Bible Ballistics: You Can’t Do That In My House!!! Vol. 6#09

I want us to consider a rather lengthy passage today, as we contemplate who we are in Jesus Christ. Whose house are you? We who are followers of Jesus, who have been born again, are the “temple” of God—what are we doing in and with God’s dwelling? We must understand that we are the temple or house of God. “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Cor. 3:16

With all the confusion going on in our world, many Christians seem to be forgetting that we are called to “march to a different drummer”. Yet many are getting caught up in the contentions and callousness of the world’s arguments. I believe we are called to be salt and light in our world of corruption and darkness, but we are to do it with integrity and conformity to the Word of God. We are compelled to be good citizens, and as such we are to speak and participate in the American democratic processes, but never with means that disagree with our calling as children of God, or His Word.

Let’s look at 1 Peter 2:1-17 and use our diagraming format to understand and take to heart what Peter has to tell us about living for Jesus.

“Wherefore laying aside

all malice,

and all guile,

and hypocrisies,

and envies,

and all evil speakings,”

We are to put aside the mean spirit and tongue of the world.

“2 As newborn babes,

desire the sincere milk of the word,

that ye may grow thereby:”

Coming to Jesus, we come as “babes” in Christ, and then are to grow by feasting on God’s Word—the “milk of the word” going on to maturity, “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” Hebrews 5:13-14 

“3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 

“If” we are truly ‘born again’, God has “begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” (Chapter 1:3), we have new life In Jesus and are called and enabled to live as HIS own.

“4 To whom coming,

as unto a living stone,

disallowed indeed of men,

but chosen of God,

and precious,”

We have life through the redeeming blood of Jesus—rejected by the world, but precious to God and to we who are His! His call to us:

“5 Ye also, as lively stones,

are built up a spiritual house,

an holy priesthood,

to offer up spiritual sacrifices,

acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.”

We are called by God, through the atonement of Jesus, to extend the hope of Jesus’ atoning death on the cross to the world, because HE is the only way.

“6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture,

Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone,

elect,

precious:

and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”

Jesus is our ‘corner stone’, and we can rest in Him—on a foundation sure and reliable.

“7 Unto you therefore which believe

he is precious:

but unto them which be disobedient,

the stone which the builders disallowed,

the same is made the head of the corner,

8 And a stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offence,

even to them which stumble at the word,

being disobedient:

whereunto also they were appointed.”

There is a choice—everyone will make a choice to believe and know Jesus, or to disobey God and reject Him. Those who disobey will find the ‘rock of salvation’ to be a horrible offence. We need to realize that if men will reject the Lord Jesus Himself, they will reject those who follow Him. 

“9 But ye are

a chosen generation,

a royal priesthood,

an holy nation,

a peculiar people;

that ye should shew forth

the praises of him who hath called you

out of darkness

into his marvellous light;

       10 Which in time past were not a people,

but are now the people of God:

which had not obtained mercy,

but now have obtained mercy.”

We are His to show forth God’s work to the world, a world that is continually denying HIM. Because we were not a people, but are now the ‘people of God’! But there is more.

“11 Dearly beloved,

I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,

abstain from fleshly lusts,

which war against the soul;”

We are to live—walk and talk– as strangers and pilgrims in this world, and not get caught up in the entanglements and lusts of the flesh. As Paul called Timothy to remember: “No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” 2 Timothy 2:4

“12 Having your conversation honest

among the Gentiles:

that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers,

they may by your good works,

which they shall behold,

glorify God in the day of visitation.” 

Our ‘conversation’, or lifestyle, is to be honest, so honest that the world who accuses and mistreats us for doing right and serving our Lord, will see and give glory to our God, even if it’s only in the day of His return, because there is a day coming— “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” A day of judgment is coming—have you bowed? You will bow—to Him as Savior and Lord now, and receive His Salvation, or then before HIM who will be your judge. So if we are His, we are called to live for Jesus in all things: 

“13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man

for the Lord’s sake:

whether it be to the king,

as supreme;

14 Or unto governors,

as unto them that are sent by him

for the punishment of evildoers,

and for the praise of them that do well.”

