I. Icebreaker — Stories of Reconciliation Before we turn to Nehemiah, let me connect us to where we’ve been the past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago, Tommy used home renovation shows—things like Property Brothers—to help us think about rebuilding. That fit Nehemiah well, because Nehemiah quite literally asks the king for permission to rebuild … Continue reading Confession, Reconciliation, Celebration
Why do we pray? Does God hear our prayers? What is the purpose of prayer? Please, Lord, hear our prayers. #biblestudy #Sunday #Prayers #praying
Does God hear our prayers? Studying Daniel's faithful prayer can provide assurance that God hears and answers. #biblestudy #Sunday #prayer
I. Introduction From time to time, we all come to a big decision in our lives. I've lost my job; what should I do now? I have a medical issue; how should I treat it? Is this person right for me? Should I compromise, or should I stand my ground? We are faced with … Continue reading Willing
I. Introduction – Why do We Pray? First of all, I want to apologize for my absence recently. It’s been a difficult month for me. My stepfather was a warm, loving father who taught me much about the meaning of family and forgiveness, and he was also the first close family member to me … Continue reading The Lord is My Shepherd
I. Introduction Open your bible to Genesis 15, and the first two words are, “After this.” After what? Ok, open your bible to Genesis 14. II. A Promise Given, Genesis 15:1-3 Let me summarize what’s happened with Abram recently. In Genesis 14, Abram’s nephew Lot had settled down with his family near Sodom and … Continue reading Waiting on the Promises of God
I. Introduction We covered Esther in two weeks and Ezra in two weeks, like we were in a hurry. But we’re going to slow down and spend the next several weeks in Nehemiah. Let’s dive right in with an introduction to Nehemiah, who he is and what he’s doing. II. Background History The … Continue reading Rebuilding the Walls
I. Introduction From time to time, we all come to a big decision in our lives. I've lost my job; what should I do now? I have a medical issue; how should I treat it? Is this person right for me? Should I compromise, or should I stand my ground? We are faced with decisions … Continue reading Praying About Difficult Decisions
Welcome to the CLXXVIII edition of the Christian Carnival. Whoa, CLXXVIII. That's a lot of Roman letters just to say it's the 278th edition. My apologies for the late edition. Real life, as always, got in the way. No excuses, I'm just late. This week's best Christian writing is presented for your intellectual perusement and … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCLXXVIII
Welcome to the CCLXV edition of the Christian Carnival, this week's collection of the best Christian writing on the planet. Prolific writing this week, too! There are a huuuge number of submissions. Grab a cup of coffee and sit back and enjoy. Richard H. Anderson presents Shalom for the shepherds posted at dokeo kago grapho … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCLXV
We’ve been studying the rise of David as King of Israel. David is an interesting man, full of failures, yet David is a man after God’s own heart. What makes David different? How is David different than Saul? As we studied in 1 Samuel, the people of Israel demanded a king and God gave them … Continue reading Responding to Loss
Image via Wikipedia We survived; we're thankful. Not only that, we're well, we have a nice cool front to bring the temperatures down, and it's a full moon to illuminate our evenings. All these things we give praise and thanks to God. Last Friday we tried several places to buy a propane refill tank to … Continue reading Aftermath of Ike
This week, Chasing the Wind is honored to host the 228th edition of the Christian Carnival, a collection of this week's best Christian blogging. This week is Father's Day - so let us remember this week that it is our Father in heaven that gives us Life in Him! Would you like to participate in … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCXXVIII
Don't let your worries get the best of you; remember, Moses started out as a basket case. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* Many folks want to serve God, but only as advisors. *+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+*+* It is easier to preach ten sermons than it is … Continue reading Christian One Liners
Chasing the Wind is honored to host the 219th edition of the Christian Carnival II, the blogosphere's best Christian writing. My comments on the post in italics after each entry, but I left the author's original thoughts when he or she provided them. I included almost all posts I received; I excluded two from the … Continue reading Christian Carnival CCXIX
I first saw the news yesterday that governor of Georgia was going to lead a prayer for rain. I only briefly glanced over it; if I thought of it at all, it was to remark to myself that it's probably only a photo op to appease his votors, or if he's sincere, a passing wonder … Continue reading Praying for Rain
Jesus and Money Recently in a comment, I was challenged regarding posting my stock selections; the concern from Chris was that such financial considerations were incongruous with the teachings of Jesus. Chris Says: September 18th, 2007 at 11:03 am I find it somewhat ironic and mildly amusing that your blog contains articles of spirituality along … Continue reading Jesus and Money
Christian Carnival #186 is up... here! Chasing the Wind is humbled to host the Carnival this week. Without further ado, here are this week's best Christian blogging. Oh wait, here's a little more ado. I've divided this week's post in sections with a brief description about how this relates to Christian living. Ok, *now* we're … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXXXVI
Christian Carnival #180 is up at Everyday Liturgy. This week's best Christian blogging includes these entries - "Holiness and Excellence", a reflection on Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9-11, at Real Meal Ministries. Sola Scriptura Considered at Pseudo-Polymath. Objectivity in Studying Abortion at Hope for Pandora. Check some of the other posts, too.
