We know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. (1 John 4:16) His Love is Perfect God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) wants us to rely, depend, believe in His love for us. He wants us to have faith, trust, and confidence in …
United Praying in Troubling Times
An Illustration from World War II In 1939, German warplanes began bombing London and the government feared that societal chaos would follow. Would civilians be ready for the trauma and horrors to come? How would they cope if life as they knew it was overturned? How would they grapple with the nightly threat of injury or death? Would they riot, …
The Lord Opened Lydia’s Heart
Outside the city of Philippi, the apostles sat down and began to speak to the women who had gathered at a place of prayer. One of those listening was named Lydia. She was a worshiper of God and the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message….Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation: The …
Praying Psalm 44 (Part 3)
Nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, or sword cannot. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth can disconnect us from our Lord. No, in all these …
Praying Psalm 44 (Part 2)
You have rejected and humbled us…and our adversaries have plundered us….You have scattered us among the nations….I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame. (Psalm 44:9-16 portion) The Blues and the Psalms Blues music originated in the Deep South of the United States in the 19th century by African-Americans building on work songs and …
Praying Psalm 44 (Part 1)
Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do you hide your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love. (Psalm 44:23-26) Psalm 44 doesn’t have a happy ending. Sometimes …
Praying Together
Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always….Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. Cry out, “Save us, God our Savior; gather us and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to your holy name, and glory in your praise.” (1 Chronicles 16:11, 34-35) United in and by …
The Hem Of Jesus’ Garment
I am the Lord, your healer….God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away…..She said, “If I touch even His garments, I will be made well.” (Exodus 15:26; Rev 21:3-4; …
Jesus’ Disciples are on His Mission
Jesus said: As you (the Father) sent me into the world, I have sent them (the disciples) into the world….Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you. (John 17:18, 20:21) Our English word “mission” comes from the Latin “missio” which means sending. God the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the …
Jesus’ Disciples are Salt and Light
A Coach Makes Disciples Amos Alonzo Stagg (1862–1965) was an American college coach in multiple sports, primarily football. He popularized the huddle, the Statue of Liberty play, onside kick, the T formation, the end-around, and the forward pass. People say that he practically invented football as we know it. He was a devout Christian and his biggest legacy was shaping …