“How Does the Holy Spirit Help the Apostles?” In my first article on the subject of Pentecost, I considered the question, “What Happens at Pentecost?” In this article, I’ll look at a different question: “How does the Holy Spirit help the apostles?” Answering that question will help us to better understand how the Holy Spirit helps believers today. “You Will Receive Power” In Acts 1:8, just before he ascended back into heaven, Jesus told the disciples: “You will receive power... Read more
“What Happens at Pentecost?” Pentecost is an important holiday on the Christian calendar. It celebrates the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. However, it is also relatively unknown outside the Church, and often neglected within the Church. So why is Pentecost important? To answer that question, I’ll first discuss what happened at Pentecost. Then, I’ll look at what happens at Pentecost – why is it still important to the Church? Acts 2:1-12 (NIV): When... Read more
What does it mean to be “friends of God?” Scripture: 1 Kings, chapter 9; 2 Chronicles, chapter 8; Psalm 136; Romans, chapter 5 Romans 5:1-11 (NLT): Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to... Read more
Photo by Louis Moncouyoux on Unsplash A couple of days ago, I wrote a post discussing OKRs for disciples and potential disciples. (here’s the link to that post: https://www.patheos.com/blogs/myjourney/2023/05/spiritual-okrs-for-disciples-and-potential-disciples/). Today, I want to consider the application of OKR methodology to spiritual leadership. Are there principles for spiritual leaders beyond those for all disciples which I mentioned in the earlier article? If so, what additional Objectives and Key Results are appropriate for spiritual leaders? (Note: my comments are directed to Christian... Read more
Does God hear every prayer? Yes – but that doesn’t mean he grants every request! Scripture: 2 Chronicles, chapters 6-7; Psalm 135; Romans, chapter 4 2 Chronicles 7:11-16 (NLT): So Solomon finished the Temple of the Lord, as well as the royal palace. He completed everything he had planned to do in the construction of the Temple and the palace. Then one night the Lord appeared to Solomon and said, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this Temple as... Read more
As we struggle to follow the example of Jesus, we need to remember that God has provided all that we need to live godly lives – and not one word of his promises has failed! Scripture: 1 Kings, chapter 8; 2 Chronicles, chapter 5; Psalm 99; Romans, chapter 3 1 Kings 8:54-61 (NLT): When Solomon finished making these prayers and petitions to the Lord, he stood up in front of the altar of the Lord, where he had been kneeling and... Read more
What are some spiritual OKRs for disciples (and potential disciples)? The acronym OKR stands for “Objectives and Key Results.” In the business world, OKRs encourage people and organizations to identify goals (“Objectives”) and the measurable steps which will lead them to reach those goals (“Key Results”). Can we apply this same methodology to our spiritual journey? Specifically, what OKRs would be appropriate for someone who is seeking to follow Jesus? Clarifications First, some clarifications. Some Christians use the term “seeker”... Read more
People often want to hear the “last words” of the famous and powerful. Today’s passage shows us David’s last prayer – and we can learn a great deal from this “man after God’s own heart.” Scripture: 1 Kings, chapter 2; 1 Chronicles, chapter 29; Psalm 95; 2 Thessalonians, chapter 1 1 Chronicles 29:10-19 (NLT): Then David praised the Lord in the presence of the whole assembly: “O Lord, the God of our ancestor Israel, may you be praised forever and... Read more
We all have acquaintances, associates, neighbors – but what does it mean to be a friend? Scripture: 1 Chronicles, chapters 25-27; 1 Thessalonians, chapter 4 1 Chronicles 27:32-34 (NLT): Jonathan, David’s uncle, was a wise counselor to the king, a man of great insight, and a scribe. Jehiel the Hacmonite was responsible for teaching the king’s sons. Ahithophel was the royal adviser. Hushai the Arkite was the king’s friend. Ahithophel was succeeded by Jehoida son of Benaiah and by Abiathar. Joab... Read more
Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. The greed and transactional nature of such a betrayal shocks us. Should it? Is that really so unusual in our world? Scripture: 2 Samuel, chapter 18; Psalm 56; Matthew, chapter 27 Matthew 27:1-10 (NLT): Very early in the morning the leading priests and the elders of the people met again to lay plans for putting Jesus to death. Then they bound him, led him away, and took him to Pilate, the Roman... Read more
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