The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity… Plans are established by seeking advice. So if you [undertake important things], obtain guidance… A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way? (Proverbs 11:3; 20:18,24) Pastor Octavius Winslow (1808-1878) warns, “Beware practical atheism which excludes God from …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 4)
Hear my cry, O God. Listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to You, I call as my heart grows faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I… Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 3)
Lead me, Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies. Make Your way straight before me… I will praise the Lord, who counsels me. Even at night, my heart instructs me. I keep my eyes always on the Lord. With Him at my right hand, I will not be shaken. (Psalm 5:8, 16:7-8) We continue our studies, building on my …
Savior with Four Names
When people ask about Jesus the Son of God’s First Coming, here’s a favorite Scripture I use: To us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace, there will …
Give Me That Book!
(Excerpt from teaching and training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry. I used this first at Windsor Village Methodist Campus, then at other places. It is adapted and expanded from Wesley’s Preface to Standard Sermons.) Christ said: The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, …
Knowing God Through Prayer (A-C-T-S) Part 2
Jesus looked toward heaven and prayed: Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. For You granted Him (Jesus) authority over all people to give eternal life to all those You have given Him. Now this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. …
Knowing God Through Prayer (A-C-T-S) Part 1
The primary object of prayer is to know God better. We and our needs should come second. (Missionary Florence Allshorn, 1887-1950) The A-C-T-S Model I wrote this remembering a New Year’s Eve watchnight worship service in Philadelphia. The service started at 10 pm and ended after midnight. We reviewed the old year together, confessed our failings, and prepared for the …
Grace Focused Optimism (Part 1)
I will make an everlasting covenant with them. I will never stop doing good to them, and I will inspire them to fear and respect Me, so that they will never turn away from Me. I will rejoice in doing them good and will assuredly plant them in this land with all My heart and soul. (Jeremiah 32:40-41) Note: This …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 2)
Show me Your ways, LORD, teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my Savior, and my hope is in You all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5) We contine our study on this important subject, drawing on my notes from J. I. Packer’s message years ago in Philadelphia. I have expanded upon his …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 1)
You are my rock and my fortress. Therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. (Psalm 31:3 NKJV) Many people ask about getting the Lord’s guidance on questions like: Who should I marry? Or shall I stay single? Which church should I join? Where should I live? What job shall I apply for? Should we have another child? …