Do you ever get the feeling that we are missing something in American Christianity that the rest of the world may have figured out?

I do.

And I think I know what it is… partly, at least. Look at our passage for this week.  You can find it in James 5:16:

You can walk into any bookstore and find dozens of book on the power of prayer. They are everywhere. But when you walk into most churches, you hear phrases like “How can I be sure God hears my prayers?” and “Why won’t he answer my prayers?”

If prayer is so powerful (and it is), then why don’t we experience that power more often? What are we missing?

I think James gives us a hint at the answer in the first part of this verse. We love the second part, the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective part, but we overlook the first half of the verse to get to the part we like.

James tells us to confess our sins and pray for each other. The result? Healing. And only then does he speak of the power of prayer.

Confess my sins? Are you kidding me? I don’t want anyone knowing that stuff!

The simple truth is that if we don’t, we hamstring our effectiveness in other areas, such as prayer.

I realize that this isn’t the complete answer to the problems Christianity is facing in America today. But I believe it is a key component to our spiritual growth, both as a community of believers and as individuals.

The only question now is who do I unload my list of dirty laundry upon?

Do you have someone in your life to whom you can confess your sins? If not, what might it take to develop such a relationship? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Sometimes, the message of the Gospel is overwhelmingly simple and reassuring.

For example, take a look at this week’s passage. It’s found in Romans 6:14:

This week has been full of tedious technical details with our church’s website and email list. It’s been rather frustrating. In fact, I’ve been tempted to call my computer a few choice names.

Thankfully, I resisted that temptation.

And then, in one of the New Testament’s most profound letters, we find this simple phrase.

It’s refreshing, really, knowing that in spite of my temptations, and my failings, I am still a recipient of God’s grace.

I know I need it.

How have you felt the release that comes from God’s grace? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

I just spent the past week with over one hundred middle school students at church camp. It was an incredible week, perhaps one of the best I’ve ever experienced.

In light of that, this week’s passage feels especially meaningful. Look it up in Psalm 4:8:

I’m pretty sure the psalmist didn’t have church camp in mind when he penned this passage, but it sure feels applicable right now.

After a week full of high energy, a full schedule of activities, late nights, early mornings and lots of heat, I feel completely drained.

Knowing that God is taking care of things while I rest provides a sense of peace and security.

That, in itself, is relaxing.

Sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is rest. What do you need to take a break from right now? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

Last week, we memorized the first half of a two part memorization series. This is one of my favorite passages in the Bible.

This week, we will memorize the rest. It’s found in Jeremiah 29:13-14:

The first sentence is perhaps my favorite phrase in the entire Bible.

“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

God’s promise here is clear: when we seek him whole-heartedly, we will find him. He goes on to promise: “I will be found by you.”

That is the very definition of Good News.

The latter part of this passage is more specifically directed to the original hearers, as they were facing exile to a foreign nation. But the principle underlying these words can apply to us as well. The only difference is that we are not taken captive by a foreign nation; we have been taken captive by sin.

God’s promise is one of rescue. And that is very good news!

What do you do to actively seek God? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.

This week, we will memorize the first half of one of my favorite passages in the Bible.

You can find it in Jeremiah 29, verses 11 and 12. Next week, we will look at verses 13-14:

This promise was written by Jeremiah to a nation who was facing punishment and exile into a foreign land. God was tired of their lack of faith and frustrated with their idolatry and worship of other gods.

Jeremiah’s message was one of gloom and destruction. But there are glimpses in these chapters of God’s love, regardless of what his people had done (or not done…).

The same is true for us. God has a plan. And while we may not see the whole picture, he does. He has a design, one in which he pours out blessings into our lives. Those blessing may take material form; and they may not. But they are there nonetheless.

The result? We will continue to call upon him; and he will continue to hear us.

That’s pretty incredible, if you ask me.

Do you have trouble resting assured of God’s plans for you? What do you do to combat this? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.