The Andy Manning Blog

One of the essential elements of our Home Group Bible studies is prayer.  Each week we begin by sharing prayer requests and then praying together.  To get the most benefit from this group prayer time, consider the following suggestions: First, keep your prayer requests close to home.  That is, only request prayer for yourself or someone close to you.  Of course we need to pray for wider issues such as the "pandemic" and the contested election, but if we mention every concern around the world that we can think of, we'll be praying all night long!  As a general principle, limit your requests to concerns that are heavy on your heart.  Remember, there are some things that you can pray for on your own without sharing them with the group.   Second, get real.  The prayer time is an opportunity for you to open up to the group about what's really going on in your heart.  Share your worries, your struggles, your problems that keep you up at night, and your goals.  This kind of

  Another example of Critical Race Theory played out in real life.  Cornell University is requiring that all students get the flu vaccine in order to attend, unless you are black or a person of color.  This is due to "historical injustices" committed against them by white people.  The university's health page explains: We recognize that, due to longstanding systemic racism and health inequities in this country, individuals from some marginalized communities may have concerns about needing to agree to such requirements. For example, historically, the bodies the of Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) have been mistreated, and used by people in power, sometimes for profit or medical gain. It is understandable that the current Compact requirements may feel suspect or even exploitative to some BIPOC members of the Cornell community. Additionally, recent acts of violence against Black people by law enforcement may contribute to feelings of distrust or powerles

The 2020 presidential election was two days ago and we still don't know the outcome.  As a Trump supporter I haven't given up hope, but it's not looking good.  I've experienced some dark emotions over the past few days -- anger, despair, frustration, sadness -- and I'm guessing you have too.  Last night I spent some time reflecting on the election, and I want to share my thoughts.  Hopefully this will put things in the proper perspective and encourage you.   1) God is good (1 Chron 16:34).  He has been good to us, and He will continue to be good to us, regardless of who is president.  We may be behind enemy lines, but no one can stop the Lord from fulfilling His promises of protection and provision to His people.   2) Give thanks in everything (1 Thess 5:18).  Stay grateful.  We still have much to be thankful for.  We can thank God for President Trump, and for all the good that has been accomplished over the past four years. 3) Rejoice in the Lord (Phil 4:4).  Re

It is a well-known statistic that most church-going kids drop out of church after high school.  What can Christian parents do to keep their teens engaged in church after they graduate? First, you need to set an example of commitment to church.  You need to show them through your actions the high priority of the church.  Don't be a sporadic attender.  Don't be one of those Christians who only goes to church under perfect conditions -- the weather has to be right, everyone has to be well-rested, the yard has to be done, the house has to be cleaned, everyone has to be in perfect health, and there can't be anything else happening in the community.  By your example you are either teaching them that church attendance is a top priority, or just something to do on occasion. Second, get your teen involved in ministry in the church.  Teach them that church is not just an event to attend, but a ministry in which to serve; a team to help; a cause to contribute to.  Teach them that chu

What's my best marriage advice?  Focus on the continuous improvement of your personal flaws.    People get into all kinds of trouble when they focus on their spouse’s flaws, and on trying to change their spouse.  Focusing on your spouse’s flaws will cause you to get lost in a jungle of regret, resentment, and sorrow.  Focusing on your flaws will cause you to be more thankful and forgiving of your spouse because you will easily see that you are far more flawed than them.   Focusing on improving and changing your spouse will result in frustration and anger because it is impossible to change someone.  Focusing on personal improvement will endear you to your spouse, make you happier, and inspire your spouse to work on their own flaws.   This is not to say that you should never talk to your spouse about their hurtful or unattractive behaviors; there is a time for that, but it is seldom.  The majority of your time and energy should be spent on working out your own flaws, because there is

Early voting is happening right now.  If you live in South Lafayette Parish, just drive to the public library in Youngsville and cast your vote today (through October 27).  It only takes a few minutes and it beats navigating the crowds on election day. Just as I did in 2016, in the upcoming presidential election I'm casting my vote for Trump.  Here are five reasons why. Life .  Trump is the most pro-life president we've ever had.  Joe Biden is passionate about protecting a woman's right to infanticide from conception to birth.  If a pregnant woman smokes and drinks, the Democrats call her evil, but if a pregnant woman aborts her unborn child, they call her brave. "The unborn aren’t potential human beings.  Rather, they are human beings with great potential."  Steve Wagner, Justice for All     Liberty .  (1) Religious liberty.  Trump has been a great ally to Christians.  He wants to protect and extend religious liberty, whereas Biden and the Democrats would like to