Worship and Others

Did you read last week’s blog posting entitled “Worship and YOU”? It emphasized that worship is not a consumer activity. It is not about making us happy and fulfilling our expectations as consumers. It is about giving honor and praise to God. That is true whether one’s worship is offered in a weekly assembly with other Christians or as an expression of worship when alone.

And yet, when we intentionally come together to worship God, our worship also fills another expectation: encouragement of fellow believers.

Listen to the words of the Apostle Paul as he gives instruction regarding the assembly of Christians. Although he was specifically addressing issues regarding spiritual gifts, the application is broad.

I thank God, I speak in tongues more than you all; however, in the church [assembly] I desire to speak five words with my mind so that I may instruct others also, rather than ten thousand words in a tongue. 

-- 1 Corinthians 14:19

Based on Paul’s instruction it seems that the Christians in Corinth were so excited about speaking in tongues (foreign languages) that they had placed too great an emphasis on that spiritual gift. After all, if there was no interpreter (translator), then the foreign language meant nothing to anyone. The simple point is that our worship gathering ought to be understandable and encouraging to everyone attending.

Eight times in 1 Corinthians 14 Paul makes an argument for understanding. Six times he specifically emphasizes the need for edification in the assembly. He was so adamant about understanding and edification that he instructed those who spoke in tongues to be silent if there was no one to interpret (translate). He instructed those who prophesied (delivering a message from God) to take turns to avoid confusion.

So, while worship consists of praise and honor TO God, all that is done as worship should be understandable and edifying to those participating.

Earlier in 1 Corinthians, Paul gave instruction concerning the Lord’s Supper, another problem area for the Corinthian Christians. He said…

As often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes. 

-- 1 Corinthians 11:26

Even though the Lord’s Supper is focused on the life and sacrifice of Jesus, we should be aware that we are each making an open proclamation when we participate. We are announcing the Lord’s death to our fellow saints. It is not because they are unaware. Rather, it is a declaration of unity in our shared conviction regarding Jesus. But not only that, we do so “until He comes.” It is a simple celebratory memorial that announces the death of Jesus while each participant is convinced of His return. So to share in the Lord’s Supper is to collectively celebrate our salvation AND our hope.

This blog posting is for EVERY Christian who assembles to worship, but it is especially for those who lead. The prayers led ought to encourage. The songs chosen should encourage, and the way they are led ought to encourage. The comments at the Lord’s table ought to encourage us as they remind us of Jesus. The preaching and teaching ought to encourage. All glory and honor goes to God and to Jesus. And yet, in His divine wisdom, God desires for His worshippers to be encouraged when they assemble to worship.

Each of us has a part in our worship assemblies. Each week ought to be a kind of homecoming, until we go to our heavenly home.

Mark Stinnett

August 23, 2026

Senseless

We call them senseless because we search for meaning but cannot find any reasonable explanation. I am referring to the senseless violence that has occurred over the past several days, two school shootings, a woman being stabbed while riding on public transportation, and most recently the assassination of Charlie Kirk, an outspoken political and religious personality.

An outcry of sorrow, but also of anxiety, follows the school shootings. Speculation about the woman’s stabbing is fruitless, yet no one is thinking that the murderer was justified. Sadly, the reaction to Kirk’s death was immediately mixed.

Major news outlets and social media exploded with both outrage and sympathy. Yet, many who voiced sympathy also made political jabs against Kirk and his ideals. Then, there were extremists who were bold enough to applauded his death.

These senseless acts of violence seem to affect us more profoundly than tragedies overseas. They affect our kids, threaten our public safety, touch our beliefs and values. They did not happen somewhere else but in our ‘backyard.’ They each affect us differently, yet all heighten our awareness that we live in a broken world and it doesn’t seem to be getting better.

As Christians, what do we do? How do we react? What do we say?

The Scriptures provide guidance.

First, Jesus dealt with the news of senseless acts of violence in His day. The Roman governor, Pilate, had apparently ordered the death of some Jews from Galilee and mixed their blood with their sacrifices. (Luke 13:1-5) It was a hot-button issue of that day and caused outrage among some. However, Jesus’ response suggests that they were not as much angry with Pilate, but wanted Jesus to address the apparent guilt of the Galileans. In other words, they thought those Galileans must have been some really bad people for God to have allowed such a thing. They wanted Jesus’ opinion.

