Brenda Reid 11/23/21

The Proof is in the Living

1 John 2:3-6 “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.”

Actions speak louder than words. The truth of what we say is evidenced in how we live. Someone can say “I’m a runner, I love to run!” But if you never see them actually running, you might question the truth of that statement. Someone might tell you they’re on a diet, but if you see them eating anything and everything all the time (not just on a special occasion, which is totally understandable…) you may question whether they really are on a diet. If someone tells you they are a rancher, but they have no ranch, no cows or horses, and live in the city, you likely would question the truth of the statement, or wonder if there is something you’re just not seeing.

Our relationship with Christ and the authenticity of our faith is evidenced by the life we live. The Jews in Biblical times were driven to follow the law of Moses without wavering and the care they took to do so was powerful. The Pharisees were so driven, they took it upon themselves to monitor how those around them upheld the law. So when an expert in the law asked Jesus, ‘what is the greatest commandment”, there was much at stake for the listeners...and for Jesus. It was a baited question.. And what was Jesus’ response? Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:37-39 Love God, love others. The two greatest commands.

Are we living in such a way that we demonstrate this? Do our lives reflect Jesus’ presence? Friends, we might find that loving God isn’t difficult, but loving others, ALL others, goes against our grain. God didn’t tell us to withhold love or only offer it to those who are deserving. He tells us to love ALL others. No, this doesn’t mean we approve of lifestyles and actions that are not in line with His word. But it tells us to love them despite those things (isn’t that what God did for us?!) And what is love? It’s not a feeling, friends. Love is an action. “If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal…If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1,3) Unless we act and are driven by love, we are just ‘noise’ that the world drowns out. Our actions and words must be motivated by our love for Christ and be demonstrated in our love for others.

So, how should this look? Well, look at how love is defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Love is patient
Love is kind
Love doesn’t brag or boast (it’s not about itself...it’s looking to the needs of others)
Love is not arrogant or proud
It doesn’t dishonor others (If we love Jesus, we will not dishonor others, even if they think, act or live differently than we)
Love is not self-seeking
Love isn’t easily angered
Love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs- (no grudge list)
Love doesn’t delight in evil (even if we think the ‘other’ deserved it, Jesus loves them, we should too)
Love rejoices with the truth
Love protects
Love trusts
Love hopes
Love perseveres.

The proof of our faith is in how we live and love. If we love Jesus, our lives will reflect these qualities as we interact with others. Not just the ‘others’ who think like us or with whom we feel comfortable. ALL others. We need to be different. “We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands. Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” It seems far too often, believers respond with anger, with harsh words, with venomous retorts that only serve to anger others and show no difference between us and the world. But what if, what if we responded with the love-inspired qualities above? How might the world respond?

Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters are convicted to love the Lord their God with all their heart and love others in a godly way as well. Pray that they obey his word, and that love for God is truly made complete in them. Pray they would live, and love, as Jesus did.

“Lord, I pray that You would transform us, even today. May the way we live and treat others be a true reflection of Jesus, not of the Pharisees who held themselves in high regard and were quick to judge and berate others. Lord, help us live in humble obedience to You and Your commandments.. Help us to love You and Your Word with all of our being so that our thoughts and actions reflect Jesus well. Help our words and actions to be different from those of the world. I pray for (name) today. Let them be consumed with love for You and a compelling desire to obey Your Word. Help them shine their light so that others see Jesus in them. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Brenda Reid 11/22/21 Brenda Reid 11/22/21

Darkness or Light?

1 John 1:5-10 “This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 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. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.”

Friends, read those first words from John 1:5-6 again. “God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” Think about the significance of that statement. If we claim to have fellowship with him, and yet walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.

Recently, a friend attended a football game. He had connections to both teams. So, although he wore the jersey for the home team, he also cheered for the visiting team. Others around him were confused as to which side he was taking...whose side was he on?. Are we clear as to whose side we’re on...or do our choices, words and actions leave others wondering? Do our words, actions and alliances show, without a doubt, that we stand with Jesus? Or do we live with a foot in both streams, causing others to question our loyalties?

