Our passage today is an answer to a question … actually, two questions. So let’s check them out.
Daily Devotion
Conversations
PRAYER: Talking to my Father
One of the things we need to talk to our Father about is spiritual protection. We have an enemy who is out to get us.
PRAYER: Talking to my Father
Today’s passage makes it clear that temptation does not come from God. God can neither be tempted nor tempt us. So, what is the source of temptation that strongly influences our lives?
PRAYER: Talking with my Father
Temptation is real, persuasive, and alluring; otherwise, it wouldn’t be called temptation. But you do not have to cross the line. If you choose to take that step, you do so because you want to, not because you have to.
PRAYER: Talking to my Father
Christians in every generation have the same temptation—the allure to retreat from the world. From business to education to recreation, there is a desire only to be involved with other believers. One problem … that was not the intention of Jesus.
PRAYER: Talking to my Father
It was going to be a tough meeting. Those sitting around the table had some real issues with each other. You could feel the tension—so thick you could cut it with a knife, as the saying goes. I knew this time together could blow up in my face.
PRAYER: Talking to my Father
I can relate to the reasoning of Matthew 5:43. I love hanging out with neighbors. That’s a good time. Joking around. Laughing. Investing in the lives of people you like. I can handle that. And my enemy?
PRAYER: Talking to my Father
The apostle Peter had a question about forgiveness. When he asked Jesus how many times a person should be forgiven, Jesus told the story of a king who wanted to settle his accounts.
PRAYER: Talking to my Father
Living in real life means inevitable issues with people in our lives. When those issues arise, and they will, Jesus gives us specific instructions.
PRAYER: Talking with my Father
The great author C.S. Lewis says that everybody loves the idea of forgiveness …until they have to forgive someone, that’s true, isn’t it? Forgiveness is a tremendous spiritual truth! What could be better?
PRAYER: Talking with my Father
If there was ever a verse torn apart by being ripped out of context so often, today’s passage is it. A popular scriptural reference from the world of “Christian” pop psychology, this verse is to be memorized and written on your bathroom mirror with a permanent marker.
ENGAGE: Talking to our Father
As much as I enjoy the stretching experiences of mission trips, I love getting back home. I looked forward to packing up and heading to the airport to begin the marathon journey back to Pittsburgh. But then, something caught my attention.