Author: Sandra Bivens Smith
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Daily Devotion
Avoiding Temptation “‘“And do not lead us into temptation”’” (Matthew 6:13). By itself, the word rendered “temptation” here has a neutral connotation, unlike the English that usually indicates an inducement to sin. But in this context, with its parallel to the term “evil” at the end of the verse, Jesus likely used the word to mean…
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Daily Devotion
Trusting God For Protection “‘“. . . but deliver us from evil”’” (Matthew 6:13). If you realize the great danger that temptation poses to your soul, this petition will be a plea for God to provide a protection you can’t give for yourself. You will ask God to watch over your entire being so that in…
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Daily Devotion
The Need To Forgive Others “‘“. . . as we also have forgiven our debtors”’” (Matthew 6:12). Even as we have been forgiven, we need to forgive. This is the character of righteousness. But because of our sinful flesh, we are often inconsistent with that duty and need constant exhortation (cf. Rom. 7:14–25). The Lord Jesus’…
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Daily Devotion
The Plea For Forgiveness “‘“And forgive us our debts”’” (Matthew 6:12). God will not forgive our sins if we do not confess them. John makes that condition clear when he declares, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).…