Monthly Archives: September 2010
The Micro and the Macro
Originally dated, July 14, 2008 | By: John Piper One of the reasons God rarely gives micro reasons for his painful providences, but regularly gives magnificent macro reasons, is that there are too many micro reasons for us to manage, namely, millions and millions and millions and millions and millions. God says things like: These [...]
It’s Time For SAD
Seasonal Affective Disorder If you notice periods of depression that seem to accompany seasonal changes during the year, you may suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of depression – usually in late fall and winter – alternating with periods of normal or high mood the rest of the [...]
Through the Sheep Dip
It is not my business to judge those who are not part of the church. God will judge them. But you must judge the people who are part of the church. The Scripture says, “You must get rid of the evil person among you.” 1 Cor. 5:12-13 We live in time of staggering sin. It’s [...]
Nothing, But Leaves
And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Mark 11:13 We make the estimation that if we want figs, now is the moment. [...]
Sunday Funnies: Chocolate
Chocolate Understood: Funny Quotes In the beginning, the Lord created chocolate, and he saw that it was good. Then he separated the light from the dark, and it was better. Hell hath no fury like a woman who has sworn off fudge and chocolate. I never met a piece of chocolate I didn’t like. [...]
Thinking Without My “Tin Foil Hat”
As we think of mental illness beginning, an immediate question arises: what is “serious” mental illness, and how is it different from “regular” mental illness? Some may even ask if there is any difference . We must educate ourselves, through our community, and knowledgeable Christian leadership, to serve the broken that are in our midst. This [...]
The King of Despair
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. 2 Corinthians 1:8 Despair is the actual extreme of self-love. It is reached when a man deliberately turns his back [...]
Victory in Affliction
There is the unquestionable presence of affliction that is actively present in our lives. Affliction is the general term for specific instances of trials, tribulations, persecutions, emotional or physical pain and suffering. The ancient Assyrians used the word for affliction as the same word to describe their method of a public execution, which involved being [...]
A Question About Discernment and Discipline
Question: “What if the “desire to excel” isn’t the motivation in allowing sinners into the church? We invite our unsaved friends (worldlings) to church and hope they repent. Sometimes that takes a long time! Is this intervening or being missional? I understand your point that Believers aren’t to live in continual sin but am foggy [...]