prayer Reasons for Unanswered Prayer, part 2 September 16, 2011 (see part one here [http://genref.wordpress.com/2011/08/05/reasons-for-unanswered-prayer-part-1/] --the first reason for unanswered prayer is unbelief; the second is disobedience) The third reason for unanswered prayer is wrong motives.
Meditating on Death September 10, 2011 The world is loud. And crowded. We surround ourselves with people and noise and busyness (you're likely listening to something while reading this and will probably read something else while reading
A Good Reminder That... August 25, 2011 ...pornography is still bad [http://www.salvomag.com/new/articles/salvo13/13hilton.php]. For you. For your family. For your church. For our society. > In 1934 Cambridge anthropologist Dr. J. D. Unwin
How to Feel Better About Yourself August 17, 2011 Last Sunday in Psalm 51, I preached on the gift of guilt and shame. Rather than things to be rid of as soon as possible, as our culture might tell us, guilt and
Reasons for Unanswered Prayer, part 1 August 05, 2011 [http://gentlereformation.allegrodynamics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/praying-hands.jpg] Whether young or old in the faith, unanswered prayer is a great challenge. Pouring our hearts out to God, believing his promises that
A quick thought on evangelism July 29, 2011 I am currently writing my second-to-last sermon in the book of Acts. The journey through this part of God's Word has been extraordinary for me; hopefully, for our congregation as well.
Dear Norway July 24, 2011 Dear Norway, It seems at this point words can only fail. While I, along with the rest of the world, feel stunned breathless by your tragedy, surely your pain and anguish is and
From the nightstand... July 07, 2011 Sneaking a peek at friends' bookshelves is always telling. But even more telling would be to see what's on their nightstand. In lieu of real book reviews today, consider this
Well, that explains a lot June 25, 2011 John Dick, regarding the zealots who took a vow not to eat or drink until they could snuff out Paul's life: > From this transaction we learn how much conscience may
Facebook and true community June 23, 2011 In his book The Shallows, Nicholas Carr makes this observation: > The intellectual ethic of a technology is rarely recognized by its inventors...Ultimately, it's an invention's intellectual ethic
Social media: the 3rd degree June 02, 2011 [http://gentlereformation.allegrodynamics.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/facebooklogo.gif] In preparing for an online seminar through RPTS [http://www.rpts.edu/about/OlivettiWebinar.php]on technology and social media, I've
Empty no more May 20, 2011 > There once was in man a true happiness of which now remain to him only the mark and empty trace, which he in vain tries to fill from all his surroundings, seeking
Well, how do they? May 11, 2011 [Note: I'm sure there's a spiritual application to this story. But I haven't found it yet; feel free to supply one.] Most Sundays immediately following worship, I
Responding to Justice May 03, 2011 CNN has asked the question, "Is it morally right to celebrate bin Laden's death [http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/05/02/is-it-morally-right-to-celebrate-bin-ladens-death/] ?" It is a good question, even
Why does God let men preach? May 01, 2011 > This is the best and most useful exercise in humility, when (God) accustoms us to obey his Word, even though it be preached through men like us and sometimes even by those
Preaching to a 4 year old April 15, 2011 Like many parents, I am regularly rebuked of how greatly I underestimate my children. How often something slips from their lips and Lisa and I look at each other with eyes that say,
Why do false faiths prosper? March 26, 2011 > It is an observation worthy of attention, that false religions have commonly been more successful than the true one, in persuading men to devote their substance to sacred uses; not surely because
Extinction March 23, 2011 The startling headline grabbed my attention: "Religion May Become Extinct in Nine Nations [http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12811197]". Reported yesterday by the BBC, a group of researchers, using something
Worthless physicians March 04, 2011 The Puritans were fond of calling pastors "physicians of the soul." JI Packer explains [http://thoughtsactions.wordpress.com/2006/03/02/puritans-1-physicians-of-the-soul-by-ji-packer/] : > A physician’s business is to check, restore,
I don't want to go outside anymore February 10, 2011 It's almost ten in the morning, but google is devastating my day, reminding me that it's still only negative five degrees outside. On the drive in (which felt like
Can men and women be friends? February 02, 2011 At a recent conference, while lecturing through God's teaching on friendship in Proverbs, I made a passing comment about the reality, danger and limits of friendships with the opposite sex. (Reality:
The Culture of Blame January 25, 2011 As most are painfully aware, the recent horrific murders in Tucson have given rise not only to grieving but a lively game of finger-pointing as well. The left blames the right, the right
Thank God for women January 20, 2011 Many preachers--myself included--have lamented the loss of men and manliness in the American true. While this loss is true and lamenting it appropriate, it's helpful to know it isn't
Musings Gentleness, a confession January 10, 2011 I have the password now, so Barry can't kick me off the blog. Thus it's a fine time to come clean: I am not gentle. In fact, I'
Book Review: Addictions January 06, 2011 Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave Edward T. Welch ** **Ed Welch is a long-time counselor and faculty member with CCEF (Christian Counseling & Education Foundation). Like many, I have benefited greatly from his
