Genesis 28:20-22
20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, "If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father's house, then the LORD will be my God 22 and this stone that I have set up as a pillar will be God's house, and of all that you give me I will give you a tenth."
God is so patient and understanding. Look at what Jacob is really saying here. “God if you do this, this, and this, then I will worship you and give offering.” Can you imagine trying to make a deal with God like he is supposed to do what you want because you worship him and give offering? How could Jacob be so naïve and arrogant?
O, yes, I forgot, that sounds a lot like me sometime…
Ask for forgiveness today for taking God for granted.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
in dreams
Genesis 26:24-28
That night the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham."
When God appears to Isaac the Scripture says, “That night…”
In the context I assume Isaac is dreaming. When God appears while you are sleeping it is a dream and when he appears while you are awake it is called a vision. At least that is the way the Bible speaks of it. All I can say is, “WHOOAAA!!! Who am I LORD that you come to me directly? Next time, just send an angel.”
Although, it’s not as if an angel in the middle of the night is not going to scare the heaven into me either…
Have you heard the voice of God directly in a vision or dream? Has God ever sent you a sign?
That night the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham."
When God appears to Isaac the Scripture says, “That night…”
In the context I assume Isaac is dreaming. When God appears while you are sleeping it is a dream and when he appears while you are awake it is called a vision. At least that is the way the Bible speaks of it. All I can say is, “WHOOAAA!!! Who am I LORD that you come to me directly? Next time, just send an angel.”
Although, it’s not as if an angel in the middle of the night is not going to scare the heaven into me either…
Have you heard the voice of God directly in a vision or dream? Has God ever sent you a sign?
Monday, June 25, 2007
matchmaker
Genesis 24:7
"The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land'-he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there."
Here we see God works directly with Abraham. God steps in when God deems it necessary. Then we see God sends an angel to guide the servant of Abraham to find Isaac a wife. God creates angels before the creation of the universe, and one of their functions is to let us know God is with us. They can act as messengers, and in cases like finding a wife for Isaac, guides.
Pray for those who will marry this summer.
"The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me out of my father's household and my native land and who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, 'To your offspring I will give this land'-he will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there."
Here we see God works directly with Abraham. God steps in when God deems it necessary. Then we see God sends an angel to guide the servant of Abraham to find Isaac a wife. God creates angels before the creation of the universe, and one of their functions is to let us know God is with us. They can act as messengers, and in cases like finding a wife for Isaac, guides.
Pray for those who will marry this summer.
Friday, June 22, 2007
getting ready for vacation
Friends-
We are going on a family vacation blogfree. I will prepost next weeks daily thoughts and then be back up live on July 2.
Dana
We are going on a family vacation blogfree. I will prepost next weeks daily thoughts and then be back up live on July 2.
Dana
distant
Genesis 4:16
So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
After murdering Abel, Cain is banished by God, but not destroyed. He enters the land of Nod, East of Eden.
Where is East of Eden today? Anywhere where God is not present? Where would that be? Nowhere.
Anywhere where God appears absent? Where would that be? Could be anywhere. It depends on us.
God comes as Jesus and restores His Kingdom as we live in its midst and in His midst. We are invited to live in the new creation where God is always present.
When does God seem distant today?
So Cain left the Lord’s presence and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.
After murdering Abel, Cain is banished by God, but not destroyed. He enters the land of Nod, East of Eden.
Where is East of Eden today? Anywhere where God is not present? Where would that be? Nowhere.
Anywhere where God appears absent? Where would that be? Could be anywhere. It depends on us.
God comes as Jesus and restores His Kingdom as we live in its midst and in His midst. We are invited to live in the new creation where God is always present.
When does God seem distant today?
Thursday, June 21, 2007
God walk
Genesis 3:8
When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden.
Anthropomorphism- is the attribution of uniquely human characteristics and qualities to nonhuman beings, inanimate objects, or natural or supernatural phenomena.
God is non-physical being. Yet, the Bible describes God as walking around here. Is this just a myth the early God-believers made up in order to tell the beginning of the story of God and his people? Or is God awesome enough to take on these characteristics as God?
Good question.
When does God seem close today?
When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden.
Anthropomorphism- is the attribution of uniquely human characteristics and qualities to nonhuman beings, inanimate objects, or natural or supernatural phenomena.
God is non-physical being. Yet, the Bible describes God as walking around here. Is this just a myth the early God-believers made up in order to tell the beginning of the story of God and his people? Or is God awesome enough to take on these characteristics as God?
Good question.
When does God seem close today?
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
the importance of fathers
Are fathers simply throwaway DNA donors who come out of patriarchal exploitation?
Hardly-
a Father's Day message on the biblical view of father
Hardly-
a Father's Day message on the biblical view of father
stardust
Genesis 2:7
Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.
Though the Bible is not a science book, it is rather interesting that the creation of humans from dust is the way the Bible talks about it.
Fast forward to modern physics and space exploration where they are studying star dust. A recent NASA mission was actually dubbed, “Stardust.”
"We want to find out what this stuff is like," said Dr. Donald C. Brownlee of the University of Washington, the chief scientist of the mission. "It's the building block of planets and human bodies."
Indeed, Joni Mitchell sang it in “Woodstock,” “We are stardust…”
Pray for those involved in space exploration.
Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.
Though the Bible is not a science book, it is rather interesting that the creation of humans from dust is the way the Bible talks about it.
Fast forward to modern physics and space exploration where they are studying star dust. A recent NASA mission was actually dubbed, “Stardust.”
"We want to find out what this stuff is like," said Dr. Donald C. Brownlee of the University of Washington, the chief scientist of the mission. "It's the building block of planets and human bodies."
Indeed, Joni Mitchell sang it in “Woodstock,” “We are stardust…”
Pray for those involved in space exploration.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
beginning
Genesis 1:26
26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”
Notice God speaks of God’s self in the plural. In the Christian tradition, we see this as a clear indication of the Trinity. In the context it makes so much sense. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is enjoying abundant life together from eternity, and now wants to share this mutual self-giving love, encouragement, and joy with us. Somehow, even our care giving of the creatures of the earth will take part in this.
What can you do today to give yourself to God?
26 Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”
Notice God speaks of God’s self in the plural. In the Christian tradition, we see this as a clear indication of the Trinity. In the context it makes so much sense. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit is enjoying abundant life together from eternity, and now wants to share this mutual self-giving love, encouragement, and joy with us. Somehow, even our care giving of the creatures of the earth will take part in this.
What can you do today to give yourself to God?
Monday, June 18, 2007
with God
For the last 24 weeks, I have commented on selected Bible verses on prayer, compiled in the Renovare Spiritual Formation Bible. I will continue this practice with the topic of “The With-God Life.” Here is what the Spiritual Formation introduction says:
The With-God Life: The Bible is all about human life “with God” and how God has made this “with-God” life possible and will bring it to pass. The name Immanuel, meaning “God is with us,” is the title given to the one and only Redeemer, because it refers to God’s everlasting intent for human life- namely, that we should be in every aspect of a dwelling place of God.
Pray God makes himself present to you in more intentional ways.
The With-God Life: The Bible is all about human life “with God” and how God has made this “with-God” life possible and will bring it to pass. The name Immanuel, meaning “God is with us,” is the title given to the one and only Redeemer, because it refers to God’s everlasting intent for human life- namely, that we should be in every aspect of a dwelling place of God.
Pray God makes himself present to you in more intentional ways.
Friday, June 15, 2007
amen
Revelation 22:21
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
This is the last verse of the Bible and how appropriate that it ends in an, “Amen.” I like to think of the whole Bible as communication between God and people. This sounds similar to a definition of prayer. If we look at it this way, the Bible is a prayer. As we read it, cherish it, wrestle with it, and pray it, the Bible is source and foundation for everything else.
