The Prayer of the Righteous
Why is it that none of us pray as we should? We know that our burdens can all be lifted when we are shut in with him. The voice of the Holy Spirit keeps calling us to prayer, “Come!” Come to the water that satisfies our souls’ thirst. Come to the Father who pities his…
Don’t Be Afraid of Suffering
Christ’s resurrection was preceded by a short period of suffering. It’s a guarantee to us that we do suffer. There is pain and sorrow. It is often the will of God that we suffer feelings of emptiness and even pain. “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to…
We Are Called to Be Holy
God is undivided. He’s not split in any way. He’s altogether lovely, pure and loving. There is only one God, and this God is one in fullness and perfection. He’s totally unified with all things that are holiness. We were by God created to be holy, to be loving, to be one, as Peter writes…
A Path through Adversity
In 1 Samuel 30, we read about how David was in deep distress and how he dealt with it. This man had a lot of reasons to be miserable. He was deeply distressed because the call on his life, the prophecy Samuel had spoken over him that he would be king, looked like it wasn’t…
Preparation for Your Trials
It is impossible to live a holy life without spending much time on your knees, seeking God for the power and authority to lead such a life. We see this in Daniel’s life, as well as God’s response to such a seeker. “I set my face toward the Lord God to make request by prayer…
God Knows Your Every Hurt
Remind yourself that God knows exactly how much you can take, and he will not permit you to reach a breaking point. Our loving Father said, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able,…
The Consolation of Christ
Happiness does not mean living without pain or hurt. True happiness is learning how to live faithfully and graciously one day at a time in spite of sorrow and pain. It is learning how to rejoice in the Lord, no matter what has happened in the past. You may feel rejected and abandoned. Your faith…
Worshiping the Holy One
Do you ever see people acting holy? They’re the ones who usually tell you, “I’m fasting today.” They’re also usually the ones that make you feel guilty. The Jewish Rabbis that you see down by the Wailing Wall, they look very holy. I mean, they kind of dress holy, if there’s such a thing. I…
An Invitation and a Warning
Jesus stood in the temple and cried out, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37, NKJV). As I read this,…
Dethroning Our Great Idol
The church as we know it today began with repentance. When Peter preached the cross at Pentecost, thousands came to Christ. This new church was made up of one body, consisting of all races, filled with love for one another. Its corporate life was marked by evangelism, a spirit of sacrifice and even martyrdom. The…