Tag Archives: discipleship

The Empty Pews Sing Softly

Posted on June 2, 2017 by Michael Summers

The empty pews sing softly, echoing back melodic tones Wafted by faithful worshipers scattered in erratic zones Through a hall reserved for moments of joy and grief, Exultation and lament, fervor and hopeful belief In Messiah Jesus, Son of God, … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, church growth, Church of Christ, discipleship, faith, Lament, missional, poetry, Prayer, religion, Satan, singing, worship | 2 Comments

A Prayer that We Will Find our Security in God

Posted on September 12, 2016 by Michael Summers

Fifteen years ago, the fabric of security in which Americans had wrapped themselves was ripped away as hijacked planes crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a field in Pennsylvania. Our government responded with what the Attorney General … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, courage, discipleship, forgiveness, glorifying God, hope, love, Prayer, Psalm 146, reconciliation, September 11 | Leave a comment

Prayer When Planning for the Journey

Posted on February 23, 2016 by Michael Summers

I spoke yesterday about “Budgeting for the Journey” as part of a sermon series entitled “The Way of the Cross Leads Home.” When we embark on a journey, whether a holiday excursion or a work-related trip, pre-travel resource assessment … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged christianity, Counting the cost, discipleship, fear, humility, Prayer, reconciliation | Leave a comment

Prayer on Picking Up My Cross

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Michael Summers

Jesus prayed alone often. On several occasions his private prayer preceded significant moments in his ministry. After Jesus has been praying alone (Luke 9:18), he asks his disciples, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” Their answers reveal that … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christian identity, christianity, discipleship, faithfulness, Jesus, Prayer | 1 Comment

A Prayer for God to Defend His Cause

Posted on April 3, 2015 by Michael Summers

Devastation surrounds the composer of Psalm 74. His mind recoils in shock as he remembers the ruins of the Temple of God in Jerusalem. The enemy had demolished the building. The Psalmist tells us that the invaders had not contented … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged bargaining with God, christianity, confession, discernment, discipleship, Ecclesiastes, Lament, Problem of Evil, Psalms | 2 Comments

Prayer for Less Disputing

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Michael Summers

More than two hundred years ago, five Kentucky preachers penned a document (“The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery”) in which they opined that Christians should “pray more and dispute less.” Their words resonate with me when I … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Christian unity, Church Music, confession, discernment, discipleship, ethics, faithfulness, fear, forgiveness, glorifying God, humility, Jesus, love, Prayer | 2 Comments

A Prayer During the Storm

Posted on March 5, 2015 by Michael Summers

I enjoyed an intense time of study and fellowship this past week. I spent most days (all day) in an intensive residence period with a small group of preachers from across the country examining the Exposition of Luke. Preachers from … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged discipleship, faith, faithfulness, fear, glorifying God, hope, Hymns, Jesus, leadership, love, mentoring, Prayer, Spiritual Formation | 1 Comment