THE LORD’S PRAYER ~ 8
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."
- Matt 6:13
God’s ultimate plan is to completely deliver His creation from evil (Rom 8:20-21, Matt 13:41-43). Scripture declares ~ "For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil." (1 John 3:8)
Oh yes friends, there is indeed an age coming in which peace and righteousness will reign on earth (2 Pet 3:13), and God will dwell among us (Rev 21:3, Eze 37:24-28)
That is our hope. To be united with God for all eternity. In a world free from the oppression of the evil one.
Even now, our heavenly Father has not only made available to us deliverance from our sins which would bring eternal separation from God, but also deliverance from those daily spiritual attacks meant to turn our hearts from Him.
"Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
on those who hope in His steadfast love,
that He may deliver them from death,
and keep them alive in famine."
- Psalm 33:18-19
This prayer we’ve been studying from Matthew chapter 6, commonly called the Lord’s Prayer, is what Jesus instructed us to pray to the Father. Our first charge is to come before Him with humbleness of heart and earnestly pray these words. And the second is to be striving with all that we are to live holy, righteous, godly lives in reverential fear of God our Father, so that we might fully be partakers of all His promises, including His promise to deliver us from evil.
"The salvation of the righteous is from the LORD;
He is their refuge in time of trouble.
The LORD helps them and delivers them;
He delivers them from the wicked,
and saves them, because they take refuge in Him."
- Psalm 37:39-40
"the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment." (2 Pet 2:9)
"the godly", "the righteous", "those who fear Him", "those whose hope is in Him"... unto those the promise of deliverance comes.
Under both the Old and New Covenants we find this Kingdom Truth: The prayers of the righteous are heard, and their reward is deliverance from evil.
"He who would love life
And see good days,
Let him refrain his tongue from evil,
And his lips from speaking deceit.
Let him turn away from evil and do good;
Let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous,
And His ears are open to their prayers;
But the face of the LORD is against those who do evil."
- 1 Pet 3:10-12 (quoting Psalm 34:12-16)
Paul’s prayer for the saints, for those called to be holy, for us, was that we would "be strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light." Recognizing that "He has delivered us from the dominion of darkness and transferred us to the Kingdom of His Beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." (Col 1:11-14)
Dear brothers & sisters, let us walk as those who have been brought into the "Kingdom of His Beloved Son." May we never allow our circumstances, or any temptations, to take our eyes off the Lord, or diminish our hope in His promises. Just as Jesus teaches us to pray, throughout Scripture we are exhorted to cry out to Him, for eternal salvation, for strength to overcome our sins, and for deliverance in times of trials & temptation.
May our faith, hope and trust be in Him this day and always, that we may be partakers of His saving grace, and be strengthened in our walk with the only One who is able to truly bring freedom.
Michael
I love Thee, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my Rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, my stronghold. I call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies
- Psalm 18:1-3
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Monday, August 17, 2009
The Lord's Prayer - 7
THE LORD’S PRAYER ~ 7
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
- Matt 6:13
Honestly, for years I found this a hard verse to understand. We have Jesus telling us to pray to the Father that He would not lead us into temptation. And yet we know that Jesus, Himself, was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness following His baptism, to be purposely tempted by the devil. (Matt 4:1) Then we have the words of Truth written by the Lord’s brother - "Let no one say when he is tempted, ’I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted with evil and He Himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." - James 1:13-14
It would almost appear that we have a contradiction in Scripture. Yet there is not. Let us delve a litter deeper into the Word...
Being made our High Priest, One able to help us in our hour of temptation, He had to be proven worthy. Jesus HAD to be tested in every area of temptation that His brothers would face. He endured great suffering in that, yet was fully obedient, never succumbed and sinned; and thus was perfected. (Heb 2:10, Heb 5:8)
He overcame all obstacles, persevered through all trials, triumphed over all temptations. Indeed "in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Heb 2:17-18)
Hebrews tells us that Jesus our Lord, our elder Brother, was "tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." (Heb 4:15b)
Now, trials and testings will come to us, especially once we have been called into the body of Christ. Our job is to not allow these trials and testings to tempt us to sin. As the Father tested the Son so too He tests His people.
- God tested Abraham greatly to see where his heart truly lay. Abraham passed the test and therefore received the promise of God (Gen 22:15-18).
