Who needs those Christian dating services when you can get great advice like this --
Young Christian people should seek to become the kind of person that the kind of person they would want... More >>
The poem I shared yesterday while talking about the Sabbath:
W. H. Davies
WHAT is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare?—
No time to stand beneath... More >>
Here are the references distributed on Sunday morning. They are intended for further meditation upon the Ten Commandments.
1st Ex.15:1; Dt. 6:5; 2 Kings 17:29-39; Psalm 73:25;... More >>
Amy is in Iowa with Andrew and Ruby Johnson.
Working with Andrew for my first few years here in Racine was a wonderful privilege. Andrew is a faithful and gifted... More >>
I was down the hall meeting with one of our elders who took time out of his day to come in and give me counsel on a matter. I thanked him for taking the time and was reflecting about what... More >>
Psalms 4, 34, 64, 94, 124 this morning. Each one gave me something sweet to meditate upon.
I think I am going to keep this one with me all day today. Its... More >>
Oswald Chambers in a letter to his sister, Dec 17, 1906:
You see, I believe that Jesus Christ our Lord has all power in heaven and on earth; do you? I find most people believe that He... More >>
On my way up to Adell Wisconsin with Darien and John to meet with great like-minded Wisconsin pastors about our joint efforts to help train pastors in Kabardino-Bulkaria.
... More >>
In elders meeting this morning the text we discussed was Romans 15:14-33.
23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many... More >>
This post from Ray Ortlund is all too true!
How to wreck your church in three weeks
Week One: Walk into church today and think about how long you’ve been a member, how much... More >>
Somebody got me a Barnes and Noble Card for Christmas.
So I ordered online and the box arrived this weekend:
The Brothers Karamozov
The Essential Edgar Allen Poe... More >>
Idolatry is a recurring theme in Scripture. It goes much deeper and is far more pervasive than most people think.
Today, there are many ways to talk about idolatry. I... More >>
I love the way this reads.
I love the way life works when God's people live this way.
Q & A 94 Heidleberg Catechism
Q. What does the Lord require in the first... More >>
Driving my car yesterday.
I was thinking about a man in our church who has been through a really difficult situation. I was feeling like a lousy pastor because I haven’t... More >>
Read this last night.
I do experience these opportunities so frequently.
I don’t want to miss a single one of them!
Every meeting with another person is a... More >>
Prayer is the vital breath of religion in the soul. It cultivates our sense of dependence and of God’s sovereignty. By confessing our sins, the sense of sin is deepened. By rendering thanks,... More >>
In pastor’s meeting today as an opening question I asked, “Who has a verse for us?”
The table was quiet for a couple of seconds and then Wayne spoke up.
This... More >>
Do you want to share the gospel more frequently and more effectively?
Do you sometimes struggle with a lack of compassion or boldness?
The first half of this is funny and the second... More >>
Yesterday I stayed home sick. Rested all day in hopes that this head cold and throat issue wouldn't get worse. So far it hasn't. I feel better today. Felt well enough to take... More >>
I listened to The White Horse Inn yesterday. It was their 20th anniversary episode.
I only catch this program once in a great while. It is usually thought... More >>
Pray for 20 minutes every morning
A simple guide for getting going with 20 minutes of prayer…
20 minutes is easy if you go 5 and 5 and 5 and 5.
5 minutes... More >>
God spoke all the world into existence.
God speaks to us in His Word.
God’s Word forms words in our minds and hearts.
And now God calls us to speak back to Him in prayer.
... More >>
Highlights from RBC Board meeting last night:
Wayne sharing about men getting into the Word of God every day. It is so simple and yet it is what it’s all about. Wayne... More >>
It has come to my attention that I may have, however inadvertently, disparaged the good name of a certain youth pastor in my previous post.
Though all I wrote about him giving us as gifts our... More >>
The best commercial I have seen in a long time:
The Sports Center guys in line behind Arnold Palmer making an Arnold Palmer.
The best book on... More >>
This is the type of thing I have been working on for school:
The sacred author’s intended meaning is the critical starting point but not an end in itself. The task of... More >>
Some things are so obvious to us that we never see them.
I remember this little poem from someplace, perhaps you have heard it before…
Oh where is the sea the fishes... More >>
I do not love charts.
But I do love studying the Bible.
I liked this post by Justin Taylor and his suggestion to draw up some charts for yourself.
One tip to... More >>
Enjoyed breakfast with eight of my favorite men this morning at the Golden Keys. I just love sitting around the table with men who are examples to me.
Apologized to a church member... More >>
So we had a pretty small evening service last night. We were up against two factors.
First, lots of our people were away at Fort Wilderness and second, Packers playoff... More >>
I sent one middle school son, one high school son, one high school daughter, and one super-fun wife up to winter camp this weekend. Meaning I am home alone. (Not really alone if you... More >>
So I'm reading Christianity Today this morning with my apple and cinnamon cheerios.
A good article by Ed Stetzer on the abuse of statistics by pastors and churches. We... More >>
Our junior and senior high school ministry leaves for Fort Wilderness Winter Retreat Friday!
Please be praying for...
Dan Miller as he leads the leaders and students.
The RBC youth staff who will be... More >>
Most of us made some sort of resolutions for the new year.
Our six pastors are currently sharing the pulpit on six areas of resolutions.
This short summation of Edwards' resolutions is particularly... More >>
I read this today.
It matched up with some thinking and journaling I had already been sifting through so I really liked it. Hope you do too.
"A Time To Talk,"... More >>
We are trying something different for the next couple of Sundays.
It is an idea that had been brewing in my mind for a while - and the first two Sundays of the new year seemed to be the right time... More >>
Please join us on Christmas Eve at 5:00.
Our worship service will last about an hour.
We will read Scripture, sing Christmas hymns and worship our Christ.... More >>
When we depend upon organization,
we get what organizations can do;
when we depend upon education,
we get what education can do;
when we depend upon man,
we get what man can do;
but when we... More >>
Avatar, Star Wars, The Lion King and the God who takes on flesh
I really liked Ross Douthat's column from the New York Times.
He writes about the James Cameron movie "Avatar" and makes some serious sense...
It’s fitting... More >>
After supper last night the boys and I hit up Lockwood for some night sledding.
Rylie took a jump, turned a complete 360 and landed it.
In the process of perfecting the trick, he... More >>
"I’m amazed at the amount of time people spend on the internet. I’m not against technology, but all tools should be used to their best advantage. We should be spending our... More >>
This hit me hard recently!
"Sin is fundamentally antisocial, because sin causes me to love me more than anything else and to care for me more than anything... More >>
If you were with us yesterday, you should remember this.
I went to sleep last night dreaming about it.
I awoke this morning praying that God will soon bring it to... More >>
Here's what I'm up to today...
Eating Junior Mints
Drinking Papa Nicholas French Roast
Working on Chapter Three of my doctoral project (I wanted to... More >>
Opening presents, grinning about sweaters you don't really like, having second helpings of your aunt's jello-salad, answering relative's questions about school or the weather or grades or jobs in a... More >>
Not too long ago, I had lunch with one of our RBC men.
A godly man who loves the Lord and puts that love to action in this church.
He told me that he is considering... More >>
David Brainerd described his spiritual desires this way –
“When I really enjoy God, I feel my desires of Him the more insatiable, and my thirstings after holiness the more... More >>
I am reading (actually skimming) Dr. Mohler's book "Words from the Fire" subtitled "Hearing the voice of God in the Ten Commandments.”
I like it a lot.
I checked it... More >>
This good word on prayer comes from Kevin Deyoung:
If you know you are needy and believe that God helps the needy, you will pray. Conversely, if we seldom pray, the problem goes much... More >>
Read Philippians 1:3-11 with the elders this morning.
So many stand-out phrases in that passage. And they are structured together in such an interesting construction which is, in itself,... More >>
I left my lunch in the car this morning. Poor bag has been sitting out there since 5:30am. It froze.
