Dear Rosie, Regarding your question, 'How do I become perfect in love so that fear will no longer be part of my daily life?'
The more you read God's Word (WORDS,) the more FAITH increases in you, along with all of the other fruits of the Spirit.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
So, just read, read, read. It is the same as to EAT spiritual meat, and drink spiritual drink. It's not about just merely memorizing the scriputures, no more than is eatting for physical nourishment about memorizing how physical food tastes.
And, daily repent of; confess, your sins unto the Lord, or if you can't think of any, ask Him to forgive you for just in case. As, to repent is a priviledge for those that have received Christ. No one CAN repent in the way of true repentance without FIRST receiving Christ. That is WHY there's no need to repent IN ORDER to answer His call, and receive Him:
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Since you HAVE received Christ, you WILL repent, because you believe and trust in God, and therefore you are BLESSED, your are GODLY, and RIGHTEOUS, and UPRIGHT, and the GOODNESS of God SURROUNDS YOU:
Psalms 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
(By the time the Lord is through CLEANSING us with His blood, and forgiving us, there is NO guile or any unrighteousness whatsoever! And all it takes is a moment each day, or sometimes maybe several moments.)
Psalms 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I WILL confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6 For this shall EVERY ONE that is GODLY pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
ONLY the GODLY will humble themselves, and bring forth the FRUIT of the mouth MEET FOR; WORTHY OF, repentance, due to true sorrow of heart; being sorry for any sin, even any we didn't mean, nor intend.
Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the FRUIT of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore FRUITS worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
And it is GOD Himself that gave you the GIFT of His Spirit that makes you WILLING to repent:
Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for TO WILL is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD which worketh in you both TO WILL and to do of his good pleasure.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you WILL PERFORM perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
If we were not inclined to sin, as to yield to it in some way, He would not command us, upon receiving Him, to ABIDE in Him, to FOLLOW AFTER Him etc... We DO abide in Him, as we continue to obey His command to love, and to confess; repent of, our sins when, or in case we, disobey Him, so we can proceed to CONTINUE in Him. And, as we do these things:
John 15:4 ABIDE in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear FRUIT of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits MEET FOR REPENTANCE:
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth CONFESSION IS MADE unto salvation.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and JUST TO FORGIVE us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For GODLY sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the GOODNESS OF GOD leadeth thee to repentance?
Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt BE CONDEMNED.
As we repent of; confess, our sins daily, we KNOW we are then CLEAN, and up and ready to CONTINUE to WALK in Him, UN-defeated!
So, all we need do is to BELIEVE, RECEIVE, SAY, SPEAK, CONFESS, God's Word unto us, as we read it. And He has A WORD for EVERYTHING good unto us:
Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: NO good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
He even instilled 'repenting of sin' in the very prayer He instructs us to pray daily:
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our DAILY bread.
12 And FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
As you remember to repent, TAKE JOY, in reading, and confessing, God's Word, unTO you, as for what you are, and have, in Christ, in God, by faith. And that faith will become manifested, as God, by His Spirit, will PERFORM His Words that you confess by faith, and perfect you more and more each day:
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which WORKETH BY LOVE.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba,
Father.
1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER IS HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not MADE PERFECT IN LOVE.
1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is PERFECTED in us.
Romans 13:10 LOVE WORKS NO ILL to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love DWELLETH IN GOD, and God in him.
Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
2 Kings 17:39 But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.
Psalms 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
glenda thax i agree with that statement and the reality u have give to ur friend molly about a true fasting thanx for that light u have thrown it has touched my soul too.be blessed
Molly, Please read these BIBLE verse. I pray that they will help and I am praying for you.I pray that these help you to understand the right and wrong way to fasting. The main thing is that fasting never works without prayer as well.The reason for prayer and fasting is to get closer and hear from GOD. Yes, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth. MATTEW 17;16-21. ACTS 13:2-3, ACTS 14: 23, Fasting and praying with others that believe as you do helps a lot. ACTS 27:33-44 Shows how prayer and fasting works for the good. Notice verses 33-35 how Paul had everyone eat for there own health. True fasting want hurt your health. Be responsable like Paul was.
