But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33) Many people start the new year by taking stock of life and making resolutions to improve some aspect of it in the next twelve months. It is a good time to re-evaluate your...
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11) Joy is a word most people, Christian or not...
For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this...
You must present as the LORD’s portion the best and holiest part of everything given to you. (Numbers 18:29) When we first moved to California, I wondered about the ball-shaped plants I saw hanging in sycamore trees in the park near our home. I was charmed to learn they were...
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise...
Jesus: If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority. (John 7:17) You will recall that Pastor Paul taught on this verse back in August.* He said that to know God’s will, we...
I pray that He may grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power in the inner man through His Spirit, and that the Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith. (Ephesians 3:16-17) Last Monday was Reformation Day (as well as Halloween). Four hundred...
Jesus: You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:43-44) Let me be honest. I dislike a couple of...
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer. Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me!(Psalm 66:18-20) Sin blocks communion with God. I don’t think this passage...
So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. (Luke 15:20) I chose a phone as the new image for the prayer blog because it is a symbol of communication. Prayer, after all...