“May your Kingdom come soon.
      May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.”
      Matthew 6:10 NLT

How many times have we prayed the Lord’s prayer?  When I pray these lines, inviting the Lord to come soon, and his will to be done here as it is in Heaven, I recognize that God’s will is perfect and always best for us.  I also know that only God can cause Heaven’s will to be done on earth. Pondering that truth, have you ever wondered then, why does Jesus tell us to pray for these things?
 
I wonder is there any link between these lines of Scripture in Matthew 6 and Matthew 16:19 where Jesus tells Peter, “And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid (bind, lock) on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit (loose, open) on earth will be permitted in heaven.”? Many scholars believe Jesus is declaring the authority of true believers like Peter to call down the things of Heaven to earth, releasing God’s will on earth.  Inferred in the releasing of God’s will is that we also now have authority to bind, forbid and stop the powers of darkness, the devil and his demons from distracting, deceiving and destroying God’s people, preventing us from doing the work assigned to us.

Is that what Jesus referred to in John 14:12-14?  “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.  You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.  Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!”  We know Jesus prayed.  Is the work, he referred to, include our prayers?

Maybe we should stop every time we are tempted to feel defeated or helpless and think, “All I can do is pray.”  Maybe, instead, we should pray, “Thank you, Lord, for giving me authority to pray in this situation. You will answer my prayers because you love me and you desire for your perfect will to be done so the Father is glorified.” 

Dear friends, may you accept the truth that you are loved, chosen and given spiritual authority by Father God so you can do the good things he planned for you long ago. (Eph.2:10) May you grow more and more in your knowledge and love of the Father and his marvelous ways.  Rejoice in being his new creation given the power of prayer!  Amen. 

Mary Sumner ~ June 26, 2025

 “God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. …
18 Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear.”
1 John 4:16b, 18a NLT

Most of us don’t like to think about fear.  We use other words to describe what we feel.  I might say, “I’m worried about that.” Or “It makes me anxious,” even “stressed”.  Fear is one of the two major weapons Satan uses against us, fear and deception.  Sometimes he causes us to believe a lie that will stir up fear and confusion.  Some fear may be legitimate.  If we ask, the Holy Spirit will teach us to recognize the lies and fear that are the devil’s calling cards.

Would you agree that lies and fear have come to dominate our national, even the world, atmosphere?  Fear sells.  It also destroys.  Fear destroys our sense of well-being, peace, and confidence in God.  I recently heard a friend say that she “freezes” when she is afraid.

The verse above in 1 John 4 is a real gift from God, if we will ponder and believe it.  Obviously, it does not refer to our love as perfect and can drive out fear.  That takes a burden off of us!  Instead, it’s obviously God’s infinite, powerful love that has that capability.  The good news is that all we have to do is ask the Father to fill us with his love.  He is always present with us and will do it.  Praise God that he loves us that much.  Maybe he has been waiting for us to ask.

Have you been “worried” about something lately?  Has it been disturbing your sleep?  Why not try to start every day, maybe stop before bed, too, giving all your concerns to Jesus. Then ask the Father to fill every place in your body, soul and spirit with his love.  With hands outstretched, keep asking until you feel the presence and power of God’s love.  Ask for it to overflow…  love for your family, love for that difficult person, for God’s creation, for his truth and Word, for his plans and purposes for your life, --- love for what pleases him.

Then stop, breathe deeply of his peace, and thank the Lord for loving you and filling you with his love, leaving no room for fear, worries, or anxiety.  And start your day ready to be used by God.

Dear friends, may you accept the truth that you are loved and chosen by Father God.  May you believe that Jesus has left you with the gift of peace of mind and heart. (Jn.14:27) As you learn to come to the Father to fill you with his love, enjoy having no room for fear, worries or anxiety.  Then smile, as you become more of a blessing, fearlessly loving those around you with God’s love.  Amen.

Mary Sumner ~ June 7, 2025