Amen
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
This is the last verse of the Bible and how appropriate that it ends in an, “Amen.” I like to think of the whole Bible as communication between God and people. This sounds similar to a definition of prayer. If we look at it this way, the Bible is a prayer. As we read it, cherish it, wrestle with it, and pray it, the Bible is source and foundation for everything else.
Amen
Thursday, June 14, 2007
with angels
Light some incense or a scented candle as you pray today.
Revelation 8:4
The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, sent up before God from the angel's hand.
What an image this scene brings to mind. I like the phrase, “from the angel’s hand.” Angels, like all of us who love Jesus, pray to him. There is something exciting and comforting to know our prayers continue forever. This also means once they go out to God, they don’t die out. Let our prayers cover the world!
Pray for every specific continent today.
Revelation 8:4
The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, sent up before God from the angel's hand.
What an image this scene brings to mind. I like the phrase, “from the angel’s hand.” Angels, like all of us who love Jesus, pray to him. There is something exciting and comforting to know our prayers continue forever. This also means once they go out to God, they don’t die out. Let our prayers cover the world!
Pray for every specific continent today.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
like incense
Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
The Bible says our prayers are like “incense” that rises to God. I love this metaphor. Something fragrant and soothing slowing filling the air with an atmosphere out of the ordinary. If we use our imaginations we can envision ourselves covered in this prayer. We and all those others who pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Light some incense or a scented candle as you pray today.
And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
The Bible says our prayers are like “incense” that rises to God. I love this metaphor. Something fragrant and soothing slowing filling the air with an atmosphere out of the ordinary. If we use our imaginations we can envision ourselves covered in this prayer. We and all those others who pray in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Light some incense or a scented candle as you pray today.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
wait
Jude 20
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Jude is addressing the same situation as Peter in Monday’s post. Jesus is coming. What do we do? Be built up in our faith and pray in the power of the Spirit.
Now, we may all be in different places in our lives, yet this teaching is the same for all. Pray.
Specifically ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers today.
But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.
Jude is addressing the same situation as Peter in Monday’s post. Jesus is coming. What do we do? Be built up in our faith and pray in the power of the Spirit.
Now, we may all be in different places in our lives, yet this teaching is the same for all. Pray.
Specifically ask the Holy Spirit to guide your prayers today.
Monday, June 11, 2007
end times
1Peter 4:7
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
When we consider the end times and the return of Jesus, it is always around the corner. It will either be the actual time, or we will die and enter into the heavenly dimensions. Either way and we are to be ready. Ready does not mean confused and anxious. Clear-minded and self-controlled sound so different.
Would that we could face all challenges of life in this way. We can as we focus on prayer which centers us like nothing else.
Pray for the coming of Jesus.
The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.
When we consider the end times and the return of Jesus, it is always around the corner. It will either be the actual time, or we will die and enter into the heavenly dimensions. Either way and we are to be ready. Ready does not mean confused and anxious. Clear-minded and self-controlled sound so different.
Would that we could face all challenges of life in this way. We can as we focus on prayer which centers us like nothing else.
Pray for the coming of Jesus.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
our garden
-the pornography industry is right in our own backyard
-gang violence is an all too real pox on our community
-we have been called for a time such as this
-God has placed us in charge of caring for His creation...His garden
-gang violence is an all too real pox on our community
-we have been called for a time such as this
-God has placed us in charge of caring for His creation...His garden
Thursday, June 07, 2007
marriage
1 Peter 3:7
Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
Here the Bible is speaking of husbands honoring their wives. By doing so we follow God’s instruction. Honor your wife, husbands, because they deserve it and God wants it. Why else?
Apparently, the strength of God’s blessings are linked to our faithfulness. Not that God doesn’t bless the “just and the unjust,” as the Bible states, but there is certainly an emphasis of favor when God is honored. So, in this example, honoring our spouses is an important way to honor God.
Pray for marriages in your circles of friends today.
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
the poor
1 Tim 5:5
5The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
The Bible has several examples of God’s focused attention on the needs of the poor. From the evidence in the Bible, and what we know historically, Joseph and Mary would be classified as, “working poor,” today. So, God himself comes into our world as poor and vulnerable. He understands and responds to the cries of his people.
Pray for the poor in your community.
5The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.
The Bible has several examples of God’s focused attention on the needs of the poor. From the evidence in the Bible, and what we know historically, Joseph and Mary would be classified as, “working poor,” today. So, God himself comes into our world as poor and vulnerable. He understands and responds to the cries of his people.
Pray for the poor in your community.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Friday, June 01, 2007
always hope
1 Tim. 4:4-5
Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
These verses refer to the change in food laws for Jews who have become Christian. Foods aren’t prohibited any longer. I am not a huge fan of vegetables and so I would question that everything is good, but I eat them anyway!
We do well to remember that anything God created can be made good by his power. Even people who do evil and hate God. Through God and prayer, no one is beyond hope.
Who seems hopeless and needs prayer today?
Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
These verses refer to the change in food laws for Jews who have become Christian. Foods aren’t prohibited any longer. I am not a huge fan of vegetables and so I would question that everything is good, but I eat them anyway!
We do well to remember that anything God created can be made good by his power. Even people who do evil and hate God. Through God and prayer, no one is beyond hope.
Who seems hopeless and needs prayer today?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
uplifted
1 Tim. 2:8
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Lifting hands in prayer and worship is a common practice throughout the Christian world (other faiths, as well). In the Bible, the word for “thanksgiving,” is literally, “lift up your hands.”
When we lift up our hands we show God there is nothing in them and all that we receive comes from him. When we lift up our hands it’s as if we are pointing out a magnificent work of art and saying, “Wow!”
God is magnificent. God is good. I lift my hands to his majesty.
Pray with hands uplifted today.
I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Lifting hands in prayer and worship is a common practice throughout the Christian world (other faiths, as well). In the Bible, the word for “thanksgiving,” is literally, “lift up your hands.”
When we lift up our hands we show God there is nothing in them and all that we receive comes from him. When we lift up our hands it’s as if we are pointing out a magnificent work of art and saying, “Wow!”
God is magnificent. God is good. I lift my hands to his majesty.
Pray with hands uplifted today.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Spirit power
following the lead of the Holy Spirit brings power
saying all you need is the Holy Spirit brings trouble
what's the difference?
saying all you need is the Holy Spirit brings trouble
what's the difference?
without ceasing
1 Thess. 5:17
Pray without ceasing.
In the King James English language, this is the second shortest verse in the Bible. How simple and how challenging. Keeping constantly in touch with God (simple instruction) and actually doing it (challenge).
Why would we want to neglect God in prayer? Only if there is something we don’t want to talk with him about and then we need him even more.
Pray every hour on the hour today (for example, you can set a watch countdown alarm).
Pray without ceasing.
In the King James English language, this is the second shortest verse in the Bible. How simple and how challenging. Keeping constantly in touch with God (simple instruction) and actually doing it (challenge).
Why would we want to neglect God in prayer? Only if there is something we don’t want to talk with him about and then we need him even more.
Pray every hour on the hour today (for example, you can set a watch countdown alarm).
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
strive
Col. 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
It is not unheard of for someone to be “wrestling” with God. We even hear of a match with Jacob (Genesis 32). Yet, this wrestling in prayer sound like it is a fervent struggle bringing someone else before God. It is overwhelming to think of the love Epaphras must possess to spend all his time in prayer for others. Maybe this is why the name “Epaphras” means beloved!
Who are you striving to prayer for lately?
Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured.
It is not unheard of for someone to be “wrestling” with God. We even hear of a match with Jacob (Genesis 32). Yet, this wrestling in prayer sound like it is a fervent struggle bringing someone else before God. It is overwhelming to think of the love Epaphras must possess to spend all his time in prayer for others. Maybe this is why the name “Epaphras” means beloved!
Who are you striving to prayer for lately?
Monday, May 28, 2007
vow
Col 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
What does it mean to be “devoted”? To “devote” comes from the Latin word meaning, “to vow.” Devoting yourself to something is not just a casual assent. It is a vow. A promise. We are told to be very careful with what we promise with God. Can you promise to speak with him regularly and follow through with it?
