Our church family has been blessed over the last year with newborn babies now in our presence. These young parents have enormous responsibilities in the care of their children. One of the first and most important is the nutrition their baby receives in those early years. Milk, of course, is on the top of the list, but as the child grows a more substantial diet is required for proper and healthy growth. Newborn babies need the required nutrition in their early years and then must move up to an even more nutritionally driven diet.
The same is true for new believers, newborn babes in Christ. They need the milk of the Word in those early years. But there comes a time when milk is not enough and if not moved up to solid food or what is known as the ‘meat’ of the Word, the newborn babe in Christ remains a newborn babe. The Lord did not save us to remain children all our lives. Yes, Christians are the children of God and He is our Father, but even adult children are still their parents children.
If you have had a steady diet of milk in your Christian walk it is time to experience some tasty food of the Word of God. Milk will sustain you, but meat, potatoes, and vegetables of the Word of God will cause a growth spurt that will amaze you. A steady diet of Bible reading, devotional time and prayer, regular church attendance, and being active in church and community activities are the nutrition and spiritual exercise needed to ensure you are growing in Christ. So, time to dig in!
“And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” Matthew 6:13 KJV
A Bible glowing with light sits open on a wooden lectern inside a cathedral
Our Lord’s final example in praying is often misunderstood by many. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray ‘And lead us not into temptation,’ He was not referring to being tempted to sin by God. God does not tempt anyone to sin. The book of James says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (Ja.1:13 esv) The word ‘temptation’ is better translated ‘a trying, or testing,’ and there are several examples of testing in the Bible. Our Lord Jesus Himself was tested (tempted) by Satan in the wilderness, Abraham was tested by God when told to offer his son as a sacrifice, and Job was severely tested when accused by Satan.
There are occasions when God will test us, or ‘put us to the test’ testing our faith in Him. There may be trials brought upon us by Satan permitted by God in order to prove and test our faith as in the case of Job and the apostle Paul. When we pray, ‘lead us not into temptation’ we are praying ‘don’t put us to the test, protect us from the test and from Satan, the evil one.’ Our Lord does not lead us into any testing or trial in which He is not there with us, and He will also make a way of escape for us in Satan’s evil temptations aimed at us. Paul writing to the church in Corinth says, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1Cor.10:13 esv)
Jesus teaches that after praying not to be put to the test, we are to ask to be delivered from evil. This is not evil in general but from the evil one, Satan. Many versions of Scripture do reference it as the ‘evil one.’ We are to pray to be delivered from Satan’s schemes, his temptations, and his accusations against us.
It is important to note that not all temptations (testing), trials, or troubles are evil in and of themselves. It was noted Jesus Himself was tempted by Satan. Our Lord passed the test and is our example in our troubled times. Abraham and Job also passed the test and were blessed for it. But when Paul asked the Lord to remove his thorn in the flesh from Satan three times, the Lord did not, but said, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ And Paul responded, ‘Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.’ (2Cor.12:9 esv) Paul passed the test and serves as an example for us to follow.
We are to pray that we be delivered from Satan’s evil temptations and not fall into sin. Jesus prayed for His disciples in His High Priestly prayer in John 17:15, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” (esv) A. W. Pink is quoted as saying, “To be kept from the evil of sin is a far greater mercy than deliverance from the trouble of temptation.” We may pray not to be put to the test, but the more concerning prayer is ‘deliver us from evil,’ Satan himself.
“But when the people of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and Ai, they resorted to deception to save themselves.” Joshua 9:3-4a NLT
Voters line up and cast ballots at a busy midterm election polling station.
Desperate people will resort to deception when they are in fear or in danger of not getting what they want. The campaigns for the 2026 mid-term elections in the United States is starting to heat up with the summer heat. People are desperate from both major parties either to retain power or over seat the incumbents. Desperation will cause one to do and say anything that will prevent them from going down in defeat, or more accurately, that their opponent takes a seat in the United States Congress. Political campaigns have not been noted for their honesty and integrity for decades, but as the stakes become more larger and more pressing, we can be sure of a bumpy ride until election day and all the votes are counted whenever that will be.
Deception is as old as our first parents, Adam and Eve. Satan, who had tempted them with deception, is at the root of every lie in any political campaign today. Jesus had this to say about Satan, “He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (Jn.8:44b nlt) And the apostle Paul tells us Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (2Cor.11:14) That’s the worst kind of deception, appearing to do and say all the right things as a person of integrity only to pull the mask off after election day. American voters have their homework to do in analyzing every statement made and how it compares with previous statements and more importantly previous actions taken by the candidate. Are they feeding us an illusion, being fraudulent, or outright lying, or all three?
