4233 cdd Words Have Meanings
Wednesday January 4, 2017
Volume 18 Number 003
Today’s Author: Pastor Bill
Christian Cross Ministries Participant S. H. from El Cajon, California contributed financially in support of today’s cdd. Thank you – PTL! pb
Scripture: Luke 11:1a
Now it came to pass, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, that one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray” NKJV
“OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN.” “Yes?”
“Don’t interrupt me. I’m praying.” “But you called me.”
“Called you? I didn’t call you. I’m praying. “OUR FATHER WHO ART IN HEAVEN.” “There you did it again.”
“Did What?” “Called me. You said, Our Father who art in heaven. Here I am. What’s on your mind?”
“But I didn’t mean anything by it. I was, you know, just saying my prayers for the day. I always say this prayer. It makes me feel right. Kind of like getting a duty done.” “All right. Go on.”
“HALLOWED BE THY NAME” “Hold it. What do you mean by that?”
“It means —, I don’t know what it means! How should I know? It’s just a part of the prayer. By the way, what does it mean?” “It means honored, holy, wonderful.”
“Hey, that makes sense. I never thought about what “hallowed” meant before. “THY KINGDOM COME, THY WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.” “Do you really mean that?”
“Sure, why not?” “What are you doing about it?
“Doing? Nothing, I guess. I just think it would be kind of neat if you got control of everything down here like you have up there.” “Have I got control of you?”
“Well, I go to church, most of the times.” “That isn’t what I asked. What about your temper? You’ve really got a problem there, you know. And then there’s the way you spend your money, all on yourself. And what about the kind of books you read, and films and the TV you watch? What about that lust thing?”
“Stop picking on me! I’m just as good as the rest of those people at the church.” “Excuse me. I thought you were praying for my will to be done. If that is to happen, it must start with the ones who are praying for it. Like you, for example.”
“Oh, all right. I guess I do have some hang-ups. Now that you mention it, I could probably name some others.” “So, could I.”
“I haven’t thought about it very much until now, but I really would like to cut out some of those things now that it is the New Year and all. I would like to, you know, be really free.” “Good. Now we’re getting somewhere. We’ll work together. I’m proud of you.”
“Lord, I need to finish up here. This is taking a lot longer than it usually does! GIVE US THIS DAY, OUR DAILY BREAD. FORGIVE US OUR SINS, AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO SIN AGAINST US.” “What about Tommie, Sammy, Anna and those others?”
“See? I knew it! I knew you would bring them up! Why Lord? They’ve told lies about me, spread stories about my family. Some never paid back the debts they owe me. I’ve sworn to get even with each one!” “But your prayer? What about what you prayed?”
“I didn’t mean it.” “Well, at least you’re honest. But it’s not much fun carrying that load of bitterness around inside, is it?”
“No. But I’ll feel better as soon as I get even. Boy, have I got some plans for them. They’ll wish they never moved to this town.” “You won’t feel any better. You’ll feel worse. Revenge isn’t sweet. Think of how unhappy you already are. But I can change all that.”
“You can?” “How?” “Forgive them. Then I’ll forgive you. Then the hate and sin will be their problem and not yours. You will have settled things in your heart.”
“Oh, you’re right. Your always right. And the more that I want to revenge them, I want to be right with you (pause), (sigh). All right. All right. I Forgive them. Help them find the road to you in life, Lord. They are bound to be miserable, the way they treat people, now that I think about it. Anybody who goes around doing those things to others must be living in unresolved deep pain. Someway, somehow, show them your way Lord.” “That’s it! Wonderful. How do you feel?”
“Hmmmmmm! Not bad. Not bad at all. In fact, I feel great! You know, I don’t think I’ll have to go to bed uptight tonight for the first time since I can remember. Maybe I won’t be so tired from now on.” “You’re not through with your prayer. Go on.”
“Oh, all right. AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL.” “Good! Very Good! I’ll do that. Just don’t put yourself in a place where you can be tempted.”
“What do you mean by that?” “Make good choices. Choose to look away. Choose to disengage with others who are heading the wrong direction. Choose to spend quality time with me. Need I go on?
“No, I get it. It’s about my choices.” “FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM, AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY FOREVER. AMEN.” “Do you know what brings me glory? What really makes me happy?”
“No, but I’d like to know. I want to please you now. I can see what a mess I’ve made of my life. And I can see how great it would be to really be one of your followers.” “You just answered the questions.”
“I did?” “Yes. The thing that brings me glory is to have people like you truly love me and tell others. And I see that happening between us. Now that we are dealing with old sins and forgiveness. There is no telling what we can accomplish together.”
“Lord, let’s see what we can make of me as I give you glory, O.K.?” “Yes, I’ve been waiting for a very long time for the moment you really meant the words you said.”
Prayer: Father thank you for hearing every word I pray. Clearly the understanding is in my court. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!