Merciful Father, we meet each other today at the foot of the cross. We wait with each other as those who inflict wounds on one another: Have mercy on us. As those who spurn Your love for other loves: Be merciful to us. As those who put our trust in power and prestige: Be merciful … Continue reading A Prayer of Confession for Good Friday
forgiveness
Proclaiming the Gospel to Ourselves in Corporate Worship
One of our main purposes of gathering corporately for worship is to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. We aspire to do this throughout our whole worship service by cultivating in all who gather three things: A dawning realization of the greatness of your God, A growing awareness of your own sinfulness But also a … Continue reading Proclaiming the Gospel to Ourselves in Corporate Worship
Prayer of Confession – Re. Physical Beauty
Beautiful Savior, You died to make me beautiful. For I was marred and made beastly by sin. Late it was that I loved you, beauty so ancient and so new, late I loved you! I vacillate between a monkish contempt of physical beauty and a worldly addiction to physical beauty. Forgive me where I have … Continue reading Prayer of Confession – Re. Physical Beauty
When The Time Comes to Divide the Family Estate
"When Providence has removed your parents by death, the best methods ought to be taken, not only for preventing quarrels among the children (which often happens over the dividing of the estate), but for the preserving of love so that unity may continue even when that center of unity is taken away." - Matthew Henry, Presbyterian pastor … Continue reading When The Time Comes to Divide the Family Estate
The Majesty of a Forgiving Father
Psalm 130:4 sets forth one of the greatest discoveries that we can ever make: “With you (the LORD) there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.” According to John Stott, this verse “contains a beautiful balance because its first part brings assurance to the despairing, while its second part sounds a warning to the presumptuous.” How … Continue reading The Majesty of a Forgiving Father
In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership
At least once a year, I read the booklet by Henri Nouwen entitled In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. He uses two key passages to unpack the nature of Christian leadership: Matthew 4:1-11 and John 21:15-21. In this book he discusses three temptations which all leaders face. Temptation 1: The Temptation to … Continue reading In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership
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
Reflections on Repentance that Leads to Life
The believer in Christ is a ‘lifelong’ repenter. He begins with repentance, and ends with repentance. Repentance is a change of mind regarding sin and God, an inward turning from sin to God. Repentance is hating what you once loved, and loving what you once hated, exchanging irresistible sin for an irresistible Christ. — Jim … Continue reading Reflections on Repentance that Leads to Life
If Your Marriage is Struggling…
If your marriage is struggling, I would encourage you to reflect on the three Scriptures below and pray mainly for the Lord to change you so that your life reflects their message. Rather than nagging your spouse, why not use these as a grid to pray for them and ask the Lord to work in … Continue reading If Your Marriage is Struggling…
Treasuring Forgiveness – Matthew 18
Link: Treasure Forgiveness - Matthew 18:12-35 Monday: Matthew 18:35 is a hard saying of Jesus. Is God’s forgiveness of us conditional upon our forgiving of others? How would you answer this question from God’s Word? Next, reflect on this summary of what Jesus is saying in this parable: “No true follower of mine will act … Continue reading Treasuring Forgiveness – Matthew 18
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