Here is what I call a "Simple Guide for Bible Study." It contains seven straightforward questions to get to the heart of a given passage of Scripture. The one below focuses on our sermon text for tomorrow (Matthew 21:1-17) which is the gospel narrative for Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem to be presented as the … Continue reading A Simple Guide for Bible Study | Matthew 21:1–17
prayer
Intercessory Prayers for Palm Sunday
Here are a few Scripture prayers based upon the Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. I would encourage you to reflect upon them, internalize them, and pray them for yourself, the people that you love, and especially your own church family. Holy Father, As we ride with our humble Lord into the fickle and rebellious city, … Continue reading Intercessory Prayers for Palm Sunday
A Prayer for Ordination & Installation of Pastors
Lord God, You have made me a pastor and teacher in Your Church. You see how unfit I am to administer rightly this great and responsible office; and had I been without Your aid and counsel, I would surely have ruined it all long ago. Therefore, I invoke Your Spirit to empower me. How gladly … Continue reading A Prayer for Ordination & Installation of Pastors
What is the fundamental purpose of prayer?
Many are asking in these days: What is the purpose of prayer? It doesn't appear that prayer really works because I ask God to stop this senseless war in Ukraine and save the lives of those who are most vulnerable, and it doesn't seem to affect the situation at all. Others of you are praying … Continue reading What is the fundamental purpose of prayer?
Craving Security
At birth, all of us are launched into the dangerous labyrinth of the world where tragic things can and often happen. Look no further than the Ukraine presently. Psalm 4:8 Therefore, we crave safety and security. King David reminds us of the only place where true safety exists. It is in the presence of the … Continue reading Craving Security
Beloved of the Father
John 17:11 [11] And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. The world, its values and priorities are hostile to the … Continue reading Beloved of the Father
A Simple Prayer for Smiling at the Future
Here is a simple prayer to reflect upon and pray through as look upon 2022 and what the Lord might have for you in this new year: Lord God, King of the Universe and Ruler over the turning centuries, we lift up grateful hearts to You in this new year. We launch our boats on … Continue reading A Simple Prayer for Smiling at the Future
Psalm 12 – When the Faithful Vanish
Psalm 12 teaches us what to do when the faithful vanish and when vileness is exalted among the children of man.We naturally tend to become fearful, self-righteous, angry, harsh and judgmental. All you have to do is to first of all notice the dominant emotions in your own heart when you see this happening. Then, … Continue reading Psalm 12 – When the Faithful Vanish
A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine
Proverbs 17:22 - "A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Lord, free us from an anxious, discouraged spirit that would weigh us down today. Keep a brooding spirit of despondency far from us that always looks at the dark side. Deliver us from a discontented, unbelieving sadness that … Continue reading A Joyful Heart is Good Medicine
A Prayer to Pursue Peaceful Relationships
God, our gracious, heavenly Father, you are our dependably steady and warmly personal God. Those qualities so frequently elude us. Show us the path of self-denying, sacrificial love. Grant us endurance and encouragement to love those who are different than us. Those who disappoint us and even those who hurt us. Show us how to … Continue reading A Prayer to Pursue Peaceful Relationships