Kingdom Incarnate Part 12 Devotionals

Day 1: Our Intimate Father

Devotional Have you ever felt distant from God, viewing Him as an unreachable, cosmic authority figure? Jesus revolutionized our understanding of God by teaching us to approach Him as ‘Father.’ This wasn’t just a formal title – it was an invitation to intimate relationship. When we pray, we’re not speaking to a distant deity, but to our loving Papa who desires close connection with His children. This intimate approach to God was radical in Jesus’ time and remains transformative today. It reminds us that prayer isn’t about formal religious ritual, but about heart-to-heart conversation with our heavenly Father who loves us deeply and personally.

Bible Verse

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, ‘Abba, Father!'” – Romans 8:15

Reflection Question

How might your prayer life change if you truly embraced God as your loving Father rather than just a distant authority figure?

Quote When I refer to God as Papa, it’s the opposite of disrespect. It’s such a tremendous respect and love that it wells up in me.

Prayer

Papa God, help me to truly grasp the depth of Your love as my Father. Remove any barriers that keep me from experiencing the intimacy You desire to have with me. Thank You for adopting me as Your child. Amen.

Day 2: A Blueprint for Prayer

Devotional Prayer can sometimes feel overwhelming or confusing. What should we say? How should we approach God? Jesus understood these struggles and provided us with more than just words to memorize – He gave us a pattern for connecting with God. The Lord’s Prayer isn’t meant to be merely recited; it’s a framework that teaches us how to pray effectively. It guides us through worship, alignment with God’s purposes, practical needs, relationships, and spiritual protection. This pattern helps us maintain balance in our prayer life, ensuring we don’t focus solely on our needs while neglecting praise, or become so heavenly-minded that we forget our earthly responsibilities.

Bible Verse

“One of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.'” – Luke 11:1

Reflection Question

Which aspect of the Lord’s Prayer pattern (worship, kingdom focus, provision, forgiveness, or protection) do you tend to neglect in your own prayers?

Quote It was to be memorized and something that we’re to remember, but it was to be as a way to pray, as a guide to prayer, as a way to help us, sort of a blueprint to what our life should look like.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for providing this beautiful pattern of prayer. Help me develop a more balanced prayer life that reflects all aspects of this model You’ve given us. Amen.

Day 3: Kingdom Partners

Devotional God’s kingdom isn’t just a future hope – it’s a present reality that we’re invited to participate in. When we pray ‘Your kingdom come,’ we’re not passive observers waiting for God to act; we’re active participants in bringing heaven’s reality to earth. God has chosen to partner with us in His kingdom work, just as He did in Eden. This partnership isn’t because He needs our help, but because He values our participation. Every act of kindness, every word of truth, every moment of serving others becomes a way of extending God’s kingdom influence in our world.

Bible Verse

“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” – Matthew 22:36

Reflection Question

What specific opportunities do you have this week to partner with God in extending His kingdom influence in your sphere of influence?

Quote God partners with people to make things happen from creation, from the beginning, right after he created everything, what did he say? He said, listen, I’m going to partner with you people and we’re going to go and make the rest of the planet like Eden.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the privilege of being Your kingdom partner. Show me how I can work with You today to bring more of heaven’s reality to earth. Amen.

Day 4: Daily Bread, Daily Grace

Devotional In a world obsessed with securing the future, Jesus teaches us to pray for ‘daily’ bread. This isn’t about limiting our ambition; it’s about cultivating trust and gratitude. Each day’s provision is a gift from God, whether it seems abundant or modest. This daily focus keeps us dependent on God and grateful for His provision, rather than anxiously storing up treasures on earth. It reminds us to appreciate the simple blessings we often take for granted – food, shelter, health, relationships. When we recognize each day’s provisions as gifts from God, it transforms our perspective from entitlement to gratitude.

Bible Verse

“Pray, then, in this way: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.'” – Matthew 6:9

Reflection Question

What daily provisions from God have you been taking for granted, and how can you cultivate a more grateful heart?

Quote Each day is a gift. That’s the idea. Don’t take basic things for granted.

Prayer

Father, thank You for Your faithful provision. Help me to recognize and appreciate Your daily gifts, trusting You for tomorrow’s needs. Amen.

Day 5: The Freedom of Forgiveness

Devotional Forgiveness is one of the most challenging aspects of Christian faith, yet it’s central to the Lord’s Prayer. When we pray ‘forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,’ we’re acknowledging a profound truth: our own forgiveness and our willingness to forgive others are interconnected. This doesn’t mean forgiveness is always easy or that it necessarily leads to reconciliation, especially in cases of abuse or severe harm. Rather, it’s about releasing our right to retaliation and leaving justice in God’s hands. When we forgive, we free ourselves from the burden of bitterness and reflect the grace we’ve received from God.

Bible Verse

“Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what you will.” – Mark 14:36

Reflection Question

What bitterness or resentment are you holding onto that God is asking you to release through forgiveness?

Quote Forgiveness is just giving up the perceived right for retaliation because Jesus gave up that right for me on the cross.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your forgiveness. Give me the strength to extend that same grace to others, even when it’s difficult. Help me release any bitterness I’m holding onto. Amen.

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