Overcoming Sin & Temptation

I'm reading a book of three of John Owen's classic works. John was a puritan pastor whose understanding of the sinfulness of the heart is amazing. It's a very convicting read! I'm reading his "Of Temptation" currently.

I've often looked at the sin in my life and wanted to repent of it and stop performing it. John tells us that no man should "pretend to fear sin that does not fear temptation to it. Tehy are too nearly allied to be separated.... He hates not the fruit who delights in the root." (pg. 193)

I'm realizing that I too often delight in the root of a particular sin more than I hate the fruit that it produces. I'm asking the Lord to change my heart and fill me with more of His Spirit so that I will desire Christ more than anything.

If you have ever struggled with sin, I highly recommend the writings of John Owen.

Doing Live Radio

We are in day 3 of our Annual "Live Legacy Radio Days" on FamilyLife Today. We go "Live" in select cities across America to share how the Lord is changing lives as we proclaim His message, and to invite others to join with us financially on a monthly basis.


We've heard many wonderful stories, and even one salvation!

Thanks be to God!

A Very Ice Day

The ministry is closed today due to the threat of ice. Caleb is off to Houston for a speech & debate tournament with his Team (about 7 other students and 4 adults). We're praying for safety as they drive today. I'll be hanging out at home, doing a bit of work and playing some games.

Currently
36.7 °F
Light Drizzle Mist

Choices we must make

I have the privilege of teaching 5th & 6th grade boys (young men) Sunday School and AWANA. I'm teaching through the book of Colossians this year in AWANA. In studying chapter 3:1-4, I am struck by the simplicity of the message:

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."

IF you are a believer in Jesus Christ, THEN you must choose to "seek" the "things that are above" and "set your mind" on the "things that are above". "Seeking" and "Setting" are choice we each have to make. It's a matter of focusing our thoughts on Christ, His glory, His righteousness, His holiness and the joys and pleasures that are at His right hand (Ps. 16:11).

This is a moment-by-moment "battle" of the will (Gal. 5:16-17). When we pursue the "things that are above" we will find more benefit than when we pursue the "things that are on earth."

I hope you can read, study and meditate on this portion of Scripture. There is SO MUCH more to be learned.

Bongo Buddy

Jeremy received his bongo stand last night, finally answering the question, "What can brown do for you?" He greeted the UPS driver with a hugh smile and immediately began opening the box. Within minutes he was playing in style.

He and I are playing together almost nightly... he on bongos, me on the guitar. I call him my "Bongo Buddy" and he calls me his "Guitar Hero"!

These are great bonding times and a whole lot of fun (and noise!).

Kahnya Kicking It Up

This is one of Kahnya's favorite exercises. What a joy to see how happy she is kicking at things.

Very cool toy that Jill picked up at a garage sale for $3. Now THAT's cheap entertainment!

Jeremy's Cool Pics

As I come to Thanksgiving, I am reminded of what I am most thankful for.
1. The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
2. The gift of marriage to Jill.
3. The gift of children - Caleb and Jeremy bring blessing to me each day.

In the past year, Caleb and Jeremy have grown in many ways. Caleb has learned to edit videos and Jeremy has increased in his taste for music. This video combines both of these into a pretty impressive 2 minute showing. I hope you enjoy it.

Give thanks with a grateful heart!

Happy Thanksgiving.