Leonard Bernstein, the late conductor of the the New York Philharmonic, was once asked to name the most difficult instrument to play. Without hesitation he replied, "the second fiddle. I can get plenty of first violinists, but to find someone who can play the second fiddle with enthusiasm - that's a problem. And if we have no second fiddle, we have have no harmony." Playing second fiddle to others, with enthusiasm, is what leaders are called to do. By "putting on Christ" we are putting on the servant's towel and diving deeply, passionately, and sacrificially not the lives of those around us, just as He did. If you refuse, it won't be long until you hear the chords of disharmony in your relationship with Christ, your family, and those around you. If you humbly accept the role of a servant, there will be, over time, noticeable harmony, and at the end when you hear the music die down, you'll hear a voice telling you, "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master" (Mt.25.21).
Such a challenge to consider and apply. Playing second fiddle is counterintuitive to all of our hearts, especially in leadership. I struggle with this but have been repentant of late in seeking to lead more as a servant. May I do this well for HIS Glory. May we see lives impacted for eternity.
This came from a great book I've been reading "On the Brink: Grace for the Burned-Out Pastor" by Clay Werner (p.119). It has been very helpful and challenging during a time when I've had 15 funerals and been to 26 in the last 10 months. It's been exhausting but HE has been more than faithful and gracious through it and has grown me by means of it. As difficult as it has been I'm thankful for that.
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Friday, August 23, 2019
Donald S Whitney Quote
Service that costs nothing rarely accomplishes anything, but costly service embodies the heart of Christ and advances the cause of Christ.
(Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life)
(Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life)
Wednesday, September 19, 2018
Quote from Robert J Morgan on Success
"Success is doing the will of God and doing it with the right attitudes and in one-day increments as HE assigns the work - being synchronized with the sacred." (from his book "Mastering Life Before It's Too Late)
Friday, August 3, 2018
Spurgeon from Zechariah
This is the second year in a row I've used the resource of the Read Scripture App. Last year I read directly from the app as I followed the reading plan it lays out. This year I'm using a physical Bible. At this time I'm loving the Spurgeon Study Bible (CSB). It's a great resource that I picked up when I was on one of my many trips to Cleveland last year with my Dad as he battled cancer.
The plan has just started into Zechariah. I've found Zechariah challenging to read over the years because of its non-linear style. Yet each year I've found it challenging and ultimately good for my soul. Further reinforcing how HIS Word is so beautiful and needed.
Here are some quotes from Spurgeon based on verses from todays reading in the plan followed by the Read Scripture App...
Zech.2.8
For the Lord of Armies says this: "In pursuit of his glory, he sent me against the nations plundering you, for whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye."
Spurgeon on Zech.2.8
Stand at the foot of Calvary, and lettuce groans of Christ pierce your heart. Behold his head crowned with thorns; look at his hand and his feet streaming like fountains of blood. Think for a moment of the awful anguish which his spirit suffered, of the unknown pains he bore when he redeemed our souls for God; and you will readily conclude that love so amazing, which could pay a price so stupendous, would not easily loosen its hold on what it has purchased for itself.
Zech.3.9
Notice the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. I will engrave an inscription on it" - this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies - "and I will take away the iniquity of this land in a single day.
Spurgeon on Zech.3.9
The position of sin in a natural man that of a king on his throne; the position of sin in a Christian is that of a bandit hiding in secret places trying to get back its old usurped dominion but failing in the attempt.
The plan has just started into Zechariah. I've found Zechariah challenging to read over the years because of its non-linear style. Yet each year I've found it challenging and ultimately good for my soul. Further reinforcing how HIS Word is so beautiful and needed.
Here are some quotes from Spurgeon based on verses from todays reading in the plan followed by the Read Scripture App...
Zech.2.8
For the Lord of Armies says this: "In pursuit of his glory, he sent me against the nations plundering you, for whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye."
Spurgeon on Zech.2.8
Stand at the foot of Calvary, and lettuce groans of Christ pierce your heart. Behold his head crowned with thorns; look at his hand and his feet streaming like fountains of blood. Think for a moment of the awful anguish which his spirit suffered, of the unknown pains he bore when he redeemed our souls for God; and you will readily conclude that love so amazing, which could pay a price so stupendous, would not easily loosen its hold on what it has purchased for itself.
Zech.3.9
Notice the stone I have set before Joshua; on that one stone are seven eyes. I will engrave an inscription on it" - this is the declaration of the Lord of Armies - "and I will take away the iniquity of this land in a single day.
Spurgeon on Zech.3.9
The position of sin in a natural man that of a king on his throne; the position of sin in a Christian is that of a bandit hiding in secret places trying to get back its old usurped dominion but failing in the attempt.
Derwin Gray quote
"People live out of either the hurt they feel or the healing Jesus provides."
- Derwin Gray, from his book Limitless Life
- Derwin Gray, from his book Limitless Life
Spurgeon Quote from Haggai
I love the Book of Haggai. Two chapters easily digestible and broken down into four parts all the while being so challenging. The following is a quote from Spurgeon...
