Stopping to Think

As a deer pants for flowing streams,  so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my food day and night, While they say to me all the day long, "Where is your God?" These things I remember, as I pour out my soul: How I would go with the throng and lead them in procession to the house of God with glad shouts and songs of praise,  a multitude keeping festival. Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are at turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,  my salvation and my God. Psalm 42:1-5 Psalm 42 moves me. This, of course, is intended. Poetry springs from the poet feeling, seeing, or experiencing something, and then through poetry attempting to covey that to others. David here us crying out for God. We all experience times when we feel as if God is not there, and David clearly struggles with that here. I want to quickly point out three things I gl...

Why a Worship Conference? Because the word "worship" is one of the most used and least understood words in all of Christian jargondom. While there are many aspects of Worship that we won't even begin to touch, my hope is that by focusing on a few implications of Romans 12:1 that we will be able to better understand what we mean when we talk about worship, and will thus be in a better position to actually worship God with our lives.  I appeal to you therefore, brothers,   by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.  (Romans 12:1, ESV) Life as Worship Conference Hosted by: South Lake Youth Ministries, Inc. Overview Goal: The goal of this conference is the equipping of students, church members, and all people to worship God in all of life. We desire to introduce Christians to an idea of worship that is broader than simply singing in church on Sunday morning...

I have oft lamented at the begining of a post how long it has been since my previous one. For example, it's been over a month right now. So, for the information of all interested, I am going to attempt to post more often. In the past, my posting has been basically dependant on the alinging of circumstances such as my mood, my ability to articulate pmy thoughts into writing, and being in an area with wifi in order to upload such thoughts onto the web. I have realized though that I simply need to discipline myself to write whenever the opportunity presents itself, and then make a point of finding time to get it posted. Writing seems to be the primary way God has gifted me for encouraging thought and faith, and for me to neglect the gift given me seems to conflict with the instruction given by Paul to Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:6. So, for my neglegence, I believe I owe an apology. And an attempt at improvement. For a preview of what's to come, here's what I'm thinking (obv...

"You will be delivered from petty worries if you are concerned about the souls of men." Charles Haddon Spurgeon I approach this topic with some measure of fear and trembling. Not because I fear controversy or want everyone to like me. Far from it. But rather, because issues of politics often seem so trivial, and quite often become trivial because of the way in which they are handled. I am far more concerned about the souls of men than I am systems and forms of government. That being said, government in its various forms has a very real impact on the life of the people who live under governments. This means therefore, that government matters. And in a democratic republic like the US of A, that means that politics matter, because the political system of parties and campaigns and elections is how we determine who holds office and the proverbial reigns of the government. However, many Christians come to this point and begin to feel disillusioned by the process. ...

I'll make it short and sweet: Husbands: Actually listen to your wife. Talk with her, not at her. Listen to her concerns and talk to her about the things happening in your life. Communicate. Spend time with her. Act like to you really like her. Wives: Quit nagging your husbands and have sex with them instead. In all seriousness. Take a minute and actually talk to your spouse about their needs and how you could better serve them. Pray for your spouse and with your spouse. Read the Bible together. And put the other person first. I can't guarantee these will work. But I'd be willing to wager they'll help.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. (Psalm 23 ESV)   King David here very clearly, and very beautifully, demonstrates the rest to be found in being known and loved by the Almighty God of all the universe. We read this Psalm and words like peace, tranquility, and assurance come to mind. Which to me begs the question- how do I reconcile this peace with my insanely paced life? Does my constant screen viewing, errand running, email sendin...

Earlier this week my wife and I welcomed our sweet daughter into the world. Surrounding this  I spent almost 15 hours with my wife while she labored, and because they had to do a c-section, there followed a two day hospital stay. This experience left me with some adivce for husbands and dads. 1. Do not crack jokes at a laboring woman. She will not appreciate the genius of your wit. 2. Make every effort not to laugh at your wife, regardless of what funny things she says and does. Again, her sense of humor at this point is somewhat off-kilter. 3. At the hospital, you have to pay attention to what doctors and nurses are saying, and be willing to say no for your wife. She may very well be drugged past the point of understanding a word they say. 4. Bring coffee money. Hospital coffee is something akin to paint thinner. Although that may be slanderous to the paint thinner. 5. On a serious note. Husbands, this is a life changing event. Obviously I have to say that b...