If you've noticed i post this blog once a month. Why you may ask? For one, it helps get me accountable. I am always convicted on how little I read (good books). Men like AL Mohler read 25 books a month. Christian Bloggers like Tim Challies reviews one book a week. Don't think for a moment that this book review blog boosts my ego. I know many many men who are much more disciplined then I.
I recently finished Biblical Eldership (my second time through); this is a good book if you want to know God's qualifications for church leaders/officers. The Reformed Pastor (by Baxter) has been one wonderful book. If you are a church leader i think this is a must read book. Baxter is very practical as well as Biblical in his presentation. What does it mean to be a faithful elder/pastor? Baxter answers this question in this wonderful book.So here is the latest update. I always enjoy hearing what you are reading so please post as well.
Books I am currently reading or ones I finished in the last year or so:
1. No Place for the Truth (by David F. Wells). (Done)
2. The Cross and Christian Ministry (by D.A. Carson). (Done)
3. Women's Ministry in the Local Church (by Ligon Duncan/Susan Hunt) (Done)
4. Knowing God (By J.I. Packer) (Ch 19)
5. The Holiness of God (by R.C. Sproul) (Done)
6. Growing Up Christian (by Paul Graustein) (Done)
7. How America Lost Her Innocence (By Steve Gallagher) (Done)
8. From Pride to Humility (pamphlet by Dr. Stuart Scott) (Done)
9. Humility: True Greatness (by C.J. Mahaney) (CH 9)
10. The Message of the Old Testament (by Mark Dever) (not much progress yet)
11. Biblical Eldership (by A. Strauch) (Done)
12. Numerous Jude commentaries
13. Expository Preaching With Word Pictures: With Illustrations from the Sermons of Thomas Watson (by Jack Hughes) (Ch 3)
14. The Reformed Pastor (by Richard Baxter) (Ch 3 sect 1)
15. What Jesus Demands from the World (by John Piper) (just started)
16. Institutes of the Christian Religion, Vol. 1(by John Calvin) (just started)
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Why the Yankees are totally unimpressive
The New York Yankees are whats bad about MLB. The spend SOOO much more money then everyone else (no wonder they have 27+ World Championships); If i were to pay 4 million dollars for a home and you paid 300k it would be no shocker to find my house in magazines. How can any sport allow a team to spend 150 million dollars more than other teams in a single season. The fact the Yankees don't win it all (every season) is a JOKE. I guess that is whats great about baseball. The bad (rich guys) don't always win.
From cbssportsline.com
"Using the regular method of accounting, the Yankees finished with a $207.5 million payroll for their 40-man roster, according to final figures released Friday by the commissioner's office, up from $206.6 million in 2005.
Boston was a distant second this year at $137.5 million, followed by the New York Mets ($116.6 million), Houston ($107.7 million), the Los Angeles Dodgers ($107.2 million) and the Los Angeles Angels ($104 million).
The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals were 10th at $96.1 million, and the AL champion Detroit Tigers were 14th at $89.8 million.
Florida, last at $21.1 million, had less than half the payroll of Pittsburgh, 28th at $43.4 million. Tampa Bay was in between them at $36.4 million."
From cbssportsline.com
"Using the regular method of accounting, the Yankees finished with a $207.5 million payroll for their 40-man roster, according to final figures released Friday by the commissioner's office, up from $206.6 million in 2005.
Boston was a distant second this year at $137.5 million, followed by the New York Mets ($116.6 million), Houston ($107.7 million), the Los Angeles Dodgers ($107.2 million) and the Los Angeles Angels ($104 million).
The World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals were 10th at $96.1 million, and the AL champion Detroit Tigers were 14th at $89.8 million.
Florida, last at $21.1 million, had less than half the payroll of Pittsburgh, 28th at $43.4 million. Tampa Bay was in between them at $36.4 million."
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas to one and all. Andrea and I and Evelyn enjoyed a very nice Christmas Eve yesterday. We went to church/sunday school and our candle light Christmas Eve service; all of which were very nice. It was helpful to be reminded of what this holiday is all about.
Evelyn enjoyed opening up her Christmas presents today (and then eating the paper). We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas today.
Evelyn enjoyed opening up her Christmas presents today (and then eating the paper). We hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas today.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Al Mohler on Stay at Home Moms
My wife and I just listened to an Al Mohler radio program that dealt with the topic of "Stay At Home Moms." It was more of a social discussion from a Christian perspective type chat. Here is his blog that goes with the radio program. This taken from Albertmohler.com
"Beliefnet.com has published a debate of sorts on the "mommy wars." Linda Hirshman, author of Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World, returns in a lengthy interview to her argument that women who stay home to care for children are "letting down the team."
