I'm excited...

I have just read about a new project that is beginning in the very near future. This explanation of it has thrilled me about it's appearance. I'm excited!

What's your take...

Hi to the 4 of you! Hope things are good with you all. Kerry and I are still on honeymoon in Jamaica. It's such a lovely place. In the resort we have been treated like royalty. The weather has generally been brilliant; it's always warm but we have had some rain and today some pretty strong winds. I guess that's what happens when there are hurricanes about. However, the predicted path for Ike shows that we should be safe enough. Married life is amazing so far and we are just enjoying as much time together, as possible, before we head back to the "real world" and all that it entails. Kerry is having a lie down to try and get rid of a splitting headache so I have vacated the room to give her a bit of space and to remove the noise. If I'm being honest I needed to clear my heady anyway, reading The Shack takes its toll on a person.

Just thought I would ask you all a quick question. Who do you think this lady is?

It's sad...

After signing out of my hotmail account, just now, my eyes were drawn to an article advertised on the MSN homepage. The title was "How to leave your wife or how to leave your husband". It was a sad article as the emphasis was on making sure you are financially secure before you break your vows to your spouse! No advice relationally, just make sure you have made your financial plans!!

Resources...

Over at the Ligonier blog, the web guys are adding posts from R.C Sproul on revival. There are a number of posts through the main page.

John Ortberg has written an article on the gift of opposition. Check it out here.

John MacArthur has a 5-part article series on distinguishing a true work of the Spirit. Check them out. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.

Tim Challies reviews an upcoming book release from Al Mohler. Check it out here.

Trouble ahead?

The Telegraph has an article posted concerning the current debates and difficulties facing the Anglican church at the minute. You can read it here. Pastor-Theologian J I Packer has made some comment on the situation here.



Just for your info!

Another great quote...

I was reading a message by John Piper, called "Why Expositional Preaching is Particularly Glorifying to God", over the weekend. You can read, listen to, or download the message here. This quote, along with many others, has stuck out to me. It's an incredibly challenging quote as it probes the heart on whether we carry this mark, if we preach.

"What gives preaching its seriousness is that the mantle of the preacher is soaked with the blood of Jesus and singed with fire of hell."

Taking a risk...

John Piper has posted an article on Charles Wesley here. It is a must read, such a challenge.

A Prayer...

"Forbid it Lord that I should boast
save in the death of Christ my God
all the vain things that charm me most
I sacrifice them to his blood"

May it be Lord!

On Old, Dead Theologians

I came across this article, by Justin Taylor, on why we should read old, dead theologians (as the title obviously suggests!). The article is an interview with Justin. Check it out here. Also, check out Justin's blog here

Quotes...

"You can be young, passionate about Jesus Christ, surrounded by diversity, engaged in a postmodern world, reared in evangelicalism, and not be an emergent Christian. In fact, I want to argue that it would be better if you weren't."

Kevin Deyoung (pg 15), Why We're Not Emergent.

A New Arrival...

The book, pictured to the left, arrived today. I started reading it tonight and so far it is great! You should check it out. Check out the site for the book here. Yes, it is available from Inspire Books and Gifts!!

Young, Restless and Reformed

Some very wise counsel here. Have a read at it.

H/T: Justin Taylor

Blank Bible Project...

Check out this series of posts on The Shepherd's Scrapbook blog. It is a list of instructions on how to take apart a bound bible and rebind it again with inserted blank pages for note-taking. It looks like a brilliant project. I keep re-reading them wishing I was handy with things like this or that there was someone else willing to do it and I could join in! Any takers?

Spirit Empowered Preaching

There is a brilliant interview, with a man called Arturo Azurdia, on the Exiled Preacher blog. Check it out here. I particularly enjoyed the excerpt that is quoted below. Thanks for this interview!

GD: How may we seek God's empowering presence in preaching?

AA: Firstly, we need to connect our preaching purpose to that of the Holy Spirit’s purpose. His aim is to glorify Jesus Christ through the means of the Scriptures—the Christocentric Scriptures. Therefore, I must be resolutely wedded to His intention in the sacred text: explaining the text in its context, applying the text as was originally designed, and displaying its inner-canonical connections which will lead me to Jesus Christ.

Secondly, we need to pray for that which only the Spirit can supply: potency to transform the human heart.

