Satan and evil are not everyone’s favorite subjects for the new year. But both play a significant part in “The Lord’s Prayer” - God’s ultimate prayer-portal.
Jesus had a way of looking things straight in the eye. Upon his new public ministry, he didn’t bury his face in the sands of the desert during his temptation.
If I am to look at life, I must rightly include evil and the devil. And one more thing: my propensities.
The new year is around the time of the Super Bowl. It takes on an idolatrous feel. The half-time entertainment borders on the demonic at times and the trophy is touched and kissed by the players. But even here, the coaches and players study the opposing team’s weaknesses along with their own limitations. I can't say that I do this kind of planning.
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When Jesus offers, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us us from evil [the evil one],” it is his recognition that this must play a part in our preparation for any given day or new year.
But it’s not my favorite subject. I don’t like my propensities and I sure don’t like the idea that Satan is studying the films of my weaknesses. Yet, it could be fatal to ignore him and the evil in this world.
It comes at me internally and externally from the world and from the devil.
In “The Lord’s Prayer,” the most compassionate coach in the world tells us how to prepare and what to do about the most contentious, longstanding and bedeviling affront.
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: God can even use temptation and evil as a portal by driving us to ask for His assistance. Then, being now more reassured of His presence, we further know that such help will always be there for His is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever…AMEN.
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings…But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed… No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it…the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials.
Psalm 36:7 NASB, James 1:14 NKJV, 1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV, 2 Peter 2:9