In 1972, a young, untrained pastor struggled to lead a small, multiracial church in a drug-ridden neighborhood of Brooklyn. There was no money for a pastor’s salary, no money for much-needed repairs, no money to even pay the mortgage. One Sunday night, Pastor Jim Cymbala began to preach. Feeling called to minister to the people of Brooklyn, but not knowing what to do in a seemingly hopeless situation, he choked up and tears filled his [...]
The Apostle John reminds us that, on the night He was betrayed, Jesus knew what was coming. As He gathered together with His disciples, preparing to celebrate the Passover, Jesus knew His betrayal would come by the hand of Judas Iscariot. He knew He would soon be returning to His Father, but He also knew exactly what He would have to endure to get there. Knowing all these things, Jesus calmly and lovingly washed the [...]
Jacob had an interesting relationship with God. You may remember the story: Jacob and Esau were fraternal twins. From the beginning, they were polar opposites: Esau was a rough outdoorsman. He loved to go hunting. Jacob preferred to stick close to home. Esau was big and burly and hairy. Jacob was smaller and smooth-skinned. Because Esau had been the first of the twins to reach outside the womb, he was Isaac’s firstborn and in line [...]
The Practice of the Presence of God is just a little book. It is a compilation of letters and maxims written by Brother Lawrence along with recollections of conversations and a short biography written by his close friend, Joseph de Beaufort. Collected and published a few years after Brother Lawrence’s death in 1691, the book became a classic, highly recommended by such men as John Wesley and A.W. Tozer. Brother Lawrence was not a great [...]
Watchman Nee wrote prolifically, largely for the benefit of his Little Flock. One such work is the little book, Let Us Pray. Nee writes in a simple, heartfelt style. As he writes, he seems to come at his point from many different directions as though walking about and inspecting every aspect of it. Some may find this repetitive, but I found it has the effect of engendering familiarity with the concept and broadening the understanding. [...]
How is your prayer life? Mine can always use improvement. So, I was studying some verses on prayer when I came across this one: First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men... This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim. 2:1,3-4 To tell [...]
Fast food. Microwaves. Pay-per-view movies. Instant Messaging. E-Mail. YouTube. Our lives are filled with time saving, instant gratification conveniences. There are not many things we will voluntarily stand in line for. We don’t like to wait. Unemployment. Unpaid bills. Growing children. Medical bills. Home repairs. Inflation. Flat tires. Grouchy co-workers. Marital stress. Pain. Fear. Anger. Our lives are drained with stresses from every direction. We know we need to pray, but we find it hard [...]
Prayer is an amazing thing. As believers saved by grace, we have an incredible privilege to “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Heb. 4:16) Not only that, but through prayer, God offers us the incredible privilege of being an active part of His plan and purpose. Although He certainly does not need our help, God has chosen [...]
