Karl Barth: “To fold one’s hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” To begin an uprising…to turn the world upside down. In the closing months of WWII, Helmut Thielicke preached on the Lord’s Prayer. He spoke words that ring true for us today: “In these fearful, fateful … Continue reading Prayer – Launching an Uprising Against the Disorder of our World
Jesus Steps In When Hell Endeavors to Shake Us
I loved playing and watching basketball during high school. Now, refereeing basketball is a different story. When I was in ninth-grade, I went one Saturday morning to the gym to watch some friends playing in a church league. This day, the referee forgot to show up. Thus, I was asked to referee the game. But … Continue reading Jesus Steps In When Hell Endeavors to Shake Us
Lifelines for Spiritual Depression
Lifelines for those journeying through spiritual depression from Psalm 120: Martin Lloyd Jones in his book entitled Spiritual Depression sets forth a radical notion that has proven most helpful to me personally. He writes that "most of your unhappiness in life is due to the fact that you are listening to yourself instead of talking … Continue reading Lifelines for Spiritual Depression
Reflections for Worship – Romans 16:1-16
One biblical scholar writes that Romans 16 "is one of the most instructive chapters of the New Testament because it encourages personal relationships of love in the church." — Emil Brunner The warmth of Christian friendship evident in these verses (with so many indications of warm affection) reminds us that in a world of fractured … Continue reading Reflections for Worship – Romans 16:1-16
If he has work for me to do, I cannot die!
While in college, Henry Martyn was stirred by the missions interests of his pastor Charles Simeon of Holy Trinity Church as well as by reading the journals of David Brainerd, the Puritan missionary in North America. Henry was a "Senior Wrangler" at the prestigious Cambridge University. That meant he graduated first among the honor students … Continue reading If he has work for me to do, I cannot die!
A Man for Others in Loving Forgiveness
How are you doing in modeling the gospel with others? A man for others embodies the gospel by forgiving others the same way that God in Christ has forgiven you. (Philippians 2:2 - "Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.") Ephesians 4:31-32 – Let all … Continue reading A Man for Others in Loving Forgiveness
Luther – Our Daily Business is Our Hardest Work
I don't know about you but it always encourages me to hear the saints of old acknowledge their own difficulties in spiritual disciplines such as prayer. What a delight it should be for us to bring all our cares, burdens, joys, and petitions to the throne of grace, but, if you're like me, you find … Continue reading Luther – Our Daily Business is Our Hardest Work
Praying for Your Wife
What are you praying for right now for your wife? I have found it most helpful to pray through certain Scriptures for my wife Scottie. One passage that has served as a helpful guide through the years has been Proverbs 31:10-31. Here are several bullet points for prayer. I would urge to use this as … Continue reading Praying for Your Wife
A Cure for All Your Unhappiness
Martin Lloyd-Jones' book Spiritual Depression has had a profound impact on my life. It is a compilation of his sermons from the book of Psalms. In his sermon on Psalm 42, he sets forth what he believes is the fundamental cause of all our unhappiness and prescribes a cure. “Have you realized that most of … Continue reading A Cure for All Your Unhappiness
A Challenge for Married Men and Those Soon to Marry
If you have been married for any length of time, you have had to learn how to deal with disappointment and difficulty in living together as a married couple working hard to keep your vows. This morning I am in the midst of finalizing a wedding ceremony and came across a wonderful challenge to married … Continue reading A Challenge for Married Men and Those Soon to Marry
2Cherish2Commend 