“Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of this your servant and to the prayer of your servants who delight in revering your name. Give your servant success today by granting him favor in the presence of this man.” I was cupbearer to the king.(Nehemiah 1:11 NIV) Nehemiah served as a cupbearer toContinue reading "Finding Favor With Men"
Be Filled with the Spirit
After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. (Acts 4:31 NLT) “Filled with the Spirit” is a phrase that occurs often in the book of Acts, which is not only apt for a book that features the actsContinue reading "Be Filled with the Spirit"
Stay Full
Be filled with the Spirit. (Ephesians 5:18 NIV) I don’t know about you, but I can’t drive a car with a gas tank half-full, let alone a gas tank below half-full! But my father and brother are of a different opinion. They both agree that a gas tank half-full can still take you places, andContinue reading "Stay Full"
Rise Up!
A story is told of two women who were in desperate need of prayer while sick in the hospital. One said that her pastor never showed up, but he let her know he was praying for her; while the other said her pastor came, anointed her with oil, said a quick prayer and was goneContinue reading "Rise Up!"
What Would You Ask For?
“Here’s what I’m saying: Ask and you’ll get; Seek and you’ll find; Knock and the door will open." (Luke 11:9 MSG) For years I read the above promise and claimed it during prayer, as if it was some sort of magic formula (no wonder my prayers didn't reach further than the ceiling!). I would presentContinue reading "What Would You Ask For?"
Follow the Way
But this I confess to you, however, that in accordance with the Way [of the Lord], which they call a [heretical, division-producing] sect, I worship (serve) the God of our fathers, still persuaded of the truth of and believing in and placing full confidence in everything laid down in the Law [of Moses] or writtenContinue reading "Follow the Way"
Abraham, the Father of Faith?
At this time of year, my Bible reading plan takes me back to the beginning. I have revisited the story of Abraham, or Abram as he was first known. The great thing about starting at the beginning is that God gives you fresh insights, and the story of Abraham is no exception. In Genesis, chapterContinue reading "Abraham, the Father of Faith?"
Wisdom Deficiency
If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. (James 1:5 AMP) I'm often amazed by people's lack of wisdom. Last week, I watched a movie based on a true story ofContinue reading "Wisdom Deficiency"
Turn the Other Cheek
Don't say, "I will get even for this wrong." Wait for the LORD to handle the matter. (Proverbs 20:22 NLT) Does the first part of the verse ring a bell? The Bible constantly reminds us not to have a retaliatory attitude. In Romans 12:19-21, Paul advises the recipients of his letter (who I imagine wereContinue reading "Turn the Other Cheek"
Expect Rejection
A few days later Felix came back with his wife, Drusilla, who was Jewish. Sending for Paul, they listened as he told them about faith in Christ Jesus. As he reasoned with them about righteousness and self-control and the coming day of judgment, Felix became frightened. “Go away for now,” he replied. “When it isContinue reading "Expect Rejection"
Rising with the Son 