Dear All
Jonathon wrote in the network news of June 2009 that ‘We are in a time where God is calling us to increased prayer’. Absolutely. My favourite prayer is the one Jesus taught his followers. It’s a wise way of life and speaks of many things all of which you have probably heard of lots. Its worth dwelling on again and immersing ourselves in God and His great purpose of the coming Kingdom of God. Just a few more brief thoughts as I pack up the house ready to move down!
It begins Our Father. Among the things to notice is of course a profound sense of intimacy and care. We have a good idea of what a good father is – even if we have not had an earthly model for various reasons – and know that God is good. We need to dwell in God’s love for us. We are of such value to Him, Jesus paid the highest price for us. Along with other phrases in the prayer, it is not individualistic. Yes our faith is deeply personal, but not private – and it also has a core understanding of unity together with love for one another. This love is such that folk can know we are His disciples because of it. I’ve heard that preferences divide folk – but purpose and vision unites. Let’s continue in unity and seek His kingdom first and praise Him together especially in our services. We are His children and heirs.
May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Wow! What an astonishing thought. Endless in fact, there is always more to consider and marvel at. Jesus preaching and ministry seemed always to be about that – “Repent – The Kingdom of God is near!” plus the healings and simple strong teaching. And of course where folk live God’s life giving ways day to day, in attitude and ambition, in relationships and more – then God’s will is being done more and more. Bridlington, West Hill – The world is groaning for it.
Of major importance is forgiveness. It is to be relentless, from the heart and not begrudging. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus follows up the prayer with emphasizing forgiveness. He knows what folk are like! Yes it can be hard – so in Luke’s gospel, persistence in prayer is linked with daily bread. Deeper than food, its also about fullness of the Holy Spirit – look at the story after the Lord’s prayer in Luke 11, its about perseverance in getting bread – and the conclusion in verses 11- 13. We absolutely need Him to be Jesus disciples in deed and word and need not be afraid.
Testing, persecution, these also come to Jesus disciples and we ought not to be surprised at that. Yet God is sovereign. He can refine us through it and His glory shown – take a look at 2 Cor 12v9 as an example.
Let’s all draw close to Father Son and Holy Spirit, seek His kingdom first, seek it with persistence and determination. God loves the world and wants everyone to be saved.
Dave
Jonathon wrote in the network news of June 2009 that ‘We are in a time where God is calling us to increased prayer’. Absolutely. My favourite prayer is the one Jesus taught his followers. It’s a wise way of life and speaks of many things all of which you have probably heard of lots. Its worth dwelling on again and immersing ourselves in God and His great purpose of the coming Kingdom of God. Just a few more brief thoughts as I pack up the house ready to move down!
It begins Our Father. Among the things to notice is of course a profound sense of intimacy and care. We have a good idea of what a good father is – even if we have not had an earthly model for various reasons – and know that God is good. We need to dwell in God’s love for us. We are of such value to Him, Jesus paid the highest price for us. Along with other phrases in the prayer, it is not individualistic. Yes our faith is deeply personal, but not private – and it also has a core understanding of unity together with love for one another. This love is such that folk can know we are His disciples because of it. I’ve heard that preferences divide folk – but purpose and vision unites. Let’s continue in unity and seek His kingdom first and praise Him together especially in our services. We are His children and heirs.
May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Wow! What an astonishing thought. Endless in fact, there is always more to consider and marvel at. Jesus preaching and ministry seemed always to be about that – “Repent – The Kingdom of God is near!” plus the healings and simple strong teaching. And of course where folk live God’s life giving ways day to day, in attitude and ambition, in relationships and more – then God’s will is being done more and more. Bridlington, West Hill – The world is groaning for it.
Of major importance is forgiveness. It is to be relentless, from the heart and not begrudging. In Matthew’s gospel Jesus follows up the prayer with emphasizing forgiveness. He knows what folk are like! Yes it can be hard – so in Luke’s gospel, persistence in prayer is linked with daily bread. Deeper than food, its also about fullness of the Holy Spirit – look at the story after the Lord’s prayer in Luke 11, its about perseverance in getting bread – and the conclusion in verses 11- 13. We absolutely need Him to be Jesus disciples in deed and word and need not be afraid.
Testing, persecution, these also come to Jesus disciples and we ought not to be surprised at that. Yet God is sovereign. He can refine us through it and His glory shown – take a look at 2 Cor 12v9 as an example.
Let’s all draw close to Father Son and Holy Spirit, seek His kingdom first, seek it with persistence and determination. God loves the world and wants everyone to be saved.
Dave
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