James 3: A Story

This short and deeply convicting film was shown at the 2008 Desiring God conference:

James 3:10
From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.

Ouch! Let us seek the face of our God in repentance. As men of God, we are called to lead our homes in godliness. How are you making out in this area man of God?

Love in the Truth.
HT/Before the Foundation

It's TEBOW Time!

Today begins the quest for a third national championship in four years as well as the quest for a second Heisman Trophy for "Superman" - AKA - Tim Tebow. I love the Gators; I have for as long as I can remember. The fact that Tim Tebow is our quarterback is an added bonus - let's just say that I'm also a huge fan of the Providence of God! Here's a little video sampling of TEBOW to get you pumped for the season - GO GATORS...CHOMP!

Love in the Truth!

Totally Dependent on Sovereign Grace

Love in the Truth.

August '09 Reading

WHY WE'RE NOT EMERGENT: By Two Guys Who Should Be;Kevin DeYoung, Ted Kluck.

Outstanding! Very easy to read and very well written. The authors show grace on every page; they preach the truth in love - but sometimes the truth hurts. Really looking forward to hearing "Why {they} Love the Church.

The Truth War: Fighting For Certainty In An Age Of Deception; John MacArthur.

MacArthur is straight forward and brutally honest in his defense of the Truth. In typical MacArthur fashion he is thoroughly biblical, wielding the sword of truth like few can. This should be required reading for every church. One suggestion - don't read it right after "Why We're Not Emergent" like I did!

Spectacular Sins: And Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ; John Piper.

The title alone makes one begin to think deeply about God; and that is a good thing! A robust understanding of the sovereignty of God in all things - including sin - can only benefit His children. Ultimately, we are brought to the foot of the cross in awe of what was accomplished there. I thought my vision of Christ was big until I read this book.

JUST DO SOMETHING; Kevin DeYoung.

If you haven't yet read this book - repent - and then get it! Don't pray about it or wait for a "liver shiver" just read it. The most common question in the "church" today is, "what is God's will for my life?" Kevin DeYoung gives us the answer - the biblical answer. The next time I get asked that question, this is the book I will recommend without hesitation.

Finally Alive: What Happens When We Are Born Again?; John Piper.

I love John Piper. This is quite possibly the best book he has written - that says a lot in itself. It is without question, his most important work to date. The doctrine of the new birth is so majestic and so beautiful and so hidden to so many "professing" Christians! "God is the great Doer in this miracle...And He has not been silent about it." This will be required reading in the church I shepherd.

Love in the Truth.

Quotable 8

"Sin turns all God's grace into wantonness; it is the dare of his justice, the rape of his mercy, the jeer of his patience, the slight of his power, and the contempt of his love."

"The gospel of grace and salvation is above all doctrines the most dangerous, if it be received in word only by graceless men; if it be not attended with a sensible need of a Saviour, and bring them to him. For such men as have only the notion of it, are of all men most miserable; for by reason of their knowing more than heathens, this shall only be their final portion, that they shall have greater stripes."

"Nothing hinders a soul from coming to Christ, than a vain love of the world; and till a soul is freed from it, it can never have a true love for God."

The quotes are all taken from The Works of John Bunyan, volume 1.

Love in the Truth.

The Beat of my Heart

The Beat of my Heart

Joy abounds in my heart

Even to very depth of my soul

Never have I felt so close

Never have I been so free

I need only look in your eyes

For in them, lies my love

Every part of me longs for your touch

Reason has lost all reason

Look into my eyes

You will see the change

Never have we been so close

Never have we been so free

I need only you in my life

Leaving all behind us

Our love is now eternal

Vanishing no more

Even until the end of time

You have completed me like nothing else can

Only you can make my heart beat

Understand that I am forever yours

Today I celebrate the day "I found the one my heart loves". She truly is the beat of my heart. I will call her blessed (Prov. 31).

Love in the Truth.

Choosing Thomas

A friend of mine posted this story, and I wanted to share it with you as well. It is the story of a couple who chose not to "terminate" their pregnancy after learning that their son had a severe genetic disorder. The text below is from the blog of Denny Burk.

Twenty weeks into their pregnancy, T. K. and Deidrea Laux found out that their son had Trisomy 13—a rare DNA abnormality. After being counseled that “terminating the pregnancy” would be an option, they chose life. In Deidrea’s own words:

“We didn’t not terminate because we were hanging on to some sort of hope that there was a medical mistake or there was gonna be some sort of medical miracle. We didn’t terminate because he’s our son.”

The Dallas Morning News has produced this video chronicling the birth and home-going of Thomas. This is an amazing story of love and life, and you need to watch it.

What a testimony of the grace of God.

What would you do?

Love in the Truth.

Francis Chan's new book!

His first book "Crazy Love" was crazy good!! I am really looking forward to this release. Preliminary reports suggest this will be another must read. Like he says in this clip, the problems with the North American Church are obvious, and so is Chan's love for the church! It is refreshing and infectious to be around someone like that.

Love in the Truth.

Come To Him!

Love in the Truth.

Only Jesus!

Loce in the Truth.