5 New Books I've Got on My List

1. The Next Story by Tim Challies (how to live for Christ in this world of technology)
2. Note to Self by Joe Thorn (learning to preach the gospel to ourselves)
3. Radical Together by David Platt (living radically in community together)
4. The Greener Grass Conspiracy by Steven Altrogge (Finding contentment)
5. Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore (battling temptation with the gospel of Christ)

The Dawn of the Darkest Day

I hope you take some time to meditate on the cross over these next few days. Jesus took the blame and bore the wrath!

Spring Festival

If you live in the Wilson, NC area, I want to invite you to my church's Spring Festival this Saturday. It will be at New Hope Elementary and begin at 11am. You can find all the details on this flyer.

Encouragement for the Fainthearted

In describing this song, I heard Laura say something like this: Instead of judging God based on our circumstances (which we don't understand), why don't we judge our circumstances based on who God is and what He has promised?

(hat tip: J. Brooks)

Finding Contentment

Check out this video about Steven Altrogge's new book: The Greener Grass Conspiracy:

"Greener Grass Conspiracy" Trailer - Stephen Altrogge from Crossway on Vimeo.

Christ is Risen from the Grave!

Preparing for Corporate Worship

Some excellent thoughts from Kent Hughes on preparing for Sunday morning corporate worship: On Saturday:

• I have asked Christ to make me sensitive tomorrow to needs of people in the body who are hurting.


• I have solved the "Sunday clothes hassle" by making sure that what I will wear is ready today.


• I have spend time in confession so all will be right between myself and my Lord when we meet tomorrow.


• I have determined to get to bed early so I will be refreshed and ready for church tomorrow.


• I have planned on sustaining the delight of this time with Christ and his people by guarding against Sunday afternoon infringements.

On Sunday:

• I have gotten up in plenty of time so I will not feel rushed.


• I have programmed my morning so I will not just arrive at church on time, but get there early.


• I have eaten a good breakfast, so an empty stomach will not detract from my worship.


• I have my Bible in hand plus a pen and paper for taking notes.


• I have left for church with a great sense of expectancy because I know Christ will be there.

Disciplines of a Godly Man, pp. 118-119.

Easter Preparation

If you are looking for resources to study or give away in preparation for Easter, here is my post from a few years ago with recommended books for a deeper grasp of the gospel.

Reflections on Turning 33

1. Jesus died for my sins when He was about 33 years old. What a Savior!
2. I’m officially getting old. I can remember when 33 sounded ancient.
3. If God allows me to live a long life, I’ve still got most of my life ahead of me.
4. I’ve now been a follower of Christ the majority of my life. God opened my heart when I was 16 years old.
5. My wife amazes me more and more as the years go by. There’s no one I’d rather grow old with than her.
6. I love being a dad. I don’t want to waste these most important years of my kids’ lives.
7. I was made to preach the Bible. I can’t believe I get paid to do what God has called me to do.
8. I’m praying that the fruitfulness of these next 33 years will be 100 times that of the past 33. I want to be used to the max for the glory of God.
9. There’s no more “one day I’ll…” Now is the time. Today is the day.
10. I should know more about God and the Bible than I do. I have wasted too much precious time.
11. I am a dependent man. My life can be traced through the influence of so many people. All I can say is, “thank you.”

For Those Suffering

This is from CH Spurgeon's Beside Still Waters: In Days of Trials Some of you are enduring deep affliction. In your extraordinary trial, remember the depth of divine faithfulness. You may be unable to comprehend why, but I urge you to believe in the firmness and stability of divine affection. You will have comfort in proportion to your trials. If you have shallow sorrows you will receive shallow graces. If you have deep afflictions you will obtain deeper proof of God’s faithfulness. I could lay down and die when I think of life’s trials, but like Sarah (Gen. 21:6) I recover and laugh when I remember that the eternal God is our refuge and that underneath are the everlasting arms (Deut. 33:27). God will not fail. God will not take away His hand until He has finished His purpose concerning us. Great trials bring great promises. Much afflicted one, there are great and mighty words that are not meant for saints of easier experiences. You will drink from the deep golden goblets reserved for those giants who can drink a great portion of wormwood, but God will also supply deep drinks of the well-refined wines on the lees (Is. 25:6). Trials greatly enlarge the soul. Thus I do not want, in my better mind, to escape great trials, since they involve great graces. If my strength shall be as my days (Deut. 33:25), then let my days be long and dark, for my strength will be mighty, God will be glorified, and I will be blessed. I earnestly urge every tested Christian to dwell on this truth, for it may be a great comfort. There is love, immortal and unchanging love, in heaven toward you, which will never grow cold. You will be helped. God would sooner cease to be than cease to be faithful. Be of good courage, for today He will strengthen your heart.

New Book Discounts

Tim Challies' new book on technology and the Christian life is now available. It's called The Next Story. Also, 2 discounts are extended at WTS (50% off): Thriving at College and The Gospel Commission (Horton).