Luke’s Gospel has a frequent focus on prayer. I have been restudying the prayer life of Jesus as part of my preparation for a series of presentations designed for Latin American leadership training. Jesus’ life reveals a cycle of prayer and power, mountainplace and marketplace. This oscillation hardly seems accidental. Jesus prayed at his baptism …
Monthly Archives: August 2011
A Shelter in the Time of Storm
We were challenged to think yesterday about the amazing, confident harbor of God’s amazing grace, even when we face seemingly insurmountable odds. Jesus DOES know all about our troubles, and there is indeed no one like him–no not one! What a privilege to walk with him as he walks with us. Thanks, Stan, for super …
It’s Sunday Again: Desiring God, Desiring God’s Family
Today we are traveling, but it will not hinder the desires that now after more than half a century of developing habits, are easily and naturally associated with the Lord’s Day. On this day, we will worship God, declaring adoration and praise, thanksgiving and loyalty. We will share time with the spiritual family of God. …
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How NOT to grow a church!
U.S. culture is enamored with numbers. Churches are into marketing. Some churches seem willing to do almost everything to attract numbers. This tendency can be noted at two extremes. I am amazed at some of the things included in “worship”, for example, the sport of preacher vertical rock wall climbing. I am amazed also at …
God Sightings: God Reveals Himself
A popular religious song asks, “Have you seen Jesus my Lord?” The song affirms that Jesus can be seen in numerous aspects of daily life. Theologically, one might ask whether sunset and rolling waves clearly declare Jesus, or God. Can one see the necessity of a Creator God in such experiences, or do such experiences …
84: what you may call 42!
Today is my anniversary. It is also my wife’s anniversary. The sage wrote, “Husbands, even if you don’t have an anniversary, remember that your wife does!” Today Jan and I celebrate 84 years of marriage–42 for her, 42 for me. We started that way when we celebrated one year (6 months each) on Valentine’s Day, …
Sharing the Gospel: Prayer and Conversation “Starters”
At the conclusion of Sunday’s sermon, I asked those who wanted to commit to go forth into the world with the spirit of Jesus to raise their hands. I also asked those who would prayerfully seek Jesus’ power so they could touch the lives of others to raise their hands. I would guess that at …
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Christ is the Answer
Today I will substitute teach an adult Bible class. The assigned text is Colossians. Deciphering the message of the New Testament letters is a lot like hearing one side of a telephone conversation. One can generally understand some of what may be said on the other side of the conversation, but details are lacking. This …
Reading the news gives one perspective
I may be a “news junkie.” I spend a lot of time checking out the news–television, online, newspapers. Reading the news provides orientation and increased awareness of what is going on around us. On this day, many in the U.S. and around the world are concerned about the economic future. Such concerns are valid and …
A prayer for Jan on her birthday
Today is my wife’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Jan! May your day be special and filled with an awareness of God’s presence and power. May your fondest hopes and desires be realized as you faithfully pray for your family and friends. May our love grow ever deeper and deeper for one another in this life and …