Praise & Pray

God uses His prophets as human mouthpieces. They share His word, issue His warnings, and serve as human hands to do His bidding on the earth. One such tool was John the Baptist, who came as a precursor to Jesus. He preached to people to repent and live godly lives so that they would be ready to receive Jesus when He came.

He also taught in Luke 3:8 - Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.

By saying this, John was cautioning the people of his time never to forget that they repented and thereby return to their sinful lifestyles or habits. This message was key for those around him, but it remains crucial for every person who desires to be in right standing with…

I recently studied the Book of Mark and was shocked by how much mocking Jesus experienced on his way to the cross, as well as while He was on it. A contingent of Roman soldiers made fun of Him as they led Him to be crucified (Mark 15:16-20). Passersby hurled insults (Mark 15:29-30). The religious leaders kept their mockery between themselves, but they also ridiculed Him. Even some of the people crucified alongside Him mocked as well (Mark 15:31-32).

Given our knowledge that His crucifixion was a divine sacrifice to save humanity, the insults He received seem ironic. Even more so when one realizes that not long before, He'd been welcomed into Jerusalem like royalty. Palm fronds and clothing were placed on the ground for his donkey to walk on (Mark 11:8). The people had welcomed Him with great praise, calling Him the one who came in the name of…

The Christian walk often requires paying close attention to seasons and timing. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tells us that there is a time for sowing and reaping. A time for joy and another for mourning. This is why everything doesn't happen all at once. With God, there is order, and we are told He is not the source of chaos and confusion in 1 Corinthians 14:33.

And so, it should come as no surprise that although believers are instructed to share their testimonies of what God has done for them, there are also times that the Lord will require His child to hold off and wait for certain other things to happen before they share what God has done in their lives.

One might be tempted to think He's doing this to preserve what He's doing or has done from the enemy's attack. While that may be true, the Lord might have a person…

We're all so scared to ask God to have His way with us because we think He's going to ask us to do something big and uncomfortable. However, a recent experience taught me that when we submit to the Lord, the smallest acts can have the greatest impact.

I recently went for a procedure, and on the way to the doctor's office, I said a simple prayer. I asked the Lord to use me for His purpose and allow me the chance to serve him there. Soon, I was prepped for the procedure, and my anesthesiologist wheeled me into the operating room. As we entered, I greeted the team. They were all friendly, but something was wrong.

The music playing did not agree with me. It was an R&B song, and I knew immediately that I couldn't have that playing during my procedure. I avoid secular music, and so, I asked…