Christian Carnival 178 is up at ... Chasing the Wind! I have the honor of hosting this week's carnival, affectionately known as Christian Carnival 178, 2^89th, hexadecimal B2, or binary 10110010. Whew, and I think there were almost that many entries. 🙂 They're presented here in roughly the order submitted; if you're a blog author … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXXVIII
First, prayers for the previous administrator of the Christian Carnival are needed. Dory of Wittenberg Gate has suddenly gone missing, so pray for her well-being and health. The Christian Carnival is trying to reorganize as Christian Carnival II. If you're interested in becoming part of this resurrected carnival, join the Google Group Christian Carnival II.
We'll be inundated over the next several days with stories of the shootings today at Virginia Tech, but I'd like to ask everyone to keep all those hurt by today's rampage in your prayers. The students, the teachers, the adminstrators, the police, and most especially those who lost their lives in today's shootings. President Bush … Continue reading Virginia Tech Today
Bono, the lead singer of U2, was asked to give an address at the National Prayer Breakfast in 2006. Bono discussed his personal faith, the faith of nations, and the plight of the poor in Africa that are dying from AIDS. Based on this speech, "On the Move" was produced with images of the faces … Continue reading Review: On the Move
I received this via email, original author unknown, but it's a powerful prayer: Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a … Continue reading Prayer for Patience
This week's Christian Carnival is up, and it's being hosted this week... here, at Chasing the Wind! I've decided to categorize the entries this week into posts about Jesus, posts about our relationships, and posts about us. Jesus tells us we are to love him and love our neighbor as ourselves, and that reminds me … Continue reading Christian Carnival CLXIII
I had dinner with some friends from church last night, and one of the more learned friends made a statement that at first I objected to, but the more I think about it, the more validity it seems to have. My question: Does God hear the prayers of the unrepentant sinner? In my own walk … Continue reading The Prayers of the Sinner
For the rest of this year, our bible class will be deep into the Book of Hebrews. Most scholars believe the Book of Hebrews was written by Paul to the early Christians who had converted from Judaism, and we'll find excellent instruction these next few months on what Christian living is all about. So, let's … Continue reading Pay Attention
Presumably when Jesus was alive He didn't need bandages, but now you can buy bandages with His image on them for healing. Somehow it just doesn't seem right, but I can't put my finger on why. Healing comes from Jesus through prayer and grace, and a bandage with His picture doesn't fit into that equation … Continue reading Jesus Heals
Spotlight today on the Colorado Rockies, and a thanks to USA Today for portraying Christianity in sports in a positive light. DENVER — No copies of Playboy or Penthouse are in the clubhouse of baseball's Colorado Rockies. There's not even a Maxim. The only reading materials are daily newspapers, sports and car magazines and the … Continue reading Upon These Rockies I Will Build My Church
I love to hear about new love, especially when it's rooted in faith in the Lord. My wife and I, as you know, "re-began" (if that's a word) our marriage based on just this type of faith. Jeff at Think Sink is asking for prayers for him: Yes, friends and stray readers (and you know … Continue reading In Love on God's Timetable
I chuckled at thsi story. Isn't it prohibited for the US Government to prohibit freedom of religion? They succeed often, but not this time. The graduating students stood up and prayed The Lord's Prayer and the crowd gave them a standing ovation. Earlier in the day, a federal judge had banned prayers from the ceremony … Continue reading Government Fails to Stop Prayer
I stumbled across this disturbing piece yesterday while reading the news. Major television ministries are outsourcing their prayer lines to India! The more I read, the more hot under the collar I got. DES MOINES — Last month, Lori Danes, 43, called the prayer line of a major television ministry and requested prayer for her … Continue reading Outsourcing Prayer Lines
Scrappleface does an admirable job of summarizing a recent news story on prayer. March 31, 2006 Prayer Study: Humans Fail to Manipulate God by Scott Ott (2006-03-31) — A team of scientists today ended a 10-year study on the so-called “power of prayer†by concluding that God cannot be manipulated by humans, not even by … Continue reading Scientists Fail to Manipulate God
