No Need To Look Past God
“Give us this day our daily bread,” (Matthew 6:11, ESV) When we pray, we are saying to the Lord: “I am depending on you.” We are looking to God as our provider. We know that we can count on God to provide what is needed – his provision is always sufficient. He has so loved […]
Pray Like This
“Pray then like this:” (Matthew 6:9a, ESV) When Jesus begins to tell his disciples how to pray, he says to them “Pray then like this…” (emphasis added). This is important because Jesus is telling us two things: (1) PRAY; and (2) ‘like this’ meaning this is not the required words to pray but an outline […]
NOT ‘IF YOU PRAY’ BUT ‘WHEN YOU PRAY’
““And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” (Matthew 6:7–8, ESV) Pray first. Someone has said “you can do more than […]
Praying UP – Not Out!
““And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.” (Matthew 6:5, ESV) There is nothing wrong with praying in public – […]
It is to God alone we live our lives!
“…so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4) Here is a foundational question: Do you live your life for people or for God? Can’t be both because these are two very different paths that never intersect. God and God only is our audience […]
Real Strength Is Not Reflected in Muscles but Might of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.” (Ephesians 6:10, ESV) “Charles Atlas” stands gazing at his own physique – this looks like strength from a worldly viewpoint, but it is the worse form of weakness – trusting in our own strength fails every time. When we are ‘strong in […]
“Don’t Forget Your Mittens”
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” (Ephesians 6:11, ESV) Can’t you hear your mother shouting after you something like “don’t forget your mittens” or “be sure and put your jacket on” Clothes in the physical world are to protect us from […]
Redeemed By Christ
Colossians 1:14 (ESV) 14in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Nothing is more basic than redemption. Without redemption we are dead. Without redemption we have no adoption by God as his child and by which we cry ‘Abba Father’. Without redemption our lives are without meaning and without peace. Without redemption we are […]
Your Transfer Came Through Jesus
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,” (Colossians 1:13, ESV) You have been delivered – from darkness to light You’ve been transferred – from death to life You have had your permanent address change – from lost to found, from dead to alive, […]
You Are Qualified!!!
Colossians 1:12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. I remember the great feeling when you ‘made’ the team, or, you were chosen to be a part of something. We are, in Christ, a part of the greatest ‘team’ ever and we are […]