Daily Huddle - Wed Nov 11, 2020 Unexpected Template

Love you all, praying for you,
 
I just love God’s Word.  It is truth and light and love.  And of all the things that it is, the most thing is perhaps – the unexpected.  What you would think, is not what God thinks.  He doesn’t choose the best looking or the most talented, man looks on the outward appearance He looks on the heart.  He doesn’t want your money, (it’s His anyway), He said obedience is better than sacrifice.  To go higher, you don’t exalt yourself, you humble yourself – unexpected...  The God of all creation, took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and washed the feet of those who should have been serving him.  He didn’t come to condemn, He came to save, He isn’t after effort or performance, He’s after faith.  We don’t get what we deserve, He took that on himself.  We get what He deserves, for all who put their faith and trust in Jesus – the only way to eternity in heaven.  He honors faith, more than need, and He even makes up the difference when we’re short.  “I do believe, please help me with my unbelief,” and He healed that man’s daughter anyway.  He didn’t throw stones, he said the only one who should is the one without sin, and the accusers walked away.  He saved her life, and set her free so she could “Go, and sin no more.”  And he even gives grace to do it.  (Power to do by His Spirit, what we don’t have the power to do by ourself. – live a life that is pleasing to Him.  And perhaps one of the most unexpected things He did, was when they asked Him, “Teach us how to pray.”  What would you say next?  (First get your act together before you dare talk to God, make sure you have done something good that day, wear your best clothes, and make sure you address Him as MOST POWERFUL, FEARFUL, CREATOR WHO SENDS FIRE AND BRIMSTONE THAT CONSUMES EVERYTHING (so you better watch yourself)  – and be sure you throw in at least ten of those “I’m not worthy’s.”)  No, that’s not at all what He said.  When they asked Him how to pray – because they saw Him doing it all the time, Jesus gave an unexpected template...  Our Father – shockingly personal.  Our Father, He wants us every time we pray to know who He is, our Heavenly Father who loves us.  Our Father, which art in heaven…  Not an earthly father with human limitations, faults and failures.  This is a Father in Heaven who is sinless, and whose love for you never ends!  Our Father – this is a team thing, it’s not just about you, you are a part of the called out ones, a body of Christ, where each one has such an important part to play, a family where you are valued, welcomed, encouraged and strengthened.  Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed is your Name.  Everything you are, your power and authority wisdom and understanding, and every thing you have done and will do -  Your Name.  It’s Holy – completely set apart, so much higher in truth and wisdom and understanding,  Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  That means we are asking Him – starting in our life and marriage, and family, and circle of friends and business or school or community relationships, in our city and state and country – to show us how to operate as Heaven operates.  No one does their own thing in Heaven, only His thing.  These powerful angels (messengers of God) do his bidding, instantly, every time.  The elders and the creatures bow before His throne.  Down here, all we like sheep have gone astray everyone has turned to his own way, and the LORD has laid on Jesus the iniquity of us all.”  But up there no one goes their own way, only God’s way – The only one’s who did, Satan and his demons, got ejected, kicked out, cast down.  Jesus said pray that God will show you in your life – how to operate, and come into prayerful agreement with God’s will and God’s ways – so the earth you live in – that which impacts and affects you – operates like Heaven does – according to his perfect will and plan.  We are to pray that – and come into obedience ourselves, just like Heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread, not just physically food, but the Word of God that we can live our best life by…  His plans and His instructions for our own good!  And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  He reminds us to love and forgive others like He loved and forgave us.  And lead us not into temptation (give us a heads up when it comes) but deliver us from evil, that which comes against us.  For Yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever, Amen.  What an unexpected pattern of prayer.  Patterns are important.  They aren’t limits, they are launching pads.  Praying that you will pray like Jesus taught, that you will know how important it is to pray.  Praying that you will review the Prayer Packet – from PRISM Topic Packets.  That you will be fervent and effectual in prayer – the prayers He wants you to pray.  It’s important, your prayers last forever, they are gathered in the bowls of heaven, like incense before God.  And a good way to pray more, is to fast more.  Every time you get hungry, just pray.  If you fast as God directs, it cleanses your spirit from the distractions of your body, it helps you hear better.  Praying that your prayer will be led by God, that you will pray what He wants you to pray, so your life on earth, reflects what happens in Heaven.  So that your prayers join with His plans the things that He is about to do that will amaze everyone…  Where God’s plans are carried out, where His glory is evident to everyone, and the joy of seeing what He does, has you learning to expect, the unexpected. 
 
Love you all,
dad