TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Do not swear falsely by my name and so profane the name of your God. I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:12
Read: Leviticus 19:11-12
Listen: Leviticus 19
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus taught his followers to pray by addressing God as “father” and for his name to be “hallowed.” He knew saying these words would remind us we are to reflect the holy character of God.
As Jesus-followers, we represent God whether we want to or not. There is a connection between our behavior and God’s reputation that we need to take seriously. When we turn away from his commands and behave poorly—that’s how those around us see God. Jesus said, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). It reflects well on God when we have good character shown through godly behavior. Watch this video clip as Pastor Jeff Manion explains this.
God, not our self-effort, should be at the center of our good behavior and deeds. We should ask every day for God to glorify himself through our thoughts, words and actions. We invite him to be in charge of our choices. Every time we pray “hallowed be your name” during the 40 Days of Prayer, we should remember to let Father-God shape our behavior, so others see his greatness through us.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Use Matthew 5:16 as a tool to think through how you can hallow God’s name today. When you say that part of The Lord’s Prayer, slow down and ask God to help your good deeds honor him. Bring glory to God by asking him to empower you to do his will as you yield to how he wants you to behave.
40 DAYS OF PRAYER
Join us for 40 DAYS OF PRAYER where all of us will find a quiet space and slowly read The Lord’s Prayer. May forty days of praying like Jesus prayed, and desiring what Jesus wanted, make a big difference in our hearts and our communities.
THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is John 12.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
