Do you make arguments in prayer? Not arguments based on strife or selfishness, but humble appeals built on sound, biblical reasoning? As I studied Psalm 143 last week, that’s something I learned from David. He did not just make his requests known in prayer, he also put arguments behind them. He appealed first to the … Continue reading Lay hold of God’s willingness in prayer
I picked up a camp chair in the garage one night last week to put it in the car. I didn’t see the wasp that was on the strap, but he saw me. The pain he inflicted on the fleshy pad of my middle finger, as Bill Cosby used to say, was tremendous. I put … Continue reading Look into your heart and recieve God’s changes
John G. Paton was born in a farm cottage not far from Dumfries, Scotland, on May 24, 1824, the eldest of 11 children. He set out to learn the trade of his father — the manufacture of stockings. For 14 hours a day he manipulated one of the six “stocking frames” in his father’s workshop, … Continue reading Dads are the best heroes
Tony grew up in a legalistic home with a workaholic father who was never pleased with his work. “I was awkward and uncoordinated,” Tony said, “and when I was unable to meet his expectations, my reward was a fist. I was punished for misunderstanding what my father wanted me to do. I was punished when … Continue reading God is there in your darkest hour
“I knew he was too proud to take criticism,” thought Anne, “and now I have proof!” On the previous Sunday, Anne had dropped a prayer card in the offering plate asking her pastor to stop in and pray with her when she went to the hospital for some minor surgery. When he failed to come … Continue reading God makes the dangers of using wrong judgment obvious
Chrissy was at Walmart with her two young sons when a man approached her in the parking lot. “I’m not asking for money,” he quickly assured Chrissy, “I just need something to eat. Can you help?” Chrissy told us later that she always carries a bag of imperishable items in the back of her car … Continue reading Ask for ways to be used by God
J. Mark Fox 