Over the past several years, one journal article that has helped me immensely comes from the pen of J.I. Packer entitled "Self-Care for Pastors: Riches from the Anglican Devotional Tradition." Packer emphasizes that there are three main avenues of attack against leaders of Christ's church. All of us are engaged in a constant, inescapable battle … Continue reading Three Primary Forms of Spiritual Attack
Devotional Thoughts
Surrendering to Grace
Man's agenda is self-preservation and power grapping. God's agenda is redemption for 'Adam's helpless race.' How easy it is to miscalculate redemption's price tag. Peter miscalculated the cost to the Messiah to save His people. He never realized that the Messiah had "to suffer many things" on behalf of the people He came to save. … Continue reading Surrendering to Grace
What type of Christians are we called to be?
Answer: Christians whose lives display the following features: Doxology, the habit taught and modeled by Paul of constantly praising God and giving him thanks; Humility, the downward growth that comes by dwelling on the free, boundless,, almighty grace of God that achieves the salvation of sinners, including oneself, through the atoning death of the Lord … Continue reading What type of Christians are we called to be?
The Beautiful Side of Ambition
Recently, I read an article entitled “Pastoral Narcissism: The Shadow Side of Ambition” by J.R. Kerr in Christianity Today. Now, why would you ever read an article like this unless you were a glutton for conviction? I read it in order to do some needed inventory and assessment in my own life and ministry. This … Continue reading The Beautiful Side of Ambition
An Empire Builder vs. A Kingdom Seeker
An empire builder is dominated by anxiety. A kingdom seeker counts on the faithful provision of his loving Father (Matt. 6:32). Helmut Thielicke reminds us: “It is reasonable to trust in our heavenly Father’s love even in times of grievous trouble because we have been privileged to see it revealed in Christ and His cross.” … Continue reading An Empire Builder vs. A Kingdom Seeker
Entering the Movement of Divine Generosity
Our staff are reading and reflecting on Kelly Kapic's new book entitled God So Loved, He Gave: Entering the Movement of Divine Generosity." Mike Murphy, our worship director, has written a song on John 3:16-21 for the mini sermon series that was preached by our three campus ministers on the implications of John 3:16. How … Continue reading Entering the Movement of Divine Generosity
Oswald Chambers: On the call of God
We are apt to forget the mystical, supernatural touch of God. If you can tell where you got the call of God and all about it, I question whether you have ever had a call. The call of God does not come like that, it is much more supernatural. The realization of it in a … Continue reading Oswald Chambers: On the call of God
Helpful Insights from Jerry Bridges
This coming Sunday at Trinity we will have the privilege of hearing Jerry Bridges. I have reread a number of his books that I have in my personal library this past week and here are several helpful quotes gleaned from my reading. Knowing that indwelling sin occupies a heart that is deceitful and unsearchable should … Continue reading Helpful Insights from Jerry Bridges
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