I’m eating a banana a day (doctor’s orders about something... More >>
Here is a great word about the gospel from JC Ryle...
Let us take comfort in the thought that the Lord Jesus does not cast off His believing people because of failures and... More >>
Kindness isn’t a personality trait, it’s a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and an expression of biblical love (1 Corinthians 13:4). Kindness does not have its origins in... More >>
Amy took a bunch of pictures on yesterday.
I will try to post them up here on the blog tonight when I get home.
The pictures are from the first service Sunday. We had a great time here and all... More >>
Amy shared some things with me recently that she had been learning from the Lord. I love the way the Lord gets at me through her.
It is a crowning blessing to share common... More >>
Here I am at church on Wednesday night.
Watching the weather predictions yesterday…
We all figured we would probably have to cancel.
But I just walked the halls... More >>
Ouch. This hit my like a ton of bricks today!
We foolishly assume that our real struggles with sin are in the areas where we are "weak." We do not well understand... More >>
Over Thanksgiving I read another Chesterton story, The Club of Queer Trades.
I laughed out loud.
A lot.
He takes these witty shots at our contemporary, short-sighted errors while... More >>
To not be angry is a dreadful spiritual and moral malady
This outstanding sentence comes from Walter Kaiser’s, Exodus commentary chapter eleven verse eight:
“To be in the presence of evil and not be angry is a dreadful spiritual... More >>
We read this prayer at elders meeting this morning and discussed Carson’s explanation of it.
For this reason we also, since the day we heard it,... More >>
You can find a nice summary of his life here:
http://www.wholesomewords.org/missions/biobrainerd.html
You can find a stirring biographical sermon about him... More >>
Today we have our Racine Bible Church office Christmas party.
Here are my pre-party feelings in three words bursts:
I can’t wait
Should be fun
Love these... More >>
You ever hear something, read something or see something and then find that exact same thing coming up in an unrelated conversation just a little while later?
This happened to me... More >>
Great day of study in Exodus 11 through 13.
These chapters have the most amazing alteration of literary styles.
They alternate between narrative of events in real time (the story) and... More >>
I am looking forward to having lunch with one hundred of my favorite people tomorrow.
The Pacesetters/Sunday school luncheon is a highlight every year.
This year Timothy Botts... More >>
I thought this was funny...
You know how there are advertisements or smart-suggestions on the top-banner or sides of web pages?
I was on some Christian website today and on... More >>
I love this simple post from Justin Taylor.
Justin was executive editor of the ESV Study Bible.
He also edited a great new edition of some of John Owen's... More >>
I brought my gym bag to the office today.
I was going to head into the gym over my lunch hour to run on the treadmill because I thought it was supposed to be rainy and cold.
Happily, my... More >>
Our spiritual disciplines class is reading this chapter by Donald Whitney in preparation for class discussion next Sunday night.
http://biblicalspirituality.org/silence.html
Do... More >>
Famous people born on November 30th
Bo Jackson
Billy Idol
Dick Clark
Winston Churchill
Mark Twain
And, best of all, my mom.
Happy Birthday Mom!
... More >>
I'm looking forward to worship tomorrow morning.
We will pray and sing with great joy. Our Christ has come.
One of our families will read the Advent Scriptures and light the first... More >>
I like this cartoon.
http://www.cartoonbank.com/2009/Johnson-look-at-the-lilies-of-the-field-They-neither-spin-nor-toil-Fire-them/invt/133922
... More >>
I am thinking about using this prayer during tonight's service. It is from the Common Book of Prayer
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we thine unworthy servants
do give thee most humble... More >>
This good word about the gospel comes from Pastor Jared C. Wilson
The gospel is resilient. It is miraculously versatile. It proves itself every day for those awake to it. Because... More >>
Thank you for a great Sunday yesterday.
I loved the handbells, choir, organ, and violins.
Drew and Tim did an excellent job leading in song.
Preaching and teaching from Genesis 22 and... More >>
Tomorrow we will enter one of the greatest short stories in all of Scripture, Genesis 22.
We will read the narrative and then, for the inspired interpretation, we will turn over to Hebrews 11.
Read... More >>
Yesterday's post about praying for me is important.
This post isn't.
Nevertheless, you may find these enjoyable.
My favorite dog:
My favorite Culver's worker:
My favorite pastor's... More >>
From Gardiner Spring's "Prayer for Ministers" (first published in 1848):
O it is at a fearful expense that ministers are ever allowed to enter the pulpit without being... More >>
That was weird. I caught just three minutes of something on the AM radio. It was like everything weird, aberrant, cheesy and misleading all rolled into one…
I... More >>
I might as well go ahead and admit it.
I am partial. You are too.
We should be.
I know what James 2 says about a church leader not being partial to a rich congregant over a poor... More >>
3:14 I AM WHO I AM.
This name for God points to His self-existence and eternality; it denotes “I am the One who is/will be,” which is decidedly the best and most contextually... More >>
Time after time I see it happen here at RBC.
A crisis strikes one family (a death, an illness, an acute financial need) and the church family rallies around them with love and support... More >>
In the Pentateuch as a whole, there are six major themes: (1) God's blessing on all nature and humanity; (2) God's promise to the patriarchs; (3) God's deliverance in the exodus from... More >>
Did you know?
One of our elders is on the international board of fragrance toxicology.
Seriously.
Now you know.
If we should begin to experience toxic fragrances at... More >>
I love this list. It comes from Pastor Jared Wilson.
Things good pastors say
1. You're right.
Good pastors know they're not always (not usually?) the smartest, most... More >>
2 Peter 1:3-5 and 10-11
We opened this passage this morning around the breakfast table.
Cereal, English breakfast tea and observation-interpretation-application about the... More >>
Somebody brought a big box of donuts to the office today.
The white box sat in the copy room.
I entered the room intending to abstain.
Really. I was going to abstain.
But then... More >>
Following is a summary of Rodney Stark’s ten marks identifying the social practices of the earliest Christians.
The conclusions following the ten points are particularly... More >>
If thy dearest friends intrude unseasonably between thee and thy God, it is neither rude not unmannerly to bid them give place to better company.
John Flavel... More >>
These notes are from the IFCA doctrinal statement. Racine Bible Church is a member church in this organization.
(13) Dispensationalism - We believe that the Scriptures interpreted... More >>
Student Ministry Intern – assistant to the Junior High Pastor.
That was the first “ministry job” I ever had.
I had a small group of seventh and eighth grade... More >>
These notes come from materials in one of the appendices to the MacArthur Study Bible:
The Rapture of the Church
We teach the personal, bodily return of our Lord Jesus Christ before the seven-year... More >>
We are going to the skating rink tonight.
Somehow... at the fair or some place we went this Summer... Rylie won a bunch of free passes.
We are headed out there tonight and I will be skating.
I... More >>
Meekness is power harnessed by love. It is an expression of humility that will not bristle or defend when challenged. In marriage, to be meek is not to be weak or vulnerable, but to... More >>
Many err the more dangerously because they take a truth as the foundation of their error. This mistake lies, not in believing a falsehood, but in regarding one truth to the exclusion of... More >>
The story you are about to hear is true.
This happened relatively recently.
Disclaimer: The name is being withheld in order to protect the guilty and save me some major grief at... More >>
I encountered this verse in studying the faith of Abraham (he is mentioned in verse 13).
It has been rolling around in my mind and is starting to bear fruit in my... More >>
Truth must be necessarily be stranger than fiction for fiction is the creation of the human mind and is therefore congenial to it.
GK Chesterton
Think about that one for a... More >>
Dan Miller took a small group of students up to Fort Wilderness this weekend for a service project.
I love the emphasis on humility and service in our youth ministry. I love... More >>
This powerful word comes from Russell D. Moore of SBTS:
For most conservative American evangelicals, "Reformation Day" is not a big deal. Many, if asked, might think it to be a special... More >>
Here is a little bit more from the David Powlison article.
