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...
read moreHeart of Praise
My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me. No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:1-2 NIV) In my prayer life, I can’t seem to do anything the past month, but praise! Like Hannah in the Old Testament, I cried out to God, out of fear, and I passed my NCLEX. Thank you for those of you at Creekside who prayed alongside me! Since then, I’ve felt promptings to continue to praise. I’m not sure how...
read moreMission and Misery
Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. … All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines. (1 Corinthians 12:7,11 NIV) A month or so ago, I wrote about being on a mission from God. Even though I think it would feel amazing to wake up every morning energized by the certainty that I’m living out his mission, I struggle with fatigue, discouragement, and deep doubt about my place in that mission. My time is consumed by taking care of my family and...
read moreSeeking God
(This article was originally published in December 2012.) “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NIV) I recently found out that a friend of mine is no longer a Christian. After making it through high school, college, and early adulthood with his faith intact, he decided that it didn’t make sense anymore. I actually admire his dedication to searching out the truth—he was contemplating going overseas as a...
read moreLiving Toward Glory
“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” (2 Corinthians 4:18 NIV) By the time this article is posted, I will have just turned 40. Ordinarily, I am not a huge fan of making a big deal about my birthday, not because I don’t think it’s important, but I don’t typically celebrate in a big way. However, turning 40 has put me into a reflective mode whereby I have been thinking a lot lately about… death. Now before you think this sounds morbid or depressing,...
read moreLiving the Mission of God (A Response)
Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. So the twelve summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Therefore, brethren, select from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to...
read moreThe Persistence of Memory
I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever. (Psalm 45:17 NIV) I have always had an extremely photographic and extensive memory. Quotes, details, numbers, and a vast array of seemingly random stuff have a way of sticking in my head, often without my trying. Naturally this has helped shape me into the deliberate and detail-oriented person I have become (and is one reason why I love trivia and following sports), and has proven to be a useful asset in my various research and...
read moreShout to the Lord
“…Shout! For the Lord has given you the town!” (Joshua 6:16 NLT) Every season except for summer feels like one of “new beginnings.” For me, as it may be for many of you, it’s the beginning of a new school year! I finished one capstone project just in time to start up the second one in my program. At church, it’s the beginning of our fall series, the start of new programs, and getting back into the swing of things. And I’m going to guess that for many of us, the stress is starting to pile up. Whether you are starting something new that’s...
read moreA Mission from God
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV) The idea of mission came up in our most recent Prayer Lighthouse, as we were praying for Creekside. All of God’s Church has been given the Great Commission (above), and the...
read moreWorry Factory on Holiday
[Rabshakeh] sent messengers again to Hezekiah [king of Judah] saying, “…Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you saying, ‘Jerusalem will not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.’” … Then Hezekiah took the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and he went up to the house of the LORD and spread it out before the LORD. Hezekiah prayed before the LORD and said, “O LORD, the God of Israel, who are enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and...
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