Christians have a sure-fire way of determining the sincerity and integrity of a candidate. First, examining how do their statements and policy proposals line up with scripture? Second, we should be in prayer for wisdom to discern if the candidate can be trusted if they are telling the truth. The greatest example of not seeking the Lord in prayer is found in the Old Testament book of Joshua. The result of not asking the Lord for guidance caused Israel to fall for the deception from the Gibeonites, who were desperate and fearing for their lives. The United States is in desperate times. The future governing of every citizen is at stake. All candidates seeking office with their campaigns are desperate. They want to win. May we be praying for wisdom to discern the truth and not fall for the deception of Satan’s lies.
“If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me.” Psalm 66:18-20 NLT
The biggest struggle most Christians have in their daily walk with God is a consistent and fruitful prayer life. Living in a fast pace society where everything is instantaneous, short, and to the point, will put anything of value in jeopardy. A Christian’s prayer life is no different. We may do our best to carve out time in our day to pray, but there is always a chance something will hinder us from being consistent, it’s called life. We cannot get around unexpected interruptions, but we can make sure we are not hindering our time with God right from the start with inconsistencies in our own life.
The number one reason for an inconsistent and unfruitful prayer life is unconfessed sin. The Psalmist writes, “If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen!” (Ps.66:18 nlt) Prayer is not simply asking God for things but is a conversation with a holy God. It is a relationship that is intended to grow with time spent together. Unconfessed sin is a barrier preventing growth in your Christian life and it starts in your prayer requests to God.
If you are struggling in your prayer life with no satisfaction, no results, no meaningful relationship with God, and your prayers seem like just words being spoken in open air, maybe it’s time for a self-examination, me included. “But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” (1Jn.1:9 nlt) The Psalmists continued to write with good news that God does listen when we confess our sins to Him. God pays attention to our prayers, He does not ignore them, and He will never withdraw His love from us. Praise God!
A simple acrostic to follow when we pray may be helpful:
The first three petitions Jesus taught His disciples to pray had an upward focus to God, His glory, His kingdom, and His will. Jesus now instructs them to ask God to care for their needs in the next four petitions. Early eighteenth century Theologian Matthew Henry, concerning our need for daily bread, writes the following, “Because our natural being is necessary to our spiritual well-being in this world…… we pray for the necessary supports and comforts of this present life, which are the gifts of God, and must be asked of him, for all the remainder of our lives.” Henry notes that it is needed daily because it is on-going for the rest of our lives.
The Greek word translated ‘daily’ is ‘epiousios’ which carries the meaning ‘the bread of necessity’ and ‘the bread that suffices for each day.’ It is what is needed every day to an exact amount, not too little and not too much. In Jesus’ day and in ours today, bread is a staple food item. Fresh baked bread with no preservatives will last about only one day. That was true in Jesus’ day and His point was well understood, it had to be supplied daily. We ask the Lord to meet our daily needs, being careful not to ask for excess. Our Lord will supply all we need, not all we want or desire.
Asking God to give us our daily bread does not only pertain to food in sustaining us. The daily bread we need also consists of all our daily needs to make it through this life as we serve Him. We need clothes on our backs, a place to call home, repairs to our home, transportation, viable employment, health, strength, and other physical needs. In a sense, when we pray for our daily bread, we are also praying for all that encompasses our survival now and in the future. God knows our future and He knows what our need will be before we will. (Mt. 6:8) Our complete trust in God to provide for us is built on the foundation of our faith in Him by praying to provide for our daily needs right into the future.
Matthew Henry gives us six lessons to learn from the simple petition ‘Give us this day our daily bread.’ Adapted from the king’s English centuries ago for better understanding; First it teaches us self-restraint, to do things in moderation, and not be given to indulgence of appetite. Second, we are taught honesty and hard work through the vocation God has given us to meet our needs. Third, it teaches us not to be concerned about tomorrow, but to have continued faith in God that He will care for His children. Fourth, we ask God to give it to us, not sell it or lend it to us, but to give it. This teaches us to see the mercy of God in caring for us. Fifth, not to us only, but to others of like faith, we pray for their needs as well. Christians are to pray and fellowship together, and through this a heart of love and compassion will develop for those less fortunate. In this the Lord will use us to meet their need. And lastly, it teaches us to increase our desire towards God. As we hunger and anticipate the bread to feed us physically, our hunger to meet with God spiritually will also increase. “Give us this day our daily bread.”
“Then the Lord said, ‘Because this people draw near with their words And honor Me with their lip service, But they remove their hearts far from Me, And their reverence for Me consists of tradition learned by rote’” Isaiah 29:13 NASB
I am sure there is not one of us who hasn’t been assured of some affirming word only to find out you were paid lip service. It could come as a compliment, a sincere interest in solving a problem, or pledging support to a project. Over time you realize that the compliment was short lived, there was no real interest in solving the problem, and the project is not being supported, all from those who spoke words of admiration, problem solving, and support, but it was only lip service.
