Monthly Archives: June 2014

Getting to the Bottom of Things When followers of Jesus face a series of unfortunate events in their lives, they sometimes say, “I’m under attack.”  The presumption is that Satan is throwing obstacles in their way to keep them from … Continue reading →

Therefore, this is where we find ourselves: aware that hope exists, but sinking in a quagmire of broken dreams, burdened hearts and unanswered questions.  If we feel responsible for our circumstances we pile guilt on top of everything else.  If … Continue reading →

In my ministry I frequently come into contact with families in crisis mode.  The events that lead them to the self-imposed variety of crisis are varied, but the most common villains are financial overload, marital strife and childhood rebellion.  Lurking … Continue reading →

When Hope is All We Have It is impossible for us to predict the future with perfect accuracy, but this doesn’t stop us from dreaming.  I have always been inspired by stories of people who were able to see beyond … Continue reading →

All Because If I might borrow from Scriven’s song once more, one of his stanza’s end with the phrase “all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.”  Anxiety is a fact of life, and as long as … Continue reading →

God comforts and intervenes in our lives, but He also prompts us to act on our own behalf.  I am not suggesting God leaves us to take care of ourselves, but rather that sometimes the very thing He wants us … Continue reading →

Sometimes, no doubt, God answers our anxiety by conquering the source of our fear.  As Jesus stood up to the storm and commanded it to be still, His Father intervenes in our circumstances and providentially delivers us.  Providential care does … Continue reading →

The Answer to the Anxious Prayer If prayer is more than therapy, and if coming into the presence of God brings results, we are led to ask, “Exactly what does God do?”  After all, when we are in a crisis, … Continue reading →

But if prayer has a settling effect on our spirits, isn’t that therapy?  In 1855 Joseph M. Scriven wrote the song “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” to comfort his mother who lived miles away in Ireland.  Perhaps you … Continue reading →

More than Therapeutic Do you feel better when you pray?  I do.  More than once I have called out to God before delivering a sermon, asking Him to calm my nerves and help me remember the things I have studied.  … Continue reading →