Posts from August 2024

“If your eye makes you stumble, tear it out… if your hand makes you stumble, cut it off…” said Jesus. On two different occasions. About two different matters. (Mt 5:28-30; 18:8-9) I’ve had personal experience with a debilitating, defeating, besetting sin. For the life of me I could not find lasting victory. I would turn over a new leaf. Make promises. Covenants. Vows… you…

“Lord, have mercy on my son,” said the father, who had fallen on his knees before Jesus.1 “Lord, have mercy…” said the mother. And two blind men. And the lepers. And two more blind men. There are five instances in the gospels where people realized their staggering, insurmountable need—their utter helplessness—and in sheer desperation they cried out to Jesus for…

Lord, he whom You love is sick.* These words were the first conscious thought I had this morning. I think the Holy Spirit brought them to mind. I sensed He was inviting me to use these words in prayer for a friend of mine who is sick. But I hesitated. Was praying that prayer for my friend a legitimate use of Scripture? Did Lazarus’ situation apply? I wondered…