Prayer should not be ritualistic or religious. It is a relationship with God, and prayer is the time we get in tune with the Master. Thankfully, Jesus does give us an outline in Matthew 6, on the way to pray, but it is meant to be much deeper than us repeating the Lord's Prayer. Prayer is where the Father's heart and way of thinking overtakes our own. It is a place where we find belonging in the Lord. Prayer is not a religious checklist, but an encounter with God and His Word that changes us. 

Many years ago, as a young mother, Peggy Joyce attempted to witness to her neighbor only to end up questioning her own faith. The next eight years were filled with paralyzing fears and depression. Most pastors and the psychological world had given up entirely, but God had a different plan. (Also available in book form, Tormented 8 Years and Back.)

The story of Jesus' birth is more than just an event that happened in history; the Christmas story is meant to change the world. It is good news! The message of Salvation was first laid out in the Christmas Story. Jesus, our Savior, was born for each of us. For the first time, peace and goodwill were brought to the earth. 

People with physical or emotional needs seem to be more willing or ready to turn to God, but people who have everything or have been able to solve their problems in and of themselves many times have no real reason to turn to God. They are seemingly satisfied and have no noticeable need. How does God reach the unreachables? 

Satan is the god of this world, and we must learn to overcome all of his schemes and assignments. At the root of all the enemy's schemes is fear. No matter what you are facing, it can always be traced back to fear. But Jesus told us, "Be of good cheer. I have overcome the world." -John 16:33. If we are to be like Jesus, we must learn to be overcomers in this life.

Are you taking time to make your Thanksgiving personal to God? It is easy to go through the motions and give thanks, but in His Word, God instructs us to give thanks to Him. One of the most valuable things we can give God is our thanksgiving. It is a way we can give back to God what He has given us.  

Do you know our Thanksgiving Heritage in America? Jamestown and Plymouth were both early settlements. One town was only after gold and greed, and they paid the price. The other was sent on a mission by God and considered Him in everything they did. God blessed them every step of the way.

Do you have family members who are not born again? This teaching is to help you pray effectively for family members who have yet to know the Lord. Even if your children and grandchildren are grown and out of the home, your prayers still have authority in their lives. God wants to partner with us to bring our family into His kingdom. 

Do you have family members who are not born again? This teaching is to help you pray effectively for family members who have yet to know the Lord. Even if your children and grandchildren are grown and out of the home, your prayers still have authority in their lives. God wants to partner with us to bring our family into His kingdom. 

Are you aware of how the enemy attacks, and do you know how to respond? Most begin with a single thought that grows until eventually we end up overwhelmed, with out-of-control negative emotions. We must learn how the enemy traps us and how we can take our thoughts captive, bringing them into obedience to God’s Word.