One of the things that fascinates and warms me the most about a relationship with our God – Almighty Creator, Father of mankind, Lord, King of the universe – is that He reveals His thoughts to us. Amos says so:… Read the rest
HE REVEALS HIS THOUGHTS
ON THE THRESHOLD
New Year’s Eve 2023. For some, an auspicious date – 123123. For many, a time to reflect on the past and look ahead to the next year. Some make resolutions – new year, new me. Others perhaps brace themselves for … Read the rest
A MIND STAYED ON GOD
Who doesn’t want peace in the midst of the turmoil we live in? Every glance at the news headlines promises more conflict, economic stress, and future volatility. Meanwhile, the fast pace of our digital society makes our lives more complex … Read the rest
AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
Most of the time I publish deep thoughts and insights. But with a three-week mission trip to Kenya coming up for my wife and me, I’ll share something newsy. So, here are some excerpts from our newsletter, hot off the … Read the rest
INTREPID INTERCESSION
“Intrepid” is perhaps not a word many people use. I’m partial to it for two reasons:
1. It is a good adjective for the kind of intercessory prayer that is needed these days.
2. I’m a pastor and we love… Read the rest
THE UNTAPPED POWER OF INTERCESSION
Spoiler alert: My wife is putting the finishing touches on a devotional entitled “Intrepid Intercession.” It is one of the few devotionals completely geared toward intercessory prayer and is a collaborative effort between me and fourteen contributing writers. We hope … Read the rest
STRENGTH OF SOUL
Psalm 138:3 says:
On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.
I love that verse. The result of our calling upon the Lord is that He increases our strength of soul. But, what exactly … Read the rest
THE SUN BREAKING THROUGH THE CLOUDS
“A revival, among other things, is a sudden manifestation of God’s presence. It is not the coming of the sun, but the sun breaking through the clouds. Although the sun may be hidden, it is still there until it … Read the rest
THE KEY THAT UNLOCKS THE POWER OF GOD
In case you’re expecting to become party to secret intel about God, think again. There is nothing new apart from what has been revealed in Scripture. Some of it just bears highlighting and illuminating si it seems like something new.… Read the rest
EZRA’S FAST
Ezra was a descendant of Aaron living in Babylonia among the Jewish exiles during the reign of Artaxerxes, the 3rd in a succession of kings who were moved by God to issue decrees enabling the rebuilding of Jerusalem and her … Read the rest
WORKING OUT WHAT GOD WORKS IN US PART 2
Last week, we covered God’s role in our sanctification and the first two of our three-part role in working out what He works in us. This week, we cover the third part: consecration, and how it expresses itself in obedience. … Read the rest
OUR HIDDEN LIFE
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Â Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For … Read the rest
I’LL KEEP YOU IN MY PRAYERS
We’ve all said it, haven’t we? Perhaps we heard someone share a dire emergency, or we heard of a tragic situation on the news.
We feel bad, and we want to do something or show we care in some way. … Read the rest
GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST
You may have heard and even sung along with the refrain to the beloved carol “Angels We Have Heard on HIgh:” Gloria in Excelsis Deo! Literally, that means “Glory in the highest to God.”
We say and sing “glory to … Read the rest
WHEN YOU WANT TO SET YOUR MIND ON THE THINGS OF GOD AND YOUR BRAIN SAYS NO.
Colossians 3:2 is a well-known verse: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” That has been my daily resolution for decades. But I have to admit that it has been increasingly difficult.… Read the rest