Thirdly, we need to be willing to suffer. Why? Because the apostolic pattern seems to indicate that God’s power is perfected in weakness. Are we willing to be weak so there are no competitors for glory when God does what only He can do?

Beyond this, of course, we must remember that Spirit is sovereign. “The wind blows where it wishes.” Anything that smacks of a formula is sure to quench the Spirit rather than arouse His empowerment. This is the occupational hazard of the Christian ministry.

Gospel in a sentence...

"Jesus Christ, the Son of God crucified, is the Wisdom of God, by which the love of God can save sinners from the wrath of God, and all the while uphold and demonstrate the righteousness of God."- John Piper.

H/T: PureChurch (Thabiti Anyabwile)

Modesty...

Over the last number of days Tony Reinke has been adding excerpts from C J Mahaney's chapter in the forthcoming book "Worldliness: Resisting the Seduction of a Fallen World". They have now put all the posts into one downloadable PDF file. Check it out here.

The Man of Faith... (Abraham Pt1)

A cursory reading of the New Testament, especially in Romans 4 and the book of Galatians, reveals that there is a man called Abraham who is a man of great importance in God’s redemptive plan. But who is he? Where did he come from? What can we know, and learn, about him?

Abraham appears as Abram at the end of Genesis 11 with only but a line of introduction. In verse 27 we read “Now these are the records of the generations of Terah. Terah became the father of Abram, Nahor and Haran; and Haran became the father of Lot.” The remainder of Genesis 11 then tells us that Abram took for himself a wife called Sarai (v29); that Sarai was barren and could have no children (v30); Abram’s brother Haran died (v28); Abram’s dad, Terah, took Abram, and the family, and left Ur for the land of Canaan but settled in Haran (v31); and the closing verse, v32, of Genesis 11 tells us that Terah, Abram’s dad, dies in Haran. That’s some of the family background.

On to the journey: Today a lot of people continually move house. Their goal, or desire, in moving is to find the ideal home, or better location, or more practical space. The list can go on. In our day, to move house carries stress, i.e. getting all papers signed, arranging mortgages, making sure the chain doesn’t break down in the buying process. To move back in Abram’s day, however, would have been a different story. The stress wouldn’t have been in mortgages or buying chains but in gathering together every possession, animal, servant and moving without the aid of moving companies, shipping companies, or handy airlines, especially in the case of a long move. So, why did Abram and his entire family move?

Acts 7v2-4: "And he said, "Hear me, brethren and fathers! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, 3and said to him, ‘LEAVE YOUR COUNTRY AND YOUR RELATIVES, AND COME INTO THE LAND THAT I WILL SHOW YOU.’ 4”Then he left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran From there, after his father died, God had him move to this country in which you are now living.”- So the God of glory appeared to Abram and told him to go!

Why Abraham? Isaiah 51v2: "Look to Abraham your father
And to Sarah who gave birth to you in pain;
When he was but one I called him,
Then I blessed him and multiplied him"

So, Abram moved because God called him, commanded him to move and gave him His Word and promise. Let’s think about it! God called Abraham while he was one (Isa 51v2), with no children and, humanly speaking, unable to have children because Sarai was barren. In my mind that is obstacle number one to leaving to go on a mad journey- the promise being something that seems impossible! The second obstacle was leaving to go to a land that you don’t even know the name of (Acts 7v3). So, Abram get up and go somewhere you don’t know to receive a promise that, to your mind, is impossible! What had Abram got? The Word of the God of glory!

Here is the clincher for me though! Joshua 24v2: "Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'From ancient times your fathers lived beyond the River, namely, Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, and they served other gods." Before all this happened his family were deep in idol worship! They weren’t even God worshippers! What must have the appearance of the God of glory done to Abram to cause him to go on such a journey of faith? To bring him to the point of willing obedience and a simple trusting in the Word of God ? What a God! His simple appearance and display of Himself, causes a man’s tight grip on idols to loosen and his life’s direction and allegiance to be totally altered. That appearance changed everything for Abram. What about for you and me? Has the God of glory revealed Himself to you? Have you loosened your grip on your idols? Are you walking in obedience to His Word and calling clinging to it for our hope?

A Great Quote...

