Make All Things New

I haven’t posted on this blog in quite some time. Not that I haven’t wanted to, just that I have focused my time on other things. I do miss blogging. I miss posting information and having discussions with people here. But, I also know that part of the enjoyment I got out of posting stuff was sinful. I desired to know better than others or be the first to bring information to people. Too much pride went into posting so I took a break. A long break. I looked at the Savior. What would Jesus Christ make much of if He were blogging? What should my blogging look like as I seek to look more like Him?

The Holy Spirit led me to study Philippians 2 and I realized that I was lacking in humility with my blogging. I was not showing people what God is like but instead, showing people what I am like. So, I took a long break from blogging. I invested in people and actions over trying to make myself look good. You know what? God has been gracious and has taught me that I can do both. I can be involved in people’s lives and write to His glory (rather than my own). So, I am looking to make a comeback and hoping that this process of growing in blogging is representative of my progressive sanctification. Please pray that a could blog with genuine humility and have something to other while being God honoring.

Good words from John Bryson on “Learning to Be Misearable“.

Power Through Prayer
by E.M. Bounds
(http://christianaudio.com).

This stirring and inspiring book is packed with insightful points from a man who has obviously spent much time seeking the Lord through prayer. E.M. Bounds seeks to show us that it is not more methods and gimmicks that are needed, but earnest men of prayer. Such a timely message today yet Bounds wrote this book many years ago! In the first chapter, Bounds lays out his reason for writing this book: “What the Church needs to-day is not more machinery or better, not new organizations or more and novel methods, but men whom the Holy Ghost can use—men of prayer, men mighty in prayer. The Holy Ghost does not flow through methods, but through men. He does not come on machinery, but on men. He does not anoint plans, but men—men of prayer.” (p. 2)
In twenty chapters, Bounds lays out not only his argument in his own words but he relies on excellent quotes from many saints of the past whom God has used mightily for His work. Bounds stay often that any man who has been used by God is first a man of prayer. Prayer is the basis for any pastor to be used by and for God. As Bounds states it, “Every preacher who does not make prayer a mighty factor in his own life and ministry is weak as a factor in God’s work and is powerless to project God’s cause in this world.” (p. 4)
This book is a refreshing to the soul as it continually challenges the reader to strive for holiness and seeking the Lord through prayer. The examples on page after page of the divines who spent hours in prayer in order to prepare for their service to the Lord is challenging. Of course, if received incorrectly it could be seen as a law to slavishly follow or an out-of -reach standard that leads to discouragement. But read in the larger context, that is not how it should be received. Bounds seems to work through his argument skillfully beginning with showing the need and motivation for men of prayer, moving to examples of men of prayer, then further showing methods of prayer and finally capping of with sharing some of the many glories of a life of prayer.
I was greatly encouraged by this book. I have recently been struggling with my time of private devotions. Changes in my schedule and a new baby give me many reasons to make excuses but Bounds has been used by God to speak to my heart and refresh my soul. Prayer is not a duty but a delight. Prayer is not just a necessity I am called to, it is a privilege I am given!
The chapters on the topic of “unction” were very profitable for me. I have read much about the term “unction” within the pages of the Puritan Paperbacks but Bounds gives a very clear and precise discussion on the necessity of unction. Unction in the pulpit and in ministry does not come from merely studying well or writing eloquent sermons. Unction comes from spending time on your knees in prayer with the One who gives power.
This is a book that I plan on referring back to for encouragement and refreshment as I seek to be faithful in prayer for the sake of my joy and God’s glory.

I had the opportunity to preach the last time our church was able to meet (due to the 24 inches of snow in Philly last weekend). The text was John 11. I’d love your feedback.

John 11 – Extraordinary Hope

I have been reading a book called “A Praying Life” by Paul Miller which I highly recommend. Yesterday, I read a short portion that served me well. I am seeing so many people suffering around me, so many lacking joy as they seek to find a way out of their suffering. This reminder from Miller was greatly encouraging to me and I hope to share it with others.

“The Father wants to draw us into the story of his Son. He doesn’t have a better story to tell, so he keeps retelling it in our lives.” That means that we endure suffering and pain that seems like it should be avoidable, seems like it shouldn’t happen so that we can display the gospel in our lives. The gospel is the best story and we are privileged to “share in  [Jesus'] sufferings” (Philippians 3:10).

That is good and true, and here is the piece that is breathtaking to me. Miller writes, “If we stop fighting and embrace the gospel story God is weaving in our lives, we discover joy.” We find joy in submitting to the story God is writing with our lives! Joy comes through faith in God! God is doing so many things with our lives right now and we only see just a few of them. His story has a great ending that will suffice.

Gospel growth isn’t easy, but it is good because the Author of the Story is Good. So, I pray that we all are submitted to God as he tells his story through our lives. Soli Deo gloria.

Recently I noticed some small splinters in my hand. As is so common with these things, it only started hurting after I noticed them. Then I remembered that we have a larger, wooden cross we setup at church during the time of Advent. “I must have gotten them from that.” I thought to myself. “Man, these are really starting to hurt. I need to get them out.”

Thankfully, it didn’t take me long to realize the ridiculousness of complaining about the “pain” I endured carrying the cross. A few splinters are not even worth comparing to the immense agony that my Savior suffered through carrying His cross. And even more, He, who never deserved to bare such shame, did so for me. I so thankful for grace!

I found this to be helpful.

Are you SAD? from Puritan Reformed on Vimeo.

This video was taken prior to his undergoing brain surgery. Very encouraging!

This Friday, Pastor Matt Chandler, will be undergoing surgery for a brain tumor. Please pray for him and his family.

More information is available in this article.

Come and join us this Friday night!