Unfortunately in our fallen world lip service is given with no thought to the dishonestly of the words spoken. Some may excuse it as not wanting to hurt anyone. Others may consider it the best option to avoid confrontation, others use it to buy time, and still others have no regard for their deliberate untruthfulness only to make themselves look sincere. Lip service can come from our best friends, teachers, family members, co-workers, bosses, and even politicians. But before we add to the list, as it is exhaustive, we need to start with ourselves, and examine where we, as Christians, offer lip service.
Jesus confronting the scribes and Pharisees quoted from Isaiah in Matthew chapter 15, THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS, BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME. BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME, TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN (Mt.15:8-9 nasb)
The religious rulers were adhering to manmade oral laws handed down after the Babylonian captivity that were not part of the Law. They were honoring God with their lips by obeying laws they have made to honor Him through ritual and not from their hearts. They were uttering lip service to please God and make themselves look good, so they thought. They were more concerned in following their rules than following the Lord God.
Even as Christians, we are prone to lip service if we are not walking by the Spirit. One basic definition of lip service is ‘service by words only.’ I’m afraid many of us are able to relate. It is bad enough treating others with lip service, but how many times do we treat God with lip service? When we worship God on the Lord’s Day with others of like faith, or when we have our prayer time alone with Him, do our actions as we depart match the words we have spoken? Is there action to prove true the words we just spoken from our hearts, or were they only words? The Lord is please with those who worship Him from the heart and not through lip service.
“Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:16-17 ESV
Visitors walk around the front of the US Supreme Court building with an American flag waving nearby.
Deception has been around since the Garden of Eden. At the root of all deception is the father of lies Satan, himself. Satan has been deceiving people for years that bad is not that bad or not bad at all, in fact it’s actually good. The Puritans of the 17th century recognized the deceitfulness in some of the laws of their day that were evil.
In one Puritan prayer it says,
“Show me how to know when a thing is evil,
which I think is right and good,
how to know when what is lawful
comes from an evil principle….” (1)
The above could have been written in 2026. Even Christians, when not careful, can be influenced by the world around them in seeing things from a secular worldview or even worse from a distorted Biblical worldview in the name of fairness and justice. Don’t be deceived. Evil is not good. If Scripture says it is evil, then it is evil. Secular governments passing legislation that attributes to the acceptance of anti-biblical truths puts Christians on defense for just believing the truth of Scripture.
Let us take heart and pray for one another to stand strong in defense of God’s Word. This is nothing new, but it is the devil’s continual attempt to sway people away from God and the truth of His Word. Sadly, it worked on Eve in the garden and with many others throughout history and is running rampant today. Pray that you will not be deceived.
(1) Bennett, Arthur Ed. The Valley of Vision. East Peoria: Versa Press, 2023. Pg 69
“As for me, I shall call upon God, And the LORD will save me. Evening and morning and at noon, I will complain and murmur, And He will hear my voice.” Psalm 55:16-17 NASB
I do not believe there are any Christians who at one or another have not complained to God. If you are one, please tell me how you do it. I promise I will not take offense, simply curious. Among life’s difficulties and the unexpected that come into our lives it is not always easy to hold back even questioning God as to why. The Lord knows are frame that we are but dust, we have emotions capable of running wild, and some of us have a low tolerance of pain. Once in awhile an unexpected difficulty will come our way and we will let our emotions get the best of us, yes, even before God.
Psalm 55 is a prayer of King David during a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem. It had been put forth by those who were closest to him. There is upheaval in the city and finding someone trustworthy seems impossible with the false accusations and rumors spreading among the people. David was under severe stress feeling abandoned by those close to him and does not know whom he could trust. Through all this David still knows he can trust God even as he brings forth his complaint. “Give ear to my prayer, O God……Give heed to me and answer me; I am restless in my complaint and am surely distracted.” (Ps.55:1-2 nasb)
God understands the trials we go through. He does not mind a question here and there in our crying prayers to Him. The Lord understands when we lift up our hearts in a complaint before Him. David was confident God would hear his voice. The Lord will hear your voice as well and answer you even in your complaint.
“Do not become sluggish but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews 6:12 NKJV
A group engages in prayer and exercise at a gym emphasizing spiritual and physical strength.
The one piece of advice I received repeatedly before retiring was to ‘stay active and keep moving.’ I knew that to be true for in my working years as a retail store manager, I have spent more time on the floor than in the office, despite what others might say. A sudden stop in physical activity would not end well. For the most part I have maintained a regular schedule that keeps me moving physically. But I admit there are times when sluggishness sets in from missing the gym and the accumulation of late-night snacks. Thankfully, I recognize the need to stay active with frequent visits back to the gym to become sluggish free.