Think of prayer as a vow during this week.
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
What does it mean to be “devoted”? To “devote” comes from the Latin word meaning, “to vow.” Devoting yourself to something is not just a casual assent. It is a vow. A promise. We are told to be very careful with what we promise with God. Can you promise to speak with him regularly and follow through with it?
Think of prayer as a vow during this week.
Friday, May 25, 2007
worry
Philippians 4:6
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
When you pray worry goes away. When you don’t pray, worry stays, gets shoved in the subconscious, or you become hardened. Any way you look at it, it is totally logical to not to worry about anything and pray about it, instead.
If it is a matter that you don’t have any influence over, your prayer will bring strength. If it is a matter you do have influence over, then joining with God as your partner will only help.
What do you and God need to consider today?
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.
When you pray worry goes away. When you don’t pray, worry stays, gets shoved in the subconscious, or you become hardened. Any way you look at it, it is totally logical to not to worry about anything and pray about it, instead.
If it is a matter that you don’t have any influence over, your prayer will bring strength. If it is a matter you do have influence over, then joining with God as your partner will only help.
What do you and God need to consider today?
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
need
Ephesians 6:18
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
There are times when you feel overwhelmed because there is so much need in the world. You can become cynical and jaded. Or you can pray.
Praying for other brothers and sisters in Christ around the world is a way to stay connected as family. With the Holy Spirit taking charge, we know our reception is excellent no matter where.
Pray for Christians in China today.
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
There are times when you feel overwhelmed because there is so much need in the world. You can become cynical and jaded. Or you can pray.
Praying for other brothers and sisters in Christ around the world is a way to stay connected as family. With the Holy Spirit taking charge, we know our reception is excellent no matter where.
Pray for Christians in China today.
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
challenge
Ephesians 1:16
I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.
Who are you thinking about when you read the verse above? Chances are it is someone dear to you who brightens up your life. What if it is a co-worker who makes your day miserable? What if it is a nosy relative? How can that be?
Think about this. The person who forces us to be more patient and forgiving is a person who is doing us a favor. We are growing in our Christlike character in part, due to an environment they are helping to create. So, pray away!
Who can you give thanks for today who expands your graciousness?
Monday, May 21, 2007
"hidden" clues to Jesus
does Jesus reveal anything about himself when you consider the natural world?
being prayed for
2 Corinthians 1:11
And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.
It is a humbling experience to realize your life is enhanced by the prayers of others. You don’t spend too much time getting too impressed by what you are accomplishing when you have the knowledge of others holding you in prayer, let alone knowing the Holy Spirit is lifting you up even if there is no one else.
Give humble thanks today for people you know are praying for you.
And you are helping us by praying for us. Then many people will give thanks because God has graciously answered so many prayers for our safety.
It is a humbling experience to realize your life is enhanced by the prayers of others. You don’t spend too much time getting too impressed by what you are accomplishing when you have the knowledge of others holding you in prayer, let alone knowing the Holy Spirit is lifting you up even if there is no one else.
Give humble thanks today for people you know are praying for you.
Friday, May 18, 2007
Spirit
1 Cor. 14:13
So anyone who speaks in tongues should pray also for the ability to interpret what has been said.
Speaking in tongues is a spiritual discipline for some Christians. It has the paradox of focusing on God by abandoning focus. God can encourage and strengthen our faith using this discipline and we do well to pray to understand if we do pray in this way.
Speaking in tongues or not, ask the Holy Spirit to fill you this day.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
spouse
1 Cor. 7:5
Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Intimacy between husbands and wives is a gift from an intimate God. There are times that we focus on the Lord so strongly that all other connections fade into the background. This is not to be an extended time, however, as our bond encompasses all of who we are, and provides strength, as well as fulfillment of desire.
Pray for married couples in your circle of friends.
Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
Intimacy between husbands and wives is a gift from an intimate God. There are times that we focus on the Lord so strongly that all other connections fade into the background. This is not to be an extended time, however, as our bond encompasses all of who we are, and provides strength, as well as fulfillment of desire.
Pray for married couples in your circle of friends.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
family
1 Cor. 1:4
I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus.
When our loved ones trust in Jesus and follow him, this brings joy and blessing to us and a sense of being on the same team together. We often thank God for those we love, and we know the more they love God the more they share his love with us. To desire this is not as selfish as it is an accurate reflection on reality.
Pray for the faith of family members.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
two more prayer thoughts
Note: I am catching up after a trip. Here are two.
Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Notice this verse doesn’t say, “When we do not know what we ought to pray for?” Does this mean we never know what we ought to pray for? I think that is exactly what it means.
There are prayers we leave out that we forgot about. There are things to pray about that we aren’t aware of. When we come to God in prayer, there is more going on than we realize. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit’s got us covered.
Give thanks to the Holy Spirit throughout the day today.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
If we are faithful in prayer, then we will be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. It’s funny how that works out.
Make a list of your greatest hopes.
Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.
Notice this verse doesn’t say, “When we do not know what we ought to pray for?” Does this mean we never know what we ought to pray for? I think that is exactly what it means.
There are prayers we leave out that we forgot about. There are things to pray about that we aren’t aware of. When we come to God in prayer, there is more going on than we realize. Fortunately, the Holy Spirit’s got us covered.
Give thanks to the Holy Spirit throughout the day today.
Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
If we are faithful in prayer, then we will be joyful in hope and patient in affliction. It’s funny how that works out.
Make a list of your greatest hopes.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
two
Acts 22:17
After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance.
There are times when prayer is so consuming that you lose track of time and place. In this particular trance, Jesus appears to Paul. To pray with such intensity that you lose focus of the world around doesn’t guarantee Jesus will show up visibly. There had to be a reason Paul needed to see Jesus at this time.
Yet, know for all of us, as we pray, Jesus is present.
Find a quiet time and place and pray with unusual intensity today.
Acts 28:8
As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.
By being used to heal Publius’ father, all the sick of the island of Malta came to Paul for healing. Publius happened to be a VIP. Heal his dad and the word gets out. I don’t think Paul did the healing for publicity. The guy was sick and needed healing. Yet, God uses the situation for further blessing.
Pray for a celebrity who is sick.
After I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the Temple and fell into a trance.
There are times when prayer is so consuming that you lose track of time and place. In this particular trance, Jesus appears to Paul. To pray with such intensity that you lose focus of the world around doesn’t guarantee Jesus will show up visibly. There had to be a reason Paul needed to see Jesus at this time.
Yet, know for all of us, as we pray, Jesus is present.
Find a quiet time and place and pray with unusual intensity today.
Acts 28:8
As it happened, Publius’s father was ill with fever and dysentery. Paul went in and prayed for him, and laying his hands on him, he healed him.
By being used to heal Publius’ father, all the sick of the island of Malta came to Paul for healing. Publius happened to be a VIP. Heal his dad and the word gets out. I don’t think Paul did the healing for publicity. The guy was sick and needed healing. Yet, God uses the situation for further blessing.
Pray for a celebrity who is sick.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
free
Acts 16:25
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.
Having spent some time in prison ministry, I have seen how prison life can be excruciatingly monotonous. Hurry up and wait. Paul and Silas put their time to good use. At 12 a.m.!! A little evening worship never hurt anyone. Actually, as Paul wrote, later, “in Christ we are free.” What prison?
Pray at midnight tonight.
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening.
Having spent some time in prison ministry, I have seen how prison life can be excruciatingly monotonous. Hurry up and wait. Paul and Silas put their time to good use. At 12 a.m.!! A little evening worship never hurt anyone. Actually, as Paul wrote, later, “in Christ we are free.” What prison?
Pray at midnight tonight.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
women of faith
Acts 16:13
On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.
