January 24, 2012
Today’s Text:  Read Matthew 6:9-13

Today we’ll continue to explore the ideas of stewardship found in Jesus’ model prayer.

“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done….heaven”–  The natural question to ask here is “What is the kingdom of God and what is it like?”.  That is a pretty large question with an answer that can’t be fully discussed in this format.  With that being said we can understand this idea:  The values and perspectives on earthly things that we have should be influenced by the eternal values of God’s kingdom more than a man-made kingdom on earth.  God’s kingdom recognizes His absolute authority and ownership of everything.  God’s kingdom values the eternal over the temporary.  God’s kingdom and God’s will ought to be our highest value and our will should bend to what He wants first and foremost.  We should say, as Jesus said in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Here is an interesting point- when we submit to God’s will and God’s Kingdom and begin to allow His desires for us to become our desires for ourselves, we become a part of the winning team.  In the end, God’s Kingdom wins!

Application:

Here is a personal question that you must answer:

Can you honestly say to God right now “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in my life just like your will is done in heaven.  God I’m submitting to you want in every area of my life as your faithful servant.” ?