Lead Us Not Into Temptation…

In addition to prayer about sins in our lives and areas of character in which we need to grow, it is also good to pray that we will be kept from temptation (Matthew 6:13) and that we will be alert to and not be blindsided by temptation when it does come.  Finally, in our planned [...]

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We Can Learn from Nehemiah on Prayer

We can learn from Nehemiah’s example how to pray for ourselves in the pursuit of holiness.  Like Nehemiah, we need to set aside time each day for planned, protracted, persevering prayer.  We need to lay before the Lord any areas of persistent sin in our lives: sins such as gossip, irritability, impatience, lack of love, [...]

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Two Types of Prayers of Dependence

Our Prayers of dependence should be two types: planned periods of prayer and unplanned, spontaneous prayer.  We see both of these beautifully illustrated for us in the life of Nehemiah and recortded for us in Chapters 1 and 2 of that book.  Nehemiah was one of the Jews in exile and was cupbearer to the [...]

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How Can We Grow in Our Dependence on Christ?

How then can we grow in a conscious sense of dependence on Christ?  Through the discipline of prayer.  Prayer is the tangible expression of our obedience.  We may assent to the fact that we are dependent on Christ, but if our prayer life is meager or perfunctory, we thereby deny it.  We are in effect [...]

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With Which Camp Would You Pitch Your Tent?

Today, we would tend to divide into two camps.  The more “spiritual” people would call an all-night prayer meeting.  To them, posting a guard would be depending on human effort instead of God.  The “practical” ones among us would get busy organizing the guard.  They would do a fine job assigning everyone to the various [...]

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This is Extremely Comforting

Fourth, the Holy Spirit has His own mind, and He prays for us (Romans 8:27).  I don’t know about you, but I find the thought of the Spirit of God praying for me according to the will of God extremely comforting. – Chan, Francis; Forgotten God: Reversing the Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit; David [...]

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The Single Most Important Determinant of our Spiritual Development

Our dedication to growth is the single most important determinant of our spiritual development.  Without an intense inner commitment, we are little more than dilettantes playing spiritual games.  The pearl of great price – the mind of Christ – must be the most treasured value in our lives, and we must seek it in persevering [...]

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How To Ascertain Where You Are With the Lord

To ascertain where you really are with the Lord, recall what saddened you in the past month.  Was it the realization that you do not love Jesus enough?  That you did not seek his face in prayer often enough?  That you did not care for his people enough?  Or did you get depressed over a [...]

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Burning Questions Every Christian Should Answer in Total Candor

There are certain burning questions that every Christian must answer in total candor. Do you hunger for Jesus Christ? Do you yearn to spend time alone with him in prayer? Is he the most important person in your life? Does he fill your soul like a song of joy? Is he on your lips as [...]

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We Can Develop Helpful Habits

We can develop the habit of thinking thoughts that are pure, true and good.  We can develop the habits of prayer and meditating on Scripture.  But these habits will only be developed through frequent repetition. – Jerry Bridges, The Pursuit of Holiness, Navpress, copyright 1978, page 135

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