The name of the Lord shines brightly through each verse of Matthew’s first two chapters; that name we hold hallowed as we pray and offer praise. Certainly, the whole of scripture is a revelation of God, but Matthew’s first two chapters seem to be especially focused on his work, providing the careful reader much on… Continue reading Matthew 3 – Introducing the Kingdom
Tag: The Lords Prayer
Some Final Thoughts on The Lord’s Prayer
In the beginning, God created light, the planets, the atmosphere, plants, animals, then Adam and Eve were placed in the garden. Eden—unspoiled paradise—was our first home. But Adam and Eve weren’t alone, God was there. And I don’t mean he was there in some incorporeal form, He was in the garden in such a way… Continue reading Some Final Thoughts on The Lord’s Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer and the Father’s Love
One of the things you must believe if you are to hold fast to naturalism is that every particle of dust in the universe is merely that; a particle of dust. Likewise, if you are to hold fast to most any transcendental point of view you are almost always required to believe that every particle… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer and the Father’s Love
The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 145
The first car I owned was a Mazda 626, a fairly common car at the time. I didn’t recall seeing many on the road, but when I drove mine off the lot I started seeing them everywhere. Once our mind is tuned into one thing we often see it everywhere, even when it’s not there.… Continue reading The Lord’s Prayer and Psalm 145
The Key to the Father’s Treasure
I wrote in my first entry, Introduction, that prayer had become an unhinged experience for me until I began working through the Lord’s Prayer. I never really thought much about the Lord’s Prayer as a model and I always shunned formulas and structure for prayer, but lately, I’ve been questioning the assumption that God just… Continue reading The Key to the Father’s Treasure
Matthew 7:24-27 – The Father’s Eternal Kingdom
I’ve been watching The Godfather the past few weeks while I exercise. Watching something longer than the workout is about the only way I can maintain any sort of regular exercise regimen. I need the anticipation of what comes next to motivate me to get back on the elliptical each day for another 40 minutes.… Continue reading Matthew 7:24-27 – The Father’s Eternal Kingdom
Matthew 7:15-23 – The Father’s Deliverance
Evil hides behind many faces, the most well-known is that of the devil. While he is often pictured with horns, a red cape, and carrying a pitchfork, he really comes in the guise of a snake or an angel of light. He tempted Adam and Eve in the garden, he bartered for Job’s life, he… Continue reading Matthew 7:15-23 – The Father’s Deliverance
Matthew 7:13-14 – The Father’s Narrow Road
After Moses died, the Lord told Joshua to be strong and courageous; Joshua was about to cross the Jordan River and conquer the land. The Lord told him a second time to be strong and courageous as an encouragement to Joshua that he, the Lord, would be with Joshua wherever he went. But there was… Continue reading Matthew 7:13-14 – The Father’s Narrow Road
Matthew 7:1-12 – The Father’s Forgiveness
I’ve been told for most of my life that God’s love is unconditional; I think that’s probably true. But I also think we can misunderstand what that means. Certainly, any sort of sin that we have committed, or will commit, is covered by the blood of Jesus and is forgiven by the Father. He seems… Continue reading Matthew 7:1-12 – The Father’s Forgiveness
Matthew 6:19-34 – The Father’s Provision, Part 2
Last week we looked at how we can, when praying “Give us this day our daily bread,” ignore the fact that we hold onto treasures that are not the true treasures of the Father and his righteousness. This week I’d like to address one of many possible reasons Jesus may have placed “Give us this… Continue reading Matthew 6:19-34 – The Father’s Provision, Part 2