John Wasem

Galatians 2:9 - A Question

Galatians 2:9 reads: "James, Peter and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me." What does one in your view need…

Psalm 63:1-8

What a joy and pleasure this morning to read this section of Psalm 63 as part of my daily reading plan. I don't remember when, but as the result of devotional reflecting in His Word many, many years ago…

Proverbs 15:16ff - Great Leadership Text

As I plan to lead a prospective elders' seminar in Boston on June 2, I am captured by the wealth of wisdom and leadership counsel in Proverbs 15:16 to the end of the chapter. Glad it was in my reading…

Ps 115 - Help and Shield

Reading Psalm 115 today in my reading plan brought me to a powerful phrase that I don't recall reflecting upon in the past. "The Lord is our help and shield." I have had a tendency in my life to "retreat"…

I needed this reminder today - 2 Corinthians 2:16-18

Playing some catch up with my daily reading, I began today with April 3 before I read April 9 readings. Providential. I needed this reminder for my soul this day. Thank you, Lord God, for your Word that…

An important and different perspective

My protege in ministry last night read this passage and commented that often we use it to express appreciation to those who support us in ministry and appropriately so. However, the acutal context of…

Philippians 1:3 (NIV), Philippians 1:4 (NIV), Philippians 1:5 (NIV)

Prayer for Leslie

With all weight and responsibility that Leslie bears with her business and all that she is by the grace of God for others, this verse is my prayer for her today. This is the prayer I asked her to pray…

Psalm 116:7 (NIV)

The Intern's Charge

I pray each seminary intern that I coach will be able to truthfully make this statement! The classroom of life is where many of the most valuable lessons are learned.

Proverbs 24:32 (NIV)

Vital Reminder

When I read this today, my immediate response in my heart and mind was "ouch". How true this is. How much it needs to be removed from my modus operandi.

Psalm 106:12 (NIV), Psalm 106:13 (NIV)

Ministry in the City

When I read this today, I prayed for my former student - Mark Pratt - who is planting missional communities in urban Cleveland. The name he has given his ministry is "toward the city." I pray that many…

Psalm 107:5 (NIV), Psalm 107:6 (NIV), Psalm 107:7 (NIV)

Ministry Immersion Week 2012

I am strongly prompted to consider this verse as an anchor or theme verse for the Ministry Immersion Week later in 2012 for Bible College juniors that we will be hosting at the Emmanuel Institutes on…

1 Timothy 4:10 (NIV)

My Mentor's Prayer

Before every sermon my mentor preached, he would pray this verse aloud. Occasionally he would "tweak" the wording like this: Lord, may the words of my mouth and the meditations of all our hearts, be pleasing…

Psalm 19:14 (NIV)