I took it home and shared it with Amy because it related to a few “discussions”* we have been having lately.
She... More >>
I asked Darien to lead Pastor’s meeting this week by bringing us something good from the biblical counseling training he has been receiving. He did not disappoint.
He led us through... More >>
Here is a good word for each one of us.
“It is ingrained in us that we have to do exceptional things for God -- but we do not. We have to be exceptional in the... More >>
I almost showed up to the office today with forty kids!
I was anticipating the look on Scott, Sharon and Linda’s face when I pulled into the parking lot followed by a caravan of a... More >>
O Thou loving One, O Thou blessed One, Thou deservest to have my all. Thou hast paid for me ten thousand times more than I am worth.
John Bunyan
... More >>
Why did God work the wonders recorded in the Old Testament?
Why did God save me?
Why did God save us?
Turn to these passages to hear Him give the... More >>
Crossway have just published a brand new edition of Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, edited by C. J. Lovik with superb illustrations by Mike Wimmer.
"If any smoothing of Bunyan's seventeenth... More >>
Some pictures from the missions weekend...
High School Ministry Fall Fun Night with the Longs (Botswana) and Char (Papua)
A balanced meal of chips, sandwich and grapes -
Amy and me with Dan... More >>
This is the most thought provoking thing that has come through my ear buds in quite some time:
Marvin Olasky delivering a lecture at Southern Seminary about Scripture,... More >>
The first verse of the Bible shows him to be a creative God. His nature is to create, and there may be no end to this, in time or in eternity. It is impossible you come into contact with a... More >>
I have been remembering this from Darien’s sermon a couple of months ago –
If we are going to understand sin and the gospel it is important to get this... More >>
Last night the deacons, elders and church officers had our monthly board meeting.
It was relatively short - and the elders did not have to stay after for an additional meeting –... More >>
Filled up at the gas station yesterday.
The station has the new pumps with the inlaid television screen.
There was a ladybug crawling on the inside of the screen.
... More >>
Kent Hughes really captures the essence of parenting with a particularly helpful word to Pastors:
Some fathers exasperate their children by being overly strict and controlling. They... More >>
I loved hearing the orchestra on Sunday.
Violins, cellos, flute, trumpet...
When they all join together it creates such a full, joyful, lovely sound.
Music is one of God's sweetest... More >>
We had a great elders retreat in Lake Geneva:
Are we/how can we be sure that every member understands the gospel?
Are we/how can we be sure that the good stuff happening all around the... More >>
The RBC elders have some extended meetings this weekend.
We really need your prayers. Would you please pray for us?
These are the men attending our meetings:
Steve... More >>
I’ve learned the hard way that the primary thing which separates the spiritually mature from the spiritually immature is what one does with his/her burdens and fears and frustrations and... More >>
In the last two or three hours…
Ate lunch of leftovers from Los Mariachis. Steak fajitas. Great when they were sizzling on the platter last night. Still very good... More >>
From DA Carson:
One of the most important entailments of the doctrine of creation is this: it grounds all human responsibility. The theme repeatedly recurs in the Bible, sometimes... More >>
We had a great discussion in firm foundations class last night about getting into the Word of God every day.
Several people shared some best practices that have worked well in... More >>
I’m reading Psalm 119 as homework for the spiritual disciplines class on Sunday nights.
We are a Bible Church where the Bible is always talked about.
Some people have... More >>
I don't know how many practices have been put in but I know the number is large.
Between my drummer/keyboardist, violinist, and vocalist we have been been to several of... More >>
I wish this post was about blowing fifty foot bubbles with the kids in the backyard.
I wish.
Instead, this post is about shameful “protected-speech-bubbles” the... More >>
I talked with someone today.
Someone outside the church.
This person was hurting, really hurting because of somebody else’s sin.
I was able to listen.
I was... More >>
This is an article by Tim Challies about Genesis chapter three.
As I continue reading through Waltke’s Old Testament Theology I continue to dig up pure gold. Today I’ll... More >>
I am praying for all of those who have been invited to the music for the masses concert this Saturday.
What a great opportunity to bring a friend through our doors and share!
If you are around here... More >>
John A., John M. Wayne, Darien, Dan and I just finished pastor’s meeting.
Dan brought panera.
We discussed this article on humility and approachability by Ken Sande.
The... More >>
If you want to pick up one volume to help you in your Bible studies, your best move might be to get the ESV Study Bible. The study notes are very, very good. It is published... More >>
This theological summary of Genesis one is taken from D.A. Carson. I am addicted to his book(s) titled “For the Love of God.” These books follow... More >>
Do you write thank you notes?
Do you send emails of encouragement?
I got one last week.
It is from a guy I don’t really know.
He was at something I preached at in... More >>
You ever read something and find it so thought provoking that your thoughts return to it again and again over the subsequent days?
That happened to me with this text:
Psalm... More >>
What a great weekend!
A few highlights off the top of my mind Monday morning...
Spending a couple of hours with Rylie on Friday
Dinner with Mark Cahill at John and... More >>
So last night I’m thumbing through a collection of essays by Yale historian Edmund S. Morgan. He is one of our nation’s most respected historians.
This is... More >>
“I formulate the Gospel this way: it is information issuing in invitation; it is proclamation issuing in persuasion. It is an admonitory message embracing five themes. First, God: the... More >>
If you were here, I think you will agree that God’s goodness was especially evident yesterday.
So many stand-out moments in the morning and the evening. Among... More >>
William Newell wrote several volumes titled Old Testament Studies.
He also preached here at RBC several times in the 50s and early 60s.
I have been re-reading some of his introductory... More >>
I am super excited to start a new series on the First Five books of the Bible.
I am also coming to some painful conclusions in the middle of a looooong day of study.
Conclusions... More >>
Psalm 19:12-14
Who can understand his errors?
Cleanse me from secret faults.
Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins;
Let them not have dominion over me…
Let the words... More >>
I made a mistake. I regret making it.
But I am not apologizing. My mistake does not merit an apology.
Nevertheless, it was a mistake that caused a bit of trouble and... More >>
guilty, vile and helpless we... spotless lamb of God was He
Justification by Faith, Not by Works
Isaac Watts, 1674-1748
Vain are the hopes the sons of men,
On their own works have built;
Their hearts by nature all unclean,
And all their actions... More >>
Some great advice here from N.D. Wilson's new book. I think he is on to something good here. We live with the fractures of sin rumbling all around us. From being grumpy with each... More >>
Elaine J. snapped this picture on Sunday morning:
Do you know what you are seeing here?
What you are seeing here is amazing.
It represents one of the... More >>
The book of Proverbs was written to impart God’s wisdom to His saints.
Moreover, it is an exceedingly important way to learn, remember, and utilize truth. Most proverbs are... More >>
I visited Johann last Thursday.
He sits, propped up, in the cardiac unit.
His body is weak.
His spirit is strong.
I said, “I came here to pray for you. But could... More >>
These are excerpted from an excellent article by Matt Schmuker on the 9marks website.
To be a faithful steward of your children you must abide in Christ (John 15:5: "I am the... More >>
Last night my premarital counseling appointment here at the church office ended, youth group wrapped up and we were all headed home in the van.
What follows is what you would have... More >>
Next to my keyboard here I see my notes from Darien’s sermon on repentance. You need to hear this again. I do too...
Repentance does not stop once we... More >>
Life is short.
Heaven and Hell are real.
Every single person that I have ever known is headed for one or the other.
Why is it that so many ministers - preachers... More >>
School starts today.
Pray for our students.
Pray for our teachers.
Lord I pray…
Help our believing young people to show themselves examples of... More >>
Pastor Doug Wilson summarizing a book by author Rodney Stark:
In Rodney Stark's very fine book, The Victory of Reason, he notes a problem with using the word "capitalism" in... More >>
Join me in giving thanks for a great Lord’s Day yesterday.
The testimonies from the students in the morning and evening were a blessing.
I loved hearing of their growth in... More >>
We are back from a week's vacation.