If we live in the light, we are fully committed to Jesus and our lives will reflect that. But, if we dabble in darkness, there is an absence of light. That’s not Jesus, friends. Jesus reveals what is hidden in the darkness. He is the light of the world and that light has the power and capability to reveal and disarm the darkness. Darkness, on the other hand, is unable to reveal anything. It has no power over light. But if we choose to play in the dark, it will have power over us. If we dwell with darkness, there will not be fellowship with God, nor with other believers. Darkness does not embrace the Truth, nor does it offer forgiveness or eternal security.

Light vs. Darkness

God Satan

Truth Lies

Forgiveness Condemnation

Abundance Desolation

Fellowship Estrangement

Psalm 88 describes the situation of someone who is struggling, oppressed, near death and experiencing God’s wrath. It ends with verse 18 “You have taken from me friend and neighbor— darkness is my closest friend.” Strong’s Concordance defines the word for darkness, “mahsak”, as being representative of the grave, of hell, of the dark place of God’s wrath(1). Why, then, would anyone willingly choose to fellowship with darkness??

This might give us a clue.... Satan masquerades as an angel of light. The Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians of this very thing. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 14-15 “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the Spirit you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough…And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.”

Friends, there is no ‘in between’ option here. We cannot be both in the light and have dalliances with darkness. We cannot cheer for both teams. We can’t wear the colors of one team and cheer for the other. We can’t align ourselves with Jesus on Sunday and party with the world the remainder of the week. We’re either fully in the light, or we’re consumed by the darkness. And if we think we’re successfully juggling both, well, we’re deceived.

What choices are our sons and daughters making? Are they playing in the darkness while claiming to walk in the light? One cannot embrace both and come out unscathed. Either you’re for Jesus or against Him. Many think the darkness will hide their sin, but Jesus sees. He knows. His light will reveal it all. Darkness will never win.

Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters choose to embrace Jesus and live in His light. Pray they would not be deceived by the Enemy who masquerades as light but leads people to a life of darkness, separated from God. Pray that they live out the truth in authentic, visible ways that would clearly show Whose side they are on and they would do it without compromise.

Pray without ceasing.

H4285 - maḥšāḵ - Strong's Hebrew Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h4285/niv/wlc/0-1/

Brenda Reid 11/21/21 Brenda Reid 11/21/21

My Jesus I Love Thee-Sunday Worship

My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine;

for thee all the follies of sin I resign;

my gracious Redeemer, my Savior art thou;

if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I love thee because thou hast first loved me

and purchased my pardon on Calvary's tree;

I love thee for wearing the thorns on thy brow;

if ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

I'll love thee in life, I will love thee in death,

and praise thee as long as thou lendest me breath,

and say when the deathdew lies cold on my brow:

If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

In mansions of glory and endless delight,

I'll ever adore thee in heaven so bright;

I'll sing with the glittering crown on my brow:

If ever I loved thee, my Jesus, 'tis now.

William R. Featherston (1862)

public domain

Brenda Reid 11/20/21 Brenda Reid 11/20/21

Pray it Again- Saturday Review

It’s Saturday and time to go back and review our prayer points from this week. We should go through each one, praying once again for our sons and daughters. Friends, we’re doing a mighty work!! Don’t lose heart!! God is faithful to hear each one of our prayers. Believe. Trust. Wait in eager expectation! Begin the day again with focused prayer to the Savior.

Today, let’s pray for our sons’ and daughters’ personal Bible study time. Pray that the Holy Spirit stirs in their hearts and works in them to give them a hunger and thirst for God’s Word. Pray that their wisdom and discretion are sharpened so that they operate in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and that they can identify and reject ungodly teaching. Pray that they are alert and sober-minded, spiritually, so they are not caught off guard or deceived by the enemy and his operatives.

