The disciples asked Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.” (Luke 11:1) What follows is known as the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:2-4). In many ways this prayer is a model for how we pray to God on a regular basis: begin with adoration, move to confession, then thanksgiving, and finally supplication (or requests). The Lord’s prayer…
One of the best resources I have encountered on conflict resolution, peacemaking, and forgiveness is the book Peacemaker, by Ken Sande. This fall the children’s elementary class is learning from the booklet The Young Peacemaker, by Corlette Sande. One of the reasons these resources are so valuable is because Ken and Corlette Sande emphasize the goal of peacemaking in relationships: reconciliation and…
A pastor friend of mine, Maurice Wright told me that his brother, an MD from UNC-Chapel Hill, wrote a book on depression. Since depression is part of my personal story and I am interested in helping people through depression from a Christian perspective, I got the book and read it in a couple of hours. (it is only 55 pages) Marion Wright,…
[13] Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. [14] Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, [15] and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of…
It’s Thursday, so I would like to share some thoughts with you as you go throughout your week. I probably won’t post something every Thursday, but hopefully this will be the beginning of a ongoing dialogue and time of encouragement for both of us. This song we sang on Sunday really encourages me… The message last Sunday was from John 1:12-13, becoming…
“Heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons…” This is exactly what Jesus does in Matthew chapter nine and in the other gospel accounts of Mark, Luke, and John. But some cults and false teachers use the miracle accounts of Jesus to justify their beliefs, and then they add to scripture with their own authoritative books or doctrines. Christian Science, or…
Jesus healed many people instantaneously in his earthly ministry. Here are some broader principles on faith & healing in the Bible: This song by Shane & Shane helps me process the suffering that I and others experience now: 1. Evil, pain, suffering, sickness & death are real, and part of life in a fallen world. These things are physical and also a…
But often instead of speaking the truth in love, we unintentionally corner our kids with “no-win” statements, or questions that are impossible to answer. For example, who hasn’t asked their child in a moment of frustration and exasperation, “HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU NOT TO… [insert favorite pet peeve here]!”
I enjoy reading Rabbi Mark Gellman’s The God Squad column in the weekly paper. On the topic of, “Loving An Enemy…”, Rabbi Mark says that it is beyond his comprehension: “If you do not hate someone who has savaged your loved ones, who would you hate? Moreover, Jesus’ teaching is not just a command to forgive an enemy who has come to…
Jesus gives incredible promises and a message of new life and eternal hope to his followers, however one thing we often forget is that we are also called to suffer for Jesus, if we are truly his people. “Your enemies will be right in your own household! If you love your mother or father more than you love me, you are not…