I was invited to write an article in response to Hirshman. Both articles are available at Beliefnet.com.
In her interview, Linda Hirshman is as strident and radical as ever. After explaining that she had determined what "the standards of secular Western goodness" might be, she applied these to stay-at-home moms and found them morally wanting:
I applied those standards to the decision to stay home and tend children and the household, and I found that they were, in fact, lacking. These women are not using their full human capacity. They are not independent, and they are not doing more social good than harm.
So stay-at-home moms are doing more harm than good? She doesn't stop there. They are also delusional.
I think they're making a mistake. The most frustrating thing about the whole business is the nonsensical stories that they tell themselves and me about what they think they're doing. The delusional quality of it is a little weird. . . .
I'm not sure what is going on. If they, in fact, believe the things that they tell me, then they are incredibly stupid and foolish. I'm hoping that they're reciting it like a mantra: "choice, choice, choice, choice," or "I never met a man who wished on his deathbed he spent more time at work." These are mantras that these women recite; they send them to me in e-mails. And so, when the whole society is telling you a set of things, it becomes very easy to just recite it. The interesting question is why they are unwilling to think through what they're doing. And I think it's because what they're doing is destructive and dangerous and they're afraid to face it.
The essence of Linda Hirshman's argument is that what she calls "choice" feminism has led to disaster, because so many women are giving up promising professional lives and money (the very things Hirshman says they should most value) in order to stay at home and care for children -- a task she infamously described as unfit "for a complicated, educated person."
She calls for feminists to return to their "judgmental roots," refusing to accept women who choose motherhood over career as morally responsible. In her book, she calls for women to go on a "reproductive strike" until they are freed, as a sex, from any imbalance in responsibilities for child-rearing.
She presents herself as surprised that her radical vision is attracting opposition. Take a look at this:
I got a flood of really rabid e-mail--very personal, very harsh. And unlike the usual e-mails, they also were notable for their bad grammar and spelling. So I couldn't figure where this flood of e-mails was coming from, and then someone sent me a speech by Albert Mohler, the head of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He said, "This woman is the instrumentality of the devil." He lied about what I said, and then he told everybody that I was the end of civilization as we know it. That was my first clue that the forces of organized religion in America were going to be aiming at me.
Well, a little truth-telling will help here. I never said that Linda Hirshman "is the instrumentality of the devil." As a matter of fact, I have not said that of anyone. Then she says that I identified her as "the end of civilization as we know it." She flatters herself. I do believe that her ideas--if taken seriously by many persons--would be the end of civilization as we know it. There would be no one left to care for the children.
I have never given "a speech" about Linda Hirshman, so I must assume that she refers instead to my commentary on her and her ideas [found here]. The article is a straightforward analysis of her writings and media appearances. Judge for yourself. The problem is her ideas. It is virtually impossible to present her proposals as more radical than they are.
In my Beliefnet.com article, I responded to her book and proposals. She says that she fears "the forces of organized religion" in opposition to her. She can let go of that fear. It's America's moms who are in an uproar. As I wrote in the article: "Hirshman has little to fear from conservative Christian men–it's the moms she had better look out for."
Further:
The actual work of motherhood disgusts her. After reading the diaries of mothers, she notes: "their description of their lives does not sound particularly interesting or fulfilling for a complicated person, for a complicated, educated person." Being herself a complicated, educated person, she cannot understand why a woman would, for example, wipe the soiled bottom of her baby. Complicated, educated women just must not do such things, she insists–or they are letting down the team. She even compared mothers to the "untouchables" of India–a caste consigned to sweep bodily wastes and care for the bodily needs of others. "Get to Work" will attract attention, of course. The book is so radical and strident in its tone that the media will not be able to resist its allure. Nevertheless, a half-century after the feminist revolution was launched, women simply aren't buying its message–not if it means that women who love motherhood are "letting down the team." The persistence of motherhood is a sign that women really do know what they want.
Let's all be very thankful for that fact -- and honor those women who take up the complicated and educated task of raising the next generation, starting at the cradle.
We discussed this controversy on Tuesday's edition of The Albert Mohler Program [listen here]. We also discussed the issue on editions that aired February 23, 2006 and June 30, 2006."
"Beliefnet.com has published a debate of sorts on the "mommy wars." Linda Hirshman, author of Get to Work: A Manifesto for Women of the World, returns in a lengthy interview to her argument that women who stay home to care for children are "letting down the team."
I was invited to write an article in response to Hirshman. Both articles are available at Beliefnet.com.
In her interview, Linda Hirshman is as strident and radical as ever. After explaining that she had determined what "the standards of secular Western goodness" might be, she applied these to stay-at-home moms and found them morally wanting:
I applied those standards to the decision to stay home and tend children and the household, and I found that they were, in fact, lacking. These women are not using their full human capacity. They are not independent, and they are not doing more social good than harm.