Haggai 1.7-8 (CSB)
7 The Lord of Armies says this: "think carefully about your ways. 8 Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house; an I will be pleased with it and be glorified."
Spurgeon on Haggai 1.7-8
It does not matter whom we please of God is not pleased, or who gets honor from what we give, if God is not glorified as a result.
Challenging quote to examine our hearts by from a challenging book of the Bible.
Haggai 1.7-8 (CSB)
7 The Lord of Armies says this: "think carefully about your ways. 8 Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house; an I will be pleased with it and be glorified."
Spurgeon on Haggai 1.7-8
It does not matter whom we please of God is not pleased, or who gets honor from what we give, if God is not glorified as a result.
Challenging quote to examine our hearts by from a challenging book of the Bible.
Monday, July 30, 2018
Spurgeon & the Book of Daniel
I’m reading through the Book of Daniel at this time. I have enjoyed reading in the Spurgeon Study Bible which is a CSB ( Christian Standard Bible). The following are some verses with quotes by Spurgeon:
Dan.3.14
Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up?
Spurgeon on Dan.3.14
“If we mean to be a Christian, and therefore intend to cast off the bondage of this present evil world, our resolve must be taken to bear all consequences rather than worship the idol of the hour.”
Dan.3.25
He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Spurgeon on Dan.3.25
“We must go into the furnace if we would have the nearest and dearest dealings with Christ Jesus.”
Dan.6.10
When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Spurgeon on Dan.6.10
“When we know our duty, first thoughts are the best; if the thing is abosolutely right, never think about it a second time, but straightaway go and do it.”
Great, challenging insights from the Prince of Preachers.
Dan.3.14
Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, is it true that you don’t serve my gods or worship the gold statue I have set up?
Spurgeon on Dan.3.14
“If we mean to be a Christian, and therefore intend to cast off the bondage of this present evil world, our resolve must be taken to bear all consequences rather than worship the idol of the hour.”
Dan.3.25
He exclaimed, “Look! I see four men, not tied, walking around in the fire unharmed; and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Spurgeon on Dan.3.25
“We must go into the furnace if we would have the nearest and dearest dealings with Christ Jesus.”
Dan.6.10
When Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house. The windows in its upstairs room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Spurgeon on Dan.6.10
“When we know our duty, first thoughts are the best; if the thing is abosolutely right, never think about it a second time, but straightaway go and do it.”
Great, challenging insights from the Prince of Preachers.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Thoughts on life
My life is nothing I thought it would be. I never expected to be or do all that I am and have done. To have this life is something that humbles me. To live this life is something I don’t take lightly. Through it all I live in awe of the one that has granted it and I stand amazed to serve HIM.
Each Sunday I’m blown away by the privilege and the weight of the task that is before me in preaching. The privilege to speak of the glories of the One who saved me and sustains me and seeks to do the same for others who would believe astounds me. The weight of the responsibility that has been given in this task I feel daily. Yet each time and each week the weight is overwhelmed in the worship that wells up in the preparation and during the delivery of that which has been agonized and prayed over.
I have no regrets in this call and the pressure of wanting to serve well in it. I could never imagine doing anything else. Yet there are times it can be overwhelming in so many ways. It’s in those times I rest in HIS graciousness and mercy and found how big HE is and how much I desperately need HIM. So I cling, I beg, I pray, I strive, and in it all I fall and find HE is my all and that is perfect.
My biggest concerns come in wanting to make sure HE is glorified and served in a way that honors HIM along with wanting to see my children grow to want to do the same. In this I have a helpmate that I treasure and love with all my heart. She walks with me in a way that no other could or would. She is my best friend. I pray daily for her and our children, for their protection, for the growth in Christ, for fruit to be born in their lives. Yet my heart is burdened to know they carry the weight of my position and I can do nothing about that. I pray that weight is not a burden but that which is used in their continual refinement in HIM. Oh, may they serve and stand for HIM in a way that glorifies HIM and impacts lives!
My life is nothing I thought it would be. My hope is that in the grind of each day I may live passionately and invest in others well. I pray that who I am will forever reflect Who HE is.
Each Sunday I’m blown away by the privilege and the weight of the task that is before me in preaching. The privilege to speak of the glories of the One who saved me and sustains me and seeks to do the same for others who would believe astounds me. The weight of the responsibility that has been given in this task I feel daily. Yet each time and each week the weight is overwhelmed in the worship that wells up in the preparation and during the delivery of that which has been agonized and prayed over.
I have no regrets in this call and the pressure of wanting to serve well in it. I could never imagine doing anything else. Yet there are times it can be overwhelming in so many ways. It’s in those times I rest in HIS graciousness and mercy and found how big HE is and how much I desperately need HIM. So I cling, I beg, I pray, I strive, and in it all I fall and find HE is my all and that is perfect.
My biggest concerns come in wanting to make sure HE is glorified and served in a way that honors HIM along with wanting to see my children grow to want to do the same. In this I have a helpmate that I treasure and love with all my heart. She walks with me in a way that no other could or would. She is my best friend. I pray daily for her and our children, for their protection, for the growth in Christ, for fruit to be born in their lives. Yet my heart is burdened to know they carry the weight of my position and I can do nothing about that. I pray that weight is not a burden but that which is used in their continual refinement in HIM. Oh, may they serve and stand for HIM in a way that glorifies HIM and impacts lives!