Staying active and moving is not only for our physical health, but also for our spiritual health. In fact the apostle Paul writes, “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” (1Tim.4:8 nlt) When we let our spiritual life lay dormant and are absorbing the junk food of the world there is no other outcome but to become sluggish or spiritually unhealthy. Without a correction this will lead to all kinds of spiritual problems and create a chasm between you and God.
Just as physical exercise and staying active keeps us healthy and not in a sluggish state, spiritual exercise such as Bible reading, prayer, worship, sharing the gospel, helping others, and having Christian friends will keep us active and moving in our Christian life. Age does not matter. Young, old, and in-between, we all need spiritual exercise. If you’re feeling a bit sluggish, it’s time to hit ‘God’s Gym.’
‘“Should I hide my plan from Abraham?’ the LORD asked. ‘For Abraham will certainly become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed through him.’” Genesis 18:17-18 NLT
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So far in our study of Abraham we have seen several characteristics of faith, patience, obedience, loyalty, generosity, among others. This week several more come into focus as Abraham intercedes for the people of Sodom and Gomorrah on the eve of their destruction. Abraham was visited by the Lord and two angels as he was told Sarah would have a baby the following year. Sarah laughed to herself considering both her and her husband’s age, but the Lord said, ‘Is anything too hard for the LORD?’ The answer is no. God’s promise to Abraham is about to be fulfilled. He and Sarah will have a male child and will name him Issac.
Abraham continued to show the customary hospitality of accompanying his guests as they made way to leave. As they were on their way, the LORD asked, “Should I hide my plan from Abraham?” (Gen.18:17 nlt) God valued Abraham through the promises given to him and here He reveals His plans for Sodom and Gomorrah. The nation promised to Abraham’s descendants will need an understanding of justice and mercy. The Lord is about to provide a demonstration of that for Abraham to pass down to future generations. “I have singled him out so that he will direct his sons and their families to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just. Then I will do for Abraham all that I have promised.” (Gen.18:19 nlt) Abraham is then moved to intercede on behalf of the people; today we call this intercessory prayer.
And so it begins, “… the LORD told Abraham, ‘I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.’” (Gen.18:20 nlt) This outcry was a cry of righteous indignation. It is the same cry that went out when Cain murdered his brother Abel. “But the LORD said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!’” (Gen.4:10 nlt) These two cities have reached the point of no return. Their sins were grievous and they had not repented. Excessive displays of sexual depravity was rapid, particularly homosexually. Arrogance and abuse of the poor was commonplace and there was no hospitality to be found among them.
The Lord said, “I am going down to see if their actions are as wicked as I have heard. If not, I want to know.” (Gen.18:21 nlt) Of course the Lord did not need to go down and see for Himself, he knew. The thought here is this; God’s judgment comes only with true knowledge of the facts. God is showing us His character of accurate judgement. He will go down in judgment.
The two angels leave and head towards Sodom. Notice the Lord did not need to go down. Notice also Abraham is by His side. Abraham had a special place with the Lord. This passage is the basis for Abraham being known as ‘a friend of God.’ Additional characteristics of this man of faith are now revealed through Abraham’s intercessory petitions. These include his sympathy, sensitivity, concern for righteousness and his knowledge of God’s holy nature.
Abraham asked the Lord, “Will you sweep away both the righteous and the wicked?” (Gen.18:23 nlt) Abraham knew of God’s mercy towards the righteous. Abraham was asking in behalf of both the righteous and indirectly for the wicked. It was evident to Abraham that no one would survive this coming judgment. So, Abraham continued to speak, “Suppose you find fifty righteous people living there in the city—will you still sweep it away and not spare it for their sakes? Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing, destroying the righteous along with the wicked. Why, you would be treating the righteous and the wicked exactly the same! Surely you wouldn’t do that! Should not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” (Gen.18:24-25 nlt) Abraham knew that God was true to His character and would judge righteously. God would only do what was good. The Lord replied He would not destroy the city for their sake.
Abraham started with fifty and then the countdown began with the same question all the way down to ten. “And the LORD replied, ‘Then I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.’” (Gen.18:32 nlt) God’s mercy is evident. He would not destroy the city if there were at least ten righteous people there. Abraham perhaps stopped at ten knowing that his nephew Lot and his family would have numbered around ten.
The underlying message here is Abraham’s intercessory prayer. It reveals his heart and compassion towards people, praying for mercy for the just and the unjust. He was persistent in his petitions knowing that God would do what is right. The Lord revealed to Abraham what He was about to do to bring him to this point. The father soon to be of many nations, the man of faith is now a man of prayer.
Word for the Soul 