Luke, the author of Acts, accompanied Paul on some of his journeys. This makes eyewitness accounts so detailed. Here we see women meeting for worship and prayer, a scandal in the day for Jews, Greeks, and Romans. The Christian influence in these cultures when it comes to women is astounding, light years ahead of anything else witnessed in the ancient world at the time.
Pray for the women of faith around you.
On the Sabbath we went a little way outside the city to a riverbank, where we thought people would be meeting for prayer, and we sat down to speak with some women who had gathered there.
Luke, the author of Acts, accompanied Paul on some of his journeys. This makes eyewitness accounts so detailed. Here we see women meeting for worship and prayer, a scandal in the day for Jews, Greeks, and Romans. The Christian influence in these cultures when it comes to women is astounding, light years ahead of anything else witnessed in the ancient world at the time.
Pray for the women of faith around you.
Monday, May 07, 2007
ministry
Acts 14:23
Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders for the churches they started. Notice their prayers are for the churches to be led by God. In other words, it is not their place to be overly enmeshed with the church as if its future will somehow be about them and not God. Can we hand over ministries we have been part of to God’s care?
Pray for a ministry you are involved in.
Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.
Paul and Barnabas appointed leaders for the churches they started. Notice their prayers are for the churches to be led by God. In other words, it is not their place to be overly enmeshed with the church as if its future will somehow be about them and not God. Can we hand over ministries we have been part of to God’s care?
Pray for a ministry you are involved in.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
how can the Church best influence society?
in the first two centuries the Christian church was rejected and respected as it swept through the Greco-Roman world with radical love and holiness...
Same thing happens today when Christians are Christian
Same thing happens today when Christians are Christian
Friday, May 04, 2007
how much?
Acts 13:3
So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
How much prayer is necessary? You can never have enough since prayer can easily accompany action in any given situation. We pray more when we desire to connect more. It’s not to say you will always hear exactly what God wants you to do, but it does make it more likely you will be open to hearing more clearly with less your agenda clouding the wisdom.
Pray before you are thinking, while you are thinking, and after you are thinking.
So after more fasting and prayer, the men laid their hands on them and sent them on their way.
How much prayer is necessary? You can never have enough since prayer can easily accompany action in any given situation. We pray more when we desire to connect more. It’s not to say you will always hear exactly what God wants you to do, but it does make it more likely you will be open to hearing more clearly with less your agenda clouding the wisdom.
Pray before you are thinking, while you are thinking, and after you are thinking.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
understanding the Bible in under an hour
what is the Bible really all about?
a description
can be downloaded at ITunes "Christcast"
a description
can be downloaded at ITunes "Christcast"
prison
Acts 12:5
But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
It is such a powerful experience to have people pray for you during challenging times. Many a Christian in impossible situations has had their faith strengthened and hope secured. When we pray together as a church, we connect with brothers and sisters in the faith who are undergoing extreme hardship, especially in places of persecution today.
Pray for Christians in prison because of their faith. See www.persecution.com
But while Peter was in prison, the church prayed very earnestly for him.
It is such a powerful experience to have people pray for you during challenging times. Many a Christian in impossible situations has had their faith strengthened and hope secured. When we pray together as a church, we connect with brothers and sisters in the faith who are undergoing extreme hardship, especially in places of persecution today.
Pray for Christians in prison because of their faith. See www.persecution.com
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
vision
Acts 11:5
5 “I was in the town of Joppa,” he said, “and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me.”
In prayer we are open to seeing in our mind what God has in mind. A vision is an extraordinary visualization that occurs when we are awake. A dream occurs when we are sleeping. I have never had a vision like Peter’s. Then again, this is some vision. After all, this pretty much changed the way God’s people look at the world for the rest of eternity.
Envision what your life might be like if you gave God an extra 20 minutes of attention every day.
5 “I was in the town of Joppa,” he said, “and while I was praying, I went into a trance and saw a vision. Something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners from the sky. And it came right down to me.”
In prayer we are open to seeing in our mind what God has in mind. A vision is an extraordinary visualization that occurs when we are awake. A dream occurs when we are sleeping. I have never had a vision like Peter’s. Then again, this is some vision. After all, this pretty much changed the way God’s people look at the world for the rest of eternity.
Envision what your life might be like if you gave God an extra 20 minutes of attention every day.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
offering
Acts 10:4
Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!
Little do we know how pleased and honored God is when we pray. It may seem routine and rote to us, but to God our prayers are like sweet music to his ears. Perhaps it is a bit like parents of a teenager getting unsolicited conversation from their son/daughter. Maybe, not even asking for something!!
When you pray today, think of it as an offering to God.
Cornelius stared at him in terror. “What is it, sir?” he asked the angel. And the angel replied, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have been received by God as an offering!
Little do we know how pleased and honored God is when we pray. It may seem routine and rote to us, but to God our prayers are like sweet music to his ears. Perhaps it is a bit like parents of a teenager getting unsolicited conversation from their son/daughter. Maybe, not even asking for something!!
When you pray today, think of it as an offering to God.
Monday, April 30, 2007
men of God
Acts 10:2
He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.
Think how strange it would be to consider Islam or Judaism as being mainly a female faith. “Muslim or Jewish men don’t really get involved in their faith lives.” This just wouldn’t make sense.
Yet, with Christianity there appears, at times, to be a feminization of the faith. At least, this is a lament that goes out in the American Church. Where are all the men?
Cornelius has it right. Men provide a model for all those around them when they honor God. Maybe today, more then ever, men make influential models because it appears so optional in a guy’s life.
Pray for an important male in our life today.
He was a devout, God-fearing man, as was everyone in his household. He gave generously to the poor and prayed regularly to God.
Think how strange it would be to consider Islam or Judaism as being mainly a female faith. “Muslim or Jewish men don’t really get involved in their faith lives.” This just wouldn’t make sense.
Yet, with Christianity there appears, at times, to be a feminization of the faith. At least, this is a lament that goes out in the American Church. Where are all the men?
Cornelius has it right. Men provide a model for all those around them when they honor God. Maybe today, more then ever, men make influential models because it appears so optional in a guy’s life.
Pray for an important male in our life today.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
two for the road
Acts 8:15
As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit that Jesus promises us to empower our mission and ministry. All Christians, new and old, need this power to be energizing their kingdom work. When we pray for each other, we are also praying for Jesus to connect with the other through the Spirit. Prayer is not a passive act; it invites the expansion of our influence together.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon two of your Christian friends today and let them know.
Acts 9:11
The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.”
Saul is converted by Jesus directly and will become the great leader Paul. Notice what Paul is spending his time on after his transformation. Prayer.
Is it only when one comes to faith that prayer seems so right and necessary? What do you think? How is God using you to transform the world today? Why not pray about it?
Pray for God to direct you to someone who is seeking God.
As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.
It is the Holy Spirit that Jesus promises us to empower our mission and ministry. All Christians, new and old, need this power to be energizing their kingdom work. When we pray for each other, we are also praying for Jesus to connect with the other through the Spirit. Prayer is not a passive act; it invites the expansion of our influence together.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to come upon two of your Christian friends today and let them know.
Acts 9:11
The Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street, to the house of Judas. When you get there, ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying to me right now.”
Saul is converted by Jesus directly and will become the great leader Paul. Notice what Paul is spending his time on after his transformation. Prayer.
Is it only when one comes to faith that prayer seems so right and necessary? What do you think? How is God using you to transform the world today? Why not pray about it?
Pray for God to direct you to someone who is seeking God.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
touch
Acts 6:6
These seven were presented to the apostles, who prayed for them as they laid their hands on them.
Laying on of hands is a wonderful tradition in the life of the Christian community. It emphasizes the connection we have with each other and the “touch” of God as it signifies we are receiving God’s direct attention and power when we are being prayer over. Like a king declaring a subject a knight with his sword, we represent King Jesus when we declare, “This is from God.”
Pray for someone today and lay hands on their shoulder or head.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
pastors
Acts 6:4
Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.
The leaders of the first church communities spent most of their time praying and teaching the Bible through preaching and teaching. Is this the case for church leaders today?
