11.05.09
An Encouraging Book
“How great is the blessing which the soul obtains by trusting in God, and by waiting patiently.”
-George Mueller
p. 60 Answers to Prayer
09.02.09
Inspection
Recently in my reading, Jerry Bridges pointed out in his book The Practice of Godliness a very convicting problem. He began by giving a description of how to have a God-centered pursuit of holiness in our lives. He points out that many times we are much more angry with OURSELVES when we sin than we are broken over our disobedience to God.
Bridges says,
“Often when we sin we are vexed at the lowering of our self-esteem than we are grieved at God’s dishonor. We are irritated at our lack of self-control in subjecting ourselves to some unworthy habit. We are unable to stand the disappointment of seeing ourselves fail.”
God give us the God-centered pursuit of holiness in our lives.
08.31.09
Book Suggestion
I am currently reading Unfashionable by Tullian Tchividjian. It is a very practical book on living as salt and light in the world. NOT by living like the world but living in the world as unfashionable. Check it out!
Opportunities to Share the Gospel #2
Last week a man came in the workplace. He asked me if we had any receptacles. I actually did not know if we did, so I went to look. Unfortunately, we did not. I knew this man would be hanging around for awhile as he replaced our security system. So, by the providence of God my boss asked me to make a run to the bank and post office. I needed a few items from our local hardware store, so I stopped in and picked up the things I needed and a receptacle. When I returned to the workplace the man was still there. So, I gave him the item he so desperately needed. He tried to pay me the 60 cents I paid for it, but I refused. We were both busy with our work, so we went back to work.
However, I as mused over the turn of events I realized (as it stood) I would receive the glory from this man. Therefore, I made my way back to the front of the store so that I could turn the glory from me to God. I began by telling him the receptacle was a gift from God and that his salvation was bearing fruits of kindness towards him. I then explained how I was not a good person but that Christ was good and this salvation was reflecting the kindness of God to him. He stood there dumbfounded.
Be intentional about sharing the gospel. Don’t miss any opportunities that might present themselves. Praise be to God for his steadfast love endures forever!
08.30.09
Opportunities to Share the Gospel
Luke writes, “And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, ‘Behold, Lord, the half of goods I give to the poor. And if I have defrauded anyone of anything, I restore it fourfold.’”
If we were diligent to seek out the poor and those we have defrauded we would be busy evangelists explaining why we were giving our goods to them.
04.10.09
Quiet Time for Kids Update
We have been fairly consistent in the mornings with “Quiet Time.” I wanted to give an update as I have been blessed to see the children know this is part of our day. For the original of what I am updating, click here!
Lydia (6 years old) is continuing to read her Bible in Dad and Mom’s bedroom by herself. She is not reading through Matthew anymore; she told me she looks for certain passages and reads those. Our Sunday School curriculum offers a take home sheet that includes questions to think about, Scriptures to read, and prayer suggestions. She goes through this sheet each day during her quiet time as well.
One day this past week, Madi (2 years old) went to look for Lydia. When she saw that Lydia was in our bedroom reading her Bible, she immediately went in the kids’ room, turned on her praise CD, and sat on her bed with her books without being told!
I am continuing to read my Bible aloud in the living room with Joshua (17 months) by my side. He looks at Bible story board books that we keep in a basket in the living room. We’ve had some great “conversations” about Job and Genesis as I read, following a chronological Bible reading plan!
03.29.09
A Must Read Series by C.J. Mahaney
Let me plead with you to go and read C.J. Mahaney’s blog posts on Biblical Productivity. They are convicting and essential to those who long to be faithful with the time God has alotted them. The actual link above takes you to a list of the whole series. Please go and read these posts…it is well worth your time!
Here are three bullet points from one of the posts:
- Busyness does not mean I am diligent
- Busyness does not mean I am faithful
- Busyness does not mean I am fruitful
These posts have revealed the error of my ways. Also, to the one who is diligent, faithful, and fruitful please read these posts so that you can encourage your brother because after reading these posts you will know all his excuses. Repenting and Persevering is a community (i.e. church) project.
03.22.09
Seminary…things I wish I knew 4 years ago!
As I ponder the last four and half years, I have learned a ton at seminary, yet I have found myself in some extremely difficult places while studying. I am grateful for the men God has placed in my life to teach me how to rightly divide the Word! His Word is the bread of life by which I live. It has not been easy, but it has been a joy.
Here are a few desires for upcoming students:
- Be a churchman not merely a seminarian!
- Be in a growing relationship with your pastors…at the church that sent you to seminary and at the church you are currently serving in.
- Do not study for a grade…the bar is much higher than that.
- Encourage your pastors to ask you hard questions about your life…how are you paying for school, how are your relationships (wife, children, family, friends, etc.), and how are you growing in Christ-likeness through the Word and prayer?
- Ask your pastors to look over the Syllabus for your classes…they can suggest a schedule and warn or encourage (whatever the case may be) concerning the books you are required to read.
- Encourage your pastors to read your papers…this will help as you wrestle with difficult issues.
- Do not waste your time but do not be in a hurry to finish…finishing is not the priority but remaining faithful to the Lord everyday…not four years from now!
These suggestions are an attempt to bring the church and the academy to a proper relationship. The academy should be a servant of the church and the student/churchman must work hard to stand firm in this.
