Running the Race – Here, from R.C. Sproul Jr., is a parable of infusion and imputation. It begins like this: “Suppose, for the sake of argument, that the God of heaven and earth were a fan of long distance running. Suppose that the only way into His blessed presence, the only way to enjoy those pleasures forevermore that are at His right hand, is if you run a marathon.”
Why Do We Need Rest? – “Many of us need more rest; we live in a culture that forfeits rest to chronically overwork. Studies have shown that the average American doesn’t get nearly enough sleep for what their body requires to function at peak performance. This scientific information is good and all, but research can only offer observations about rest and our need for rest. The Bible, on the other hand, can actually offer the deeper reasons for unrest and lasting motivations for rest.”
The Assurance of Discipline – Burk Parsons: “When we’re immature we see discipline as a negative thing, but as we grow we begin to see it as one of the most enduring blessings of life. Discipline assures us that we’re loved and cared for. It shows us to whom we belong. It demonstrates we are worth another’s time and energy. It makes us confront, confess, and repent of our sins. It humbles us, brings us to our knees to weep over our sin, and draws us close into the embracing arms of our loving protector. Discipline is a blessing.”
Texting and Driving – Filmmaker and documentarian Werner Herzog has directed a short film on the dangers of texting and driving. From One Second to the Next looks at how four lives have been impacted by texting-related accidents. Watch it and get your teens to do the same.
Are You Needed In Your Church? – “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to use our gifts to serve our church family. But then again, who would say they have the spiritual gift of changing diapers? Holding doors open? Setting up chairs?”
How can we learn to pray? Instruction helps, but example is the key.
—Dennis Johnson
