Father’s Day 2023

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 thought it would be best if you heard straight from him. Proverbs tells us to “Train up a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). I’ve found over time, however, that it’s important to do this patiently. Fathers, whether it’s with your little kids, or older children trying to figure out life, be patient with the mistakes and poor choices. As we pray for them, and as they see the patience of their heavenly Father through us, they will eventually grow to make good choices when they are older, including the most important one—to follow Christ. Now that’s something to pray about!

Martin Luther On Prayer

Renowned German theologian Martin Luther, who lived during the 15th and 16th centuries, said this: “Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.” This poignant thought comes to mind often as I think about how God relates to our prayers. There are many uncertainties and delays involved in our petitions. But as Luther pointed out, God is an enthusiastic Father who enjoys granting the things we request that are in His will, not a reluctant Father who prefers not to answer us much. Friend, remember today that He is willing. Keep on asking, seeking and knocking. In due time, He will say “Yes!” and the answer will come in the best time and way. Now that’s something to pray about!

Jonah’s Prayer Inside The Great Fish

A unique prayer that caught my attention recently is the prayer of the prophet Jonah. Oddly enough, we have biblical record of the very words he spoke to God while inside the great fish. I’m not sure about you, but if I were swallowed by a massive sea creature, I’m not sure I’d be in a prayerful state of mind. There’s a powerful lesson for us in this fishy tale though. You may feel like you’re completely swallowed up by circumstances, and that there’s no way out. Life may even seem hopeless. As hard as it may be, take time to seek the Lord—just like Jonah did. It won’t be long before God commands that situation to change, and you find yourself back on track with a renewed sense of purpose. Now that’s something to pray about!

Standing With Israel Through Prayer

This week concludes a global prayer event of more than a million Christians praying for Jerusalem and Israel. One of the most practical ways that the church can stand with the Jewish people, especially as anti-semitic hate crimes continue to rise, is simply by praying for them. When we pray for a particular people group, our heart softens toward them, and we begin to see them the way God does. In Psalm 148, the Psalmist describes Israel as a people close to the heart of God, near and dear to Him. As they are close to the Lord’s heart, may they also be close to the church’s heart. Let’s be sure to pray regularly for the Jewish people—that they would come to saving faith in Jesus Christ, their Messiah. Now that’s something to pray about!

Praying For The Salvation Of Israel

This week, more than a million Christians continue praying for Jerusalem and Israel as part of a global prayer event. I think of the words of Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans when he wrote that “all Israel will be saved” (Romans 11:26) as well as that a Deliverer will come out of Zion. This, of course, refers to Jesus when He returns a second time to Jerusalem to rule as King forever. Many of God’s purposes and promises are linked to the land of Israel and the Jewish people. I want to encourage you to join in. More information is available at Isaiah62Fast.com. Perhaps we will see one of the greatest miracles in all the Bible in our lifetime—the salvation of Israel. Now that’s something to pray about!