A Good, Good Father

Scripture For The Day 

 December 11, 2023

Luke 11 part 1

A Good, Good Father 

And it came to pass… one of the disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray like John the Baptist taught his disciples. And Jesus taught them and us. Matthew 6:9-13 also shares the Lord’s model prayer at the Sermon on the Mount. And then here in Luke; which is a shorter version.  It’s not about ritualistic prayers. But it's about a humble heart acknowledging that without The Lord we wouldn’t exist. Through Him and By Him and For Him we are. We love because He first Loved us. His Will in our lives should be our first desire. I know I seek His Will every day. I don’t always understand. But my heart's desire is to do His Will above what anyone else says. Even if that makes me a target. It’s vital in our prayer lives to recognize our sinful behavior. Because all of us sin. No one on this earth is without sin. This sin includes spiritual sins as well.  Over and over again in His Word, He teaches Forgiveness. He encourages us, He commands us to Forgive. Not to harbor bitterness and hate. Not to be quick to attack or jump. But forgiveness and patience and Love that can only come from The Lord.

Jesus adds emphasis to His model prayer by saying; “Suppose one of you went to your friend’s house late at night and told him that another friend of yours was in town visiting you, but you had nothing to give him to eat. So, you ask this friend for three loaves of bread. Suppose your ‘friend’ yells from inside his house “Go away! Don’t bother me! The door is locked and we are in bed.” Jesus says ‘friendship is not enough to make him get up to give you the bread. But if you keep on asking, he will eventually get up to get the bread for you.” So, Jesus says, continue to ask God and He will give to you. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. Many misuse this next verse as stating if you keep on God will give you everything you ask for. That’s not what this means. It means having a humble heart, seeking The LORD’s Will and He will hear our requests and answer for what is best. All Blessings come from The Father. A Good, Good Father is concerned for His children and wants what’s best for them. When we sincerely pray and seek The Lord with our requests. He gives us good things. If human beings (generally evil) are able to give good gifts to our children: how much more shall our heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him? According to Luke 11:13; The Holy Spirit is The Gift. He gives us wisdom and understanding.  Jesus had to go back to Heaven to fulfill His mission but in doing so, He promised The Holy Spirit; The Comforter would then come to reside within those of us who believe in Jesus. The best gift besides Salvation through the Blood of Jesus Christ is also the Holy Spirit who helps us to live a Victorious life. The Father gives us what we need to help us in our Christian walk. It’s up to us to grow in Him, His Word, and His Patience; and grow in His Love.