He learned his lesson

First David was being chased relentlessly by Saul. He was discouraged and evidently despaired of receiving God’s promise of ascending to the throne of Israel. Then Jonathan came and encouraged his friend in the Lord. But you wonder, don’t you, “did he learn his lesson?” “Did the truths about God that Jonathan used to strengthen […]

Courage for the day

To my knowledge, no one has ever wanted to kill me. Oh sure, I’ve had people angry with me. I’ve had people want to use me as a punching bag (a couple did back in the junior high years). I’ve had people speak to me in angry and hostile tones. Some have shaken in rage […]

The world hasn’t ended. Now what?

Yesterday, the world did not end, despite the warnings and prophecies of Harold Camping. It would be easy to say, “fool…” (he is), and disassociate ourselves from him. But is that the best response for the believer? A couple of thoughts on our response: Jesus will return, and He will return in judgment — “Be […]

Sunday Leftovers (5/22/11)

Somewhere around the end of my junior year in college, a buddy and I decided to take a camping trip. Living in the Southeast at the time, we decided to spend about a week in the Great Smokey Mountains — a decision that proved to be an excellent choice. What proved not to be such […]

What leadership is not

Last week I alluded to a blog post about what submission is not. Here is a good reflection on what leadership (particularly in the home) is not. Leadership is not: Simply or singularly a man’s issue Elevating Loud Prideful A call to be master Limiting Mindless Weakening Autonomous Self-Focused [Beggar To Beggar.] Again, a helpful […]

What submission is not

Simply or singularly a marriage issue Degrading Silent Fearful Joyless Stifling Dumb Weak Automatic Self-Focused Read the entire post and the brief explanations at The Resurgence. A number of years ago John Piper put together a similar list in his sermon, “Women of Valor for Non-Promise Keepers.” He defined submission in these ways in that […]

The Gospel Coalition Workshop audio

The workshop audio from last month’s Gospel Coalition Conference is now available. All 38 sessions are available, plus a number of special events, including a few that will be posted soon. A few titles that looked particularly interesting to me: The Pastor’s Counseling Ministry (David Powlison) Is Your Church a Safe Place for Sad People? […]

Monday morning mirth

Both my daughter and dog star in this product of 12 years of public education:

Sunday Leftovers (5/15/11)

Toxicologists Frank LoVecchio and Jeffrey Suchard at the Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center in Phoenix did some research on rattlesnakes a few years ago and came up with this conclusion: Dead rattlesnakes can bite. They discovered that 15% of Arizona rattlesnake attacks occurred after the snakes “had been mortally shot, bludgeoned, or even beheaded.” A […]

Preparing for Sunday

This afternoon, going over my notes for tomorrow’s sermon, I was reading a number of things about sin, Satan, and temptation. As is often the case, Thomas Watson had a good word about the subject: What can one do to offer violence to himself in mortifying the flesh? Withdraw the fuel that may make lust […]

Good, inexpensive Christian e-books

Thanks to Tim Challies, I came across this website today that has a good selection of inexpensive and free ebooks for the Kindle. Check out Gospel eBooks. Check out some of the following deals: The Holy Bible: ESV (FREE) The Holy Bible: HCSB (FREE) John Piper – Don’t Waste Your Life ($2.84) A.W. Tozer – […]

Do not let your heart envy sinners

Pastor Kent Hughes recounts the fable of two men who lived in an ancient city — one was envious while the other was covetous. The ruler of this city sent for the two men and offered to grant each of them one wish. A small difference arose, however: he would grant the first man exactly […]

God: worthy (alone) of glory

A few of years ago, popular author John Gray (Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus) released a new book: How to Get What You Want and Want What You Have. His thesis? “When you do your best, God does the rest.” In one place he reportedly writes, “Regardless of your particular orientation [of […]

Grab bag

This 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 […]

Happy, Happy Mother’s Day

Joyce Heinrich (Bethlehem Baptist Church) wrote a particularly encouraging post, “Happy, Happy Mother’s Day.” Oh, mothers, I urge you to continue on as you have begun with your maternal responsibilities. Love your children intensely, selflessly, wisely! But with an even greater love, love your God, Jesus Christ. Set your face like a flint to follow […]