Christians who are no longer sure that God loves and accepts them in Jesus, apart from their present spiritual achievements, are subconsciously radically insecure persons —much less secure than non-Christians, because they have too much light to rest easily under the constant bulletins they receive from their Christian environment about the righteousness they are supposed … Continue reading Preaching the Gospel to Yourself – One Life Transforming Result
“No Exemplary Families”
It is easy to despair when we realize how far we fall short as husbands, wives, fathers and mothers. The below excerpt from Eugene H. Peterson’s book Like Dew Your Youth: Growing Up with Your Teenager (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998) serves as a healing balm to the heart of any … Continue reading “No Exemplary Families”
Give One Thing More – A Grateful Heart
“You who have given so much to me, give one thing more — a grateful heart. Not thankful when it pleases me, as if your blessings had spare days; but such a heart, whose pulse may be your praise.” Almost four hundred years ago, the Anglican poet and preacher George Herbert captured with these prayerful … Continue reading Give One Thing More – A Grateful Heart
In the Soil of a Thankful Heart
My Grandmother Rose was known all around our community for how she responded to the simple question: "How are you doing?" Her classic response always was: “I’m thankful.” In times of sorrow and in times of joy, “I’m thankful.” In times of abundance and in times of scarcity, “I’m thankful.” My Grandmother spoke in the … Continue reading In the Soil of a Thankful Heart
A Prayer Guide through Psalm 32
Psalm 32 I would encourage you to read through Psalm 32 above by clicking on the link. The following is a prayer guide through Psalm 32. Reflect on the prayers below. Internalize them by reading them slowly. Then, make the ones that stand out to you your own by praying through them in your own … Continue reading A Prayer Guide through Psalm 32
Psalm 14 and the Miracle of Your Salvation
This morning devotional reading took our small group through Psalm 14. It starts like this: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good. The Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who … Continue reading Psalm 14 and the Miracle of Your Salvation
Psalm 12 – When the Faithful Vanish
Psalm 12 teaches us what to do when the faithful vanish and when vileness is exalted among the children of man.We naturally tend to become fearful, self-righteous, angry, harsh and judgmental. All you have to do is to first of all notice the dominant emotions in your own heart when you see this happening. Then, … Continue reading Psalm 12 – When the Faithful Vanish
Confessing & Forsaking Sin
Proverbs 28:13 - Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Charles Bridges (1794-1869) was well known as a prominent leader of the Evangelical Party in the Church of England. Here are a few nuggets on the above verse from his commentary on Proverbs. What a … Continue reading Confessing & Forsaking Sin
Four Movements in Corporate Worship
Corporate worship contains four basic movements: Glory, guilt, grace, and gratitude. The wonderful hymn of praise “God, All Nature Sings Thy Glory” beautifully illustrates this. Glory: The radiant beauty of our God is seen in all that He has made, especially the pinnacle of His creation – man. The only fitting response is to worship … Continue reading Four Movements in Corporate Worship
A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine
Proverbs 17:22 - "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Lord, free us from an anxious, discouraged spirit that would weigh us down today. Keep a brooding spirit of despondency far from us that always looks at the dark side. Deliver us from a discontented, unbelieving sadness that … Continue reading A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine
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