- The original Israelites who were set free from Egypt were tried and tested as they journeyed toward the Promised Land (Deut 8:2). Those who endured and overcame entered in (Num 32:11-13).
- And so the Father tests us...
Jesus would say to each of us - "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Mark 14:38)
Dear friends, as we read above in James 1:13-14 it is when we cease to spend time in prayer and seeking God’s will that we are enticed by the lusts of the flesh. When we desire the temporal things of this world, our hearts are drawn away from the Lord and ensnared.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"
- Luke 12:34
God makes His grace available to us, and gives us every opportunity to choose to seek His strength to turn from temptation and sin not. But if we choose the things of the world rather than the things of God, He does not force us to do His will, rather - "Since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct." - Rom 1:28
Testing becomes temptation. That is where we do not want to be. Yet even when do find ourselves facing temptation, our God is there calling our name. If we choose to turn our hearts to the Lord, He will strengthen us, guide us, deliver us -
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man, God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - 1Cor 10:13
Dear saints, Jesus is our way of escape, our strength in time of weakness. May we turn our hearts fully to Him that He may lead us on the path that leads to Life. May our prayer always be -
"Make me to know Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me, for Thou art the God of my salvation; for Thee I wait all the day long."
- Psalm 25:4-5
God bless you & keep you,
Michael
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies
- Psalm 25:9-10
"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"
- Matt 6:13
Honestly, for years I found this a hard verse to understand. We have Jesus telling us to pray to the Father that He would not lead us into temptation. And yet we know that Jesus, Himself, was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness following His baptism, to be purposely tempted by the devil. (Matt 4:1) Then we have the words of Truth written by the Lord’s brother - "Let no one say when he is tempted, ’I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted with evil and He Himself tempts no one; but each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." - James 1:13-14
It would almost appear that we have a contradiction in Scripture. Yet there is not. Let us delve a litter deeper into the Word...
Being made our High Priest, One able to help us in our hour of temptation, He had to be proven worthy. Jesus HAD to be tested in every area of temptation that His brothers would face. He endured great suffering in that, yet was fully obedient, never succumbed and sinned; and thus was perfected. (Heb 2:10, Heb 5:8)
He overcame all obstacles, persevered through all trials, triumphed over all temptations. Indeed "in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Heb 2:17-18)
Hebrews tells us that Jesus our Lord, our elder Brother, was "tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." (Heb 4:15b)
Now, trials and testings will come to us, especially once we have been called into the body of Christ. Our job is to not allow these trials and testings to tempt us to sin. As the Father tested the Son so too He tests His people.
- God tested Abraham greatly to see where his heart truly lay. Abraham passed the test and therefore received the promise of God (Gen 22:15-18).
- The original Israelites who were set free from Egypt were tried and tested as they journeyed toward the Promised Land (Deut 8:2). Those who endured and overcame entered in (Num 32:11-13).
- And so the Father tests us...
Jesus would say to each of us - "Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Mark 14:38)
Dear friends, as we read above in James 1:13-14 it is when we cease to spend time in prayer and seeking God’s will that we are enticed by the lusts of the flesh. When we desire the temporal things of this world, our hearts are drawn away from the Lord and ensnared.
"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also"
- Luke 12:34
God makes His grace available to us, and gives us every opportunity to choose to seek His strength to turn from temptation and sin not. But if we choose the things of the world rather than the things of God, He does not force us to do His will, rather - "Since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a base mind and to improper conduct." - Rom 1:28
Testing becomes temptation. That is where we do not want to be. Yet even when do find ourselves facing temptation, our God is there calling our name. If we choose to turn our hearts to the Lord, He will strengthen us, guide us, deliver us -
"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man, God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." - 1Cor 10:13
Dear saints, Jesus is our way of escape, our strength in time of weakness. May we turn our hearts fully to Him that He may lead us on the path that leads to Life. May our prayer always be -
"Make me to know Thy ways, O LORD; teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth, and teach me, for Thou art the God of my salvation; for Thee I wait all the day long."
