Make 2009 Your Best Year of Prayer

I had the fortunate and unexpected opportunity to visit John Piper’s church yesterday while in Minneapolis on a youth trip and I found his message inspiring (not surprising). He challenged the congregation to make 2009 the best year of prayer that they have ever had and he gave them three practical suggestions has we all move into the new year:

1. Set aside a time to pray and show up. Don’t leave it to chance. The devil defeats most of our efforts to pray by distracting us with things they may not seem bad, but still rob us of our time (like blogging).

2. Read scripture while you pray and then pray about what you’re reading in scripture.

3. Pray in concentric circles. Start with your own sin, your own struggles, etc., then move outward to your spouse, your children, your family, your church, your community, your country, and our world - or pray the other way, starting globally and ending with yourself.

Piper’s message was inspiring, funny, challenging, and I highly recommend that you take some time to listen to it when it’s available. There was so much more to his message than what I have summarized here, so check it out!

Update: The sermon is now online here.

The Importance of Hell By Tim Keller

Mainline liberal denominations have rejected the Biblical teaching of the reality of Hell, so it’s more important than ever that Christians understand the doctrine of hell - without it we can’t understand our complete dependence on God, the character and danger of even the smallest sins, and the true scope of the costly love of Jesus. Tim Keller has written an article about the importance of Hell, pointing out that “Jesus said more about hell than Daniel, Isaiah, Paul, John, Peter put together.” Please read it and and let it sink in just how dangerous God is apart from approaching Him through Jesus.

HT: Redeemer Presbyterian Church

Piper answers, “What did Christmas look like in your home as your kids grew up?”

An Advent Calendar That Should Cause You To Stand in Awe And Worship

“As we head into the traditional western Holiday Season, I’d like to present this Hubble Space Telescope imagery Advent Calendar. Every day, for the next 25 days, a new photo will be revealed here from the amazing Hubble Space Telescope.”

HT: iMonk via takeyourvitaminz

12 Ways to Pray for Your Loved Ones During Christmas

Here are 12 ways to pray for a spirit of all things Christmas for our loved ones and ourselves.

1. Love. Lord, help us follow the way of love—let the love of Christ compel us (1 Corinthians 14:1,2; 2 Corinthians 5:14).

2. Joy. Restore the joy of Your salvation to us; let us experience the joy of Your presence (Psalm 51:12; 16:11).

3. Peace. Let Your peace rule and guard our hearts; give us more of You—You are our peace (Colossians 3:15; Philippians 4:7; Ephesians 2:14).

4. Hope. Enlighten the eyes of our hearts so that we may know the hope You called us to (Ephesians 1:18).

5. Favor. Let Your favor rest on us (Luke 2:52).

6. Life. Shine Your light of life on us; help us to walk in it (Job 33:30; Psalm 56:13).

7. Salvation. Help us to fear You so we can unlock the treasure of Your salvation (Isaiah 33:6).

8. Selflessness. Keep us from self-seeking attitudes that reject truth (Romans 2:8).

9. Generosity. Make us rich in ways that result in generosity on our part so You will be praised (2 Corinthians 9:11).

10. Receiving. Help us receive Your Kingdom, Your Spirit, and Your grace (Daniel 7:18; John 20:22; Romans 5:17).

11. Seeking. Encourage us to seek Your face with all our hearts (Deuteronomy 4:29; Psalm 27:8).

12. Praise. We ascribe glory to Your name, Lord; we come before you in worship, for You are holy (1 Chronicles 16:28,29).

HT: NavPress

Holiday Blood

The holidays are upon us and in the midst of carols, cookies, lights and gifts it can be easy to lose sight of the wonderful reason we celebrate season. Be reminded of the reason for the season at holidayblood.com

HT: The Plow

Christ the Only Way By R.C. Sproul