God Is Very Near
Since the doctor has put me on mandatory rest for a few days, I am taking just a couple minutes to re-post a devotional from earlier this summer. I love Psalm 46 and again find myself drawn back there for
Continue readingAuthor: Paul Tautges
The Discipline of Devotion
Reading through Disciplines of a Godly Man for the seventh time still finds me with pen and highlighter in hand to mark sound, helpful, and convicting counsel from R. Kent Hughes. Since its publication in 1991, Disciplines remains one of
Continue readingNUGGETS [7/18/13]
If you’d never been struck by lightning, Daddy, I think my life would be different today. Sarah Ascol reflects on the night her father, Tom Ascol, was struck by lightning and the difference it has made in her life. Why
Continue reading12 More Ways Satan May Try to Destroy You
The most popular post ever published on this blog is 20 Ways Satan May Seek to Destroy You. There we survey the Scriptures and demonstrate the reality of our spiritual enemy and his crafty work. Today, I add a dozen
Continue readingA Framework for Thinking about the Sabbath Principle
Preaching through the Gospel of Luke continues to be a rich blessing for me, personally, and for our church. In yesterday’s sermon, the Holy Spirit drew our attention to Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. In Luke 6:1-11, we read
Continue readingBiblical Counseling Conference in Gilbert, AZ
It’s a privilege to be invited as the keynote speaker for the annual training conference of the Biblical Counseling Training Center of Arizona, a ministry of Grace Covenant Church of Gilbert, Arizona. Dates: September 13-14, 2013 Theme: The Church In Action:
Continue readingOmni-Theologies Brought Down to Real Life
At our elders’ meeting this past Monday one of the men brought a wonderful devotion from Psalm 139:1-18. Reading our way through this marvelous Psalm, our brother called attention to the normal way in which we rightly use this Scripture
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The Four Points of Revival
Of the revival in Wales over 100 years ago it has been written: “The turn of the twentieth century was marked by an unusual concern for spiritual matters. Believers throughout the world were moved to pray for revival. In November
Continue readingYou Came to Us, Dear Jesus
Here’s a beautiful new hymn that has ministered to my soul in recent days. It’s from the album Safely Home by St. Andrews’ Hymns and is also included in the Trinity Hymnal. The lyrics by Edmond P. Clowney are tremendous
Continue reading3 Glorious Results of Being Free in Christ
There is lasting freedom—infinitely valuable soul-freedom—for those who are in Jesus Christ. And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling
Continue reading10 Behavior Patterns of Inwardly-Focused Churches
In yesterday’s post, Do You Think of Your Church As a Country Club?, I introduced you to Thom Rainer’s newest book, I Am a Church Member: Discovering the Attitude that Makes the Difference, in which he addresses the country club
Continue readingDo You Think of Your Church as a Country Club?
“God did not give us local churches to become country clubs where membership means we have privileges and perks. He placed us in churches to serve, to care for others, to pray for leaders, to learn, to teach, to give,
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RESOURCES: Homosexuality/Same-Sex Attraction
Here’s another recommended Resource List as you minister grace and truth. There are many more list links in the right-hand margin of this homepage. BOOKS & MINI-BOOKS Coming Clean: Overcoming Lust through Biblical Accountability [free E-book] (Luke Gilkerson, Covenant Eyes)
Continue readingCalvary Broke the Dragon’s Head
O Lord, I bless thee that the issue of the battle between thyself and Satan has never been uncertain, and will end in victory. Calvary broke the dragon’s head, and I contend with a vanquished foe, who with all his
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Seven Characteristics of Fiery Trials
“I should have been as though I had not been, carried from womb to tomb” are the words of the suffering Job as he voiced his complaints to God (Job 10:19). Having lost every earthly belonging, and all ten of
Continue readingThe Depression Epidemic Revisited
[Today’s guest post is written by Jonathan Holmes, counseling pastor at Parkside Church in Cleveland, Ohio.] Recently, Christianity Today linked to an article by Dan Blazer, which was originally part of a larger issue (March 2009- The Depression Epidemic). Four
Continue reading7 Questions for Discouraged Pastors to Ask Themselves
For months now, I have been occasionally blogging through Encouragement for Today’s Pastors: Help from the Puritans. In one of the closing chapters, Joel Beeke and Terry Slachter remind their fellow pastors of the reward of grace. “The hope of
Continue readingThe End of Exodus International
Last Wednesday, the Board of Directors of Exodus International reached a decision after a year of dialogue and prayer about the organization’s place in a changing culture. Exodus International, the oldest and largest Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality
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