A New Year: Two Simple Resolutions
The turn of the new year is, for many, a time of reflection and life evaluation. Often, our self-appraisals result in the making of personal resolutions. A few years ago, shortly after I first discovered Jonathan Edwards’ resolutions, I was prompted to write some resolutions of my own. The result was a collection of verbose, lofty, [...]
Daily Strength for Parents: Bible Reading Plans for 2012
In order to disciple their children with consistent grace and patience, parents need to remain anchored in the truth of God’s Word. Without a heart and mind steeped in biblical wisdom, parents will find themselves easily frustrated and even beleaguered by the daily trials that attend child rearing. But with a new year comes fresh [...]
Some Thoughts on Journaling (2)
I thought I would use this post to follow up what I said yesterday about journaling by answering a few important questions that are often asked about this discipline. What Kind of Journal Should I Use? One that works best for you. I have friends who use anything from a simple notebook to a nice, [...]
Some Thoughts on Journaling
I find myself regularly reflecting the discipline of journaling. Although I love pens, college-ruled paper, and Mead Five-Star composition notebooks (I usually stock up several at a time), I can say without hesitation the primary reason I practice keeping a journal is the spiritual benefit I derive from such a discipline. Here are a few: [...]
The Deception of Laziness
The deception of laziness is that it promises more pleasure than hard work. It will be quicker to simply memorize facts than understand the larger concepts behind those facts; it will feel better to watch the football game than it would to spend adequate time on my homework; it will be easier to only spend [...]
An Old Testament Precedent for Daily Bible Reading
I love this passage from Deuteronomy 17:18-20: And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that [...]
Resolutions and the Holy Spirit (IV)
So far we have looked at two suggestions to help us consistently walk in the power of the Spirit. We should first examine our motives to see whether or not we are pursuing a particular discipline or ministry primarily for the glory of God, or in order to gain the applause and thanks of other people. And [...]
Resolutions and the Holy Spirit (III)
You can read part I here and Part II here. What does it mean to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit? This is one of the most essential questions of the Christian life. This question deals with our obedience to God and the power by which we carry out this obedience. An essential [...]
Resolutions and the Holy Spirit (II)
Last week I posted a brief entry about how essential it is that our spiritual disciplines and resolutions be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. I reminded us that it is possible to strive for holiness and serve in the power of the flesh, with the result being more sin and flesh rather than [...]
Resolutions and the Holy Spirit
At the beginning of the year, I posted some entries regarding New Year’s resolutions, trying to provide some help to those of us who become invigorated at the prospect of better personal and spiritual discipline in the new year. Also during the first of the year, I was preparing for our high school retreat. The [...]
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