- Psalm 25:4-5
God bless you & keep you,
Michael
He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies
- Psalm 25:9-10
Thursday, June 11, 2009
The Lord's Prayer - 6
THE LORD’S PRAYER ~ 6
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
- Matt 6:12
We love to talk, sing and preach about how God has forgiven us by the blood of Christ Jesus, but forgiving others ourselves can often be one the of hardest things for us, even as Christians. Others slander us, accuse us, harm us or our loved ones. Sometimes they do so purposely, with intent; other times in ignorance, unintentionally. And we are called to forgive, as He forgives us.
"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
- Col 3:12-13
My friends, when we humbly accept the call of God on our lives, He forgives us from our past sins (2Pet 1:9). As the Lord reveals His Truth to us, He charges us to forgive others, that we may remain under His forgiving grace.
"Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God; that no ’root of bitterness’ spring up and cause trouble."
- Heb 12:14-15
Harboring hate or ill-will toward anyone hurts us far more than it does those whom we withhold forgiveness. It will hurt us spiritually, as well as emotionally, and even times physically. Jesus, who soon would forgive even those who crucified Him, spoke often on this eternal Kingdom principle -
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
- Mark 11:25-26
Just as Jesus taught us to treat one another the way we want to be treated; if we want our Father’s forgiveness when we stumble, we must forgive those who wrong us. Each day let us remember what the Lord has done for us, and how He forgives us when we stumble and fall and grieve Him by our disobedience. May we never allow a grudge, or an unforgiving heart, cause Him to withhold His peace from us.
"Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door."
- James 5:9
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
- Matt 6:14-15
Dear saints, we are called to be holy, to walk as He walked, to follow His example. May we never allow unforgiveness or let a grudge against anyone to keep us from the peace and grace of God, but always look to Christ for the strength to forgive and allow His love and mercy to touch the lives of all involved.
Michael
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
- Eph 4:32
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
- Matt 6:12
We love to talk, sing and preach about how God has forgiven us by the blood of Christ Jesus, but forgiving others ourselves can often be one the of hardest things for us, even as Christians. Others slander us, accuse us, harm us or our loved ones. Sometimes they do so purposely, with intent; other times in ignorance, unintentionally. And we are called to forgive, as He forgives us.
"Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
- Col 3:12-13
My friends, when we humbly accept the call of God on our lives, He forgives us from our past sins (2Pet 1:9). As the Lord reveals His Truth to us, He charges us to forgive others, that we may remain under His forgiving grace.
"Strive for peace with all men, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one fail to obtain the grace of God; that no ’root of bitterness’ spring up and cause trouble."
- Heb 12:14-15
Harboring hate or ill-will toward anyone hurts us far more than it does those whom we withhold forgiveness. It will hurt us spiritually, as well as emotionally, and even times physically. Jesus, who soon would forgive even those who crucified Him, spoke often on this eternal Kingdom principle -
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses."
- Mark 11:25-26
Just as Jesus taught us to treat one another the way we want to be treated; if we want our Father’s forgiveness when we stumble, we must forgive those who wrong us. Each day let us remember what the Lord has done for us, and how He forgives us when we stumble and fall and grieve Him by our disobedience. May we never allow a grudge, or an unforgiving heart, cause Him to withhold His peace from us.
"Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the Judge standeth before the door."
- James 5:9
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
- Matt 6:14-15
Dear saints, we are called to be holy, to walk as He walked, to follow His example. May we never allow unforgiveness or let a grudge against anyone to keep us from the peace and grace of God, but always look to Christ for the strength to forgive and allow His love and mercy to touch the lives of all involved.
Michael
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
- Eph 4:32
Saturday, June 6, 2009
The Lord's Prayer - 5
THE LORD’S PRAYER ~ 5
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
- Matt 6:12
"For Thou, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee."
- Psalm 86:5
In the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray always, He tells us to ask the Father for forgiveness. When we first accept the blood atonement of our Lord Jesus our former sins are wiped away, and we start with a clean slate in the eyes of God -
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him."
- Psalm 103:11-13
As we walk this Christian walk on the road to complete salvation, learning the fear of the Lord, we make mistakes, we sometimes fall to temptation. Our sin saddens the heart of God. May it grieve our hearts as well and cause us to truly repent and cry out to Him -
"Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins."
- Psalm 25:18
In this psalm of David, we see the humbleness of a heart that is truly repentant as he entreats the Lord for forgiveness -
"Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies
and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth,
nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD."
