Part 1: The Battle of Two Fathers: A Call to Know the Heart of God, The Father of Love

A Call to Know the Heart of God, The Father of Love

From the very beginning of time, there has been a war—a war not just of kingdoms, nations, or ideologies, but a spiritual war for the hearts of people. At the center of this battle are two opposing forces: the "Father of Love" and the "father of lies". Their voices compete daily for our attention, our affection, and ultimately, our identity.

The War for Our Hearts

God the Father, the Father of Love, longs for a deep, intimate, and healing connection with His children. He draws us close, not through force, but through love, kindness, and truth. He speaks to us as a gentle Father, calling us home with arms wide open.

But there is another voice—the "father of lies", Satan—who seeks to distort that connection. His mission is simple yet devastating: to kill, steal, and destroy everything good in our lives (John 10:10 TPT). He exploits every pain, every wound, and every weakness to draw us away from our true Father.

"A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow!"— John 10:10 (TPT)

This is the battle of two fathers:

The Father of Love — who offers life, peace, healing, and belonging.

The father of lies — who manipulates us with deception, shame, and fear.

Knowing God Through His Names

The Bible is rich with names that describe God's loving character. Each name reflects a part of His heart and His desire to meet our deepest needs:

Jehovah Jireh — The Lord who provides (Genesis 22:14 TPT)

Jehovah Rapha— The Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26 TPT)

Jehovah Shalom — The Lord is peace (Judges 6:24 TPT)

El Shaddai — The All-Sufficient One (Genesis 17:1 TPT)

These names are more than titles; they are personal revelations of His nature. He is the Father who provides, heals, sustains, and surrounds us with peace.

"And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, ‘Beloved Father!’" — Romans 8:15 (TPT)

The Father of Lies: A Counterfeit Connection

While God reveals His love through truth, Satan reveals his intent through lies. Scripture gives him names that expose his true character:

The Accuser — Revelation 12:10 (TPT)

The Roaring Lion — 1 Peter 5:8 (TPT)

The Thief — John 10:10 (TPT)

The Father of Lies — John 8:44 (TPT)

"Whenever he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar by nature and the father of lies!" — John 8:44 (TPT)

The father of lies manipulates us with thoughts like:

"If God really loved you, this wouldn’t have happened."

"You’re too broken to be used."

"God is disappointed in you."

But these are accusations, not truth. They are designed to sow distance between you and God. And recognizing them for what they are is the first step toward freedom.

Guarding Your Heart from Deception

"So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being." — Proverbs 4:23 (TPT)

Your heart is a sacred space. It’s where truth and lies take root. To guard it is to stay alert to which voice you’re listening to. When feelings of anger, anxiety, or hopelessness surface, pause and ask: Whose voice is this?

This practice of spiritual awareness isn’t about perfection—it’s about protection. As we tune our ears to the voice of the Father of Love, we become more grounded in our identity, our purpose, and our healing.

“Your hand-to-hand combat is not with human beings, but with the highest principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms.” — Ephesians 6:12 (TPT)

A Loving Father, A Lasting Hope

If you’ve been wounded, doubting, or distant from God, hear this today: You are not forgotten. You are not forsaken.

The Father of Love is not angry at you—He’s pursuing you with compassion. He doesn’t shame you—He welcomes you. He doesn’t condemn you—He forgives you.

Run into His arms. Reclaim your heart. Silence the lies. And discover, again and again, that your Father in heaven is good, kind, and faithful.

“Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, and profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:31–32 (MSG)

Let the Father of Love write truth over your life. Let His Word guide your steps. And let His heart define your worth.

Because He is not just a Father—He is your Father. And He is always, always good.

-Pastor Rick and CJ

A Prayer to the Father of Love

Father of Love,

Today, I come before You not just with words, but with my whole heart—open, hungry, and longing for more of You. I acknowledge the battle that rages around me and within me—the battle between Your truth and the lies of the enemy. And right now, I choose You.

Abba, Father, draw me closer. Help me hear Your voice above all others—the voice that speaks life, peace, identity, and hope. I reject and rebuke every whisper of shame, fear, and accusation that the father of lies has tried to plant in my heart. I break agreement with every lie that tells me I’m too broken, too far, or too unworthy. Because You, my Father, are the One who restores, redeems, and calls me beloved.

Jehovah Jireh, be my Provider—not just in physical need, but in the deep places of my soul. Jehovah Rapha, heal the wounds I’ve carried—wounds seen and unseen . Jehovah Shalom, flood my mind and heart with Your peace. El Shaddai, you are more than enough for me. Sustain me. Satisfy me. Surround me.

Let Your truth uproot every deception. Let Your love fill every hollow place. Let Your Spirit rise up within me until I can cry with confidence, “Beloved Father!” (Romans 8:15 TPT)

Father God, I want to know You—not just through teachings or words, but in experience and encounter. Reveal Your heart to me. Teach me to guard my heart from anything that would pull me away from Your presence. Father, shine the light of Your Son, Yeshua into my heart. I welcome You into every area of my life. I give You access to my dreams, my wounds, my doubts, and my desires.

Strengthen me in this war for my heart. Let me stand firm in Your truth, clothed in Your armor (Ephesians 6:12 TPT). When I’m weak, carry me. When I’m confused, guide me. When I’m afraid, remind me of who You are.

Thank You for never abandoning me. Thank You for loving me through every season. Thank You for being the Good Father—the Father of Love who calls me home again and again.

I love You. I trust You. And I want more of You.

In Jesus’ name,Amen.

Stay tuned for more in our series: The Father of Love vs the father of lies