Pray that our sons and daughters would call on Jesus to sustain them through whatever He calls them to and trust that He will do it, and believe that they will be presented blameless before Him.

Pray that our sons and daughters add to their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love so they will be effective and productive in their knowledge of Jesus. Pray 2 Peter 1:5-8 out loud, putting in your son or daughter’s name and claiming these promises on their behalf. “For this very reason, [name] make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if [name] possesses these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep {name] from being ineffective and unproductive in their knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pray that our sons and daughters begin making an honest, committed effort to pursue the heart of Jesus. Let’s pray for fruit that shows us 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 of escaping all that is coming on this earth and would stand before Jesus redeemed as one of His own.

Pray for a hedge of protection around our sons and daughters and for visible spiritual growth in their lives:

Pray that they are wise and discerning.

Pray that they do not compromise.

Pray that they stand firm, confident and unwavering in their faith in Jesus, having confidence in the Truth.

Pray that they have courage to share the gospel and are strong and unwavering,

now allowing the uncertainties of this world and the lies of the Enemy to affect them.

Pray without ceasing.

Brenda Reid 11/19/21 Brenda Reid 11/19/21

Just Pray

1 Corinthians 16:13 “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong”

Oh how we want our sons and daughters to be strong and courageous- to be willing to stand for their faith in the face of opposition. Friends, the opposition is growing. The backlash against believers is strengthening. Are we ready? Better yet, are our sons and daughters prepared for what they might face?

We fiercely protected them as they were growing up, we must do the same as they spiritually grow, never waning in our commitment to cover them in prayer. Let’s pray a hedge of protection around them today.

Pray that they are wise and discerning.
Pray that they do not compromise.
Pray that they stand firm, confident and unwavering in their faith in Jesus, having confidence in the Truth.
Pray that they have courage to share the gospel and are strong and unwavering, not allowing the uncertainties of this world and the lies of the Enemy to affect them.

”Father, this world mocks You and anything connected to You. Help us as believers to stand firm. Help us to be in the Word, daily- not just reading, but studying and memorizing. Your Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. I pray that it would be a priority in our lives. Lord, I pray for (name) today, that they would have a hunger and thirst for righteousness. Help them to WANT to spend time studying Scripture. Open their eyes to see wonderful things in Your Word. I pray that You would help them grow in Godly wisdom and discernment so they would be protected from the deception that is so present and ever-increasing. Strengthen their resolve so they do not compromise their convictions and they will not sacrifice their faith on the altar of popularity or success. I pray that (name) would value their relationship with Jesus more than anything- give them an eternal perspective that outweighs anything that might tempt or lure them in this life. Give them courage to share the message of salvation with others, let Your light shine through them. May others see the joy, peace and be drawn to the cross through their testimony. Protect (name). Surround them with your power and protection so they can stand firm. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing

Brenda Reid 11/18/21 Brenda Reid 11/18/21

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.

Brenda Reid 11/17/21 Brenda Reid 11/17/21

Accurate Reflection

2 Peter 1:5-8 “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

“For this very reason….” What is the reason? Well, we have to look back at verses 1-4 (this is why context is important) “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” So when Peter says, for this reason, he’s speaking about God’s divine power providing all we need for a godly life, through our knowledge of God. We have to KNOW Him in order to connect to the divine power that will keep us and protect us. We have to know Him in order to know and understand those great and precious promises. And when we know Him? Well, it’s not just a casual acquaintance. It becomes a deep love, an intimate understanding, a dependence upon and longing for a deeper relationship that grows richer and more beautiful as our faith and knowledge grow. It becomes a communion with God in His divine nature. What a reason to grow!!

So, Peter tells us, for this very reason, add to our faith… the King James version says “giving all diligence” meaning, we need to interest ourselves earnestly, eagerly...we should want this more than anything else (1). Our attitude matters in these matters! God does the work, but we have to be willing, eager participants.

So, what do we add?

