Tag: Abba

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Matthew Devotionals

Hard words?

Facing a hard challenge

And whoever doesn’t take up his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)

Those are hard words.

When you read them, how did you feel?

Uneasy? Fearful?

Even as a long-time Christian, one of my first thoughts was, “These are hard words. Jesus is asking a lot.”

And when I think of what this might mean practically in my life, of what specifically Jesus might be asking of me, it gets even harder.

And so the question I had to ask myself this morning was, “What do I do with these feelings?”

What do I do?

Remember the truth.

What’s the truth?

My Abba is good and he deeply loves me.

Aren’t two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father’s consent.

But even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. (Matthew 10:29-31)

What is the truth?

If I take up my cross and follow Jesus, I don’t lose my life. I gain it.

Anyone who finds his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life because of me will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

No, following Jesus isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it’s painful.

But because my Abba is good and he deeply loves me, because he is always faithful in keeping his promises, I have hope. And it is a certain hope.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.

You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world. (John 16:33)

Categories
Matthew Devotionals

Praying to our Abba

Praying to Abba

When you pray, don’t babble like the Gentiles, since they imagine they’ll be heard for their many words…Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven. (Matthew 6:7, 9)

As I read Jesus’ words, I thought about what Solomon said in Ecclesiastes.

Do not be hasty to speak, and do not be impulsive to make a speech before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Solomon was mostly warning against making foolish vows to God. Sometimes, in our attempts to win his favor, or worse to manipulate God, we make all kinds of promises that we’re unable to keep.

Jesus on the other hand, seemed to be talking about people making flowery but ultimately empty prayers in order to impress God and those hearing their prayers.

In both cases, Jesus and Solomon say the same thing: Let your words be few. Do more listening than speaking.

But when you speak, Jesus gives us a model to follow.

Reflect on who God is and honor him as holy. Worship him. (Matthew 6:9; Revelation 4:8-11)

As you pray, set your heart on his kingdom. Ask him, “What’s important to you, today?” (Matthew 6:10a, 33)

And as you reflect on these things, ask that his will be done in your life, that you can participate in what he’s doing. (Matthew 6:10b)

But as much as he is God in heaven, remember he is also your Abba in heaven. And you are his beloved child. (Matthew 6:9)

So ask him for your needs. (Matthew 6:11, 25-32)

When you fall, don’t fear to approach him. Draw near and seek his forgiveness. (Matthew 6:12a)

Ask for his help concerning your broken relationships, especially when you’re struggling to forgive others. (Matthew 6:12b)

And ask your Abba for his leading and protection. (Matthew 6:13)

We have such an incredible privilege as God’s kids. We get to approach our Abba at any time. So let’s take advantage of that privilege and draw near.

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Galatians Devotionals

Abba, Father

And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then God has made you an heir. (Galatians 4:6-7)

Father.

You are God, and so you could demand that I simply call you “God.”

You are my Lord, and so you could demand that I call you “Lord.”

You are my Creator, and so you could demand that I call you “Creator.”

But you’ve made me your child, sealing my adoption papers with your Spirit.

And your Spirit tells me to cry out, “Abba, Father.”

So though I’ll sometimes call you “God,” or “Lord,” or “Creator,” I’ll choose most times to call you what your Spirit teaches me to say.

“Abba, Father.”