A truly “good” Father, in every way, is hard to find. Many today either know their father but have not lived with him, never met him, or else wonder who their father really is…
READ JOHN 8 Make notes, if you’d like, of what stands out for you. Feel free to use the “Leave a Comment” box below to also write some of your thoughts.
A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:
Coming from a single-parent home, we were the odd ones out when I was growing up. I was teased at school for being different, and called derogatory names for apparently “not having a father”. Today seems to be in reverse. According to 2012 statistics, 42% of marriages are expected to end in divorce in England and Wales – 13 divorces every hour.
Turning the clocks back 2,000 years, a stage scene is set, in today’s chapter. Jesus’ birth-right and Father are under question yet again and, with this, brings an issue over belonging for me…
Interestingly, the only option for me, besides walking in light, is living in darkness [v12]; besides seeking my Father from above, is belonging to one from below [v23]; besides choosing life, is death [v24]; besides holding onto truth that will set me free [v31-32], is slavery, by default, to sin with no permanent place in the family. [v34-35] The only option for me, besides the God of Light and Truth, is the father of lies. [v44] So one question remains: Who do I want my Father to be? [v51]
Read More? …CLICK on “17 April – Additional Notes”
But what about your thoughts – can you tell me what today’s “breadcrumb” is? Leave a note in the “Comments” box below to tell me what you think of today’s chapter.
Wanting to speak directly with your Father God? The rest of this webpage uses Jesus’ own prayer to help…[a]
THE LORD’S PRAYER:
1. Praise: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Your Kingdom come! Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven …”
I love you, Lord my Strength. You’re my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God in whom I take refuge. You’re my shield and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold. I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and I’ve been saved from my enemies. [Psalm 18:1-3]
2. Ask: “…Give us today our daily bread…”
The World: Displaced Population in China[b]
Your Country: The Elderly and those in Care Homes
Yourself: The needs of your immediate family
Your concerns for today
When we pray, hear the supplication of Your servant and of Your people, O Lord. Hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive. [1 Kings 8:30]
3. Admit: “…Forgive us our sin as we forgive those who sin against us…”
Thank-you, Lord, that Your Word is very near me. It’s in my mouth and in my heart so I’ll obey it. [Deuteronomy 30:14]
4. Protect: “…Lead us not into temptation but delivers us from evil.”
I know that it’s by grace that You’ve saved me through faith, Father God. This isn’t from within myself, it’s a gift from You—not by doing anything, so that I can’t boast. [Ephesians 2:8-9]
“For Yours Lord is the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever. Amen!”
When Jesus was questioned, tested, tricked or in His hour of great need, He always spoke things that were previously written in God’s Word.[c] Following these memory verses from ten topics, will help you learn 52 verses from the bible in a year! THIS WEEK’S MEMORY VERSE: An Assured Future
Jesus said: “Very truly I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life. He will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” [John 5:24]
[a] Matthew 6:5-15
[b] http://www.operationworld.org/country/chna/owtext.html
[c] Matthew 4:4,6,7,10; 11:10; 21:13; and 26:24,31