Jesus pulled their attention away from the headline news of the day with a statement that some might consider insensitive, “Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered this way?” Jesus was telling them that their focus was in the wrong place.

Would you like Jesus to weigh in on the violence of our day, give His divine opinion on the matter?

Jesus walked this earth as deity in the flesh. He existed before His earthly ministry. He had a perspective that we may overlook. He saw Cain kill Abel. He saw the condition of the world at the time of the flood, the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, the violent Assyrians attack Israel, His own people offering children as sacrifices, the desecration of the temple in Jerusalem by the Greeks. He had seen it all and the events of His day were nothing new.

Jesus did weigh in on the senseless matters of His day. He came to “seek and to save the lost” and “to give His life a ransom for many.” He did not think that He would end war and violence on the earth. Rather, He opened the door to God’s kingdom. He calls for you to change your thinking about the headline news and realign your focus to God and His kingdom!

Second, “The anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) So, curb your outrage. Refrain from social media outbursts and from your own senseless opinionated banter. Instead of expressing your liberty of free speech, capture God’s attention. Use your voice in the quiet of your room...on your knees...in humble prayer.

Mark Stinnett

September 14, 2025  

Getting Things Off Your Chest

Do not be like the horse or the mule, 

which have no understanding 

but must be controlled by bit and bridle 

or they will not come to you. 

—Psalm 32:9

This verse is among a trio of verses in which David reflected on God’s instruction and counsel. The horse and mule are used to illustrate the wicked individual who stubbornly refuses to listen. For all the good in horses and mules, they are beasts that have no desire to work or to transport a rider. To be useful, they must be controlled by bit and bridle.

Can you see how this is an accurate description of those in rebellion to God? We exist in a world in which many people simply want to do things their own way by throwing off all restraints. The result is the removal of any sense of right and wrong. As this philosophy of life is played out, people are hurt and lives are destroyed. Like the horse and mule the only way to control someone with such an unrestrained lifestyle is imprisonment, a type of bit and bridle for humans.

In contrast David began this Psalm:

Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, 

whose sins are covered. (v. 1)

He told how his body had wasted away because of the ever-present guilt of sin in his life. He described feeling the heavy hand of God at all times. Even his physical strength was sapped from his body. His description sounds like the symptoms of severe depression.

Have you ever felt the pressure of sin like David? Sin is oppressive; it ruins lives. Oh sure, we recognize the effects of the big sins: capital crimes, repulsive sexual immorality, bold rebellious sins. Yet other sins are more private and do not seem to be as serious because no one else knows. So we believe that we can just move on and it will all fade into the past.

In reality, sin, even private sin, weighs us down. We feel guilt. It is as if we have lost control. In truth sin has its own bit and bridle. It will literally take control of you and rule your life.

Our society believes in “getting things off your chest.” That is, at least in part, the function of much of the counseling that goes on today. Undoubtedly, that seems to help. It does feel better to be able to talk to someone, to share your burdens. But let me ask you a very serious question. Be completely honest.

What good does it really do? Does it really help?
Perhaps you answered, “Yes.”

Why, then, is it only temporary? Why is there another counseling session to be scheduled? Why does the weight of the burden return?

When there is sin in one’s life, the hand of God is the source of that heavy burden. There is no man that can take that off your chest. Listen to David’s words:

Then I acknowledged my sin to you 

and did not cover up my iniquity. 

I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” – 

and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (v. 5)

When sin has control of your life you will feel its effect. You may discover times when sin causes you to feel depressed. That weight is the hand of God.

The only real and lasting solution is to throw yourself at the feet of God with an open heart confessing your sin. He will forgive your sins and remove his heavy hand. What a relief it is to get things off your chest by going to God in prayer.

Mark Stinnett

July 28, 2024

God's Will and Your Health

Does God want you to be healthy?

I have heard countless prayers for the sick. At times people have asked for very specific procedures or very specific outcomes. They focused their prayer based on a prognosis by a doctor.

Very often I have heard requests worded, “If it is Your will…,” do this or that. At times it sounded as if God was working for us and we were micro-managing His divine involvement. And occasionally, but not often, I have heard people add to the end of a health-related prayer request, “Your will be done.”

I am not criticizing anyone for praying to God. I am not criticizing anyone for praying for health issues. Rather, I am wondering about the will of God as it relates to your health.

