Tag Archives: prayer

And What Gets You Out of Bed?

The Sabbath had been anything but a day of rest for Him who was its Lord! He had taught in the synagogue, casting an evil spirit out of one of the people there. Then He retreated to the home of Peter and Andrew where He healed Peter’s mother-in-law. After darkness set in there was a knock at the door—”theContinue reading “And What Gets You Out of Bed?”

Paul’s Exit Strategy

Paul is in prison as he writes the church at Philippi. He might be in Rome (as traditionally thought), Caesarea, or even Ephesus (N.T. Wright). But wherever he is, he wishes the disciples at Philippi to know that “what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel” (1:12).  The word for advance  (prokope)Continue reading “Paul’s Exit Strategy”

Something You Can Always Ask For

Israel is in the process of unraveling in Numbers 13. After being marvelously responsive to God during their time at Sinai (post golden calf incident), they began to break down. The hardships of their circumstances were wearing on them. They became bored with their blessings (read: manna) and began to complain. It started on theContinue reading “Something You Can Always Ask For”

“Our Father”

There’s nothing in the biblical witness like the prayer that Jesus gave His disciples. It is located in the heart of the SOTM (Matthew 6:9-13), yet in terms of the overall organizational flow of Jesus’ message, the prayer is somewhat of a deviation. The central idea of 6:1-18 is the importance of not doing thingsContinue reading ““Our Father””

Promised Land!

Ed Wharton, is a follower of Jesus who has given his life to sharing the good news as well as equipping others to do so. Recently, Ed learned he has leukemia. At 94, he made the decision to forego chemo and other treatments and went into hospice care. He commented that he didn’t understand whyContinue reading “Promised Land!”

I’ve Been to Church!

In Psalms, there is the principle I like to think of as the “I’ve been to church” principle. (Yes, I know disciples are “the church,” but there is also something to the idea of  “coming together as a church” – 1 Corinthians 11:18 and I’m after something like that here).  You’ve “been to church” when you’veContinue reading “I’ve Been to Church!”

Jesus And Virtue Signaling

Dictionary.com defines virtue signaling as “the action or practice of publicly expressing opinions or sentiments intended to demonstrate one’s good character or the moral correctness of one’s position on a particular issue.” Although social media has certainly provided the means for this to be done on a larger scale than ever before, there is absolutelyContinue reading “Jesus And Virtue Signaling”

Leaving the Consequences to God

In chapter 6, the Medo-Persians have taken over after defeating Belshazzar and the Babylonians. Daniel (who had to feel like this was déjà vu all over again), lands on his feet. Darius the Mede (probably a governor/subordinate king—something like Herod was to the Romans) appoints him as one of three administrators over Babylon. Perhaps wordContinue reading “Leaving the Consequences to God”

To Pray or not to Pray? (The Sin Leading to Death)

John is speaking of the confidence we have in prayer in 1 John 5:14-15. Building on the theme of assurance that runs throughout the letter (note all the places where the word “know” is used), he wants us to understand that when we ask anything according to His will, it will be granted! God isn’tContinue reading “To Pray or not to Pray? (The Sin Leading to Death)”