I recently finished "The Witness" by Dee Henderson, and enjoyed it a lot. I can't tell you how much pleasure it was to read about characters that treat each other with respect, look out for each other unselfishly and sacrificially, then go to the Lord in prayer before making major decisions. In this book, the … Continue reading Review: The Witness
January 1, 2006 Today's Swahili phrase: Jambo, which means "Howdy" in Texan. We used this word more than any other, I think, and it was so easy to pronounce. I meant to write these faster and closer together, but the work load skyrocketed on me the last couple of weeks. Several of you have encouraged … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 6
When I read an encouraging story about someone who has overcome tremendous struggles by leaning on Christ, I want to shine a spotlight. Here's Jennifer Sands in the Agape Press: Author and 9/11 Widow's Second Book Shares Ongoing Faith Journey By Allie Martin March 15, 2006 (AgapePress) - A woman whose husband was killed in … Continue reading Spotlight: Jennifer Sands
December 30, 2005 Goodness, can it be Friday already? We left Houston Tuesday afternoon and we're still not at our final destination. It's like Africa is on the other side of the world or something. 😛 We woke up in the Methodist Guest House in Nairobi, and in the light we could see how quaint … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 4
December 27, 2005 I've been remiss in my blogging duties; oddly, I actually crossed "blog about Kenya" off my todo list accidentally, and it wasn't until a friend email yesterday that I realized I had not written about this trip. Let me preface this whole adventure by saying that I thank God for the opportunity … Continue reading Kenya Mission, Day 1
Have you gone through trying times, and wondered what God's plan is or was? Are you going through them now? I have. There was a time about 9 years ago that I wondered what in the world God was trying to teach me. How in the heck could I possibly be in this mess? I … Continue reading Review: Brokenness
NBC aired "The Book of Daniel" against the objections of Christian conservatives. Poorly written, appealing to few people, too controversial for advertisers, the "Book of Daniel" was dropped. European newspapers have published cartoons depicting Mohamed with a bomb for a turban. Muslims rioted, kidnapped Europeans, burned effigies. Both freedom of speech examples. Both examples of … Continue reading Offending the Religious
Andrew Coulson at the Cato Institute has a question - why are we fighting over Intelligent Deisgn vs Evolution? Does it matter to one parent if another parent teaches their child about God? Supporters of the theory of human origins known as "intelligent design" want it taught alongside the theory of evolution. Opponents will do … Continue reading Intelligent Design in Public Schools
One out to go. One measly out, and the Astros are going to the World Series. And then a single by St. Louis puts a man on base. And another single. And then Pujols belts it out of the park. He hit it so hard I thought he had punched a hole in the roof. … Continue reading One Out to Go
God has been begun preparing me to be a part of an upcoming mission trip; I want to experience first-hand the needs of another culture and to help evangelize our lost world. Our mission group is scheduled to depart for Africa by the end of this year 2005. We have been preparing and planning for … Continue reading Kenya Mission Trip
Stephen the Redneck Blogger will be filling in yet again for me over the next month. Give him a hand, but make sure he washes it first if he's been playing with his animals. I don't know how accessible I'll be over the next month - I have 3 separate business trips planned for Duisberg, … Continue reading Haphazard Posting
The Army Corp has been unable to plug the levees that are flooding New Orleans. Dropping 3000 lb sandbags and 15 foot concrete barriers are having no effect. This morning, the Lousiana governer called for a complete evacuation of New Orleans. No idea where these people are supposed to go, though. The population of New … Continue reading Abandon New Orleans
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the hundreds of thousands of people impacted by Hurricane Katrina yesterday. Reports are sketchy, but perhaps 55 people have died and anywhere from $9 billion to $20 billion in damages. If you'd like to help out, Christian organizations are providing relief and will put your donation to good … Continue reading Christian Groups and Hurricane Relief
I have been glued to the TV for hours looking at this monster storm heading towards New Orleans. I was watching TWC reports coming in from offshore recording storm serge of 30 feet. Lets all put our prayers together for these folks in her path because it's not gonna be good.