Having adequate time to be in prayer and Bible reading and prioritizing that time are critical to being fueled by the Holy Spirit. Too many pastors find themselves running on empty and then what?
Pray for pastors and encourage them to pray.
Then we apostles can spend our time in prayer and teaching the word.
The leaders of the first church communities spent most of their time praying and teaching the Bible through preaching and teaching. Is this the case for church leaders today?
Having adequate time to be in prayer and Bible reading and prioritizing that time are critical to being fueled by the Holy Spirit. Too many pastors find themselves running on empty and then what?
Pray for pastors and encourage them to pray.
Monday, April 23, 2007
ten commandments in 20 minutes
the ten commandments are not a list of rules, but a description of a way of life
together
Acts 2:42
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Prayer is not only a conversation between you and God. Prayer also connects believers together with God. When we pray together, it breaks down barriers, encourages, lifts us around common concerns, and makes us more community, less individual prayer cogs.
Pray with others today.
They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Prayer is not only a conversation between you and God. Prayer also connects believers together with God. When we pray together, it breaks down barriers, encourages, lifts us around common concerns, and makes us more community, less individual prayer cogs.
Pray with others today.
Friday, April 20, 2007
constant prayer
Acts 1:14
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
On the surface, monks and nun in monasteries and cloisters may seem like they are trying to get away from the world. Yet, reality is far different. They are pouring out blessings upon us and battling the forces of darkness bent on destroying us. Their prayers connected to God’s grace are a powerful fuel to energize our service in this world. I shudder to think what our world would be like without their prayers…
Pray for those who pray for you this day.
They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.
On the surface, monks and nun in monasteries and cloisters may seem like they are trying to get away from the world. Yet, reality is far different. They are pouring out blessings upon us and battling the forces of darkness bent on destroying us. Their prayers connected to God’s grace are a powerful fuel to energize our service in this world. I shudder to think what our world would be like without their prayers…
Pray for those who pray for you this day.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
getting through
John 11:41
Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
Isn’t it wonderful to have God hearing us? Even in this day of cell phones, e mail, text messaging, and “I M”-ing, God is our most direct line. He is there whenever we need him, which is always. No dropped calls or lost messages with God. He is always on the line.
Find a new way to thank God today.
Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me.
Isn’t it wonderful to have God hearing us? Even in this day of cell phones, e mail, text messaging, and “I M”-ing, God is our most direct line. He is there whenever we need him, which is always. No dropped calls or lost messages with God. He is always on the line.
Find a new way to thank God today.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
never give up
Luke 22:44
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
In times of deep trouble you pray longer and harder. You don’t quit. It really is only in tough times that you discover if Jesus is the one you turn to. During good times or neutral days, it’s easy to get distracted.
Jesus faced all the anguish of all people all time and the whole rest of creation’s pain and he didn’t quit. We, who face so much less, why would we quit praying?
Pray for someone going through a great trial in life right now.
And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
In times of deep trouble you pray longer and harder. You don’t quit. It really is only in tough times that you discover if Jesus is the one you turn to. During good times or neutral days, it’s easy to get distracted.
Jesus faced all the anguish of all people all time and the whole rest of creation’s pain and he didn’t quit. We, who face so much less, why would we quit praying?
Pray for someone going through a great trial in life right now.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
personal prayer
Luke 22:32
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Jesus says this just before Peter denies him three times. What are you, nuts, Peter?!
Notice the amazing freedom Jesus gives us to fail. Peter messes up even though Jesus is praying for his faith not to fail. Thank Jesus for forgiveness. Peter spends the rest of his life drawing on that forgiveness to serve in a powerful way.
What do you need Jesus to pray for the most for you personally?
But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
Jesus says this just before Peter denies him three times. What are you, nuts, Peter?!
Notice the amazing freedom Jesus gives us to fail. Peter messes up even though Jesus is praying for his faith not to fail. Thank Jesus for forgiveness. Peter spends the rest of his life drawing on that forgiveness to serve in a powerful way.
What do you need Jesus to pray for the most for you personally?
Monday, April 16, 2007
surprise
Luke 18:10
"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector."
Jesus always turns the world upside down. The devout and pious Pharisee is a religious hero of the day. A tax collector is despised. One obviously has God’s ear. One does not. The big surprise is they both have God’s ear but not in the way they think. The tax collector rightfully repents of his sin; the Pharisee does not. Yet, many Pharisees did repent, including, thank God, Paul!
Who is one of your faith “heroes?” Model one thing from their life today.
"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector."
Jesus always turns the world upside down. The devout and pious Pharisee is a religious hero of the day. A tax collector is despised. One obviously has God’s ear. One does not. The big surprise is they both have God’s ear but not in the way they think. The tax collector rightfully repents of his sin; the Pharisee does not. Yet, many Pharisees did repent, including, thank God, Paul!
Who is one of your faith “heroes?” Model one thing from their life today.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
the gospel
the Christian faith is not about legalism or leniency
there is only one way that works
the third way...the gospel
there is only one way that works
the third way...the gospel
Friday, April 13, 2007
always
Luke 18:1
1Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up.
“Always pray.” This is what we do. As Dallas Willard has said, “We are not in charge of the results.” Yet, we are in charge of the effort. Praying becomes a habit and then it can become a way of life. Can prayer become a natural part of who we are? We will never know unless we try. We try by praying.
Pray on the hour every waking hour today.
dad
Luke 11:2
2He said to them, "When you pray, say:
" 'Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Jesus tells us to speak to God as we would our ideal dad. Dad is going to listen and encourage. He is going to be generous in his accolades and will speak a clear vision of my possibilities. With that kind of dad, who also happens to be God, what kid is ever going to fail in life? Not one.
Practice trusting God today when he says he absolutely adores you.
2He said to them, "When you pray, say:
" 'Father,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come.
Jesus tells us to speak to God as we would our ideal dad. Dad is going to listen and encourage. He is going to be generous in his accolades and will speak a clear vision of my possibilities. With that kind of dad, who also happens to be God, what kid is ever going to fail in life? Not one.
Practice trusting God today when he says he absolutely adores you.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
teaching prayer
Luke 11:1
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
Who taught you to pray? Mom? Dad? Grandma? Who? When the disciples ask Jesus to teach them, it doesn’t mean they never prayed or had never seen prayer. They are really asking to pray more effectively. They are asking for a better, “how?” And he gives them what they need.
Think of some parents of small children that you know and pray for them throughout the day.
1One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples."
Who taught you to pray? Mom? Dad? Grandma? Who? When the disciples ask Jesus to teach them, it doesn’t mean they never prayed or had never seen prayer. They are really asking to pray more effectively. They are asking for a better, “how?” And he gives them what they need.
Think of some parents of small children that you know and pray for them throughout the day.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
together
Luke 9:28
28About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
Jesus isn’t always alone when he prays. He also chooses others to join him. Prayer builds relationship between God and us. Prayer also builds relationship when we pray with others. There is something bonding when we directly pray for someone else and are directly prayed for by someone else. We join with them and God. We are a complete community.
Pray with one or two other people this week.
28About eight days after Jesus said this, he took Peter, John and James with him and went up onto a mountain to pray.
Jesus isn’t always alone when he prays. He also chooses others to join him. Prayer builds relationship between God and us. Prayer also builds relationship when we pray with others. There is something bonding when we directly pray for someone else and are directly prayed for by someone else. We join with them and God. We are a complete community.
Pray with one or two other people this week.
Monday, April 09, 2007
hard prayer
Luke 6:28
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
If someone is mean, filled with rage, a pain in the butt or worse, the easy thing to do is ignore them or take revenge. Neither of these responses works in God’s Kingdom ways.
If you want people who view themselves as your enemies to be transformed, they need the power of Jesus and his forgiveness. We don’t get right before God on our own. The only source of hope for them is the same as for you. Jesus. So, go to Jesus about them.