My life is nothing I thought it would be. My hope is that in the grind of each day I may live passionately and invest in others well. I pray that who I am will forever reflect Who HE is.
Friday, January 12, 2018
Thoughts on 2017
This past year has been one of the most challenging and rewarding years of my life. Challenges have come in terms of family and personal struggles. The rewards have been in professional growth. I have found this in and of itself to be time of growth yet painful at the same time.
The challenges have come through the health of my parents and Jill’s sister. One of the more painful things I’ve watched is the deterioration of my Mom. She struggles with Alzheimer’s and there are times where she forgets my children’s name. While they handle this with grace, which makes me so proud as a Dad, my heart breaks. She has always been one of the brightest women I’ve ever known. She’s always been sharp in terms of insight and intellect. She finished her ungraduate degree in less than four years and finished her Master’s degree Summa Cum Laude. Watching her struggle to connect with my family and them not experience her as I’ve always known her is devastating at times. I’m so thankful for her and her influence in my life.
My respect for my Dad has grown immensely through this year while my heart has hurt over his cancer diagnosis. My Dad was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. It has been quite aggressive. In June he lost a kidney due to it along with having four tumors removed from his bladder. In four weeks I drove over 4400 miles on trips to Cleveland Clinic and my parents house to help with care for Dad. There have been other trips to Cleveland as well. He has had numerous procedures through the year along with treatment. It has been quite a journey for him and it will continue. My respect for him has grown immensely in and through this as I learn from and watch him as he serves as the primary caregiver for my Mom. We’ve had so many conversations through this year that I will cherish forever. He has expressed so much about his love for Mom and his concern for her. I have learned from watching him live this out about how to hopefully be a better husband in the future. It truly is for better or worse and in sickness and health that we love our spouse. My Dad has embodied this for me in vivid ways.
On top of all happening with my parents my sister in law was diagnosed with Colon Cancer this past fall. This is Jill’s little sister. They shared the same room growing up and are close. She had not been feeling well so Jill took her the ER and through this a mass was discovered on her colon. This lead to a resection and was followed by chemotherapy. She battled and is now in remission. It was quite a scary time for us and Jill’s family. God has used this Cancer in many ways her her life and her husband’s life for which I’m thankful for. HE has restored their marriage and more importantly I’ve seen growth in HIM in each, especially her.
With these things I’ve found myself to have struggled personally in different ways. As I walked through this year I found myself frustrated with care I fealt I didn’t receive from those around me who demand so much from me. As I serve there is endless demands at times yet no expressions of care or gratitude and in this I found myself wounded yet the wounds were self-inflicted because of my self-centered desire. So I had to wage war over this sin in my heart because it was rooted in selfishness and not springing from a heart that was focused and finding rest in Christ. That was not an easy task and I still find times where repentance is needed. I want my heart to be grateful to and humbled by HIM. I then want this to be expressed in my life. Yet I fail miserably at this. I’m thankful for HIS continued graciousness to me in this and so many other areas of my life where I fail in such ways.
As all of this transpired personally, along with other struggles that I will not mention. Things at a Covenant have gone well. We’ve experienced growth in many ways. We did not see the number of people embrace Jesus as Savior as I had hoped but we saw growth in those who did and saw growth in our attendance. I have learned through this that I must be laser focused on certain things and allow these to drive me forward in an attempt to keep pressing toward HIM. I learned to be more patient with those around me and understand that some have HIM as a focus and some focus on their preference and self-interest yet to work with and seek growth in HIM in all. This is a work in progress as is any attempt to be a shepherd and leader. My prayer is that I may serve well and fail well. In service HE is glorified. As I fail, which seems so often, I pray HE will be gracious and that HE will continue to develop the humility I so desperately lack so that HE will be gloried as well.
My heart has ached. My heart has been humbled in many ways. My heart has grown as well. May HE be honored in it all. Soli Deo Gloria.
The challenges have come through the health of my parents and Jill’s sister. One of the more painful things I’ve watched is the deterioration of my Mom. She struggles with Alzheimer’s and there are times where she forgets my children’s name. While they handle this with grace, which makes me so proud as a Dad, my heart breaks. She has always been one of the brightest women I’ve ever known. She’s always been sharp in terms of insight and intellect. She finished her ungraduate degree in less than four years and finished her Master’s degree Summa Cum Laude. Watching her struggle to connect with my family and them not experience her as I’ve always known her is devastating at times. I’m so thankful for her and her influence in my life.
My respect for my Dad has grown immensely through this year while my heart has hurt over his cancer diagnosis. My Dad was diagnosed with Bladder Cancer. It has been quite aggressive. In June he lost a kidney due to it along with having four tumors removed from his bladder. In four weeks I drove over 4400 miles on trips to Cleveland Clinic and my parents house to help with care for Dad. There have been other trips to Cleveland as well. He has had numerous procedures through the year along with treatment. It has been quite a journey for him and it will continue. My respect for him has grown immensely in and through this as I learn from and watch him as he serves as the primary caregiver for my Mom. We’ve had so many conversations through this year that I will cherish forever. He has expressed so much about his love for Mom and his concern for her. I have learned from watching him live this out about how to hopefully be a better husband in the future. It truly is for better or worse and in sickness and health that we love our spouse. My Dad has embodied this for me in vivid ways.
