Father’s Day 2022

My dad, Dennis Kistner, has been instrumental in my walk with Christ. Growing up, he would often direct me to a meaningful Bible verse, or programming on local Christian radio. As we celebrate fathers this week, I though it would be best if you heard straight from him. In Joshua 24:15, the great leader of Israel said, “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” This has been a guiding principle in our family for generations. To the fathers listening today, remember—like Joshua—how powerful your example and decisions can be. Join me in prayer this week asking God to strengthen us as we help our families serve the Lord. Our heavenly Father loves to give us that kind of strength. Now that’s something to pray about!

Prayer Summer School

As spring comes to a close, and summertime begins, you’re going to hear me touching on some basic but important aspects of prayer the next few months. Think of it as a summer school of prayer. The fact is that we never graduate from prayer, and we never stop learning its fundamentals. This week, the lesson is to simply make time for prayer. Summertime represents a change in the schedule for almost everyone. During the vacationing, recreation and sporting activities this summer, be sure to prioritize meaningful time alone with God. After all, He is the reason for every blessing. As you pursue fun in the sun this summer, be sure to stay close to the Son—Jesus Christ. Now that’s something to pray about!

Pentecost Sunday

2,000 years ago, 120 new believers joined together for prayer in an upper room in Jerusalem. As they continued interceding for what was promised, the Spirit was poured out in a mighty way and the church was born. Truly, what a powerful moment. As we recognize Pentecost this Sunday, let’s not forgot the power that prayer can usher into our churches and communities. Just as the Spirit moved time after time throughout the book Acts after that first Pentecost, He will continue to move in our day as we pray. Let’s start gathering together to lift up our voices to God more often. Surely, we will see the winds of God blowing and the fire of the Spirit falling afresh in our day. Now that’s something to pray about!

Israel

In Romans 10:1, we read the following: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.” The apostle Paul, writing to the Gentile church in Rome, could not have made it more clear that he was passionate about his fellow countrymen coming to saving faith in Christ. This week, I want to encourage you to make this prayer your own. Let’s pray for the Jewish people to come to know Jesus as their Lord, Savior, Messiah and King. God has not forgotten this special people that He has been committed to since the days of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Moses. In our times of prayer—this week and always—let’s be sure to remember the Jewish people. Now that’s something to pray about!

Simplicity

As I was reading the Psalms recently, I came across a line of Scripture in Psalm 22:21 that simply reads: “You have answered me.” After praying for strength, help and deliverance from his enemies, David suddenly realized that God had answered his request. Sometimes, it really is that simple—we pray, and God answers right then and there. It’s so easy to complicate prayer, but let’s try to keep it simple. The more we see these quick answers, the more I believe we will be moved to worship just like the psalmist who wrote in Psalm 118:21: “I will praise You, for You have answered me.” Now that’s something to pray about!