Reflections on Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. Only those who have first tasted peace with God at the cross of Christ can become peacemakers. - James M. Boice The peace intended is not merely that of political and economic stability, as in the Greco-Roman world, but peace in the … Continue reading Reflections on Blessed Are the Peacemakers

Putting on Airs vs. Putting on Armor

A Prayer of Confession Gracious heavenly Father, we confess that we put on airs more often than we put on Your armor. Forgive us for our self-promotion, self-protection and self-reliance. Pardon us for not cherishing and trusting in Your gifts of righteousness, faith, and salvation during times of temptation and spiritual conflict. Transform us by … Continue reading Putting on Airs vs. Putting on Armor

Awakened to the Lord – C.S. Lewis

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. If none of my earthly pleasures satisfy it, that does not prove that the universe is a fraud. Probably earthly pleasures were never meant to satisfy it, but … Continue reading Awakened to the Lord – C.S. Lewis

One Powerful Lesson for the Church

On November 18, 1978, at the direction of charismatic cult leader Jim Jones, 909 members of the People's Temple died, all but two from apparent cyanide poisoning," including over 200 murdered children. Mel White, a Christian writer and filmmaker and adjunct professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, set out to investigate the causes of the Jim … Continue reading One Powerful Lesson for the Church

The Lord is Your Portion

Thomas Brooks, a Puritan pastor, counsels believers to confront all temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life) with the words of the Psalmist: “The LORD is my portion” (16:5; 73:26; 119:57; 142:5). He exhorts: Every blast and every wind of temptation will overset and overturn … Continue reading The Lord is Your Portion

In the Presence of a Holy God – Isaiah 6

It was a devastating blow.  Like all devoted citizens, Isaiah had venerated King Uzziah. For fifty-two years, King Uzziah had led Judah in an administration of peace and prosperity. It was an era of expansion and achievement. Now he was dead.  The throne sat empty.  It was unfortunate that the king had rebelled against the … Continue reading In the Presence of a Holy God – Isaiah 6

In the Midst of Trouble – Psalm 138

A Prayer Guide... 1 I give you thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. 3 … Continue reading In the Midst of Trouble – Psalm 138