On top of all happening with my parents my sister in law was diagnosed with Colon Cancer this past fall. This is Jill’s little sister. They shared the same room growing up and are close. She had not been feeling well so Jill took her the ER and through this a mass was discovered on her colon. This lead to a resection and was followed by chemotherapy. She battled and is now in remission. It was quite a scary time for us and Jill’s family. God has used this Cancer in many ways her her life and her husband’s life for which I’m thankful for. HE has restored their marriage and more importantly I’ve seen growth in HIM in each, especially her.
With these things I’ve found myself to have struggled personally in different ways. As I walked through this year I found myself frustrated with care I fealt I didn’t receive from those around me who demand so much from me. As I serve there is endless demands at times yet no expressions of care or gratitude and in this I found myself wounded yet the wounds were self-inflicted because of my self-centered desire. So I had to wage war over this sin in my heart because it was rooted in selfishness and not springing from a heart that was focused and finding rest in Christ. That was not an easy task and I still find times where repentance is needed. I want my heart to be grateful to and humbled by HIM. I then want this to be expressed in my life. Yet I fail miserably at this. I’m thankful for HIS continued graciousness to me in this and so many other areas of my life where I fail in such ways.
As all of this transpired personally, along with other struggles that I will not mention. Things at a Covenant have gone well. We’ve experienced growth in many ways. We did not see the number of people embrace Jesus as Savior as I had hoped but we saw growth in those who did and saw growth in our attendance. I have learned through this that I must be laser focused on certain things and allow these to drive me forward in an attempt to keep pressing toward HIM. I learned to be more patient with those around me and understand that some have HIM as a focus and some focus on their preference and self-interest yet to work with and seek growth in HIM in all. This is a work in progress as is any attempt to be a shepherd and leader. My prayer is that I may serve well and fail well. In service HE is glorified. As I fail, which seems so often, I pray HE will be gracious and that HE will continue to develop the humility I so desperately lack so that HE will be gloried as well.
My heart has ached. My heart has been humbled in many ways. My heart has grown as well. May HE be honored in it all. Soli Deo Gloria.
Friday, November 29, 2013
Thankful
So this is not really some Thanksgiving inspired post. Not many read this blog and that is perfectly fine. This is more of an exercise of faith for me than anything. It just so happens that as I had to discipline Caleb tonight it reminded me of how hard thankfulness really is. I'm truly thankful to have him. I'm thankful that I had to walk through his abuse case alone for most of the time. I'm thankful that I'm continually reminded of my need and weakness.
I'm so thankful that I have the honor of being Caleb's Dad (I say the same of being Chloe and Caitlyn's Daddy, they are so beautiful). He frustrates me with his constant drive to compete, everything is a competition with him. Yet I find that quality admirable because not everybody has that. He upsets me when he acts rashly. Yet I find it wonderful that when we talk it through and then consider the consequences that he gets upset that he acted that way. In the end I'm always astounded by the gift he is and that he is in my life.
I thought I'd never say this but I'm thankful that I had to walk through Caleb's abuse case. It was the most hellish and alienated time I've ever been through. I struggled to trust God, family, and friends. Even today in times of frustration in life the enemy seems to bring back thoughts of this time. I struggled with God yet HIS sovereignty and grace were so huge that I could do nothing but fall on my face crying constantly before HIM, I cried what seemed to be gallons of tears. Jill and I didn't communicate much at all we just subsisted which was a lack of leadership on my part. We made dumb decisions about eating out all the time because we just didn't want to cook or think, we would charge things, we gained weight, things we struggle with to this day. I failed her in this. My family never really knew what to do and therefore never really checked on me, no visits, few calls. My friends seemed at a loss, this lead to an alienation. The one exception was my Dad who had no idea what to say but would just call, that was needed. He said the one thing I wanted to hear from family and friends, "I'll come down there and take care of that man.". Nobody said that except my Dad. He didn't know I was having nightly dreams where the scenario always ended up with me killing that man. He didn't know I would wake up crying because I was heartbroken that my heart, as a lover of Jesus, would go to that point. I just needed to hear it. The most important thing my Dad did was tell me he loved me, as he always has, every time we talked. I just needed that. I needed to be pushed to fight for my heart and Jake Mason did that. He pushed me to love my wife and that was needed. I got mad at him but was always thankful for his care and concern. I needed someone to offer to go with me when the Assistant District Attorney said she wanted me to come to the trial and eventually say something and Greg Bowers did that. I didn't need profound words, I needed a ministry of presence. More than anything I found the depths of the grace of God expressed in the gospel beyond compare through walking through this. In these depths I found solace in my tears and strength in the midst of my fears. By falling on my face and resting in HIS completed work I found a bedrock of hope in the midst of the darkest of times. I'm thankful for all of this.
