Propelled out of bed from a deep sleep at the sound of the weather radio alarm, I knew immediately this was a tornado warning. We had gone to bed under a tornado watch that was to last into the wee hours of the next morning, so we were on alert for the “Move to a [...]
I knew by the Spirit my friend was frustrated – very frustrated. His heart’s desire was to do the Father’s will in every part of his life. Though he had invested much time, effort, and expense in making major changes according to what he thought was the Lord’s leading, it seemed as though nothing had [...]
Have you ever prayed only because you know it is part of being a Christian, but your heart’s not in it? The whole time you pray, your mind is elsewhere, perhaps thinking about what you will do as soon as you finish praying. While we all go through this from time to time, this has [...]
The request I had received was simple. Pray for believers in a particular land, where the political situation is unstable, asking the Lord to use the church to bring real peace to the nation. My heart was immediately connected, as this is certainly God’s will for any nation – to bring His peace through His [...]
A massive and continuing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, officials seemingly without solutions. Hurricane season in full swing, creating the potential for even greater havoc in the Gulf. The economy refusing to bounce back, regardless of how much money has been thrown at it. Reports of the return of the killer H1N1 flu. [...]
As I read a favorite passage recently, I wondered about Jesus’ thoughts as He prayed that beautiful prayer of John 17, specifically verse 23: . . . May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. When Jesus [...]
Have you ever struggled to pray for certain leaders, especially with thanksgiving1, because you disagree with their decisions, worldview, or lifestyle? My prayers in those cases have usually included: Isaiah 9:6 NKJV For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. . . [...]
It’s time for another confession from this praying writer. When prayers seem to have no effect, sometimes the trouble is with the one doing the praying (yours truly) – not the person being prayed for. This has become especially apparent where loved ones and others with whom I have frequent interaction are concerned. Though I [...]
Have any of you faced what seems to be an onslaught of battles since 2010 began? Since I know I’m not unique in the things I go through – which have already included many battles – I feel pretty certain there are at least a few of you who answered affirmatively. One of my battles, [...]
Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Instead of reading that verse and focusing on not being anxious and worried when we pray with thanksgiving, let’s zero in on the “thanksgiving to God” part all by itself, leaving all petitions [...]