Separate vacations.
The kids were in California.
Amy and I were at a house on the lake thirty miles north of the Dells.
I know you know... More >>
I heard the best sermon on Sunday!
The sermon on repentance that Darien delivered here was solid.
It should be required listening for every member and potential member of... More >>
So I see this bumper sticker (again) while out on my jog.
Can we talk about this?
Can I ... ask a ... question?
Here it is:
Your statement/motto/practice to... More >>
I am delighted that Darien is preaching in our corporate worship services tomorrow.
Let me take one small blog post to tell you how much I love this man.
He is a great... More >>
From an article in The Briefing by Tony Payne
An ‘affection’ is not quite an ‘emotion’—at least not in the way we now use the word. For us, an emotion is a... More >>
RBC has partnered with Transport for Christ. This ministry reaches truckers through providing chapels (converted trailers) at truck stops. The chapel is filled with Bibles, books,... More >>
We have been having a great time in the leadership course on Sunday evenings. Each week we read an article or two and then gather to discuss.
Last week the subject was dating,... More >>
Two of RBC’s own have accomplished mighty feats this summer!
Amy Papillon, leader in our youth ministry, took first place for her age division in the triathlon.
Pete... More >>
What are the hearts of most of us, but so many nests of foolish hopes and fears? These hopes and fears entertain us day and night and steal away our precious hours from us, hours... More >>
The joy of living to please the Lord
A few more thoughts from Richard Baxter
Remember still that the pleasing of God is your business in the world, and that in pleasing him your souls... More >>
On a sunny afternoon last week, I got yelled at.
I mean it.
I got curses and threats screamed at me.
What did I do to deserve such treatment?
I was getting a... More >>
Here is a little bit more from Richard Baxter:
The Advantages of Pleasing God rather than Men
1.If you seek first to please God and are satisfied therein, you have but one to please instead of... More >>
The first verse of First Timothy six fascinates me on a number of levels.
The more I think about it, the bigger it gets.
Consider the second half of the verse –
... so that... More >>
So yesterday, after helping with VBS in the morning, we headed out to the State Fair in the afternoon.
Pig races
Cream puffs
Clydesdales
Amazing Acrobatic show
Chocolate covered bacon... More >>
Richard Baxter preached several messages about the fear of man to his congregation in Kidderminster around about the 1650s and 60s.
When the government clamped down on true gospel... More >>
John Calvin told me something scary this morning.
Really scary.
I was on my second cup of coffee, watching the rain cascade down, and Calvin says this...
The most hurtful of all... More >>
These verses spoke to me this morning.
I had Luke six open next to my waffles and coffee.
I am going to be thinking about these verses all day long and longer than that.
Be... More >>
I got called a physical therapist.
Tuesday I was visiting two of our older members in their assisted living facility. They are long time members.
Clyde W. recently told me... More >>
Several of our leaders climbed in to the church van Tuesday night and headed to Maryland for the WorshipGod conference.
http://worshipgodconference.com/
The conference is... More >>
If you want to understand and overcome the fear of man, read these stories, observe, and learn.
The fear of man caused some serious problems in these stories…
Abraham... More >>
The highest happiness consists in holiness. This will make a man happy without anything else. But no other enjoyments or privileges whatsoever will make a man happy without... More >>
It’s not every day that dear friends sell the house, pack up and move across the country in order to be together.
Joe and Makeesha did that a few years ago, heading... More >>
I appreciated these thoughts about capitalism from a lecture on economics by Michael Novak. They fit in with what I believe about man being made in the image of God and being given the... More >>
These come from Lou Priolo’s book:
I go fishing for compliments.
I value the approval of certain individuals from whom I expect to receive certain honors more than the... More >>
I know of two fine books about overcoming the fear of man.
People Pleasing by Lou Priolo
When People are Big and God is Small by Edward Welch
Here are some... More >>
Amy and I ran along the lakeshore this morning.
I love seeing the sun break through the clouds on the water.
Here are a few things that popped up on my ipod:
Interview with Kevin... More >>
“The basic idea behind the fear of the Lord, is much broader than our modern understanding of fear. While the holiness of God will leave many knees knocking when Jesus comes again, a... More >>
“Fear of Man. This can take many forms. Sometimes it involves an actual fear of what others can do to us (Prov. 29:25; Luke 12:4-5), but it is most commonly seen as an excessive concern... More >>
I love it when strong theology is put into a beautiful form of poetry.
That's why I like Isaac Watts so much.
All Things Decreed
by, Isaac Watts
There's not a sparrow nor a worm
But's... More >>
So I'm spending the day with two of our deacons tomorrow.
Clyde, Maynard and I will be here:
www.packers.com/community/shareholders/
They tell me that I... More >>
Sunday we attended church.
I got to do something I almost never do.
Walk into church (without a tie), take a seat (not in the front row), just sit there (not make sure we are all... More >>
We just returned from attending a wedding in Grand Rapids.
I hated to miss the Badger evangelism event and missed seeing Brian Phipps.
It was a bummer of a weekend to be... More >>
Please pray for our outreach event with the Wisconsin Badgers tomorrow.
Faith - On display in our lives
Hope - Clearly spoken as found in Jesus Christ
Love - As the surest evidence that we belong to... More >>
I totally relate to this from an article about author N.D. Wilson.
N. D. Wilson had an instructive beginning to his life as a writer. Like many writers, the spark was lit when he... More >>
A service team from our middle school ministry is in St. Louis at the headquarters of Child Evangelism Fellowship. The team is doing volunteer work and service projects all week... More >>
“The holiest Christians are not those most concerned about holiness as such, but whose minds and hearts and goals and purposes and love and hope are most fully focused on our Lord Jesus... More >>
Amy punished me again on our run this morning. Barely kept up with her.
The following came up on my ipod at one point or another during the run:
Ed Clowney’s lecture... More >>
There are over eight hundred hot dogs in the RBC refrigerator.
We are preparing for our big outreach event with the Badgers this Saturday.
It has been fun for me to walk into... More >>
Did you know?
We have a small team in Romania right now.
The team is helping with construction, renovating a building to be used for apartments and ministry.
Cristian and Anne... More >>
Our family has had a subscription to world magazine for several years now. All five of us love it.
I love it because it brings up all sorts of Christian world-view/ What should we... More >>
JC Ryle, speaking to church members, shared this inside scoop with them:
Never be surprised if you hear ministers of the gospel dwelling much on the importance of prayer.... More >>
We took the boys to the skate park downtown.
I agreed to a run with Amy on the lakeshore path.
Woman punished me! Six miles.
I could not keep up with her.
Stopped at the store on... More >>
Our church board receives a one page report from each pastor every month.
I always try to include a passage of Scripture in my report.
Sometimes it is directly related to something I... More >>
Last night at the dinner table we had a great discussion over our macaroni.
I shared that the Obama Administration may pass a health care plan that uses our taxes to pay for... More >>
What comes to mind when you hear the phrase – “the close reading of a text”?
I picture someone holding a textbook really, really close to his eyeball.
But,... More >>
Has someone hurt your feelings lately?
Were you overlooked in an important decision? Left out in a way that wounded you?
The next time something like that happens -- remember this simple yet... More >>
From an interesting article on our government and current economic situation:
Once government has the deciding vote in the financial system, however, one of two things can... More >>
It is my turn to lead the men’s leadership course on Sunday nights. The topic for this eight week course is biblical manhood and womanhood in singleness, marriage and... More >>
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Everything around us wants to move faster, faster, all the time.
It wants to suck us into its... More >>
Good meeting up in Sheboygan.
The meeting ended just before noon.
We were hungry as we walked out of the church and piled into the car.
I told the guys that if we drove back toward... More >>
John, Darien and I are driving up to Sheboygan for a meeting this morning.
RBC has partnered with Slavic Gospel Association in the Antioch Initiative to train church planters in... More >>
This paragraph is taken from a letter Oswald Chambers wrote in 1907.
