This 2012, I will be participating in the Seven-Day Prayer and Fasting activity of Victory, a church in the Philippines that exists to honor God and make disciples. For today and the next seven days, we will enjoy the presence of God by selecting one of three types of fast – liquid, one meal, or water – and participate in nightly prayer meetings that will bring us closer to the heart of God and help us discern His desire for our...

I’ve been extremely busy lately, and the fruit of the spirit has fallen several times, so to speak. (The Tagalog vernacular puts it so much more wittily: “nahulog ang prutas.”) Gosh, I’ve been a terrible person. Not even “Christian.” Just, person. Even in the eyes of the world, I feel like something’s amiss. Too often I forget that I am an ambassador of the King, and that it is only by mercy that I am...

Today’s Crave devotional from Psalm 119:81-88 reads: 1My soul faints with longing for your salvation, but I have put my hope in your word. 82My eyes fail, looking for your promise; I say, “When will you comfort me?” 83Though I am like a wineskin in the smoke, I do not forget your decrees. 84How long must your servant wait? When will you punish my persecutors? 85The arrogant dig pitfalls for me, contrary to...

Psalm 119:33-40 tell us: 33Teach me, O LORD, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. 34Give me understanding, and I will keep your law and obey it with all my heart. 35Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight. 36Turn my heart toward your statutes and not toward selfish gain. 37Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word. 38Fulfill your...

After yesterday’s rebuke, several songs in my worship today seemed appropriate for various reasons, but what stood out was Reuben Morgan’s Still. After a long time of spending time with God but not really – me talking and not giving Him a chance to talk, sounds familiar? – I was reminded today to really just be still in His presence. This is difficult for someone like me to do because I talk way too much, and silence...

Psalm 119:17-24 reads: 17Do good to your servant, and I will live; I will obey your word. 18Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. 19I am a stranger on earth; do not hide your commands from me. 20My soul is consumed with longing for your laws at all times. 21You rebuke the arrogant, who are cursed and who stray from your commands. 22Remove from me scorn and contempt, for I keep your...