You shall have no other gods before me….Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. (Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21) Last time, we introduced this topic. If you wish, read Idols of the Heart (Part 1) Review: What is An Idol? Remember, an idol (a pretend god) is not just a physical image we bow down to. Idolatry in biblical times involved …
Idols of the Heart (Part 1)
You shall have no other gods before me….Dear children, keep yourselves from idols. (Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21) At Jester III Prison, we are teaching on “Authentic Manhood” as modeled by Jesus. This article builds on a recent class. I also used some of this material at Belhaven University, in other classes, and in pastoral counseling, mentoring, and disciple making. …
Do the Next Thing: Elisabeth Elliot
Updated May 31, 2018 to include an audio version of the post. Righteous people (Jesus’ followers, saved by grace) shall live by faith in God and faithfulness to the Lord. (Habakkuk 2:4 paraphrase) Elisabeth Elliot Elisabeth Howard Elliot Gren (1926-2015) was a Christian missionary, author, and speaker known to many of you. She grew up in the Germantown …
Are You a Big-Godder?
Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty, indeed everything that is in the heavens and the earth. Yours is the dominion, O Lord, and You exalt Yourself as head over all. (1 Chronicles 29:11) Dr. Wilson’s Story Robert D. Wilson (1856-1930) was a scholar who devoted his life to …
The Wall: A Parable
Updated May 31, 2018 to include an audio version of the post. Adapted and expanded from Gloria Jay Evans (used in counseling and prison ministry) Whoever isolates themself is self-indulgent; they lash out at common sense….Let us not give up meeting together, as some are doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the …
The Power of Sentences
Adapted from John Piper and used at Belhaven University, Jester III Prison, other teaching, and pastoral counseling. I use this article to remind us to look for key sentences that impact us in the Bible, or in reading and listening to lectures or sermons. Use Piper’s ideas to help you with my articles and class lessons. I never pretend that …
Safe in Christ (Part 2)
From “Christ is Everything to His Followers.” Used also in counseling and prison ministry. Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. This I declare about the LORD: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust Him. (Psalm 91:1-2 NLT) In …
Safe in Christ (Part 1)
Excerpt from “Christ is Everything to His Followers.” Used also in counseling and prison ministry. If you make the LORD your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. For He will order His angels to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with …
One Day At A Time
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld His love from me!…Praise be to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens….You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. (Psalm 66:20; 68:19.35) A Bumper Sticker Today I saw the “One Day At A Time” slogan again …
Rule #6
Used at two prisons, Belhaven University, Christ E. P. Church, and in counseling. It may be helpful to you personally or in ministry to others. Ben Zander (in The Art of Possibility) tells of two prime ministers discussing political business. Suddenly a staff member bursts into the room, shouting and stomping. The host prime minister cautions: “Peter, remember Rule #6.” …