Christian Life

During Randy’s visit to First Baptist Church in Leesburg Florida, he spoke with Pastor Cliff Lea in a question-and-answer session. They talk about grief, Heaven, if we can know when the Lord is going to return, and more.

Randy visited First Baptist Church in Leesburg, Florida, where he spoke on the subject of heavenly treasure: “You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” He talked about having a right perspective on the things that God has entrusted to us, as well as the joy to be found in giving.

One of our staff recently sent me this Twitter thread, from a pastor named Michael Clary, who serves at Christ the King Church in Cincinnati, Ohio. His words are powerful. What he shares reminds me of this warning from J.C. Ryle: “Let us watch against pride in every shape—pride of intellect, pride of wealth, pride of our own goodness.”

Feeling depressed after such a heartbreaking loss is a normal reaction to the abnormal reality of death in our cursed world. It is one of several stages you may pass through on your way through the “valley of dark shadows.” Learning to lean on your Good Shepherd’s arm through this valley (which, contrary to your current feelings does have an end) will go far in helping you bear your pain. Below, you’ll find several resources that may be a helpful starting point for you.

Please keep reminding yourself, God loves you and yours even more than you are capable of and is no doubt working in their hearts and lives. And if you are praying diligently for them, you truly are doing everything you can for them.

God is the Almighty Judge who brings one person down while exalting another with purposes and timing that only He understands. His creatures may respond to His mysterious ways with bitterness, indifference, or praise. Given these alternatives, I choose praise.

D.L. Moody wisely said, “Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at something that doesn't really matter.” As Chad Bird explains in this article, we need not be afraid of living an ordinary, normal, quiet life. Rather, we should fear building our lives around ambition and success, pursuing things that won’t matter eternally.

Someone asked me, “How do busy people set aside time to rest, reflect, and recharge?” Here are some thoughts about the importance of setting priorities, and saying no even to good things in order to do what’s most important.

Nanci and I spoke at our church’s young moms group a number of times, and she was always great. One of the questions we answered when we spoke in 2014 was, “How can I escape the cycle of discontentment? What are some practical ways to stop this cycle?”

Scripture says Christ must become greater, and we must become less. Does our becoming less make Him greater? Of course not. Can our becoming less show Him to be greater? Yes. Hope you enjoy these profound thoughts on humility from J.I. Packer, one of my favorite writers and people.