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? …
I’ll Hasten to His Throne
I love the Lord. He heard my cries, And pitied every groan. Long as I live, when troubles rise, I’ll hasten to His throne. (From a poem and hymn by Isaac Watts) Richard Smallwood Richard Smallwood is an American gospel composer, music director, and arranger. He has won many awards and his songs have been translated into Korean, German, Hebrew, …
Frustrated or Trusting God? (Psalm 37) (Part 3)
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit….Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy. Without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Psalm 34:18; Hebrews 12:14) This post builds Frustrated or Trusting God? (Psalm 37) (Part 1) More on Being Frustrated We know the feeling. We have …
Frustrated or Trusting God? (Psalm 37) (Part 2)
So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10) Upheld by Christ Dave Dravecky played major league baseball for 9 years, but his pitching arm was amputated in 1991 due to cancer. He …
Frustrated or Trusting God? (Psalm 37) (Part 1)
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) Plans Were Hindered In 2023, a plane …
Learning from Katie Luther
Now, brothers and sisters, I remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first …