Darkened Glass Reflections

Tag: prayer

  • Putting on the Armor of God: St. Patrick’s Breastplate

    Putting on the Armor of God: St. Patrick’s Breastplate

    I share a few thoughts about “St. Patrick’s Breastplate,” in relation to the whole armor of God and the breastplate of righteousness.

  • In One Accord—Acts 1:12–14

    In One Accord—Acts 1:12–14

    Jesus did not call the disciples to rely on their natural abilities or resources. They had already failed many times when they tried to serve Him that way. Pentecost would bring a new beginning. Old expectations were set aside. A renewed people, united in faith and prayer, would proclaim the resurrection of Jesus and kingdom…

  • Walking Through the Valleys. II: To the Other Side

    Walking Through the Valleys. II: To the Other Side

    A valley is merely a low point between two high places. You can climb the mountain out of the valley to the glorious summit where the light of the Son dispels all darkness. If you are in the valley, continue to follow God. Praise Him that He wants you to abide on the mountaintop, not…

  • Storing Up God’s Word—Psalm 119:9–11

    Storing Up God’s Word—Psalm 119:9–11

    Although Psalm 119:9 refers to “young men,” this passage is not reserved for a certain age group. All can benefit from this wisdom. Young men, young women, old men, and old women all need to keep our ways pure, and the answer is true for all of us.

  • A Prayer Acknowledging Jesus as the Light of the World

    A Prayer Acknowledging Jesus as the Light of the World

    Almighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ’s glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and…

  • Resolving to Follow Christ in the New Year

    Resolving to Follow Christ in the New Year

    As I write, the year 2017 is approaching its end. Many people are writing down their New Year’s resolutions. Although I usually quip that my New Year’s resolution is to avoid making New Year’s resolutions, I must admit that there is some value to this tradition. Many of us can think of ways we would like to improve our lives.…

  • Modern-Day Elijahs XI: A Nature Like Ours

    A modern-day Elijah will expect God to act in response to our prayers, or to accomplish whatever He said He would do. The faith of an Elijah recognizes God as a living, active, all-powerful Sovereign over all creation, not as an abstract concept confined within the covers of a book.

  • Modern-Day Elijahs VIII: No Turning Back

    Modern-Day Elijahs VIII: No Turning Back

    The relationship between Elijah and Elisha offers numerous lessons. For a few years, Elisha followed his mentor, learning how to be a prophet. Most importantly though, he learned the character of a man of God. He learned to remain faithful, to refuse to give in to discouragement; to ask, watch, persist, and believe that God…

  • Remaining Alert—Luke 21:34–36

    Remaining Alert—Luke 21:34–36

    Conjecture about the future distracts believers from the here-and-now. We can be overly concerned about living through the Great Tribulation, but first we need to survive the temptations of today. If we cannot overcome sin and Satan in today’s small conflicts, how can we overcome if full-blown persecution comes to our country?

  • The Holy Name of Jesus

    The Holy Name of Jesus

    It is important to consider the significance of the name of Jesus. His name tells us who He is and why He came into the world. It is the English transliteration of His Hebrew name, “Yeshua,” which means “The Lord is salvation.” He came, first and foremost, to “save his people from their sins.”