“Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord.” (James 5:14, NLT) This verse of Scripture is why I pray for the sick and ask people to pray for me whenever I’m sick. There…Read more Why I Pray for the Sick
How the Church Equips Parents
One of the striking things about the ministry of Jesus was the presence of so many young people. The disciples, with the exception of Peter, were younger than Jesus, according to most Bible scholars. On the day of Pentecost, Peter explained the miracle that took place that day by referring to an Old Testament prophecy…Read more How the Church Equips Parents
Successful Youth Ministry (part three)
We gathered around lunch that our Jewish friends had invited us to share. They recited the Shema, "Hear, Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might. And these words I command you…Read more Successful Youth Ministry (part three)
Where Successful Youth Ministry Begins (Part Two)
It's a feeling that every Dad understands. Your baby is placed in your arms and you look at him/her and everything in you says I'm going to love you, protect you, provide for you and love your Mom with everything I've got. Then it dawns on you, God has trusted you with this new life!…Read more Where Successful Youth Ministry Begins (Part Two)
Successful Youth Ministry Begins in the Home (part one)
Becky and I were privileged to serve as youth pastors to some marvelous students when we were younger. We were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to serve our home state as youth directors later in life. Along the way so many godly and great leaders poured into our lives and youth and families…Read more Successful Youth Ministry Begins in the Home (part one)
Is it wrong to pray to the Holy Spirit?
That was a question I received in an email recently. It's a good one. It's true that we do not have any instruction in the Bible to specifically pray to the Holy Spirit. However we do have specific counsel from our Lord himself to address the Father when we pray. It's that prayer that our…Read more Is it wrong to pray to the Holy Spirit?
Fasting that Changes Us
““When you fasted and mourned in the summer and in early autumn, was it really for me that you were fasting?” (Zechariah 7:5, NLT) To me this is one of the more interesting questions about fasting. Why do we fast? It's like everything else we do as passionate followers of Christ, it's all about Him!…Read more Fasting that Changes Us
Fasting
"When you fast, comb your hair, wash your face." Jesus in Matthew 6:17, NLT "They [disciples] will fast." Jesus in Matthew 9:15, NLT Why do we fast? According to the Scriptures we fast to prepare our hearts in response to sin, tragedy, poverty, injustice or before one of life's great moments. We don't fast in order to…Read more Fasting
People bringing Hope in Detroit
I've been in Detroit quite a bit the last couple of weeks and I've witnessed something encouraging, "People bringing Hope." In some ways the city is making a comeback. Small business are opening, restaurants and independent coffee shops staffed by energetic, idealistic and hard working young men and women serve the business owners and their…Read more People bringing Hope in Detroit
Power and Faith
Power is good! Power is also dangerous. God's attributes like power and his character have never changed. He promises his power to his followers to accomplish good in His name. It’s part of being a witness for him. To be a witness meant being willing to become a martyr. What people did with God’s power…Read more Power and Faith
Coram Deo 