As a pastor, I’ve had many people pray for a “hedge of protection” around me. I’ve also prayed it for other people. Maybe you have too. But what is it? And where does the idea come from? As far as I can tell it comes from the biblical book of Job. Job was a faithful … Continue reading The hedge of protection
prayer
Knocking on a locked door, knuckles bleeding
Yesterday I encouraged you to pray as a first resort—not just as a last resort. Today I want to encourage you to not give up. To be persistent in prayer. Why? Because of Jesus. In Luke 18:1-8 he tells the parable of a persistent widow. The point of the parable is to teach his disciples … Continue reading Knocking on a locked door, knuckles bleeding
Attack them first!
“The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). There’s a story about Ethelfrith, the Saxon king of Northumbria in the 600’s. He had invaded Wales and was on the verge of battle. The Welsh people who were about to be attacked were Christians. Ethelfrith looked out upon the Welsh as he … Continue reading Attack them first!
It determines the day
Good morning! Many of you are opening this in the morning, whatever your time zone happens to be. If you fall into this category, I hope your sleep was refreshing, long enough, and didn’t include any creepy dreams. Let me get right to it. Even when times are tough—and especially when times are tough—your morning … Continue reading It determines the day
Not a prop
The Bible. How do we use it? How do we treat it? Like fancy family china that stays in a box somewhere? Or maybe like a prop? I loathe the Bible being used as a prop. Loathe. It is the Lord Almighty’s sacred word to his people through all time and through all generations. Speaking about … Continue reading Not a prop
Coming to him with the greatest freedom
Psalm 91:3-4 says this: “Surely [God] will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” [A rampart is a protecting wall.] Save you. Cover you. Refuge. Shield. Rampart. These … Continue reading Coming to him with the greatest freedom
The weapon of prayer
A lot of people are fighting a war with fear. Fear of illness or unemployment or loneliness or… the list goes on. So over the next several days I’m going to highlight several weapons in the war against fear. They’re not physical weapons, but spiritual weapons. The first is prayer. Simply put, prayer is conversation … Continue reading The weapon of prayer
Praying for ‘little things’
In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Sometimes we think that God only wants to hear about … Continue reading Praying for ‘little things’
In our weakness that strength goes viral
There’s an expression that drives me nuts: ‘God helps those who help themselves.’ (No, it’s not from the Bible.) Even though it’s true that God helps those who help themselves, he doesn’t ONLY help those who help themselves. He also helps the down and out and those who are chasing their tails. In Romans 8:26 … Continue reading In our weakness that strength goes viral
Marana Tha
Today I’d love to share a short, special prayer with you so that you can include it in your daily arsenal. -When you’re on your knees, or not. -When you’re driving, or walking. -When you’re calm, or fed up. -When you’re composed, or frazzled. It’s biblical, easy to memorize, and powerful. “Marana Tha.” It’s Aramaic … Continue reading Marana Tha