Do your remember any Scripture that teaches us that God’s will revolves around our good health? I’ll answer for you, “No!” That is not to say that God doesn’t care about your health. That is not to say that God will do nothing for you. That is not to say that you should not pray. It is merely to say, God’s will is not about your health. Rather, your health is about your will.

God’s will is bigger than your health. He desires people to be saved from sin. He desires His word to be preached. He desires the advancement of the kingdom of heaven. So, we must understand that saving souls, spreading the gospel, and advancing the kingdom is not about our physical well-being. God’s will for you involves heaven, not health.

There is a compelling example that leads me to this conclusion. Do you remember Stephen?

For some who are reading this, the mention of Stephen’s name is enough. Nevertheless, it may be worth noting a few things about the first Christian martyr. Stephen was among the men selected by the church in Jerusalem to assist with an issue concerning the distribution of food. He was a man who was “full of faith and of the Holy Spirit.” He was “full of grace and power” and was “performing great wonders and signs among the people.” Stephen was a powerful speaker for the kingdom of God and known as an evangelist. Because of his preaching of the gospel He was brought before the Jewish council and they all “saw his face like the face of an angel.” (Acts 6:15)

By all human measures, Stephen was a valuable part of the early church. God was using him to spread the gospel, save souls, and advance the kingdom of heaven. But God allowed the members of the Jewish council to stone Stephen to death after they had rejected his testimony.

It just doesn’t seem right to say that it was God’s will for Stephen to die. Yet, if physical health is God’s will, then God did a lousy job with Stephen, not to mention all the persecuted Christians mentioned in Hebrews 11.

How do we make sense of this?

Your good health is not the focus of God’s will. It is a blessing for which you should be thankful.

“Is anyone among you suffering? Then he should pray.” 

--James 5:13 

That includes your health.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him [God], because He cares for you.” 

--1 Peter 5:7

That includes your health.

Realize that when you are praying for your health, it is ‘your will.’ You are asking God for grace, and He may help you. However, realize that God’s will is far more important than yours.

Mark Stinnett

June 16, 2024

I Love That Song, But What Does It Mean?

I wish we would sing all my favorite worship songs...every week.

I don’t know how that sounds to you, but it occurred to me that my favorite songs might not be suitable for worship. Some of my favorites are written for performers, not for congregations of common folks. Some of my favorites should either be rewritten in modern English or retired because of the vocabulary that requires a dictionary and/or awkward wording that would challenge a literary scholar.

When the Apostle Paul wrote about singing in the assembly, he insisted that there must be understanding. The musical elements of a song are what make a poem a song. Musical elements can facilitate or distract, but the words are central to meaning. The words ought to convey a message, and that message ought to conform to the truth expressed in Scripture.

Song leaders ought to think about the content of each song selected. Does it communicate to the people attending? At times a brief word of explanation might be appropriate, but if a song requires an entire lesson defining archaic words and explaining complex poetry, it might be wise to omit that song from the weekly worship service?

Words spoken at the Lord’s Supper table and in prayer are supposed to communicate. Leaders ought to use a microphone if available, and if not, speak up! God may know our thoughts as we speak, but our thoughts are communicated among people who cannot understand them unless they are made known verbally and audibly in an understandable way.

I laugh, and sometimes roll my eyes, at newscasters reporting local sporting events. No longer can they say that a baseball player hit the ball, they use all kinds of slang expressions to describe a hit ball without using the word hit. He poked it, punched it, blasted it, blooped it, dinked it, tapped it, slammed it, or crushed it. If you are not a baseball fan, the message might be lost in all the jargon. Yet, that is the point, the message might be lost in all the jargon.

Sometimes, we fall into the same trap with excessive religious jargon. When we pray in the assembly we should use words that our audience understands, not potentially confusing jargon. Our words at the Lord’s Supper table should not need to be decoded.

I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the mind also; I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.

—1 Corinthians 14:15

Paul acknowledged communication and communion with God through his spirit, but he also recognized communication and communion with fellow Christians through the mind. While all of our worship is directed to God, He intends for everyone to understand. Our purpose in coming together is two-fold: worship to God and encouragement of fellow Christians.

Of all the activities in which we participate in our weekly worship service, only our participation in giving requires little or no communication. For everything else communication is critical. For that reason it is imperative that our communication be understandable, appropriate for that aspect of the worship, and meaningful. For that reason, religious jargon and obsolete phrases should be omitted. There may even be songs that should be retired.