We are to be obedient citizens, submitting to the authorities over us, unless we are directly commanded to disobey God. As Peter and the other disciples declared to the religious leaders in Acts 5:29, “Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.”   They didn’t disobey to be rebellious or in retribution for their own mistreatment, but because they had been commanded NOT do what Jesus had commanded them to do (or vice versa) — share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus everywhere! What are we doing for Jesus? Are we standing fast? In the right?

“15 For so is the will of God,

that with well doing

ye may put to silence

the ignorance of foolish men:

16 As free,

and not using your liberty

for a cloke of maliciousness,

but as the servants of God.

17 Honour all men.

Love the brotherhood.

Fear God.

Honour the king.” 1 Peter 2:1-17

I know some will disagree, and are asking how can we “honor” those who are doing such wicked things, but this is exactly what God calls us to do. We are not to honor or support the wrong but we are to give honor to the office as sent by God, who is the establisher of all government. We are to obey God and acknowledge Him and His Word. We can do what He calls us to do, because God empowers us.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me…….. But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:17 & 19

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.” Psalm 127:1

Who is building your house? Has the Lord built your house? If He has, then you can do all through Him. We can do all things in a way that honors the Lord who dwells within us. You can do that in HIS house? That’s the question we all need to ask, and our lives will display the answer!  Remember, if you belong to Jesus, then you are HIS house!!!

“And they shall be my people, and I will be their God…” Jeremiah 32:38a

Bible Ballistics: BBs #175 Guided By His Eye???

Sorry to be late posting, but yesterday we were traveling, and believe me, I was in no mental condition to write anything!!! But as we were traveling, I was reminded once again that our God REIGNS!!!

When there is ‘no room’ in the inn—He is working!

When the place you expected to find—

is not in the place you expected—He is working!

       When things go awry—

and you don’t know why—He is working!

Our God is working in, around, through, with and for us in all things. Sometimes there are appointments that HE has for us, which we know nothing about until we find ourselves in unexpected ‘places’! But HE is still at work, and we can trust Him to do that which pleases Him, glorifies Him, and works His glory in and through us. He is growing us continually into the “image of His Son” (Ro. 8:29)! Let’s peruse a few scriptures to remind ourselves of the surety of our God.

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

God’s Word is the standard to which we all answer, so we must make our choices according to HIS WORD! HE knows—remember Jesus is “The Word”, and He will guide!!

“Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.” John 16:13-14

Rest assured that if we will open the Word to dig in, His Spirit will “guide you into all truth”—but YOU must do the digging in. Putting the Bible under your pillow won’t get it done. If we will ‘dig it out’, He will “plant it deep within”!

“And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers: 21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” Isaiah 30:20-21

Just like we mothers tune our ears to hear (or not hear) our children, we must educate our hearts with the Word and tune our ears and our heart to know the voice of the Lord, and be ready to yield to and obey it.

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:” John 10:27

So??? Here’s our shot for today. Are you HIS sheep? Are you hearing His voice and allowing His Spirit to direct your steps? We follow the shepherd to whom we belong. When we belong to Jesus, He has promised that His Spirit will lead us; we must listen for His voice, and be ready to follow.

Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Let’s follow our leader, our Lord, our Shepherd and King! His eye is upon us—He loves YOU and Me! Praise His name!

Bible Ballistics: BBs #174 I’ll Take Care Of Myself???

As we look at all the social, political, and “religious” hoopla going on around us, I’d like to get a little personal with you this morning. We can talk about “marriage” and what it is, what it means, and what it should be, but we need more than talk. We can talk about the ‘government’ and what it is, what it means, and what it should be, but we need more than talk. We can talk about ‘religion-faith-spirituality’ or whatever we may call it and what it is, what it means, or what it should be, but we need more than talk!!!

