Practical tools for your daily walk of faith
Friday, May 4, 2012, Part 2
“But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:7-8).
IDEA: We do not tell God our needs because He already knows them.
PURPOSE: To help listeners wrestle with why we pray.
The Wright Stuff
On September 29, 1909, a young man took flight in a strange contraption that resembled a huge box kite. As he gained altitude, the pilot manipulated the levers so he could fly over New York Harbor. People looked up in amazement. In the harbor, boats celebrated by sounding their steam whistles. Crowds near the Statue of Liberty exploded with cheers at the sight of Wilbur Wright taking a flight into the heavens.
A World In Need
By Eugene Seah, Singapore Much has happened and is happening around the world. Beyond the boundaries we live in, millions have weathered large-scale rampant killings, torture and destitution. Some of them made it alive; others succumbed to the grave. And for those who survived, they are permanently scarred—emotionally and physically. In the book Not On [...]
Discover a facet of prayer that many people miss
Thursday, May 3, 2012, Part 1
“But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:7-8).
IDEA: We do not tell God our needs because He already knows them.
PURPOSE: To help listeners wrestle with why we pray.
Walk Away From Worry
A few years ago, our Bible-study leader challenged us to memorize a chapter of the Bible and recite it to the group. Internally, I began to protest and groan. An entire chapter, in front of everyone? Memorization had never been my thing; I cringed as I imagined long silences while everyone watched me, waiting for the next words.
Is prayer for our benefit, or for God’s?
Wednesday, May 2, 2012, Part 3
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:5-6).
IDEA: Not all praying may be prayer.
PURPOSE: To help listeners pray with the right attitude and in the right way.
Are You Tuned In?
When I was growing up, I stayed with my grandparents for a week or two every summer. They lived on a street that dead-ended into some railroad tracks. I would often awaken several times on my first night as the box cars rumbled by or when an engineer blew the train whistle. By the end of my visit, however, I had grown so accustomed to the noise that I could sleep straight through the night without interruption. I had tuned out the sounds.
Heartonomics
By Chaz Oswald, USA There is a growing uncertainty during this worldwide economic crisis. It is a plight that affects even the greatest of nations. Many countries are laden with hefty debts, stagnant economies, and extraordinary unemployment. The United States is not without its own entanglements that need to be resolved. Its leaders have spent [...]
Discover what Jesus said about prayer in His teaching in the Sermon on the Mount
Tuesday, May 1, 2012, Part 2
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place, and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:5-6).
IDEA: Not all praying may be prayer.
PURPOSE: To help listeners pray with the right attitude and in the right way.
Who You’re Meant To Be
Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” Quoting those words of St. Catherine of Siena, the Bishop of London began his message to Prince William and Kate Middleton at their wedding in Westminster Abbey. Many watching on TV were deeply touched as the bishop affirmed their choice “to be married in the sight of a generous God who so loved the world that He gave Himself to us in the person of Jesus Christ.” Then he urged the couple to pursue a love that finds its center beyond themselves.
