12: This verse gives us one of the great themes of Jesus’ teaching. He always emphasized the importance of forgiveness. He often made it clear that those who love God Almighty owe Him thanks, and must not fail to forgive those who are indebted to them. The focus here is upon sin, not simply monetary debt. We cannot expect Almighty God to forgive us if we fail to forgive others. Many have failed to receive true forgiveness because they have held a grudge against another.
Therefore, we should not presume to pray without acknowledging our own sin. We should not presume to pray before having already forgiven those who have sinned against us.
Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 132:1-137:9
Daily Memory Verse: Jude 1:9 “Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, durst not bring against him a railing accusation, but said, The Lord rebuke thee.”
Daily Tidbit: The Ancient Greek word for forgive is ἀφίημι, pronounced ‘afeeaymee’.
Praise Journal: Gracious Heavenly Father, You are so good to mankind. You have given to us the eternal gospel of grace. It gives us joy and hope for our lives. Having known what this world holds out as its reward, I would far rather have what the gospel promises any day. Nobody who lives a whole life for You ever regrets it. Many have regretted not knowing You, and Your gospel, better. Oh Father, give us a hunger for Truth! May we never rest without an answer to Piltate’s question, ‘What is truth?’ Bring us ever onward to a knowledge of Your will and ways. Give us the privilege of knowing You intimately. We can never overestimate the joy of being near to You! In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I pray and praise You, Amen.
Prayer Journal Highlights: Pray for our national leaders. Pray for our military. Pray for our local public servants. Pray for missionaries all over the world.
Personal Journal Entry #12191