- Psalm 25:4-7
Writing to the saints - to those who deny their earthly lusts, take up their cross daily, and follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, says of the Father -
"He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
- Col 1:13-14
In that Kingdom there will be no sin, no unrighteousness. "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful." (Rev 21:27)
Forgiveness. Deliverance. Entrance into His Eternal Kingdom. These promises of God are for us if we call upon Him, and walk according to His Word. He is always willing to forgive those who turn to Him with a humble, repentant and obedient heart.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
- 1John 1:9
Brothers & sisters, let us never take for granted the mercy, forgiveness, and salvation of our God, made available to us through the blood of our Savior Jesus. Let us call upon His Name daily, giving Him thanks and praise, seeking His will, and heeding His commands.
Michael
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, ’I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, ’
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Selah
- Psalm 32:5
"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
- Matt 6:12
"For Thou, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon Thee."
- Psalm 86:5
In the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray always, He tells us to ask the Father for forgiveness. When we first accept the blood atonement of our Lord Jesus our former sins are wiped away, and we start with a clean slate in the eyes of God -
"For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Just as a father has compassion on his children,
So the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him."
- Psalm 103:11-13
As we walk this Christian walk on the road to complete salvation, learning the fear of the Lord, we make mistakes, we sometimes fall to temptation. Our sin saddens the heart of God. May it grieve our hearts as well and cause us to truly repent and cry out to Him -
"Look on my affliction and my pain,
And forgive all my sins."
- Psalm 25:18
In this psalm of David, we see the humbleness of a heart that is truly repentant as he entreats the Lord for forgiveness -
"Show me Your ways, O LORD;
Teach me Your paths.
Lead me in Your truth and teach me,
For You are the God of my salvation;
On You I wait all the day.
Remember, O LORD, Your tender mercies
and Your lovingkindnesses,
For they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth,
nor my transgressions;
According to Your mercy remember me,
For Your goodness’ sake, O LORD."
- Psalm 25:4-7
Writing to the saints - to those who deny their earthly lusts, take up their cross daily, and follow Jesus, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, says of the Father -
"He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the Kingdom of His beloved Son, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
- Col 1:13-14
In that Kingdom there will be no sin, no unrighteousness. "Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful." (Rev 21:27)
Forgiveness. Deliverance. Entrance into His Eternal Kingdom. These promises of God are for us if we call upon Him, and walk according to His Word. He is always willing to forgive those who turn to Him with a humble, repentant and obedient heart.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
- 1John 1:9
Brothers & sisters, let us never take for granted the mercy, forgiveness, and salvation of our God, made available to us through the blood of our Savior Jesus. Let us call upon His Name daily, giving Him thanks and praise, seeking His will, and heeding His commands.
Michael
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, ’I will confess my transgressions to the LORD, ’
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Selah
- Psalm 32:5
Monday, May 25, 2009
The Lord's Prayer - 4
The LORD’S PRAYER ~ 4
"Give us this day our daily bread."
- Mt 6:11
"In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus
"Jesus said to them, ’I Am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
- John 6:35
When God instructed Moses to build the Ark of the Covenant, in it was the "bread of the Presence." Throughout the Exodus, as God lead the Israelites through the desert, the Ark always was in front, as the Presence of the Lord lead the way. 2000 years ago, Jesus came to earth as the manifest presence of God, as the "Living bread that came down from heaven." (John 6:51), and it is He who guides us today, as we seek Him, as we put Him in front of us.
We ought always to seek after, and ask for, more of the Bread of Life each day, more of Jesus. There is so much in our culture, and in this world, that vies for our attention, and consumes our time, yet will leave us unsatisfied. Only in Christ Jesus will we find true fulfillment. Only from Him comes true sustenance.
Jesus, Himself, exhorts us -
"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting Life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
- John 6:27
Knowing that just as our physical body needs food to sustain it, our spiritual life needs continual nourishment to grow and subsist, God makes available to us each day that "food which endures to everlasting Life."
I believe the question is set before us each day -
"Why do you spend money for what is not Bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And delight yourself in abundance.
’Incline your ear and come to Me
Listen, that you may live.’"
