In the first garden “Not your will but mine” changed paradise to desert and brought man from Eden to Gethsemane. Now “Not my will but yours” brings anguish to the man who prays it but transforms the desert into the kingdom and brings man from Gethsemane to the gates of glory. - D.A. Carson It … Continue reading Reflections for Worship – Devoted to Our Superior Weapon
prayer
The Best Friend
Below is a paper from the pen of J.C. Ryle entitled "The Best Friend" from his book Practical Religion. He was a pastor in Liverpool, England back in the late 1800s. It will take you a little while to get through, but I have found it extremely helpful in my own journey in deepening my … Continue reading The Best Friend
Broken City…Broken Heart…Pleading the Promises
Recently while reading Nehemiah 1, this thought struck me: Broken walls lead to a broken and repentant heart that desperately pleads and trusts the promises of God. Father, break our hearts with the things that break your heart. Give us grace to confess and not condone or excuse sin. We have forgotten you days without … Continue reading Broken City…Broken Heart…Pleading the Promises
A Psalm Prayer – Hurricane Katrina and Tuscaloosa Tornado
A prayer based upon my Psalm reading that I prayed the day after Hurricane Katrina. May the Lord do the same for us in Tuscaloosa. Heavenly Father, Psalm 140:7-8 says: O LORD, my Lord, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle. Grant not, O LORD, the desires … Continue reading A Psalm Prayer – Hurricane Katrina and Tuscaloosa Tornado
Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #2
Parents worthy of honor are energized for their task by the power of the Holy Spirit and the gospel of grace. Thus, they daily preach the gospel to themselves and are diligent to shepherd their children in the same manner. The Swiss Cheese Effect of the Ten Commandments. The Apostle Paul in Romans 7:7-8 spells … Continue reading Grace to Fulfill Our Parental Calling #2
A Prayer for Maundy Thursday
Great God, in Christ you call our name And then receive us as your own, Not through some merit, right, or claim, But by your gracious love alone. We strain to glimpse your mercy-seat And find you kneeling at our feet. Then take the towel, and break the bread, And humble us, and call us … Continue reading A Prayer for Maundy Thursday
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
Luther – Our Daily Business is Our Hardest Work
I don't know about you but it always encourages me to hear the saints of old acknowledge their own difficulties in spiritual disciplines such as prayer. What a delight it should be for us to bring all our cares, burdens, joys, and petitions to the throne of grace, but, if you're like me, you find … Continue reading Luther – Our Daily Business is Our Hardest Work
Praying for Your Wife
What are you praying for right now for your wife? I have found it most helpful to pray through certain Scriptures for my wife Scottie. One passage that has served as a helpful guide through the years has been Proverbs 31:10-31. Here are several bullet points for prayer. I would urge to use this as … Continue reading Praying for Your Wife