Note: I used this first at a Bible study for Houston Police Department officers and chaplains and expanded upon it now. I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them. Intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for [leaders] and all who are in authority so that we …
Blessed Are God’s Sons and Daughters
See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!.. Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him …
Prayer of Richard of Chichester
My sheep listen to My voice. I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish. No one will snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:27-28) Richard’s Prayer Richard of Chichester (1197–1253), also known as Richard de Wych, was an English pastor. His dying prayer was adapted for the song “Day by …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 6)
Jesus said: Very truly I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber. The One who enters by the gate is the Shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for Him, and the sheep listen to His voice. He …
Getting God’s Guidance (Part 5)
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. …