Seek the mind of Christ. Listen.Saul teaches us a valuable lesson of the danger of getting ahead of God. When we take things into our own hands, as he did (1 Samuel 13:5-14), we assume God's place and purpose. The end of that assumption (and presumption) is disaster. As we were challenged in today's prayer journey, let's make time to listen (which includes waiting on Him)...then take action based ...  Read More

Can one get too much on/of prayer? Never! This morning our Old and New Testament readings ended with prayer and the commitment to pray.Said Samuel: “As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you. I will teach you the good and right way. Above all, fear the Lord and worship him faithfully with all your heart; consider the great things he has done for you." (1 Samu...  Read More

"The Israelites said to Samuel, “Don’t stop crying out to the LORD our God for us, so that he will save us..." (1 Samuel 7:8, CSB).This morning in my prayer journal I wrote my simple prayer: "Help me understand the times and know what to do." (check out 1 Chronicles 12:32). After a good afternoon rest, I am still awake. Everyone else has retired for the night. It is quiet and I am reflecting on wh...  Read More

We sat in the last row of the plane despite our mid-range B designation for Southwest Airlines...lots of families heading to Florida for Easter break got preferred seating. Divine appointment. The woman in our row was heading home from celebrating Passover with her 'very conservative' Jewish family. One of the first disclaimers she used in describing herself to us was: "I am a bad Jew! I really li...  Read More

HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN, INDEED! HALLELUJAH!Note: As we continue to read through the Bible, today, April 9, we are entering our Journey of Prayer to Pentecost. For that reason, I am going to reflect on the prayer devotionals, and invite you to share your reflections. Reflections are often simply what comes to mind first in your reading...they may not be new or seem profound, but God will often us...  Read More

THE POWER OF BLESSINGToday the Lord drew my attention to the many benedictions (blessings) in Ruth. Take a moment and reread these passages: Ruth 1:9; 2:12, 20; 3:10; 4:11-12; 14-15. Note the power of the blessings. They all came true in much greater measure than the one blessing could ever have imagined. As a matter of fact, their blessings have impacted your life and mine after blessing countles...  Read More