ICS Daily Devotions
Our Heavenly Father
Matthew 6:9 (NKJV) In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
There are a lot of people who struggle regarding how to pray, especially young believers. The Lord’s Prayer gives us a certain structure that can help us to pray to our Lord and Creator. There is definitely a sense of closeness as we address our Heavenly Father at the start of the conversation. All of us have probably good earthly father although the way that they used to express love might not be the love language that we appreciate. We also live in an imperfect world so they will be some who do not have a very good relationship or impression of a father. We need to have a clear and good understanding that we definitely have a good Heavenly Father who loves us unconditionally.
Hebrews 4:16 (NKJV) Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
One of the privileges of being a child of God is the ability to come before the Heavenly Father throughout the day no matter where we are. We have been encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace. Every child would not have any fear when he or she comes before his earthly father. Therefore, there shouldn’t be any fear as we come before the Heavenly Father.
We need to be mindful that we have been given the robe of righteousness when we came into the family of God. We have been blessed with all the spiritual blessings in Christ. Therefore, we do not approach God based on who we are nor what we have done. We are able to come before the Father based on all that Christ has done for us. We are redeemed, forgiven and accepted in the Beloved. Therefore, God sees who we are in Christ rather than based on the human weaknesses in this present time.
This position that Christ has obtained for us grants us direct access to God though we are still imperfect in our ways and we will never be perfect until we reach heaven. Therefore, never allow any condemnation nor things in the past nor recent experience hinder you from coming to the presence of the Father. Remember, it is between you and the Heavenly Father even if you have stumbled, fumbled, or sinned against God. Never allow the devil to talk you out or make you feel condemned that you are not worthy before the Heavenly Father.
1Timothy 2:5 (NKJV) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus.
You and I have a mediator who mediates for us in Heaven and that Jesus Christ. Jesus mediates for us because He has shed His blood to purchase our redemption and the forgiveness of our sins. Christ’s death on the cross has brought peace between God and men. Therefore, we can rightfully approach God based on Christ’s achievement and not our own works. We cannot approach God based on our self-righteousness because that’s filthy rags in the sight of God. We are to approach God based on the righteousness that He has given us. We have the imputed righteousness because it was given to us at the time when we received and believed in Jesus Christ.
John 1:12 (NKJV) But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.
Call out Heavenly Father in boldness because you are a child of the living God! We have come to a place knowing that the Heavenly Father accepts us and welcomes us into His presence. We know that we have come into His presence with confidence not based on our own ability but the spiritual position that is given to us by His grace. We are in a very comfortable position in prayers!
Sermon series: Our Prayer Life
