Prayer is not good thoughts or positive vibes. Prayer means more than just saying prayers or praying through a list. Prayer is much more than believing in the power of prayer. Prayer is calling out to and depending completely upon the the personal, triune, sovereign God of Heaven who wants us to pray, hears us when we pray, and moves because we pray.
Category: God’s mercy
Lament
God welcomes our laments. In fact, nothing is more freeing and healthy in our relationship with Him than voicing how we really feel and knowing He totally understands. Our questions and frustrations don’t frustrate Him. In fact He wrote the book on them. The bulk of what we call the wisdom books of Scripture, Job and Psalms, are laments. The wisdom of God, it seems, is lamenting to God.
Numbers
Reading thru the Old Testament pentateuch book of Numbers is difficult but not just because of soooo many laws, regulations, and details of ceremonial and personal holiness. Numbers is a tough read because of the conflict and rebellion of good people, God's people, who experienced many miraculous experiences of God's faithfulness (Egyptian plagues, crossing the … Continue reading Numbers
Leviticus Christmas
It’s often said that Jesus is the Reason for the Season. In the same way, Leviticus is the basis for Christmas. That’s right. Leviticus. At the very heart of the Christmas story lies the all-important doctrine of the Atonement. How can sinful people, separated from God in their sin and selfishness, be reconciled to a … Continue reading Leviticus Christmas
Good Friday
What’s so good about someone being crucified on a cross? After sixteen centuries and more during which the cross has been a sacred symbol, it’s difficult to realize the unspeakable horror and loathing which the very mention or thought of the cross provoked during the tyranny of the Roman Empire. In the first century, the … Continue reading Good Friday
A Mad World
When did the world get so angry? How did it happen so quickly? As we look ahead to a new year in 2018, we have some serious issues to deal with in the world of relationships － especially relationships in regard to race, religion, and politics. How did we get so full of frustration that the … Continue reading A Mad World
Kingdom of Priests
So often, especially in the US, our identity seems to get wrapped up in our possessions (homes, cars, finances, etc..) and our value is usually related to what we do (teacher, engineer, manager, etc..). But God has called us to find our worth and our purpose in our relationship with Him. He has set us apart as believers … Continue reading Kingdom of Priests
White as snow
As we awoke this morning in Texas to several inches of powdery wonder, it brought a sense of awe and beauty. There's something mesmerizing about fresh, fallen snow. Something magical as it reflects the sunlight. Clean. Undisturbed. New. The glory of the snow reminded me this morning of the promise of the Lord: “Come, let us … Continue reading White as snow
Second Chances
The famous Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh, tossed away the truth imparted to him in his Christian home and sank into a deep depression and destructive lifestyle. By the grace of God, he later began to embrace God's love again and found he was given a second chance. Van Gogh's life took on hope, and … Continue reading Second Chances
Holiness is what I need for Christmas
Jesus didn't come just to make us happy, happy, happy. He came so that ruined people could be declared holy, holy, holy before a righteous God. Happiness is a temporary feeling based on our personal circumstances. Holiness is our eternal standing before God based on the finished work of His Son, Jesus. The LORD God says, Be … Continue reading Holiness is what I need for Christmas
following Jesus 