Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we received mercy, we do not lose heart, but we have renounced the things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (2 Corinthians 4.1-2) Pastors make enemies. Some make more than others, I make more than most, but all […]
Let’s get one thing straight. I am neither a Cubs nor a Dodger fan. That Chicago traded Greg Maddux to L.A. is a roaring matter of indifference to me. The league is lucky to have the Cardinals, who provide the only real entertainment to fans worldwide. However, Mr. Maddux does cheer me with his dogged commitment to one of baseball’s fundamental, non-negotiable elements: the stirrups (or the appearance of them). […]
I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.(1 Thess 2.8) I love the men of our church. They are warriors. They are courageous. They are patient and wise. They are men. In most small congregations women get most things done. Men will chortle and chide like locker-room sophomores, but when it comes to prayer only the sopranos are heard. Men will […]
The previous post has me thinking about fatherly discipline. I’ve been a father for only about two years now. That, however, is plenty of time to realize that a ‘theology of the rod’ is absolutely necessary. Frankly, I’ve sloppily made things up on the fly so far. My daughter is none the better for it, either. I pray God will use 1 Chronicles 21.13 to set my feet on firmer […]
David said to Gad, “I am in great distress; please let me fall into the hand of the LORD, for His mercies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man.” (1 Chronicles 21.13) Meanwhile, back at headquarters . . . the mighty king David reveled in his domination. In his wake lie Ammonites, Arameans, and Rabbahites. In the heavyweight division, David routed the Philistines. […]
I hope Spurgeon’s morning meditation will make for better preachers this weekend. He reflects on 1 Thessalonians 5.25 (“Brethren, pray for us“) with the following edification to the church: This one morning in the year we reserved to refresh the reader’s memory upon the subject of prayer for ministers, and we do most earnestly implore every Christian household to grant the fervent request of the text first uttered by an […]
My mom (a.k.a. Mama Max to the grandchildren) died on July 4th, 1990. I was a hellbound church rat at the time who squinted from the glare of a remarkable Christian death. Each July 4th provides an opportunity to reflect on that experience. Last year was the 15th anniversary of her death, which sparked the following reflection. I am ever grateful for our kind and gracious God, who tolerated me […]
The Tennessee Baptist and Reflector recently published an article in which Bobby Whelch reflected on his two-year Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) presidency. Despite the following remarks, I must commend Pastor Whelch for his enthusiasm and commitment to evangelism. He spared no expense as an unabashed gospel preacher. God be praised for such a feisty champion for and example to us all. I was, however, taken aback by the following comment […]
As I reviewed some journal/devotional entries, I ran across this one from two years ago this week. Bittnerness was setting in and I was becoming plain mean about church reform. Why couldn’t anyone see I was right, (expletive)? To this day I still bow my back and wonder if God will tolerate it much longer. I hope it may help you: A delicate line often separates conviction and concession. What […]
“You shouldn’t have to bury your children,” she said as we filed through with our simulated sorrow. When staring at your daughter’s coffin you really don’t care how everyone else feels. “It’s malignant,” he said as we shuffled in the recovery room with our petrified encouragement. When cancer mounts a cerebral revolution you really don’t care what bothered you yesterday. This week began with a funeral and ended with a […]