So stay-at-home moms are doing more harm than good? She doesn't stop there. They are also delusional.
I think they're making a mistake. The most frustrating thing about the whole business is the nonsensical stories that they tell themselves and me about what they think they're doing. The delusional quality of it is a little weird. . . .
I'm not sure what is going on. If they, in fact, believe the things that they tell me, then they are incredibly stupid and foolish. I'm hoping that they're reciting it like a mantra: "choice, choice, choice, choice," or "I never met a man who wished on his deathbed he spent more time at work." These are mantras that these women recite; they send them to me in e-mails. And so, when the whole society is telling you a set of things, it becomes very easy to just recite it. The interesting question is why they are unwilling to think through what they're doing. And I think it's because what they're doing is destructive and dangerous and they're afraid to face it.
The essence of Linda Hirshman's argument is that what she calls "choice" feminism has led to disaster, because so many women are giving up promising professional lives and money (the very things Hirshman says they should most value) in order to stay at home and care for children -- a task she infamously described as unfit "for a complicated, educated person."
She calls for feminists to return to their "judgmental roots," refusing to accept women who choose motherhood over career as morally responsible. In her book, she calls for women to go on a "reproductive strike" until they are freed, as a sex, from any imbalance in responsibilities for child-rearing.
She presents herself as surprised that her radical vision is attracting opposition. Take a look at this:
I got a flood of really rabid e-mail--very personal, very harsh. And unlike the usual e-mails, they also were notable for their bad grammar and spelling. So I couldn't figure where this flood of e-mails was coming from, and then someone sent me a speech by Albert Mohler, the head of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He said, "This woman is the instrumentality of the devil." He lied about what I said, and then he told everybody that I was the end of civilization as we know it. That was my first clue that the forces of organized religion in America were going to be aiming at me.
Well, a little truth-telling will help here. I never said that Linda Hirshman "is the instrumentality of the devil." As a matter of fact, I have not said that of anyone. Then she says that I identified her as "the end of civilization as we know it." She flatters herself. I do believe that her ideas--if taken seriously by many persons--would be the end of civilization as we know it. There would be no one left to care for the children.
I have never given "a speech" about Linda Hirshman, so I must assume that she refers instead to my commentary on her and her ideas [found here]. The article is a straightforward analysis of her writings and media appearances. Judge for yourself. The problem is her ideas. It is virtually impossible to present her proposals as more radical than they are.
In my Beliefnet.com article, I responded to her book and proposals. She says that she fears "the forces of organized religion" in opposition to her. She can let go of that fear. It's America's moms who are in an uproar. As I wrote in the article: "Hirshman has little to fear from conservative Christian men–it's the moms she had better look out for."
Further:
The actual work of motherhood disgusts her. After reading the diaries of mothers, she notes: "their description of their lives does not sound particularly interesting or fulfilling for a complicated person, for a complicated, educated person." Being herself a complicated, educated person, she cannot understand why a woman would, for example, wipe the soiled bottom of her baby. Complicated, educated women just must not do such things, she insists–or they are letting down the team. She even compared mothers to the "untouchables" of India–a caste consigned to sweep bodily wastes and care for the bodily needs of others. "Get to Work" will attract attention, of course. The book is so radical and strident in its tone that the media will not be able to resist its allure. Nevertheless, a half-century after the feminist revolution was launched, women simply aren't buying its message–not if it means that women who love motherhood are "letting down the team." The persistence of motherhood is a sign that women really do know what they want.
Let's all be very thankful for that fact -- and honor those women who take up the complicated and educated task of raising the next generation, starting at the cradle.
We discussed this controversy on Tuesday's edition of The Albert Mohler Program [listen here]. We also discussed the issue on editions that aired February 23, 2006 and June 30, 2006."
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Where have ya been?
Thanks for asking! Andrea and I (and Evelyn) drove 11 hours to Tulsa OK to visit Andrea's parents (and her old church family). We had a wonderful time. The Lord was gracious in our travels and we praise Him for that.
I finished up Strauch's "Biblical Eldership" over the break. I look forward to starting Piper's newest book as well as finishing up Baxter's "Reformed Pastor." So many good books, so little time. It is easy in the little time i do have to waste it doing other things.
On Sunday Pastor Gunderson preached a really great sermon on the Holy Trinity at Grace Bible Church. I was able to preach on Wed. night and spoke on "God's pleasure in crushing His Son." The two sermons went together rather well.