I'm reminded of my need in that I need the grace of God more today than at any point in my life. I need it as a husband, father, and servant of the body of Christ. As a husband I find myself inept in how I care for Jill. As a father I find myself lacking everyday. As a pastor I agonize over the words I share and yet find they fall woefully short and fall on hearts that do not heed. I want to love well but in each case I fall short. By this I find that it doesn't cause me to presume upon HIS grace but to fall upon HIM in my weakness needing HIS grace and strength.
So in the midst of this I find that thankfulness is not easy. It is hard. Thanksgiving Day, the turkey and shopping, the gluttony of it all, is easy. True thankfulness comes by means of grace and grace has never come flippantly. There is so much more that could be said but I can say I'm thankful. Truly thankful this night.
I'm so thankful that I have the honor of being Caleb's Dad (I say the same of being Chloe and Caitlyn's Daddy, they are so beautiful). He frustrates me with his constant drive to compete, everything is a competition with him. Yet I find that quality admirable because not everybody has that. He upsets me when he acts rashly. Yet I find it wonderful that when we talk it through and then consider the consequences that he gets upset that he acted that way. In the end I'm always astounded by the gift he is and that he is in my life.
I thought I'd never say this but I'm thankful that I had to walk through Caleb's abuse case. It was the most hellish and alienated time I've ever been through. I struggled to trust God, family, and friends. Even today in times of frustration in life the enemy seems to bring back thoughts of this time. I struggled with God yet HIS sovereignty and grace were so huge that I could do nothing but fall on my face crying constantly before HIM, I cried what seemed to be gallons of tears. Jill and I didn't communicate much at all we just subsisted which was a lack of leadership on my part. We made dumb decisions about eating out all the time because we just didn't want to cook or think, we would charge things, we gained weight, things we struggle with to this day. I failed her in this. My family never really knew what to do and therefore never really checked on me, no visits, few calls. My friends seemed at a loss, this lead to an alienation. The one exception was my Dad who had no idea what to say but would just call, that was needed. He said the one thing I wanted to hear from family and friends, "I'll come down there and take care of that man.". Nobody said that except my Dad. He didn't know I was having nightly dreams where the scenario always ended up with me killing that man. He didn't know I would wake up crying because I was heartbroken that my heart, as a lover of Jesus, would go to that point. I just needed to hear it. The most important thing my Dad did was tell me he loved me, as he always has, every time we talked. I just needed that. I needed to be pushed to fight for my heart and Jake Mason did that. He pushed me to love my wife and that was needed. I got mad at him but was always thankful for his care and concern. I needed someone to offer to go with me when the Assistant District Attorney said she wanted me to come to the trial and eventually say something and Greg Bowers did that. I didn't need profound words, I needed a ministry of presence. More than anything I found the depths of the grace of God expressed in the gospel beyond compare through walking through this. In these depths I found solace in my tears and strength in the midst of my fears. By falling on my face and resting in HIS completed work I found a bedrock of hope in the midst of the darkest of times. I'm thankful for all of this.
I'm reminded of my need in that I need the grace of God more today than at any point in my life. I need it as a husband, father, and servant of the body of Christ. As a husband I find myself inept in how I care for Jill. As a father I find myself lacking everyday. As a pastor I agonize over the words I share and yet find they fall woefully short and fall on hearts that do not heed. I want to love well but in each case I fall short. By this I find that it doesn't cause me to presume upon HIS grace but to fall upon HIM in my weakness needing HIS grace and strength.
So in the midst of this I find that thankfulness is not easy. It is hard. Thanksgiving Day, the turkey and shopping, the gluttony of it all, is easy. True thankfulness comes by means of grace and grace has never come flippantly. There is so much more that could be said but I can say I'm thankful. Truly thankful this night.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Quote for Herman Witsius
For no one teaches well, who has not first learned aright. No one has learned aright, who has not learned for the purpose of teaching others. And both are useless, unless reduced to practice. (Herman Witsius, The Character of Genuine Theologian)
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Quote from Michael Horton
I do not believe the gospel because I believe in God; rather, I believe in God because of the gospel (Pilgrim Theology)
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
David Powlison's definition of Sanctification
Sanctification is the meeting of two unfathomable riches. It's the meeting of the human condition with all its complication with the Savior of the world in all his truth and mercy. (in an interview by TGC)
Thursday, September 5, 2013
thought for the day
When counseling I find myself woefully inadequate. It is in moments like this I find HIM most fully sufficient. So here is my counseling theory for the day:
1) Cling to the Cross
2) Listen well
3) Our Counsel should never leave the Cross - we must saturate ourselves in the Word
4) Apply the Gospel well to my heart first
5) Seek to help those in need to apply the Gospel well
6) Glory in the Gospel
I have found much solace in books from Paul Tripp, Tim Lane, Tim Chester, Elyse Fitzpatrick, and others. I enjoy The Journal for Biblical Counseling and find it good for my soul. I have gained much from the counsel of a friend who is a counselor, Jake Mason. Yet nothing has affected me more than the beauty of the Gospel!
