OK - You GOTTA read this...

Brothers - This article/post that I am recommending, really ministered to me today! It hit me right between the eyes! In fact it wounded me to the cross & I pray it will do the same for you.

This guy, Erik Raymond has been used by God to encourage me several times & today was one of those days that I wanted to be encouraged and boy did I get it.

Erik's Blog is called Irish Calvinist. Here is a picture from his blog that he says, sums him up: I reckon this is way cool!


Anyway, CLICK on the bold typing: to read this encouraging post about what true theology is... - IRISH CALVINIST

I trust you will be encouraged. If it does, encourage Erik with his ministry!

What's your perpective in times of trials?

What kind of perspective do you keep when you are going through a trial? Ashamedly, my perspective can sometimes depend on how I am feeling. Am I tired, irritated, frustrated or lethargic.

So what is a trial? When I speak of a trial I am meaning: the act of trying, testing or putting to the proof. (a trial of one's faith). an attempt of effort to do something. a trying, distressing or annoying thing or person.

Trials are very testing, are they not? They can discourage us, frustrate us, tempt us to sin and for some become to much and we give up hope. If you are facing trials of many kinds can I remind you of what James 1:2-4 says? "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Listen to this insightful reflections from Milton Vincent on Perspective in Trials:

"More than anything else could ever do, the gospel

enables me to embrace my tribulations and thereby

position myself to gain full benefit from them. For the

gospel is the one great permanent circumstance in

which I live and move; and every hardship in my life

is allowed by God only because it serves His gospel

purposes in me.When I view my circumstances in this

light, I realize that the gospel is not just in piece of

good news that fits into my life somewhere among all

the bad . I realize that the gospel makes

genuinely good news out of every other aspect of my

life, including my severest trials. The good news

about my trials is that God is forcing them to bow to

His gospel purposes and do good unto me by

improving my character and making me more

conformed to the image of Christ.

Preaching the gospel to myself each day provides a

lens through which I can view my trials in this way and

see the true cause for intelligent rejoicing that exists in

them. I can then embrace them as friends and allow

them to do God's good work in me."

This is of great encouragement to me & helps me remember that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purposes. I trust it will serve and encourage you in your current trial or future trial...

Is God glorious in our eyes?

Psalms 24:8 says, 'Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!'

Is the Lord seen as glorious in your eyes?

If not, may I persuade you to consider what the Lord has done on our behalf?

Jesus, upon Calvary defeated and conquered every enemy, breaking every weapon of the enemy into pieces by His finished work of complete obedience. Not only that but He triumphantly rose from the dead and ascended. CH Spurgeon comments that, "when this happened He completely overturned the hopes of hell leading captivity captive, making a show of our enemies openly, triumphing over them by His cross." How mighty & glorious is our Lord!

You know, every arrow of guilt that Satan might have shot at us is broken, because who can charge us? Our Lord is mighty!

What victories has grace won in our evil hearts? Can you rejoice when Jesus' work in your life has subdued your will, and sin is dethroned? What a mighty Lord!

Brothers, the name of Jesus is great beyond compare! For we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. Through Him, we shall cast down the powers of darkness which are in the world. Spurgeon writes that "by our faith, and zeal, and holiness; we shall win sinners to Jesus, we shall overturn false systems, we shall convert nations, for God is with us, and none shall stand before us." Praise HIS HOLY NAME!

What a Mighty LORD!!! He is GLORIOUS!!!

'Obedience Borne of Romance'

I have often heard the question, "How do I love God with all my heart, soul and mind?" If you are interested in an answer: I want you to do me a favor. Read the following:

"To love God with all my heart, soul, mind and

strength is the greatest commandment in the Law.

If I could simply fulfill this one commandment, I

would gladly fulfill all others as a natural matter

of course.

So how can I come to love God with all of my

being ? The Bible teaches that genuine love in my

heart for God is generated by an awareness of His love

for me, and nowhere is the love of God more clearly

revealed than in the gospel. Therefore, preaching the

gospel to myself is a great way to keep God's amazing

love before my eyes, so that I might experience its

power to produce in me a passionate love for Him in

return . Romanced by His love in this way , my

increasingly smitten heart will burn to do His will and

will feast itself on doing so."

I reckon that is a helpful response! Thank you Milton Vincent.

