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Monday, August 19, 2019

How to counsel when a Christian is attracted to the same sex

Chapter 28
How Can I Avoid Homosexuality?
“During my teens I struggled with an attraction to other males. Deep down, I knew those thoughts weren’t normal.”​—Olef.
“My girlfriend and I kissed once or twice. Since I still liked boys, I wondered if I might be bisexual.”​—Sarah.
FEW would deny that homosexuality is talked about more openly today than it was several decades ago. And just try to say that you disapprove of it! Likely, you will be bombarded with criticism. Says 16-year-old Amy, “One girl told me that I must be prejudiced against people of other races, because my opinion of homosexuality amounted to the same thing​—prejudice!”
Today’s permissive attitudes have prompted a number of youths to experiment with same-sex relationships. “Many girls in my school claim to be either lesbian, bisexual, or ‘bi-curious,’” says 15-year-old Becky. Christa, 18, finds the situation similar at her school. “Two classmates have actually propositioned me,” she says. “One wrote me a note asking if I wanted to see what it was like to be with a girl.”
With same-sex relationships being touted so openly, you may begin to wonder: ‘Is homosexuality really that bad? What if I’m attracted to someone of my sex? Does that mean I’m gay?’
How Does God View Homosexuality?
Today, many people​—even some clergymen—​soft-pedal the issue of homosexuality. Yet, God’s Word, the Bible, leaves no room for confusion. It tells us that Jehovah God made man and woman and that he purposed for sexual desires to be fulfilled only between a husband and a wife. (Genesis 1:27, 28; 2:24) It comes as no surprise, then, that the Bible condemns homosexual acts.​—Romans 1:26, 27.
Some would say that God’s Word is out-of-date. But why, do you think, are they so quick to make that claim? Could it be because the Bible’s view conflicts with their own? Many reject God’s Word simply because it teaches something different from what they want to believe. That view is biased, though, and we should rise above such closed-minded thinking!
But what if you feel attracted to a member of the same sex? Does this automatically mean that you’re a homosexual? No. Remember, you’re in “the bloom of youth,” a period when you’re subject to involuntary sexual arousal. (1 Corinthians 7:36) If at times you feel an attraction to a member of the same sex, be assured that this doesn’t mean that you’re gay. Such inclinations usually fade with time. Meanwhile, you must keep from getting involved in homosexual practices. How?
Pray about the matter. Implore Jehovah as David did: “Search through me, O God, and know my heart. Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way, and lead me in the way of time indefinite.” (Psalm 139:23, 24) Jehovah can fortify you with a peace that “excels all thought.” This can ‘guard your heart and your mental powers’ and give you “power beyond what is normal” to keep from acting on wrong desires.​—Philippians 4:6, 7; 2 Corinthians 4:7.
Fill your mind with upbuilding thoughts. (Philippians 4:8) Read the Bible daily. Never underestimate its power to shape your mind and heart for good. (Hebrews 4:12) A young man named Jason says: “The Bible​—including such scriptures as 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 and Ephesians 5:3—​has had a powerful effect on me. I read these scriptures whenever wrong desires occur.”
Shun pornography and gay propaganda. (Colossians 3:5) Avoid anything that will arouse immoral desires. This would include pornography, certain TV shows and movies, and perhaps even fashion or bodybuilding magazines that feature lightly clad models. Change negative thoughts to positive ones. “Whenever I have homosexual urges,” says one teenage boy, “I meditate on my favorite Bible text.”
Of course, some claim that there’s no point in doing all this, that you should simply ‘embrace your sexuality’ and ‘accept who you are.’ But the Bible says that you can do better than that! It tells us, for example, that some early Christians who had formerly practiced homosexuality changed. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) You too can win the battle​—even if at this point it’s only being waged in your heart.
What if same-sex desires persist? Do not give in to them! Jehovah condemns homosexual acts. Thus, the person who struggles with same-sex desires is presented with a reachable goal​—he or she can choose not to act on those desires.
To illustrate: A person might be “disposed to rage.” (Proverbs 29:22) In the past he may have freely given in to fits of anger. After studying the Bible, though, he becomes aware of the need to develop self-control. Does this mean that he’ll never again feel anger welling up inside him? No. However, because he knows what the Bible says about uncontrolled anger, he will strive hard not to succumb to his feelings.
It’s similar with a person who is attracted to others of the same sex but who has now come to learn what the Bible says about homosexual practices. On occasion, an improper desire may still present itself. But by viewing homosexuality the way Jehovah views it, a person can find the strength to resist that desire.
Don’t Give Up!
If you struggle with same-sex desires, you might feel as did one young man, who said: “I’ve tried to change my feelings. I’ve prayed to Jehovah for help. I read the Bible. I’ve heard talks on the subject. But I don’t know where to turn.”
If you’re in a similar situation, you clearly have a real fight on your hands. There’s no easy cure. Nevertheless, anyone who desires to please God must conform to His moral standards and shun immoral behavior, even though doing so may be agonizingly difficult. Never forget that God understands the struggle you have in your heart and that he has compassion for those who serve him.* (1 John 3:19, 20) When you obey God’s commandments, you open the way for receiving his blessing. In fact, in the keeping of God’s commands, “there is a large reward.” (Psalm 19:11) Even now, you’ll enjoy the best way of life possible in this troubled world.
So rely on God, and fight against wrong desires. (Galatians 6:9) Strive to “abhor what is wicked” and “cling to what is good.” (Romans 12:9) With time and effort, you are likely to find that the wrong desires diminish. Best of all, by avoiding homosexual practices, you’ll have the prospect of living forever in God’s righteous new world.
How can you control feelings of attraction to the opposite sex?
[Footnote]
A Christian who has engaged in acts of sexual misconduct should seek the help of congregation elders.​—James 5:14, 15.
KEY SCRIPTURE
“Examine me, and know my disquieting thoughts, and see whether there is in me any painful way.”​—Psalm 139:23, 24.
TIP
To develop a healthy view of masculinity, study the example of Jesus. (1 Peter 2:21) He was a perfect model of masculine power combined with gentleness.
DID YOU KNOW . . . ?
Although you may not have complete control over your desires, you do have control over your actions. You can choose not to act on wrong desires.
ACTION PLAN!
If someone asks me why the Bible condemns homosexuality, I will say ․․․․․
If someone says that the Bible’s view is narrow-minded, I will reason with him by saying ․․․․․
What I would like to ask my parent(s) about this subject is ․․․․․
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
● Why does God disapprove of homosexuality?
● What practical steps can you take to avoid being ensnared by homosexuality?
● Does adopting God’s view of homosexuality mean that you’re homophobic (exhibiting a hatred or strong dislike of homosexuals)?
[Blurb on page 236]
“The world’s warped thinking affected my mind and added to my sexual confusion. Now I steer clear of anything or anyone that promotes homosexuality.”​—Anna
[Picture on page 233]
All youths face a choice​—either to adopt the world’s degraded view of sexuality or to follow the high moral path set forth in God’s Word