Who do you need to pray for in this category?
bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
If someone is mean, filled with rage, a pain in the butt or worse, the easy thing to do is ignore them or take revenge. Neither of these responses works in God’s Kingdom ways.
If you want people who view themselves as your enemies to be transformed, they need the power of Jesus and his forgiveness. We don’t get right before God on our own. The only source of hope for them is the same as for you. Jesus. So, go to Jesus about them.
Who do you need to pray for in this category?
Sunday, April 08, 2007
are Christians narrow-minded and intolerate?
if what Jesus said and did are true, then to not try to get others to believe in him would be the most wicked thing you could possibly do.
we are not monsters...we are Christians
an Easter message
we are not monsters...we are Christians
an Easter message
Friday, April 06, 2007
high places
Luke 6:12
12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Mountain praying is fascinating. Living in a valley I experience both. When you look up at a mountain and pray from a valley floor, it reminds you that God is beyond the highest mountains and surrounds you with his power. When you look down from a mountaintop, you think of the people in the valley below.
Mountain praying. Praying with God and praying for others.
Go to a high place and pray for those below.
12One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.
Mountain praying is fascinating. Living in a valley I experience both. When you look up at a mountain and pray from a valley floor, it reminds you that God is beyond the highest mountains and surrounds you with his power. When you look down from a mountaintop, you think of the people in the valley below.
Mountain praying. Praying with God and praying for others.
Go to a high place and pray for those below.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
lonely place
Luke 5:16
16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke interviews many eyewitnesses to get the most accurate historical account of the life of Jesus. This verse is an interesting word choice for one of Jesus’ activities. Luke doesn’t say Jesus went to a place alone. He says Jesus goes to “lonely places.” How can a place be lonely, and why did Jesus go there so often?
I know this is only a figure of speech but when you think about it, it makes sense. Anywhere is lonely without Jesus present.
What lonely place can you enter into today and bring the presence of Jesus?
16But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.
Luke interviews many eyewitnesses to get the most accurate historical account of the life of Jesus. This verse is an interesting word choice for one of Jesus’ activities. Luke doesn’t say Jesus went to a place alone. He says Jesus goes to “lonely places.” How can a place be lonely, and why did Jesus go there so often?
I know this is only a figure of speech but when you think about it, it makes sense. Anywhere is lonely without Jesus present.
What lonely place can you enter into today and bring the presence of Jesus?
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
holy communion
three views of Holy Communion
the intersection of God's domain and our's
download at ITunes "Christcast"
the intersection of God's domain and our's
download at ITunes "Christcast"
money sex power
Jesus turns the world upside down by transforming the three great influencers:
money sex power
download at ITunes "Christcast"
money sex power
download at ITunes "Christcast"
heavens
Luke 3:21
21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened…”
Now that Jesus is in your life, the heavens surround you, because you catch glimpses of his reality. As Christian author N.T. Wright put it,
“God’s space and our space intersect at Jesus.”
I have always been intrigued that Jesus identifies with being in community with us so much he is baptized. Indeed, the heavens are opened for good.
Pray for someone you know who was recently baptized.
21When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened…”
Now that Jesus is in your life, the heavens surround you, because you catch glimpses of his reality. As Christian author N.T. Wright put it,
“God’s space and our space intersect at Jesus.”
I have always been intrigued that Jesus identifies with being in community with us so much he is baptized. Indeed, the heavens are opened for good.
Pray for someone you know who was recently baptized.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
temple prayer
Luke 2:37
37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Anna, the prophet, has been widowed for most of her adult life. Rather than remarry, she is married to the Lord and his presence. It seems strange to be into prayer, worship, and fasting day and night, but with Anna, at age 84 she meets baby Jesus face to face.
Aren’t there times you wish you could just give yourself over to God like Anna? You can. You carry the temple with you now, as you share the love of Christ with your neighbor.
Call a friend who is a widow today and encourage her.
37and then was a widow until she was eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.
Anna, the prophet, has been widowed for most of her adult life. Rather than remarry, she is married to the Lord and his presence. It seems strange to be into prayer, worship, and fasting day and night, but with Anna, at age 84 she meets baby Jesus face to face.
Aren’t there times you wish you could just give yourself over to God like Anna? You can. You carry the temple with you now, as you share the love of Christ with your neighbor.
Call a friend who is a widow today and encourage her.
Monday, April 02, 2007
watch
Mark 14:38
38”Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
There is a spiritual discipline of the “watch.” This is where one abstains from sleep in order to pray. Another word used for this is, “vigil.”
With the difficulty faced by so many to get a “good night’s sleep,” it is doubtful whether this is a practice that should be in your regular regimen of disciplines. However, this is effective, especially in the quiet of the middle of the night.
If you want to test this out short term, set your alarm for 2 a.m., go outside and pray for an hour.
38”Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."
There is a spiritual discipline of the “watch.” This is where one abstains from sleep in order to pray. Another word used for this is, “vigil.”
With the difficulty faced by so many to get a “good night’s sleep,” it is doubtful whether this is a practice that should be in your regular regimen of disciplines. However, this is effective, especially in the quiet of the middle of the night.
If you want to test this out short term, set your alarm for 2 a.m., go outside and pray for an hour.
Friday, March 30, 2007
forgiveness experts
Mark 11:25
25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
What is it about repenting of sin and prayer power? What is it about repenting of sin and healing? Seeking forgiveness and forgiving are tough. They are also central to living a healthy life now and forever. No wonder they are the hub of the Lord’s Prayer.
We have our work cut out for us, concerning the whole arena of forgiveness. Yet the potential is awesome. What can we do individually and as a community if we become experts at forgiveness? What can the world learn from us?
Are you holding any grudges that you need to address?
25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
What is it about repenting of sin and prayer power? What is it about repenting of sin and healing? Seeking forgiveness and forgiving are tough. They are also central to living a healthy life now and forever. No wonder they are the hub of the Lord’s Prayer.
We have our work cut out for us, concerning the whole arena of forgiveness. Yet the potential is awesome. What can we do individually and as a community if we become experts at forgiveness? What can the world learn from us?
Are you holding any grudges that you need to address?
Thursday, March 29, 2007
anything
Mark 11:24
24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Let’s start with what is obvious with God. He is not going to work against himself. So if I believe in something sinful, I will not receive it by praying. Yet, if I pray for something with confidence, and it fits within God’s boundaries, it shall be so. Can you tell the difference? Just keep praying.
What do you want to happen in your life that will only come to pass if God shows up strong? Pray on this.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
all people
Mark 11:17
17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
“All nations,” means, “all people groups,” which is one of those remarkable things about the Christian faith. Christianity works in all known cultures, which can’t be said for any other philosophy or worldview.
For all the attempts throughout history to make being Christian mean being Jewish, Greek, Eastern, Western, none of this works as well as going with God’s design of a faith that is accessible to all people of every culture.
Learn (get Googling) something new today about Christians of a culture not your own.
17 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves.”
“All nations,” means, “all people groups,” which is one of those remarkable things about the Christian faith. Christianity works in all known cultures, which can’t be said for any other philosophy or worldview.
For all the attempts throughout history to make being Christian mean being Jewish, Greek, Eastern, Western, none of this works as well as going with God’s design of a faith that is accessible to all people of every culture.
Learn (get Googling) something new today about Christians of a culture not your own.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
too deep
Mark 9:29
29 Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”
A demon is in so deep that only deep prayer will address the situation. What are your deep issues? What does Satan subtly place before you that keeps you from God’s power?
Focus on the good God is doing through you, not what is getting in the way. If addiction is present, there is, of course, more response necessary. Above all, keep praying.
What is a deep issue for you? Pray…
29 Jesus replied, “This kind can be cast out only by prayer.”
A demon is in so deep that only deep prayer will address the situation. What are your deep issues? What does Satan subtly place before you that keeps you from God’s power?
Focus on the good God is doing through you, not what is getting in the way. If addiction is present, there is, of course, more response necessary. Above all, keep praying.
