Praising God (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Michelle Jimenez – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our main scripture passage is Matthew 6:13b.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. – Matthew 6:13b

 Praising God

“For thine is the Kingdom” . . . the last verse of The Lord’s Prayer.  God is sovereign!

“Thine is the power” . . . God never runs out of power.

An angel is never called “all mighty” in scripture.  Neither are humans.  This title is reserved only for God.

“Thine is the glory” . . . “Glory” means “majestic brightness.”

1.  We are to reside in His kingdom.  Where God is is where His kingdom is.  Our hearts reside there if we are believers.

So that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. – 1 Thessalonians 2:12

We are more interested in building our kingdom than building God’s kingdom.  Make life about God’s kingdom.

But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

Whatever you want God to bless, put Him first in that area.  Then, watch what He does.  If you want God to bless your finances, then put God first in your finances.  TITHE!

Apply this principle to other (ALL) areas of your life:

Finances
Interests
Relationships
Schedule
Trouble

2.  We are to rely on His power.

For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. – 1 Corinthians 4:20 

God does not bless self-reliance.  He blesses those who depend on HIM.

We  practice dependence without expectancy.  Expect God to do something big in your life.

God’s power is unleashed every time we pray.  Prayer is being plugged into the power of God.

Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. – James 5:16    

Don’t just say it . . . PRAY IT!

God’s power is unleashed when we step out in faith.  Often, God’s power comes DURING instead of before a conflict.

We have to step out.

The Jordon River wasn’t rolled back until they put their feet in the water.

When we are weak, HE is strong.  When we are inadequate, He is adequate.

3.  We are to remember God’s glory.

For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. – Romans 11:36  

God did not make me for me.  He made me for Himself . . . for His glory.

It’s not about making money.  It’s about making a difference.

Don’t rob God’s glory.  Don’t rob God of His glory.

To glorify God by being a faithful steward of all God has entrusted to us.” – Truett Cathy 

To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. – Ephesians 3:21 

For all things are for your sakes, so that the grace which is spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God. – 2 Corinthians 4:15 

The more we talk about Jesus, the more glory God gets.

God is forever.

We will spend eternity somewhere.  Are you born again?  Where will you spend eternity?

There was a time when you were not, but there will never be a time when you will no longer be.  Where will you spend that time?

Do you want to be sure you will spend eternity in Heaven?  Click here to learn  more about how you can be absolutely sure you will spend eternity in Heaven.   

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here. 

Temptation and Help from Temptation (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Naasom Azevedo – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our main scripture passage for today is Matthew 6:13.

And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Temptation and Help from Temptation

We are on a hit list . . .Satan’s hit list.

1.  Temptation is not a sin.

2.  Temptation is an opportunity for great spiritual growth in the life of a Jesus-Follower.

Pray for God to get you through it and grow you through it.

Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,  knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. – James 1:2-3

Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. – James 1:13-14

Tests motivate us and measure us in order to grow us.  God does not tempt us but He allows temptation from the enemy to test us.

3.  Temptation is a tool the devil uses to destroy us.  Satan’s purpose is to destroy us.

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. – 1 Peter 5:8

Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. – Matthew 26:41 

Watch and pray!

We are prone to temptation:

when our bodies are weak and worn down.

when we are preparing for a great spiritual undertaking.

after enjoying a great spiritual incidence (for example, after a church camp.)

But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. – James 1:14

4.  All temptations fall under these three areas:

A.  Pleasure
B.  Possessions
C.  Pride  

5.  There are four stages in every temptation.

Desire – I want it.

Doubt – I’m not good enough anyway.

Deception – We believe lies such as “noone will find out” or “God doesn’t care what I do.”

Disobedience – We give in to sin.

6.  God helps us through His Spirit.

He guides us.

He convicts us.  We are uncomfortable because we know it is wrong.

If there is not conviction of sin in your life, you are not saved.

7.  God helps us through His Word.

Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might no sin against thee. – Psalm 119:11 

Memorize scripture.

