“Pray constantly.” This might seem impossible in light of how busy we are, even more so in situations like round-the-clock parenting. “Pray as often as you can” is sometimes all we can aim for. But realistically, many of us end up praying very little, at the last minute, when something overwhelms us.

It is so easy to take for granted how much our God loves us and cares for every single aspect of our lives. Like the psalmist says, they are more than the sand, and last time I checked, I can’t even count the sand that gets stuck in my surfshorts at the end of the day.

When Paul prays for Philemon’s faith, Paul is praying for a participating faith. He is praying for an effective faith. He is praying for good working faith. He is praying for the glory of Christ. What did this look like for Philemon’s life? What does this mean for us?

God wants us to always pray to him when we’re in need. Let’s pray to our Father not because we deserve anything from him, but because he has invited us to come.

A thing compared to itself cannot be fully known or appreciated until it is compared to something else. It is the contrast of one thing to another that makes the superior thing better. Ugliness makes Beauty more beautiful. Darkness makes the Light brighter. Evil makes Good more virtuous.

What makes a good man? Is it strength? Is it gentleness? Is it financial wealth? Is it a sense of humor? Is it good looks? Is it good with kids? Is it Bible knowledge?

Genuine leaders genuinely follow, namely, Jesus Christ.

We do not like to be treated as if we needed anything. We love the idea of being self-reliant. We like feeling like we can do things on our own and that we have it all together. And what could be so wrong about that?

As you are watching the Olympics and cheering on your USA hopefuls, will you pray for the unbelievers in Tokyo, that they would hear the Gospel message, and that God would change their hearts to receive Jesus into their lives? Will you continue to pray for the churches in Japan as they live out the Great Commission and as God brings many to faith in Jesus Christ?

Thank God that He doesn’t scorn us for our reputation or choices, but rather actually sees us.