We need action!   Now don’t get all excited, I’m not calling for social, political or spiritual revolt, as such, but I am talking about putting our “living” where our mouth is, so to speak.  I see and hear so many things that people are saying about the issues, whether it be marriage, the Ten Commandments, the law or the political system; talk about bullying, or abuse or neglect, the list could go on forever, BUT there is only one answer to all of these issues, and that is Jesus.

But not the name that people use for slang or swearing, but the one who came to deliver us from our sins.

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

“And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21

The God/Man—the one who came to “save his people from their sins”!!! It doesn’t say that He came to save us “IN” our sins but ‘FROM’ them. Yes He calls us right where we are but HE NEVER LEAVES US THERE! And He had to come because ‘sins’ are the issue. Yes ‘sin’ in general, but also ‘sins’ specific—the ‘sins’ that I have committed, the sins that you have committed, the sins that are being committed right now by every living person on this earth—the lying, the stealing, the profaning of God’s name, the pride, the adultery, the rebellion and failure of parents and children, and this list could also go on forever. But the bottom line is that the issue is SIN, mine and yours. It’s our sin that nailed Jesus to the cross, yet it was HIS love for us that took Him there and held Him there. The nails didn’t hold the creator of the universe—the metal that He created, the wood that He created, the dirt that He created-the humans that did the literal ‘nailing’ of those spikes, were created by HIM!!! None of those things could have held the creator of all things to that cross—only His love for us held Him there. God loved us enough to send Jesus:

“Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain: 24 Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.” Acts 2:23-24

Why did God do this? Because sin had come in by our invitation and brought our certain and totally deserved death (see Genesis 2 & 3):

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23

“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23

Eternal living not eternal dying!!! But how are we living? We should be living unto the one who gave us ‘eternal life through Jesus’.

“But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Romans 6:22

We are to be living for Jesus not ourselves or for “SIN”—but look about us, even more importantly look within yourself. What are we allowing to run our lives? Our pocketbook? Our passions? Our hormones? Our fears? Our lusts for money, power, control? Our greed? Our vanity? Hello!!! If we belong to Jesus we’ve been given the power to live victorious lives in the Spirit.

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21

We have been made the “righteousness of God in him”, given the power to be a new creature in Christ Jesus. We would think it abominable if someone buried their loved one and then dug up their body and carried it with them everywhere they went. Besides the physical unpleasant odors that would accompany such a person, we would think them unbalanced or unstable, yet many genuine Christians have been deceived by the enemy, and have fallen prey to this very kind of thing. They are succumbing every day to the sins of their flesh that Christ has empowered them to overcome. STOP IT! Just stop it. Run to the one who redeemed you and seek HIS forgiveness, cleansing and restoration:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” 1 John 1:7-10

We all have sin—today, but Jesus is there waiting for us to hear His Spirit convicting and calling us to repent and be cleansed and fit for His service. This is totally NOT where I had planned for this post to go, but it’s where I believe God lead me with it.

So??? Here’s the shot for today! Stop it. If you are going to claim the name, and saving work of Jesus in your life then STOP living like the world. Stop the ‘shacking-up’! Stop the lying! Stop the lustful indulgences that you have allowed to direct your life! Stop the stealing—both from others and from God! God is watching—He knows—He sees—He will hold us accountable. So live like it! Please, the time is short. And if you don’t know HIM call on HIM today, please?

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

If we want to have the right to speak to the issues of our day, we need to be living lives that honor God before the world, not lives that bring shame to HIM and HIS Word.

Bible Ballistics: Thy Kingdom? Thy Will?  Vol. 6#08

Living in a ‘Selfie’ world can present challenges to our life and perspective. When everything around us is focused on ‘self’, how do we maintain a balanced and biblical life and perspective? That’s the question that I would like us to consider today. With so much going on around us, with the foundations of our very culture being shaken, with the world steeped in chaos and uncertainty, what is our place? How are we to live and order our lives in order to affect the world for Jesus? Paul told the Galatians, we are to have one ‘focus’ and it’s NOT ‘self’:

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” Galatians 6:14

When we belong to Jesus, we are to have our focus on the cross of Jesus Christ—Jesus, crucified, buried and raised for the atonement of MY sin!!! The atoning, sacrificial blood that Jesus shed for sin; that he shed for all who will repent of their ‘self sin’ (better known as pride), believe in and accept His sacrifice for their own sin. Is there anything else that is of eternal import?

