“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

My father loved me very much. He taught me many things regarding the challenges of this life. But, he taught me very little in the area of financial stewardship. This was true for my wife as well. As a result, we struggled early on in our marriage with financial issues. It seemed to us that everyone else had better jobs or financial connections than we did. We paid our bills, but it was always a struggle. It always seemed we had... more month than money!

We tried to learn how to manage things better, how to budget things out and build savings. But, in spite of this we still felt like we were pushing from behind instead pulling from the front. But God in His faithfulness began to teach us some spiritual truths that opened our eyes to His understanding. It all began with the Lord’s Prayer.

“Our Father 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 do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” (Matthew 6:9-13 NKJV)

You see, it is so easy to fall into the trap of keeping up appearances, trying to show others you are just as good as they are. But, in the process of that ideology, an ugly truth arises... we are greedy and foolish in the areas of pride and ego. Jesus’ model prayer taught spiritual well-being. We began to understand the spiritual truths of meekness and self-control. Our lives prospered spiritually and we became content. This unlocked the vault of God’s blessings and the riches of His grace. We understood the graces of having our debts forgiven, and we were delivered from temptation. We no longer needed to “keep up” with anyone, for we are all sinners in need of the Savior. Now, we have confidence in God whose kingdom, power, and glory is forever! So, put your trust in God, honor Him today, and have the blessings of His kingdom in your life.

God speed!

Pastor Mike