Dangerous Prayers

Later in his life, Isaiah would add color to God's grace by quoting the one who forgave him, Writing, "I, even L, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more" (Isa, 43:25). When you cry out to God for forgiveness, he doesn't remember your sins. They are gone. Forgiven. Washed away. And forgott

That simple challenge changed the way I lived. Instead of existing passively, I started living aggressively, watching for opportunities to exhibit faith. When I met a guy that seemed discouraged on a flight, I talked to him and did my best to lift his spirits. Then I felt prompted by God to do more than just talk. I wrote him a note and included tw

Feel the power of his presence. If his Spirit dwells within you, you can say with confidence: He is my Rock (Ps. 42:9). He is my Savior (Ps. 18:46). He is my stronghold (Ps. 144:2). My God is the one who blots out our sins (Isa. 43:25), and he is my God who comforts me when I hurt (Isa. 66:13). The King of the universe is my advocate (Job 16:19). H

At first, doing something daily that takes faith may seem daunting or even overwhelming. But once you start, not only will you enjoy it, but you may even sense God transforming you from someone with a self-centered faith to someone with a self-sacrificing, God-glorifying, other-centered faith. Your faith acts don't have to be big, intimidating, or

In my own life, Ive learned that when Im defensive, thatk an indication Ineed to pay close attention and be open to what God wants to show me. If someone is suggesting a change in your life and you bark back, instead of barking, you would be wise to listen. If you sense that God is convicting you of something and you are quiek to tell him why you d

Prayer is sacred communication, the language of longing, a divine dialogue between you and your heavenly Father, your Abba, your Daddy. When you pray, the God of the universe listens. And not only does he listen, but he also cares. About what you have to say. About all the things you carry around in your heart that no one else knows about. Maybe ev

Gary reminded me that God loved me. He always has my best interests in mind. But for me to be wholly useful to him, I'd have to be empty of myself. God would have to break me of pride, of self-confidence, of self sufficiency. And God would also have to break me of things that didn't even know needed to be removed from my life.

If I wanted to be used

A. W. Tozer, who said, "It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply." I remember thinking then what I think now: I'm not sure I like that idea. Did I even believe it? Is that the price I'd have to pay for God to use me greatly? Isn't there an easier way?

Jesus didn't just challenge others to leave their own wills behind. He too lived a dangerous faith. He touched lepers. Showed grace to prostitutes. And stood bravely in the face of danger. Then he told us we could do what he did-and more.

And that's why we can't settle for simply asking God to bless our food or "be with us today."