When the Well Runs Dry Psalm 63 March 15, 2015 Many years ago — in what was probably one of the last great adventures my brother and I had before I got married — we went on a day hike in the Cleveland National Forest in CA. We didn’t make plans that were too extensive; […]
Read More Sermon: When the Well Runs DryWhen you awakened this morning, did the day seem heavy? Did you awaken expecting the problems of yesterday to seem lighter and a resolution more likely only to feel as though the problem grew in dimension during the night, obscuring any possibility of hope? Despair and discouragement are not unusual. The psalmists felt those pains […]
Read More Despairing and troubled?Three times the Psalmist says in Psalms 42-43 that he should hope in God. He says this as a reminder to himself because he is in despair. He is discouraged and distraught — even brought to tears (Ps. 42:5) by a variety of pressures and burdens: attacks from critics who deny the reality of God […]
Read More Hope in GodYears ago, I came across the phrase, “the gospel is for every day.” That is, the gospel continues to have implications for the believer in Christ not only on the day of his conversion, but every day of his life. The gospel is the way we live. Each day we breath out confession and breath […]
Read More The gospel and spiritual depressionThis week I counted the number of open tabs in my web browser. It was over 40. Time for a Grab Bag, me thinks. Many more churches are being proactive in providing biblical counseling for their people and the community (check out the GBCM webpage and the GBC biblical counselor training page as examples). Capitol […]
Read More Grab bagHow are you doing in your fight for joy in Christ? Most of us need daily reminders of the goodness and grace of Christ so that we might walk in joy victory and not sorrow and defeat (insert comment here about the need for daily feeding from God’s Word to fulfill that need). In a […]
Read More Pursuing JoyJonathan Edwards explores one of the reasons an individual might be caught in a state of depression: If you live very much in spiritual darkness, and without the comfortable presence of God, it may be this is the cause. If you complain that you have but little sweet communion with God, that you seem to […]
Read More If you live in spiritual darkness…From around the internet: A brief Q&A with Billy Graham revealed some reflections on aging (both how older and younger should think about it) and his life of ministry. I statement that I found particularly interesting: I also would have steered clear of politics. I’m grateful for the opportunities God gave me to minister to […]
Read More Grab bagRecently found on the internet: “Do You See the Glory of God in the Sun? Spurgeon’s Battle Against Depression” (see also Randy Alcorn’s series on depression). Justin Taylor has some good thoughts about distinguishing between Christianity and Mormonism. At “Humble Beginnings” (audio) Tim Challies tells the story of pastor Jeff Anderson and a medium-sized church […]
Read More Grab bagA few resources I’ve found recently that have been helpful: “Devotions Aren’t Magic” — among other things, regular time with Christ cultivates delight in Him. Biblical Training recently updated its web page — and all the same very helpful resources are still there at no cost — including seminary level training. A great resource. Some […]
Read More Grab BagMy children somewhat regularly catch me talking to myself — “what did you say, Dad?” “Huh? Oh, nothing. I’m just talking to myself…” And even if it is not audible, everyone engages in much self-talk each day. In fact, the theologian you consult on the most regular basis is almost certainly yourself. For you listen […]
Read More Talk to yourselfEach year Christmas night finds members of my family feeling some melancholy. After weeks of anticipation, the Christmas celebrations have flashed by us and are suddenly gone. And we’re left standing, watching the Christmas taillights and music fade into the night. But it’s possible that this moment of melancholy may be the best teaching moment […]
Read More Experiencing a post-Christmas let-down?When we are discouraged, despairing, and disappointed with life and God, we need to be reminded of the truth of God’s character and His trustworthiness. He really is a good and gracious God, we need to be reminded. One such encouragement is an older hymn (which, to my knowledge, I’ve never heard sung), entitled, “Whate’er […]
Read More Whate’er my God ordains is rightCharles Spurgeon, “The Minister’s Fainting Fits” (in Lectures to My Students): Fits of depression come over the most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy. […]
Read More Today’s Quote – Discouragement (Spurgeon)Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Spiritual Depression: …you and I must never look at our past lives; we must never look at any sin in our past life in any way except that which leads us to praise God and to magnify His grace in Christ Jesus. I challenge you to do that. If you look at your […]
Read More Today’s Quote – Sanctified Memory (Lloyd-Jones)
Words of Grace 