Posts Tagged with "Prayer"

One of the most fundamental understandings of the Christian Faith is that the world we see is not all there is. In fact, because we believe that this world will be burned up in the judgment of God and transformed into the New Heavens and the New Earth, one might even say that the world we see isn't the most important thing there is. Paul reminds us of this when he says,...

Early last year (even before we knew it was going to be "2020"), I struggled with both my devotions and prayer life. I frequently found my mind wandering as I read the Scriptures in the morning. While I rarely missed my weekday readings, I frequently had to restart them because I hadn't focused on what I was reading. Similarly, my prayers suffered, being brief or repetitiv...

We are entering that storm season that gives my children the most anxiety.Whenever it is going to rain, or a storm is forecast, my children ask the same questions over and over again.Is it going to lightning?Will trees fall down?Ruth and I have to be careful how we talk about a storm that has warned severity.It is inevitable; a storm will come, and we should be prepared. I...

As I sit in my office wondering what I should write this week for our blog, I am drawn to all the things that are upcoming.A blog can often feel like another busy thing that must be done in a week full of tasks. I feel somewhat ashamed.My calling in the ministry is no mere task or checklist. Of course, there are things that must be accomplished, and I love clearing a check...

I just opened Facebook on my phone. Another building on fire. Another minister talking about the need for a new denomination. Another murderous slaughter of Christians in Nigeria. Another plague sweeping Africa. Another marchin another cityhijacked by looters. Another Supreme Court ruling. And another storm coming tomorrow. Another rant from friends concerning masks on bot...

I mentioned Sunday in my sermon that prayer is sometimes hard. Why is that? Here are a few reasons to consider:Sin and Shame.Sometimes prayer is hard because we are aware of our sin, and we are ashamed andtrying to avoid God. Like Adam and Eve in the Garden, we try to cover our sins ourselves, and we hide from God when he pursues us. If this is what is keeping you from him...

I suspect few things can induce shame in a Christian as quickly as a pastor bringing up the subject of prayer. Few evangelical Christians would say they believe they pray enough. Some of that is because many don't really understand what prayer is. Others may feel guilty or inadequate because they sense the importance of prayer and can't imagine that they pray as often as t...