trails and temptationTrials and temptations are a part of life. They will happen. The important thing is how we respond and what choices we make.Matthew 6:13In other words ...Please don't allow us to be exposed to that which will harm us.When I pray these prayers ...1. I am acknowledging that there is a war going on for my spiritual well-being.2. I am alerting myself to the dangers in my path, and putting myself "on guard".3. I am admitting to my own spiritual inadequacy and my need for help.4. I am asking for strength to withstand, wisdom to discern, abd/or permission to avoid the forces of evil.5. I am allowing for the truth that God can use my situation for ultimate good.

forgive and forgivenIf you want one word that will make your relationships better, it's forgiveness. But if you want forgiveness, you'll have to learn, experience, and demonstrate grace.Matthew 6:12 (14, 15)One word that will transform your relationships: Forgiveness1. What exactly is forgiveness?     - Forgiveness is the canceling of a debt.2. Who has wronged me that I might need to forgive?     (This is a good question, just not the next question)3. How can I be forgiven? (and do I really need to be?)     - We are usually far more aware of the wrongs we have experienced than the offenses we have committed.4. Why should I forgive?     - Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, as much as you give the one who has wronged you.5. Why is it so hard to forgive?     - Forgiveness makes us feel defenseless.6. What does this prayer of forgiveness really involve?

daily breadGod created the world in the context of days and so our lives are measured by them. We often look to our past (with either fondness or regret), or to the future (often with anxiety), but God wants us to live “in the day".Matthew 6:11"What if this is more than just a request, what if it is a reminder?"A reminder ...1. That I am totally dependent on God.2. That all we enjoy is a gift from God.3. That the daily details of our lives matter to God.4. That we are to live "in the day".5. That how we start our day is important.6. That enough needs to be enough.7. That the fact we're asking today means that God provided yesterday.

YOUr WILL BE DONEThe Bible says quite a bit about the will of God, but what exactly does that mean? And what are we asking for when we pray, "Your will be done"?Matthew 6:10The "God requests"May your name be revered. (Focus on the person of God)May your kingdom come. (Focus on the plan of God)May your will be done. (Focus on the purposes of God)What exactly is the "will of God"?What are we asking when we pray "Your will be done"?1. I am acknowledging that God is bigger than I am, and His purposes are more important than mine.2. I am seeking to align my desires with God's.3. I am making myself available to God to accomplish His purposes.4. I am expecting God to honor His name, His Word, and His promises.

lET yOUR KINGDOM COMEThe Kingdom is one of the most used phrases in the New Testament, but its potential power isn't fully realized until the Resurrection. The Kingdom is inevitable but is also an invitation to live with Jesus as King.Matthew 6:10There is a right way and a wrong way to pray.It's not so much what you say, but rather how you pray.Starting off in the right way sets you up to pray better.What to know about the Kingdom . . . 1. The kingdom is invisible.2. The kingdom is invincible.3. The kingdom is inevitable.4. The kingdom is internal.5. The kingdom is invitational.

sTART HEREHow we start is important, and in looking at the most famous prayer in Scripture, we need to know why prayer matters, and how to stay focused on the object of prayer--God.Matthew 6:5-13  | Luke 11:1-4We should all want to do better in prayer.There is a right way and a wrong way to pray.It's not just what you pray, but how you pray.How to get started . . . 1. Pray....The act of prayer is more important than the content.2. Pray to your Father.... The foundation of prayer is relationship and not requests.3. Pray to your Father in heaven.... The object of prayer is more important than the prayer itself.4. Pray that your Father's name be revered.... The starting point of prayer is worship.

i AM A SIBLINGSibling rivalries come in all sizes, but there was one between Jacob and Esau that lasted for decades. But when the brothers met face-to-face after so many years, what happened next is our hope for the future.Genesis 33:1-111. Reconciliation reconsiders priorities (vs 1-2)2. Reconciliation exposes truth (vs 3-4)3. Reconciliation creates vulnerabilities (vs 5-6)4. Reconciliation affects generations (vs 7)5. Reconciliatoin multiplies blessings (vs 8-11)

I AM A CHILDRelationships are about giving appropriate honor to people.

I AM A PARENTOnce a parent, always a parent. Our roles as parents change as our kids grow older, but we still have tremendous possibilities for influencing our kids (and grandkids!), especially in faith.

I am a Husband/WifeIn the beginning God created the family, beginning with the first husband and wife--Adam and Eve. What can we learn about being better to each other from Scripture?Mark 10:1-12 | Deuteronomy 24:1-5Key concepts:1. Marriage is a covenant, not a contract.2. Marriage is about achieving oneness.Instructions:A. Stop lookng to get out of it.B. Stop looking to get something out of it.C. Start pouring all you can into it..D. Marriage is about making the other person happy.Staying in the same room:1. Deal with things.2. Embrace grace.3. Pursue understanding.4. Work on your own junk.