During the first couple of years I walked with the Lord, my prayers went something like this: “God, help me get that job.” “Jesus, please heal my throat.” “Lord, send enough money to pay these bills.” “Father, take away my fear.” It took me a while to realize that those spur-of-the-moment prayers were not accomplishing…
The God of All Comfort
O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord…. Search…
How Happiness Happens: Accept One Another
It’s hard to know the best way to respond to people who represent your “opposite you.” Do you ignore them? Leave the room when they enter so you don’t say something you later will regret? Share a meal and discuss your differences? Dismiss your differences? How do you find and show acceptance toward someone when…
Hopelifters Need Hopelifters, Too!
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “How do you fill your pitcher?” I’ll never forget hearing the speaker’s words as she finished pouring water into several glasses and held up an empty pitcher. I could relate to feeling empty after pouring…
Watch to See What He Will Do
Watch to See What He Will Do O LORD, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue…
Crazy Prayers
This woman is driving me crazy. – Luke 18:5 I love the parable of the persistent widow. I don’t mean any disrespect, but I think persistent is a nice word for crazy. This woman is crazy, but when the cause is a righteous one, it’s a holy crazy! We aren’t told what injustice took place, but she was on a mission.…
What Happens When Holy Women Talk to a Holy God
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just…
What to Do While Grieving
You can’t stay here. The journey of grief is one that you must ultimately decide to complete. You cannot remain where you are right now. Time moves forward, and so must you. “You can’t stay here because God’s Word is always going forward,” says Dr. Ray Pritchard. In Philippians 3:14 Paul says that he moved…
Getting Out of the Pit of Enemy Lies
Editor’s note: Today is National Day of Encouragement — a perfect time to lift up a friend or neighbor with words of hope or a visit. Maybe you need some encouragement as well… Enjoy this excerpt from Beth Moore. We hope it encourages you! * Lord, help me put down the shovel. We tend to…
A Hot Cup of Coffee with a Friend
And they sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great. — Job 2:13 ESV When someone is hurting or struggling, it’s natural to want to lend a hand. Church folks are great at organizing help…