Thursday afternoon

We talked about the church and her vocation this morning in Bible Study. It was more of a practical theological discussion which I found to be thought provoking.

I am going to continue preaching in Acts 10 this Sunday, Lor willing. It would be a good week to invite a friend or family member. I will use Peter's words to Cornelius and his household (and troops under his command) to explain the essence of the Gospel. I hope it will have a significant theological range. Communicating to a child, a lost person on the one hand and ranging to the mature believer and scholar on the other. That is no small task.

I am hopeful about the future, humbly expecting God to use us for His Glory.

Wednesday, January 27

Today was a full day of ministry. I am looking forward to Thursday morning Bible study tomorrow.

I am reading out of my normal genres: Simple Church by Rainer & Geiger and Vintage Church by Mark Driscoll. I am reading with heightened discernment.

Take some time to probe a little deeper with your Christian friends. Many of them are in need of encouragement and biblical admonition.

I am contemplating a one week detour from my Acts sermon series...

Monday, January 25

We had an early morning breakfast with my wife's brother, his wife and son. It was good to spend time with them. The enjoyment of family is sweetened when Christ reigns. I have been blessed with great in-laws.

I have read more about the never ending issue: NT Wright's New View Of Paul/Justification. The volumes on the subject is rapidly expanding. It is impossible to keep up with every nuance.
Here is my opinion: The reformers didn't get justification wrong!

I have ambitious study and writing plans this week. Please pray for me.

My wife is having her ladie's Bible study on Titus tomorrow.

The journey of discipleship is a long process. It is important to be steady on days you feel less spiritual and go "full throttle" when you are strong. Neither neutrality or reversal is an option.

Friday, January 22

I love Florida. The weather is perfect today with highs in the mid-70's. The sun is shining and cool breezes blow gently. I feel so blessed to be where I am. My wife are unified in our desire to scatter more seed and reach out to more people. We feel responsible to make Christ known in Windermere/Dr. Phillips and our other spheres of contact.

The narrative of Peter and Cornelius is a deep well of God's Grace. His redemptive purposes in Christ again BURST forth in glorious light. I look forward to preaching in acts 10 on Sunday, Lord willing.

The folks at Covenant continue to struggle with illness. Lord, please restore all of your sheep to full strength and health.

Reading my preaching book again today. I see many areas in which I need to improve. It is good to know where you are lacking.

Thursday Evening January 21st

Today was fairly busy. We had Thursday morning Bible study and concluded our study in Jude. I was able to pick up our partially repaired Excursion. It needs a sizeable amount of work.

We had our Reformation Society meeting tonight at First Baptist Church Markham Woods. Dr. Derek Thomas spoke on Ruth (Suffering and the Sovereignty of God) and we had a nice time of fellowship. The men of the Reformation Society are committed to being faithful ministers of the Gospel. That is encouraging. One of the pastors is becoming a good friend. It is nice to have this kind of fellowship with a person who walks in similiar shoes.

The kind and wise Dr. Parker again blessed with sincere pastoral love. I love you Dr. Parker. I hope the Lord allows me to be more like you.

Tuesday, January 19th

I enjoyed meeting with my brothers at our elders meeting this morning. What an amazing privilege it is to serve Christ and His Bride. Today, my wife led her Bible study for ladies. The Lord seems to be really prospering her work in Titus.

Reading a great book on preaching, My Heart For Thy Cause by Brian Borgman. Thanks for the book Ed!

I am also hoping to have a productive study time in Acts 10.

The Lord's tender mercies are new each day. Hallelujah! Amen!

Friday January 15

Pray for Haiti!

We have had a pretty full week of ministry with many people coming to our home and lots of phone activity. The Lord is really working in the lives of His people.

My sermon prep is in Acts 10, Peter's Testimony to Cornelius. I am behind schedule. If it comes to mind please pray for me.

My car is broken down and it is about to reach the point of professional help. The budget can't take it, so please pray that the Lord would grant wisdom for a remedy.

I am also diligently praying about how to work with other like-minded brethren.

Monday January 11th

Day 2 of car trouble. My 7.3 L turbo diesel motor is not liking the cold. I look forward to the return of Florida winter-sunny and 70 degrees. Looks like we will be back on track Friday.

My daughter just recited a few catechism questions and answers. The future is bright for these children if they stay the course of faith.

I have a couple of prayer requests. I have a desire to preach more and am thinking about opportunities to do so. We want to make Windermere our permanent home. We are seeking the Lord's direction on buying a house here in the next year or two.

I so desperately want our church to grow. We are seeking to be faithful. Aren't there other Christians looking for a biblical church? Aren't there lost ones whom the Lord is drawing and entrusting to our discipleship care?

Thursday January 7

My Wednesday post vanished into thin air. Don't worry you didn't miss anything.

We had our Thursday morning Bible study on Jude. I am studying in Acts 9 today as we consider Peter's healing ministry for the Glory of Christ. Don't worry, I haven't gone charismatic! I hope to spend some discipleship time with my son Caleb just before supper tonight.

The energy drain from my illness last weekend continues. I am thinking about taking a big run tonight. My wife is against it.

We are hoping to do a better job of getting the word out about our church. We want to be faithful and fruitful.

I hope your day is filled with Thanksgiving and praise.

Monday January 4th

I am trying to recover from illness; started feeling a bit better this morning after sleeping until 9:30. It is one of those unexplainable and energy draining colds. I took a 4 hour nap yesterday and I still feel so sleepy. I announced to my family that I would be much more compassionate the next time they are sick (I was the last and hardest to fall). Usually, I tell everybody to snap out of it and toughen up...

Starting a new discipleship program with a friend on Wednesday. Please pray that we will grow closer to, and more like, Christ.

I am reading a book on preaching, a Christmas gift from a friend. I am also hoping to set some personal and church goals for the coming year.

We are blessed to have a new meeting house for our congregation. We need about 100 more people to join us and fill the room with Worship. Are you coming?