Praying Jesus' Way (2)

Hebrews 4:16 TM

Praying Jesus' Way (2)

When you pray, 'Our Father,' you define every other relationship in your life: a) You define your relationship to the material world. Since God is your Father you're not a stranger but an heir to the blessings of His universe (Psalms 24:1). But beware of the values of the world: 'Don't love the world's ways...Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father' (1 John 2:15 TM). Nothing must take God's place! b) You define your relationship to others. Everyone around you is your Father's creation and as such you must accept, love and value them. We're commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves regardless of colour, creed, or distinction. We're not to compete with them or strive for superiority over them or use them for our own ends. c) You define your relationship to yourself. God says He's your Father; what a foundation on which to build your self-worth! Regardless of what's been said or done in the past to make you feel inadequate or inferior, you can hold your head high. You're not a nobody once God calls you His child. d) You define your relationship to God. Because of your relationship to Jesus, the Father declares you '...accepted in the Beloved' (Ephesians 1:6 NKJV). As He accepts Jesus, so He accepts you! '...As many as received Him...He gave the right to become children of God...' (John 1:12 NAS). You no longer need to approach Him in fear. You can 'walk right up to Him and get what He is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.' It doesn't get any better!

Soul food: Hebrews 7; Exodus 3:1-4:31; Psalm 41