Where the word of a king is, there is power; and who may say to him, “What are you doing?” — Ecclesiastes 8:4 In the 2010 Oscar-winning film The King’s Speech, actor Colin Firth plays the part of King George VI, whose ascension to the throne of Great Britain would be accompanied by his severe…
Rely on Prayer
We constantly pray for you. — 2 Thessalonians 1:11 When Jesus was preparing to face the cross, He prayed. He told His disciples to pray too. My heart is full of sorrow, to the point of death, He said. Stay here and watch with me… Stay awake and pray for strength. — Matthew 26:38, Matthew…
Using Worship as a Weapon
Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams’ horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. — Joshua 6:4 * “The rules are simple,” Pastor Chris told my wife and me. “Take this Bluetooth speaker into that room, blast some worship music, and…
Listen to Him
While He was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” — Matthew 17:5 Many of us share a common fault in our conversations with others. So often, we fail to listen.…
God’s Blessings Just For You: Praying Scripture
The Written Word of God God’s Word truly is life-giving, guiding us through the years on this earth and preparing us for eternity. Its divine message is timeless, relevant through the generations and across cultures. Its ancient wisdom speaks even to contemporary readers. The Bible fuels our growth as believers. Its four biographies of…
Jehoshaphat, Isaiah, and Job — Prayers for a Time Such As This
For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. — 2 Chronicles 20:12 Jehoshaphat and his people were about to face a great enemy, and they were afraid. Armies were on their way to drive them out…
Fasting: Two Throne Rooms
Several films have been based on the story of Esther. In the ones I have seen, she is ravishingly gorgeous. Eyes shaped like crescents, unblemished olive skin. A Hollywood heartthrob, this lady. And, indeed, she must have been. Selected as the queen of Persia out of a harem of lovely contenders. The movies are equally…
Whose Agenda is Our Concern Anyway?
The first petition in the Lord’s Prayer is that God’s name be hallowed. The second petition, “Your Kingdom come,” builds on the first by showing us how God’s name is hallowed in the world. God reveals His character and reputation as His Kingdom spreads to every corner of the earth and as citizens of that…
The Purpose of Prayer
The function of prayer is… to change the nature of the one who prays. — Søren Kierkegaard Scripture shows us many types of interactions with God. We see Jacob wrestling with God for hours, and Job overcome with doubt and bitterness in His presence. We see Moses’ fearful excuses and Jonah’s stubborn resistance. Then…
Hope During Unemployment
I lost my job! I was jolted by my husband’s words. Later that morning when he arrived home, I hugged him, then listened to him share the details of this unexpected happening. His position was eliminated due to budget cuts in defense spending. I encouraged him to take time to grieve the loss of his job. Over the…