In all of scripture I know, I have never seen any rules regarding a fast. I do understand and believe a fast to be a focus of yourself for a particular purpose. However stringent or lax you may be is your call, because you know what it takes to keep your mind about the matters you are presenting to God.
Excellent Scripture! I do understand the concept of fasting but can someone plese teach me how? What are the rules, guidelines, etc? Can I brush my teeth during fasts, can I rinse my mouth throughout the days and nights? Please help!
As I read the chapters of matthew I realize much of what I have not been thinking lately. For instance I have felt very confused lately about giving to those who ask often and loaning to those who ask often even not returning what they borrowed. I came in contact with an elderly lady who is having to move to an apartment because she can't keep up her home any longer. Her home is packed wall to wall with belongings she has gathered over the years. Her caretaker, another lady and I were discussing what a job it will be to clear all of the things out of her house. Most of these were junk like outdated stereos, broken end tables and so on. Then I look at my own home and see the same is happening to me too much clutter. Then I read these chapters today and realize how can we give to others if we are not blessed by what God has given us in the first place. What we have in material things are only things God has blessed us with by his guidance and instructions. Just as we let go of the old to make room for the new so is the way of life. If we hang on to the old man we are left with only a life full of junk if we go with God each day is new and life is everlasting. Praise God for Matthew and this program where I can read online and enlarge the letters. Bless you for this program
I have just atended a furnal for a man who just got saved EASTER SUNDAY this year. His wife and children and us friends have been praying for years. He was is the hosptiial and had just discovered that he had lung cancer. Keep praying for your unsaved family. GOD DOES answer prayers.Let's pray for each others unsaved loved one we all have them. Let's pray for GOD to bring them in now so they can do GOD'S work. GOD can save people on their death bed but,wouldn't you like your family actively working in the LORD'S well with you? In my prayers Glenda
Seeking God First is our primary in this life. Not second, not third but First. If we seek Him first He will bless us and He will provide everything we need...
This chapter in Matthew is one of the most helpfull to me. v.34 tells us to live from day to day.I am disabled and have lots of problems. The way I have been treated in live made it hard for me not to worry about tomorrow. v.12-15 has been the hardest for me to obey. When you have been treated wrong for so long to forgive seems to be the hardest thing to do. I have forgave and moved on with my life in THE LORD.This is not easy but, have wonderful the reward!!!!!
The Bible states that The Lord knows our needs before we ask. He's waiting for us to ask. I pray for family, my church family, and people that I know that needs The Lords help. I all ways end my prayers with, "have your way Lord" in what ever I am praying about. That is what Jesus did in the garden. Could or should we do any different?
PRAYER IS A CONVERSATION WITH A DEVINE BEING
anonymous thank you for your most excellent answer, watch pastor Aronald Murry and he tells us to talk to the Lord as if in a conversation and that is what I try to do. and yes He has answered a lot of my prayers, just like your answer here. once again thank you so much
Verses 31 and 32 should be understood in the context established by the verses before and after them. We all vocalize to God our condition of "little faith" when our prayers are focused on material/carnal things(v.25 thru 30). We should talk to him about the more weighty matters of our subjection to his rule so as to obtain "his righteousness"(v.33)in our lives. I'm not saying not to mention our concerns for various perceived needs of this life. After all, as our Lord instructed, we do ask for our daily bread. We also petition God for help as we experience our helplessness in situations which arise. Much the way Peter prayed, "help Lord" when he followed the Lord Jesus's invitation to walk on the water with him, and began to sink.
In light of your admission to daily repetition of the apostles prayer and Lords prayer, I think you should re-read v.7. In verse 9 when the Lord instructs on how to pray, he says, " After this manner therefore pray ye". It is an outline of how we should pray and the points we should be mindful of as we speak with God. Prayer is a conversation with God. You should review your understanding of whom it is you are talking to and then truthfully tell him what is on your heart/mind. God does answer prayers, the hard thing, in my experience, is hearing him. I will tell you that I hear him as thoughts pop into my mind with insight and clarity, regarding an issue or situation I have brought before him. Most often this is not at the time I am in actual prayer and sometimes many days or weeks later. That could be just the way he deals with me and with others it could be different.