Goodness- aretē: moral excellence, virtue (2).
Knowledge-gnōsis: of God, His Word and the gospel, the “deeper, more perfect and enlarged knowledge” of Christ and His word; not simply ‘intelligence’ (3).
Self-control- egkrateia: the virtue of mastering desires and appetites and bringing them into submission so as not to not fall into temptation; temperance (4).
Perseverance- hypomonē: “patient, steadfast endurance; a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings” (5).
Godliness- eusebeia: “reverence, respect, piety towards God” (6)
Mutual Affection-philadelphia: “brotherly love”, love of believers toward one another as the family of God (7)
Love-agapē: “affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love” (8)

And when we add these virtues, what is the result? Peter tells us, if we possess these in increasing measure, “they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” We need more than just faith, friends. Our sons and daughters don’t just need the ‘fire insurance’ of belief in Jesus Christ, they need to be ever-growing, allowing God, through their knowledge of His Word, to change them and make them more like Christ. Those character qualities above are reflective of the divine nature we participate in when we become believers. They are evidence of a changed life. They are marks of growth and the refining that purifies our faith.

“For this reason”, friends, we need to remind ourselves of what God is calling us into and why. As believers, we are a reflection of Jesus to others, so it’s vital that we grow in the character qualities that are His, so we are an accurate reflection, not a lame imitation.

Today, let’s pray that our sons and daughters add to their faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection and love so they will be effective and productive in their knowledge of Jesus. Pray 2 Peter 1:5-8 out loud, putting in your son or daughter’s name and claiming these promises on their behalf. Pray that they will be an accurate and God-honoring reflection of Jesus to others.

Pray without ceasing.

G4710 - spoudē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (kjv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4710/kjv/tr/0-1/
G703 - aretē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g703/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1108 - gnōsis - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1108/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G1466 - egkrateia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1466/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G5281 - hypomonē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5281/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G2150 - eusebeia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2150/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G5360 - philadelphia - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5360/niv/mgnt/0-1/
G26 - agapē - Strong's Greek Lexicon (niv). Retrieved from https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g26/niv/mgnt/0-1/

Brenda Reid 11/16/21 Brenda Reid 11/16/21

When We “Can’t Even”

2 Peter 1:3-4 “His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”

“But, it’s too hard for me!” That’s a classic phrase that children use, especially when they do not want to do a task they are given. It may indicate they do not have the strength, or perhaps lack the skill. It may be that they just do not have the will or desire to do what was asked. But the cry “It’s too hard for me!” often brings help - the parent comes to support, assist and ‘rescue’ the struggler.

Sometimes God calls us to hard things. Here’s the thing, He WILL give us more than we can handle (whoever said He would not was not reading their BIble) He will call us to things that overwhelm us. He will let us face things that, humanly, cannot be done. Does He do that to defeat us? No!! He allows us to face these things because it reminds us that we are not our own savior. We NEED God to intervene. And it allows Him to show His mighty power, His DIVINE power!. If we could handle everything we face, would we need God? Would we call on Him in desperation? Or would we say, “Thanks, but I’ve got this.”? No, we face hard things so that our full need of and dependence upon God is evident.

And in those hard things when we cry out “But, it’s too hard for me!” God is present and active. He is there to support, assist and rescue us in our struggle.. He sees our needs and He orchestrates our situation. He has given us EVERYTHING we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him and He’s welcomed us, through His promises, to participate in the divine nature. We’ve escaped the corruption of this world!! But, we have to endure, faithfully obeying and following Him. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 says, “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”

He WILL do it. HE will do it. Not us. We can’t. It’s too hard for us. But God is able to protect us, sanctify us and keep us blameless until the coming of Jesus. And one day we will see Him face to face and realize the reward of our redemption and our faithful following. Oh, friends, can we just pray right now that our sons and daughters wouldn’t ‘give up’ because it’s too hard for them, but they would call on Jesus to sustain them through whatever He calls them to and trust that He will do it, and believe that they will be presented blameless before Him?

