Prayers for Easter, Resurrection Day
prayer for Easter
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Like Christ, In His Death
In his poignant letter to the Philippians, written from desperate moments in prison when Paul thought that his life may be poured out in sacrifice at any time, he contemplated the form of death and the form of resurrection that was his hope. What more complete proof do we need of the transforming Christ, than
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The Prospect of Transformation
Some of the most dramatic stories we tell in our books and movies and legends involve the transformation of a person into something entirely different. There is Beauty and the Beast, Dr. Jekel and Mr. Hyde, and endless science fiction stories of creatures that change shape or species. We love these stories, perhaps because we
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Billy Graham — Character Matters
This will be said many times in the days to come: few Christians have had a larger impact on the world than evangelist Billy Graham—in all of history. He will be remembered for his character, his accomplishments, and his amazing connections with global leaders over many decades. We will also remember him for his words—and
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Developing Discernment
[Special Note: Easter is April 1. Available now, the Easter devotional, KNOWING HIM. Get it now, start 3 weeks of daily readings on Sunday, March 11. The life and teachings of Jesus are worth a lifetime of study, contemplation, and application. So too his death and resurrection. Jesus made it very clear that he had a purpose
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Growing in Wisdom
If you had a really difficult decision to make today that was complicated and would affect the rest of your life, what kind of person would you go to for advice? You’d be smart if you sought out one or more people whom you know to have a lot of wisdom—and you yourself would be
When It Seems God Is Silent
One of the most common spiritual issues is why it seems at times like God is silent. “O God of my praise, Do not be silent!” (Psalm 109:1). This is a plea voiced by numerous authors of Scripture. There are many different circumstances which may give us a sense that God is silent. When we
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How Can We Hear God’s Voice in Scripture?
Some years back, I did a survey of our church’s congregation with the simple question: “If you could ask God one thing, what would it be?” I was not surprised that the most frequent response had to do with the problem of evil in the world, but I was struck by the next most common
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Going Deeper in an Age of Information Overload
We live in an age of information overload. Bombarded by messages on radio and television, billboards and magazine ads, phone mail, email, text messages, Facebook, and Twitter, each of our days is like crossing a river with a strong and unpredictable current. Shut your eyes and just think for a moment how many voices and
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Tribute – a father’s reflections
Occasionally someone will say, because they have heard compelling things about Eva, “I wish I had known her.” I always choke up. It honors her, and us. And I think, I so wish there was more time for that to happen. Today, January 16, is the day Eva entered the world at Elmbrook Hospital, 31
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Living in Reality
The only way to live a stable, healthy, and fruitful life, is to live in reality. There are many ways by which we could live in fantasies and illusions that will set us up for certain disappointment and maybe worse. The fantasy that we are able to have or control whatever we wish is one.
Guilt and Shame in Everyday Life
Though all people are created with conscience—the ability to sense the difference between right and wrong, or good, better, and best—it is possible for to become so hard-hearted that is seems one does not even have a conscience. Conscience is part of the hard wiring of human beings created in God’s image. Romans 2 says
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Voice of Conscience
We all know, deep inside, that we need some basic values that can keep our lives on track, keep us out of trouble, and lead us toward virtue rather than vice. In the modern world one value that sometimes is raised above all others is “be true to yourself.” Or “let your conscience be your
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What is the Role of “Law” in Living the Bible?
[Special note… see Mel Lawrenz’s “A Prayer for the Christmas Season,” text, printable PDF, or audio HERE.] It is inevitable that, when we talk about “living the Bible,” our minds will drift toward verses and passages that are commands or laws which seem to beckon us toward obedience to God. “You shall not commit adultery,”
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Books Make Excellent Christmas Gifts
You may have friends or family members whom you want to encourage. Books are excellent Christmas gifts because they are meaningful, they can keep giving for years, they send a message, they can be shared, they can be easily mailed. Books can change lives. Books can transfer eternal truths. Below you’ll find links to six
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