If we are hungering for sin, we are not hungering for God’s Word.

Watch what we allow into our lives:  books, movies, etc.

Don’t fill our minds with trash.

8.  God helps us through His people.

For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. – Ecclesiastes 4:10 

God’s people provide accountability and encouragement.  Go to church!

9.  The greatest temptation is to do nothing.  Apply what God has taught you.  One great temptation is to not do what we should be doing.

Don’t put stuff off . . . especially the decision to know Jesus.

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.

Forgiveness – Forgiven and Forgiving (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Ben White – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our main scripture text for today is Matthew 6:12.

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. – Matthew 6:12 (NASB)

 Forgiveness – Forgiven and Forgiving

There are two evil twins.  There names are “Resentment” and “Bitterness.”

We have a choice.  We can hold on to hurt or we can release it.

Hurt people hurt people.

I need forgiveness.

I must forgive.

I will forgive.

Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 

For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. When he had begun to settle them, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.  But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.  So the slave fell to the ground and prostrated himself before him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you everything.’  And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. 

But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and he seized him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe.’  So his fellow slave fell to the ground and began to plead with him, saying, ‘Have patience with me and I will repay you.’  But he was unwilling and went and threw him in prison until he should pay back what was owed. 

So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened.  Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.  Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’  And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him.  

My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” – Matthew 18:21-35

1.  I need forgiveness.  I will never have to forgive someone else more than I’ve already been forgiven by God.

2.  I must forgive.  Forgiving others leads to a cheerful heart.  Refusing to forgive leads to bitterness.

A joyful heart is good medicine.

But a broken spirit dries up the bones. – Proverbs 17:22 

See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled.  – Hebrews 12:15

Bitterness is contagious and has a generational curse. 

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:31-32

My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart. – Matthew 18:35  

3.  I will forgive.  How?  Let it go.  Leave it with God.  Live in God’s grace.

Read Corrie Ten Boom’s story of forgiveness here. 

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.

 

 

 

Give Us Daily Bread (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Image Credit:  Kate Remmer - Public Domain Image - via Freely Photos

Give Us Daily Bread

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

Our scripture reference for today is Matthew 6:11.

Give us our daily bread.

 Bread = God’s Word, Spiritual Nourishment

“Soul” Food

Bread = God’s Family

They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42

 Bread = Jesus Christ

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. John 6:35

1.  God is my source.

A Great Giver

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17  

 A Great Provider

And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

A Great Inviter

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 

You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. James 4:2

2.  God wants our trust.

We shouldn’t worry.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. Psalm 37:8

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:3

When I trust God, I’ll be thankful.

In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

  3.  God wants us to share.

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.

God is Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer Series)

Photo Credit – Ben White – CCO Public Domain – Freely Photos

The following are my Bible study notes based on my pastor's sermon.

God is Our Father

Prayer comes naturally for some. It’s as simple as talking to the Lord like He’s right here with us, sitting next to us. It’s like having a conversation with a close friend. For others, it’s not so natural. Some people feel intimidated about prayer, especially if they are asked to pray out loud in the presence of others. In Matthew, chapter 6, Jesus gave us an example. He showed us how to pray. The passage is known as The Lord’s Prayer.

Our Father in Heaven

Our passage for this series on The Lord’s Prayer is Matthew 6:9-13

Pray, then, in this way:
Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Our focus verse is Matthew 6:9.

Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.

To refer to God as “our Father” was shocking in Biblical times because they did not refer to God in a personal way.

1. God is a Father who cares.

Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm103:13 

Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Matthew 6:31-32 

2. God is a Father who is consistent.

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. James 1:17 

3. God is a Father who is competent.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. Ephesians 3:20

God is the creator of all but He is a Father to those who receive him.

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name. John 1:12

The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8:16-17 

It is important to teach our children how to pray.

You'll find all my posts about this Bible study series here.

