Seeing Through Deceit

Have you ever been in a situation where someone approaches you with a request, but there is something about it that seems suspicious? The person looks credible, their story believable; even their request appears reasonable. They act humble and respectful, God-fearing; yet you have that gnawing feeling that something doesn’t seem right. How do you […]

Prayer Journey — What is my Purpose?

Then Job answered the LORD and said, “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted (Job 42:1-2, NASB) You dear Lord can do all things. You created everything. You are intentional. Your purposes are righteous. Who can stand in the way of your will? I am […]

Sunday Praise

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)

#1 Finding Peace Amidst Anxious Thoughts

How can we not be anxious about things in this world? In his letter to the Phillipians, Paul offered some advice on how to find peace amidst the turmoil that surrounds us…

#6 Prayer Journey — Gone

I am grateful to you dear Lord for life — her deep faith that laid a solid foundation in my life. I thank you for the time we had over the last few months as she slipped from this life into eternity…

Prayer Journey — Accumulation

Dear Lord, in this life I have accumulated many things. Yet I am reminded this morning of what I have accumulated from you dear God. You nurtured my young faith decades ago, placing it in fertile soil and raising it up with the hands of your faithful. You have given me strength at times when […]

Prayer Journey — Long Road

The road in this life is filled with twists and turns. I’ve made wrong turns and ended up at dead ends. Some days the traveling is rough, full of bumps and ruts. Other days I’m stuck and unable to move. But you dear Lord — you call me, direct me, guide me; carefully pulling me […]

Prayer Journey — Former Things

The past is there, reminding me of things long gone; things that cannot be changed; things that will not return. Each memory raises emotion with it that can be felt. Help me dear Lord to look to the future with your hope and your eyes. Help me to see the new thing you are doing. […]

Prayer Journey — Continuum of Care

For years now I have prayed. My prayers have not ceased and yet I do not see the results I want. Yet I see your gentle hand, your caring touch upon the lives I earnestly pray for; lives I long to see transformed to you dear God. You are teaching me your wisdom, your long […]

Bathing Everything in the Joy of the Lord

For too long I focused on the first part of the verse, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances,” as this challenge to be joyful about everything; to lift up everything to God in prayer. I was treating it almost as a chore, keeping track of how many times I failed to pray or be thankful about something.