Prayer is just one piece of having a healthy faith journey. Another piece of the puzzle is learning the heart of God. Our prayer time will always be an extension of our heart.
One of the reasons our prayer life can be ineffective is not having the right heart. Continue reading
As a young Christian I used to hear many intimidating stories about great people of God who would pray for hours. Certain “saints” prayed most of the day it seemed. One of them wore grooves in the wooden floor where they kneeled, apparently continuously. I heard so many stories and the scriptures to back them up.
Those stories inspired me but also deflated my hopes of ever being a person that God could use. How could I ever pray that long? I had trouble concentrating after a few minutes of praying. Continue reading
There are sincere, heartfelt conversations and there are trivial ones. One morning you may be discussing the big football game with friends. Later that day, you may be explaining to someone you love that you never meant to hurt them. Some conversations we could do without, other conversations we desperately need to have.
It’s perfectly ok to have both kinds of conversations. Nothing is wrong with either. Continue reading
One of the promises in the bible is that God will grant wisdom to those who simply ask for it. Not only will he grant wisdom, he will give it generously.
James 1:5…If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. Continue reading
As a follower of Christ we are sometimes asked to do things that seem to defy logic. In this passage of scripture Jesus tells his followers to pray for their enemies.
Matthew 5:43-48…43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (NIV) Continue reading