Articles for tag: Matthew 23

April 9, 2014

Christian Standard

Praying by Design

By Casey Tygrett My research has convinced me of this: When our experience and temperament interact with the presence of God, something very special happens. When I”m teaching people how to pray, often they ask me, “What do I say?” In other words, people want to know what “counts” when it comes to prayer. What is prayer and what isn”t prayer? It isn”t a silly question, but it can be difficult to answer as we look at all the different kinds of prayer in the Bible. We have selfish prayers like those of Pharaoh (Exodus 8:8), sacrificial prayers like those

January 19, 2014

Christian Standard

The Eyes of Jesus

By Danny R. Von Kanel “When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things” (Mark 6:34). The essence of love””our Lord Jesus Christ””showed compassion toward people. Can we have such compassion? The answer is an unequivocal YES! Use these tools to nurture compassion and see others through Christ”s eyes. Recognize people as sheep without a shepherd. As we wrestle with the lost condition of humanity, God will quicken our spirits concerning their need of a shepherd (Mark 6:34). Jesus said he

February 15, 2013

Christian Standard

The Pastor as Spiritual Companion

A pastor as spiritual companion not only makes disciples, he offers spiritual direction. The intent of both ministries is to cultivate a deeper and more intimate encounter with God, an encounter that touches mind, heart, soul, and spirit. By Kevin Dell In his desire to connect with God, the young man finally makes his decision. He repents of an empty way of living, confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior, is immersed in baptismal waters, and entrusts his life to following Jesus. By God”s grace, he responds with faith and receives a new life, a fresh start, and a hopeful heart.

August 15, 2011

Christian Standard

Lesson for Aug. 21, 2011: Empowering the Needy (Ruth 2:8-18)

This week”s treatment of the International Sunday School Lesson (for August 21) is written by Janet McMahon, community life director with Restore Community Church, Kansas City, Missouri. ____________ Empowering the Needy (Ruth 2:8-18) By Janet McMahon It started with this challenge from my friend John: “Why don”t you do something for someone who can never repay you?” Wow, that was a challenge for sure. Serving my friends and family was easy and natural for me most of the time””and often they would serve me in return. But finding someone who could never repay me was something new. Shortly after that

December 26, 2010

Doug Redford

Return of the Gift

By Doug Redford Now that Christmas Day has passed, it”s time to move from thinking about giving gifts to the matter of returning them. Many of us will need to spend some time during the upcoming week returning a Christmas gift that happened to be the wrong size, color, or style. Stores usually offer tips to keep in mind when returning a gift, including: keep all the tags and original packing when giving and opening gifts (especially electronics, computers, appliances, and games), keep receipts, and check the time limit on returns (some stores limit returns to 30 days after a

November 17, 2010

Christian Standard

The World at Our Doorstep

By Greg Swinney I sat expectantly in the worship service as the song leader read loud and clear, “May the nations be glad and sing for joy” (Psalm 67:4). My friend seated next to me must have noticed the puzzled look on my face. “How can the nations be glad, Rich?” I asked. “How can they be glad if we don”t tell them?” I felt deep regret over my negligence in reaching out to those of other nations. They are searching for truth and grace, but I”ve been preoccupied and distracted. I have good excuses. At least I thought I

August 31, 2008

Christian Standard

Welcoming the “˜Strangers” in Your Life

By Jan Johnson I wanted to talk to a friend before the church service, but I remembered the “three-minute guideline” presented at a leadership meeting. For three minutes before and after the service, we were asked to talk to folks we didn”t know. Umph! So I looked for newcomers. I spoke to a man I didn”t recognize, but he seemed nervous. He hadn”t been to church in a long time, so I asked him about himself to put him more at ease. At first, I thought the guideline was superficial. I enjoy deeper friendships, and this seemed so shallow, akin

April 6, 2008

Christian Standard

When Our Prayer Requests Are Not Granted (Part 2)

Read Part 1 of this article. ____________ By H. Lynn Gardner God does not grant every prayer request made by believers. Scripture explains why in some cases this is so. In other cases, however, the reason is not readily apparent. When our heavenly Father does not grant our request it should drive us closer to him rather than farther away from him.   Why Some Requests Are Not Granted James says, “You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions” (James 4:2, 3).1 God

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