The Lord’s Prayer by Rick Warren – Teaching Children to Pray

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 The Lord's Prayer

I have always believed it is important to teach children to pray as early as possible.  As soon as they start learning to speak, they can learn how to pray.  My parents taught us to repeat a sweet little prayer every night before bedtime.  I taught my children that same prayer when they were young toddlers, but then I realized that I didn’t just want them to learn to repeat prayers.  I wanted them to learn to pray their own prayers so I started teaching them to talk to the Lord.  I taught them to tell Him what was on their hearts.  Looking back, I think both methods are helpful when teaching children to pray.

There is another way to teach children to pray.  Jesus gave us an example of how to pray in Matthew 6:9-13.  This passage of scripture is called The Lord’s Prayer.

Pray, then, in this way:

Our Father who is in heaven,
Hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. - Matthew 6:9-13

Image Used by Permission via BookLook Bloggers

Rick Warren has written a children’s book about The Lord’s Prayer.  I think the book is a great resource for teaching children how to pray.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

As you can see by the photo above, the illustrations are great.  There is a place on this page at the beginning of the book for an adult to write who the book is from if it is given as a gift.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

On one page, Mr. Warren features a verse from the Lord’s Prayer found in the book of Matthew.  On the next page, he provides a child friendly description of what that verse means.

Image Credit:  Abundant Family Living

In The Lord’s Prayer by Rick Warren, children read each line of scripture from the King James Version.  Then, with child-friendly language and appealing illustrations by Richard Jesse Watson, the popular scripture passage is made more relatable to kids.

I think the book is definitely a useful tool for teaching children how to pray.  If you’re interested in a obtaining a copy for your child’s library, you will find it here.

Pray Big for Your Child by Will Davis Jr.

Pray big for your child.  It seems like a natural thing to do doesn't it?  I pray for my children.  Hopefully, you pray for yours, but do we pray big?  Reading Pray Big for Your Child by Will Davis Jr. helped me to realize that the prayers I had become so used to praying are general prayers like "protect my kids," "keep my kids safe," etc.  Pray Big for Your Child helped me learn to pray "big, bold audacious" prayers for my kids and others.  I learned to pray specific prayers.  General prayers aren't bad.  It is perfectly find to pray for God to protect our kids, but this book helped me to remember to pray more specifically like "Protect my kids from (fill in the blank with something specific)."  Help my child to understand (fill in the blank with something specific)."

Pray Big for Your Child by Will Davis, Jr.

Learning to Pray Big for Your Child

My oldest child is 20 years old but I have prayed for him for more than 20 years.  I prayed for my children long before they were born.  In fact, I have prayed for my children since I was practically a child myself.  Even as a child, all I wanted in life was a husband, kids and a little white house with a little white picket fence.  First I prayed that God would gift us with children and then I prayed for them.  I prayed that I would be a good mother and that my children would be obedient.  I prayed that I would know what to do if one of my babies choked on a hot dog or ran out into the street.  I prayed my children would be healthy and that I would have at least one boy and one girl.  After they started to school, I prayed they would be treated well and that they would treat others well.  I prayed that they would receive good grades and that their teachers would like them.  As they grew older, I prayed they would choose good friends, that they would make good decisions, that they would not do drugs . . . the list goes on and on.  I have always spent a lot of time praying for my kids and I always prayed from deep within my heart. One thing I learned while reading Pray Big for Your Child by Will Davis Jr. is that while I have always prayed general prayers - and those are good - I need to learn to pray specific prayers for my children.  I need to pray pin-point prayers.

Praying Pin-Point Prayers

Will Davis encourages us to pray specific pin-point prayers for our children. Davis tells us in Part 1 that

 "Pinpoint prayers, as opposed to no-point prayers, have clear purpose, direction, and focus. They're the kind of prayers that honor God the most, and they're the kind that you and I want to be praying for our children."