Everyone who serves in a leading role in the assembly should give thought to his service of leading. Put God first, but remember the importance of communicating in such a way that the church, the people of God, are encouraged.

Mark Stinnett

March 10, 2024

How Do You Hide from God?

Have you ever felt like hiding from God?

There are three common ways to attempt to hide from God and I think that, at one time or another, each of us had tried one of these. After having done something wrong, our conscience convicts us: “Guilty!” Our shame makes us want to avoid God, to hide from Him.

Adam and Eve: Hiding
After Adam and Eve had eaten the forbidden fruit, their eyes were opened. The next thing they did is try to hide their naked bodies with clothing. And then, when they heard the sound of God in the Garden of Eden…

“...the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” 

—Genesis 3:8

They literally hid, but It didn’t work.

Jonah: Running
God told Jonah to go to the city of Nineveh with a message of divine judgment. Jonah ran the opposite direction from Nineveh. He revealed his reasoning: He knew that God was merciful and he did not want the people of Nineveh (Israel’s enemy) to receive mercy. (Jonah 4:2)

Jonah had not sinned like Adam and Eve. He was not running in shame. He was trying to avoid God’s instruction. Stated more emphatically, Jonah attempted to hide from God through disobedience to God’s instruction! That too, did not work.

David: Denying
King David had committed adultery with Bathsheba and then ordered the death of her husband to cover up their sin due to her pregnancy. David continued for months without addressing his sin. He was hiding from God by denying his sin and guilt through silence.

David explained how his attempt at hiding worked out…

When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away Through my groaning all day long. For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; My vitality was drained away as with the fever heat of summer.

—Psalm 32:3-4

We can attempt to hide from God in silence, like David. We can attempt to hide from God in disobedience, like Jonah. We can even attempt to hide among the trees, like Adam and Eve. In the latter case, we may attempt to hide by avoiding fellow Christians when we feel shame. Being around anyone living the Christian life makes us feel even more guilty.

Another way of hiding among the trees is by managing conversations so that no one ever gets close to finding out our guilt.

How do you hide from God? 

You can’t.

We must understand that God knows that sin separates us from Him, and yet, He loves to forgive. He doesn’t want us to hide from Him when we sin, but rather, race to Him confessing our sins. With open arms He is eager to forgive.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleans us from all unrighteousness.

—1 John 1:9

If we refuse to confess our sins, we are fooling ourselves in a futile attempt at hiding. Yet, when we confess our sins, we are running to God assuring Him that we agree about sin, that sin is hideous and that we desire purity.

Have you been hiding?

Do you need to confess sin?
Confess to God in prayer! 

Run to God...Now!

Mark Stinnett

December 10, 2023

"...In Jesus' Name"

Centuries ago a commander in the king’s army approached a cottage and called for all the sons of the family who were old enough to fight in battle. The parents released their sons and the sons went willingly – The commander had come in the name of the king!

In that example, we understand that the word of the commander was not his own, but rather the word of the king. The family did not see the king’s face or hear his voice, but they recognized the king’s authority and responded accordingly.

As Christians, we have been given the right to approach God and make requests in the name of Jesus, our King. In a prayer, when we say the words, “in Jesus’ name,” we are not casting a spell or a charm. There is no magic that compels God as if we have power over Him by speaking the right words in the right order on the right occasion.

In that day you will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will request the Father on your behalf; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me, and have believed that I came forth from the Father. 

 —John 16:26-27

In this statement Jesus assured His disciples that in His absence they themselves would have the right to speak to God. “In Jesus’ name” was not a new rule for ending prayers, but the way in which the disciples of Jesus would identify themselves when approaching God in prayer.

Does God know you?

“Yes, of course,” you reply.

Yet, in what way?

Without Jesus you are no different than any other sinner. God gives no special privileges to one sinner over another. So, as a sinner you have no expectation that God would respond to your words or my words when we speak on our own, that is, in our own name. Would we dare to approach God to speak to Him face-to-face in our name?

Without Jesus we are rebellious sinners. As humans we broke the original relationship the Creator had with his created. We are unholy.

However, God does recognize Jesus. So, when Christians approach God, speaking in the name of Jesus...God springs forward to listen, to give gifts, to protect, to assist, to forgive. He responds to those He loves, and He loves those who are clothed with Christ, those who have devoted their lives to Jesus the King.