What is a deep issue for you? Pray…
Monday, March 26, 2007
daily bread
Mark 6:46
46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
So Jesus has just fed 5000 men, plus women and children (not how you take attendance at a Dodger game, by the way), on a little bread and a couple of fish. Instead of keeping the feast going, celebrating his miracle of food, like his miracle of wine prior, Jesus says, “So long, I’m going to spend some time with the Father for a while.”
I want to know what they talked about.
“Now that was a good one Father. Wine, bread and fish, what am I a grocery store? Manna from heaven? Oh, yeah….I remember…”
Pray for those who are going to bed hungry tonight.
46 After telling everyone good-bye, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.
So Jesus has just fed 5000 men, plus women and children (not how you take attendance at a Dodger game, by the way), on a little bread and a couple of fish. Instead of keeping the feast going, celebrating his miracle of food, like his miracle of wine prior, Jesus says, “So long, I’m going to spend some time with the Father for a while.”
I want to know what they talked about.
“Now that was a good one Father. Wine, bread and fish, what am I a grocery store? Manna from heaven? Oh, yeah….I remember…”
Pray for those who are going to bed hungry tonight.
Friday, March 23, 2007
early
Mark 1:35
35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
God is not limited to our view of time. Anytime we pray is any time for God. For some of us, the morning is a great time to spend time in prayer with God. Within the Korean Christian tradition, it is common for the people to gather early on the church campus every day for prayer before they go to work. A Korean pastor told me he calls everyone as a reminder if they aren’t there!
I am not Korean, but I do find the early morning hour effective for prayer. If you do also, great. If not, pray at another time.
Wake up one half hour earlier than normal tomorrow to pray.
35Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
God is not limited to our view of time. Anytime we pray is any time for God. For some of us, the morning is a great time to spend time in prayer with God. Within the Korean Christian tradition, it is common for the people to gather early on the church campus every day for prayer before they go to work. A Korean pastor told me he calls everyone as a reminder if they aren’t there!
I am not Korean, but I do find the early morning hour effective for prayer. If you do also, great. If not, pray at another time.
Wake up one half hour earlier than normal tomorrow to pray.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
prayer support
Matt 26:36
36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”
What was Jesus expecting from the “inner circle” disciples he brought with him while he wrestled with the devil in prayer? I think he expected them to lift him up in prayer while he prayed, like Aaron and Hur holding Mose’s arm up when Israelites were fighting the Amelikites (Exodus 17). If Jesus himself desires the prayer support of his disciples, we are wise to do the same.
Pray for the leaders within your church community.
36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and he said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.”
What was Jesus expecting from the “inner circle” disciples he brought with him while he wrestled with the devil in prayer? I think he expected them to lift him up in prayer while he prayed, like Aaron and Hur holding Mose’s arm up when Israelites were fighting the Amelikites (Exodus 17). If Jesus himself desires the prayer support of his disciples, we are wise to do the same.
Pray for the leaders within your church community.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
baptism
a talk on:
infant baptism or "believer" baptism...immersion or sprinkling...does a Christian have to be baptized?
what is baptism? an overview
infant baptism or "believer" baptism...immersion or sprinkling...does a Christian have to be baptized?
what is baptism? an overview
a matter of will
Matt 21:22
22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Faith comes when our will is connected to God’s will. This is not a matter of trusting hard enough. It is a matter of really trusting. When we trust God can do something and God wants to do it, if we are open to be filled by God’s power, well then, it gets done. Someone put it this way:
God does things through us, not for us.
What are you praying for God to do lately?
22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
Faith comes when our will is connected to God’s will. This is not a matter of trusting hard enough. It is a matter of really trusting. When we trust God can do something and God wants to do it, if we are open to be filled by God’s power, well then, it gets done. Someone put it this way:
God does things through us, not for us.
What are you praying for God to do lately?
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
house of prayer
Matt 21:13
13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
As a church community, Christians do a lot of strategizing, planning, caring for property and so forth. Yet, together we are a house of prayer more than anything. Anything that steals away our purpose to love God and work with him in his Kingdom must be placed in its proper context.
Pray for protection of your church community.
13 He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
As a church community, Christians do a lot of strategizing, planning, caring for property and so forth. Yet, together we are a house of prayer more than anything. Anything that steals away our purpose to love God and work with him in his Kingdom must be placed in its proper context.
Pray for protection of your church community.
Monday, March 19, 2007
the prodigal sons
blue state/ red state
"liberal"/ "conservative"
younger brother/ older brother
looking at the prodigal son parable as "sons" gives insight into today's America
listen here or download at ITunes
type in "Christcast"
"liberal"/ "conservative"
younger brother/ older brother
looking at the prodigal son parable as "sons" gives insight into today's America
listen here or download at ITunes
type in "Christcast"
Trinity
Matt 14:23
23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Jesus spent time alone with the Father and the Spirit. He spends eternity in this same “Trinitarian” relationship, and so you can just imagine him sprinting up the hill in order to connect. Taking on our humanity, he must have been absolutely burdened with sorrow, compassion, and joy as to how we would turn out in the end through him. This wasn’t a little time away. This is plugging in to existence itself.
Spend time thinking about the Trinity as reality today.
23 After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Jesus spent time alone with the Father and the Spirit. He spends eternity in this same “Trinitarian” relationship, and so you can just imagine him sprinting up the hill in order to connect. Taking on our humanity, he must have been absolutely burdened with sorrow, compassion, and joy as to how we would turn out in the end through him. This wasn’t a little time away. This is plugging in to existence itself.
Spend time thinking about the Trinity as reality today.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
who is your god?
I follow a God who sacrifices his life in order that all people might be rescued-
I follow a God who says do the same-
Live your life for the sake of other people
I follow a God who says do the same-
Live your life for the sake of other people
progress
Matt. 5:44
44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
This is one of those misunderstood passages of the Bible. It is generally not effective to simply begin “loving your enemies.” Taking a direct approach. This is the climax of the “Sermon on the Mount,” and is preceded by other spiritual disciplines that prepare one to be able to love enemies and pray for them. In other words, we become the kind of people who can do these things. If you actually read all of Matthew 5, it all starts by working on anger issues.
Read Matthew 5:21- 48 and highlight the progression of issues we address on our way to love of enemy.
44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
This is one of those misunderstood passages of the Bible. It is generally not effective to simply begin “loving your enemies.” Taking a direct approach. This is the climax of the “Sermon on the Mount,” and is preceded by other spiritual disciplines that prepare one to be able to love enemies and pray for them. In other words, we become the kind of people who can do these things. If you actually read all of Matthew 5, it all starts by working on anger issues.
Read Matthew 5:21- 48 and highlight the progression of issues we address on our way to love of enemy.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
complaining
Jonah 4:1-2
1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it…
I am glad Jesus told me I could communicate with God like I do my dad.
“Abba, who art in heaven.”
“Daddy, who art heaven.”
If I pray like I have talked with my dad, I guess it’s OK to complain to him, once in a while. At least that’s what our own kids think.
Tell God about something that ticks you off today.
1 This change of plans greatly upset Jonah, and he became very angry. 2 So he complained to the Lord about it…
I am glad Jesus told me I could communicate with God like I do my dad.
“Abba, who art in heaven.”
“Daddy, who art heaven.”
If I pray like I have talked with my dad, I guess it’s OK to complain to him, once in a while. At least that’s what our own kids think.
Tell God about something that ticks you off today.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
school prayer
Jonah 2:1
1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish.
School prayer has been used as a fundraising tool for organizations that oppose it and those who favor it. In either case, this is a non-issue. Logically, prayer is available any time any place. Jonah didn’t have a problem praying in the belly of a fish. Come to think of it, if a giant fish swallowed me, I wouldn’t have a hard time praying, either!
Pray for children in your local schools today.
1 Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish.
