In his book, The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life, author Os Guinness takes an in-depth look at what it means to be called of God. I highly recommend the book. He defines the call of God as "the truth that God calls us to Himself so decisively that everything we … Continue reading The Call: Finding and Fulfilling the Central Purpose of Your Life
Daddies with Daughters
My daughters frequently remind me that they think that I have control issues when it comes to their relationships with young men. It is probably true due to remembering well my own gorilla-like heart as a young man. Chuck Swindoll uses a great word-picture when giving away his own daughters in marriage. He compares it … Continue reading Daddies with Daughters
RESPECT… just a little bit
Rolling Stone magazine ranks her atop its list of The Greatest Singers of All Time. As the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin is one of the most honored artists by the Grammy Awards. One of my favorite songs of hers is "Respect." It talks about her desire for a little respect. Not only do husbands … Continue reading RESPECT… just a little bit
Husbands: What’s the best gift you can give your wife today?
There are lots of wonderful gifts that you can give, but the best gift you can give her is to regularly pray for her and tell her what you are praying for her. This is especially crucial if you've experienced a recent conflict. It is very hard to stay angry at someone for whom you … Continue reading Husbands: What’s the best gift you can give your wife today?
The God Who Undragons People
I hope you were able to watch the movie version of The Voyage of the Dawn Treader over the Christmas holidays. Among the many adventures of the Dawn Treader, there is one that powerfully sums up C.S. Lewis’ understanding of how one becomes a follower of Jesus and how the gospel transforms us. While on … Continue reading The God Who Undragons People
How to pray for those who lead your church
The Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 1 sets forth a number of directives for pastors... Pastors are called 1. To work with God's people so that they find their joy in the Lord not in circumstances or any other thing. 2. To pray, counsel, disciple, and preach so that God's people "stand firm in their … Continue reading How to pray for those who lead your church
Trusting the Good Hands of a Providential Father
The Psalmist states, "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord" (Psalm 112:7). It is easy to submit to God's will when everything is going well... when you are walking on sunshine and feeling good. But when you find yourself walking in the shadows, it is then … Continue reading Trusting the Good Hands of a Providential Father
Praying to a Prodigal Father
In a recent time of studying and meditating on the Lord's Prayer, I came across this wonderful piece from John Calvin on what we ought to reflect upon when we pray "our Father." "The exuberance of his paternal kindness he sets before us in the parable, (Luke 15:20) when the father with open arms receives … Continue reading Praying to a Prodigal Father
Gleanings from Life Together – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer poured out his own life at the hands of the Nazis because he refused to allow the church to be a tool of oppression. His Christian classic, Life Together, outlines the essential principles of Christian fellowship, gleaned in the backdrop of the German underground. Here are a few insights and quotes from the … Continue reading Gleanings from Life Together – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
What if God eliminated suffering? – A Reflection for Good Friday
One question that skeptics and believers both ask frequently is: "if God is so loving, why does He allow suffering and evil?" The Psalms of Ascent (Psalm 120-134) are written to facilitate the worship of God's pilgrim people on their journey up to Jerusalem. One notable feature of the journey of faith is oppression and … Continue reading What if God eliminated suffering? – A Reflection for Good Friday
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