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Tuesday, July 30, 2019 - Essential Truths of the Faith

11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers,
12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ;
13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.
14 As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming;
15 but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,
16 from whom the whole body, being fitted and held together by what every joint supplies, according to the proper working of each individual part, causes the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.

It’s fairly easy to coast through the Christian life without thinking too deeply about the essentials of our faith. Every child of God knows the basics of the gospel, since they are necessary for salvation. But once we are saved, we need to grow in our understanding of the doctrines that are foundational for Christianity.
We must believe that the Bible is true. Scripture is the heavenly Father’s self-revelation about His nature, plan of salvation, and dealings with mankind. It’s the final authority on life, faith, salvation, and conduct (2 Peter 1:3), and we can trust that it’s without error because God inspired its writers and protected its transmission throughout history (2 Timothy 3:16).
There is only one God who expresses Himself in three persons—Father, Son, and Spirit. The concept of the Trinity is supported in numerous Scriptures, including Jesus’ baptism when all three were present and the Great Commission in which we are told to make disciples and baptize them in one name—that of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16-17Matt. 28:19).
The Lord is the Creator of all things. As His creatures, we exist for Him and through Him, and He has authority and power over us (1 Corinthians 8:6). God is not simply a greater version of us; He is in a totally different category because He is self-existent and the source of life. We, on the other hand, are dependent upon Him for our next breath.
These three essentials keep us grounded in the truth. If we doubt them, we will find ourselves deceived by other doctrines (Eph. 4:14).
Bible in One Year: Isaiah 31-35

Tuesday 7/30/19 - "The Broken Way" - Discover the Word

7/30/2019 - This acknowledges the brokeness we have, the often unspoken pain.
https://discovertheword.org/series/the-broken-way1/

There are things that I haven't laid out on the table;

There are things that are so broken, I don't know how to properly communicate.