- Is 55:2-3a
Let us indeed listen carefully to Him of whom we are to partake - "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, you have no Life in you; he who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal Life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
- John 6:53-54
and again -
"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me."
- John 6:56-57
The Truth Jesus taught in the 6th chapter of John’s Gospel is one of my favorite portions of Scripture. In it we see the absolute necessity of making the Lord Jesus Christ our daily portion. Oh, dear friends, may we ask of the Father each day, "Give us this day our daily Bread." Give us Jesus.
Michael
I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live forever...
- John 6:51
"Give us this day our daily bread."
- Mt 6:11
"In the morning when I rise, give me Jesus
And when I am alone, give me Jesus
And when I am afraid, give me Jesus
You can have all this world, but give me Jesus"
(traditional)
"Jesus said to them, ’I Am the Bread of Life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst."
- John 6:35
When God instructed Moses to build the Ark of the Covenant, in it was the "bread of the Presence." Throughout the Exodus, as God lead the Israelites through the desert, the Ark always was in front, as the Presence of the Lord lead the way. 2000 years ago, Jesus came to earth as the manifest presence of God, as the "Living bread that came down from heaven." (John 6:51), and it is He who guides us today, as we seek Him, as we put Him in front of us.
We ought always to seek after, and ask for, more of the Bread of Life each day, more of Jesus. There is so much in our culture, and in this world, that vies for our attention, and consumes our time, yet will leave us unsatisfied. Only in Christ Jesus will we find true fulfillment. Only from Him comes true sustenance.
Jesus, Himself, exhorts us -
"Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting Life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
- John 6:27
Knowing that just as our physical body needs food to sustain it, our spiritual life needs continual nourishment to grow and subsist, God makes available to us each day that "food which endures to everlasting Life."
I believe the question is set before us each day -
"Why do you spend money for what is not Bread,
And your wages for what does not satisfy?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good,
And delight yourself in abundance.
’Incline your ear and come to Me
Listen, that you may live.’"
- Is 55:2-3a
Let us indeed listen carefully to Him of whom we are to partake - "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, you have no Life in you; he who eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal Life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
- John 6:53-54
and again -
"He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me."
- John 6:56-57
The Truth Jesus taught in the 6th chapter of John’s Gospel is one of my favorite portions of Scripture. In it we see the absolute necessity of making the Lord Jesus Christ our daily portion. Oh, dear friends, may we ask of the Father each day, "Give us this day our daily Bread." Give us Jesus.
Michael
I am the Living Bread which came down from heaven; if any man eat of this Bread, he shall live forever...
- John 6:51
Sunday, May 24, 2009
The Lord's Prayer - 3
THE LORD’S PRAYER ~ 3
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
- Matt 6:10
For the last few years, as I pray this each night, I add ’and in my life’ after "in earth". For I truly want and need His will done in my life, in every area. I’ve come to realize that it is one thing to pray a general prayer for God’s will to be done in all the earth, and something else for me to pray that His will is done specifically, personally, in my life... just as it is one thing to believe in God who created the universe, and another thing to recognize Him, personally, as my God, and my Father.
I love the prayer of the Psalmist -
"Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness."
- Psalm 143:10
Too often, I find myself wanting to dive right into some endeavor, or trying to make something happen, that I think would be good for me, or those I love. But it always serves me well to step back, slow down and inquire of my Father His desire. Now that which I want may very well be in line with God’s will, or it may not be, but I still must bring my ambitions, hopes and plans before Him. As Christians, we are charged to lay our lives upon the altar, and allow Almighty God to work His will in us, in His time, in His way... for His glory and purpose.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
- Rom 12:1-2
Rotherhams Emphasized Bible translates the second half of this verse as "Accomplished be Thy will...", and expounds on the definition of the Greek word γενηθητω (ginomai) which is rendered "be done" in the KJV. "More than ’done’, the word means ’accepted, obeyed, brought to pass, fulfilled.’" To me this shows the necessary relationship between what God wills, and our attitude toward, and our response to, that will.
When we pray for His will to be done, may we tell our Father that we accept His will, and will obey Him; that His will might fully come to pass in our lives. May each one of us come to sing unto the Father as did king David of old -
"I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart."