_________________________

Do not take lightly the words that you speak in prayer to God. The words, “...in Jesus’ name,” are not added to a prayer as a command. Nor are they magic as if to control or manipulate Deity. Nor are they a trite ending to our prayers like an “excuse me” after a sneeze (just good manners).

When we pray we ought to remember that we have been given the privilege to speak to God, but in Jesus’ name. Considering that privilege, we ought to give thought to the content of our prayers. When we speak to God in Jesus’ name, the things we say ought to reflect the will of our Savior, and not our self-centered will. Then, when we stand before God, we stand with the assurance that Jesus spoke of. We can be confident that God will listen and respond to those who come to him with a heart of humility and faith...

...In Jesus’ name.

Mark Stinnett

November 5, 2023

How Complicated is Prayer?

Prayer requests. Sometimes you are asked to pray for others. Sometimes you need others to pray for you. Do you always know the exact need? Do you always know how to pray?

For a number of years I have heard people ask for prayers for a loved one, yet add specific instructions for those praying. Instead of just praying for God's help, it goes something like this: When you pray for my brother, be sure and pray that the tumor shrinks. Of course, that is based on the prognosis of the doctors tending to the patient. Or, perhaps people are instructed to pray that a friend would stop drinking (alcoholic drinks).

Let me ask, Have we narrowed down the problem so that we are praying for what is best? To be honest, I don’t know if the doctors have diagnosed the issue correctly. Assuming that they have (a good assumption), are there underlying issues that are undetectable?

As for the friend with a drinking problem, is controlling the drink the solution? Is there an underlying problem that needs attention?

My point: I would not want to make a request to God that is so focused that if He answered it according to my human understanding, it would actually restricts His grace. So, here’s something to think about from Scripture:

God said, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.” 

—Isaiah 55:9

When it comes to things beyond my control, I am content to leave my difficulties in the hands of God. He can assess the situation far better than I can and He can bring about a result far greater than what I might imagine. 

So, just pray.

__________

Some folks like to call on prayer warriors when they have a prayer request. I know what a warrior is, and I think I know what they mean. Yet, I am making an assumption because I have not read the literature in which this term originated. (It is not in the Bible.) So I have to make something up in my mind. I don’t know if I am correct in my assumption and I don’t even know if I am a prayer warrior. The request begins, “I want all you prayer warriors to….” 

Is that me? 

Am I a part of the group? 

I intend no sarcasm, I just don’t know.

When I wish to call on fellow believers to pray, I think of a verse that gives hope:

The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. 

—James 5:16

It might sound critical, but I’d rather find a righteous person to pray for me than a prayer warrior.

I fear that many Christians today are more impressed with religious trends and exciting new terminology than the simple word of God.

Here are two more Bible verses about prayer for your consideration:

The Spirit also helps our weaknesses; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.

—Romans 8:26

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 

—Philippians 4:6

I don’t think focused prayer and prayer warriors are bad or wrong. Perhaps both make sense. But prayer is really simple; it is communication to God from our hearts.

He cares.

He listens. 

Let’s not make prayer complicated. 

Just pray.

Mark Stinnett

March 13, 2022

That's Impossible!

Stunned that the fig tree withered right after Jesus cursed it, the disciples asked how the fig tree withered all at once. Jesus replied:

Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, “Be taken up and cast into the sea,” it will happen. And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.

—Matthew 21:19-22

When Abraham was 99 years old God spoke to him and restated His covenant promises. Then God spoke of Sarah, Abraham’s 90-year-old barren wife…

I will bless her, and indeed I will give you a son by her.

—Genesis 17:1-16

THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!

Moses stood with the nation of Israel at the Red Sea after they had been delivered by God from Egyptian slavery. The army of Pharaoh had pinned them down with nowhere to go. Then, God said to Moses:

As for you, lift up your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it, and the sons of Israel shall go through the midst of the sea on dry land.

—Exodus 14:1-16

THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!

God told Joshua to have the army of Israel march around the city of Jericho once each day for six days. Then, on the seventh day, He had them march around the city seven times, blow trumpets and give a loud shout, after which…

The wall of the city will fall down flat, and the people will go up every man straight ahead. 

 —Joshua 6:5

THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!

God told Gideon that his army was too large, so 22,000 men were sent home. Still too large, God whittled it down to 300 men. Israel victorious over the Midianite army of 135,000 soldiers? Do the math. That’s 450 Midianites to each Israelite! (Judges 6-8) The odds were not good...no…

THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!

