Prayer stands at the heart of a thriving ministry. Long hours for the church, frequent pastoral visiting, vigorous study, and passionate preaching—unless the Lord gives his blessing, all these labors are in vain (Ps 127:1-2). God loves to bless his…
Psalm 122 calls people to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem” and to seek her good (6, 9). Is the Psalm calling us to be politically pro-Israel, as some people interpret it today? Or is it teaching something more basic to…
In remembrance of his late mother, the 19th century Southern Presbyterian B.M. Palmer wrote, “Ah! We have but one mother on earth. Who can replace her in our thought? She who bore us in the walls of her flesh, in…
Everyone desires to live the “good life.” Most people want a productive and successful life, with happy relationships, pleasures, financial security, peace, and comfort. Some strive for a life of notoriety or fame on a grand scale and desire a…