I hope these thoughts help you. I will pray for you to grow in your prayer life.
I would like clarification of Matthew ch 6 verse 31 & 32, I start my nightly prayer with the appostiles creed, followed by the lords prayer and then my personal prayer which is usually the same each night, so am i praying the wrong way?
Forgive men their trespasses (verse 15). This is so important. Because unforgiveness puts a wedge between you and that person and you and God. Unforgiveness eventually breds roots of bitterness. So, if anyone out there is harboring unforgivenss in their heart - forgive, move on, Life is too short. God forgave you, now you forgive.
"In earth" means this natural body. It is made from the dust of the earth. It is earthly. To let God's will be done in earth means you subject yourself to God: serve the Lord & obey his commandments.
We need acknowledge clear perception of truth that our LORD JESUS loves us and understanding
the practice and action in daily prayer with him, for him, by him and in him. Faith is a START!
"Bread" means daily sustenance, or, since "man does not live by bread alone", it could also mean that we are asking for a daily portion of God's word, or, since, as Jesus said,"I am the Bread of Life", it could mean that we ask for a daily portion of knowing more of Jesus. You pick.
"Lead us not into temptation", Involves the testing of a believer. 1Cor.10:13 tells us that with the temptation comes an escape. Can we hear God and follow him?
When it comes to giving to God, remember the widows mite. It was the greater of the offerings because it was sacrificial and from the heart.
Churches are full of sinners not yet perfected, however, Paul has admonished," forsake not the gathering of yourselves together". Some are young in the faith, some are underfed, some are still growing in the knowledge of Christ, regardless of the position/office or standing they have of man.
Take care that you are not siding with the "accuser of the brethren".
forgive my first comments. I should've proof read it before I send it. NOW! Verse 10 why does it say in earth and not on earth. Verse 11. what does "bread" mean in daily bread. Verse 12. what does debts mean in forgive us our debts. Verse 13. what does it mean lead us not into temptation.
Matthew 6 Verse 10. why does it say "in earth" and not "on earth" in this part of the lords prayer. and verse 11 and 12. what does it mean this dya give us our daily bread and forgive us our debts. and verse 13 " lead us not into temptation" is it not the devil who leads into righteous behaviour?
I wonder now.. After having read scripture myself, without Pastor or bible study teacher to guide me, why I find so many things that are wrongly done in the name of God.
In the scripture above it clearly says that prayer is to be done in private, even using a closet for maximum solitude. It also clearly says to give alms (offerings) in private as well. Since this is in the BIBLE, I believe it is true. Why then do churches compell the congregation to get up and pray out loud another man's prayer? Why do churches pass an offering plate in public view? These things are both wrong.
I hope others among you who read these scriptures will pray for discernment that you will not be improperly led. I will always remember the feeling of shame that I could not give as much as other people at a wealthy church I used to attend. I still remember Pastor led prayers, promising God things that were not in my own heart.
I urge all to break free and follow the word of God, not a man. If anyone teaches what is not written, they are wrong and leading us astray.
THE TRUTH IS IN THE BIBLE, PUT THEREFORE YOUR FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD.
We should defnintely seek the Kingdom of God first and foremost. If we walk with him in righteousness then all things will be given to us but we have to walk in faith with Him always.
I feel bad for your step son. I hope he finds the treasure of God that is set right before him abundantly in his life. We are all selfish to the point ofbeing blind sometimes. How gratetful we are now knowing what our Lord Jesus has shown us.
Don't put all your time a energy toward material things and stress your self over them. Just Pray and seek God and all these things will be taken care of.