Young David stood in the valley of Elah opposite the Philistine warrior hero, Goliath, a giant measuring 9 feet, 4 inches. David called out…

You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. This day the Lord will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you.

—1 Samuel 17:45-46

THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!

The angel Gabriel came to a virgin girl named Mary and told her that she would bear a son and call Him Jesus. He would be the Son of God.

THAT’S IMPOSSIBLE!

So, Mary asked how that could be…and Gabriel replied...

For nothing will be impossible with God.

—Luke 1:26-38

Stunned with the strong teaching of Jesus about those with great wealth, the disciples asked, "Then who can be saved?"

Jesus responded...

With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.

—Matthew 19:16-26

When men follow their research they are sure to achieve predictable human results. Yet, over and over, God has done the impossible. I think it’s time to spend less time researching and more time praying to God.

Mark Stinnett

March 6, 2022

'Caught Off Guard' Concerning Prayer

A non-believer once explained that prayer is a good thing; it is a way for a person to get things off his/her chest. For the non-believer I suppose you could achieve the same psychological release by talking to your dog, or the fire hydrant your dog is so fond of.

Yet, we know that God is real. Prayer is not just a psychological release. God really listens. But does He always listen???

In John 9:31 someone said, “God does not hear sinners.” Yet, there are examples in Scripture that seem to counter that statement. How do we make sense of the exceptions?

The sinner in John 9:31 is not simply that person whose life is marred by sin, but the one who has turned away from God and who refuses to listen to His instruction. That is also the sense of a proverb of Solomon:

The Lord is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous.
—Proverbs 15:29 (NASB95)

There was an occasion in Israel’s history when they were oppressed by a foreign power. They cried out to God and He all but taunted them with their past. He reminded them that he had delivered them from many foreign enemies and then said…

“Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your distress.” 

—Judges 10:14

God did not respond with assistance until Israel put away their foreign gods. We should learn that unless we step away from evil and turn toward God, He will not respond favorably.

Jesus taught that when a person prays with wrong motives (to grab attention from other people), he will receive nothing from God. The attention is all he will receive. (Matthew 6:5-6)

Husbands, did you know that the way you treat your wife affects your prayer life? You can actually block your prayers from God’s ears if you do not treat your wife as God expects! (1 Peter 3:7)

Did you know that selfishness gets no response?

You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. 

—James 4:3

These important Scriptures help us to understand that our prayers can be hindered. The last thing you would want is for God to turn a deaf ear when you are at a critical time of need.

It is important for us to be confident as we approach God in prayer. We need to have confidence that God is listening, that nothing is getting in the way of our prayers.

We know that God IS compassionate. God IS gracious. God IS Love. So, we can approach God with our joys and disappointments. We can approach Him when we have overcome and when we have failed. We can share with Him our anxieties, our dreams and even the simple daily happenings of our mundane lives. He cares.

Yet, God IS holy. God IS mighty. God IS Creator. Man is dust. We must approach God with awe and reverence. We must approach in humility.

But to this one I will look, to him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word. 

—Isaiah 66:2

Finally, Jesus told a parable about a widow who bothered a judge over and over in order to obtain justice. His purpose in telling the parable was “to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart.” (Luke 18:1)

Do you want God to listen to you? 

Then... 

   Be righteous; 

      Be faithful; 

         Be humble; 

            Be persistent.


Mark Stinnett

September 19, 2021

Do You Have a Complaint Against God?

Korah, Dathan and Abiram challenged Moses’ leadership. They were instructed to take firepans and put incense in them and bring them before the Lord. They, along with 250 of their supporters, did so. Moses then declared that if they died a natural death, the Lord had not chosen him. Yet, if the earth opened up and swallowed them, then Moses was God’s chosen.

God caused the earth to open up and swallow Korah, Dathan and Abiram and their families with all their possessions. Then fire from heaven destroyed their 250 supporters. Aaron’s son was then instructed to collect the censers (firepans for incense) and hammer them into sheets “for a plating of the altar, since they did present them before the Lord and they are holy.” The plating on the altar was declared a sign.

Think about the symbolism. Whenever the plating on the altar was seen, it carried a message. I want to share some things we can learn from this event, all of which would have been represented in the censers that were hammered into sheets for a covering for the altar.

