In Jesus’ Name Why do we pray, “in Jesus’ name”? The phrase gets tacked onto the end of many prayers, but I think it has about as much meaning to us as “amen.” Amen does not mean, “That’s it . . . I’m done now,” the little period at the end of my prayer. Amen (ah-mane) is an…
Prayer
Echoes from Eternity
“Kyrie eleison.” It was the one sentence uttered to Jesus more than any other. “Kyrie eleison.” Those who traveled with Jesus heard it over and over. “Kyrie eleison.” We would have been amazed at the number and variety of people that came to Jesus and said, “Kyrie eleison.” Some shouted it to Jesus from afar…
Bible
God’s Plans Are Meant for Good
GATHER Group Study PREPARE! Before you show up to your gathering, check in with yourself. THE TITLE OF TODAY IS: ________________________________________________________ Title your day as if it were a chapter title in the book of your life. Be creative and not hasty. Think about the entire day or week you’ve had, not just the past…
Women
Depression: The Lord is Close to the Brokenhearted
Selection by Barbara Hunsaker, excerpted from Hopelifter: Creative Ways to Spread Hope When Life Hurts by Kathe Wunnenberg As a principal of a small Christian school, one phenomenon I saw from time to time was “cutting.” Students would cut themselves, not deeply enough to do permanent damage but enough to inflict pain and leave scars. I…
Men
Real Men Do Get Depressed
While many men who suffer from depression feel that somehow, and in some way, they are weak or deficient, I have found it most encouraging to reflect on great men who have suffered from depression. Many men from Scripture, including kings David and Solomon fell prey to it. While for a period of my childhood…
Family
Talking to Kids about the Importance of Independence Day
Independence Day with our family is about as cliché as cliché gets! It’s family, food and fireworks. In typical Texas fashion, the weather will be scorching hot. We will head over to my in-law’s home and the older kids will immediately run into the backyard and jump in the swimming pool. The toddlers will beg for…
