Do you know that Jesus prayed for you while he was still on earth? In John 17, he prayed these words for his disciples, and also for those who would come to believe in him through their message. If you are a believer, that means you! Here is a small sample of what he prayed: … Continue reading What Jesus prayed for you
prayer
2 minutes every day
Thom Rainer is the CEO of Church Answers. He was also the president of LifeWay Christian Resources and has authored over 30 books. In a recent article he highlighted eleven signs you might be becoming a church consumer instead of a committed church member. Here is number ten: “You don’t pray for your church regularly.” … Continue reading 2 minutes every day
When ‘Serenity Now!’ doesn’t work
In the Seinfeld television show, a character named Frank Costanza had the habit of doing a certain thing whenever he felt himself on the verge of freaking out. He exclaimed “Serenity Now!” He felt that if he called out for serenity he would get it. Unfortunately Mr. Costanza didn’t ever seem to truly deal with … Continue reading When ‘Serenity Now!’ doesn’t work
Desperation at the feet of Jesus
John 4:47 describes a desperate scene: “When this [royal official] heard that Jesus had arrived in Galilee from Judea, he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” This was a world of honour and of strict social convention. The royal official humbled himself before Jesus—something … Continue reading Desperation at the feet of Jesus
Pray big at the throne
John 4:47 describes a desperate plea by a desperate father: “When [he] heard that Jesus had arrived… he went to him and begged him to come and heal his son, who was close to death.” They were in Cana, but the sick child was in Capernaum. Nevertheless, Jesus healed him—right then and there, and from … Continue reading Pray big at the throne
Sigh
Last week a news story of a Toronto boy named Carter sent waves around the internet. He was shovelling piles of snow, dealing with a pandemic, and couldn’t yet go back to in-person learning because his school had been closed because of the storm. As he talked with the reporter he let out an exasperated … Continue reading Sigh
God’s timely help
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about Hebrews 4:16: “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” In our time of need. You could also translate that phrase “for timely help.” In other words, God’s … Continue reading God’s timely help
Why you can approach this throne with confidence
When you’re in over your head, who do you go to? You go to someone you know personally, who is trustworthy, and who has a track record of being helpful. I think that one of the reasons we don’t open up to God and invite him into our most desperate places is because, perhaps, we … Continue reading Why you can approach this throne with confidence
3 suggestions to help with temptation
“Because [Jesus] himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” So says Hebrews 2:18. But how? How is he able to help those who are being tempted? Let me make three suggestions. First, talk to God about it—honestly. Think of your most painful or frequent temptations. We … Continue reading 3 suggestions to help with temptation
Worrying means you suffer twice
In the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Newt Scamander tells people not to worry. In response, one of the characters says, “Tell me, has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?” He replies: “My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”* Isn’t that great? Worry is a … Continue reading Worrying means you suffer twice
The Up Devotional 