All of us go through times of spiritual drought and dryness. When I was a college student, I encountered this for the first time and it concerned me greatly. I was helped by reading a little book called The Green Letters by Miles Stanford. The title has been changed now to Principles of Spiritual Growth. … Continue reading In Times of Spiritual Dryness
Scripture Prayer
When You Are Misunderstood
It is the characteristic of our Adamic residue to find it difficult to believe in the nobility of others. Joseph's brothers measured Joseph by themselves. In our suspicions of other people we often reveal ourselves and our own hearts. There is scarcely anything more trying and searching in life than the experience of being misunderstood, … Continue reading When You Are Misunderstood
Praying to Our Rock of Refuge – Psalm 71
Psalm 71:3 - Be to me a rock of refuge, to which I may continually come; you have given the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. O Lord, you are a rock of refuge to which we may continually come. May the guilty come and find release from the … Continue reading Praying to Our Rock of Refuge – Psalm 71
With what would you be satisfied?
Here’s a question I have asked myself on occasion while raising my children in terms of my desires, hopes and dreams for them. It comes from Susan Hunt in her book Your Home: A Place of Grace: “Would you be satisfied with children who are well behaved, who avoid drugs, who graduate from college, marry … Continue reading With what would you be satisfied?
9/11 and the Imprecatory Psalms: Two Opinions
Here's a list of the Lament Psalms known as Imprecatory (Psalm 7, 35, 52, 54, 55, 58, 59, 79, 83, 94, 129, 137, and 140). Claus Westermann claims that these imprecatory Psalms “have once and for all been taken away from Christ’s congregation.”[1] Some of them[2] appear rather bloodthirsty, pre-Christian and inappropriate for believers to … Continue reading 9/11 and the Imprecatory Psalms: Two Opinions
Consider and Avoid the Snares of Death this Easter
What’s it like to be caught in a death trap? To be tricked and ensnared by a supposed gift? Ammi Ortiz, the 16 year old son of a Messianic Jewish pastor, was seriously wounded by a basket delivered to his family’s doorsteps with a simple greeting “Happy Purim!” When he opened it, it blew up … Continue reading Consider and Avoid the Snares of Death this Easter
Husbands: What’s the best gift you can give your wife today?
There are lots of wonderful gifts that you can give, but the best gift you can give her is to regularly pray for her and tell her what you are praying for her. This is especially crucial if you've experienced a recent conflict. It is very hard to stay angry at someone for whom you … Continue reading Husbands: What’s the best gift you can give your wife today?
How to pray for those who lead your church
The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1 sets forth a number of directives for pastors... Pastors are called 1. To work with God's people so that they find their joy in the Lord not in circumstances or any other thing. 2. To pray, counsel, disciple, and preach so that God's people "stand firm in their … Continue reading How to pray for those who lead your church
Praying to a Prodigal Father
In a recent time of studying and meditating on the Lord's Prayer, I came across this wonderful piece from John Calvin on what we ought to reflect upon when we pray "our Father." "The exuberance of his paternal kindness he sets before us in the parable, (Luke 15:20) when the father with open arms receives … Continue reading Praying to a Prodigal Father
Prayer – Launching an Uprising Against the Disorder of our World
Karl Barth: “To fold one’s hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” To begin an uprising…to turn the world upside down. In the closing months of WWII, Helmut Thielicke preached on the Lord’s Prayer. He spoke words that ring true for us today: “In these fearful, fateful … Continue reading Prayer – Launching an Uprising Against the Disorder of our World
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