Shame is a bully but Grace is a shield; The church needs to be a safe place for the suffering and broken to come and experience what the cross is all about.  Jesus takes all of the shame and suffering and brokenness and exchanges it for deep Grace and all of his righteousness.  Jesus came for those of us who are forsaken and broken. #TheBrokenWay

7/31/2019
John 12:24

Society tells us to avoid suffering.  God also allows suffering;  Suffering that will refine you, Suffering that will shape, Suffering that will open you up to be empty and be more like Jesus.  If you die to self, be broken and given out that yielded place, your life will yield the most.  When I am at the weakest, Christ is the strongest in me. #TheBrokenWay

Thursday, May 2, 2019

Thursday, May 2, 2019 - What can send you to hell?

http://www.jcblog.net/hebrews/2/9/sin-does-not-send-you-to-hell-rejecting-jesus-does

What can send you to hell?  Can saying the wrong thing out of your mouth or doing the wrong thing send you to hell?  Having the wrong friends?

This passage: Bad company ruins good manners;
Ignorance of God is a luxury you can't afford in times like these.

Yes, we should be careful of the company we keep but sin doesn't send a person to hell. Sin has been paid for by Jesus, therefore the only thing that condemns a person is rejecting the payment for sin. John 3:17-18

Jesus was the payment. God provided the way in Jesus so to reject Him you are rejecting the only way for salvation. This is a hard truth for some who look for multiple ways to heaven, but Jesus is the only one who tasted death in our place so we could be completely forgiven and righteous before God. God didn't see the need to provide a different way when he started with the perfect way.

============
"But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone" (Hebrews 2:9)
Part 2 of 2

"For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son" (John 3:17-18)

Many assume that sin is what sends a person to hell. But sin has been paid for by Jesus, therefore the only thing that condemns a person is rejecting the payment for sin. Jesus was the payment. God provided the way in Jesus so to reject Him you are rejecting the only way for salvation. This is a hard truth for some who look for multiple ways to heaven, but Jesus is the only one who tasted death in our place so we could be completely forgiven and righteous before God. God didn't see the need to provide a different way when he started with the perfect way.

Jesus Saves Lives
"For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!" (Romans 5:10).

The most amazing thing about Jesus is the abundant life He offers to us. It is not just about getting to heaven as the end goal, it is certainly a plus, but it is about experiencing Him in this life. Jesus promised us a full and abundant life right now. By believing, clinging to and relying on Him we are saved and filled to fullness of God. When we were His enemies and ruined by sin, God sent Jesus. So now that we are completely forgiven and righteous before him we are saved and offered His abundant life!

Tomorrow we look at Hebrews 2:10: Jesus’ Role as Our Faithful High Priest


Wednesday, April 24, 2019

April 24, 2019 - Daily Devotion - When we feel helpless

145 I cried with all my heart; answer me, O LORD! I will observe Your statutes.
146 I cried to You; save me And I shall keep Your testimonies.
147 I rise before dawn and cry for help; I wait for Your words.
148 My eyes anticipate the night watches, That I may meditate on Your word.
149 Hear my voice according to Your lovingkindness; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your ordinances.
150 Those who follow after wickedness draw near; They are far from Your law.
151 You are near, O LORD, And all Your commandments are truth.
152 Of old I have known from Your testimonies That You have founded them forever.
153 Look upon my affliction and rescue me, For I do not forget Your law.
154 Plead my cause and redeem me; Revive me according to Your word.
155 Salvation is far from the wicked, For they do not seek Your statutes.
156 Great are Your mercies, O LORD; Revive me according to Your ordinances.
157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries, Yet I do not turn aside from Your testimonies.
158 I behold the treacherous and loathe them, Because they do not keep Your word.
159 Consider how I love Your precepts; Revive me, O LORD, according to Your lovingkindness.
160 The sum of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting

We love movies that capture our attention with tales of people who are trapped, helpless, and frantically looking for a way of escape. However, this is not something we want in real life. Yet when it happens, we immediately start looking for the way out and beg God for rescue through physical healing, changed circumstances, or additional provision.
Have you ever considered that spiritual rescue is even more important than physical deliverance? Although Jesus has freed us from the penalty and power of sin, there are times when we feel helpless in the face of sinful habits, emotions, rash words, and ungodly thoughts. That’s when we need to follow the example of the psalmist and cry out to God for spiritual rescue.
Admit your helplessness to God. In yourself, you have no power to overcome sin. But God’s Spirit within you is almighty.
Confess any sins, fears, unbelief, or self-reliance. Surrender all further attempts to change by self-effort, and make no provision for sinful desires.
Turn your gaze toward God. Think about who He is, what He desires, and what He has promised.
Fill your mind and heart with God’s Word. Meditate on it. Ask Him for wisdom and strength to follow Him with reliance on and submission to His Spirit.
Trust God, and wait upon Him to change you from the inside out. Although salvation occurs in a moment, sanctification is a lifelong process.
A time will eventually come when the helpless feeling departs and is replaced by the joy of obedience. When that happens, give God the glory.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

FEBRUARY 20, 2019 - Stronghold #1 - Emotional Eating

Tuesday, February 20, 2019 - New Bible Class - New Book
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
7:40 AM

Homework assignment
  1. Find a scripture, any verse
  2. Unpack it meaning, get the subject, ask questions about the subject (when, why, where , How, what)
  3. Application - how does it apply to me
  4. Make a prayer about it


Scripture: 
  1. Philippians 4:6. 7 NKJV
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
  1. Subject = anxious | Verb = Be | anxious (adjective)
  2. Who is anxious?
    Eudoia and Syntyche were co workers with Paul
KJV - And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.



KJV Philippians 4:3  These women helped Paul and labored with Paul in the gospel


  1. Why were they anxious?
    They were anxious because they were not in agreement over a matter.

Amp Version - Philippians 4:2 - I urged Euodia and I urge Syntyche to agree and to work in Harmony in the Lord.
 
Amp Version - Philippians 4:3 Indeed, I ask you too, my true companion, to help these women [to keep on cooperating], for they have shared my struggle in the [cause of the] gospel, together with Clement and the rest of my fellow works, whose names are in the Book of Life.

ADR - Personally - frustrated when I'm not feeling accomplished at work;  When a problem has me stumped and its taking what I deemed to be a long time to figure it out.
  1. What were they anxious about?

    About a matter - the bible doesn't specifically say

    ADR - Work, failing, disappointing
  2. Where were they anxious?  These ladies were instrumental in the Philippian church so it could have been in the church or around the church; The bible doesn't specifically say
  3. Paul's purpose for writing this later is to encourage the Christians to stay grounded in Jesus and to stay united for the sake of the progression of the gospel.
  4. Solution: Pray about everything and make your request known to God

V7
and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Subject : Peace of God (noun)

Peace -
  1. freedom from disturbance; tranquility.
  1. a state or period in which there is no war or a war has ended.
  1. APPLICATION - How does this apply to me?

    A stronghold of mine is to eat when I'm emotional, even if I'm not hungry.
     
Why? Because I'm anxious - at work, frustrated, feeling like its taking too long to resolve an issue; worrying about disappointing

I find peace, comfort in food

What should I be doing instead?  Address the root of the problem, which is anxiety about work, failure:

Philippians v6 - tells me not to worry about anything
Phillippians v7 - tells me to pray about it

So if I pray instead of worrying, God's peace will come upon me and there is no need to find peace in food.. Find peace in God.
PRAYER:
Our Father which are in heaven, I worship you because you are true and faithful and you are a promise Keeper.  I worship you because you are the Father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the Holy One of Israel, the Ancient of Days.
I thank you for keeping me, providing and protecting me.  I thank you Lord for providing a steady income so that MY FAMILY IS not homeless, hungry or stealing to make ends meet.
I ask forgiveness for my sins, knowingly and unknowingly.
In your word, you gave us a plan of attack for any anxiety that we may have.  Philippians 4:6-7 tells me to pray about everything and not worry about anything.  I pray that you bring me in peace in my life, my work life and my personal life.  Help me to find Peace in you that surpassing all understanding and not find peace in food.