Davis outlines the principles of Biblical, specific, and bold prayers for our children.  He compares a parent's pinpoint prayer to a child who is asking for Santa for very specific gifts.  Pray Big for Your Child reminds readers that broad, general prayers aren't wrong, but bold specific prayers are most effective.  Parents are encouraged to pray with the faith of a child and to ask God to show them how to pray for their child.

Big, Hairy, Audacious Prayers

Davis loves it when parents pray BHAP prayers, Big, Hairy, Audacious Prayers for their children. He teaches parents how to do this in chapter 3.  He outlines the principles of BHAP prayers as God-centered, based on a vision, biblical, and non-manipulated.  In chapter 3 of part 1, Will Davis Jr. gives parents a little homework assignment.  He instructs parents to make a list of pinpoint, big, hairy, audacious prayers they wish to pray for their children.  Then, he tells parents to search the Bible for specific scriptures to support each prayer.

Pray Big for Your Child: Part 2  

Will Davis Jr. begins part 2 of his book, Pray Big for Your Child, by laying down a firm foundation of prayer guidelines.  He outlines specific prayer points such as praying that your child will have a healthy reverence for God, that your child will develop Godly character . . . and so forth. He explains how "being a character and having character are not the same thing."  Chapter 4 is packed full of prayer principles and specific prayers you can add to your own list for your child, no matter how young or how old he or she is.  When you read Pray Big for Your Child, you learn to pray big. You will learn to pray specifically about your child's obedience to God, finding favor with God, knowing the Bible and how to pray that your child learns to hear God's voice.

Chapter 4 teaches parents how to pray for their child's future spouse and his or her family.

Chapters 5 - 6

Davis continues to guide parents through the principles of praying through a child's daily life. He teaches parents how to pray for their child's protection, education and relationships.  Davis outlines the importance of praying for your child to develop Godly friends.  Davis says to his readers,

"It's scary to think about, but there will be times when your child's friends will actually have more influence on your child's decisions than you do, and a bad influence can easily lead an otherwise moral kid astray."

Davis teaches parents how to pray for their children's spiritual maturity.  Parents are encouraged to pray that their children will love God, love His Word (the Bible), and love to pray.  Parents should pray that their children will love to worship God and that they will use their God-given gifts to serve God in their place of worship.

Chapter 7

In chapter 7 of Pray Big for Your Child, Davis teaches parents how to pray for the man their sons will become. This chapters stresses the importance of Christian Community. Our kids are tempted in ways we never dreamed of when we were younger. Davis teaches parents to pray that their sons will be surrounded by Godly men and form a community of accountability. Davis reminds parents that they should model Godly relationships. If parents don't think it is important to be part of a community of Godly relationships, chances are their kids won't value those relationships when they reach adulthood. In chapter 7, Davis also emphasizes the importance of modeling and teaching children to be good leaders. 

Chapter 8 

Chapter 8 teaches parents how to pray for the women their daughters will become.  We learn to pray that our daughters will love and respect themselves and that they will place Jesus first in their lives.  Davis teaches parents how to pray that their daughters will know they are holy creations.

Chapter 9

In chapter 9, we learn to pray for our children's mission.  God created each one of our children for a specific purpose.  Parents learn to pray that our children will recognize God's vision for their lives and that they will recognize their roles.  One pin-point prayer, amongst others, is that our children will realize their purpose through serving others.

Part 3 

I'm afraid I might have already given too much information so let me summarize Part 3 by saying that this last section focuses on teaching parents to let go and allow God to complete his purposes through our children.  Parents learn to pray for other people who will impact our children's lives.  We learn to pray pin-point prayers for our kids, those around them and their spiritual inheritance.

At the end of this book, Davis offers parents a 30 Day prayer guide which covers our children's hearts, souls, minds, and their strength.

I found this book helpful and I hope you will as well.  I highlighted specific areas throughout the book and plan to use it as a daily guide which will show me daily how to pray specific, powerful, pin-point prayers for my children and others.

You might also like:

The Lord's Prayer by Rick Warren