poolsandpastures
Thoughts on the Gospel, Life, and Ministry
Category: Ministry
The Loving Discipline of God
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Cry Out to God
“Then I called on the name of the LORD: ‘O LORD, I pray, deliver my soul!’” — Psalm 116:4 You’ve heard the old saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.” While that advice can be admirable, it can also be trite because making lemonade… Continue Reading “Cry Out to God”
Glory to God Alone
Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! – Psalm 115:1 Psalm 115:1 reminds us that the central aim of the Christian life is not our recognition, success,… Continue Reading “Glory to God Alone”
Holy Rest in the Lord’s Sovereignty
“Why do you flee, O sea? Why do you turn back, O Jordan? Why do you skip like rams, O mountains, like lambs?” — Psalm 114:5–6 The psalmist displays his sense of humor as he describes creation reacting to the presence of God in… Continue Reading “Holy Rest in the Lord’s Sovereignty”
Remembering the God Who Saves
When Israel went out from Egypt, the house of Jacob from a people of strange language, Judah became his sanctuary, Israel his dominion. – Psalm 114:1-2 Psalm 114 celebrates the mighty acts God did to deliver His people from slavery in Egypt to a… Continue Reading “Remembering the God Who Saves”
God Delights to Exalt the Humble
“He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.” — Psalm 113:7-8 Psalm 113 celebrates the astonishing grace of God toward those who have nothing to… Continue Reading “God Delights to Exalt the Humble”
Rivers of Living Water — John 7:14-44
After Jesus challenged the religious leaders on the condition of their hard hearts, their opposition to Him and His ministry intensified. This is how the unbelieving world responds to the message of Christ because His message of truth holds them accountable for their sins… Continue Reading “Rivers of Living Water — John 7:14-44”
Overcoming Anger: Embrace Humility and Trust God
The author reflects on a trip to Nashville for their 20th anniversary, encountering Hurricane Helene’s aftermath along the way. They discuss a sermon on anger, explaining that frustration arises from attempting to fix ourselves and our circumstances. The solution involves humility, trusting in God, and actively seeking improvement while acknowledging our limitations.
Praying More Robustly
I am making plans for our congreation’s upcoming Wednesday night fellowship dinners and bible lessons. Our children and youth will continue working through the various catechisms of the Church, and our adults will study prayer. To help me organize our lessons on prayer, I’ve enlisted… Continue Reading “Praying More Robustly”
What Is The Church Supposed to Do?
The earliest Christians lived and breathed in times that were very similar to ours. They were certainly no strangers to the ideas of societal relativism and cultural narcissism. They also suffered from another deadly “ism,” syncretism, which wreaked havoc on their spiritual and religious climate. Yet, they found their balance and we are to learn from them.
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