MY THOUGHTS ARE TO GET RIGHT WITH GOD FIRST, AND DO HIS WILL, AND HE WILL PROVIDE TO YOU ALL THAT YOU NEED IN CHRIST JESUS. FIRST SEEK HIM, AND HE WILL SUPPLY ALL OF YOUR NEEDS, AND YOU SHALL BE BLESSED BY GOD.
My 18 stepson went to his grandmother because of selfishness and took his XBOX 360 AND PLAYSTATION 3,by the time he went back to the car while unloading everything was stolen from him.All he cared about was his XBOX I was so sad for him but Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
this commentary was beautifully written to explain the scripture regarding the needs ofour souls, and how through prayer, we can obtain God's daily provision which stregthens us and provides fulfillment. As I mentioned yesterday,I really like the way this is presented, and even after the commentary is read, I have a chance to further reflect by sharing. I am happy at the humbelness and openess offered in this invitation.
Specifically, I was guided by your illustration of our daily bread.
The more you read God's Word (WORDS,) the more FAITH increases in you, along with all of the other fruits of the Spirit.
Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickens; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
So, just read, read, read. It is the same as to EAT spiritual meat, and drink spiritual drink. It's not about just merely memorizing the scriputures, no more than is eatting for physical nourishment about memorizing how physical food tastes.
And, daily repent of; confess, your sins unto the Lord, or if you can't think of any, ask Him to forgive you for just in case. As, to repent is a priviledge for those that have received Christ. No one CAN repent in the way of true repentance without FIRST receiving Christ. That is WHY there's no need to repent IN ORDER to answer His call, and receive Him:
Romans 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Since you HAVE received Christ, you WILL repent, because you believe and trust in God, and therefore you are BLESSED, your are GODLY, and RIGHTEOUS, and UPRIGHT, and the GOODNESS of God SURROUNDS YOU:
Psalms 32:2 Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile.
(By the time the Lord is through CLEANSING us with His blood, and forgiving us, there is NO guile or any unrighteousness whatsoever! And all it takes is a moment each day, or sometimes maybe several moments.)
Psalms 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I WILL confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah.
6 For this shall EVERY ONE that is GODLY pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.
ONLY the GODLY will humble themselves, and bring forth the FRUIT of the mouth MEET FOR; WORTHY OF, repentance, due to true sorrow of heart; being sorry for any sin, even any we didn't mean, nor intend.
Proverbs 12:14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the FRUIT of his mouth: and the recompence of a man's hands shall be rendered unto him.
Luke 3:8 Bring forth therefore FRUITS worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
And it is GOD Himself that gave you the GIFT of His Spirit that makes you WILLING to repent:
Romans 7:18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for TO WILL is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
Philippians 2:13 For it is GOD which worketh in you both TO WILL and to do of his good pleasure.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that HE which hath begun a good work in you WILL PERFORM perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
If we were not inclined to sin, as to yield to it in some way, He would not command us, upon receiving Him, to ABIDE in Him, to FOLLOW AFTER Him etc... We DO abide in Him, as we continue to obey His command to love, and to confess; repent of, our sins when, or in case we, disobey Him, so we can proceed to CONTINUE in Him. And, as we do these things:
John 15:4 ABIDE in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear FRUIT of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Matthew 3:8 Bring forth therefore fruits MEET FOR REPENTANCE:
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth CONFESSION IS MADE unto salvation.
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and JUST TO FORGIVE us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
2 Corinthians 7:10 For GODLY sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.
Romans 2:4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the GOODNESS OF GOD leadeth thee to repentance?
Matthew 12:37 For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt BE CONDEMNED.
As we repent of; confess, our sins daily, we KNOW we are then CLEAN, and up and ready to CONTINUE to WALK in Him, UN-defeated!
So, all we need do is to BELIEVE, RECEIVE, SAY, SPEAK, CONFESS, God's Word unto us, as we read it. And He has A WORD for EVERYTHING good unto us:
Psalms 84:11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: NO good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
He even instilled 'repenting of sin' in the very prayer He instructs us to pray daily:
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our DAILY bread.