"To think that this head shall wear a crown; that these poor fingers shall strike the harp-strings of everlasting song; that this poor lip which now faintly tells the wonders of redeeming grace, shall join with the cherubim and seraphim and rival them in melody. Is it not too good to be true? Does it not seem sometimes as if the very greatness of the thought overwhelmed our faith? But true it is; and though to great for us to receive it, it is not too great for God to give."

Spurgeon.

Check it out...

While I have my break in work, I thought I would add a few good resources that I have come across in the last week or so.

Firstly, Joshua Harris has posted an article he has written, for the Tabletalk magazine, on the theme of mentoring. As someone truly convinced of the need, and biblical model, of mentoring I enjoyed the article. Check it out here.

Secondly, I have been reading some books by R Kent Hughes recently and have found them to be of incredible challenge and encouragement. So, having been blessed by his writing I searched the internet for some audio messages. To my surprise, and great gain, I found alot of his and some other notable pastors/teachers. Check them out here.

Thirdly, and finally, I came across a cracker site called the Shepherd's Fellowship. It is an amazing site. It does require registration to have full access and use of the site, but registration is a free and simple process. Once registered you have full use of the forums, download of messages and much more. Check it out here.

Cafe Vic-Ryn@ Home

For a lot of people reading the blog you will know that I work at the House of Vic Ryn. For those of you who don't, hi, I work at the House of Vic Ryn. It is a developing retail complex situated on the Moira Road heading out of Lisburn. Check out a previous post here. Anyway, the point in the post is to inform you that the very tasty, and always worth a visit, Cafe Vic-Ryn is opening a take-away unit which is located upstairs, in the Vic Ryn complex, in the mall. A place to order your meals, desserts, and other treats and take them home for enjoyment in your own surroundings. A great help if organising a dinner party when short on time, as a treat for family after Sunday lunch to enjoy a Cafe Vic-Ryn lemon meringue (mmmm!!), or for any other reason you can possibly find an excuse to treat yourself for. The Cafe puts alot of laborious effort into preparing the food and it shows in the taste! Check it out! And if you happen to be coming, be sure to drop in down the hall and see us at Inspire Books and Gifts.

A review with a difference....

Tony Reinke has posted over at the Sovereign Grace blog on a new album release titled "Atonement". Now the genre isn't really of my taste, as it is rap, but he has posted a track from the album, on the blog, for you to have a listen. Although not my genre, the lyrics were absolutely great! Check it out here. As well as a recommendation there are a few comments that the author felt challenged on regarding the rap artists passion to carry knowledge of truth into work and practice. All in all it's worth a look!

The album is called "Atonement" and the artist is Shai Linne. You can download tracks, or full album, in iTunes.

God of this city...

I downloaded a few tracks from the latest Passion album, titled "God of this city". Here are some of the words from the track "Beautiful Jesus", sung by Kristian Stanfill:

"Beautiful Jesus,
Beautiful Saviour,
Nothing is greater,
Brilliant creator,
Friend of mine"

Brilliant! You can preview and download the tracks, or full album in iTunes.

Of course I believe...

I was chatting to a guy in the shop today and conversation gravitated towards thoughts he has for a message he is preaching on Sunday. It was in the context of the children of Israel and specifically related to their times of wavering and unbelief. He then turned to me, with total sincerity, and said, "listen it isn't just those guys that had the problem! Peter sank because of unbelief and we can too!" Something to think through, "Peter sank because of unbelief and we can too." Where are your eyes fixed? Are you starting to waver and sink? My hope is built on nothing less than...- what? Replace the dots and be honest.

Why do we preach the gospel?

I was preaching, quite recently, on the theme "why do we preach the gospel". Part of the message asked the question "What is the gospel?" from 1 Cor 15v1-4. The second section dealt directly with the question "Why do we preach the gospel?". Here are the ten reasons I gave. They have been challenging me a lot in thinking of how I live with others and communicate the gospel to them, and if I really consider what is at stake or not or if I strive to talk with them about Jesus!

1. Because Jesus commanded us to (Mark 16v15). As it is a command we will give an account as to our response (2 Cor 5v10).

2. Because it's God's chosen means (1 Cor 1v21; Rom 10v14, 17). As it is God's chosen means we have been given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5v11-19).

3. Because it is the only good news (John 14v6).

4. Because God longs for his people to be saved (2 Pet 3v9).

5. Because the judgement and wrath of God will come upon all unbelievers (Zephaniah 1v14-18, John 3v18). Knowing this reality, our response should be to communicate the good news of the gospel (2 Cor 5v11).