School prayer has been used as a fundraising tool for organizations that oppose it and those who favor it. In either case, this is a non-issue. Logically, prayer is available any time any place. Jonah didn’t have a problem praying in the belly of a fish. Come to think of it, if a giant fish swallowed me, I wouldn’t have a hard time praying, either!
Pray for children in your local schools today.
Monday, March 12, 2007
repentance
Daniel 9:3
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.
In the Old Testament, prayer, fasting, sackcloth and ashes often go together when repentance is the order for the day. God certainly knows if we are open to new life through his forgiveness. Why all the extra emphasis. Think of it this way. In prayer we give attention. In fasting our physical desire. In sackcloth and ashes our desire for recognition. All of this together seems to be saying, “OK God, I understand. I am taking this seriously.”
Think about your humility before the Lord throughout the day.
So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and fasting. I also wore rough burlap and sprinkled myself with ashes.
In the Old Testament, prayer, fasting, sackcloth and ashes often go together when repentance is the order for the day. God certainly knows if we are open to new life through his forgiveness. Why all the extra emphasis. Think of it this way. In prayer we give attention. In fasting our physical desire. In sackcloth and ashes our desire for recognition. All of this together seems to be saying, “OK God, I understand. I am taking this seriously.”
Think about your humility before the Lord throughout the day.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
in God we trust
where do you put your ultimate trust?
welcome to your god
is there anything to trust in better than Jesus?
welcome to your god
is there anything to trust in better than Jesus?
Friday, March 09, 2007
prayer in the air
Daniel 6:10
10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.
Christians had a structured prayer life much earlier than Muslims. For centuries, the day was divided into prayer times. Bell towers of churches striking on the hour are part of that heritage. Even at universities who don’t realize it.
For example, I wonder how many students at UC Riverside know that their bell tower is tolling “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” every hour on the hour? Just heard it last weekend.
Set up five prayer times during the day for the next few days.
10 But when Daniel learned that the law had been signed, he went home and knelt down as usual in his upstairs room, with its windows open toward Jerusalem. He prayed three times a day, just as he had always done, giving thanks to his God.
Christians had a structured prayer life much earlier than Muslims. For centuries, the day was divided into prayer times. Bell towers of churches striking on the hour are part of that heritage. Even at universities who don’t realize it.
For example, I wonder how many students at UC Riverside know that their bell tower is tolling “O God Our Help in Ages Past,” every hour on the hour? Just heard it last weekend.
Set up five prayer times during the day for the next few days.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
let my people go!
when you follow God, you can't sell yourself short
you don't know what God has in mind
Moses continued...
you don't know what God has in mind
Moses continued...
keep praying
Lamentations 3:44
44 You have hidden yourself in a cloud
so our prayers cannot reach you.
When God seems absent this doesn't mean stop praying. It simply means be prepared to be disappointed. It's not as if not praying is going to be helpful. When God seems remote, it is rather time to pray extra hard.
"Hey God…Are you there?!!"
Pray for those who are having a hard time praying.
44 You have hidden yourself in a cloud
so our prayers cannot reach you.
When God seems absent this doesn't mean stop praying. It simply means be prepared to be disappointed. It's not as if not praying is going to be helpful. When God seems remote, it is rather time to pray extra hard.
"Hey God…Are you there?!!"
Pray for those who are having a hard time praying.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
don't miss out
addressing the latest "Jesus Family Tomb" spectacle, what do those who are trying to discredit the physical resurrection of Jesus have in common?
keep looking
Jeremiah 29:11-13
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Here God is speaking specifically for his people after 70 years of exile in Babylon. This is a very popular scripture to generalize. It is much quoted concerning our own lives. Verse 13 is one of my favorites to consider when I think of people who don’t know Jesus. Keep looking. If you are honestly seeking, God always shows up.
How are you looking for God this week?
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Here God is speaking specifically for his people after 70 years of exile in Babylon. This is a very popular scripture to generalize. It is much quoted concerning our own lives. Verse 13 is one of my favorites to consider when I think of people who don’t know Jesus. Keep looking. If you are honestly seeking, God always shows up.
How are you looking for God this week?
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
the city
Jeremiah 29:7
7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.
God sent his people to exile in Babylon. As God’s people, everywhere we live is, at times, like Babylon. As Hebrews 13:14 says, 14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
We work with God concerning the new creation right now. The city we live in is important and we pray for it’s blessing. As such, we don’t pray against cities either. It’s easy to pick on places like Las Vegas or New Orleans for their “sensual” excesses. What about cities where greed, gossip, personal revenge and such are rampant? Like everywhere-
Pray for your city today.
7 And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.
God sent his people to exile in Babylon. As God’s people, everywhere we live is, at times, like Babylon. As Hebrews 13:14 says, 14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.
We work with God concerning the new creation right now. The city we live in is important and we pray for it’s blessing. As such, we don’t pray against cities either. It’s easy to pick on places like Las Vegas or New Orleans for their “sensual” excesses. What about cities where greed, gossip, personal revenge and such are rampant? Like everywhere-
Pray for your city today.
Monday, March 05, 2007
??
Jeremiah 12:1
1 Lord, you always give me justice
when I bring a case before you.
So let me bring you this complaint:
Why are the wicked so prosperous?
Why are evil people so happy?
If you believe in God, then your God is not going to be much of a God if he isn’t beyond your understanding. If you can fully figure God out, whatever he/she/it is…he/she/it is certainly not God.
What are some of your toughest questions you have for God?
1 Lord, you always give me justice
when I bring a case before you.
So let me bring you this complaint:
Why are the wicked so prosperous?
Why are evil people so happy?
If you believe in God, then your God is not going to be much of a God if he isn’t beyond your understanding. If you can fully figure God out, whatever he/she/it is…he/she/it is certainly not God.
What are some of your toughest questions you have for God?
Friday, March 02, 2007
temptation of Jesus
the uncanny similarity between the temptations Jesus faced and our own offers great insight into spiritual health
pray all
Isaiah 56:7
7 I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem
and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer.
I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices,
because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
Making one language as better than others when it comes to faith can bring challenges. For over a thousand years in Christianity, it was thought that Latin was really the language to know God through. Latin sounds pretty cool, but the only language God is interested in is the truth. This can be spoken in any language and God loves when the blending of sound from the world over comes to his ears.
Learn to pray, “I love you, Jesus,” in a different language.
7 I will bring them to my holy mountain of Jerusalem
and will fill them with joy in my house of prayer.
I will accept their burnt offerings and sacrifices,
because my Temple will be called a house of prayer for all nations.
Making one language as better than others when it comes to faith can bring challenges. For over a thousand years in Christianity, it was thought that Latin was really the language to know God through. Latin sounds pretty cool, but the only language God is interested in is the truth. This can be spoken in any language and God loves when the blending of sound from the world over comes to his ears.
Learn to pray, “I love you, Jesus,” in a different language.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
mind and heart
Isaiah 38:3
3 “Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.
Emotions play a key part in our relationships. Yet, as Dallas Willard has said, ‘Emotions make good servants, but terrible masters.’
We don’t consider God and his ways with us using an emotional barometer. I don’t have to feel good all the time to know God is with me. In fact, my relationship with God is way more about thinking. Loving the Lord God with my mind first and foremost.
Consider giving your emotions over to God for the day and pray for his guidance.
3 “Remember, O LORD, how I have always been faithful to you and have served you single-mindedly, always doing what pleases you.” Then he broke down and wept bitterly.
Emotions play a key part in our relationships. Yet, as Dallas Willard has said, ‘Emotions make good servants, but terrible masters.’
We don’t consider God and his ways with us using an emotional barometer. I don’t have to feel good all the time to know God is with me. In fact, my relationship with God is way more about thinking. Loving the Lord God with my mind first and foremost.
Consider giving your emotions over to God for the day and pray for his guidance.
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About Me
- Dana
- Pastor from LIFEhouse Church in Northridge CA, focusing on the theme, "How To Be A Christian Without Being A Jerk."