The beauty of the Gospel is that HE never changes. Our response to HIM is the same, repent and believe, which is easy said than done and is why I find myself in constant need. Oh Lord let me ever cling to You! May I always cling to You! May any and all counsel sought from me reflect You above all else! Thank You for Your all sufficiency displayed so beautifully in the Gospel!
1) Cling to the Cross
2) Listen well
3) Our Counsel should never leave the Cross - we must saturate ourselves in the Word
4) Apply the Gospel well to my heart first
5) Seek to help those in need to apply the Gospel well
6) Glory in the Gospel
I have found much solace in books from Paul Tripp, Tim Lane, Tim Chester, Elyse Fitzpatrick, and others. I enjoy The Journal for Biblical Counseling and find it good for my soul. I have gained much from the counsel of a friend who is a counselor, Jake Mason. Yet nothing has affected me more than the beauty of the Gospel!
The beauty of the Gospel is that HE never changes. Our response to HIM is the same, repent and believe, which is easy said than done and is why I find myself in constant need. Oh Lord let me ever cling to You! May I always cling to You! May any and all counsel sought from me reflect You above all else! Thank You for Your all sufficiency displayed so beautifully in the Gospel!
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Summer Trust Building
Summer is drawing to an end. For some of our students school starts on August 15th and then for most they will begin on August 19th. This summer has be a time of hecticness and growth. The hectic nature of summer is one in which you want to accomplish so much yet only have so much time to do it in. This summer was no different. The great thing is that it has been a time of growth in many of our youth.
When I arrived at Covenant I soon noticed a lack of trust in my ministry when it came to our youth. This was something that I knew would take time to gain. This lack of trust was not necessarily a reflection upon my ministry (although I guess it could have been) as they did not know me but in many ways was a compliment to the wonderful couple who served them for 2+ years, I'm truly thankful for them and their ministry. At times this has been very hard work yet it has been rewarding in so many ways. The transition from pulpit ministry had its snags at times yet I have found that I have truly fallen in love with our Church, Youth, and area and this has made the transtion much smoother than I expected. This transtion has also been made easer by being able to serve along side our Senior Pastor, who loves us and this Church.
With that said I had immediately began to pray for our church, youth, and families upon our arrival. As I did this I found that God was bonding my heart to our Church and Youth in many ways. I began to see what a great place to serve this is and what great youth and families we had to serve with. This along with further deepening my love for this area served to fan into flame an even deeper passion to see our Church and area impacted by means of the Gospel.
So for the first nine months of ministry here there have been times of thinking I'm swimming upstream against the current mixed with times where I can see trust being built with our youth. This was tempered with a passion to love them well and see them develop as disciples of our Awesome Saivior and King. This was also fueled with a desire to establish roots here that will lead to great Gospel penetration being made in our lives and the lives of those around us. During these nine months I've had a plan.
This plan was not some mind-blowing, huge thing but one in which I wanted to establish realtionships with our Church and Youth whereby God would be glorified and trust would be built. This plan began upon arrival, continued through the winter, and would extend through the summer. It began by explaining that eventhough Jill's family is from here and we live on her family's land that we were here to serve them (our Church and Youth) not just to be back near family. It continued through the winter by letting them get to know us and our children and letting them know that they are part of our family and lives. All along we would try and take advantage of opportunities to have time with them and invest in them. As summer approached there would be the opportunity for our older youth to serve at a Camp that is dear to my heart (I have blogged about that Camp previously). I prayed for a sizeable group of our leaders to go as this Camp is more of a mission trip than a Camp. All but one of those came.
While at the Camp we made up 1 in 4 of the Counselors there which was great. This was great because it allowed for us to have a great influence on the Camp and allowed for me to have a great influence on our group in particular. As our youth served they were awesome! As the camp progressed I was able to have many needed conversations with them and to put them into uncomfortable situations where they would have to trust God. HE used these as only HE could and the Camp served to challenge and mold those who went in mighty ways. My hope is that the trust established will grow into their realtionship with me as we head into the Fall.
So now the as the summer draws to a close my prayer is that we will continue to gain momentum and press deeper into HIM as we continue seek to serve HIM well and love these Youth and their families well. May HE continue to build trust and continue to shape and mold us for HIS Glory!
When I arrived at Covenant I soon noticed a lack of trust in my ministry when it came to our youth. This was something that I knew would take time to gain. This lack of trust was not necessarily a reflection upon my ministry (although I guess it could have been) as they did not know me but in many ways was a compliment to the wonderful couple who served them for 2+ years, I'm truly thankful for them and their ministry. At times this has been very hard work yet it has been rewarding in so many ways. The transition from pulpit ministry had its snags at times yet I have found that I have truly fallen in love with our Church, Youth, and area and this has made the transtion much smoother than I expected. This transtion has also been made easer by being able to serve along side our Senior Pastor, who loves us and this Church.
With that said I had immediately began to pray for our church, youth, and families upon our arrival. As I did this I found that God was bonding my heart to our Church and Youth in many ways. I began to see what a great place to serve this is and what great youth and families we had to serve with. This along with further deepening my love for this area served to fan into flame an even deeper passion to see our Church and area impacted by means of the Gospel.
