We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Rom. 5:3-5) When we’re facing a challenge, our tendency is…
When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. (Dan. 6:10) How would you define courage? …
We long for more. We are constantly told there is more. Spiritual Formation practices are often sold as a perfect solution, until we realize that we bring our fallible selves along for the ride. I want to discuss the problems our selves pour into the journey of Spiritual Formation. Then I will offer a vantage…
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? (Rom. 8:31-32) One of my pastorates was in a rugged…
The Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. (John 10:17-18) Christ came to earth with his death in mind. The cross wasn’t a surprise ending. His heart of all-consuming love did…
For those involved in leading worship, Sunday mornings are often anything but restful. Tim Nicholson, director of music at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Nashville, cited an example of one church musician who for years had been unable to sit in worship and participate in the Lord’s Supper with his family due to professional church responsibilities….
Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3) A sign recently appeared…
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:18-19) Scripture never justifies dictatorial rule by one spouse, nor does it require the abandonment of personal dignity by another. Despite the controversies of our age over Scripture’s instruction, the Bible’s marital…
You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:18-19) Minister and church leader, Alexander Whyte, told the story of an older saint who was nearly destroyed by…
Most everyone in the world is cheering for Ukraine. We’re praying for the country’s victory and for its people and for the shopkeepers, teachers, and businesspeople who — outgunned and overmatched — have taken to the streets to defend their country. God hears those prayers and responds to them. And he is surely more powerful…