I want to tell you a growing conviction with me. That is that as we obey the leadings of the Spirit of... More >>
This is the best article I have read in a long time.
It is from the on faith section of newsweek/washington post.
These guys tell it like it is.
I love... More >>
I need this verse
Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise rebuker to a listening ear.
Proverbs 25:12
Lord, show me my need for rebuke.
Please give me... More >>
I just hung up the phone.
A ten minute phone call.
You never know what will happen when that phone rings…
This person called the church and asked to speak... More >>
The best models for prayer are found in the Book.
Here are several passages that you can open to in your efforts to pray.
In our Shepherding Group on Sunday evening we... More >>
If you fall asleep in church tomorrow...
If your mind wanders...
If your eyes glaze over...
If your imagination flies away during the sermon...
It might not be your fault. It might be... More >>
So I am home today working on my school assignment. I want have it in the mail to my faculty advisor by Tuesday.
And I am actually working.
Really I am.
But I took a... More >>
I have just one more prayer to post from The Valley of Vision.
I hope that you long for the mortification (I love that old fighting word) of indwelling corruption and pride.
And... More >>
Our dear friends in Spokane just lost their 18 year old son.
We know that he is with his Savior.
Our hearts ache for his mom and dad, his brother and sisters.
When I was a Pastor in... More >>
What is the point? Is it demonstrably based in the Bible?
This guy may be a bit pessimistic.
I sure hope he is exaggerating.
But he is certainly seeing a significant problem.
His name is T. David Gordon and he teaches... More >>
This prayer is found in the beginning of Augustine’s Confessions:
Great art Thou, O Lord, and greatly to be praised; great is Thy
power, and Thy wisdom infinite. And Thee would man... More >>
Another outstanding prayer from Arthur Bennett’s “The Valley of Vision.”
Use it when you find discontentment in your heart or when you find your affections toward Jesus... More >>
So lately, I’m trying to use this space to supplement the teaching on prayer. And I am hoping that it has been helpful.
But I wanted to post something a little more personal... More >>
Scripture commands us to pray and also equips us to pray.
It is in God’s perfect Word that we find the right words to lift up from our hearts to His ear.
My best times of prayer... More >>
Prayer is theology at its most relational.
Prayer is supposed to be a time of communion with God sustained by a sense of deepening commitment. It is that.
But it is also hard... More >>
One hour of prayer?! I have three kids in diapers!
Donald Whitney shares the story of a woman who successfully navigated the challenge of not having enough time to do all that she wanted to do in her prayer life.
Do What You... More >>
“PRAYER IS THE GYMNASIUM OF THE SOUL”
Prayer is one of the most difficult aspects of the Christian life. We get a glimpse of Paul’s recognition of this fact when he... More >>
Is it possible that our prayers change God's mind?
Is it possible that our prayers change God's mind?
RC Sproul provides a good answer to this question.
This material is taken from the question and answer section of the Ligonier... More >>
If God is sovereign over all things then how does prayer change things?
If God is sovereign over all things then how does prayer change things?
R.C. Sproul provides a good answer to this question.
This material is taken from the question and answer section... More >>
What does it mean to pray without ceasing?
EM Bounds “Always does not mean that we neglect the normal duties of life. But it means that the heart is always going out to... More >>
An Intimate Hour with God
by Jim Elliff
The Lord invites us to know Him better. What a privilege! If the joy of heaven is in knowing the Lord's presence without any sin... More >>
This one gets me every time I hear it. Read it slowly and take it in.
In evil long I took delight,
Unawed by shame or fear,
Till a new object struck my sight,
And stopped my... More >>
Be much alone with God. Converse everything with Him. Unbosom yourself wholly - every thought, every feeling, wish, plan, doubt, to Him.
Do not shrink from being alone. Much of a... More >>
The cover story in this month’s Christianity Today is a profile of New York Pastor and best selling author Tim Keller. The article tells a great story. I enjoyed it.
I... More >>
JC Ryle preached several wonderful sermons on prayer.
Here is some of his wisdom.
There are others of the Lord's people who seem to be always advancing. They grow like... More >>
I love the truth of the gospel.
I love hearing the truth of the gospel crystallized in a sentence.
And I love to experience the truth of the gospel when it is applied to my... More >>
I found an important lesson in this Sherlock Holmes mystery I was reading recently.
Holmes has just deduced conclusions that leave Watson amazed. Holmes rattles off conclusion... More >>
I read Proverbs three this morning.
It is so good!
I immediately resolved to go over it with the family tonight at dinner time.
The study note I found in the ESV Study Bible was... More >>
Invested $6.79 in family together time yesterday.
Best money I have spent in quite a while.
For after dark fun on these summer nights, took Rylie out and bought one of... More >>
I read one short story out of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes recently.
The poor fellow never did fall in love.
Here Watson is describing the one woman who most occupied the... More >>
Jesus memorized Scripture.
In the middle of temptation, Jesus depended on the Scripture He had memorized.
What an example He set for us!
Andrew Murray’s... More >>
The Lord gave us a great day yesterday, morning and evening.
Those 20 minutes we meet corporately before breaking into our Firm Foundations classes mean a lot to me. Last... More >>
I love talking with Amy.
She has such a heart for the Lord, love for His church and reverence for His Word.
We talk (like all parents do) about raising children into... More >>
Please pray for an important meeting I have this afternoon.
It is my evaluation.
I did a self-evaluation and each member of the elder board did one for... More >>
I’m trying to study here in my office.
I’m working on the meaning of the participle “being watchful” in Ephesians 6:18.
I’m unraveling how it relates to... More >>
“Sheep are to be kind to sheep. Shepherds are to be kind to sheep. But if a shepherd is kind to wolves, that is just another way to let them savage the sheep. Kindness to sheep is... More >>
I included this bit from a book by Tremper Longman III in our Psalms class notes. He is explaining, crisply and effectively, the three main types of Psalms and our relation to... More >>
Here is the homework assignment I gave the Psalms class on Sunday night.
We are having a great time growing in our ability to appreciate and use the Psalms!
Homework
Read... More >>
Read this poem today and loved it.
The poet is Julie Stoner, a stay at home mom who publishes poetry while homeschooling her kids.
This poem speaks right to many of us here at... More >>
This verse pulled me through today.
2 Timothy 2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Be strong.
Be strong in the grace.
Be strong in the grace... More >>
The longer I live, the more I love the classics.
Books, music, movies, whatever it is.
Pop music can be fun, but it doesn’t bear up after repeating listening.
Web pages can be fun... More >>
My heart is a vain heart; a vagabond and unstable heart, seeking rest, finding none. It agrees not with itself; it alters its purposes, changes its judgments, frames new thoughts, pulls... More >>
Opened the Word this morning while munching raisin bran.
This verse stuck with me.
Proverbs 19:11
A man's wisdom gives him patience;
it is to his glory to overlook an... More >>
Be strong in the strength of the Lord.
Stand firm in the faith.
Grip the shield of faith moment by moment.
These lines from John Newton put it very well.
Though... More >>
What am I doing this weekend?
I should post a picture of the two tables in our living room.
One table is covered with 22 books (all opened and marked up) and a... More >>
Charles Simeon (Pastor and friend of William Wilberforce) preached several messages on the shield of faith.
Here is his conclusion about the tremendous promise which belongs to those... More >>
Tonight is the best night of the week, though this week has already presented some great ones.
Sunday night we had a good time of singing and then enjoyed journeying through Psalms 147,... More >>
Charles Hodge’s comment on the fiery darts of Ephesians 6:
“It is a common experience of the people of God that at times horrible thoughts, unholy, blasphemous, skeptical and... More >>
Just pulled Future Grace by John Piper off the shelf to look something up that I kind of recalled.
What I found to be actually in the book was even better than what I had recalled.
What a... More >>
This has got to stop.
Seriously.
It is a certain Pastor’s birthday today.
I don’t want to embarrass him here on the blog.
