Many people believe prayer is an effort to cause God to do something. Prayer, they believe, convinces God to act in the way we wish. The statement, “prayer changes things,” flows from the lips of “both believers and unbelievers.” Because we view prayer as an effort to cause God to do something, many only call upon the Lord during times of need. …
While Jesus and the apostles prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, a well-armed mob invaded their privacy. After arresting Jesus, the throng led him to court. Jesus faced interrogation, beating, ridicule, insult and humiliation. After the final verdict, soldiers marched Jesus to the crucifixion site, nailing him to the cross. …
Things Turn Out Best for Those Who Make the Best of the Way Things Turn OutRead More »
Things Turn Out Best for Those Who Make the Best of the Way Things Turn Out Read More »
“God, what’s wrong with you? Why don’t you heal me?” I angrily shouted this that afternoon in 1968. For years, I had believed, prayed, memorized Scripture, fasted, been anointed with oil and attended healing crusades. My vision continued deteriorating and my eye muscles grew weaker. Confused and disappointed, I blamed God for my condition. On the other hand, I loved the Lord. I recovered from the anger and continued loving and serving him. …
The Favor I Did Not WantRead More »
The Favor I Did Not Want Read More »
Do you ever find it difficult to make sense of life on earth? Why physical suffering? What’s the purpose of disappointment? Why so much temptation to evil and enticement to sin? Why so many broken dreams and unfulfilled expectations? …
Making Sense of Life on EarthRead More »
Making Sense of Life on Earth Read More »
“David, you simply cannot challenge Goliath! You’re only a youth, while he is an experienced warrior,” 1 Samuel 17:33. King Saul was conscious only of David’s disadvantages. The Israeli king and his army only though in terms of personal disadvantage. The entire army believed that no one in his right mind would accept Goliath’s challenge to a duel. Consequently, their awareness of disadvantage froze God’s people into inactivity. …
God is Our AdvantageRead More »
God is Our Advantage Read More »
For two weeks the raging wind ceaselessly roared across the Mediterranean Sea, transforming the ocean waves into mountainous waves. The wind and waves violently beat against the ship which carried 270 crew and passengers. Every effort to save the ship from certain destruction failed and the weakened craft sank lower and lower into the water. “We finally gave up all hope of being saved,” Acts 27:20. …
As Jesus approached the end of his earthly life, he lovingly looked at the apostles. To his closest earthly companions he said, “I have…more to say to you, more than you can now bear,” John 16:12. Jesus desired to share much more truth with his followers but realized their immaturity would not allow them to comprehend the meaning of his words. …
Being Patient with OthersRead More »
Being Patient with Others Read More »
Jesus commanded the apostles to feed the huge multitude of 5,000 men plus women and children. “We can’t,” the apostles insisted. Jesus asked, “What do you have?” The twelve responded, “A few fish and some bread.” “Bring them to me,” Jesus demanded. Our Lord multiplied the meager provisions the apostles possessed and provided more than enough food for everyone present. …
Using What You HaveRead More »
Using What You Have Read More »
All Christians desire faith. We often quote Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” Entire books are written about faith. True faith in God always entails the element of risk. People who insist upon logically understanding the results of all their actions never enjoy the fruits of faith. Faith always involves risks. …
Can there be Faith without Risk?Read More »
Can there be Faith without Risk? Read More »
God announced that “Whosoever listens to me shall live without a care, undisturbed by fear of misfortune,” Proverbs 1:33 NEB. Please read this verse again and notice that God wants you living without a care! In other words, Christians can be carefree. The dictionary defines carefree as “without care or worry; without painful apprehension.” …
Not Careless But CarefreeRead More »
Not Careless But Carefree Read More »