We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard. (Nehemiah 4:21) “So we built the wall and the whole wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work” (Nehemiah 4:6 NASB). Critics demoralise. Leaders encourage. When the critics spoke, the […]
Read MoreCategory Archives: Prayer
The Priority of Prayer
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7) Prayer is primary—but not theoretical prayer. […]
Read MoreFour Marks of a Spiritual Leader
“O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel.” (Nehemiah 1:5–6) Nehemiah, touched by the need of his people, “sat down […]
Read MoreLeaders Are Made, Not Born
“Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed […]
Read MoreShifting the Stress by Prayer and Rest
If you tend to get caught up in the hurry-worry sindrome, there is a better way to live. In Parts One through Three we talked about some strategies for alleviating stress. Prayer is another relief—an essential therapy during stressful times. I’m reminded of David on one occasion. He and a group of his men returned home after a weary three-day journey.
Read MoreReal Prayer
“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:6) Prayer was never intended to make us feel guilty. It was never intended to be a verbal marathon for only the initiated—no secret-code talk […]
Read MorePrayer Is the Answer
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6–7) In the fourth chapter of Philippians, […]
Read MoreWorry About Nothing
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Philippians 4:6 May I get very personal here? The pressure of our times have many of us caught in the web of the most acceptable, yet energy-draining sin in the Christian family: worry. Chances […]
Read MoreUnderstanding Prayer
“When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the reward they will ever get.” Matthew 6:5 Understanding any spiritual discipline begins with a good definition. Put succinctly, prayer is […]
Read MoreHow to Seek Wisdom
If you genuinely desire God’s wisdom, rest assured He has promised not to withhold it. He declares, “I love those who love me; and those who diligently seek me will find me” (Proverbs 8:17). Here are two additional disciplines that will put you in touch with God’s insight, knowledge, and understanding. 3. The discipline of prevailing prayer. “Cry for discernment, lift your voice for understanding” (v. 3).
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