6. Because Jesus is coming and after that it will be too late (Matt 24v14).

7. Because the love of Jesus compels us (2 Cor 5v14-15).

8. Because the advantage must be taken now as more difficult days are ahead (2 Tim 4v2-5).

9. Because we represent Christ in His absence (2 Cor 5v20).

10. Because the Lamb is worthy to receive the reward of His sufferings (John 17v1-5).

Confession

C. J Mahaney has a great, and very challenging, post on confessing sin. It is an article you must check out.

Read it here.

What Should I Do Next?!

Mark Dever has posted a helpful article over at the Together for the Gospel blog. Check the post out here.

Unstoppable...

Found this clip ages ago but when I told others to look for it they were unable to find it. So, here it is. It's quite the break from the norm.

How Do You Pronounce That?

I was listening to a sermon today by Thabiti Anyabwile, check out his blog here. The sermon was titled, "The Glory of Pervasive Holiness in the Life of a Pastor", you can read, stream, or download the message here. The message, as a whole, was very challenging and I may post more at some stage, realistically maybe not though. Two quotes stood out and brought conviction and challenge. Both things that I knew already but did me well to be reminded of. Here they are:

"judgement begins in the household of God."

"See the exhaustive perfection of God's holy judgement."

The challenge? God's judgement will begin with us, as Christians, and that His judgement will not miss anything about anybody! The reminder that the God of the Bible isn't a passive God who lacks wrath, justice, power or authority. To know this truth should be causing us to live in light of it, knowing that God expects us to live to the fullest for Him and that one day we will be held to account for the life that we have lived. Listen to the message.

Thabiti Anyabwile is the pastor of First Baptist Church, Grand Cayman. Check the site out here.

4O years on...

I was talking with a guy yesterday who, in October this year, will have been married for 40 years. He and his wife were both married at age 22. As I am getting married this year I asked what his advice would be as I start out on the road of marriage. His advice was incredibly simple and genuine, as tears welled up in his eyes as he encouraged me to do what he had said. Always tell your wife that you love her and always keep communication open! Be expressive and be approachable! Be affectionate and open! Say you love her and show her you love her by being available and accessible. Don't zone in on TV, or other pursuits, all the time and leave no room for your wife to know, and feel the knowledge, that she is your ultimate pursuit. I was quite challenged by this guy.

He shared with me the story of his daughter who got married, and a week into the marriage had her husband tell her that the romancing was over, it was time to get on with things. He added quickly that the situation had changed, and that they were now in a romance-filled and committed marriage. However, he used that as a springboard into the advice that once you get married the romance doesn't end but simply begins! It is the beginning of making every effort to woo your wife and to surround her with love, encouragement, protection, and everything she may need to be all that she can be for Jesus! It's the beginning of loving her as Christ loved the church. Caring for her needs and desiring her good above your own. There is a big call, and challenge, upon us as men in many areas of life. Especially in marriage. We are called to make sacrifices in almost every sphere of our lives. In marriage, however, the sacrifices are sweet as they are opportunities to show and express your love to your love. I don't think I am an unrealistic guy, making these sacrifices, I know, will not always be easy; sometimes we are going to want to get our own way; sometimes we may not feel like expressing those things, but that is not the point. The point is that we have entered into covenant so we keep on doing those things, and after 40 years my encourager says keep on going; keep telling her you love her; keep talking to her; be accessible for her to talk to you; romance her; and never give up! Good advice I think!

RUN FORREST RUN!

Gary Boal has drawn attention, over at his blog, to an article that was posted on The Blazing Centre blog on the topic of exercise. A very challenging read!

Check it out here.

Jerry who...?

Anybody a fan of Jerry Bridges? Check out the link below to get some free sermons. Anybody that has never read him definitely should, and it would be beneficial to take some time to listen to a few of the sermon messages.

Check it out here.

Accountability...

Andy Naselli has a great post up on the subject of accountability. He has also posted a pdf form of questions that he, and his accountability partners, answer on a regular basis for each others viewing. A very worthwhile read!

Mapping "the Conversation"...

Both title and diagrams have been stolen from Justin Taylor. Check out his post here.





Now, I'm not sure why the author (Patton) of the diagrams has placed some people where he has, but I think it is an interesting effort. Any thoughts?

