Over the last few years, we have seen more than our share of protests. In fact, as Americans, we have a tradition of protest and, certainly, some protest is healthy.
But many of today’s protests have taken on an ugly, finger-pointing, refusal-to-even-listen-to-the-other-side tone. It’s one thing to protest genuine injustice, especially when it’s in defense of those who are least able to defend themselves, but have many of our protests turned into the kind that God will judge?
Even if we’re on the side of truth, have our attitudes toward those with whom we disagree become displeasing to the Lord? If so, what should we do and how should we respond to those who protest against, even attack, our stand for God and His righteousness?
Do you ever feel like you’re stretched too thin? Has over-commitment become a way of life for you? Do you find yourself irritable, impatient, angry, or full of stress because other people, maybe even God, seem to be standing in the way of your agenda? Could your frustration and stress come from two common problems?
Do you struggle with what seems like unanswered prayer? Maybe you’ve been deeply hurt, possibly by someone close to you. Or maybe it’s a financial trial, a serious illness or a loss. Whatever it is, you feel like you’ve been crying out to God for help with no relief in sight. The psalmist in today’s reading expressed the same feelings. How can understanding his prayer help you and me?
Also, read about Joseph and how he is a “type of Christ.” A type is a picture (like the old “tintype,” pictures taken during the 1800s). In this case, a picture of Christ, a glimpse into God’s heart and the character of our Savior. What exactly does that mean and how should his example inspire us today?
We’ve all been there. Maybe you’re there right now. You’re going through a trial yet God seems nowhere to be found. And you find yourself wondering why.
You believe His promise to never leave you or forsake you. You believe God answers prayers. But … silence.
I first wrote this post a couple of years ago near the beginning of the year when many of us make fresh commitments to read more in the Bible, pray more, and in general, have a more effective quiet time. But when I came across it this morning, I thought it was worth republishing since it’s something most of us think about often.
While there is no right way or wrong way to do that, there are some things that can make our time with God more spiritually profitable and enjoyable. I’d like to share twenty-eight of them.
I have had a desire for some time to really dig into the book of Colossians. And this year I’m one of several teachers who will be taking our women’s ministry through this powerful little epistle. So I thought I would share some of the truths we are learning with you all, as well.
Colossians is all about Jesus. It calls us to worship Him, to understand who He is, and to live in light of that truth. It’s both theological and practical. And it contains one of the most quoted and most taught portions of Scripture, especially when it comes to Christ.
Studying it will help us answer some very important questions. For starters, what does it mean when we say that Jesus is preeminent? That He is sufficient? And how should we live in light of who He is? So, I hope you will come back each week and grow with me through Paul’s letter to our first century brothers and sisters.
How to pray, that has been a question on the minds of believers for at least 2,000 years. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and He responded with a very familiar outline for prayer. We can learn more about how to pray from the way the Apostle Paul and others in the Bible prayed.
How do you pray for those in your life? How do you pray for yourself? Do you use any of those examples and could there be some you have not thought about?
I believe prayer changes things and I care about people. So, why do I sometimes forget to pray when I say I will? Maybe you have, too. Someone shares a need and you promise to pray. You really mean to, but...
Throughout the centuries, some of the greatest men and women of God have kept journals. But journaling isn’t just for spiritual giants. It’s for you and me. If you find it hard to concentrate during your quiet time, a journal...
One book that continues to resonate with me and impact my life, particularly my prayer life, is Donald Whitney’s book Praying the Bible. Even though I had prayed many Bible passages in the past, his book encouraged me to...
