“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us…” Ephesians 2:4 During my student pastorate in a small rural community in North Texas I can remember being indignant over a farmer who regularly plowed his fields on Sunday mornings. He never came to church and seemed to delight […]

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as other who have no hope.” 1 Thessalonians 4:13 Having attended three funerals in the last two weeks, I invariably think of this verse as I reflect on the joy and celebration of these occasions. It […]

“For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” Matthew 7:14 We should not be surprised that many are indifferent to the gospel and unresponsive to our witness. We would like to think that the world would be evangelized if we would be […]

“Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 I never ceased to be amazed at dramatic testimonies of changed lives. It strengthens my faith whenever I hear of someone who is radically changed by the grace of God. […]

“Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” Luke 2:19 Christmas is over for another year. The gifts have been exchanged with friends and loved ones, decorations taken down and packed away and the Christmas tree thrown out with the trash. Admittedly, in the midst of the beauty of colorful lights and […]

“Epaphras…always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” Colossians 4:12 I am concluding this series of devotionals on the prayers of Paul with a final observation that prayer is work. Having led a number of prayer conferences and discipled believers over […]

“In order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 1:12 Prayers that Paul prayed for the churches and co-workers who were recipients of his epistles reveal a great deal about the nature […]

“We night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face and may complete what is lacking in your faith.” 1 Thessalonians 3:10 In passages similar to Philippians and Colossians, Paul prays for those in the church at Thessalonica. In the opening verses he thanks God for them and intercedes for them […]

“We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” Colossians 1:9 Who has not at some time prayed to know God’s will. Perhaps it was as a student seeking divine direction for a vocational choice or […]

We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you.” Colossians 1:3-6 Is anyone thankful for you? We would like to think that there are a few people who are glad that we were born on this earth and are thankful for what our life means to them. Surely […]