Anyways, the Colts and Bears are now pretty close. The Bears play in the weaker NFC and are the #1 seed throughout the playoffs. San Diego looks like the team to beat. Rex Grossman was the offensive player of the week which is really funny seeing how most the NFL world was laughing at Lovie Smith for not benching him. I have learned this reality in my short life: "The mob is fickle." It does not matter what realm you're talking about this general principle is normally true. I could give you lots of examples but that would only get me in trouble. :)
Merry Christmas to all!
I finished up Strauch's "Biblical Eldership" over the break. I look forward to starting Piper's newest book as well as finishing up Baxter's "Reformed Pastor." So many good books, so little time. It is easy in the little time i do have to waste it doing other things.
On Sunday Pastor Gunderson preached a really great sermon on the Holy Trinity at Grace Bible Church. I was able to preach on Wed. night and spoke on "God's pleasure in crushing His Son." The two sermons went together rather well.
Anyways, the Colts and Bears are now pretty close. The Bears play in the weaker NFC and are the #1 seed throughout the playoffs. San Diego looks like the team to beat. Rex Grossman was the offensive player of the week which is really funny seeing how most the NFL world was laughing at Lovie Smith for not benching him. I have learned this reality in my short life: "The mob is fickle." It does not matter what realm you're talking about this general principle is normally true. I could give you lots of examples but that would only get me in trouble. :)
Merry Christmas to all!
Monday, December 11, 2006
Where are the Colts fans?
After giving up close to 400 yards (rushing) i want to know where all the Bear's haters are now? Alot of people ignored and/or laughed at my previous NFL post when i asked the following: "Would you rather have Grossman at QB, the Colt’s run defense, or the Titans wide receiving core? At least Grossman has alot of potential...I can't say the same for the Colts run D even with the BOGGER clogging up the middle." This proved to be (small case p) prophetic.
The Bear's QB issue is not nearly as big as the injury issues. The best DT in the game plays for the Bears (Tommie Harris). They are saying he could be lost for the season (like Pro-Bowler, Mike Brown). Nathan Vasher is also questionable for tonight's game (that's 3 pro-bowlers)...
IF Rex does not have a good game Lovie may be forced to bench him (w/a decent backup waiting in the wings). Lovie does not want to to put Brian Griese into the playoff action with no starts under his belt.
I appreciate Lovie sticking with Rex even though the whole world is against him/Rex. I believe this move will pay off (this season and beyond). Today's blog goes out to REX and to the Colt's run defense...Well actually only to Rex.
The Bear's QB issue is not nearly as big as the injury issues. The best DT in the game plays for the Bears (Tommie Harris). They are saying he could be lost for the season (like Pro-Bowler, Mike Brown). Nathan Vasher is also questionable for tonight's game (that's 3 pro-bowlers)...
IF Rex does not have a good game Lovie may be forced to bench him (w/a decent backup waiting in the wings). Lovie does not want to to put Brian Griese into the playoff action with no starts under his belt.
I appreciate Lovie sticking with Rex even though the whole world is against him/Rex. I believe this move will pay off (this season and beyond). Today's blog goes out to REX and to the Colt's run defense...Well actually only to Rex.
Friday, December 08, 2006
Humility: True Greatness (pt. 4)
Pastor Mahaney reminds us, “We must consider how DAILY, DILIGENTLY, and DELIBERATELY (I can) weaken my greatest enemy (pride) and strengthen my greatest friend (all motivated by the grace of the cross). With that said, how we begin our morning OFTEN sets the tone for the day (true?)!
Which brings us to CJ’s 4th principle. The 4th practical step towards cultivating humility is to practice the spiritual disciplines (prayer, devotions, worship, meditation, Scripture memorization, fasting, etc). How does personal Bible study and prayer time specifically ATTACK self-sufficiency? CJ writes, “I’ve also learned that the very act of opening my Bible to read and turning my heart and my mind to prayer makes a statement that I need God!” So how are you doing? Have you grown in your faith this year? Do you love the Lord more this year then you did last year? Is your progress being made evident to all? Paul challenged Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15, Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.”
Have you worked more on your physical shape this year than on your spiritual condition? 1 Timothy 4:7-8 reminds us, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” So are you practicing the spiritual disciplines on a consistent basis? If not, why? The 4th practical step towards cultivating humility is to practice the spiritual disciplines
The 5th practical way to grow in humility is to seize your commute. Do any of you drive more than 5 minutes to get to work each day? Does it take you more than 5 minutes to get to school? We can seize our commuter time by memorizing or mediating on Scripture, by listening to good sermon tapes or cds. What we are really talking about here is making the most of our MUNDANE TIME. Now if you have kids and you’re a mother you probably don’t have a TON of wasted mundane time. Ephesians 5:15-16, Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
We tend to waste a lot time. Some of us love to mindlessly surf the internet; others channel surf through their 120 satellite tv stations; some go through “Pottery Barn” magazine for the umpteenth time; many listen to junk radio during their commute to and from different places. Christian Jocks often jog or run, listening to music when they could spend some of that time memorizing/mediating on Scripture. Many spend their lunch hour doing nothing, instead of spending a few minutes in the good Book (and in communion with God).
