prayer – Central to Life

Fear Not…

How we handle our fears is another matter. The Lord Jesus wants us to turn our anxious thoughts into prayers, asking God to be mighty in our lives and slay our fears through faith.

Like many kids across America, my children started back to school today. They were a little anxious, as were their parents. Wanting to get this school year started in the right way is important to all of us. Will they do well? Will they make friends? Will they make good decisions? My situation is smallContinue reading “God’s Protection and Peace”

How to Prosper, Spirtually

I was recently confronted with the question: “How does one prosper spiritually?” Another way of putting it would be to ask: “What is the key to spiritual growth?” I believe the first Psalm has some insight into this question. The book of Psalms has often been referred to as Israel’s hymnbook. It contains songs- orContinue reading “How to Prosper, Spirtually”

Opening Prayer for the Pennsylvania State Senate

On Wednesday, September 24, 2014, I was privileged to offer the opening prayer on the floor of the Pennsylvania State Senate. This was a special day, as a resolution was passed, honoring the 280th Schwenkfelder Day of Remembrance. See http://schwenkfelderexilesociety.org/schwenkfelders-in-pennsylvania/. The following is what I prayed: “Our Father in heaven, we humbly come before YourContinue reading “Opening Prayer for the Pennsylvania State Senate”

Why Pray?

What keeps us from prayer? Busyness, pride, the feeling that we can take care of life on our own. Maybe it is the newness of prayer. You’ve heard others pray and you’ve never done it that way before. Boredom. You think prayer is boring. You don’t want to waste your time stopping and talking toContinue reading “Why Pray?”

Are You a Praying Church Member?

Consider Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:16: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves; therefore be shrewd as serpents, and innocent as doves.” This was a statement to equip the disciples for the work that they had ahead of them. It was to prepare them for what was ahead as theyContinue reading “Are You a Praying Church Member?”

The Process of Spiritual Growth

The following message is based on 1 Peter 2:1-10, on the subject of the importance of Bible study and prayer. It was delievered at the Central Schwenkfelder Church in Worcester, PA on January 22, 2012. Someone remarked at the last Church Council meeting that the daffodils on our grounds were beginning to pop up. WhatContinue reading “The Process of Spiritual Growth”