Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 68 – Valley of the Shadow
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. –Psalm 23:4 Have you had a near-death experience? Did you feel God's presence with you as you were going through it? King David knew God was with him the many times he "walked through the valley of the shadow of death." So what this Psalm is celebrating? "So this psalm celebrates that aspect
Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 67 – The Story’s Not Over
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength. –Philippians 4:11-13 During these hundred days of prayer, have you been feeling discontentment while waiting for God's answer? Or have
Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 66 – Reality Therapy
Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. –1 Thessalonians 4:13 Have you lost a Christian loved one or friend, and though you grieve the loss, you know it is only a temporary one? That is what Paul is talking about here as he addresses the followers of Jesus—that hope we have in Jesus. "But how is hope for this distant life beyond the grave
Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 65 – Are You Listening?
by TJ Bates via Theology Mix I call on you, O God, for you will answer me; give ear to me and hear my prayer. –Psalm 17:6 A number of psalmists have recorded their complaints and frustration over the apparent "earlessness" of God. There may have been times when you have felt the same frustration and wondered if God was listening to your prayers. God answers through the psalmist who wrote in Psalm 94:9, "Does he who implanted the ear not hear?" Psalm 94:9
From the Pastor: The Quest for Happiness
On my way to an early morning church meeting, realizing I was 20 minutes early, I pulled off the traffic-jammed El Camino Real, found a place to park on a side street, and turned off the engine. I then sat back to think of the busyness of the day ahead of me. Suddenly, a man about 35 years old burst out of the front door of his small house on the other side of the street, with his two little sons,
Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 64 – Suffering and Comfort
by TJ Bates Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. –2 Corinthians 1:3-5 It isn't uncommon to hear cancer patients describe how they were
Restarting for A Happy New Year: What’s My Purpose?
by Mike Page Did you make any New Year resolutions for 2021? I haven’t made any for years—it's too depressing breaking them after a week! So, instead, how about restarting the year with the question: “God, what can I do for you this year?” It’s one of those "Big Questions," isn’t it? In other words, What’s my purpose here? How can I be significant? What do you want from me, Lord? Frequently, these questions are asked by overweight people as they reach 50+
Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 63 – Behind the Scenes
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground and after you have done everything, to stand. –Ephesians 6:12-13 Paul describes God's armor in verses 14-18: "Stand therefore, having girded your loins with
Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 62 – Don’t Stop
Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 by TJ Bates As we reach day 62 of our 100 day prayer, it is good to be reminded by Paul to pray continually and joyfully and to give thanks IN all circumstances. What does Paul means b the word "in?" "Notice he didn't say give thanks for all circumstances, as if we're supposed to enjoy or want trouble or