First, things that are presented to God belong to God, even if ungodly men present them.

Second, the censers that were made into plating were held by men who risked their lives for what they believed. However, the thing they believed was wrong. So they forfeited their lives for a false belief, for nothing.

Third, it is unwise to challenge those whom the Lord has chosen. Though Moses was a reluctant leader, he was God’s choice, and he knew God had chosen him. So, when God chooses someone, man should accept it and not challenge God, even if he does not agree or understand.

Fourth, the 250 men did not merely lose their lives; their loss was far greater.

As for the censers of these men who have sinned at the cost of their lives, let them be made into hammered sheets….

—Numbers 16:38

The word lives in the verse above is literally souls. It is not that their sin resulted only in their bodies dying on that day; they lost their souls, the very essence of their being.

The soul is that aspect of the human being that has intent, will and desire. It is the part of one’s being that makes choices and that comes to know and understand things based on personal experience. It is that unique aspect of your being that makes YOU who you are.

By choosing to follow Korah, Dathan and Abiram, the 250 souls placed their entire beings into the hands of the three men they followed. They trusted in their leadership and in their perception of justice. Their point of failure is contrasted by the actions of Moses.

Do this: take censers for yourselves, Korah and all your company and put fire in them and lay incense upon them in the presence of the Lord tomorrow; and the man whom the Lord chooses shall be the one who is holy. 

—Numbers 16:6-7

Moses relied on God to answer the question. Instead of challenging leadership, Korah and those who made their stand with him should have consulted God. They were not merely jealous of Moses; they didn’t like God’s choice.

Leadership in God’s church is by God’s design. It does not mirror leadership in the secular world. Moses was not a perfect leader, but he was God’s choice. So are elders in the church today.

What do you think is the best way to handle your complaint against God and His design?

Mark Stinnett

May 2, 2021

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A made-up Illustration:

I was at a small pond fishing and a raindrop fell to the pond. I noticed ripples from where it landed. I was at a large lake fishing and a raindrop fell to the lake. I noticed small ripples from where it landed. I was at the seashore and a raindrop fell into the sea. It disappeared into the calm sea.

My illustration is about my perception of my individual vote on any issue or candidate at election time. The pond is my local community. The lake is my state, and the sea, my country. The raindrop is my vote, my voice.

Whether it is our nation, a state, a local community, people want a voice. People want to be heard when it comes to decisions that affect taxes, the education of children, pollution, changes to the land and so on. People want to have a say in who governs over them. People want to have a voice at their workplace, where they shop, and even where they worship.

I can write a letter, sign a petition, cast my vote. Yet, I am still (at least in my mind) one single raindrop.

To carry my illustration further, I think about my place in the world. And going on one more step, where is my voice heard within the span of time, in the history of the world???

(In comparison, that raindrop in the sea is making quite a splash!)

What do you think would happen if I tried to phone the President of the United States? Do you think I could get through to my state governor? What if I wanted to speak with my city’s mayor...right now!? We know the answers.

Now, what if I called you at your workplace?

Even my wife is not always available when I call.

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This is what the Lord says who made the earth, the Lord who formed it in order to establish it—whose name is the Lord—“Call to me and I’ll answer you, and will tell you about great and hidden things that you don’t know.”
—Jeremiah 33:2–3 (ISV)

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 

—Matthew 7:7–8 (ESV)

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to everyone generously without a rebuke, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith, without any doubts, for the one who has doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. Such a person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 

—James 1:5–8 (ISV)

“Don’t be afraid, Daniel,” he told me, “because from the first day that you committed yourself to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. I’ve come in answer to your prayers.” 

—Daniel 10:12 (ISV)

“Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been noticed by God!” 

—Acts 10:31 (NLT)

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

—James 5:16 (NLT)

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I don’t give a lot of thought to that raindrop because...

The Creator of time and universe listens... 

To one voice… 

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Mark Stinnett

November 22, 2020

What Can 'I' Do?

Not everyone can go overseas as a missionary. Not everyone can give up a successful career to preach. Not everyone is equipped to teach. Christians are not expected to serve in the same way. We really are not all created equal. In fact, not only do we differ in ability, our individual abilities change over time. So, what is expected? The Apostle Paul guides us...

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. —Ephesians 2:10

Before the first disciple began to follow Jesus God had already planned for his people to do good works. In fact, we are crafted by God for the purpose of good works. Good works should be the direct outcome of having been saved by the grace of God.