- Psalm 40:8
Seeking for, listening to, obeying and trusting in God’s perfect will is a daily choice. It is not always easy, as many distractions and temptations come our way, and that is why the Word exhorts us to pray continually, and seek His face always. As we seek the Lord, and invite His Kingdom into our lives, turning away from the temporary pleasures of this world, God will reveal His will to us. And as we are obedient to Him, He gives us the strength to walk in His perfect will.
Dear friends, even our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who told His disciples "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work." (John 4:34), laid aside His will in obedience to the Father, trusting in God’s will completely. Jesus prayed in the garden as the time neared for Him to finish the work He had been sent to accomplish, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." (Matt 26:39) And again, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done." (Matt 26:42)
Submission. Obedience. Trust. Oh what glorious results when we place it all in His hands, and say to our Father - "Thy will be done."
Amen.
Michael
And this is the confidence which we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.
- 1 John 5:14
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
- Matt 6:10
For the last few years, as I pray this each night, I add ’and in my life’ after "in earth". For I truly want and need His will done in my life, in every area. I’ve come to realize that it is one thing to pray a general prayer for God’s will to be done in all the earth, and something else for me to pray that His will is done specifically, personally, in my life... just as it is one thing to believe in God who created the universe, and another thing to recognize Him, personally, as my God, and my Father.
I love the prayer of the Psalmist -
"Teach me to do Your will,
For You are my God;
Your Spirit is good.
Lead me in the land of uprightness."
- Psalm 143:10
Too often, I find myself wanting to dive right into some endeavor, or trying to make something happen, that I think would be good for me, or those I love. But it always serves me well to step back, slow down and inquire of my Father His desire. Now that which I want may very well be in line with God’s will, or it may not be, but I still must bring my ambitions, hopes and plans before Him. As Christians, we are charged to lay our lives upon the altar, and allow Almighty God to work His will in us, in His time, in His way... for His glory and purpose.
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God."
- Rom 12:1-2
Rotherhams Emphasized Bible translates the second half of this verse as "Accomplished be Thy will...", and expounds on the definition of the Greek word γενηθητω (ginomai) which is rendered "be done" in the KJV. "More than ’done’, the word means ’accepted, obeyed, brought to pass, fulfilled.’" To me this shows the necessary relationship between what God wills, and our attitude toward, and our response to, that will.
When we pray for His will to be done, may we tell our Father that we accept His will, and will obey Him; that His will might fully come to pass in our lives. May each one of us come to sing unto the Father as did king David of old -
"I delight to do Thy will, O my God; yea, Thy law is within my heart."
- Psalm 40:8
Seeking for, listening to, obeying and trusting in God’s perfect will is a daily choice. It is not always easy, as many distractions and temptations come our way, and that is why the Word exhorts us to pray continually, and seek His face always. As we seek the Lord, and invite His Kingdom into our lives, turning away from the temporary pleasures of this world, God will reveal His will to us. And as we are obedient to Him, He gives us the strength to walk in His perfect will.
Dear friends, even our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who told His disciples "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work." (John 4:34), laid aside His will in obedience to the Father, trusting in God’s will completely. Jesus prayed in the garden as the time neared for Him to finish the work He had been sent to accomplish, "O My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from Me: nevertheless not as I will, but as Thou wilt." (Matt 26:39) And again, "O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me, except I drink it, Thy will be done." (Matt 26:42)
Submission. Obedience. Trust. Oh what glorious results when we place it all in His hands, and say to our Father - "Thy will be done."
Amen.
Michael
And this is the confidence which we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will He hears us.
- 1 John 5:14
The Lord's Prayer - 2
THE LORD’S PRAYER ~ 2
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
- Matt 6:10
In the books of Revelation, Isaiah, Micah and Zechariah among others, we can read of the Kingdom of God, the New Jerusalem coming to the earth in the future. This is the Christian hope, the physical Kingdom in which God will dwell with His people on the earth.
It is indeed a real Kingdom. One in which the blessed shall eat bread (Luke 14:15). One in which, with Christ, the saints shall drink of the fruit of the vine (Luke 22:18). One in which we dwell safely, build houses, plant vineyards, and abide securely with God (Eze 28:26)
When Christ, Head and body, has driven out sin and rebellion from God’s creation, then -
"Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness,
A Faithful City.
"Zion will be redeemed with justice
And her repentant ones with righteousness."
