After the celebration was over, they started home to Nazareth, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents didn’t miss him at first, because they assumed he was among the other travelers. But when he didn’t show up that evening, they started looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they couldn’t find him,Continue reading “Staying Close to Jesus”
Category Archives: Prayer
The Forty-Day Challenge
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil. For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry. (Matthew 4:1-2 NLT) “What’s the significance of the number forty in the Bible?” someone once asked me, as they began to recount its various occurrences inContinue reading “The Forty-Day Challenge”
Pray with Simplicity
“And when you come before God, don’t turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat?” (Matthew 6:5 MSG) I’ve listened to people pray over the years. There have been prayers that have movedContinue reading “Pray with Simplicity”
Facedown
But when the assembly gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron and turned toward the tent of meeting, suddenly the cloud covered it and the glory of the LORD appeared. Then Moses and Aaron went to the front of the tent of meeting, and the LORD said to Moses, “Get away from this assembly soContinue reading “Facedown”
Praying on the Armor of God
Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil dayContinue reading “Praying on the Armor of God”
Light in the Darkness
Send out your light and your truth; let them guide me. Let them lead me to your holy mountain, to the place where you live. (Psalm 43:3 NLT) “Let there be light,” was God’s first creative word in the midst of primeval darkness (Genesis 1:3 NIV). So when times of darkness and trouble were concealingContinue reading “Light in the Darkness”
Pray for Others Always
As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by failing to pray for you. (1 Samuel 12:23 NIV) Did you ever make it a habit to pray for others to the point that you felt remorse when you failed to pray for them? I believe that this isContinue reading “Pray for Others Always”
Caring About the Spiritual Wellbeing of Others
When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom. (Job 1:5 NIV) I like whatContinue reading “Caring About the Spiritual Wellbeing of Others”
Be Careful What You Ask For
Then she made a vow: Oh, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, if you’ll take a good, hard look at my pain, if you’ll quit neglecting me and go into action for me by giving me a son, I’ll give him completely, unreservedly to you. I’ll set him apart for a life of holy discipline. (1 Samuel 1:11 MSG) IContinue reading “Be Careful What You Ask For”
Rides with Jesus
By Marlene Tavares “This, then, is how you should pray.” (Matthew 6:9 NIV) Some years ago, my best friend Farah and I went to the movies for our monthly get together and watched War Room, which is a movie about finding power in prayer. In the film, an elderly lady shares with a new friendContinue reading “Rides with Jesus”