“For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26

A great ‘selfie’ shot won’t impress God or get you into heaven. Only Jesus has or can provide salvation and entrance into the Kingdom of God. He made this implicitly clear in His earthly ministry, as well as through the ministry of the apostles and writers of the New Testament. We must be “born from above”.

John 3:3 & 8, “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God… ..8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

Being ‘born again’ by the Spirit of God—the supernatural work of God, which gives us new life in Jesus! That life which is totally of GOD not of/from ‘self’!

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

A supernatural work of God–

not of blood=your genealogy—

not of the will of the flesh=hard work (of any kind)

not of the will of man=NO one can do it FOR you!!!

It’s a work, which only God can do in us:

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:8-10

It is this birth through which we are ‘born from above’; the birth that does the work that we may be ‘born of the spirit’, the birth that imparts to us ‘eternal life’ both now and with God in all eternity! And Jesus didn’t stop there:

“And he said unto them,

Ye are from beneath;

I am from above:

ye are of this world;

I am not of this world….  

42 Jesus said unto them,

If God were your Father,

ye would love me:

for I proceeded forth and came from God;

neither came I of myself,

but he sent me.

43 Why do ye not understand my speech?

even because ye cannot hear my word.

44 Ye are of your father the devil,

and the lusts of your father ye will do.

He was a murderer from the beginning,

and abode not in the truth,

because there is no truth in him.

When he speaketh a lie,

he speaketh of his own:

for he is a liar,

and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth,

ye believe me not.” John 8:23 & 42-45

It the difference between night and day; between truth and lie; between good and evil; between LIFE and DEATH!!! The choice is yours to make! But as believers in Jesus we are called to live our ‘choice’ before the world. And we can only do that because God has done the work in us, and He empowers us to live for righteousness.

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”   Philippians 1:6
He started the work—He will complete it!!!

“And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove (display to the world)

what is that good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.” Romans 12:2

       We are to allow His work to flourish through us!

When our focus is changed from ‘self’ to God we are enabled to understand what Jesus meant as He taught us how to live and how to pray, to live for Him:

“After this manner therefore pray ye:

Our Father which art in heaven,

Hallowed be thy name.

10 Thy kingdom come,

Thy will be done

in earth,

as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we forgive our debtors.

13 And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil:

For thine is the kingdom,

and the power,

and the glory,

for ever. Amen.” Matthew 6:9-13

Kind of flies in the face of much of what we see and hear around us today—even spiritual advice (so-called) has turned the focus on ‘self’. Many teach and call followers of Jesus to just ‘name it and claim it’; to ‘speak positively’; to ‘demand of God’; and to do any number of presumptuous things to manipulate God! Yes, I said ‘manipulate God’! Jesus instructed us to pray for ‘Thy will’ to be done; for ‘Thy kingdom’ to come, and yet we have turned this all around into a ‘selfie’ culture which says, “my will” be done, and please God, put your stamp of approval on it! “My kingdom” come, and God please won’t you put your stamp of approval on it! Excuse me? Why ‘on earth’ would we be so distracted and deceived as to put ourselves in “God’s” place? I pray that we would never do that deliberately, but we have often allowed ourselves to be fooled into thinking and behaving as if ‘we are now God’!!!

How does this happen? It can happen when we allow our eyes to be taken off of the Cross and our Redeemer!!! It can happen when we become so consumed with “selfies” that we forget that it’s not about ME, but it’s about HIM!!! It should be about who we were and who we have become in Jesus. So whose image does the world see in me? Do they see Jesus, or do they see me? What fruit am I bearing for my precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and His Father, The Lord God Almighty? The fruit comes from the nature of the tree, not the fruit itself. Jesus makes this so clear in Matthew 7:20-27:

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”

So, what will you do? Will you truly seek to do “God’s will”? Will you truly seek the increase of “God’s Kingdom”, or your own? Will you pursue the selfie life, or the “selfless” servant life that Jesus lived and calls us to? The choice is yours!

