Checkbook Of The Bank Of Faith by Spurgeon

Hey folks,

I realize I haven't updated my "whatcha read'n?" section in a while, so I wanted to pass on you this particular resource that is absolutely outstanding! I realize this has a strange name to it, and for some folks it might sound like something out of the "name-it, claim-it" faith movement, but it is not. It is this little devotional that Spurgeon put together entitled, "The Checkbook of The Bank Of Faith." And it is outstanding. My wife and I have been going through this in our devotions and we have found it to have a wonderful affect on our hearts over a season of just studying the great promises of who God is and what we have in the gospel. The affect that we have found is that our hearts have grown in biblical faith and trust in our Soveriegn, Grace Giving God. It is a wonderful daily resource and just to read Spurgeon's introduction to this devotion that he constructed is worth the price of the book itself. For those of you from Providence Community Church, we have this for sale on our booktable...or you can order it through http://www.monergism.com/ I trust after you have spent several weeks reading it, you will find its same affect on your own heart that we have - an increasing love, faith and hope in God's hand at work in our lives through the Cross of Christ. Outstanding book!

Peacemaking Q & A

Below is a copy of an e-newsletter that I receive from time to time from Peacemaker Ministries which is an outstanding ministry aiding believers to resolve conflict biblicially. I have referenced them before, but I wanted to do so again, as I have personally found their material, especially the book, Peacemaker by Ken Sande, expremely helpful.

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Peacemaking Q & A

Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brotherhas something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24

If you learn that someone has something against you, God wants you to take the initiative in seeking peace - even if you do not believe you have done anything wrong.

Food for Thought
Q: What if I had no idea that I had offended Jim?

A: If you had no idea, then you're not responsible. But if you learn or overhear or even get a vague sense that things aren't quite right between you and Jim, then you are responsible.

Q: So I'm responsible to do what? Talk with Jim? Confront him? What?

A: We must remember that taking the initiative always has a goal - seeking peace. Peacemaking may begin with conversation and progress to confrontation. Then again, it may involve extending kind words or clarifying hurt feelings. There are many different facets, but the gem is called making peace. And the first step is to "go."

Q: But what if I haven't done anything wrong to Jim? To take the initiative seems so counter-intuitive.

A: It's all a matter of obedience. The heart of the matter is not, "Were you right or wrong?" but "Will you be obedient?" God asks you to take the initiative in seeking peace. Yes, it may feel counter-intuitive, but the ways that seem right to us oftentimes lead to death. God's ways lead to life. It's not just because He said so. It's because He loves us so.

After 16 years I STILL can't believe I got to marry Anna!

Last Friday, my beautiful bride and I had a wonderful time recounting 16 years of God's grace in our lives. Proverbs 18:22 says, "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord." In Anna, I have, by God's grace found a tremendously "good thing"! What a blessing she is!

Sovereign Grace Ministries graciously gave us a gift for our marriage anniversary so we were able to go out and splurge at this incredible restaurant. What a blessing men like C.J., Steve, Brent, Dave and Pat are! We are so blessed to be serving in this family of churches!

I wanted to pass on this unashamed date night hint...If you are looking for an idea for a "Big Night Out" check out "The Melting Pot" on the Plaza. It is pricey, but worth every penny! The atmosphere is very quiet and peaceful. And because it was our anniversary, they gave us private tables for two down a back hallway called "Lovers Lane." The food is incredible, but expect to make it an entire evening, because it is about a 3 hour dining experience. Wonderful place, we highly recommend it! Also, you have to make reservations! Here is a link to their website that offers directions as well as a copy of their menu. Go and have a great time! http://www.meltingpot.com/KansasCitymo/home.html