Fear can dominate and immobilize us. Internet images of brutal deaths of the oppressed and persecuted stoke the fires of fear in our hearts. Two of the greatest fears with which we deal are: The fear of man and the fear of death. Those who trust in the resurrected and reigning Lord Jesus Christ must … Continue reading The Fear that Conquers All Fears
Author: 2cherish2commend
Is Your Serving Marked by Joy?
The Psalmist calls us to “serve the Lord with gladness" (Ps. 100:2).Charles Spurgeon parses out why we are to heed this call.“Delight in divine service is a token of acceptance. Those who serve God with a sad countenance, because they do what is unpleasant to them, are not serving him at all; they bring the … Continue reading Is Your Serving Marked by Joy?
Why are we not to fear death?
Psalm 23:4 says: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Matthew Henry expounds this text and JRR Tolkien shares a beautiful story: 1. Because there is no evil in it to a … Continue reading Why are we not to fear death?
Confessing Our Lack of Joy
Almighty God, our Everlasting Father, we acknowledge that for our joy you have sent us a Comforter - the Holy Spirit. You have multiplied your promises to us. You have shown us the future happiness that awaits us in heaven. You have given us a living fountain to cleanse us from sin.But we have so … Continue reading Confessing Our Lack of Joy
Walking a Difficult Road with Jesus
You have a difficult road before you: O traveller to heaven, see that you go not without your guide. You have to pass through the fiery furnace; enter it not unless, like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you have the Son of God to be your companion. You have to storm the Jericho of your own … Continue reading Walking a Difficult Road with Jesus
“What kind of pastor would you like as your pastor?”
The Apostle Paul reminds Timothy and us that pastors and all church leaders must be those who "hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience" (1 Timothy 3:9). This hit me with new force today in light of recent pastor scandals in the evangelical church in America. Alexander McColl once asked … Continue reading “What kind of pastor would you like as your pastor?”
A Good Word from John Calvin on Spiritual Warfare
“We have been forewarned that an enemy relentlessly threatens us, an enemy who is the very embodiment of rash boldness, of military prowess, of crafty wiles, of untiring zeal and haste, of every conceivable weapon and of skill in the science of warfare. We must, then, bend our every effort to this goal: That we … Continue reading A Good Word from John Calvin on Spiritual Warfare
A Prayer for the Struggle with Lukewarm Faith
Gracious and Holy Father, My lukewarmness distresses me and dishonors You. I have become spiritually complacent. Warm my heart by showing me again the depth of Your love that sent Jesus to live and die for me. Grant me the gift of repentance and pour Your love into my heart by Your Holy Spirit. Grant … Continue reading A Prayer for the Struggle with Lukewarm Faith
John Murray’s Counsel to Church Leaders
"Spend at least fifteen minutes every day meditating on some word of God connected with His promises to His church -- and then plead with Him for its fulfillment." A great place to start might be Jesus' promise in Matthew 16:18b: I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail … Continue reading John Murray’s Counsel to Church Leaders
Jesus’ Ultimate Desire for You – John 17:24
Before the final conflict of the cross is engaged, one final ministry remains for Jesus to perform: the vital work of prayer. In John 17, He prays first for himself, secondly for his original band of disciples, and lastly he prays for us (those who believe in him through their word). This is the most … Continue reading Jesus’ Ultimate Desire for You – John 17:24
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