It’s hard to find a balance between making our own plans and waiting for the Lord to arrange things. I tend to feel lazy while waiting, and pushy when pressing on with my own plans. James warned us against being too confident in those plans. Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow, we shall […]
Large rivers flow smooth; it is hard to discern the current. The same can be said of the purposes of God. But when we find His current, life takes on a meaning and direction it never had. That was true for the disciples after Jesus rose and sent His Spirit. One example is when Peter […]
My prayer discipline has always been fairly strong, but I have expectations. When those expectations don’t get met, I lose interest. I want answers, outcomes: feelings of His presence, peace, clarity, breakthrough in ministry, changes in the lives and ministries of others. You see, my prayers are quite transactional, even selfish. The pattern causes a […]
Spirit of God you are welcome. Thank you that I don’t have to beg for you as though you are reluctant to come. You were promised and sent. Father readily gives you to those who ask (Luke 11:13). And He gives without measure (John 3:34). I receive you. And thank you that I never have […]
Elderberries and exercise are just two of the many recommendations made to stay healthy. Along with vitamin C they help strengthen the immune system. But what should we do to maintain our spiritual health? One of the prayers Jesus told His followers to pray points us beyond taking wise precautions to avoid sickness. Be on […]
I used to think that persistence was a mixed virtue. After all, when I kept asking my parents for things they eventually got irritated. My persistence came across as begging or nagging, trying to force them to give me what I wanted. “And hurry up, please.” I struggled with Jesus’ parable on persistence in prayer. […]
One of the hardest things to do when we pray is to get our focus off the need and onto God. Jesus’ interaction with the woman at the well in Samaria helps us understand how important that refocusing is. Jesus said to her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is who […]
Although we will never experience the full suffering of Jesus, we sometimes find ourselves in situations that are similar in type. Jesus knew trouble was coming: Betrayal, abandonment by friends, false accusations, a mock trial without due process, unjust condemnation, mockery, torture, and cruel death. We have so many things to shout when someone cuts […]
We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2 Cor. 5:20) Embassies, ambassadors, and their staff need the permission of their host country to work there. Any diplomatic mission depends on the understanding of mutual benefits. Every individual and every human […]
Wouldn’t it be nice to have a formula for answered prayer? The custom for approaching the kings of Babylon and Persia provides us with that formula. It is not limited to their ancient kingdoms; it is a rule in human relationships and reflects the etiquette of heaven. Queen Esther knew how it worked. She approached […]