“Pray like this…” (Matthew 6:9a NLT) Yesterday we looked at what I think of as the “heartbeat of prayer.” Today I’d like us to look at more of the “mechanics of prayer.” In Matthew 6:5-8 Jesus outlines some things we shouldn’t do when we pray. When prayer becomes an end in itself, it isn’t conversationContinue reading “Following Jesus’ Model Prayer”
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Praying In Line With God’s Purposes
“Lord, teach us to pray…” (Luke 11:1a NLT) This is the last “P” we’ll look at related to what “Seeking God’s Kingdom First” might look like (see last three Posts). We’ve looked at PURSUE knowing, loving, and serving the Lord Jesus with intentionality and consistency. PRIORITIZE your schedule to reflect the priority of His Kingdom,Continue reading “Praying In Line With God’s Purposes”
Following Healthy Life-Patterns
“But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.” (Matthew 7:14 NLT) If you’re serious about following the narrow road that leads to an eternity with Jesus, you’ll PURSUE Him with intentionality, you’ll PRIORITIZE your schedule to make time to grow in your understandingContinue reading “Following Healthy Life-Patterns”
Is Seeking God’s Kingdom Your Top Priority?
“Set your heart first on His Kingdom and His goodness…” (Matthew 6:33a – Phillips) In yesterday’s Post we looked at what it means to “Seek” God’s Kingdom, by earnestly and consistently PURSUING God through thorough and persistent study and investigation. Desiring Him above all else, in a similar way as you would desire someone withContinue reading “Is Seeking God’s Kingdom Your Top Priority?”
Seeking FIRST God’s Kingdom
“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else…” (Matthew 6:33a NLT) In 2 Chronicles 34:3 (NLT) the Bible says: “During the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, Josiah began to seek the God of his ancestor David.” Josiah was only eight years old when he became King of Judah, so inContinue reading “Seeking FIRST God’s Kingdom”
Living Like Jesus Matters
“In this new life…Christ is all that matters…” (Colossians 3:11 NLT) The title of one of the books I’m currently reading is Person of Interest, Why Jesus Still Matters in a World that Rejects the Bible. It’s written by J. Warner Wallace “America’s foremost cold case Detective.” In Warner’s words: “God didn’t matter to meContinue reading “Living Like Jesus Matters”
What Is Generosity?
“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT) Everything we have has been given to us as a grace-gift. “But wait a minute,” you may be thinking. “Didn’t I sacrifice and invest years of my life for myContinue reading “What Is Generosity?”
The Currency of Heaven
“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NLT) If you read yesterday’s Post, you may still be asking, “What does this have to do with the benefits of longing for Jesus, of being generous?” And my answer wouldContinue reading “The Currency of Heaven”
Are You Longing for What Doesn’t Last?
“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul?” (Mark 8:36-37 NLT) In Mark chapter 8 Jesus is telling His disciples about His impending suffering, death and resurrection. Peter, unable to even begin to comprehend something so terrible, takes Jesus aside,Continue reading “Are You Longing for What Doesn’t Last?”
Holding Life with Open Hands
“The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:21b NLT) Suffering loss can be debilitating, and it can take many shapes. If you’re a pet lover, you’ll understand how heartbreaking losing a pet can be. Lola was only five pounds when sheContinue reading “Holding Life with Open Hands”
Walking With Jesus 