The First Project...

The first book that I am going to review is C.J Mahaney's "Christ Our Mediator", a title worthy of being in the "Lifechange Books" series.

Read more here.

The Latest on Albert Mohler...

Justin Taylor has linked to a press release, from Southern Baptist Seminary, regarding the health of Albert Mohler. His response, in the press release, is a huge challenge and encouragement. Dr Mohler serves as the president of Southern Baptist Seminary. Check out his site, here, to read, or listen to, some of his insightful analysis and biblical exposition. He has a book coming soon, that has already gone to print, which I know I am greatly looking forward to. Pray for Dr Mohler.

Youth in Ministry...

Last night Channel 4 ran a documentary called "Baby Bible Bashers". The programme added a whole new dimension of meaning to the term "youth in ministry". The programme covered, bits and pieces of, the lives, and ministries, of three young people. One was a 7 year old evangelist, another (featured in picture to the left) a 9 year old healer and upcoming "pastor", and, finally, a 12 year old female healer and evangelist. If I am being honest, the majority of the show freaked me right out, though, to be fair, some bits were worse than others.

What was not too freaky? I think the main, if not the only, thing that wasn't too freaky, was the fact that the father of the 7 year old evangelist seemed to be very genuine in his concern for the lost and for his son to develop that same zeal. He was trying, at different points, to warn his son of the dangers of street evangelism while affirming the constant nearness and call of God for evangelism to be carried out regardless of the dangers or problems. However, the fact still remains that the methodolgy employed, and the use of his 7 year old son was quite extreme. Not in that a 7 year old does not have his place in serving Jesus, but preaching is a big call for anyone, never mind a young child, who was basically mocked and jeered on the streets as he spoke out against abortion, evolution and called for the people to repent. It was quite sad at one point as the young boy sat down in tears as his dad was greeted with hostility in his attempts to speak. To know in what sense the methodology was etreme, you would have to have seen his sandwich board and his almost aggressive approach. The message of the Bible, and the gospel, always remain the same as it is unchanging and timeless truth. However, sometimes methodology has to change in an attempt to communicate those essential and fundamental truths to people who take reaction to particular methods. I know that in our culture here, in Northern Ireland, I probably sound like a heretic for saying it but most people will agree?!

What was freaky? The kid in the picture is a 9 year old Benny Hinn wannabe. Waving his tissue around for people to be healed and to fall over as "slain in the Spirit". The kids dad said that in the next three years (by the time he is 12), he will be the pastor of a 30,000 member strong church, in a church building worth millions! They are on a campaign for world domination with autograph signing, t-shirts and a ministry in which the 9 year old is the head director who has his dad amd granny working for him. Questions are: what is he preaching? how is he equipped to lead people? to what level is his personal knowledge of Jesus and the Word? And those are only a limited few. I am confused about the motivation of his parents as they are pushing him on in this venture. Surely there comes a point when the desire to see your child move on in the Lord, and doing things for Him, becomes excessive?

The 12 year old girl that was featured was shocking. She has been preaching since she was 3, and is now preaching to thousands and has been for quite some time. She travels to shanty towns and a particular prison, and other places, in Brazil (I think) and people travel to hear her hoping for an experience through her. In fact one girl said, "I have been searching for a faith for 24 years, and I have now found it in her". She is pipped as a minister of healing and deliverance. One major thing that sickened me was her dad schooling her for her "performance", basically telling her when she should raise her voice and become emotional in her delivery. I was dumbfounded!

A few things have come up today in my thoughts reagrding the programme that I will post on again. Did any of you see the programme? What did you think? Don't be frightened to leave a comment now!!

Update: if you go to www.channel4.com, then follow through to the 4oD(4onDemand) section, you can stream the show on the web.

Have A Look...

C.J Mahaney has posted a "critique" of Rob Bell over at his blog. Check out the post here. Whether your views of Bell, or Mahaney, are good or bad, you should check it out and see what you think.

A Blast From The Past...

Jonathan Edwards, the 18th century theologian, is renowned, among many, for his commitment to Biblical fidelity, his keen theological insight, his deep love and knowledge of Jesus, and his desire to communicate God's truth to others that they may know and love Him, and live their lives to the fullest for His glory.

Joshua Harris posted the following quote from one of Edwards' books, called "Charity and Its Fruits". I found it quite a challenging quote, in many ways. What are your thoughts?

