This post is likely not headed in the direction you might be expecting. I used to love watching the Grammy’s & Oscar’s - that is until it became less about celebrating art and more about political angst. But I digress. The 20th century philosopher and Christian apologist, Francis Schaeffer, was a brilliant man, intelligently able … Continue reading The Grammy’s, etc…
Prayer
Why pray? Does it make any difference?
"As soon as you began to pray an answer was given." - Daniel 9:23 "From the first day that you set your heart on understanding and humbled yourself before your God, your prayers were heard. I have come because of your prayers." - Daniel 10:12 Both of these passages reside within the context of Daniel's … Continue reading Why pray? Does it make any difference?
What is Spiritual Growth, and why is it so important?
Being “born again” (cf. John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23) takes a moment of faith. But becoming like Christ is a lifelong process. What is “spiritual growth,” why is it important, and what steps can I take to begin growing in my faith? (I’m so glad you asked.) :)) What is Spiritual Growth? Spiritual … Continue reading What is Spiritual Growth, and why is it so important?
A Prayer
A preacher once said, "Satan trembles when even the weakest Christian is on their knees in prayer." Mary, Queen of Scots, said of the Scottish reformer, John Knox, "I fear the prayers of John Knox more than an army of 10,000 men." James, the half-brother of Jesus, wrote, The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a … Continue reading A Prayer
Scary Prayers
There's a thing in scripture called "imprecatory prayers." These prayers are summed up like this: "help me; hurt them." (Psalm 137 is a prime example.) Isn't it good to know it's ok to unload on God like this? Presently, I'm in the Old Testament book of Nehemiah in my daily devotions. One significant aspect of … Continue reading Scary Prayers
Lord, teach me to pray (here you go :))
Years ago, I read an article citing a poll claiming prayer being the most neglected spiritual discipline among Christians, including pastors. Clearly, Satan sees prayer as a fatal threat to his schemes or he wouldn't try so hard to make us think prayer is not that important or powerful. But this is a lie. Mary, … Continue reading Lord, teach me to pray (here you go :))
Learning to Pray
Even Jesus' own disciples asked, "Lord, teach us to pray." For years in working with students I would find myself listening to a teen yearn to learn to pray. We would pray together but I would also encourage them to read the prayers recorded for us by others over the centuries. I would encourage them … Continue reading Learning to Pray
Why Pray? (Does it really make any difference?)
I want to thank everyone for your kind and encouraging words regarding the message I preached on June 16th about the mystery of prayer and why God, through human eyes, seems so capricious i.e. why does he answer some prayers and not others? My daughter, Macy Watts, listened to it yesterday and told me should … Continue reading Why Pray? (Does it really make any difference?)
When Jesus Worked at McDonald’s
This past week, on a Tuesday morning, I swung through the drive-though at a local McDonald's for a warm, robust beverage on my way to work. After placing my order I promptly pulled up to the first window to pay for said beverage where I was warmly greeted by a woman at the window who … Continue reading When Jesus Worked at McDonald’s
The Valley of Vision
The Valley of Vision: a collection of Puritan prayers is a book of prayers I have in my library. The Puritan Movement took place primarily during the 16th & 17th centuries. As with any “religiosity” the corrupt heart of mankind can twist God’s Word to mean what they want it to mean - hence, the … Continue reading The Valley of Vision