The Lord's Prayer

Growing up in the church my entire life, I have heard the Lord's Prayer many times over the years. However, it wasn't until a few years ago when I received a book given to me as a freebie while a freshman at a local university that this seemingly routine prayer developed new meaning in my life. The book was titled, "The Holiness of God", by a well-known theologian named R.C. Sproul. Ever since i first opened it, this book has greatly impacted my faith and understanding of Christ. R.C. Sproul's "The Holiness of God" enlightened on one small verse that begins the Lord's Prayer, a small but highly foundational verse. The Lord's Prayer is found in the book of Matthew, chapter 6 verses 9 through 13. The passage begins like this, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." I never realized fully what this short verse meant. Rather than being a petition, "our father in heaven, hallowed be your name" is an acknowledgement that God is to be regarded as Holy. This verse is foundational to our understanding of the Lord's Prayer. R.C. Sproul described this concept so perfectly and concisely: " God's kingdom will never come where His name is not considered holy. His will is not done on earth as it is in heaven if His name is desecrated here." Who knew that such a powerful truth could hinge on such a short verse! How has Christ's holiness impacted your life?

Nourishment for Thought

As I was reading today's devotion in the book of II Timothy dealing with the application of scripture; I couldn't help but think about how important the Bible is to our whole life. 

"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."(II Timothy 3:16-17) How truly wonderful it is to know that we can go to our Heavenly Father through His Word for guidance in our lives. Finding comfort and instruction gives us the strength to keep going, like finding water in a desert. "As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God."(Ps. 42:1-2) When we come to the place where we truly have absorbed who God says He is, the peace and reassurance we feel is like finding fresh water in a barren desert. God's Word is nourishment to every vein of our existence.

What scripture passages do you find refreshment and comfort in your everyday life?

Steadfast

The technical definition for the word, Steadfast is: "fixed in direction; steadily directed. Firm in purpose, resolution, faith, attachment, as a person. Unwavering, as resolution, faith, adherence. 

For many people, these recent times have been difficult and anxiety-inducing. Jobs are not as stable as they once seemed to be, the economy is unclear, and families are having to learn to make do with less and less. 

I find myself battling worry and anxiety more often as things I once took for granted are shifting constantly. But something remarkable is taking shape at the same time. I am beginning to discover a prayer life I never knew I had. One that gives me unspeakable peace and a quiet strength I cannot explain! In James 5:13-18, it talks about how prayer should be central to our daily lives. The word steadfast ties in directly with how we should pray: our prayer should be fixed on Christ, firm, and unwavering.

"The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."(v. 16)

What impact would prayer have in your life if you sought to pray more steadfastly throughout the day?

"I can do all things through him who strengthens me" is not about our accomplishments...Phil. 4

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength is a verse that many people have used and, unfortunately, taken out of context quite often over the years. In church we often come under the assumption that Philippians 4:13 is telling us that we can accomplish anything if we just trust in God. But that is not the context of this verse at all. "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" is not about our accomplishments, but rather, its about finding contentment no matter our circumstances. It is imperative always when reading scripture, to read the context carefully. Starting at verse 11: "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." How does the context of this chapter affect your understanding and application of Philippians 4:13 in your life?