Encouraging Our Children WHEN They Attempt To Share Their Faith

I came home from work the other day and my son filled me in on his day. He said, "Dad, I need to talk to you about something that happened today when we were out." My first thought was, uh-oh, he's got a sex question. "No worries son" I replied, and promised we would catch up before bed.

I went to see my wife and she filled me in on her day and then gave me a heads up about what Caleb was going to be speaking to me about. To my great delight it was not about sex, but it was about how to share the gospel with other kids more effectively.

My son shared with me how he met a boy, who was a couple years younger than him, who asked him if he believed in God. My son quickly confirmed his belief in God and then asked the boy if he believed in God. The other boy readily confessed that he did not believe in God and did not believe that Jesus was God's Son.

As I was drawing my son out he said to me, "dad, if only I could have remembered the verses you taught me about sharing my faith. I just couldn't remember anything", he said disappointingly.

It was then, that I was able to care for my son and remind my son that it is the Holy Spirit that draws all men to Himself. I was also able to encourage him that it is important to memorise God's Word so that we can share them with others. Yet, I wanted to caution him about his disappointment.

You see, some of that disappointment is good and right. I think it served him to sit with it and be discontented with his effort. My prayer is that God will use this to stir my son into becoming a better evangelist.

However, I thought it appropriate to share with my son that his dad has struggled and fumbled when sharing his faith too. You see, I myself have felt as though my tongue has been tied, or my words were incoherent, but I attempted to give an account for the hope that lies within me. So I encouraged my boy that God uses our words even though we don't think He could, because we shared so poorly. And sometimes when we feel disappointed, this disappointment makes us feel as though, because we can't articulate our thoughts properly, we shouldn't, so we stop.

This can only be a ploy from the evil one. I encouraged my son that we must work hard (together) and practice sharing our faith, and practice giving an account for the HOPE that lies within us!

Not sure if you have thought about equipping your 12 or 10 year old children how to share their faith... but if not - please do!

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!

A CD You Gotta Buy!

Hey, if you are looking for a present to buy someone that will encourage them in their everyday walk with the Lord, could I recommend this:
If you click here: Sons & Daughters - you will be able to purchase this albulm for $12.00 US + a bit of postage. The Aus dollar is very good against the 'Green Back'! Good time to shop like this...

There is a song on this albulm called: God Delights in You! WOW - written by Eric Grover and composed by George Romanacce. It is a wonderful song with a great melody but what's great are the lyrics. I have been hitting repeat, repeat, repeat!


Let me share the words with you:


Calling every daughter
Calling every son
All who've been adopted
Through a sacrafice of love
There's no need for you to fear
Your debts have been cleared


Calling all the downcast
Who feel like they're alone
Anyone who's longing
For a family of their own
God's prepared a place for you
He's calling you to


CHORUS:
Come and sing, come and dance
The Father's singing over you
Come rejoice and be glad
For God delights in you, in you
Calling all who've wandered
Gone off on their own
Anyone who wonders
If they're welcome back at home
The God of grace makes all things new
He's calling you to


BRIDGE
You choose us to be the objects of your love
In spite of what we have done
You gave your beloved Son to die for us
To make us daugters and sons

c. 2009 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)




Boy these words humble me! I am grateful for some blokes who worked to serve their brothers and sisters in Christ, all over the world, to reflect on the God of Grace who makes all things new & calls us to come and sing and come and dance...

Got 5 or 10 Minutes? Read this about NOT going to Church...

Have you observed or heard how not being apart of a church is an acceptable idea these days? The 'Jesus & Me' idea has been adopted instead of the 'Jesus & We' instruction. Are you with me? Perhaps you yourself are beginning to entertain this ideology? Could you read this article?


A man that I greatly respect and have alot of time for, is a guy by the name of Jeff Purswell. He is a Dean of the Pastor's College and a pastor at Covenant Life in Gaithersburg Maryland.

He has written a humbling and exciting article entitled, 'Don't Go to Church?'. If you click on the title of this article you will be able to read the article for yourself. I trust you will, it oughta take you about 5-10 minutes!

Friend, I trust this encourages you and challenges you to pray for family & friends who are disillusioned, discouraged, disgruntled or who find no time for the Church. If you yourself find yourself in one of the categories mentioned above, please speak to a trusted Christian friend or a pastor. If you don't know of one, please leave a message & I will seek to serve you any way I can!

