Phillip Brooks, an Episcopalian rector in Boston over 100 years ago, and author of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" wrote this about how pastors are to serve Christ's church. His main thesis here can be extrapolated to any job: I think, again, that it is essential to the preacher's success that he should thoroughly enjoy his work. … Continue reading The Power of a Joyful Pastor
Devotional Thoughts
Facing Our Long Battle with Terrorism
This morning I was reading again a journal article by James I. Packer entitled "Wisdom in a Time of War: What Oswald Chambers and C.S. Lewis Teach Us about Living Through The Long Battle with Terrorism." He wrote this for the January 2, 2002 edition of the periodical Christianity Today. One of the first points he makes … Continue reading Facing Our Long Battle with Terrorism
When Weakness Appeals to Strength
A dear friend of mine, who was quite a lover of the chase, told me the following story: Rising early one morning, he said, I heard the baying of a score of deerhounds in pursuit of their quarry. Looking away to a broad, open field in front of me, I saw a young fawn making … Continue reading When Weakness Appeals to Strength
The Beautiful Shepherd Psalm
'I shall not want' is the theme of Ps. 23. I shall not lack for: rest and refreshment (v. 2), restoration and righteousness (v. 3), protection in trouble (v.4), provision in the wilderness (v. 5), and a home to go to at the end of the days (v. 6). More is implied than is expressed, … Continue reading The Beautiful Shepherd Psalm
Dealing with Temptation
Thomas Brooks, a Puritan pastor, counsels believers to confront all temptations (the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, or the boastful pride of life) with the words of the Psalmist: “The LORD is my portion” (16:5; 73:26; 119:57; 142:5). He exhorts: Luther counsels every Christian to answer all temptations with the short … Continue reading Dealing with Temptation
Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled
Let not your hearts be troubled for Jesus promises… Light after darkness, gain after loss; Strength after weakness, crown after cross; Sweet after bitter, hope after fears; Home after wandering, praise after tears; Sheaves after sowing, sun after rain; Sight after mystery, peace after pain; Joy after sorrow, calm after blast; Rest after weariness, sweet … Continue reading Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled
Gazing Upon True Beauty
Religious people find God useful for obtaining things in life. Christians find God beautiful and knowing Him is the chief good they seek. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 27:4 - “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days … Continue reading Gazing Upon True Beauty
Awed by God’s Work in Your Life – John Newton
Today is the anniversary of John Newton's conversion. His story demonstrates the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For, at the helm of that storm-tossed boat on March 21, 1748 was a day Newton remembered for the rest of his life, because: "On that day the Lord sent from on high and delivered me out … Continue reading Awed by God’s Work in Your Life – John Newton
What is a Christian?
Here is a sound definition from James I. Packer in his classic book Knowing God in the chapter "Thy Word is Truth:" "A person who acknowledges and lives under the Word of God. He submits without reserve to the Word of God written in 'the Scripture of truth' (Daniel 10:21), believing the teaching, trusting the promises, … Continue reading What is a Christian?
When Politics Get You Down
Take a moment to grasp again how great is our God. The Bible tells us how unlimited are His wisdom, His presence and His power. No where does the Bible set this forth more beautifully than in Psalm 139. J.I. Packer, in his classic book entitled Knowing God, writes: Look at the world's great men - the … Continue reading When Politics Get You Down
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