Another Gift Idea

Hey - here's another fantastic book that you can purchase for yourself or for a friend. The book is called, 'War of Words' Getting To The Heart Of Your Communication Struggles. The book has been written by Paul David Tripp and you can purchase a copy by clicking on the title of the book.

If you are unsure about the book's content, have a read of these questions at the end of chapter 1. I trust it whets your appetite!

1. Does your talk with others lead to biblical problem solving?

2. Does your talk have a "stand together" or a "me against him/her/them" posture?

3. Do your words encourage others to be open and honest about their thoughts and feelings?

4. Are you approachable and teachable or defensive and self-protective when talking with others?

5. Is your communication healthy in the principal relationships in your life?

* parent - child

* husband - wife

* extended family

* sibling relationships

* employer - employee

* friend - friend

* body of Christ

* neighbor - neighbor

6. Does your talk encourage faith and personal spiritual growth in those around you?

7. Do you talk with others to develop relationships with them, or do you only talk to solve problems during times of trouble?

8. Do you speak humble and honest words of confession when you sin and words of sincere forgiveness when others sin against you?

9. Do your words reflect a willingness to serve others or a demand that they serve you?

10. As you face the struggles of talk, do you do so with a recognition of the gospel - God's forgiveness, his enabling grace, and the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit?

As you can see, some powerful questions and if you want to have a look at Galatians 5:22-23 (click on it) and evaluate yourself, it may serve you well. This will be something I go through with my wife and kids. I am sure it will serve us well!

Fathers & Sons, Stand Fast

I am reading another great book. It's called, 'Fathers & Sons, Stand Fast'. It is written by Douglas Bond (you can pick up a copy of it, by clicking on the title).


In reading this book, I have been refreshed, challenged, encouraged & rebuked. And I must add, I am so grateful for a read like this. As a father, I want to glean as much as I can, from those who have been where I am going. We have so much to learn from others, who have gone before us.

Mr Bond, in his book, has served us fathers well! He has selected relevant & key issues to address with our sons. And yet while raising these issues, he uses lots of biblical truths, stories, examples and experiences and explains them thoroughly and clearly. One of my favorite bits of his book is at the conclusion of each chapter, because he offers some 'Resolves', a scripture memory verse, some questions for discussion, a hymn & some further study options.

I have worked through a few of the chapters with my son & have walked away refreshed and excited. I must confess that it is quite humbling as a father, when you are able to discuss and learn from God's Word with your son. While discussing a few of the chapters, my son and I have been freshly reminded by the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to save sinners like us, as well has having some transparent and honest conversations about the issues in the book that have been raised.

One topic, which I want to blog about later, is respect for women, girls, & our elders...

Anyway - get a copy! It's a great $22.95 investment...