God Is Present During Transitions
Read: Isaiah 41:1-10 Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. (v. 10) As a specialized transition pastor, I serve churches for approximately twelve months following the completion of a pastorate and until a new pastor is called. I conduct pastoral responsibilities such as preaching and leadership while […]
September Prayer Guide 2021
ENGLISH — Give thanks that the North American office renovation project is nearly complete! The building is now accessible and energy efficient. Space has been repurposed for new uses such as a conference area for small gatherings of donors and prayer partners. Pray for the staff as they transition back into their home office after […]
Expect Transitions
Read: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven. (v. 1) Your “comfort zone” is the psychological environment that helps you feel like you are in control. When I am in my comfort zone, I feel more confident and experience less anxiety. Living in my comfort zone […]
What a Difference!
Read: Psalm 88:1-12 O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out day and night before you. Let my prayer come before you; incline your ear to my cry! (vv 1-2) We must not read the New Testament back into the Old Testament. In Scripture there is progressive revelation. Except for a flash of insight […]
Citizenship That Matters Most
Read: Psalm 87:1-7 On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. (vv. 1-2) Zion is here a name for Jerusalem. This psalm reminds me of the final chapters of Revelation where the church is described as the new Jerusalem. […]
Listen to My Cry for Mercy
Read: Psalm 86:3-17 You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, LORD; listen to my cry for mercy. (vv. 5-6 NIV) Jesus says there are two ways of trying to approach God. One, like the Pharisee, who tells God about his goodness, thinking God will […]
Do It Again
Read: Psalm 85:1-13 Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O LORD, and grant us your salvation. (vv. 6-7) In the past God had renewed the life of Israel (v. 1). Now the psalmist says, “Restore us again, O God of our salvation” (v. […]
Worship With Emotion and Heart
Read: Psalm 84:1-12 Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise! (vv. 3-4) People go to church for various reasons. […]
Listen
Read: Psalm 81 I am the LORD your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. (v. 10) In verse 8, we read, “If you would but listen to me!” In verse 11, “My people did not listen to my voice.” In verse […]