Our salvation depends on us thinking the way God thinks and not how men think.
From
To
We Christians have the right and privilege to ask God questions, when we get confused with what is going on around us; when we donƵt understand a passage of Scripture; and when we just donƵt know what to do next.
Last Sunday, June 1, the assigned Gospel reading was from JesusƵ High Priestly pray in John 17. The specific Scripture assigned was John 17:20-26. I pointed out to the people of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Chugiak that GodƵs will, reflected in JesusƵ prayer, can at times seem impossible for US to accomplish. Jesus prayed, Ƶ22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.Ƶ (John 17:22-23) Do you understand what Jesus is praying? He is praying that the whole world may know the saving love of God, in Jesus. And Jesus is praying that the oneness, or unity, of His church will be a means to sharing GodƵs salvation in Jesus. That is quite a prayer, quite a mission!
Many years ago, I was called to the hospital where I met a man with an incurable lung disease. The doctor thought he would die in the next 24 hours. The man gave his life to Christ, and I prayed for a healing miracle. The next day, he was packing up to go home. He felt great, and an early morning x-ray revealed his lungs were completely healed. It was one of the first miracles God worked through my feeble prayers and it was life changing for both of us.
I cannot remember ever hearing the Holy Spirit being mentioned on news reports to the degree it was done last week.
I recently read an interesting anecdote regarding Sam Nunn. Nunn served as the Senator from Georgia for 24 years. After he announced that he wouldnƵt seek re-election, reporters wanted to know what he considered his greatest accomplishment during those years. He surprised them when he said keeping his family together and helping his wife raise two wonderful children was his most important accomplishment.
With MotherƵs Day approaching this week, we are invited to reflect on the profound significance of motherhood in our lives and faith.
Catholic churches across eastern Oklahoma gathered together to hold Mass and pray for the College of Cardinals ahead of the Papal Conclave that begins on Wednesday.
Earlier this month on Easter Sunday I spoke about the awesome power of God, and how that power, which raised Christ from the grave, is available in the life of all believers. The power of God not only prevails, but it permeates in believers through the Holy Spirit, it propels followers to act and live more righteously, and also promises to us our own future resurrection.
According to a survey from Pew Research Center, 55% of Americans pray daily. People pray to express gratitude, ask for help or direction, seek forgiveness, find comfort, and connect with God. What role does prayer play in your life?