“Deliver Us from Evil”
— The Lord’s Prayer,
Part 11 of 12

Get rid of all bitterness, anger, and vengefulness. Avoid quarreling and slander, shunning all kinds of malice. — Ephesians 4:31 Sin is failure to do the good you know you should do. — James 4:17 If I had suffered an abusive childhood, had intolerant teachers in school, or my boss was too demanding, I might […]

“Lead Us Not into Temptation”
— The Lord’s Prayer,
Part 10 of 12

People are tempted when their desires take them in a direction different from where God would have them go. — James 1:14 Is it true? God might lead us into temptation? Many would say that’s impossible. Doesn’t he work to protect us from evil? Surely, he would never lead us into it. But if God […]

“As We Forgive”
— The Lord’s Prayer,
Part 9 of 12

“If you do not forgive,” Jesus said, “your heavenly Father will not forgive your sins.” — Mark 11:26 Peter asked how many times one should forgive, thinking seven times was the extreme (Matthew 18:21). When Jesus answered, “Seventy times seven,” Peter should have understood that forgiveness was essential for every offense. I wonder if he […]

“Forgive Us Our Debts”
— The Lord’s Prayer,
Part 8 of 12

If we confess our wrongdoing, he is sure to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. — 1 John 1:9 The Jews of Jesus’ day had little interest in forgiveness. They believed in justice, which meant an “eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth (Exodus 21:23-24).” A person wronged was entitled to damages […]

“Our Daily Bread”
— The Lord’s Prayer,
Part 7 of 12

Seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and God will give you everything you need. Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have its own worries. Today’s problems are enough for today. — Matthew 6:33 We buy insurance, save for retirement, and lay out plans and strategies in an attempt to secure our future. […]