What's the point in all this? We need to make the most of those mundane moments. This may require some creativity but it can be done. I’ve even heard of some Christians trying to utilize bathroom time in a positive way (but I wont got there today lest i fall into a Mark Driscoll snare). :)
The final item for each morning (#6), is to cast your cares upon Him. Let’s check out 1 Peter 5:6-7; "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." This is written specifically to younger men but is applicable to all. What is one of the ways we can humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God? The answer is found in verse 7, "By casting all your anxiety upon Him."
Do any of you ever struggle with anxiety or with sinful worry? The root of anxiety is often that we are trying to be self-sufficient. I’m acting independent of God. So what’s one of the biblical solutions to this problem? We should humble ourselves before God. We must acknowledge our NEED for Him. Thus we should keep ourself in a season of prayer (1 Thess. 5:17).
Our loving God promises to give grace to humble- Pastor Mahaney writes, “God wants us to learn to depend on Him, to need Him, and in the end to give glory to Him with an ever deepening appreciation for the mighty hand of God.”
As each day begins let us consider applying these practical principles.
Which brings us to CJ’s 4th principle. The 4th practical step towards cultivating humility is to practice the spiritual disciplines (prayer, devotions, worship, meditation, Scripture memorization, fasting, etc). How does personal Bible study and prayer time specifically ATTACK self-sufficiency? CJ writes, “I’ve also learned that the very act of opening my Bible to read and turning my heart and my mind to prayer makes a statement that I need God!” So how are you doing? Have you grown in your faith this year? Do you love the Lord more this year then you did last year? Is your progress being made evident to all? Paul challenged Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:15, Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.”
Have you worked more on your physical shape this year than on your spiritual condition? 1 Timothy 4:7-8 reminds us, “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” So are you practicing the spiritual disciplines on a consistent basis? If not, why? The 4th practical step towards cultivating humility is to practice the spiritual disciplines
The 5th practical way to grow in humility is to seize your commute. Do any of you drive more than 5 minutes to get to work each day? Does it take you more than 5 minutes to get to school? We can seize our commuter time by memorizing or mediating on Scripture, by listening to good sermon tapes or cds. What we are really talking about here is making the most of our MUNDANE TIME. Now if you have kids and you’re a mother you probably don’t have a TON of wasted mundane time. Ephesians 5:15-16, Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil.
We tend to waste a lot time. Some of us love to mindlessly surf the internet; others channel surf through their 120 satellite tv stations; some go through “Pottery Barn” magazine for the umpteenth time; many listen to junk radio during their commute to and from different places. Christian Jocks often jog or run, listening to music when they could spend some of that time memorizing/mediating on Scripture. Many spend their lunch hour doing nothing, instead of spending a few minutes in the good Book (and in communion with God).
What's the point in all this? We need to make the most of those mundane moments. This may require some creativity but it can be done. I’ve even heard of some Christians trying to utilize bathroom time in a positive way (but I wont got there today lest i fall into a Mark Driscoll snare). :)
The final item for each morning (#6), is to cast your cares upon Him. Let’s check out 1 Peter 5:6-7; "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." This is written specifically to younger men but is applicable to all. What is one of the ways we can humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God? The answer is found in verse 7, "By casting all your anxiety upon Him."
Do any of you ever struggle with anxiety or with sinful worry? The root of anxiety is often that we are trying to be self-sufficient. I’m acting independent of God. So what’s one of the biblical solutions to this problem? We should humble ourselves before God. We must acknowledge our NEED for Him. Thus we should keep ourself in a season of prayer (1 Thess. 5:17).
Our loving God promises to give grace to humble- Pastor Mahaney writes, “God wants us to learn to depend on Him, to need Him, and in the end to give glory to Him with an ever deepening appreciation for the mighty hand of God.”
As each day begins let us consider applying these practical principles.
Humility: True Greatness (pt. 3)
Pastor Mahaney gives us another practical principle towards growing in humility.
