Mount of Olives Church

I heard a story of a ship sinking in the middle of a storm, and the captain called out to the crew and asked, "Does anyone here know how to pray?" One man stepped forward and said, "Yes sir, I know how to pray." The captain said, "Wonderful, you pray while the rest of us put on life jackets--we're one short." Many people are like this captain who doesn’t believe in the power of prayer. They see prayer as something nice to do but not something essential to their lives. This kind of outlook is unfortunate because it robs people of not only a great resource of strength in their lives, but also opportunities for closer relationships with the God of heaven and earth. I want to encourage you to have a different outlook concerning prayer. Here is God’s promise to you and me when we humbly come to Him in prayer: 2 Chronicles 7:14 RSV If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I wil...

"Lack of repentance is the root cause of powerlessness in the church in this materialistic and self-indulgent age. There can be no spiritual power in a non-repentant church." – Dietrich Bonhoeffer Pastor Bonhoeffer made a very important observation. Throughout my ministry as a pastor, I have noticed and dealt with the reality of churches that are clubs; and then there are churches that are mission outposts. The churches functioning like clubs elevate religion and rituals. In such churches, Jesus is a nice addendum to people’s lives, but rarely the core of who they are. In such churches they only focus on each other. They see the pastor as a chaplain who is there to do what the members of the congregation want, and to care for them in time of need. The members of these churches see themselves more as customers rather than disciples of Jesus. If the church doesn’t give them what they want, they look for another. As a result, these churches are never places where lives are ch...

President Calvin Coolidge once wrote: “Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a Proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated failures. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent…” As I have observed life, I believe this is absolutely true. People give up way too soon. Persistence is a key ingredient – critical for success in everything we do. Whether it be in our education, jobs or marriages, persistence is crucial in success.  This is God’s counsel to us as well: 2 Chronicles 15:7 ESV “But you, take courage! Do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” Pray with me: Heavenly Father, help us to take Your advice and not allow our hands to grow weak. Give us the strength we need to be persistent. For then, we will be rewarded with the joy of a successful life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.   Yours because ...

These are truly unique times in which we live. There are many opinions about what should be done. There is frustration that things seem to move so slowly. It would be easy to think that we have somehow been abandoned and must deal with all of these things by ourselves. But look at this verse: 2 Chronicles 16:9a “’For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to him.’” So, we learn that God is always paying attention – He is looking everywhere – He never slumbers or sleeps. When there is trouble in your life, it is not as if somehow God took a nap – No. He is always watching – always looking. Take heart, for your loving Heavenly Father has His eye on you and your situation. He hasn’t forgotten you. He has not stepped away. He is watching and working to bring healing to our world and nation. He is working to bring restoration. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, You have perfect vision; nothing escapes Your notice. You know the p...