It’s important to know not only what we’re aiming for but whether the aim is credible and what the ramifications of getting there will be in reality. It usually pays to ask, to what end?   It is a simple, but significant, question. To what end? There is no end of things to be done.... Continue Reading

“I encourage anyone seeking to follow the Lord’s leading to relax and be patient, and let God develop your sense of His voice and direction more as the years go on. As long as you abide in Him and stay rooted in His Word, I believe you’ll find a greater sense of assurance of God’s... Continue Reading

For us creatures made in His image, we are meant to share in God’s glory, and to share this glory with one another. We are meant to be like David and his mighty men—not pursuing glory for its own sake, but pursuing good and mighty works, which God has prepared for us.   When we... Continue Reading

If our emotions give us a window into internal ‘reality,’ maturity involves cultivating affections that line up with external reality, with the new creation that’s blooming in this land of the dying.   This is a large topic that, as is the nature of blogs, I’m going to think out loud around the edge of.... Continue Reading

The Father’s over-arching purpose, or goal, in His Son’s redemptive work…is the heading up of all things in Christ…making His Son to be the “first-born over all creation,” giving Him supreme authority and power over a whole new universe, with the assured result that manifold and precious blessings will fall upon all of the redeemed... Continue Reading

A leader whose life reflects an ongoing identification with desires that Scripture calls “contrary to nature” presents a confusing model for the flock. Even if celibate, the outcome of such a way of life may fall short of the progressive sanctification that Scripture holds forth as normative for believers, and especially for leaders.   “Remember... Continue Reading

Discipline consistently, and you will know peace and happiness. “Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart” (Proverbs 29:17). You will be happy if you like your kids, and you will like your kids if you discipline them away from what makes them obnoxious.   The cane... Continue Reading

Sibbes does not mess around with the ordinary, futile, human, religious remedies that all always fail. Instead, he directs us right to the heart of God, through faith in, and love for, the Son of God.   The Puritan pastor Rev. Richard Sibbes (1577-1635), was very-appropriately referred to as, “the heavenly Doctor.” Sometimes his books... Continue Reading

Through what seemed like a painful chain of events, the young woman who had been forced into marriage with a divorced pagan king became a mighty instrument in the hands of God.   Hadassah was a young woman who lived in the ancient, bustling city of Susa—located in modern-day southwestern Iran—around 480 BC. Her mother... Continue Reading

If you look back, you’ll probably see that the Spirit has encouraged and strengthened you many times in your life. He’ll do it again and again, until He brings you home.   As you look back on times of affliction, do you remember being suddenly, inexplicably encouraged to persevere? This is what the Holy Spirit... Continue Reading