So for the first nine months of ministry here there have been times of thinking I'm swimming upstream against the current mixed with times where I can see trust being built with our youth. This was tempered with a passion to love them well and see them develop as disciples of our Awesome Saivior and King. This was also fueled with a desire to establish roots here that will lead to great Gospel penetration being made in our lives and the lives of those around us. During these nine months I've had a plan.
This plan was not some mind-blowing, huge thing but one in which I wanted to establish realtionships with our Church and Youth whereby God would be glorified and trust would be built. This plan began upon arrival, continued through the winter, and would extend through the summer. It began by explaining that eventhough Jill's family is from here and we live on her family's land that we were here to serve them (our Church and Youth) not just to be back near family. It continued through the winter by letting them get to know us and our children and letting them know that they are part of our family and lives. All along we would try and take advantage of opportunities to have time with them and invest in them. As summer approached there would be the opportunity for our older youth to serve at a Camp that is dear to my heart (I have blogged about that Camp previously). I prayed for a sizeable group of our leaders to go as this Camp is more of a mission trip than a Camp. All but one of those came.
While at the Camp we made up 1 in 4 of the Counselors there which was great. This was great because it allowed for us to have a great influence on the Camp and allowed for me to have a great influence on our group in particular. As our youth served they were awesome! As the camp progressed I was able to have many needed conversations with them and to put them into uncomfortable situations where they would have to trust God. HE used these as only HE could and the Camp served to challenge and mold those who went in mighty ways. My hope is that the trust established will grow into their realtionship with me as we head into the Fall.
So now the as the summer draws to a close my prayer is that we will continue to gain momentum and press deeper into HIM as we continue seek to serve HIM well and love these Youth and their families well. May HE continue to build trust and continue to shape and mold us for HIS Glory!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Summer Anticipation
I must say that I love summer. There is so much to love about it. Time outdoors, with loved ones, the excitement of having the kids at home (most days, some days w/3 lil ones running around can get stressful - lol). One of the distinct things I love about summer is getting to go to a Camp I've been involved with for about ten years.
This Camp is different than others in certain ways. Many of the kids there are from difficult socioeconomic backgrounds, some are from backgrounds where abuse was a tragic part of their lives. This along with the fact that my friend's ministry pays the way for them to go to Camp, which is an amazing picture of God's provision and graciousness considering the economic climate we live in, make this week so refreshing. When asked the question is there one thing that you would not give up in an interview setting I say this Camp. Of course, when they hear of how God uses this week the church I serve always wants me to go and to bring others.
When it comes to bringing others each year is different. The one constant is that each year I bring some of our older youth to serve as what is called Junior Counselors. Each year the number of people varies yet what happens through the week does not. In youth culture few really serve others and at this camp they are forced to serve and in this service are put into some situations where they are stretched and have to fully trust in The Lord. In the midst of this God shapes and molds in beautiful ways.
This year will be quite different in that I'll be bringing my beautiful Chloe (our oldest) with me as a Camper. This will be her first Camp and it will be awesome getting to experience this with her. She is such a beautiful girl with a tender heart for Jesus! My hope is that over the years that each of our children will go and then as they get older serve at this Camp. Hopefully all five of us can serve together in this setting!
I love this Camp but that pales in comparison to my love for my Savior and King. It is through life with HIM that I see my desperate need for HIS continued graciousness and for HIS Gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity by which this Gospel finds a glorious expression. I'm so thankful to see expressions such this and to participate in it in settings such as this Camp. I can't wait until July 20-26! The anticipation is building!
This Camp is different than others in certain ways. Many of the kids there are from difficult socioeconomic backgrounds, some are from backgrounds where abuse was a tragic part of their lives. This along with the fact that my friend's ministry pays the way for them to go to Camp, which is an amazing picture of God's provision and graciousness considering the economic climate we live in, make this week so refreshing. When asked the question is there one thing that you would not give up in an interview setting I say this Camp. Of course, when they hear of how God uses this week the church I serve always wants me to go and to bring others.
When it comes to bringing others each year is different. The one constant is that each year I bring some of our older youth to serve as what is called Junior Counselors. Each year the number of people varies yet what happens through the week does not. In youth culture few really serve others and at this camp they are forced to serve and in this service are put into some situations where they are stretched and have to fully trust in The Lord. In the midst of this God shapes and molds in beautiful ways.
This year will be quite different in that I'll be bringing my beautiful Chloe (our oldest) with me as a Camper. This will be her first Camp and it will be awesome getting to experience this with her. She is such a beautiful girl with a tender heart for Jesus! My hope is that over the years that each of our children will go and then as they get older serve at this Camp. Hopefully all five of us can serve together in this setting!
I love this Camp but that pales in comparison to my love for my Savior and King. It is through life with HIM that I see my desperate need for HIS continued graciousness and for HIS Gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity by which this Gospel finds a glorious expression. I'm so thankful to see expressions such this and to participate in it in settings such as this Camp. I can't wait until July 20-26! The anticipation is building!
