When [Jesus] went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34 Lord, we are weak, but you are strong. We thank you that you are a god of compassion, who loves us where we are, who goes out after us and brings us into your fold. We thank you for protecting us and teaching us many things. We thank you for feeding our souls and binding our wounds. You are good, and your mercy endures forever. Enable us to be like you today andRead More →

Lord, in this new year, let us put our hand to the plow, and continue the work you have called us to, not looking back. Let us remember not the things of old, but look ahead to the new thing you plan to do in us. May we see rivers in the desert, a way in the wilderness. Strengthen us to throw off the weight of sin that so easily besets us and run the race with courage. Let us resolve to love more this year, to increase in faith this year, and to all other things, may we say only, as the Apostle JamesRead More →

Depending on whom you listen to, your bible teaches either one of two things: Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. Or it says: The desires of your heart are given to you by God and you should follow them. So which does the bible actually teach? You may or not be surprised that the first theological position is aRead More →

What keeps us from praying and abiding with God? Sometimes, we like to claim we’re simply busy, but we make time in our busy schedules for the things and people we love, don’t we? So why do we avoid God? What are we afraid of? What are we hiding? Is it just God, or do we draw back from close, intimate relationship with others for fear of being exposed? Even the Lord Himself did not entrust himself to men, for he knew what was in the hearts of men, but we were created for fellowship and communion with God and our brothers and sisters inRead More →

Lord, in Zephaniah, chapter 3, you told the daughter of Zion to rejoice for you had taken away the judgments against her, and we know, through your death and resurrection, we also who were strangers afar off are now included in your promises and blessings to your people Israel. I pray that you, our king, would be in our midst, and that we shall never again fear evil. Let our hands not grow weak, but let us thank you, the mighty one who has saved us. Rejoice over us with gladness and quiet us with your love. Exult over us with loud singing. Gather those ofRead More →