The Word for wisdom:
Proverbs 21:4 (HCSB)
The lamp that guides the wicked— haughty eyes and an arrogant heart—is sin.
The Word for inspiration:
Psalm 147:6 (HCSB)
The Lord helps the afflicted but brings the wicked to the ground.
The Word for encouragement:
Luke 11:4 (HCSB)
And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us. And do not bring us into temptation."
My observation:
There are two prayers in our focal verse for today in Luke. We will examine the first request today, and the second one next week.
Jesus concludes the model prayer by teaching his disciples that they should pray for forgiveness. He continues to emphasize the importance of the "our" in prayer. The issue is not just that I am prone to sin, but there is sin everywhere in our fallen world. God has the world on his heart, and we should have the world on our heart.
There are some prerequisites for receiving forgiveness. Jesus taught his disciples that the receivers of forgiveness must first be dispensers of forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15 (HCSB)
14 "For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15 But if you don't forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.
There is also another important element in forgiveness, and that is faith. You must believe that God is able to forgive sin, and that he is willing. Jesus had previously taught his disciples this vital truth.
Luke 7:47-50 (HCSB)
47 Therefore I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; that's why she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little." 48 Then He said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49 Those who were at the table with Him began to say among themselves, "Who is this man who even forgives sins?" 50 And He said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I extol you for your burden and concern for the world, and your desire that none should perish. Father, give me more love and faith so that I might be a faithful follower who has a heart for the world that reflects your heart.
Father God, I pray that my love for God and others, and my faith in you would create in me a burning desire to intercede for the sins in others, and not just in myself. Father, may I learn how to pray daily, "Forgive us our sins".
Mark 11:25 (HCSB)
And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing.
My song:
Our Father Who Art in Heaven (Click on link below to listen to this song):
YouTube - Don Moen - Our Father who art in heaven
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http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org
Current topic: A Proverb a day for wisdom, and a Psalm a day for inspiration.
Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
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