What a contrast! We formerly walked in “trespasses and sins” (v. 11), but in Christ are equipped to walk in good works! So, what specifically is required?

Have you ever tried to ‘justify’ yourself by asking, “And what good works should I do?” Just listen to Jesus:

"And whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink, truly I say to you he shall not lose his reward."     --Matthew 10:42

To give something in the name of a disciple is, by extension, giving in the name of the disciple’s teacher. Prior to this verse in Matthew, Jesus had explained that “He who receives you [His disciple], receives Me and he who receives Me, receives Him who sent Me [God].”

So, why would anyone give a cup of cold water? Perhaps it is as simple as this: Someone needs a drink. And that simple kindness is a good work!

That's good, but there's more to say...

In recent years I have watched my parents grow old along with their friends and other Christians of their generation. Their bones are more fragile than before; their bodies are more susceptible to disease and heal slower. They are weaker than they once were, and slower too. They are not as mentally sharp as they once were, and slower too.

Eventually, our ‘seniors’ have to step down as elders, as teachers, as song leaders, as volunteers in various activities, etc. Those who once were the backbone of the congregation now need assistance; more and more as time goes on. There are fewer of their good works as time passes. So, what’s all this ‘senior’ business about?

Prayer!

If you don’t know what else to do (senior or not), pray?

It is not prayer that is so powerful, but our God who listens!

Do you remember how the Apostles handled the request by the Greek widows for assistance (Acts 6)? Seven men were selected to take care of the widows...so that the Apostles could devote their efforts to the Word and to prayer. They understood that prayer was vital.

God has equipped you for good works, whether the simple gift of giving a cool drink of water or the vital work of prayer or anything in between.

What will YOU do?

Do You 'Believe in Prayer'?

The word prayer gets thrown around a lot these days and I wonder if we sometimes forget what it's all about. You see, prayer is really quite meaningless unless there is a God who listens and responds. Now, I am not trying to pick at words, but you might say...

• So, I do not 'believe in prayer,' but I believe in the God of Heaven who listens and responds.
• I do not believe 'prayer works' or that there is 'power in prayer,' yet I know that my God works in the lives of people and that He is powerful.
• I do not 'send prayers.' Rather, I speak openly with my Heavenly Father who listens to His children.
• I do not recite memorized prayers. Prayer is not cute poetry for the amusement of others. Clever rhymes do not move God. Chanting memorized verse over and over does not move God. Prayer is heartfelt communication with the God who is real and who listens and who acts.

How meaningful would it be to you if your children thanked you after a meal at a restaurant:

   Thanks for the meal; the food was good.

   Please drive us home; we wish you would.

Sincere? Meaningful? After the tenth time?

        And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans,

        for they think they will be heard because of their many words.

                                                                                              —Matthew 6:7

I believe that prayer is important, not because it makes me feel better, but because I have been given assurances by God in the Bible. He has given me promises so I KNOW that He hears me when I intentionally speak to Him. I am confident that He considers my requests and answers.

     This is the confidence which we have before Him,

     that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 

                                                                                             —1 John 5:14

I cannot tell you whether my prayers are supplication, intercession, or something else. I pray with Intention and I open my heart to God. Sometimes, often times, I lack words; I just need…“Help!”

     ...for we do not know how to pray as we should,

     but he Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings

     too deep for words; and He who searches the hearts

     knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes

     for the saints according of the will of God.

                                                                                           —Romans 8:26-27

There are times when I express my joy, praise, and thanks; sometimes I make a request. I pray for understanding when I do not understand. I pray for discernment when I face uncertainties. I pray for courage to endure life's trials and for courage to stand firm in my faith.

     Therefore I say to you, all things for which you pray and ask,

     believe that you have received them, and they will be granted you.

                                                                                            —Mark 11:24

I find myself being cautious with my attitude when praying. I never think of prayer as a ‘tool’ or a means to obtain what I want. I realize that I am addressing the Holy God of Heaven who Created the universe, including me.

      You ask and do not receive,

     because you ask with wrong motives,

     so that you may spend it on your pleasures.

     God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

                                                                                            —James 4:3 & 6

Prayer is really quite simple, just open your heart to God, but always watch your attitude. Believe God; believe in God; believe in the God who answers prayer. Talk to God. Pray.