The Parable of the Pharisee & the Tax Collector Mike Johnson The “Parable of the Pharisee and Tax Collector” is only found in Luke 18:9-14. Jesus pointed out that a Pharisee and a tax collector went to the temple to pray. He then contrasted their prayers and attitudes. He addresses the parable “to some who […]
WHERE SHOULD WE PRAY? Mike Johnson Is it necessary for people to pray in a particular location for their prayer to be acceptable or effective? Many think they must be in a specific place, such as a church building, for God to hear their prayers. What does the Bible teach on this question? Is the […]
LIFT UP YOUR SOUL TO GOD (Psalm 25:1) Mike Johnson Psalm 25:1 says, “To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.” The author of this Psalm, regarded as David, starts his prayer in a very respectful way, humbly appealing to God’s mercy, and desiring His pardon. This verse teaches a lot about the nature […]
A PRAYER FOR FORGIVENESS (Psalm 25) Mike Johnson Consider the following quote regarding Psalm 25. The sob of a great sorrow sounds throughout this psalm. The circumstances of its writing were those of desolation, affliction, distress, travail, as the latter part especially shows. Yet the main content is one full of help to all who […]
“Have Mercy Upon Me, O God!” (Psalm 51) Mike Johnson In the Old Testament, there is a particular psalm in which the author expresses the depths of his heart in asking God for forgiveness. He seems to have a childlike faith in God’s mercy and shows much profoundness and tenderness. Psalm 51 is often called […]
Pray Without Ceasing Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Pray without ceasing.” This verse is in the midst of a series of short admonitions given by Paul near the close of the book of I Thessalonians. He had just said Christians should “rejoice always.” These two admonitions can be connected, as prayer often removes obstacles that […]
DON’T TREAT PRAYER LIKE A SPARE TIRE Mike Johnson Do you spend a lot of time thinking about the spare tire in your automobile? Many people do not. In fact, many do not even check to see if they have a spare tire in their trunk. However, there is a time when all attention is focused […]
IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS (I Thessalonians 5:18) Mike Johnson I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks. . . .” This teaching occurs during a series of short admonitions near the end of the book of I Thessalonians. Earlier, Paul told them they needed to “rejoice always,” and they were to “pray without ceasing.” We might […]