Therefore, I will refrain from giving... More >>
Providence is the name of the biblical teaching that God not only planned His work, but actively works His plan.
Since we know that “all things work together for good to those who love... More >>
Do you remember asking your parents for something and being highly anxious about their response? We can probably all remember those feelings.
As a young man beginning... More >>
A couple of days ago the post was a little kid’s backhanded compliment about my sermon. The post today is up on the other end of the age measure.
This comes from an article... More >>
Psalms 6, 36, 66, 96, and 126 made up this morning’s readings.
Two lines from Psalm 36 are going to stick in my mind all day.
There is no fear of God before his... More >>
We had a great time of prayer with the men today.
We just did Scripture prayer.
Here is the method we follow:
“We are going to go around the room and pray. Let's... More >>
Malcolm Muggeridge was a journalist who became a Christian later in life. He died in 1990.
I have an old copy of some of his writings that somebody around here gave me. As... More >>
I couldn’t make this stuff up.
There are so many, many reasons that I love being Pastor to the RBC family.
Real life that God gives us in relationships is sweeter and... More >>
"Friends, do not let the weight of your sins drive you to despair…rather use them to drive you to Christ."
I scribbled that down and forgot who said it.
It... More >>
This line from a Flannery O’Connor story made me laugh out loud.
O’Connor’s description of Mrs. May is just too perfect. Don’t you love stories that... More >>
I admit I had to read this two times to figure it out.
Okay, maybe three.
But once I got it, I could not get it out of my mind. I don’t want to.
There is not any... More >>
This week had a strange start to it for me.
Sunday I had a killer toothache.
I had to schedule a root canal so we made an appointment for Tuesday morning.
I... More >>
Here is a testimony from a fellow who preaches the gospel to himself every day.
This is from a little book written by a fellow I went to school with. His name is Milton Vincent... More >>
Preach the gospel to yourself.
This phrase was popularized by author Jerry Bridges in his book, The Discipline of Grace where he explains: “To preach the gospel to yourself, then, means... More >>
This morning I stopped on one third of a verse.
It is the middle part of a tricolon in the 24th psalm.
he who does not lift up his soul to what is false
The one being described here is the one who... More >>
When I saw this, it appeared to be custom made for the Racine Bible Church Board.
I hear that the wives of RBC board members believe in the power of this new idea.
I have to agree with... More >>
John Piper’s advice to Pastors on what to do with the television:
“Turn it off! It isn’t necessary for relevance. It is a deadly place to rest the mind. You are least... More >>
I don't quite know how he did it, but Dan Miller scored about fifty of us free lunch at Chipotle today. Thanks, Dan.
Those burritos are so big. I can't eat another... More >>
Rylie showed me this verse yesterday during our Bible time.
How great are Your works, O Lord! Your thoughts are very deep. A senseless man has no knowledge, Nor does a... More >>
I just had to drop this in here because it totally cracked me up.
It is from an opinion piece in the WSJ:
The Obama administration has come under intense criticism for... More >>
(I typed this up yesterday, Tuesday the 14th)
In this space today, I am simply going to answer the question I get when I walk through the front door at my house.
“What did... More >>
It would much conduce to the settlement of your heart, to consider that by fretting and discontent you do yourself more injury than all your afflictions could do. Your own discontent is that... More >>
On a Sunday night not too long ago, one of my kids came home and said that, in Firm Foundations class that evening, they sat at a table with a couple of our seniors and enjoyed chatting with... More >>
I hate to sound self-congratulatory, but I have just got to say that this is probably my best blog-post title ever!
It comes from a line I ran across from George... More >>
Luther often repeated this wonderful logic in the gospel.
Every time you insist that I am a sinner, just so often do you call me to remember the benefit of Christ my Redeemer, upon whose... More >>
Here we are walking the Royal Mile in Edinburgh.
I took this picture with Edinburgh Castle at my back.
The big Cathedral on the right is associated with John Knox.
Further down this... More >>
I wish you all knew my friend Jim Schneider.
A true man of God.
On one of my visits with Jim, he granted me permission to ransack his library books. There was treasure... More >>
This is from inside the cover on Andrew Peterson’s Resurrection Letters CD.
You might hear me read this if you are here for the sermon on Easter Sunday... More >>
I brought a thumbdrive with pictures from our recent trip to the office today.
We have staff meeting on Tuesday afternoons. I'm going to take a few minutes and show the... More >>
To receive Christ is to escape from death.
John 11
To love Christ is to have an increasing desire to depart and be with Him.
Philippians 1
Let this definition of spiritual... More >>
What a great day yesterday.
Many thanks are in order.
Thank you to:
Jay Seegert for a very well received presentation last night on creation, evolution, science and Scripture. ... More >>
I can’t wait to preach the gospel this Sunday and next.
We are expecting lots of visitors in our services.
With the Children’s musical on Palm Sunday and then another... More >>
New Testament Christianity is the human response to the revelation of the Creator as a God of love. Out of love for those who did not love, the Father gave the Son, the Son gave His life,... More >>
Consider this under Loving God with all your mind.
We have all heard something mentioned or recommended and then replied, “Oh that is over my head. That would be too... More >>
I just had the best snack ever.
My fun, frugal and fantastic wife invented it.
You take these pretzel twists (they aren't three-dimensional pretzels they are freaky-flat and... More >>
The drive out to church yesterday on Spring Street was about the slipperiest I can remember.
Once we arrived, however, it sure was great to be here.
It seemed that, though many didn’t... More >>
What I learned in my Bible reading about... planting cucumbers?!
Part of my reading this morning was Isaiah 26 through 30.
What colorful language the prophet uses to describe sin and judgment.
One place that stood out to me was this.
It sounds... More >>
I spent the last couple of weeks away from computers, televisions and screens (except for arrivals and departures at Heathrow).
Being away and unplugged gave me precious time to ponder... More >>
So last Saturday we tromped through this Edinburgh cemetery looking for Horatius Bonar’s grave. We wandered for quite a while. The stones around us were old and weathered to the point... More >>
I’m back
I am back in the office today after two weeks away.
I did not sit in front of a computer once during those two weeks.
What I did do…
Family reunion in... More >>
Psalm 81
Read verse 6
Ever have a callus?
I have.
Have you ever looked at, or picked at, that callous while remembering how it got there?
I have.
Did you read verse 6 of Psalm 81... More >>
My quote for the blog today comes not from John Owen, or Thomas Watson, not from Charles Spurgeon or David Wells.
It is actually from someone I am closer to, someone I love much... More >>
Most of us have a mindset.
We did not deliberately choose to have this mindset, as if we picked it off shelf and tried it on.
Rather we grew into this mindset as a part of our... More >>
Sunday night we attended Shepherding Group at Scott and Grace Tucker’s house. The group leader that night was Keith Kenyon. What a great small group leader! He taught... More >>
The will of God and the will of man.
Divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
Acts 2:22-24
Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by... More >>
Romans 3:19-22
19Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be... More >>
Announcing new posts that will be new for some of you.
For the next couple of weeks we will be posting some of the stuff that was up here in 2006 and 2007 when the blog first... More >>
Some Bible teachers have a powerful way of distilling wisdom. These uniquely gifted ones can summarize an entire book of the Bible, with its many passages and arguments, most helpfully. ... More >>
Do you disagree?
I hope you do.
Disagreement is essential to constructive conversation.
Without disagreement there can be no growth down here on the earth.
Do you know how to... More >>
Here is the verse we read, discussed, and prayed about in elders meeting this morning:
Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith you follow,... More >>
If morally serious and intelligent debate is the lifeblood of democracy, then accurate information, widely disseminated, serves the same function in democracy as red blood cells do in the... More >>
I believe what the Bible says about election.
I worship God for the marvelous truths about election in Ephesians 1, 1 Peter 1, Romans 9 and many other places.
Having... More >>
A cripple on the right way may beat a racer on the wrong one. Nay, the fleeter and better the racer is, who hath once missed his way, the further he leaveth it behind.... More >>
Last night we headed over to Barnes and Noble in Madison for an author's appearance.
