Psalm 200 from Beyond Psalm 150 The book of Habakkuk concludes with a lengthy prayer that reads like a psalm. Yahweh, I have heard of your fame. I stand in awe of your deeds, Yahweh.Renew your work in the middle of the years. In the middle of the years make it known. In wrath, you […]
Acts Bible Study: Day 20 Today’s passage: Acts 12:1–17 Focus verse: “You’re out of your mind,” they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” (Acts 12:15) After Saul decides to stop fighting Jesus and follow him, the church enjoys a time of peace, one with little […]
Acts Bible Study: Day 7 Today’s passage: Acts 4:23–31 Focus verse: After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. (Acts 4:31) If they didn’t already know it, Peter and John now realize that following Jesus can have […]
Talking Regularly to God Is Key to Life and Faith The Bible talks about praying in the morning, at noon, and in the evening (Psalm 55:17 and Daniel 6:10). Though never a biblical requirement, the idea of praying each day at 9:00 a.m., noon, and 3:00 p.m. became a regular practice for devout followers of […]
Examine Future Expectations A friend told me he prays every day for Jesus to return. “Come quickly, Lord Jesus.” Yes, every day. His imperative words emoted sincerity and passion. He meant it; he really meant it. Upon hearing this, two thoughts simultaneously bombarded my mind. The first was the realization that I have never prayed […]
Luke Bible Study, Day 37 Today’s passage: Luke 22:39–71 Focus verse: “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42) The Bible is full of perplexing stories. One is when God tells Abraham to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. What father would kill his […]
Today’s passage: Philippians 4:4–9 Focus verse: Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6) Does today’s passage sound familiar? It’s the same one as Day 9. Then we focused on verse four, which tells us to rejoice in the Lord. […]
We May Never Know the Full Impact of Our Prayers As the early church adds to their numbers, they experience growing pains. They need more people in leadership roles and elect seven to help with a daily food distribution. Stephen is one of those people. Stephen is a remarkable man, full of God’s grace and […]
Sometimes We Blame God for Our Pain, When We’re the Source of Our Troubles A lament is an expression of grief, sorrow, pain, regret, despair…you get the picture. Lament occurs when life overwhelms our hearts and steals our tomorrows. Many of the Psalms are laments. Though lamenting is biblical, our church services seldom includes the […]
Justice but Not Anger After Jeremiah gives a stinging prophecy about God and idols, he pauses to pray. He may feel he has no other choice after giving the people God’s stern warning. Jeremiah’s prayer is not like one we might hear—or say—today. His words are not positive. He doesn’t talk about God’s grace, mercy, […]