A Christian in ancient Rome was being pursued by a lion. He ran through the city streets and into the woods, dodging back and forth among the trees. Finally it became obvious that it was hopeless. The lion was going to catch him. So he turned suddenly, faced the beast, and dropped to his knees. […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (6/5/11)David was in a tough spot. His son Absalom was after his throne and his life. He was led to believe by a dishonest counselor that Mephibosheth, the son of his beloved Jonathan and the one for whom he had cared for many years, had turned against him also (cf. 16:3-5; 19:24-25). Those he loved […]
Read More When criticizedIf you own a Kindle, there are many deals on good, biblical books to be found this weekend. Among them: Church Planter by Darrin Patrick – $2.99 Think by John Piper – $2.99 Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef – $2.99 The Attributes of God by A.W. Pink – $0.99 Don’t Waste Your Life by John Piper – $1.99 […]
Read More More Kindle book dealsAs I was preparing for Sunday morning’s sermon, I came across a number of helpful statements about prayer, including these three: “No heart can conceive that treasury of mercies which lies in this one privilege, in having liberty and ability to approach unto God at all times, according to His mind and will.” [John Owen] […]
Read More Thinking and praying about SundayChristian Audio’s free book download this month is Joni Eareckson Tada’s A Place of Healing: Wrestling with the Mysteries of Suffering, Pain, and God’s Sovereignty. I listened to one chapter of it several months ago and was very encouraged by it. This looks to be a very beneficial book.
Read More Free audio book: A Place of HealingHere is a good deal on a great book: John Piper’s excellent book Think is on sale (eBook) for $2.99 at Amazon’s Kindle Store. They’ll have this price for a while, but it won’t be permanent, so it would be best to act soon!
Read More John Piper’s Think eBook on saleHow will the father of a blind boy respond when his pastor preaches on John 9 — the story of the man born blind? Watch the interview of the pastor, John Piper, with his church member, John Knight, for one redemptive example. This will not only be helpful for those with disabilities or family members […]
Read More When a boy is born blind…“Taking up the shield of faith…” Paul says (Eph. 6:16). His words are an encouragement exhortation to trust the Lord in all things. We safely nod in agreement, but all too often our lives reveal a different source of trust. We trust ourselves, our reason, our strength, our intuition, our sight. And, should our hearts […]
Read More Living a life of faithWhen attacked by Satan, we will be tempted to give up on God’s promises. Those realities that we know and have experienced about the sufficiency and ability of God will seem distant to us when the burdens of life are close. So in our hearts we will question God (though we likely would not do […]
Read More Sunday Leftovers (5/29/11)Today is the day for my firstborn’s graduation from high school. How did it happen that fast? She has been an instrument of God’s grace in our lives in multiplied ways. But mostly we are profoundly gratified to see the grace of God and His salvation actively working in her life to conform her to […]
Read More Graduation DayIn my reading to prepare for Sunday, I came across this helpful statement by Charles Hodge about the sword of the Spirit — the Word of God: In opposition to all error, to all false philosophy, to all false principles of morals, to all the sophistries of vice, to all the suggestions of the devil, […]
Read More The sword of the SpiritThis is a five-minute video that is well worth your time. Wrestling With An Angel. My favorite statement in the video: God brings us to the end of ourselves — to the end of our strength, to the end of our wits — He destroys our pride and our self-confidence in order to reveal to […]
Read More A testimony of grace and sufferingFirst 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 […]
Read More He learned his lessonTo 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 […]
Read More Courage for the dayYesterday, 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 […]
Read More The world hasn’t ended. Now what?