What's an Eternal Perspective? Part 2

Glad you came back to check about getting a vision for your family! It's a way we as father's can serve our family! So, before we can put a vision in place perhaps it may serve us to quickly consider what is eternal:


Eternity is a mystery that is very profound. This topic can really do your head in. Especially if you read some of the great minds who attempt to dumb it down for us. And there are many and varied views about this topic, but in any case, because we find it difficult to understand, we shouldn't just put it in the 'too hard basket'. I think we ought to wrestle with this idea because frankly, whether we like it or not, eternity is real!

How do I know this? Well because I believe what the Bible says. The Bible makes several references to heaven, judgement, eternal life (Jn. 3:16). The Bible also talks about being absent from the body and being present with the Lord. In fact, when Jesus left the earth He said, "I am going to prepare a place for you... that where I am there you may be also..." (Jn. 14). This confirms that something happens after we die. What happens? Well according to the Bible it's either heaven or hell.

Don't know where you are at, but for me, it helps me to live with eternity in mind. And yet, this also begs the question, how do we do this?

As a father I am learning more and more. I am responsible to equip my wife and children with the truth. If I don't do this, then I am not loving them or caring for them. Even if I don't understand the topic or the consequences, I don't think this releases me from my responsibility. I need not abdicate my role as a husband and father, however I need to be diligent and intentional about equipping my wife and children with truth. Now here's the catch: I need and want to serve my family with Biblical truth not worldly wisdom. There is a difference. And I think that right there is how you put into place a vision that has an eternal perspective for your family.

Let me offer you where I would start - I would start with the "GOOD NEWS" = the GOSPEL! Can I offer you this warning? Never grow comfortable or familiar with this story, but rehearse its' mysteries and truths daily! It's a temptation I face and you may too, so I offer this warning! But in saying that, if you do this, you will find it will help you put into place a vision for your family that seeks to glorify God and will, in turn, bless your wife and kids socks off!

I think it would be appropriate for me to remind myself of this amazing Good NEWS!!! Jesus (what a Savior) is born of a virgin, living a perfect/sinless life. Healing and delivering many people, as well as teaching thousands the ways of God. He is later falsely accused, lied about, misrepresented and yet never sinning or retaliating (staggering to consider), is nailed to a cross and dies on our behalf. Then 3 days later He raises from the dead, conquering death! Praise His Holy Name! After He rose from the dead, He then reveals himself to approximately 500 witnesses and ascends to heaven many days later, and took His rightful place at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us! Wow & Hallelujah!



Brothers, putting a vision together for your family will look different than mine because my wife and children will be different than yours. Your wife's temptations and weaknesses will be different as will your children's. But here's where the hard work is required. You must listen and observe your wife and children... and after you have done that for a few weeks, and spent some time praying and asking God for wisdom, then I reckon you will have come up with a wonderful vision for your family that will glorify the God who gave you life, a wife & those kids...

May you plan & parent with an eternal perspective, for the glory of our Great GOD & King!

What's an Eternal Perspective? Part 1

Hey Guys -

Do you know what an eternal perspective is?

When I speak of an eternal perspective, I am speaking of a vision or view that goes way beyond this life time.

Eternal means: "without beginning or end; lasting forever; always existing; enduring; immutable; perpetual; ceaseless; endless."

Whereas perspective means: "a view or vista; a mental view or outlook; a point of view" (definitions courtesy of dictionary.com).

So guys - whats your vision for your family? To be rich, healthy, smart, popular, athletic, chic magnet, ladies man, "nice guy", a beauty, school captain? What is the vision you have for your family?

What? You don't have a vision?

Ahhhh - join the crowd! Many don't! In fact, I didn't either. I was just letting life pass me by. Unaware of who was influencing my children and telling them what they should become. TV adds, magazines, teachers, peers, sports stars, movie stars, radio commentators, adds at the shops! You know what I'm talken about - aye? Our kids are getting it every which way they go.

SO here we must first of all get a vision for our family. OK -now how do I do that you ask?

Glad you asked - cause I want to share with you how to get an vision that has an eternal perspective -

so come back soon and let's look at what is eternal!