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8-9

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20

Thine or Mine??? One or the other—it can’t be both!

 

 

Bible Ballistics: BBs #173 Praying For Our Children???

I am grieved over the things that I’ve see on social media about praying certain prayers, especially some for our children as well as others. As I’ve considered what I’ve heard and read, I’d like to offer some different advice for your consideration regarding our prayers for anyone God has placed in our lives to pray for, and who more important than our children and family.

Much of what I’ve observed focuses on praying for people to be ‘happy’, really? While I don’t pray that my children will be “unhappy”, by the same token, since happiness isn’t an end in itself, and is often deceiving, ‘happiness’ is not the focus of my praying. Happiness is generally used in relation to fortunate and convenient circumstances and surroundings– the things that “happen” to us.   Because of that, ‘happiness’ can come or go depending on those very ‘circumstances’ which are often out of our control.

As I have pondered on these things, one of my favorite Bible passages came to my heart, Philippians 4:8-9:

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”

We Christians must always stand, share and pray that which is:

True—

Honest—

Just—

Pure –

Lovely–

Of good report (or repute/reputation before God)–

 Virtuous –(of good character before God)

Praise Worthy (God’s praise NOT man’s).

Regardless of what I might think or desire to pray for anyone, I need to be sure it agrees with what God desires! And that always includes ‘holiness’ and ‘overcoming’ lives.

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” `1 John 5:4

Praying and pursuing an overcoming life that is in right relationship with the sovereign Lord God Almighty, not lives that accept and compromise with the sin of the world. God’s opinion is the only one that will count in the end, so that should be my prayer for my children and every other person I pray for; that they would be in a right relationship with God: Not in ‘words’ only, but in true ‘possession’!!! Desiring that those we pray for will trust in and come to Jesus in repentance and faith. Then their circumstances will ultimately be irrelevant to their future. When they trust in God and walk in HIS ways then HE has promised to direct their steps, and give the “peace of God” which supersedes the flighty circumstances of life. But in direct contrast, those who reject God and don’t belong to Jesus will face eternal damnation regardless of the so-called “happiness” they experience in this world. How empty the ‘happiness’ of the world is without the ‘peace of God’. Only those who know Jesus have the ‘peace of God’ and we ought to pray for all to come to know Him, especially our own children. (See Romans 5:1-8)

We must pray that people will see that ‘sin’ is ‘sin’, because unless we see our own ‘sin’ as ‘sin’, why would we ever need a Savior? Sin is the issue—ALL SIN–Jesus himself said:

“…Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God…….. Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.” Portions of John 3:3-7

Only when our child (or anyone) is ‘born again’ can we have the assurance that we will spend eternity with them; regardless of whether their life on this earth has been “happy” or not. My prayer is that my children will be right with God, more than right with the world, or ‘happy’ with their choices, especially those that go against the Word of God. I challenge us to courageously pray with biblical integrity, not to settle for the lies of the enemy of our souls!

May we pray for strength and courage for others–

Strength for those days that will demand much of them and courage to persevere in truth regardless of their circumstances or temptations.

May we pray that they will be humble and gracious—

Humble in those days when they do find happiness in their circumstances and successes, and that they will be balanced in their actions and relations with God and others. And gracious character that others will see Jesus/God in them and desire to know the Savior they love and serve in obedient submission to HIS Word.

May we pray, most importantly, that they come to be ‘children of God’:

“But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13       (It’s a work of God not man!!!)

May we pray ceaselessly for our loved ones and our world? May we pray biblical prayers full of truth with integrity toward God and man? May we rest on the sovereign power and goodness of God, speaking the truth in love and knowing that God is working all things to the good of those who will come to HIM?

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.” Romans 8:28-29

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

May we truly love others and pray:

in accord with God’s Word–

desiring God’s eternal “blessing” on them in salvation-

rather than the often-empty “happiness” of the world!