This morning I met with a small group of pastors. At one point I asked the question, “What do you do to regularly refresh yourself in the Lord?” The first response was an honest one. “I don’t know. But I’m ready to write down any good answers from the rest of you.” Then our worship pastor chimed in and said something that made a lot of sense. He said, “I like to sing throughout the day and just meditate on the words of those songs.” He talked about singing and repeating simple choruses as a way of reminding himself of the gospel.
People sing about the things that capture their hearts and things that give them joy. People sing of heroes, victory, longing, and hope. People even sing as a way to express their sorrow. Does anyone have more reasons to sing than you? As a sinner who has been forgiven, a slave who has been freed, a blind man who has received sight, a spiritual cripple who has been healed–all by the gospel-you have real reasons to be known as a person of song!
I’m curious. What do you do to regularly refresh yourself in the Lord? I’d love to hear from you.
A Guide to Biblical Manhood by Randy Stinson and Dan Dumas looks to be a great resource to read through with the men of your church. Stinson and Dumas outline the essentials of what it means to be a godly husband, a godly father, and godly leader in a short, readable and practical format. It’s clear that their aim is that you would read this book and then lead with your actions.
Dumas says, “In your marriage, don’t go home and say, ‘Honey, things are going to be different around here. Here are five things I’m gonna start doing.’” Just lead. Don’t announce it. At the first opportunity you get, just do it. Let her discover it. The last thing you want to do is over-promise and under-deliver.”
Contentment is a disposition of the heart that freely and joyfully submits to God’s will, whatever that will may be.
Altrogge fleshes this out by saying that a contented man “doesn’t murmur and complain about his season or circumstances of life and doesn’t grumble about the things he doesn’t have. A contented man isn’t jealous when he sees others prospering, because he knows that God is always good to him.”
I so appreciate this word from Piper. His advice on knowing your wife’s needs and getting to your kids’ hearts is golden. One book that I’ve found to be tremendously helpful in pursuing the latter is called, Romancing Your Child’s Heart by Monte Swan. I posted my thoughts on this book here.
I’m honored to be a part of a network of family pastors from all over the country that correspond over the phone about current issues in family ministry. Guys like Deepak Reju from Capitol Hill, Marty Machowski from Covenant Fellowship, and Jared Kennedy from Sojourn. Awhile back we composed a list of our favorite books (in terms of family ministry and Christian/Non-Christian children’s books).
I enjoy reading. This year I’m intentionally reading less with the hopes of meditating more. That goes for my Bible reading plan as well. All that to say, it’s hard for me to pass up a good book when I see it. Recently I picked up Russell Moore’s book, Tempted and Tried. So far it’s the best book I’ve read this year. Moore’s point that we would rather be fed than fathered by God has been my meditation the last few days. I’m realizing that giving into temptation is ultimately a result of not trusting my Father’s love and provision. But when I’m secure in His love I don’t have to go looking for substitutes to satisfy my deepest needs.
So, I’m curious … what books are you reading? What are you finding profitable in your life and ministry? Feel free to share in the comments section.
The only way that your children will grow beyond their dependency into self-sufficient adults is for you to essentially abandon your own independence for twenty years or so…You can make the sacrifice, or they’re going to make the sacrifice. It’s them or you. Either you suffer temporarily and in a redemptive way, or they’re going to suffer tragically, in a wasteful and destructive way.
This morning I met with a small group of pastors. At one point I asked the question, “What do you do to regularly refresh yourself in the Lord?” The first response was an honest one. “I don’t know. But I’m ready to write down any good answers from the rest of you.” Then our worship pastor chimed in and said something that made a lot of sense. He said, “I like to sing throughout the day and just meditate on the words of those songs.” He talked about singing and repeating simple choruses as a way of reminding himself of the gospel.
