When Paul heard about the Colossians, he couldn’t stop thanking God. Their faith in Jesus and their love for people was obvious, and it was growing. But Paul knew faith and love don’t produce themselves, but rather “spring from” the promises of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, he thanked God for transforming the Colossians’ hearts. In the same way, our church leaders thank God when they see and hear about your faith in Jesus and the evident love you have for others. Homework for next week: Read Colossians 1:9-14

We ask God to intervene so evil wouldn’t win. Bring out all the ways that God makes sure Satan doesn’t get the last word. He stops evil from touching us. He uses evil for our good. He takes us to heaven out of this evil world. Homework for next week: Read Colossians 1:9-14

We are all tempted, but God always has a way out. We pray that God would keep temptation far away from us (not just me, but other Christians too). Homework for next week: Read John 8:42-47

The 5th petition is about not giving people what they deserve. We ask it every day from God in our confession and God wants his mercy to drive karma out of our lives. Don’t give people what they deserve. Forgive as God has forgiven you. Homework for next week: Read James 1:12-18

Teach the bigness of this phrase and connect it to the generous heart of God. How miserable would this very moment be if God didn’t give this bread (a government to protect us, bodies that work, air to breathe, beauty to see, breakfast to eat, family that loves, neighbors that protect, etc). Homework for next week: Read Luke 18:1-8.

I like to summarize petitions 1, 2, & 3 with the phrase “teach, believe, and do”. When we teach the truth, believe the truth, and live according to the truth, God’s name is hallowed, his kingdom comes, and his will is done. Homework for next week: This week, don't ask God for anything except that your heart would be aligned with his.

Our Father in Heaven....the address says it all. God wants us to come to him as children of a loving father who don’t care about the right words and don’t care about bugging him too much. They come with confidence and expectation because they know this is the man who loves them and has proven it 1,000 times. Homework for next week: Read Luke 11:1-13

Conquerors, Conquer!—As forgiven, cleansed, and holy children of God, our loving Father gives us wisdom to conquer our sinful habits. Listen to the loving wisdom of your heavenly Father as he teaches you to conquer old habits and to help those you love conquer theirs. Homework for next week: read Matthew 6:5-14

Christ Conquers Porn!--Sexual sin tempts most Christians.  Swimsuit issues, racy sex scenes, pop-up ads, provocative Facebook posts, and a thousand other images are pushed at God’s people every day.  The result?  Many fall into temptation and even habitual sin.  We promise God we’ll change, but change doesn’t happen quickly.  That’s why sexual sinners need Jesus.  He not only was tempted in such ways, but he gave his life so that sexual sinners wouldn’t need to be ashamed in front of God, but to approach His throne with boldness and confidence. Homework for next week: Read Galatians 6:1-10

Look at the 12 men who changed the history of the world. They were mostly uneducated peasants. Some had pasts. Some suggest they weren’t much more than older teenage boys! They ran with the wrong circles and had the wrong personalities. Yet, God used them in profound ways. Thankfully, all it takes to bring someone to faith is the Holy Spirit and he lives in you! Homework for next week: Numbers 25:1-13