This excerpts comes from Dr. James Hamilton’s recently published commentary on Revelation (Crossway):
Do you know how to prepare for martyrdom? Soak yourself in the Bible. Cling to its promises. Live in the world the Bible describes, not in line with the world that rebellious humans reinvent for themselves. Read the Bible like you might [...]
Alcorn, Randy. 2010. The Goodness of God: Assurance of Purpose in the Midst of Suffering. Multnomah: Colorado Springs, CO
I want to thank the folks at Waterbrook Multnomah for this fine volume by Randy Alcorn. This book was everything I had hoped it would be. Let me explain.
There [...]
Books on Death
Since my Mom died, the subject of death interests me in more than an academic fashion. I have pulled out some books on death, grief and the afterlife that I plan to read or skim in order to solidify in my mind what is going on. One thing that is key to remember in this [...]
“I want a real chaplain who believes in a real God and a real hell…your uncertainty is making things worse…I need someone who will look me in the eye and tell me how to find forgiveness because I am running out of time!!!”
My story -
When I visited my dying grandpa, I was in [...]
A while back I listened to an episode of Krista Tippett’s Speaking of Faith program that had a profound statement by Jean Vanier. Vanier founded a community in France called L’Arche that has volunteers live with people with disabilities (called the “core members” of the community). Many similar communities have been founded globally. As a [...]
Since my surgery, not being able to lay down flat on my back or side, I found myself living out of one of our recliner chairs in the living room corner for the last of almost 4 weeks. It hasn’t been too bad actually. I’ve got pillows stuffed all around me, my feet up, a [...]
The Peculiar Faith of Stephen Colbert
In a rare Colbert interview with Rolling Stone, he shared a bit on his Catholic faith:
Does faith still play a big part in your life?
Very much. I am highly variable in my devotion. From a doctrinal point of view or a dogmatic point of view or a strictly Catholic [...]
Ministering to Returning Soldiers
Yesterday I listened to a podcast of a great episode of Speaking of Faith, originally from 2006. Krista Tippett interviewed Chaplain Major John Morris about his role in ministering to soldiers during and after war (listen to the program or read the transcript here). He started out with a very evocative [...]
Pray for Persecution???
Here is an excerpt from John Piper’s book, “Finally Alive” -
What Will It Take Today?
What will it take so that thousands of Christians in our churches become passionate about telling the gospel to unbelievers? One of the reasons we don’t do it as much as we should is that life [...]
I know this is a bit choppy, but I made it for my personal use and it might not be reader-friendly. This is a condensed commentary on Matthew 5:4 for the homegroup I am leading right now. We are going through the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they [...]
…is not guaranteed protection from hardships, trials, & pains in this life. In fact, we are warned about it, that it WILL come, and when it does, to ENDURE. 1Pe 1:6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials,
1Pe 1:7 so that [...]
We recently had the priviledge to attend a dedication of a new plane that MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) http://www.maf.org/, a local training hub for missionaries old, new & to be. They train families in vast & various ways for their venture into areas of the country they will soon discover is alien [...]
I am a huge Angels fan, just ask anyone that knows me. I am a former season ticket holder and once covered the Angels as a primary blogger for the Most Valuable Network (link). This entry isn’t about me, but gives you some background into my interest into the [...]
I have never read a Max Lucado book before and must admit that I thought it would be a waste of time. I was pleasantly surprised by most of what Lucado had to say.
For one, Lucado adresses the issue of tragedy and pain by beginning with God. He doesn’t even emphasize God’s imminence,nearness, or [...]
A F-18 jet crashed into a home, killing 2 very young children, their mother, and grandmother. The 37 year old husband, a Korean immigrant, who was away came home to the destruction. His response was not to curse God, but to instead pray for the pilot that he might not endure guilt over [...]
I know this is dated a bit but I wanted to post it anyways. This testimony was shared at the request of Christianity Today and can be found here. His wise words inspire us all to life life on the precipice of eternity. He also teaches us not to lament [...]
Apologies to the Obama's "potential" grandchildren
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Obama,
I want to express to you that my child is NOT a “punishment” to me. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNzmly28Bmg
Let me give you a little background, if I may. In my junior year in high school, I made a mistake. The mistake was having premarital sex. Well, as a result (or [...]
I have been gripped by Olympic fever and have even let out a shout or two in viewing the festivities…especially the US swimming relay upset victory over the trash-talking French (nothing against France). Anyhow, while I am pleased with what I see and proudly root for Team USA, and [...]
http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/0,28757,1720049,00.html Time magazine listed 10 of the most influential ideas at work in changing the world. The #1 idea was “Common Wealth” , and the article by Jeffrey D. Sachs essentially highlights the need for all people to transcend certain differences for the common good to eradicate poverty, starvation, climate [...]
As I was planning my Sunday Morning sermon this week, which will be on Psalm 73, I was meditating on God’s goodness in spite of tragedy. There have been many saints who have undergone deep affliction and persisted in their love of God because they had the big picture, which Asaph is given as [...]
Rick’s Book Picks
Kerusso
Queen of the Sciences
Pastoral Ministry
Word, Sacraments, and Liturgy
Christ and Culture and Misc.
Gender, Family, Misc.
Poetry
Photos
Next Question Please
For the Freeloaders
Leftover Topics (but still yummy)
Christian Publishers
Friend's Sites
- "Baseball and Faith" – Steve Cornell
- Alan Burrow (Pastor of The King's Congregation in Meridian, ID) – "Faith Working"
- Ben Howard Photography
- Blazing Hope Youth Family Ranch
- Dr. Sam Storms – "Enjoying God Ministries"
- Joe Lamay – Pastor of Sovereign Grace Fellowship (South Bay, CA) and fellow El Segundo Baseball Alum
- Joel Wilhelm – "A Living Text"
- Jonathan Griffiths (Pastor at Cornerstone Church in Nampa, ID) – "Reflective Musings"
- Michael Mulconery (Elder at Sovereign Grace Fellowship of Nampa, ID) – SGF Sunday School
- My Wife's Blog – "Beloved Stranger"
- P. Andrew Sandlin (Pastor of Church of the King in Santa Cruz, CA)
- Pastor Nick Smith's Blog – "Sylvan Manor"
- Scott Kistler – "Tempora Christiana"
- William Farley (Pastor of Grace Christian Fellowship in Spokane, WA) – "The Raven"