He suggests (#3), We should begin our day expressing gratitude to God. Every day should be Thanksgiving (for the Believer) Are you known as a grateful person? Would thankfulness characterize your life? Don’t take your own word for it, ask your wife and your children? Singles, ask your roommates and your co-workers? Does gratitude characterize my Christian life? Michael Ramsey wrote, “Thankfulness, is a soil in which pride does not easily grow.” Do you see God in everything you receive? Are you a thankful observer of the countless indications of His provision, His presence, His kindness, and His grace? Do you have an attitude of gratitude? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 commands us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. "
If we’re being honest we’ll probably admit we struggle (at times) in expressing gratitude to God. We are more like the Israelites than we care to admit! Why do you suppose this is? Probably because we think we DESERVE so many things. Observe for a moment Romans 1:21-22, "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or GIVE THANKS; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools…." Not giving thanks to God is characteristic of the unregenerate gentile. Remind yourself that an ungrateful person is a proud person. By way of application most of us should get on our knees and confess our sins to our Father.
By way of reminder then, we’ve observed thus far that: “We should daily (#1) Reflect on the Wonder of the Cross (a worshiping people); As well as (#2) Acknowledge each day our need for God (a desperate people); and (#3) We should begin each day expressing gratitude to God. (grateful people).”
If your convicted by these posts then be sure to read Pastor CJ's great book.
He suggests (#3), We should begin our day expressing gratitude to God. Every day should be Thanksgiving (for the Believer) Are you known as a grateful person? Would thankfulness characterize your life? Don’t take your own word for it, ask your wife and your children? Singles, ask your roommates and your co-workers? Does gratitude characterize my Christian life? Michael Ramsey wrote, “Thankfulness, is a soil in which pride does not easily grow.” Do you see God in everything you receive? Are you a thankful observer of the countless indications of His provision, His presence, His kindness, and His grace? Do you have an attitude of gratitude? 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 commands us to "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. "
If we’re being honest we’ll probably admit we struggle (at times) in expressing gratitude to God. We are more like the Israelites than we care to admit! Why do you suppose this is? Probably because we think we DESERVE so many things. Observe for a moment Romans 1:21-22, "For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or GIVE THANKS; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools…." Not giving thanks to God is characteristic of the unregenerate gentile. Remind yourself that an ungrateful person is a proud person. By way of application most of us should get on our knees and confess our sins to our Father.
By way of reminder then, we’ve observed thus far that: “We should daily (#1) Reflect on the Wonder of the Cross (a worshiping people); As well as (#2) Acknowledge each day our need for God (a desperate people); and (#3) We should begin each day expressing gratitude to God. (grateful people).”
If your convicted by these posts then be sure to read Pastor CJ's great book.
Humility: True Greatness (pt 2)
Let’s begin this next section by asking ourselves a few questions: What often comes to our minds when we wake up in the morning? What are your first thoughts each morning? (What do I need to accomplish today? Is the coffee ready? Are any kids up? Can I snooze one more time? Am I late for work?)
Mahaney wisely suggests that we should begin our day (#2) by acknowledging our need for God. Why do you think this would be a good discipline to implement? Because this attitude expresses our utter dependency on God, our total need for God; our confidence in Him, etc.
Ponder a moment this powerful quote, “Sin, including especially the sin of pride- is active, not passive. Sin doesn’t wake up tired, because it hasn’t been sleeping. When you wake up in the morning, sin is right there, fully awake, ready to attack.” This reminds me of Genesis 4:7, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it."
We need to go on the offensive in our efforts to mortify sin. The best offense is often a good defense and the best defense is often a good offence. Most NFL teams that want to stop the Indianapolis Colts high-powered offense seek to keep their defense on the field as long as they can (and w/the Colts run defense that is not too hard). My point is that we need to be PRO-active not passive in the Christian life. We need to think about our thoughts (as my wife often says).
We set the right tone for the day by mentally affirming our dependence on God! Begin each morning in prayer: “Lord I need you. Apart from you I can do no good thing. I am a sinner saved by grace and I need your sanctifying grace to work in and through me this day. Help me to mindful of you and your Word this day. I pray that you would be my first and last thought of every day.” Thus Mahaney suggests that we should begin each day “Reflecting on the wonders of the cross as well as acknowledging our need for God.”
Mahaney wisely suggests that we should begin our day (#2) by acknowledging our need for God. Why do you think this would be a good discipline to implement? Because this attitude expresses our utter dependency on God, our total need for God; our confidence in Him, etc.
Ponder a moment this powerful quote, “Sin, including especially the sin of pride- is active, not passive. Sin doesn’t wake up tired, because it hasn’t been sleeping. When you wake up in the morning, sin is right there, fully awake, ready to attack.” This reminds me of Genesis 4:7, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it."
We need to go on the offensive in our efforts to mortify sin. The best offense is often a good defense and the best defense is often a good offence. Most NFL teams that want to stop the Indianapolis Colts high-powered offense seek to keep their defense on the field as long as they can (and w/the Colts run defense that is not too hard). My point is that we need to be PRO-active not passive in the Christian life. We need to think about our thoughts (as my wife often says).
