Editor’s Note: Enjoy this excerpt from beloved author Anne Graham Lotz (called the “best preacher in the family” by her father Reverend Billy Graham). The Daniel Prayer is based off the prayer of Daniel, who prayed on behalf of his nation, Judah, which had come under God’s judgment. Today, Lotz continues to utilize the Daniel prayer model to…
Know Your Identity
Editor’s Note: Nineteen years ago, Gabe and Rebekah Lyons’s life took a dramatic turn when they learned that their newborn son, Cade, had Down syndrome. Remembering the day they received the diagnosis, Rebekah said that she collapsed. “Something died in me the day Cade was born — a controlled plan for my life,” Rebekah said. “But…
It’s Never Too Late for a New Beginning
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. — James 5:19-20 For years a beautiful antique table has graced the entryway of…
Blessings at Christmas
God had clearly spoken. “We can start trying to have kids!” Martin said later that night. “I know, it’s crazy, isn’t it? Just think, nine months from now our life could look very different!” I said. Nine months later, our life looked exactly the same. I hadn’t gotten pregnant and now the disappointment we felt…
Desperate for Immanuel
Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need; rescue me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong for me. — Psalm 142:6 Years ago, when my second daughter, Morgan, was about two years old, I arrived home from my church office early one afternoon I was eager to spend a…
Bethlehem: Church of the Nativity
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. — Micah 5:2 I was deeply disturbed when our tour group visited modern-day Bethlehem. Scripture tells us Bethlehem was…
Worship Works Wonders
Christmas and gift giving. The two have always been associated with each other for good reason. The magi gave Jesus the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The shepherds gave Jesus the gift of their time and belief. Mary gave Jesus the gift of her womb. The offerings seem practical. The wise men’s treasures could…
Endless Grace, Endless Love
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness . . . and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. — Colossians 2:6-7, Colossians 2:10 Come Monday morning I forget. A…
Getting Out of Your Pit
Only God can hang with us through the length and depth of our need. And the length and depth of our baloney. Maybe I’m just talking about myself, but whether or not I realized it, I usually found a way to frame my pit to make me look like a victim. Not only is God omniscient, His Word is “sharper than…
Every Man Questions “Do I Have The Strength It Takes?”
Why don’t men play the man? Why don’t they offer their strength to a world desperately in need of it? For two simple reasons: we doubt very much that we have any real strength to offer, and we’re pretty certain that if we did offer what we have it wouldn’t be enough. Something has gone wrong and we know…