- Is 1:26-27
This is the Eternal Kingdom. This was what God promised to His friend Abraham (Gen 17:8). And this is what Abraham looked forward to, "for he was looking for the City which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Heb 11:10). And that is our hope as well. For as yet "we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Heb 13:14)
Yea, I stand firm upon God’s promise. For He says - "I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness."(Zec 8:8)
We are encouraged by the Lord Jesus to "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness..." (Matt 6:33)
And in this we discover that there is another aspect to this Kingdom that is here now, that is internal. For Jesus also said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation;... for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21) In addition to being the eternal dwelling place of the righteous, the Kingdom of God is to be our way of life even now. THE Way of Life. The Kingdom of God within us is - "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Rom 14:17)
It begins in us as a seed. A seed that must be nurtured (Matt 13:18-23). We are called to water that seed, by seeking the Lord, submitting our ways to Him and inviting Jesus into every aspect of our lives. God will bring the increase of His kingdom into our lives, and we will bear fruit as we worship, pray, read the Word, and fellowship. The fruit that we bear is the evidence of Christ in us. The evidence that we are following Him, walking in His ways, and being transformed from glory to glory into His image.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
- Gal 5:22-23
May that be the fruit we bear.
"Thy Kingdom come..."
Lord, may Your Kingdom come to us internally in a very real way, that convicts us and changes and transforms us by Your Spirit, that we may be truly born again, and prepared to enter into Your Eternal Kingdom when You appear.
Dear friends, let us hold on to that promise of His coming everlasting Kingdom, even as we focus our present attention each day on coming to know Him, and being conformed to His image, more and more.
Michael
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;for our God is a consuming fire.
- Heb 12:28-29
"Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven."
- Matt 6:10
In the books of Revelation, Isaiah, Micah and Zechariah among others, we can read of the Kingdom of God, the New Jerusalem coming to the earth in the future. This is the Christian hope, the physical Kingdom in which God will dwell with His people on the earth.
It is indeed a real Kingdom. One in which the blessed shall eat bread (Luke 14:15). One in which, with Christ, the saints shall drink of the fruit of the vine (Luke 22:18). One in which we dwell safely, build houses, plant vineyards, and abide securely with God (Eze 28:26)
When Christ, Head and body, has driven out sin and rebellion from God’s creation, then -
"Afterward you will be called the City of Righteousness,
A Faithful City.
"Zion will be redeemed with justice
And her repentant ones with righteousness."
- Is 1:26-27
This is the Eternal Kingdom. This was what God promised to His friend Abraham (Gen 17:8). And this is what Abraham looked forward to, "for he was looking for the City which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Heb 11:10). And that is our hope as well. For as yet "we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come." (Heb 13:14)
Yea, I stand firm upon God’s promise. For He says - "I will bring them back and they will live in the midst of Jerusalem; and they shall be My people, and I will be their God in truth and righteousness."(Zec 8:8)
We are encouraged by the Lord Jesus to "Seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness..." (Matt 6:33)
And in this we discover that there is another aspect to this Kingdom that is here now, that is internal. For Jesus also said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation;... for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21) In addition to being the eternal dwelling place of the righteous, the Kingdom of God is to be our way of life even now. THE Way of Life. The Kingdom of God within us is - "righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Rom 14:17)
It begins in us as a seed. A seed that must be nurtured (Matt 13:18-23). We are called to water that seed, by seeking the Lord, submitting our ways to Him and inviting Jesus into every aspect of our lives. God will bring the increase of His kingdom into our lives, and we will bear fruit as we worship, pray, read the Word, and fellowship. The fruit that we bear is the evidence of Christ in us. The evidence that we are following Him, walking in His ways, and being transformed from glory to glory into His image.
"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control."
- Gal 5:22-23
May that be the fruit we bear.
"Thy Kingdom come..."
Lord, may Your Kingdom come to us internally in a very real way, that convicts us and changes and transforms us by Your Spirit, that we may be truly born again, and prepared to enter into Your Eternal Kingdom when You appear.
Dear friends, let us hold on to that promise of His coming everlasting Kingdom, even as we focus our present attention each day on coming to know Him, and being conformed to His image, more and more.
Michael
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe;for our God is a consuming fire.
- Heb 12:28-29
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)