Timothy Keller, founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC, has stage four Pancreatic cancer. That’s not news—he’s been talking about it for some time. He has also been candid that he’s aware his time left here is limited. I greatly appreciate his honest hope in the midst of suffering and the reality of physical…
Tag: Faith
Cancel Culture
One of my biggest priorities growing up was to be liked. I needed to be liked. I didn’t like myself and thought if others did, it would cancel my own opinion. That rarely worked. I think that’s why there is so much emphasis in Scripture against focusing on the approval of men: humans are fickle…
An Open Letter to My Dad on His 88th Birthday
Dear Dad, If I’m completely honest, this time last year I didn’t think you would be here to see this day. All my life, I assumed that you would live to be in your late 90s, strong and healthy as an ox, just like Grandma and Grandpa. All my dreams and assumptions about that came…
The Proven Character of Our Faith
Several years ago, my friend, Todd, called me with news that he had developed terminal cancer. I remember hearing the strength in his voice. It was noteworthy, not only because he had just received the news no one wants to hear, but because my own voice was shaky as my heart sunk at the news….
Reflecting on a Purpose-filled Life
You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life…
Plan B
I like a backup plan. Sometimes I feel I need a backup plan. OK, I always feel like I need a backup plan. Maybe you do, too. After all, who’s gonna jump from an airplane without at least two rip cords, right? The question I want to ponder a little bit is this: Is…
Walking Through the Wilderness (and living to tell about it!)
Yesterday at The Gathering, I read part of an old post I wrote for my former blog, Espresso Roast, in which I was struggling through a wilderness experience. Through it, I learned to trust God where I was, embrace the wilderness, and grow through it. I hope it encourages you, as well. ~ dp Originally…
Where Is Your Faith?
Last night, during Worship Out Loud at The Gathering, I spoke on Luke 8:22-25. Here are the thoughts on that passage that led to that talk. Jesus gave His disciples a command: “Get into the boat and let’s go to the other side of the lake.” They obeyed. First step of a good disciple…when you’re…
A Rant.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the state of The Gathering and where we’re going and how we will get there. I am incredibly encouraged by the spirit of the people who currently make up this Body and the excitement that is present about our future. There is a focus on the Mission here that…
Trusting When It Counts
Most of my married life has been one of uncertainty. I’m not talking about my marriage, specifically, but rather the circumstances we have been in most of our life together. Two years after Karen and I were married, we were called up to New England, uncertain of what we were to do, why specifically we…
Piper on the Prosperity “gospel”
The so-called “Prosperity Gospel” sells millions of books a year for it’s proponents, but it is a counterfeit gospel. John Piper pulls no punches in telling it like it is in this compelling video. (ht: Shane Waldrop, @fuelshane)
A Letter From Todd
I just received this from my friend, Todd MacDonald, who many of you know (and have been praying for) has been undergoing treatment for incurable mesothelioma in his abdomen. Did I mention it’s incurable? Hello everyone, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end” (Lamentations 3:22). I received…
Eight-Foot Ceilings
I don’t have the resources. I don’t have the money. I don’t have the time. I don’t have the talent. I’m scared of what will happen if it fails. I don’t know how people will react to it. Man, am I used to hearing these sentences. Who am I kidding…I’m used to saying these things. …
Grace Really Is Amazing
I had a conversation the other day with a very dear friend of mine who has recently begun a steep, uphill battle with cancer. Though the prognosis is not great, his outlook is. I was amazed as I listened to him describe the ordeal that lies in front of him and to hear him tell me of the grace of God that was instantly manifested in his life.
Doubt-Less – 1 John 3:19-24
Have you ever had serious doubts about your salvation? I think we all have from time-to-time. Sometimes they’re well founded because it is possible to spend an entire lifetime going to church, doing all the religious ritual stuff, “doing good,” never having entered into a saving knowledge of Jesus (beyond head knowledge to the heart…
Faithless faith – 1 John 3:16-18
John and James sound very similar here: if you’ve got the goods and you keep it to yourselves when there is a brother in need, your faith is a sham. Sounds tough, but that’s really what is being said. John says it like this: if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in…
The Deception of Righteousness – 1 John 2:26-29
“I’m basically a good person.” Number 1 answer given for the question, “Why do you think you should be allowed in heaven?” The belief that doing good things is enough for salvation is probably one of Satan’s biggest attempts to keep us from Christ. Strange, isn’t it? Satan doesn’t want you to be bad…he wants…
The Great Misconception of Christianity
If Christianity truly is about relationship…real relationship with Christ based on faith, then there must be troubles that push us into Him; there must be times of trial so that we know that we can trust Him and know that our faith is real. Unless we break the cycle of religion based on litmus tests and rules of conduct and get back to Scripture that reveals the Truth about real life with real problems, we’ll simply end up with more guilt-laden religious people, carrying the burden of their sins and reflecting none of the glory of Christ’s righteousness which leaves them complete in God’s eyes and finding that Christ is enough for their lives.
Faith in America: The Great Life Preserver (use only in case of emergency)
I am struck by the flippancy with which most of us follow Christ. To most of us, “Christianity” is just something that we are; a part of our lives. To these men, Jesus was their life…all of it, totally sold out and recklessly abandoned. How many of us today still call on Him in the tough times and then move on with our lives, barely giving Him a second thought when things are good? Then we don’t understand why the blessings don’t last.