Here is Rylie with the author.
We were there to pick up N.D. Wilson's newest book... More >>
Please take the advice to follow seriously.
I post some stuff up here that can be glanced at and forgotten.
I hope you don’t forget this.
If you will receive it, remember it and... More >>
God loves the saints as the purchase of his Son's blood. They cost him dear, and that which is so hardly got shall not be easily lost. He that was willing to expend his Son's blood... More >>
The pithy sentence about memory in yesterday’s post came from a short story by HG Wells. I listened to it recently and found it interesting.
Have you ever worked for an... More >>
"Memories are not dead things but alive; they dwindle in disuse, but they harden and develop in all sorts of queer ways if they are being continually fretted."
From the short... More >>
They talk about it on the television.
They are talking about it on the radio.
They write about it in the newspaper.
The President and legislators are drafting all sorts of plans about it.... More >>
I just got home after spending a couple of hours talking with this guy -
I love him.
We sat in the Chancery talking about church, leadership, shepherding, preaching, our wives,... More >>
Does this ever happen to you?
I sat down for my morning prayers with many concerns in my lap.
Events from yesterday, people who shared aching hearts with me lately, reminders of... More >>
“The majesty of God’s forgiveness is lost entirely when we lose what has to be forgiven. What has to be forgiven is not just what we do but who we are, not just our sinning but our... More >>
I get these advertisements. They are driving me nuts.
These glossy publications are sent out under a partnership between movie studios and curriculum publishers.
They are targeted to... More >>
From J.C. Ryle, A Call to Prayer
I commend to you the importance of watchfulness over your prayers. Prayer is the point in religion at which you must be most of all on your... More >>
Sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same
Hebrews 12
For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Therefore... More >>
This week, no matter what happens down here on earth, all of this is true in Heaven.
This week, no matter what happens in your life, Jesus is living and doing all of these things. ... More >>
The Spirit spoke to me this morning from Proverbs 12.
Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread,
but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks... More >>
Our temptation is talk about problems a lot and pray about them a little. Better to make prayer our first recourse. Prayer is like a greenhouse. We grow answers when in prayer that can’t... More >>
So I took my jog outdoors yesterday.
It was sixty degrees. If felt like ninety!
It has been a long winter.
I heard this stat in whatever it was I was listening to on my ipod... More >>
Can I ask a question? Or does that prove I have no faith?
I love this little bit from Francis Schaeffer on questions and doubts. He is discussing “faith like a child” and seeking intelligent answers to questions pertaining to... More >>
The results of the preached gospel are associated with the most interesting realities in the universe. In fact, they form no small part in affecting the realities themselves. There... More >>
I heard some great advice recently on how to keep a journal.
Read one chapter of the Bible.
Open up your journal and write four sentences.
The first two should begin with... More >>
Four books for your fight against sin.
"Lord I Really Want to Change" by James MacDonald. This book presents teaching from Romans 6 through 8 in a very accessible and practical... More >>
Here are two things I highlighted recently in my reading.
This one describes my calling. This is my duty, my earnest desire, and my joy.
Be exhorted, O ye saints of God, to... More >>
So this man led his flock to the back of the wilderness.
He approached the foot of a rock covered mountain.
Sheep were making little noises, scrounging around for food.
And the man met... More >>
“There shall be more wonder at the going to heaven of the weak believers than at the stronger ones. Mr. Greatheart, when he comes there, will owe his victories to his Master and lay his laurels... More >>
When Darien and I taught on the RBC Church Covenant in January we touched on leadership in the church. This topic is (obviously) near and dear to my heart.
What do you do when you... More >>
You have heard these verses listing the dangers present in our relationships -- bad company corrupts good morals, the companion of fools suffers harm.
Furthermore, you have heard the... More >>
I have long enjoyed the works of Neil Postman.
I had to read him for a freshman communications class in college.
And (at exactly the same time in my life back then) Pastor MacArthur... More >>
Thank you to Dan Miller along with all the leaders and students for a great Fort Report yesterday.
I love the fact that our students mingled with the rest of the congregation for... More >>
I went through a bit of spiritual pain today.
Here is the cycle –
Sin is exposed through confrontation
Initial Resitance
Coming to Repentance... More >>
Hebrews 13:17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with greif, for... More >>
The first sentence of Calvin’s Institutes is:
“Nearly all the wisdom we possess, that is to say, true and sound wisdom, consists in two parts: The knowledge of God and... More >>
Best moment of the day yesterday:
Singing “My Jesus I Love Thee” at the service for Ben Stewart.
This I cannot do with dry eyes:
Sing these lines at a funeral,... More >>
Your elders read a book together entitled The Deliberate Church by Mark Dever, subtitled building your ministry on the gospel.
We really enjoyed it. It was filled with great... More >>
I really enjoyed preaching with Darien. I only hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. I spoke with several people (before hand) who said “That is a weird idea…” or... More >>
The following is part of a list compiled by Ligon Duncan and published at Together for the Gospel.
His suggestion is that you fill in your pastor’s name and print this out... More >>
On this day in history, John Donne was born 437 years ago.
He was a wonderfully gifted poet.
I like this one asking God for forgiveness and then,... More >>
I don't know what your favorite verse is.
But I am fairly certain that Proverbs 3:5-6 is a favorite verse for several of you.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own... More >>
I have been applying my attention today to the staff evaluations that we do at RBC every year.
John Anderson changed the process this year. (Chances are, if you think you... More >>
Many have yielded to go a mile with Satan, that never intended to go two; but when once on the way, they have been allured farther and farther, till at last they know not how to leave his... More >>
Did you start a Bible reading plan this year?
Have you already missed, skipped or been tripped up?
There will always be a reason to fail. And then our failures will always try... More >>
Michael Horton has a new book out entitled Christless Christianity.
I have not read it yet but a recent review made me want to check it out.
Listen to these... More >>
I commend this brief article as an application point following from Darien’s sermon yesterday.
The author, Mark Altrogge, caused me to reconsider my definition of the... More >>
I had a great time at church yesterday.
Darien had the pulpit in the morning. (D - Thanks for speaking with power and clarity about our commitment to holiness in this... More >>
Sam is (mostly) in charge of Itunes on our computer.
Every now and then Amy or one of us will put some music in there.
But it is almost aways Sam.
Some of those songs make their way on to my... More >>
"If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself." 2 Timothy 2:13
If you are in Christ, the deepest reality in your life is not your sins against Christ but his... More >>
So I was reading a story by Flannery O’Connor and Carly stops, looks at what I am reading, and asks, “Dad, why are you reading that? I just had to read that for my literature... More >>
"Trials drive us to the realities of religion. You may feed on chaff until you have real work to do, or real grief to bear; but then you want the old corn of the land, and you must have... More >>
Don't be afraid to use the Ipod dock for family Bible time.
Today we listened to Alistair Begg preach a sermon from Revelation seven.
What a passage.
Then one of the elders addressed me,... More >>
Remember that old song “Cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon…”
This article made a lot of sense to me.
Listening to Cat's in the Cradle
By Stephen H.... More >>
This morning Steve Miller read this Psalm to open our elders meeting at 5:32am.
Psalm 93
The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The Lord is clothed, He has girded... More >>
This woman’s personal admission here strikes a chord in me.
Some of you Fox News junkies (you know who you are) really should consider this.
I try not to follow... More >>
I mentioned yesterday that I don’t believe the Old Testament ten percent tithe is mandatory for Christians.
A couple of people disagreed with me on that. I appreciate the... More >>
"How's it going?"
We often ask each other that question but it is rather rare that someone answers it with candor.
Maybe it's because we are too busy and just throw it off as a... More >>
The buses will be pulling out this afternoon.
It is currently two degrees up at Fort.
Perfect broom-ball weather.