We set the right tone for the day by mentally affirming our dependence on God! Begin each morning in prayer: “Lord I need you. Apart from you I can do no good thing. I am a sinner saved by grace and I need your sanctifying grace to work in and through me this day. Help me to mindful of you and your Word this day. I pray that you would be my first and last thought of every day.” Thus Mahaney suggests that we should begin each day “Reflecting on the wonders of the cross as well as acknowledging our need for God.”
Humility: True Greatness (Pt 1)
My young married/families/singles class has been studying pride and humility. The basis for this study is obviously God’s Word. In particular, we are using a few books to help us in our study (Humility: True Greatness by CJ Mahaney; Humility: The Forgotten Virtue by Wayne Mack; and From Pride to Humility by Stuart Scott). Surprisingly, this series has been humbling (especially for the teacher). I would like to review the 5th chapter of Mahaney’s book for your edification (In other words, if something sounds profound then realize the source it came from).
CJ writes, “Here’s a scary thought: It’s possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves.” Sometimes knowledge can have the opposite effect? 1 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” We can grow in head knowledge but still remain unchanged in ours heart. We can read sound theological blogs, go to a strong seminary, sit under fabulous expository preaching and yet still grow cold in our faith.
Thus, the need to make every effort to apply the truths we hear at church (or on the internet or in a book, etc). James 1:22-25; For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
True saving faith acts out what it believes; genuine faith WORKS! Therefore, there must be the purposeful application of truth in our lives. Pastor Mahaney puts it this way, “I must consider how DAILY, DILIGENTLY, and DELIBERATELY (I can) weaken my greatest enemy (pride) and strengthen my greatest friend (all motivated by the grace of the cross).
If you don’t set up battle plans in your Christian life you are in for major setbacks. Any Christian counselor will establish this reality with you right away. Spiritual growth requires spiritual sweat.
We are now going to look at some of the life lessons that Pastor Mahaney has employed in his own life in hopes that some of his ideas may spur us on in our Christian lives. How we begin our morning OFTEN sets the tone for the day (true?)! “As Each Day Begins we should consider (#1) Reflecting on the Wonder of the Cross.” John Owen wrote, “Fill your affections with the cross of Christ, that there may be no room for sin.” How do you think meditating on the Cross will help crush pride in our lives?"
In song we readily admit this reality: When I survey the wondrous cross/On which the Prince of glory died/My richest gain I count but loss/And pour contempt on all my pride. Where do you suppose the hymnist went in Scripture to support this reality? Where is a personal testimony like this recorded? I bet he was familiar with Philippians 3:7-14. Paul’s autobiography is basically recorded in this short section of Scripture. 7 But whatever gain I had (see vv. 1-6), I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith - 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
John Stott put it this way, “Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to be saying to us, I am here because of YOU. It is YOUR sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying. Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until WE have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our size.”
Friends, how many of us would admit that there are times when God’s grace doesn’t amaze us like it should? When we grow soo familiar with the facts surrounding the cross that our hearts grow callous to the wonders of the cross? When the thought of partaking of communion doesn’t truly excite us like it use to? This is a major problem! What happens when the cross becomes dull to us? When God’s grace doesn’t amaze us like it us to? We grow callous towards sin. We become complacent in our spiritual life. We grow self-centered and prideful and the list could go on and on.
CJ is right on, we should begin our day (#1) by reflecting on the wonders of the cross.
CJ writes, “Here’s a scary thought: It’s possible to admire humility while remaining proud ourselves.” Sometimes knowledge can have the opposite effect? 1 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.” We can grow in head knowledge but still remain unchanged in ours heart. We can read sound theological blogs, go to a strong seminary, sit under fabulous expository preaching and yet still grow cold in our faith.
Thus, the need to make every effort to apply the truths we hear at church (or on the internet or in a book, etc). James 1:22-25; For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.
True saving faith acts out what it believes; genuine faith WORKS! Therefore, there must be the purposeful application of truth in our lives. Pastor Mahaney puts it this way, “I must consider how DAILY, DILIGENTLY, and DELIBERATELY (I can) weaken my greatest enemy (pride) and strengthen my greatest friend (all motivated by the grace of the cross).
If you don’t set up battle plans in your Christian life you are in for major setbacks. Any Christian counselor will establish this reality with you right away. Spiritual growth requires spiritual sweat.
We are now going to look at some of the life lessons that Pastor Mahaney has employed in his own life in hopes that some of his ideas may spur us on in our Christian lives. How we begin our morning OFTEN sets the tone for the day (true?)! “As Each Day Begins we should consider (#1) Reflecting on the Wonder of the Cross.” John Owen wrote, “Fill your affections with the cross of Christ, that there may be no room for sin.” How do you think meditating on the Cross will help crush pride in our lives?"