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
The Funeral of Peggy Lane
The Lord has been so good to Jill and I. We've met so many people that we've come to love and cherish while serving HIM in various places and capacities. One of those people was Mrs. Peggy Lane. We came to love and cherish her in many ways during our time in Sumter, SC. Though we've been gone since 2005 we've stayed in touch and I've been able to visit her and her husband Tony during his extended illness and eventual death.
When we arrived in South Carolina in 2000 she took me under her wings, as she had for so many. Jill and I would come to truly love her son, Clinton, who was in our youth group. Clinton would be a big part of our lives (along with so many other youth who would be in and out of our home during that time). Clinton and his wife Ashley were part of our youth group, I performed their wedding. Now Clinton and his brother Josh are without parents. Josh found his Mom in bed on Friday May 31 gone from a heart attack, one week before his High School graduation. I was able to talk with Clinton and he asked if I would drive down and be part of the funeral, it was a difficult conversation as we both shed many tears.
For the past three days I've been with Clinton, his wife Ashley, his brother Josh, and the family. There is nothing that prepares you for the questions and emotions that people ask as they grieve. As a Pastor there is one thing to do and that is to offer the Gospel as the balm needed for the soul that aches and grieves. Through many hours of talking and pointing to them Christ my prayer is that HE was glorified over these past few days.
The thing I find hard is to grieve myself because my heart aches for Clinton, Ashley, and Josh and wants to minister to them in such a way that HE is uplifted and to see HIM begin the healing process in their souls. So as I sit in my office and all is quiet my heart seeks that very balm of the Gospel to be applied to my heart. With tears I am thankful for HIS graciousness in giving us Mrs. Peggy and Clinton, along with the family. With tears I am thankful to have been able to serve them over our years together and especially over these past few days.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
thankful
Wow! It has literally been forever since I last wrote anything on here. I actually use my blog everyday as a resource to read from various blogs and sites I have listed yet I never write. There is so much that I could and should write about yet I do not have the time.
I will write to about one thing today. I'm so thankful for the evidences of God's grace in my life. Whether it by means of my family always being so patient with me or through my friends who love me so well. At home I try and try and yet seem to fail over and over yet through it all my wife and kids still love me through my foibles and follies, how beautiful is that? It's a beautiful reflection of HIS grace. I have a group of friends to whom I'm very loyal, many of us were in each other's weddings, yet I find that I do not keep in touch as I should. When a call is made or contact comes via social media or texting they do not care, they care only how I am. How awesome is that? Truly humbling to think about and to be thankful for.
I guess much of this rambling thought comes from the thought that today is my parents 49th Anniversary. My parents are not perfect, I would call them perfectly faulted. Yet through 49 years they have loved each other and still continue to do so. So as I consider that I am thankful for them I'm also drawn to be thankful for something that makes their love for each other along with their love for me and my sister look quite anemic. I'm drawn to consider the depths of HIS perfect love in spite of my many upon many failures and I'm in awe. In awe of HIS nature that shines so brightly through these evidences of grace that draw me to consider HIS depths. So I say thank You to the One Who deserves all of my praise on this 49th Anniversary of my parents.
I will write to about one thing today. I'm so thankful for the evidences of God's grace in my life. Whether it by means of my family always being so patient with me or through my friends who love me so well. At home I try and try and yet seem to fail over and over yet through it all my wife and kids still love me through my foibles and follies, how beautiful is that? It's a beautiful reflection of HIS grace. I have a group of friends to whom I'm very loyal, many of us were in each other's weddings, yet I find that I do not keep in touch as I should. When a call is made or contact comes via social media or texting they do not care, they care only how I am. How awesome is that? Truly humbling to think about and to be thankful for.
I guess much of this rambling thought comes from the thought that today is my parents 49th Anniversary. My parents are not perfect, I would call them perfectly faulted. Yet through 49 years they have loved each other and still continue to do so. So as I consider that I am thankful for them I'm also drawn to be thankful for something that makes their love for each other along with their love for me and my sister look quite anemic. I'm drawn to consider the depths of HIS perfect love in spite of my many upon many failures and I'm in awe. In awe of HIS nature that shines so brightly through these evidences of grace that draw me to consider HIS depths. So I say thank You to the One Who deserves all of my praise on this 49th Anniversary of my parents.
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Great Quote from Jared C. Wilson
A great quote from Jared C. Wilson's book, Gospel Wakefulness: "The Gospel is not just the entry fee for heaven but the currency for all of life."
Quote from Spurgeon
Lectures to My Students, Lecture 1: The Minister's Self-Watch (p.17):
We must cultivate the highest degree of godliness because our work imperatively requires it. The labor of Christian ministry is well performed in exact proportion to the vigor of our renewed nature. Our work is only well done when it is well with ourselves. As the workman, such will the work be. To face the enemies of truth, to defend the bulwarks of the faith, to rule well in the house of God, to comfort all that mourn, to edify the saints, to guide the perplexed, to bear with the froward, to win and nurse souls - all these and a thousand other works beside are not for a Feeble-mind or a Ready-to-halt, but are reserved for Great-heart whom the Lord has made strong for himself. Seek then strength from the Strong One, wisdom from the Wise One, in fact, all from the God of all.
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