I met with Wayne yesterday and we chatted about his messages for the... More >>
If you would ever pray for my preaching ministry, this would be a great way to do so.
Thank you.
A ministry that stays in the paint of words will beget but... More >>
This morning I read Luke 20 and 21.
I was still pretty sleepy, wrapped in a blanket on the couch. I hesitate to admit this publicly but it was a pink blanket (belonging to Carly). ... More >>
Physicians tell us and pharmacology sales prove to us that the requests for boys to be on Ritalin and teenage girls to be on antidepressants are growing higher and higher and... More >>
There is no victory over the indwelling power of sin, and there is no pardon for the guilt of sin, but as the soul deals with the blood of Christ. All true sanctification comes through the... More >>
I am a sucker for the Father Brown mysteries.
The style of writing just works for me.
They are entertaining, but also sprinkled with little traces that really make you think, like this one... More >>
From Albert Mohler’s Column:
Just before the end of 2008, the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life released a report indicating that a significant percentage of American... More >>
So I thought I had opened my last Christmas present.
I hadn’t.
I entered my office to find a package wrapped in green paper.
"Merry Christmas Pastor, from... More >>
It is not too late to get started on a Bible reading plan for the year. This site lists options and plans in a most helpful way.
Pick one and get... More >>
This last one, apart from the Scriptures quoted, is the most ancient of the quotes. It is a great one, giving us a mindset for travelling through this life.
Live as a Stranger
We are strangers... More >>
I hate to break it to you - but there will be trials in this new year.
The good news is that they can be sources of growth, strength, and even joy for you if you follow this counsel.
Trust Him in... More >>
Trust Christ not my performance
We can begin every day with this deeply encouraging realization, I'm accepted by God, not on the basis of my personal performance, but on the basis of... More >>
Give Him all electronic media
Believers are very careful to pray over their food— something which bears only upon the body. Electronic entertainment is food for the soul. We... More >>
Cultivate Humility before the Lord
“Not until we have become humble and teachable, standing in awe of God’s holiness and sovereignty…acknowledging our own... More >>
Persist in Prayer
“What is the reason that some believers are so much brighter and holier than others? I believe the difference, in nineteen cases out of twenty, arises from different... More >>
Read three great Christian books this year.
We all hear about the Christian Classics (Pilgrim's Progress, Sin and Temptation, A Body of Divinity, Confessions, The Institutes,... More >>
Luke 12:2-3
But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be made known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark shall be heard in the light, and... More >>
The experience of true intimacy with God does not require perfection, but it does require that we be fully surrendered. Full surrender means that we live with an attitude of unlimited... More >>
Suggested New Year's Resolutions for 2009:
We might enjoy much peace, if we did not busy our minds with what others do and say, in which we have no concern. But how is it possible for that man... More >>
Here is a little bit from a note I received on Sunday that really made me smile. This brother must have been in first service and jotted this note in-between services, a small... More >>
Okay, so a few words about yesterday.
It was the coldest Sunday morning I can remember.
Eight below on our way to church. Really. That was the real... More >>
Saturday morning, 10 am.
I’m looking out of my office window at the church building.
The parking lot is surprisingly full for a Saturday morning.
You know what all those cars... More >>
Yesterday it was sunny with a high of seventy-two.
Last night we returned home just in time to watch the winter storm come in. Took this picture this morning standing at our barely... More >>
Most of us love reading the Psalms. I do. Some days, like yesterday, I start with the Psalm of the date (Psalm 16) and then jump ahead thirty each time (so I also read Psalms 46, 76, 106,... More >>
From a letter written by Jonathan Edwards to Deborah Hatheway (1741):
In all your course, walk with God and follow Christ
as a little, poor, helpless child,
taking hold of Christ’s... More >>
You know that woman who helped you out at church today?
That deacon who showed concern?
That elder who opened his home and his heart for shepherding group?
Your teen's... More >>
So we have several of those little "thought for the day" books around the house.
I picked up one of them on my birthday and checked it out.
I really liked the short thought... More >>
This is seriously good counsel here.
That thou despairest of thyself, and doubtest of thy power, does not displease me; but this displeaseth me, that thou also despairest of... More >>
What great services the Lord gave us yesterday!
Two choirs, a family we all love lighting the advent candle, and so many additional blessings.
Thank you to all who prayed, planned, practiced... More >>
"We could not take one step in the pursuit of holiness if God in His grace had not first delivered us from the dominion of sin and brought us into union with His risen Son. Salvation is by grace... More >>
Yesterday's post was too long.
I will keep this one short.
I love this witty line from Churchill.
"Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of... More >>
My interest was piqued when I came across a fascinating article by Christine Rosen titled “People of the Screen.” She is not writing about the Bible or Christians. But her... More >>
Why am I so blind?
How can I fail to see?
And I do fail to see.
Though they surround me, I fail to see them all the time.
But they are all around me still.
Hurting people. ... More >>
What a great day the Lord gave us yesterday.
Didn't you love the clarinet, the harmonica and that itty-bitty flute?
Did you sense, as I did, a depth of sobriety in our time of... More >>
Join us tonight at 7:00 for our Thanksgiving worship service.
All of us will sing.
Some of us will share.
One of us will preach.
All of us will give thanks.
We want you to join... More >>
This little bit about changing the world comes from an article by Andy Crouch -
“Changing the world sounds grand, until you consider how poorly we do even at changing our own little... More >>
Yesterday’s sermon was all about the workplace.
This obvious truth hit me (hard) last week.
The reality is that we get a couple of hours together in corporate worship on... More >>
Worried about the stock market?
Disturbed by the trends in your investments?
Don’t have as much as you thought you did?
Worried you won’t have as much as you think you... More >>
So on my way to the office today, I stopped at the Post Office in order to overnight my next project papers to my professor at SBTS.
I sure hope he is not reading this post.
Just yesterday... More >>
I read this verse on Monday the seventeenth.
I had occasion to share it with someone that day -- and I think I have actually quoted it in conversation every day since.
Better is a dry crust... More >>
Amy and I have enjoyed reading Douglas Wilson's books on marriage and parenting. They have given us lots to talk about.
The books are not for everyone and we find ourselves agreeing and... More >>
Last night at board meeting Wayne put something so well.
We were talking about shepherding people and Wayne said,
"Look guys, all we have to do is get people into this Book. We do that,... More >>
As a follow up from the last couple of Sunday morning sermons I wanted to share some resources for family Bible time.
I made a wish list on amazon.
I did not do this because I want you to... More >>
Something from last Sunday’s Sermon:
What does it mean to obey?
Obedience is doing what you are told to do, when you are told to do it, happily.
To delay is to... More >>
We read this little portion after dinner last night.
It is from Horatius Bonar’s wonderful book Follow the Lamb.
Redeem the time: much of your progress depends on... More >>
I received an email this morning from Steve, chairman of RBC's elder board.
The email suggested an agenda item for our next elder meeting. Steve is raising concerns about some of the men... More >>
The year is 386 AD and a young man who is around thirty years old is living in Milan. He has been doing two things that don’t go well together. He has been both living in sin... More >>
Here is a little advice on the importance of having a daily quiet time:
This day's meal, though large and liberal, strengthens thee not for tomorrow ; the body languisheth if there be not a... More >>
One fun tidbit–
In Sunday’s sermon, I plan to share with you the coolest T-shirt I have ever seen.
One missions prayer request –
John and Darien leave for... More >>
India is the world's second most populous country.
1.1 billion people - predominantly Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs. No more than two percent Christians
These Christians face many dangers. ... More >>
When the Christian trusts, he is happy; when he doubts, he is miserable. When the believer looks to his Master and relies upon him, he can sing; when he doubts his Master, he can only groan. What... More >>
This verse jumped off the page, grabbed my collar, and has not let go of me since 6 am this morning.
Deuteronomy 3:22
You must not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself fights for... More >>
Yesterday was our anniversary.
I was surprised by how many of you remembered it and said something to us at church.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness.
I did preach on marriage... More >>
