Intercession and Trust
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” (Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV) Back when I was in college, I went to a revival in Toronto that was about intercession. At the time, I really didn’t understand what intercession is, even though I had been raised in the church and been confirmed. Yes, it was a charismatic revival, but more than anything, I learned what it means to really PRAY. Several people there told me that I have a heart for...
Read MoreGod’s Side
Now when Joshua was near Jericho, he looked up and saw a man standing in front of him with a drawn sword in his hand. Joshua went up to him and asked, “Are you for us or for our enemies?” “Neither,” he replied, “but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Then Joshua fell facedown to the ground in reverence, and asked him, “What message does my Lord have for his servant?” (Joshua 5: 13-14 NIV) This summer, Pastor Mark has been leading us through a series on how Joshua became a leader among the Israelites, and he has brought up the above text on more than one occasion. I find...
Read MoreRewards in Challenges
Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life. (James 1:12 The Message) Last fall, right after Thanksgiving, I was laid off from my job of 5½ years. The writing was on the wall after a slew of layoffs that had happened intermittently throughout the last year. That day, I knew more layoffs were on the horizon, but I didn’t suspect that I was on the chopping block this time… yet I was! I hugged the coworker who had to inform me of my dismissal, we both cried a little, and...
Read MoreWho is Righteous?
“For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.)” (Romans 2:13-15 NIV) I recently had a conversation with my mother about how we verbally express our...
Read MoreThe Power of Prayer
(Note: Last week’s article was written by Miel Formantes. The editor apologizes for the mistake!) Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. (James 5:14-15a NIV) Some of you may not know this, but I lived in China for a little over a year. While I was there, I attended the local church almost every Sunday, and by Christmas, I was asked to participate in their special Christmas service. While I was practicing for...
Read MoreGod in Charge
But the Lord said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow. It sprang up overnight and died overnight. And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?” (Jonah 4:10-11 NIV) In case anyone missed it, we’re finally expecting a child in June, possibly July. Normally, news like this is incredibly joyous, and lots of people are happy to hear it. For a while now, Dan and I have been very honest about how...
Read MoreDesperation, Hope, and Faithfulness
This article was cowritten with Nicole’s husband, Daniel. I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2 NIV) Job had a faith unlike many written about in the Bible. He knew that all things come from the Lord and that the Lord should always be given honor and respect, even when the Adversary was permitted to steal away his children, property, and health. His so-called friends tried, rather naively, to give him counsel and show him what he was doing wrong, but Job remained constant. After a long time, God spoke to him and his friends, setting the situation...
Read MoreGrace Like Coffee
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV) “Don’t ever let anyone tell you that fairy tales aren’t real. I drink a potion made from magic beans every day, and it brings me back to life.” At least, that’s what the silly meme about coffee says. I think there’s a lot of symbolism and application for life in this little running joke. Some people say that the Bible is akin to Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Others say that...
Read MoreCarried By God
“I’ve been carrying you on my back from the day you were born, and I’ll keep on carrying you when you’re old. I’ll be there, bearing you when you’re old and gray. I’ve done it and will keep on doing it, carrying you on my back, saving you.” (Isaiah 46:4 The Message) Lately, friends and relatives alike have been giving me the same advice. It’s the old adage: “God doesn’t give you any more than you can handle.” It’s supposed to make people feel better, to lift them up and remind them that they can overcome anything. The problem I have with this notion is that it’s a fallacy. God does give us...
Read MoreI’ll Bring You More Than A Song
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV) Perhaps I’m only noticing this because of what is happening in my own life, but I’ve recently observed that culturally, we tend to refer to “worship” as basically singing really cool songs that tell God how awesome he is. Don’t get me wrong; I like singing my “I love you Lord” and “You are always faithful” songs… Lately though, it’s been difficult. Something feels like it’s missing in that notion. It feels like that’s all that we do. I may be projecting, though. Daniel and I...
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