Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘Prayer’
The State of the Church
Typically in February the President of the United States addresses a joint session of Congress and delivers the traditional “State of the Union.” This year’s address was much different. In a symbolic way it reminds us that the state of our union is somewhat uncertain at this moment. There is always plenty of political maneuvering and rhetorical gymnastics associated with such speeches. However, at this time in our nation there exists an increased division and dissension. O how we need a spiritual awakening in our land! My greatest burden is not just for the state of our union politically or economically but for the state of the church spiritually. You see, the condition of the nation is deeply rooted in…
Read MoreBeginning Tomorrow
It is hard to believe it has been almost a year! The international shutdown at the beginning of the pandemic has become a point of reference in a variety of ways, a turning point for many. During the quarantine we began using a Youtube channel to post Bible messages and words of encouragement. I must tell you that while I appreciate the technology at our disposal, I am very grateful to be back preaching to real people assembled together! However, many of the platforms that God opened for ministry during that unusual season have helped us to connect with people to whom we would not otherwise have ministered. We believe these tools can continue to be used for the advancement…
Read More7 Ways to Show Kindness Today
Rush Limbaugh died today. He was one of the most loved and hated men in America, like so many who hold strong positions on anything. As I scrolled through the posts about his passing I was struck, not by the many tributes, but by the vitriolic and even violent comments about his death. When “Satan,” “hell,” and other unprintable words are used about any man’s death it reveals more about their heart than his. I could weep as I read the bitter and vile sentiments. No one who knows the love of God or understand the evil of the Devil could post such things. What has happened to our society that people laugh and joke about things sobering and sad.…
Read MoreMore To Come
Are you worn down? Nerves on edge? Wondering what is coming next? These have been challenging days for so many, but we should not be surprised. As we near the end of time things in this world will no doubt seem more and more “out of sync.” Ours is a world out of step with the Creator. God predicted it and we should expect it! “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13). Do not be in despair.…
Read MoreNews About A New Booklet!
Have you wondered in recent weeks what more you can do for your country? On this President’s Day I am excited to announce the publication of a new booklet, The Need of Our Nation. We all are concerned about the direction of our beloved nation and burdened to see a spiritual awakening in our day. This short volume addresses, from God’s Word, the core issue and the only solution. President’s Day was originally set aside to commemorate the birthday of the first president of the United States. For believers, it is also a reminder to pray for our president every day (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Every president is just a man, and like every man, he is a sinner in need…
Read MoreWhat We Really Need
We are one month into the new year! How are your resolutions holding up? I am not a critic of resolutions; they have very often marked turning points in my own life. (More on that here.) But I am convinced that fresh resolve will never be enough for the change that is needed in our lives and in our nation. Just before the new year our daughter Morgan said to me and her mother one night, “I have been thinking that what we really need in the new year is not resolutions but revival.” (She would be the preacher in the family if she believed in women preachers!) Over the last few days I have been meditating on what she…
Read More4 Stages In A Prayer Meeting
Recently I saw where a prominent Christian leader suggested that perhaps this would be a good time for churches to begin having prayer meetings again. The real question is: why did we ever stop having them at all? Even the churches that advertise a weekly “prayer meeting” typically do more talking about prayer or rehearsing of prayer requests than actual praying. When believers are not living in an attitude of prayer it is difficult to get them excited about the action of prayer. The loss of the prayer closet has caused the death of the prayer meeting, because corporate prayer has no power when we are never alone with the Lord. Public prayers become cliche, stiff, and formal when we…
Read MoreThoughts for Christian Citizens
All Christians have a dual citizenship. We are temporary, earthly citizens of the nation where God has providentially allowed us to live and we are eternal, heavenly citizens of a much better country! In the words of the old song, “This world is not my home, I’m just passing through.” The Lord’s people ought to be the most caring, principled, and helpful citizens of their present nation, but they must also remember that they are only pilgrims on their way home (Hebrews 11:13-16). When Christ lived in one of the most pagan empires of world history He did not lead a revolt against Caesar. Think of it! He had to answer the interrogation of the Pharisees and live under the…
Read MoreOne Revival Challenge & Two Pieces of News
Are your burdened for our nation? Here is something we call can do. Please take a moment to read this challenge and join our Revival Praying effort!
Read More“Just Use My Name.”
In times of need it is wonderful to know someone who has abundant resources. A friend may send you to another with the instructions: “Just use my name.” They mean of course that you have access to supply on their good credit. I am convinced that most believers do not sufficiently appreciate nor appropriate our Lord’s name. His name is greater than every need! Recently as I read through the High-Priestly prayer of Jesus in John 17 I was struck by the emphasis He placed on God’s name… “I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world: thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word” (vs. 6).…
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