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
Matthew 9:35-38 – A Prayer of Confession
Gracious heavenly Father, thank you for Your compassion for the lonely, oppressed, and harassed people of the world. You sent Jesus to seek and to save the lost, but we confess our reluctance to personally engage with His mission. If we are honest, we are more apathetic than active, isolated than involved, callous … Continue reading Matthew 9:35-38 – A Prayer of Confession
Devoted to Loving Our Neighbor Well – Questions for Reflection
This past Sunday we learned what it looks like to be a church devoted to loving our neighbors well (Luke 10:25-37). Here are some follow-up questions and Scriptures for further study. There was One who into earth’s bitter waters of sin, injustice, hatred, and revenge poured a crimson flood to make them sweet. Never was … Continue reading Devoted to Loving Our Neighbor Well – Questions for Reflection
Make Us Thy Mountaineers
Make us Thy mountaineers; We would not linger on the lower slope. Fill us afresh with hope, Thou God of hope, That undefeated, we may climb the hill, as seeing Him who is invisible. -- Amy Carmichael, Missionary to India ((1867-1951)
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