I have a special aversion for the concept of “balance” when it comes to thinking about God and the Christian life. I’m not against balanced lives, just that balance is not the end goal. Devotion is. Giving our lives for Jesus’ fame is a worthy goal. Balance as a mindset has a self-focus. Yet, the purpose of our lives transcends self, for through Christ we can bearing for God. No one can stay “balanced” while being thoroughly God-centered and others-directed. To plant ourselves like a seed in this world, dying for Jesus, means our khakis will get dirty, our lives...

This week, in talking about Why we Pray (and praying), I was reminded of a simple truth I learned last year. It was put together in a post on GoingtoSeminary.com. Let’s together celebrate our independence today through our dependence upon the Sovereign King of all. Here’s what I wrote then, and swim in now: [Fall '08] Greek has seemed to be a little disjointed until we arrive in the relative deep-end of participles this semester. I am certainly still wading around in the shallow end, but being pushed further into learning how to swim in this new language (but still with those orange...

A friend sent me this recently. Perhaps related to my previous thoughts on rhythms. “I must be aware of two kinds of weariness in my life. The first is the weariness of giving out faster than I take in. That is the weariness of overcommitment; it is the fatigue of being over exercised in my service to God for others. The second kind of weariness is more subtle; it is the weariness of God Himself. My life is a series of emptying and fillings. As I empty myself in service, I must refill myself by drawing upon God’s infinite resources. If I fail to refill, I will become drained and exhaustion...

Begin the day with God! He is thy Sun and Day! His is the radiance of thy dawn; To Him address thy lay. Sing a new song at morn! Join the glad woods and hills; Join the fresh winds and seas and plains, Join the bright flowers and rills. Sing thy first song to God! Not to thy fellow men; Not to the creatures of His hand, But to the glorious One. Take thy first walk with God! Let Him go forth with thee; By stream, or sea, or mountain path, Seek still His company. Thy first transaction be With God Himself above; So shall thy business prosper well, And all the day be love. –Horatius Bonar SHARETHIS.addEntry({...

“God’s work in us does not eliminate our work; it enables it.  We work because he is the one at work in us.  Therefore, the fight for joy is possible because God is fighting for us and through us.  All our efforts are owing to his deeper work in and through our willing and working.” - John Piper (still looking for in which of his books I first read this) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Enabled", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2009/02/06/enabled/" });

Don’t Eat the Fruit is the title of an insightful blog run by John Dyer, a web developer in Texas with an obvious passion for the Gospel and for people. He brings some great insights as a technology enthusiast who seeks to explore the intersection of theology, life and technology. Plus, understands that technology isn’t evil, but neither is it neutral. (His recent series "Five things the church should know about technological change " is helpful.) Here I want to point to another post , where John gives a quote from the latest edition of online journal Themelios (which is...

Last Sunday was our sendoff from Foothills Community Church. Funny how teaching in front of dozens and giving the announcements each week doesn’t faze me, but then I go to say goodbye and get all nervous. Goodbyes are meant to be like that — a bit uncomfortable, and always somewhat bittersweet, especially with those you love. One sister in Christ noted that it really wasn’t goodbye, but rather "See you later." Indeed. Next Monday Kari and being our new journey with our new church family — about which I’m eager to speak and write about. This week’s...

Today I saw an internet ad while checking my office email. It was from TypePad, a blogging/web platform, put out there in Google AdSense. It read: We aren’t gossiping We’re blogging! Anything juicy you want to share? How ridiculous is that? Here is one of the largest blogging platforms out there essentially clamoring to the stereotype — that blogging is just words about nothing, just like gossip is a total waste of time (and unhelpful, hurtful, etc.). Which led me to ponder as I drove home, Why blog? Kari can extol the virtues of what writing in general, and blogging specifically,...

For You, O God, have tested us; You have refined us as silver is refined. You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our backs. You have caused men to ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment. (Psalm 66:10-12) SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Tested … afflicted … satisfied", url: "http://www.deTheos.com/2008/10/06/tested-afflicted-satisfied/" });

Sinclair Ferguson’s 20 Resolutions on Taming the Tongue 1. I resolve to ask God for wisdom to speak out of a single-minded devotion to him. (1:5) 2. I resolve to boast only in the exultation I receive in Jesus Christ and also in the humiliation I receive for Jesus Christ. (1:9-10) 3. I resolve to set a watch over my mouth. (1:13) 4. I resolve to be constantly quick to hear and slow to speak. (1:19) 5. I resolve to learn the gospel way of speaking to both rich and poor. (2:1-4) 6. I resolve to speak in the present consciousness of my final judgment. (2:12) 7....