In Jesus name, I pray, Amen.

===== Extra study notes ======
Msg
6-7 Don’t(contraction) fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

Proper noun (i.e. a specific person, place or thing), and proper nouns are capitalized

anx·ious /ˈaNG(k)SHÉ™s/
adjective
experiencing worry, unease, or nervousness, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.

Noun - Anxiety
distress or uneasiness of mind caused by fear of danger or misfortune:

The subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that is doing or being something. You can find the subject of a sentence if you can find the verb. Ask the question, "Who or what 'verbs' or 'verbed'?" and the answer to that question is the subject.




All of the nutritional knowledge in the world cannot change us on a spiritual level. I think it is very possible, even very likely, that God has allowed us to fight this battle with food for a greater purpose.


One Strong Hold - Emotional Eating - Unhealthy behavior


If the devil can distract you with food, instead of dealing with your emotions and coming up with a sensible positive plan.  Next, you are over weight, then comes health problems.  Bad knees and the Dr. tells you to work out, but it hurts to workout because of bad knees.. It’s a catch 22..then you become so obsesses with dieting and working out, you have no time for the Lord.

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Thursday, January 24, 2019 - Christ's New Teaching

Matthew 25:34-40 The Message (MSG)
34-36 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.’

37-40 “Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

 STUDY THIS
Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:9-14 The Message (MSG)
The Story of the Tax Man and the Pharisee
9-12 He told his next story to some who were complacently pleased with themselves over their moral performance and looked down their noses at the common people: “Two men went up to the Temple to pray, one a Pharisee, the other a tax man. The Pharisee posed and prayed like this: ‘Oh, God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, crooks, adulterers, or, heaven forbid, like this tax man. I fast twice a week and tithe on all my income.’

13 “Meanwhile the tax man, slumped in the shadows, his face in his hands, not daring to look up, said, ‘God, give mercy. Forgive me, a sinner.’”

14 Jesus commented, “This tax man, not the other, went home made right with God. If you walk around with your nose in the air, you’re going to end up flat on your face, but if you’re content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself.”

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

 STUDY THIS
Exodus 16:16-22

Exodus 16:16-22 The Message (MSG)
15-16 So Moses told them, “It’s the bread God has given you to eat. And these are God’s instructions: ‘Gather enough for each person, about two quarts per person; gather enough for everyone in your tent.’”

17-18 The People of Israel went to work and started gathering, some more, some less, but when they measured out what they had gathered, those who gathered more had no extra and those who gathered less weren’t short—each person had gathered as much as was needed.

19 Moses said to them, “Don’t leave any of it until morning.”

20 But they didn’t listen to Moses. A few of the men kept back some of it until morning. It got wormy and smelled bad. And Moses lost his temper with them.

21-22 They gathered it every morning, each person according to need. Then the sun heated up and it melted. On the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, about four quarts per person.

Then the leaders of the company came to Moses and reported.

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

 STUDY THIS
Matthew 18:21-35

Matthew 18:21-35 The Message (MSG)
A Story About Forgiveness
21 At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”

22 Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.

23-25 “The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.

26-27 “The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.

28 “The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’

29-31 “The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.

32-35 “The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”

The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson

 STUDY THIS
Matthew 6:1-13

Matthew 6:1-13 The Message (MSG)
The World Is Not a Stage
6 “Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don’t make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won’t be applauding.

2-4 “When you do something for someone else, don’t call attention to yourself. You’ve seen them in action, I’m sure—‘playactors’ I call them—treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that’s all they get. When you help someone out, don’t think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.

Pray with Simplicity
5 “And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?

6 “Here’s what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won’t be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.

7-13 “The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They’re full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don’t fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:

Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
    as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
    Yes. Yes. Yes.ervo?