O Lord, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me. Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid…. Listen to my prayer, O God, do not ignore my plea; hear me and answer me. My thoughts trouble me and I am distraught. (Psalm 35:1-2, 55:1-2) You can go back and read Bold Praying (Part …
Bold Praying (Part 1)
Since we have a great high priest who has ascended into Heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we have a high priest who is able to empathize with our weaknesses. He was tempted in every way, just as we are—yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne …
All Your Anxieties
Cast all your anxieties, cares, concerns, and worries on God because He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7) Kelly Willard’s Example In 1979, Kelly Willard wrote a praise song based upon the Scripture above. It’s called the “Cares Chorus” and goes like this: I cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet. …
Asking, Seeking, Knocking
Jesus said: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or …
Ascribing Praise to Jesus (Part 2)
Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength. Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness. (Psalm 29:1-2) Great for the Soul “Ascribing” praise to Jesus means that we worship, glorify, adore, and speak well of Him to ourselves and to others. Harold Lindsell …
Following Christ in a World That Doesn’t (Part 2)
I am grateful for your feedback that our last blog was helpful. Being a Christian means being a Christ-follower. We don’t follow the Lord to earn His salvation and favor. We follow Jesus because He has first saved us by His doing and dying and rising. Because we belong to Him, Christ, by His Holy Spirit, assures us of eternal …
Following Christ in a World That Doesn’t (Part 1)
I used this in New Testament Survey class at Belhaven University and also in other teaching/training, pastoral counseling, and prison ministry. Jonathan Goforth (1859-1936) was a Canadian missionary to China, serving with his wife, Rosalind. Goforth preached to large crowds and in small homes. He was stirred to serve Christ in China by the writings of Hudson Taylor. Jonathan was …
Joy Before Jesus’ Awesome Throne
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) Even as a baby, Christ was fully God and fully human in one person. The Bible teaches that and I believe it and rejoice in it. Christ is my only hope in this life and in the world to come! He is the Creator God and the Sovereign …
Joy in Jesus’ Great Promises
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) Used in “Joy and Peace in Christ” taught at Christ E.P.C. and Jester #3 prison. Jesus’ promises are powerful medicine for our souls and awesome to grasp. Ask God the Holy Spirit to implant these truths deep in your heart and give you righteousness, joy, and peace in …
The Power of Prayer and Reality of Revival
(Excerpt from teaching/training classes, used also in pastoral counseling and prison ministry) If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7:14) Beginning in 1857, a revival …