12 And FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Matthew 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
As you remember to repent, TAKE JOY, in reading, and confessing, God's Word, unTO you, as for what you are, and have, in Christ, in God, by faith. And that faith will become manifested, as God, by His Spirit, will PERFORM His Words that you confess by faith, and perfect you more and more each day:
Galatians 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which WORKETH BY LOVE.
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba,
Father.
1 John 4:15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1 John 4:4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because GREATER IS HE that is in you, than he that is in the world.
2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not MADE PERFECT IN LOVE.
1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is PERFECTED in us.
Romans 13:10 LOVE WORKS NO ILL to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
1 Corinthians 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 John 4:16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love DWELLETH IN GOD, and God in him.
Psalms 118:6 The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?
Hebrews 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.
2 Kings 17:39 But the LORD your God ye shall fear; and he shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.
Psalms 145:19 He will fulfil the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.
Proverbs 10:24 The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.
PRAYER IS A CONVERSATION WITH A DEVINE BEING
Verses 31 and 32 should be understood in the context established by the verses before and after them. We all vocalize to God our condition of "little faith" when our prayers are focused on material/carnal things(v.25 thru 30). We should talk to him about the more weighty matters of our subjection to his rule so as to obtain "his righteousness"(v.33)in our lives. I'm not saying not to mention our concerns for various perceived needs of this life. After all, as our Lord instructed, we do ask for our daily bread. We also petition God for help as we experience our helplessness in situations which arise. Much the way Peter prayed, "help Lord" when he followed the Lord Jesus's invitation to walk on the water with him, and began to sink.
In light of your admission to daily repetition of the apostles prayer and Lords prayer, I think you should re-read v.7. In verse 9 when the Lord instructs on how to pray, he says, " After this manner therefore pray ye". It is an outline of how we should pray and the points we should be mindful of as we speak with God. Prayer is a conversation with God. You should review your understanding of whom it is you are talking to and then truthfully tell him what is on your heart/mind. God does answer prayers, the hard thing, in my experience, is hearing him. I will tell you that I hear him as thoughts pop into my mind with insight and clarity, regarding an issue or situation I have brought before him. Most often this is not at the time I am in actual prayer and sometimes many days or weeks later. That could be just the way he deals with me and with others it could be different.
I hope these thoughts help you. I will pray for you to grow in your prayer life.
the practice and action in daily prayer with him, for him, by him and in him. Faith is a START!
"Bread" means daily sustenance, or, since "man does not live by bread alone", it could also mean that we are asking for a daily portion of God's word, or, since, as Jesus said,"I am the Bread of Life", it could mean that we ask for a daily portion of knowing more of Jesus. You pick.
"Lead us not into temptation", Involves the testing of a believer. 1Cor.10:13 tells us that with the temptation comes an escape. Can we hear God and follow him?
When it comes to giving to God, remember the widows mite. It was the greater of the offerings because it was sacrificial and from the heart.
Churches are full of sinners not yet perfected, however, Paul has admonished," forsake not the gathering of yourselves together". Some are young in the faith, some are underfed, some are still growing in the knowledge of Christ, regardless of the position/office or standing they have of man.
Take care that you are not siding with the "accuser of the brethren".
In the scripture above it clearly says that prayer is to be done in private, even using a closet for maximum solitude. It also clearly says to give alms (offerings) in private as well. Since this is in the BIBLE, I believe it is true. Why then do churches compell the congregation to get up and pray out loud another man's prayer? Why do churches pass an offering plate in public view? These things are both wrong.
I hope others among you who read these scriptures will pray for discernment that you will not be improperly led. I will always remember the feeling of shame that I could not give as much as other people at a wealthy church I used to attend. I still remember Pastor led prayers, promising God things that were not in my own heart.
I urge all to break free and follow the word of God, not a man. If anyone teaches what is not written, they are wrong and leading us astray.
THE TRUTH IS IN THE BIBLE, PUT THEREFORE YOUR FAITH IN GOD AND HIS WORD.
Specifically, I was guided by your illustration of our daily bread.