“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).Theologian J.I. Packer makes the following observation:“In 1963, J.A.T. Robinson’s ‘Honest to God’ was heralded by an article in one of England’s national newspapers entitled “Our Image of … Continue reading Giving God a makeover?
spiritual growth
He uses even our feeble efforts
“…put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24).In “The Happy Hypocrite” Lord George was an immoral man with a bloated face. He fell in love with a lovely young lady. He figured that she would never love him back. So, as the story goes, he covered … Continue reading He uses even our feeble efforts
Short one-sentence prayers from the Bible
Prayer is vital to the Christian life. But let’s be honest, we can get stuck. Even if we don’t get stuck, we probably want to go deeper.Prayer is deceptively simple. A very basic definition is that it is talking with God. So, why can it be so hard—either to get out of a rut, or to … Continue reading Short one-sentence prayers from the Bible
God can handle the truth
“Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart” (Psalm 51:6).In 1992 a movie came out called “A Few Good Men.” It’s been a while since I saw it, so there are a lot of parts I don’t remember. But one line stood out, and it … Continue reading God can handle the truth
Surround yourself with people who make you…
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” (Proverbs 17:17).I sometimes see T-shirts or online memes that say something like this: “Surround yourself with people who make you happy.” I get it. But that’s an unfortunately shallow way to look at life. Now, before you think I’m being too harsh or … Continue reading Surround yourself with people who make you…
What’s happening in your heart matters
We’ve been talking about prayer.Did you know that when it comes to effective prayer, what is happening in your heart matters?Recently I was struck by Psalm 66:18. The psalmist says: “If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”When someone “cherishes” something they are adoring it; they are protecting it. … Continue reading What’s happening in your heart matters
He can answer our requests in a better way
Prayer is a significant part of our lives.However, when God doesn’t seem to respond in a way we want or expect, we can start to question him.When that happens—and even when it doesn’t—we need to trust in God’s wisdom and timing. He truly knows better than we do.A helpful verse that reminds us of this … Continue reading He can answer our requests in a better way
If we ask anything according to his will
In 1 John 5:14 the apostle writes: “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”This verse is about prayer. I invite you to notice four words: “according to his will.” John is providing a direct instruction about prayer. He is telling … Continue reading If we ask anything according to his will
Following it helps, neglecting it hurts
Let’s say you take some illegal drugs (I hope you don’t be the way, but just hear me out). Let’s say you take some illegal drugs and then ask God to bless your experience. Would you then think that God was bad or negligent if he didn’t bless it? Of course not. After all, you’re … Continue reading Following it helps, neglecting it hurts
The more thoroughly you know him
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence…” (2 Peter 1:3)The more thoroughly you know Jesus, the more thoroughly you experience Jesus.Let me explain.Jesus does a series of different things in the Bible. He … Continue reading The more thoroughly you know him
