I have been reminded graciously over the past few days that what our cities need most from us is prayer. If you are like me, we often neglect this aspect of ministry first, believing that the “heavy lifting” of ministering to our city comes in the form of our Sunday gatherings, community groups throughout the week, etc. … Continue reading »
Ministry is More About Beatings than Book Deals
Ministry can seem sexy (especially to those who are still on the sidelines), and so can the preparation for it. But it’s not. Both preparing for, and work in the Kingdom is a lot more Acts 14:19-23 than it is book deals, conference speaking engagements and 5000 member churches (all which we tend to celebrate … Continue reading »
20 Reasons to Pursue Holiness
Yesterday I posted about Shelby and I’s resolution to put down parenting books, and press deeply into Christ, our knowledge of God and our pursuit of holiness. Several years ago, Kevin DeYoung posted 20 reasons to pursue holiness based on 2 Peter. DeYoung points out that the letter of 2 Peter has one point, “grow in godliness”. This theme is made … Continue reading »
Why My Wife and I Quit Reading Parenting Books
Ever since my wife and I found out we were expecting our first child, we have taken our preparation for parenting very seriously. There is something about having a child on the way, that will force you to take a serious look at your living habits, spiritual life, health, finances, etc. For the first few … Continue reading »
George Mueller and Psalm 119:68
Yesterday, I was reading through a number or blog posts, and came across, on Desiring God, George Mueller’s funeral text when his wife Mary died of rheumatic fever in 1860. It is a beautiful unpacking of Psalm 119:68—”Thou art good and doest good.”. This was a man who loved God, knew him, and trusted him deeply. My prayer … Continue reading »
Tolkien on Knowing God
At the age of 77, Tolkien was asked by his publisher’s daughter about the meaning of life. In a letter postmarked May 20, 1969, he said (in part): So it may be said that the chief purpose of life, for any one of us, is to increase according to our capacity our knowledge of God by … Continue reading »
10 Things to Pray for Your Wife
Husbands, if you are not already, we should be praying with our wives every day. It is a way we can lead her well, and water her with the gospel. But, praying WITH her should be fueled by our prayers FOR her. A few weeks ago, the crew over at Desiring God released a new resource called … Continue reading »
Glorifying God By Standing for Truth
We glorify God, by standing up for his truths. Much of God’s glory lies in his truth. God has intrusted us with his truth, as a master intrusts his servant with his purse to keep. We have not a richer jewel to trust God with than our souls, nor has God a richer jewel to … Continue reading »
Jonathan Edwards on Preaching with Passion
“I don’t think ministers are to be blamed for raising the affections of their hearers too high, if that which they are affected with be only that which is worthy of affection, and their affections are not raised beyond a proportion to their importance, or worthiness of affection. I should think myself in the way … Continue reading »
2013 Personal Planning: Reading List, Isaiah, Etc.
2013 is shaping up to be one of the busier years I have had as of late. Because of this, I have been taking some time over the past few weeks to set some goals (spiritually, personal growth, financially, etc..). I am always thankful for bloggers like Timmy Brister or Lore Ferguson who share their … Continue reading »
