Cream Cheese

This week I listened to this sermon by C.J. Mahaney. I remember when he preached it at Bethlehem several years ago... but it still smacked me with a fresh wave of conviction and desire to grow in graciously, wisely, and boldly pointing out cream cheese when someone has it on his face. So to speak.

You'll understand when you listen.

HT: Bethlehem Baptist Church

Facing Death with Courageous Confidence in God

I just watched this video of the editor of a book on Facing Death with Courageous Confidence in God.

You'd think that's a fairly morbid topic... but it is a very helpful and hope-filled interview, and it made me want to get the book.

HT: Justin Taylor

Too Much Sorrow

I have dear friends who are suffering. I'm sure you do too. And we all have brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering in ways incredible for us to consider.

Here is a hopeful and heart-felt response to all that pain.

HT: Justin Taylor

Marriage Retreat Reflections Part 4

The final session of the Marriage Retreat, which Gary shared, was on God's Purpose and Plan for Marriage.

It really was a wonderful overview of a biblical perspective on marriage.

His main points:

1) Marriage finds its purpose and meaning in God.
2) Marriage finds its hope in the gospel (and thus, there is hope... no matter how bad a marriage may seem!).
3) Marriage needs grace, faith, and the local church.

All in all, it was a wonderful retreat. And now I'm praying for the Lord's grace to make application of these great truths in real life.

Marriage Retreat Reflections Part 3

The third session of the Marriage Retreat was on Romance in Marriage. A fitting reflection for Valentine's Day!

One of the most practical exhortations was to be a "student for life" of your spouse... make note of the things he likes to read, eat, listen to, talk about. What fascinates him? Be alert for opportunities to surprise, delight, and encourage.

Another help from the session was their list of "little foxes" (cf. Song of Solomon 2:15) that can ruin romance in a marriage.

They cited these "little foxes":

* Ignorance
* Ingratitude
* Spiritual neglect
* Selfishness
* Busyness
* Bitterness
* Fear of man

And here is the session from Covenant Life.

Marriage Retreat Reflections Part 2

The second session of the Marriage Retreat was on Conflict Resolution.

I feel a fond spot in my heart for the chapter on "Conflict" in Love That Lasts, because that's what Ben and I were reading on May 31, 2008, when he proposed to me!

At any rate, there were lots of "zinger" points that hit home from this one. But I'll just pick three.

1) Irritation is not servanthood.
2) Moments of conflict are like a pop quiz from God to test our heart.
3) Humility (i.e. thinking, I am the chief of sinners... what's wrong in my heart right now?) leads to grace.

Here is the whole session, from Covenant Life Church.

Marriage Retreat Reflections Part 1

Last weekend, Ben took me to the Bethlehem Marriage Retreat. Such a gift.

The speakers this year were Gary and Betsy Ricucci, who wrote our favorite (I think) book on relationships, outside of the Bible, Love That Lasts.

One encouraging takeaway from the first session: The struggle toward righteousness glorifies God. Not perfection, but process toward holiness.

I found this audio on the Covenant Life website, and I'm guessing it is the same basic presentation as their session on communication. Worth listening to!

Ben's Thoughts on Romans 12:1

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Ben wrote to me:

“By the mercies of God” sounds like “if you listened to the last 11 chapters.” This is what I think he is saying. “So, because of the great salvation that I have just laid out for you in amazing definition and detail, worship the Lord by giving him yourselves in all purity.”

A good assessment, I thought.