A gold apple

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver Is a word spoken in right circumstances” (Prov. 25:11; NASB) It was supposed to be a simple fencing project. Buy a few panels, take the old ones down, put the new ones up. Real easy. And real unrealistic. It evolved into one of my typical projects, one […]

A sermon do-over

Every preacher has them: sermons that they realized after-the-fact that they did the worst thing that can be done in a sermon. They missed the point of the passage. I’ve had at least my fair share of them. But one stands towering over all the others in my mind. I remember studying that week, wondering […]

Shepherds’ Conference registration

Registration for the 2012 Shepherds’ Conference (March 7-12) is now open. And even better news is that the cost for the conference for early registration is $250 instead of the normal $300. But this reduced price is only for a short time, so register now to take advantage of the cost savings. Register here.

Nancy Guthrie talks about suffering

Nancy Guthrie recently conducted a live interview on Desiring God. She speaks of the death of her two children from a genetic disease and how that stimulate a deep trust in God in both her and her husband. [Aside: read anything you can that she has written or edited on the topic of suffering or […]

They said it better than me: comfort

Still thinking about the comfort of God, I came across these statements in my files: “Why does God bring thunderclouds and disasters when we want green pastures and still waters? Bit by bit we find, behind the clouds, the Father’s feet; behind the lightning, an abiding day that has no night; behind the thunder, ‘a […]

Approved by God

It was an incredible offer. Thousands and thousands of dollars were at my disposal. Power, I was told, would be mine. Prestige. Privilege. All because I had been pre-approved for a Platinum Visa. Or if I preferred, I could opt for the offer of a Gold MasterCard that came from another bank that same day. […]

For college students: this one thing I do

In contrast to the fabled “freshman five,” here is a “freshman 15” that is really good for all first-year college students (and high school students, and grad students, and well, anyone). Pastor Jeff Brewer suggests 15 ways to glorify God as an incoming freshman. If the first principle is practiced well, then the others will […]

Inexpensive audio books

Christian Audio has a number of books on sale for $0.98 through the end of the month. Several of the books are pamphlets (including ones by John Piper and John MacArthur). Additionally, the full length book All of Grace by Charles Spurgeon and a collection of the best sermons of Jonathan Edwards are available. Go […]

Afflicted for the sake of comfort

I don’t recall where I first heard this principle, but after 20+ years in ministry, I believe it is true: in every seat in every sanctuary is a person with a sad story or heartache. Talk to anyone for any significant length of time and ask the right kinds of questions and you will find […]

William Carey – expect great things from God

William Carey was the man who not only uttered the statement “expect great things from God, attempt great things for God,” but also with his life guided by that principle, launched much of what we know as the modern missions movement. (Interestingly, the sermon in which that statement was made is not in print anywhere, […]

Book blurbs

In the interest of “something is better than nothing,” here are a few blurbs and comments on some books I’ve recently completed reading: Title: Don’t Call it a Comeback: The Old Faith for a New Day Author: Kevin DeYoung (ed.) Publisher: Crossway, 2011; 252 pp. $16.99 Recommendation (4-star scale): Kevin DeYoung is fast becoming one […]

Cultivate fear

In his recent book, Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself, Joe Thorn exhorts himself (and us) to develop godly fear in place of worldly fear: What should you fear in life above a holy God who forgives the sins of unholy men like yourself? What can be taken from you? Your possessions […]

My daughter is leaving for college tomorrow

I’ve been thinking about this weekend for a couple of years. I’m proud of her. I’m happy for her. I’m astounded at the grace of God in her life that is making it possible for her to go to this school. I’m going to miss her terribly.

Grab bag

Some helpful articles from the last week: Lately I’ve been preaching and writing quite a bit about the gospel for believers. Here is a prayer from Scotty Smith to preach the gospel to ourselves. Alan Jacobs is an excellent essayist. I have read one of his collections of writings and another awaits reading on my […]

After jury duty

I spent the first two days of this week serving our community in the juror’s box. On Monday I was part of the selection process for two different juries before eventually being seated as a member of the second jury. I’ve been called for jury duty before but never had the privilege of sitting on […]