Luke 24:50–53 Jesus departed from His disciples in a striking way—while blessing them. This was no accident. It reminded them of why He came and what He would continue to do. He came not to curse but to bless, not in anger but in love, not as a condemning Judge but as a gracious Friend. … Continue reading Ascending with Open Hands
Scripture Prayer
Love Made Useful
John 21:15–17 Three times Jesus commands Peter, “Feed my flock.” This repeated charge restores Peter to apostolic service after his fall and teaches a lasting lesson to the whole church: love for Christ is proven by usefulness to others. True devotion is not loud profession, impulsive zeal, or dramatic action, but steady, patient, sacrificial care … Continue reading Love Made Useful
The Promise That Outlasts Every Fear
Matthew 28:16–20 — “I Am With You Always” Jesus does not end His earthly ministry by giving His followers a task alone. He gives them a promise. “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Every Christian is meant to lay hold of this—not as a slogan, but as a daily … Continue reading The Promise That Outlasts Every Fear
All Saints’ Weekend
Your church may not use the church calendar throughout the year and that is perfectly fine. Therefore, you may not know that this past Friday was All Saints’ Day. This day is a very special day for me because it reminds me to give thanks to the Lord regularly for those whom God used to lead … Continue reading All Saints’ Weekend
A Prayer of Confession of Sin – On Beauty
Beautiful Savior, You died to make me beautiful — one who was marred and made beastly by sin. Late it was that I loved you, beauty so ancient and so new, late I loved you! Thus, I vacillate between a monkish contempt of physical beauty and a worldly addiction to physical beauty. Unlike the patriarch … Continue reading A Prayer of Confession of Sin – On Beauty
The Dark Night of the Soul (Psalm 42-43)
The dark night of the soul. This phenomenon describes a malady that the greatest of Christians have suffered from time to time. It was the malady that provoked David to soak his pillow with tears. It was the malady that earned for Jeremiah the name, “The Weeping Prophet.” It was the malady that so afflicted … Continue reading The Dark Night of the Soul (Psalm 42-43)
Sanctifying Our Deep Distresses
"In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters.” - Psalm 18:6, 16 John Rippon wrote … Continue reading Sanctifying Our Deep Distresses
A Prayer for Those Coming Behind
What is it that older disciples owe those who are younger and coming behind them? What is the best gift that mentors can give their mentees? What is the most helpful thing that parents and grandparents can do for their kids and grandkids? What should disciples primarily do for those whom they are discipling? Diligently … Continue reading A Prayer for Those Coming Behind
Walking with the Wise to Grow Wise
Human beings are influenced by those with whom they spend time. I don’t suppose that comes as a surprise to you, but it is an easy truth to forget. And the Bible reminds Christians that the people they spend time with can have a positive or a negative influence on them. Spending time in the … Continue reading Walking with the Wise to Grow Wise
Prayer: Learning How to Answer God
The Psalms play a crucial role in corporate and personal worship because Christians believe the richness of God’s Word ought to determine our prayers not the poverty of our own hearts. Why do we avail ourselves of the Psalms? The Psalms help us to know more intimately, love more fervently, and treasure more deeply our … Continue reading Prayer: Learning How to Answer God
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