In song we readily admit this reality: When I survey the wondrous cross/On which the Prince of glory died/My richest gain I count but loss/And pour contempt on all my pride. Where do you suppose the hymnist went in Scripture to support this reality? Where is a personal testimony like this recorded? I bet he was familiar with Philippians 3:7-14. Paul’s autobiography is basically recorded in this short section of Scripture. 7 But whatever gain I had (see vv. 1-6), I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith - 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
John Stott put it this way, “Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to be saying to us, I am here because of YOU. It is YOUR sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying. Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until WE have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross, that we shrink to our size.”
Friends, how many of us would admit that there are times when God’s grace doesn’t amaze us like it should? When we grow soo familiar with the facts surrounding the cross that our hearts grow callous to the wonders of the cross? When the thought of partaking of communion doesn’t truly excite us like it use to? This is a major problem! What happens when the cross becomes dull to us? When God’s grace doesn’t amaze us like it us to? We grow callous towards sin. We become complacent in our spiritual life. We grow self-centered and prideful and the list could go on and on.
CJ is right on, we should begin our day (#1) by reflecting on the wonders of the cross.
Friday Post
It is only 5 degrees here in Indy! For us California folk that is WAY cold.
I finished all my admin. work so now I can prepare for Sunday School (Pride and Humility series). We are going to have a SYM party tonight at Joe and Judy Flatt's home. It has been a busy week to say the least (Tuesday, Rob Yull came over; Wed. Upward b-ball practice and Youth Group; Thursday, dinner at Luke and Kelly Allens; Friday, Sym party).
We leave for Christmas vacation next week. We are going to Oklahoma to visit Andrea's family. Merry Christmas all!
I finished all my admin. work so now I can prepare for Sunday School (Pride and Humility series). We are going to have a SYM party tonight at Joe and Judy Flatt's home. It has been a busy week to say the least (Tuesday, Rob Yull came over; Wed. Upward b-ball practice and Youth Group; Thursday, dinner at Luke and Kelly Allens; Friday, Sym party).
We leave for Christmas vacation next week. We are going to Oklahoma to visit Andrea's family. Merry Christmas all!
Monday, December 04, 2006
Rex Grossman's bad day (Bear's Dominate anyways)
Fantasy football is not my thing. I would rather my favorite team win & our QB have a High School game (9-16, 32 yards, 3 INTS); then our QB (Grossman) go off for 300 yards and my team lose on a 60 yard field goal to a non-playoff team (sorry Colts). For you fantasy homers who started Grossman, my condolences.
The Bears have the best D and the best special teams in the league. Thus we are 10-2 with a QB who has had as many bad games as he’s had great ones. Da Bears are back and Rex IS STILL our guy.
Before you go off on Jay Cutler or Rex Grossman or Vince Young remember they have started less then 2 seasons worth of games.
The INDY STAR reported yesterday, “Manning’s rookie season was a baptism-by-fire ordeal, and he had the burn marks to prove it. In his first 6 starts, he completed only 53.8 percent of his passes while throwing 6 TDs and 14 INTS.”
Vince Young had a QB rating of 56.1 through his first 7 games and then in week 8 BAM 107.9. Vince may be the real deal (time will tell). The Titans had a gutsy performance exposing once again the Colt’s horrible run defense.
Would you rather have Grossman at QB, the Colt’s run defense, or the Titans wide receiving core? At least Grossman has alot of potential...I can't say the same for the Colts run D even with the BOGGER clogging up the middle.
Have a great Monday (isn't football wonderful)?
The Bears have the best D and the best special teams in the league. Thus we are 10-2 with a QB who has had as many bad games as he’s had great ones. Da Bears are back and Rex IS STILL our guy.
Before you go off on Jay Cutler or Rex Grossman or Vince Young remember they have started less then 2 seasons worth of games.
The INDY STAR reported yesterday, “Manning’s rookie season was a baptism-by-fire ordeal, and he had the burn marks to prove it. In his first 6 starts, he completed only 53.8 percent of his passes while throwing 6 TDs and 14 INTS.”
Vince Young had a QB rating of 56.1 through his first 7 games and then in week 8 BAM 107.9. Vince may be the real deal (time will tell). The Titans had a gutsy performance exposing once again the Colt’s horrible run defense.
Would you rather have Grossman at QB, the Colt’s run defense, or the Titans wide receiving core? At least Grossman has alot of potential...I can't say the same for the Colts run D even with the BOGGER clogging up the middle.
Have a great Monday (isn't football wonderful)?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)