I had lunch with an old friend from college today who was holding on to a broken-hearted joy. For many years, two of his children have been wandering in far countries, like prodigals aiming at pig styes. Two children who had left the fold and with it, despite all of my friend and his wife’s … More Holding on to Broken-hearted Joy
It was pre-2008. I was commenting on the gospel in a message delivered to New Song Church in Bolingbrook, IL. I think it was either Easter or Christmas. In the message, I asked a question which I have asked many times since. “If the greatest being in the universe wants to give the greatest gift … More The Acid Test for Christ-centeredness
Read Psalm 30 Covid-19 and a host of other societal changes has radically changed the world in which we live. As circumstances played out this year, I was deprived of the privilege of preaching Easter Sunday, but for all of us who have trusted in Christ, everyday is an Easter celebration for he has turned … More When God Turns Mourning into Joy
Leonard Ravenhill (June 18, 1907 – November 27, 1994 Ravenhill was an English Christian evangelist and author who focused on the subjects of prayer and revival. He is best known for challenging western evangelicalism (through his books and sermons) to compare itself to the early Christian Church as chronicled in the Book of Acts. (Wiki) In answer to … More The Challenge of Ravenhill
“If I were to ask you why you have believed in Christ, why you have become Christians, every man will answer truly, ‘For the sake of happiness.’” –Augustine
It is so easy to slip into discontent. It is so easy to be ingracious. It is so easy to refrain from giving thanks and to enjoy the blessings of the moment. And when we don’t enjoy these blessings, our discontent is path to an empty life. Our Declaration of Independence, a powerful and world-changing … More Murmuring and Being Content
Reading with the Pastor Matthew 24, Proverbs 24. and Psalm 24 Too much Starbucks coffee too late in the day, so now it is nearly 2 AM and my mind is wide awake. I’m learning not to resent or regret these mistakes in judgment. There is an undistractedness to these hours that lets the heart soar … More Just a Prayer Shouting Joy
Near the very end of his marvelous book, MERE CHRISTIANITY, C.S. Lewis gives an exhortation to believe in Christ that is a slap down of narcissism. Any age, but perhaps most particularly, our age, would be wise to think hard about his words. “Until you have given up your self to Him you will not … More C.S. Lewis on Narcissism
“Nothing is more repulsive than a life turned inward and focused only on its own joy.” Remember: Jesus said we gain our lives by losing our lives. Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Mark 8:35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but … More Narcissism and the Pursuit of Happiness
I suppose every pastor has a certain number of “fear-dominated” parishioners. I’m thankful that in my current church there seems to be very few but I know the malady can be debilitating and destructive to gospel living. Christians ought not to be dominated by fear but by hope–an overwhelming hope, no matter what is or … More When Fear Threatens to Undo