"Do you think the injuries you have received from your fellow-man are more than you have offered to God? Has your enemy been more base, more unreasonable, more ungrateful, than you have to the High and Holy One? Have his offenses been more heinous or aggravated, or more in number, than yours have been against your Creator, Benefactor, and Redeemer? Have they been more provoking and exasperating than your sinful conduct has been to him who is the author of all our mercies, and to whom you are under the highest obligations?"

For more information on Jonathan Edwards, check out Piper's biographical message on him here.

A Great Resource.

Monergism is a website that compiles, in one place and easily navigated website, a vast collection of articles, essays and sermons on a broad spectrum of theological issues. In my opinion, not that it is worth gold or anything, Monergism is a great site. They have featured the launch of a new website called "The Puritan Library". The site is a vast collection of free, downloadable material by numerous Puritan writers.

Check it out here.

Oh dear...!

You don't have to think too long, or hard, to figure out, at least some of, the meanings here! Makes me wish I could say that it is only reperesentative of certain groups (i.e. Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka) but I think, if we are honest, most of us are included in the practice at one time or another, or more! How many discussions could we get out of this one?!

A New Project.

Some new beginnings here.

The Real John Piper

I know what you're thinking... my music taste has changed, I have discovered a deep sense of appreciation and liking of Eminem, and am about to "bust a groove" to the tune "Would the real Slim Shady please stand up", except to the words "would the real John Piper please stand up"? I can happily, and hastily, inform you that I am NOT thinking such thoughts!

So, you might be thinking, what's with the title of the post? Over at the Desiring God blog, Abraham Piper has posted his introduction that he gave to his dad, John Piper, at the very recently concluded Desiring God Pastor's conference. The conference was titled "Pastors as Fathers and Sons", or something close to that anyway. Each year at the conference John Piper gives a biographical message, and this year it was on his father, Bill Piper, who died in March 2007(it was the death of his father that prompted the conference theme). Abraham Piper introduced John Piper before the delivery of that biographical message. You can read Abraham's introduction here.

Why comment on the introduction? Simply this, when I listen to John Piper I tend to be blown away by his love for Jesus, the Bible, people, and, combining those, his passion for people to be living their lives according to the Bible so that Jesus may be glorified in, and through, us and that other people may see, in one of countless ways, that He is glorious, as our joyful obedience points toward His immeasurable worth! Now, let me CLEARLY state, this is not a worship session of John Piper, or an elevation of him to the heights of perfection, not at all! I do remember that Romans 3v23 is in the Bible! However, I have no problem in stating the fact that I have a great respect for the man and have learnt, and continue to learn, much from his teaching and example.

So... the point in the post? The undeniable lesson that it takes much more to define a man than a ministry. Great talent and gifting does not mean great character. Knowing the right things to say does not mean that you strive to be the right person to the right people. It is a confirmation that to learn who I really am, and what I am really like, you do not need to hear me preach, but you do need to talk to Kerry. Now, I hope that I am true and faithful while preaching, or ministering in some way to people, but I can fool people just as well, if not better, than anyone. Now, of course, it is possible to fool Kerry, but much less possible. I like Abraham Piper's introduction because it makes me wonder what Kerry would say about me, or what my kids (if the Lord blesses) will say about me. Will they be able to say that I am there for them, that I love them, that I taught them about grace and justice, that I was faithful to them? Will they be able to say that I made sacrifices for their good and enjoyment? Will they be able to say that I was, and am, concerned for God's glory? Concerned, and interested, in academic development? Will they be able to say, that among many things, "it’s best, for me, at least, that he’s a dad. I admire him." Kerry and I get married this summer and I hope someday she can say those things, apart from being the father to her part obviously. I hope she, and others, can say it, not to make me feel big and proud, but because it means I will have been of benefit to them and that it would be a sign of me striving to be all that I can be as a Christian man, husband and father! O Lord, may it be so!

As a confirmation, the comments on Piper led me to examine and question myself, not compare myself in any way.

A Gem...

I was reading the Desiring God blog a couple of days ago and came across a quote, posted by John Piper, from the great theologian-preacher Martin Lloyd-Jones. The quote is powerful and a basic reminder of fundamental fact. Here it is:

"You can be so interested in great theological and intellectual and philosophical problems that you tend to forget that you are going to die."