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!!

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!

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!

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?

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.

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).

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!

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!

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.