For the longest time in my life, I (John) didn’t know where to put Jesus. As a child I can remember seeing God the Father as someone who could help me with things such as good grades, getting me out of trouble with my parents, and having my team win in baseball. In college, I learned about…
Jesus Christ: Dangerous Prayers
Jesus Christ (ca. 4 BC–30 AD) Jesus Christ is undoubtedly the most controversial figure in human history. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Palestine’s West Bank, in approximately 4 BC. The Bible teaches that He was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born to the Virgin Mary (Matthew 1:20, 25; Luke 1:26-35). Joseph, Mary’s betrothed…
Jesus, I Need You… When I Am Tempted
Temptation is all around us, but as we learn in Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus taught us how to overcome it: with the Word of God. * Dear Jesus, Why is self-control so difficult? Whether it’s overeating, spending too much time on my phone, or losing my temper, sometimes my self-control slips, and I do the very…
Finding Solitude
After He had dismissed them, He went up on a mountainside by Himself to pray. Later that night, He was there alone. — Matthew 14:23 I had just sat down on the couch. Finally! The day was over. I popped open my laptop to check a few e-mails and read the news. The kids were…
Training in the Wilderness: Lessons from Jesus
Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning. — Proverbs 9:9 Most professional voice coaches recommend not to start vocal training until age thirteen or fourteen. The voice is a product of working the right muscles that develop and mature right along with the rest of the body. For most…