Prayer Log
Lesson learned: I need to be faithful in my own ministry of prayer
The Spirit impressed upon me that I must be that “servant” (singular) who stands faithfully in the breech on behalf of the church God has brought me to serve. I am to follow the model of the Servant Intercessor, who pleads day and night for His church. My very call as a pastor is one of prayer... Continue Reading
Slow to Anger; Quick to Reconcile
God is patient and long-suffering, and his just discipline progresses slowly
As men continue to walk in rebellion, God progressively leaves them be and turns them over to increased levels of depravity. Slowly, but consistently, God removes his restraining hand of grace, and individuals find themselves more and more buffeted by God’s disciplinary hand and the harsh consequences of their sin. God is quick to judge, but... Continue Reading
Looking Ahead, the Martyr’s Great Hope
How do you prepare for persecution ahead of time and find strength in the midst of it?
Godly men and women, suffering for their faith, do not ultimately hope in release from an earthly prison. The wife of de Bres, and many martyr’s wives of the past oriented their hope around heaven, trusting the truth of God’s word that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory... Continue Reading
When God Loves Me Too Much
He loves me too much to give me that thing I am convinced I need.
Whatever it is—an object, a person, a position, a recognition, an award—God expresses his love in withholding it from me. He knows me far better than I know myself. He knows what I need, and he knows what I don’t need. He knows what would soon step into that place he reserves for himself. I... Continue Reading
Sexual Assault: What Does the Hook-Up Culture Have To Do with It?
The sexual assault epidemic on college campuses is created, in part, by the effects of the hook-up culture.
This series of vague and variable sexual expectations clashes dangerously with the carte blanche given to young American adults. After all, boys will be boys and girls will go wild. The selfish individualism expected among adolescents and young adults tells us not to take “no”for an answer. Respect for ideas of sexual integrity—the concept that sex might... Continue Reading
How Should a Pastor Respond When He is Praised for a Good Sermon?
Here are 4 suggestions for how to respond in a God-honoring way.
The great temptation when complimented about a sermon is to think the fruit of our labors ultimately is about us and because of us. When a kind word is extended to us about our sermon, make sure God is credited and praised. Not superficially, but sincerely. We can give God glory with our lips in response, but inside be eaten up... Continue Reading
Jesus Is Not Only Sympathetic; He Can Change Things
Jesus, our great high priest, is waiting and longing to help us.
So often somebody tells me about a hard time they are going through and I may be sympathetic but often I can’t do anything about it. I can pray for them, but I can’t change their situation. I can’t lift their burden or heal them or take their sadness or provide all they need. I... Continue Reading
To the Women of America: 4 Reasons to Hate 50 Shades of Grey
Let me try to explain why you are too good for this movie
The problem with the sex portrayed in this movie, or in any trashy romance novel you find at the airport, or in many other films and TV shows, or in many actual relationships, is that it’s always self-seeking, never honest, never truthful, never trusting, and never protecting. There is no hope in it, no kindness,... Continue Reading
Ex-Mars Hill Church Members: ‘We are not anonymous’
The dissenting voices in his church speak of a harsh, judgmental, dictatorial environment.
Disillusioned former Mars Hill Church members, faced with senior pastor Mark Driscoll’s claim that they “remain anonymous,” have taken to Facebook to deliver on-the-record explanations of why they departed the Seattle-based megachurch. They have invited those who left the church to make a declaration: “Dear Pastor Mark and Mars Hill: We are not anonymous.” ... Continue Reading
Steady Destruction — and Deafening Silence
The Islamic State destroys Jonah’s tomb and other Judeo-Christian sites in Mosul while President Obama remains mute
Islamic State fighters have seized all 30 churches and monasteries in the Mosul area, removing their crosses and burning or destroying many of the buildings. They have converted to a mosque the Syriac Orthodox Cathedral in Mosul’s Al Shurta district, Mar Ephraim, installing loudspeakers issuing calls to Islamic prayer. Two ancient monasteries have been looted... Continue Reading