I have had a number of conversations with members from my church, other church pastors, and members of other churches. Everyday I’m on the phone with different members and/or ministers. Pastors are always making observations at how the church in general, responds to different events, tragedies, joys, celebrations, etc. I’m no different. I’m making observations … Continue reading Revealing What Lies Underneath

Ps 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation How is the Christian to deal with those besetting sins that continue to rise up and slay them? When sin is always seeming to win the battle … Continue reading Remembering God’s Love is Greater Than Our Sin

Luther wrote Very well, by God’s decree the enemy has sent us poison and deadly offal. Therefore I shall ask God mercifully to be gracious and preserve us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order … Continue reading A Reasonable Response in Uncertainty

Christians can be discouraged in their weakness. We see the strength of grace in others, joy, strength of faith, assurance and quickly we are reminded of our own infirmities. Is this reason enough to be discouraged? No, for the Apostle says,  2 Cor. 9:8 God is able to make all grace abound to you, so … Continue reading Saints Cannot Be Discouraged From the Weakness of Their Graces

We have previously considered William Bridge’s claim, “Christians have no reason for discouragement.” The question is then raised, “Then why are there discouragements for the Christian?” Writes Bridge, “Sometimes discouragements are drawn from greater and grosser sins.” Yet if we are convicted of sin, and this conviction is the source of our discouragement, it seems … Continue reading Conviction of Sin is No Reason for Discouragement in the Christian

“The saints and people of God have no true reason for their discouragement, whatever their condition be.” says William Bridge in his exposition of Psalm 42. It appears that David had reasons to be discouraged. (1-2) He was away from God’s worship and ordinances. Adversaries and even his own heart say, “Where is your God?” … Continue reading Christian, Don’t be Discouraged

“It is possible that the saints and people of God can be discouraged and downcast even if there is an inward peace and quietness of soul” writes William Bridge in his book on Psalm 42. Ps 42:11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for … Continue reading When Christian Peace is Disrupted