I kept waiting for Monday to let up; doesn't look like it's going to happen. So instead of thought-provoking commentary, here's a couple of interrelated links: 10 reasons I've grown to despise the Left ...and why you should, too Yeah, I know it's written in an inflammatory way, but look at the list, especially if … Continue reading Religious Linkage for Monday
A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. "What food might this contain?" The mouse wondered - he was devastated to discover it was a mousetrap. Retreating to the farmyard, the mouse proclaimed the warning. "There is a mousetrap in the house! There is … Continue reading The Mousetrap
I stumbled across these this morning (I was wearing big shoes at the time). Thought I'd share. 🙂 Give God what's right -- not what's left. Man's way leads to a hopeless end -- God's way leads to an endless hope. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing. He who kneels before … Continue reading Church Signs
I'm off work today but busy with last minute preparations and family get-togethers. I can't imagine I'm going to have any time to blog for a few days. Impending nuptials, you know. 🙂 Last night Diane's borhter & sister came to town; tonight there's dinner with friends, and tomorrow my mom is graciously hosting a … Continue reading I Can't Imagine I'm Gonna Have the Time
Today is a National Day of Prayer. And no, Google doesn't have a special logo for this one, either. And in San Francisco, they don't like the fact that this day is dominated by Christians. The day has been taken over by evangelicals," said Robert Boston, a spokesman for Americans for Separation of Church and … Continue reading National Day of Prayer
Wow. A new pope has been chosen after only two days. Don't know who it is yet, but the bells of St. Peter's Basilica are ringing. Update: Pope Benedict XVI from Germany.
All serious topics for today: A group of former homosexuals have found that homosexuality can be overcome with strength from Jesus. They're putting up billboards, too. Exodus International says that change is possible. The ACLU is attacking the Boy Scouts again saying the pledge "to do my duty to God and my country" makes them … Continue reading Today's Topics
After 13 days without food, Terri Schiavo died today at the age of 41. My prayers are with Terri's parents who gave a good fight to try to save their daughter's life. And I condemn her "husband;" he used the "sanctity of marriage" screen for his decision while already engaged in an adulterous affair, and … Continue reading Terri Schiavo is Dead
It's amazing what God can do if you lean on him. 🙂 Diane & I divorced eight years ago. I ran off to Singapore to mope and instead found Christ. Turns out He wasn't lost after all. Studying scripture led me to understand that I was probably going to go solo for the rest of … Continue reading Michael & Diane
God not so dead: Atheism in decline worldwide Excepts: Gurat, France – There seems to be a growing consensus around the globe that godlessness is in trouble. "Atheism as a theoretical position is in decline worldwide," Munich theologian Wolfhart Pannenberg told United Press International Tuesday. [...] Two developments are plaguing atheism these days. One is … Continue reading Atheism in Decline Worldwide
Matthew 12:34: For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. I've been asked to share my testimony at Second Baptist church this weekend. Everybody that comes to Christ has a story about how they finally gave up their stubborn ways and finally listened to what God has been saying to them. I … Continue reading Testify
My brain is not yet in gear this Monday morning, so I'll just recap the weekend. Friday night Diane and I caught "Million Dollar Baby." Highly recommended; although it's a boxing movie, it's not what you expect. Hilary Swank was terrific; she sure can throw a punch. In the race for Oscars, I thought this … Continue reading Weekend Recap
Thanks for the prayers, everyone! 🙂 I spoke to Irv's daughter this afternoon; they've decreased his sedation, chest x-rays of his heart look good, they've reduced the strength of the ventilation machine so he's partly breathing on his own now. He's still going to be in the hospital a bit longer, but the worst is … Continue reading Irv is Improving
No posts today, sorry. Was called out early this morning to visit my stepfather in the hospital. I think he's spent 2 of the last 3 months there. I would appreciate your prayers for Irv today. Early this morning it was looking pretty iffy, but it looks like he's going to make it. Irv's tough. … Continue reading More Prayers, Please
First of all, many thanks for your thoughts and prayers. The short story is the Lasik was a complete success. Long story below. 🙂 Diane dropped me off for my appointment at 1:00pm yesterday and I got checked in for the procedure. They give me a complete examination all over again and take all the … Continue reading Lasered Eyeballs Update
I'd appreciate your prayers today. I'll be having Lasik surgery this afternoon. Having your eyeballs lasered sounds like some "B" movie science fiction torture method, but I'm assured this surgery is a positive thing. I'll try to post an update when my vision recovers.
They looked at me like I was crazy. I had a larger family gathering planned for Christmas this year, but those plans got derailed this year. My stepfather went into the hospital for a whole laundry list of problems (thank you for your prayers, by the way - he's home and doing much better!), and … Continue reading Christmas Packages
Eight Days till Christmas. Are you ready? Most of my family will be here for Christmas *SUNDAY* and I think I'm barely going to be ready in time. The rest of you lucky squirrels have another week to get ready. I've been occupied and forgetful, and I'm going to get all caught up in a … Continue reading These Are a Few of My Favorite Things
This morning my step-father is in the hospital. Details are sketchy, but it may be an emergency gall bladder surgery. Please pray for Irv this morning, as well as the surgeons who will be working on him.
