Paul’s words should challenge us to pray for the Church in Syria and for one another. What would happen with the cause of Christ if more of us took seriously Paul’s admonition to pray (2 Cor 1:11). Doubtless, many persecuted…
Crime at the Stillman Valley Post Office
At the time, I didn’t realize the Postmistress was bound and gagged in the back of the Stillman Valley Post Office. It was only later, over a sub, that I was able to piece this together. Besides me, she, talking…
8 Ways I am Praying for the Beautiful Children of Our Church
I previously posted that children are easily the most beautiful site in the world. Still, I was struck anew this year during Vacation Bible School of how thankful I am for the children of our church. This year, as I…
Reasons Local Churches Dwindle Away
Number three is the one that really got my attention. You will have to click through to read it. But I think #3 is absolutely a central reason why many churches dwindle away. Chuck Lawless writes: I love the local…
Kevin DeYoung: Why pastors and elders need your prayers
Kevin DeYoung: Your pastors and elders need your help to live out the calling of Acts 6:4: “But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” Because everything seems more important and seems more urgent…
Jesus’s Example of Prayer in the Gospel of Luke
Each time I read the Gospel of Luke, I am struck by the Lord’s example in prayer. This list is not exhaustive. It does not include, for example, Jesus’s emphasis on prayer in his parables. 21 Now when all the people…
Pray Like a Drunk?
When was the last time you prayed this urgently? I’m preaching this Sunday on the birth of Samuel: the third in our series, Ways in the Manger. In the beginning of the narrative, Hannah longs for a child. She prays…
What should I do if prompted to pray for a stranger?
If you sensed the Holy Spirit prompting you to pray for a stranger, what should you do? I caught a short question and answer recently on a Christian television show – – – and I don’t even know the name…
Eric McKiddie: 3 Steps to An Encouraging Hospital Visit
It is not just pastors that should make hospital visits. Nearly all Christians should make hospital visits when appropriate. But the what to do when you get there? Eric McKiddie has a very helpful 3 point summary. Eric’s list includes…
Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life today
Teach me, O God, so to use all the circumstances of my life today that they may bring forth in me the fruits of holiness rather than the fruits of sin. Let me use disappointment as material for patience; Let…