The good news of Christ
Save me from judging another’s looks,
For all alike need Jesus’ care;
None are free from Satan’s hooks,
No matter what we wield or wear.
Each one a soul with life impressed,
Creation’s crown, all heaven’s pride,
The power to choose within the breast,
For every person Jesus died.
Let words of life from lips flow free,
Let Calvary’s tune reach every ear;
The suffering man make mercy see,
Make love the span, to breach our fear.
Lord, keep my foot from Satan’s snare,
Be it subtle whisper or brazen dare;
Repulse him with the Word’s reply,
That written power to make him fly. Continue reading “When liars entice”
Preacher Nick Marsh works with the Cherry Street congregation in New Albany IN. This is a recent sermon of his, “Pleasing Prayer.”
Mike Brooks shows special interest in two key words in 1 Peter 4.7. He then says,
Prayer is serious business. It is not to be engaged in lightly or carelessly. We are asking for the attention of the almighty ruler of the universe. That is not given negligently.
Be sure to read his whole article on Forthright Magazine: “Serious Praying.” The link also contains a prayer need, in the first two paragraphs.
Thank you, O Lord, for revealing yourself to us, that we might know you.
That you for sending your Son to the earth, that we might be forgiven of sin and redeemed.
Thank you for your indwelling Spirit, who transforms us into the image of Christ.
Thank you for Scripture, which guides us in your Way.
Thank you for establishing the church, that we might have family always near.
Thank you for a purpose, to glorify your name and show your excellent mercies. Continue reading “Thanksgiving Day prayer”
O faithful God, though all forget
To pray, and faint from weary watching,
Fall prey to sin, to strange bewitching,
Toward heaven be my strivings set. Continue reading “Though all forget”
Awaken me to opportunity,
To open doors in my community,
To searching hearts that were resistant,
To bring those near who once were distant. Continue reading “With saving words and deeds of leaven”
The greatest thought to me is dear:
The sovereign God is always near
In Jesus Christ, his Spirit lives
Within my heart, and ever gives
Without reproach, he does not fail—
Beside this thought, all others pale. Continue reading “The greatest thought”
Relieve the pain, O Lord, of those who suffer. We know you are willing to save and willing to help your creatures. We confess we do not know how you do that for best effect. But if pain must still be a part of life, a part of the body’s affliction, the mind’s questionings, the heart’s hurtings, make them serve still a good purpose in our walk with you. Continue reading “For those in pain”
Good Lord above, let me not venture out today without a word of peace on my lips and a motive for thanksgiving in my heart.
Keep falsehood far away from me; bring truth near as my friend and guide, the cement of good relations.
Move me toward the center of faith, where Christ abides, in the vortex of love, the pull upon all those around me.
In me make others see the steps to enter the kingdom. Amen.