Archived Messages

The Point of Prayer (John 11:38-44 Redux)

Usually pain or problems cause us to pray. This is normal and we should definitely pray at those times. In John 11, we see the pain associated with the sickness and death of Lazarus. Jesus was probably praying from the beginning about the pain of Lazarus' relatives. But the recorded prayer of Jesus expresses a different purpose - to point people to Himself.

The Tension of Honest Prayer (Jeremiah 12 Redux)

Sometimes the unfairness of life can really get under our skin. Jeremiah was really upset about the injustices he saw and experienced. When he complained to God (which is a good thing to do), God responded in a way that was disappointing to Jeremiah. But it isn't that God didn't care. God is grieved by injustice and unfairness and will eventually do what is right.

Praying to GOD (I Kings 8 Redux)

Sometimes we don't really grasp Who it is we pray to. Our relationship with God is unlike any other relationship we have. This can lead to unwarranted informality with God. Solomon's prayer in I Kings 8:22-53 reminds us God is great and superior. He is the God of the universe while we are frail and needing His forgiveness.

God's Alternate Diet

We are constantly exposed to non-stop news and opinion. This tends to result in anger and other problems. This "diet" needs to be changed to a healthy one - based on God's Word. Jesus' response in Matthew 4:1-4 when He was tempted strongly confirms this. We need to feed on God's Word daily and let it change us.

Life is OK, So Why Pray? (II Samuel 7/I Chronicles 17 Redux)

When we have problems, we pray a lot. But what about when life is good? God has done so much more for us than we can ever do back to Him. We need to give thanks and to remember that there are also bigger picture concerns that God has in us and through us.