John met with a neurologist this week. I'm sorry to report the prognosis isn't good. Your continued prayers are needed more than ever. John's son Ryan wrote this this morning: Hello Everyone, There was a meeting yesterday with the hospital staff. Hayden's prognosis is "a persistent vegetative state." It's been 38 days now since the … Continue reading Hayden Update
John sends word on the progress with Hayden, along with thanks for your prayers so far: Dear Family and Friends, There has been some progress, but I would have much rather had progress in Hayden's recovery. Hayden is stable and gaining physical strength. She is having trouble with her feeding and is vomiting quite often … Continue reading Hayden Update
I made some minor tweaks to the sidebar tonight. The weather forecast wasn't as useful as I thought and I decided it didn't deserve the prominent place it held near the top, so I dropped it all the way to the bottom. At the bottom used to be the Daily Manna, a bible verse for … Continue reading Verse of the Day
After Hayden's miraculous recovery, she has stalled in her recovery. Her father and grandfather are asking anew for your prayers. Hello, There was a meeting with Hospital staff and family on Friday. Four physicians were present. The two most senior were the main pediatrician and the pediatric neurologist. The other two were not very active … Continue reading Renewed Request for Prayer
Kathleen Parker writes a fantastic article about how religion didn't "work" for the Democrats during this election. Through their post-election soul-searching, Democratic leaders claim to have seen the light. The reason they lost - and the way to win - is God. It was precisely this sort of insight for which God created Monday mornings. … Continue reading Faking God
Hayden is making remarkable progress. John's email needs no explanation: Dear Family and Friends, I returned from a three day trip late yesterday. It is hard to focus under the current situation, but things went well. As soon as posable I drove to the hospital. Hayden has a very large room now and a new … Continue reading Hayden's Improving
At A Small Victory in an article called Jesusland Flavored Kool-Aid, Michelle can't help but notice that the left (the far left fringe *and* the middle left) think this country is turning into a theocracy: If you read them correctly - and I'm not just talking about the fringe elements here, but your everyday journalists, … Continue reading Jesusland Flavored Kool-Aid
Hayden's family and the hospital have put up a website where you can leave messages directly to Hayden and the family in the room. It's free, but it does require you to create a username and password to view and post. I highly encourage you to post your prayers and well wishes there: http://www.tlcontact.com/ServeCarePage?cpn=Haydens411 Update: … Continue reading Hayden Update for Sunday
Dear Family and Friends, Her chart read, "Eminent Brain Death." As in all terminal cases, the limits they put on visitation was lifted. It was a very sad situation. I spent last night in the room with Hayden. Her recovery is continuing slowly. The doctors have no explanation. She began with a very week cry … Continue reading Hayden Update for Friday
John has emailed Hayden's status the last couple of day, and it hasn't looked good. A brain scan on Tuesday showed almost no activity, and Tuesday night the doctors took Hayden off of life support. Doctors planned on keeping her as comfortable as they could and wait for the end. John called just now, two … Continue reading Hayden Update
I spent the afternoon with my good friend John at the Texas Children's Hospital where John and his son are spending 18 hours a day this past week. John's granddaughter, Hayden, is in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in an induced coma with significant brain swelling. The doctors have exhausted the types of medicines … Continue reading Prayer Request for Hayden
Early this morning, a co-worker was struck by a drunk driver on his way to work. Hardy Carrow died 2 hours later at the hospital. I barely knew Hardy - this is a large office complex - but when I saw him, he always had a smile on his face. He was a good friend … Continue reading Close to Home
Poor Teresa Heinz Kerry. She has millions and millions of dollars; she probably doesn't want the attention that running for First Lady brings. I'm sure she'd rather sit on the porch at Nantucket and enjoy champagne and brie. I know I would if I had her kind of money. Last night she snapped; right after … Continue reading Teresa's a Wee Bit Stressed
The following is from my brother this morning -It all happened so fast.... Glen’s recruiter picked him up for a final PT test on Monday. If he passed this test he would gain a rank to what is referred to as E3. I’ll have to do a little research but he will be Specialist 1st … Continue reading Private 1st Class Glen
'Twas the night before graduationand all through the housenot a creature was stirringwell except my son on the computerand Patch the wonder dog with his red, white, and blue bandanaYeah, yeah, I know the cadence isn't right, I'm bushed. It feels sort of like Christmas around here. The refrigerator is stuffed with deli hams and … Continue reading High School Graduation Eve
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