“Oh, God our Father, You are so good to give us encouragement through Your word. Thank you for the words in 2 Peter. Your divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life. That is almost more than we can comprehend. As believers in Jesus and children of God, we participate in the divine nature of God. It is humbling to realize that You welcomed us into your family and include us in Your divine nature. You moved us from the corrupt to the divine. Lord, I know we will face things that are too hard for us. Help us not to lose heart. I pray for (name) today that You would show them evidence of Your mighty power, working on their behalf even today. Don’t ever allow them to become self-dependent, but remind them always of their great need of You in their life. I pray that (name) would fully trust You and in those times and situations when it is too hard for them, they would cry out to you rather than give up, grow bitter, or fall into despair. Lord, show them how, as a believer in Jesus, they are participating in Your divine nature. They are guaranteed an escape from the corruption of this world. Lord, work visibly and mightily today in (name)’s life. Show them some affirmation today that You hear their cry, You are working to form them into the likeness of Jesus, and You are faithful to keep them until they see Jesus face to face. It’s in our Savior’s name I pray, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

Brenda Reid 11/15/21 Brenda Reid 11/15/21

Watch Where You’re Going

2 Peter 3:17-18 “Therefore, dear friends, since you have been forewarned, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of the lawless and fall from your secure position. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

When our children were little and getting ready to cross the street, we would often take their hand and tell them, “watch where you’re going, be careful!” Why? Because they were stepping into an area where things were coming at them from both sides. The traffic surrounding them was a danger to their safety and they had to be alert so as not to be hit, injured, or worse.

As believers, we have to be alert to those spiritually dangerous zones as well. Unbiblical teaching can come at us unexpectedly, even from sources that we may trust. And that’s often when our guard is down. Extra-biblical ideas and rules can creep in and begin to sound a lot like Scripture, yet have no basis. We begin to believe the authority of the speaker versus the authority of Scripture. Taking scripture out of context can warp the meaning and purpose of God’s words so that they become a method and means of herding believers into areas of belief and doctrine that are man-made, not God-ordained. We need to watch where we’re going and the direction of those who are teaching and leading.

Today, let’s pray for our sons’ and daughters’ personal Bible study time, that time alone with the Lord when He can teach us, convict us, encourage us and increase our wisdom and knowledge. It’s not easy...sometimes it can take years before someone really finds a way to do purposeful study of the Word and enjoy it. Let’s pray that the Holy Spirit stirs in their hearts and works in them to give them a hunger and thirst for God’s Word. Pray that they find joy in their time with the Lord. Pray that their wisdom and discretion are sharpened so that they operate in the grace and knowledge of Jesus and that they can identify and reject ungodly teaching. Pray that they are alert and sober-minded, spiritually, so they are not caught off guard or deceived by the enemy and his operatives. Pray that they will watch where they’re going.

“Father, You long to have us spend time with You each day, reading Your word and communing with You in prayer. It’s so important, yet, we often sacrifice that time with you on the altar of busyness. I pray that today, (name) would be convicted in their heart to make time with You a priority. Help me to do the same. Lord, it’s so, so very important because that’s how we will grow in knowledge and gain understanding so that we can be wise and discerning. I pray that (name) would grow to love their quiet time with You. Give them a hunger and thirst for Your word. Open their eyes to see wonderful things in Your word that would propel them to want to learn more (Ps. 119:18). Help them to hide Your word in their heart so they would not sin against You (Ps. 119:11). May Your word be a lamp to their feet and a light to their path (Ps. 119:105) so they can clearly see the path of righteousness and avoid the dangers and deceptions that might harm them or lead them in the wrong direction. Lord, I pray that they would grow in wisdom and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and they would have vibrant joy and a strong passion to follow You without compromise. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Pray without ceasing.

Brenda Reid 11/14/21 Brenda Reid 11/14/21

Sunday Worship-Nothing But the Blood of Jesus