Of interest this week (at least to me)

I’ve long been blessed by the ministry of Pastor John Piper through Desiring God. Next to my Bible, his ministry has impacted me more than that of any other Christian teacher, living or dead. My wife and I are so committed to seeing his ministry there flourish that we support it monthly (and would encourage you to do so, too, if you’re able).

This video is from his podcast and Youtube channel, “Ask Pastor John.”

I’m including it here because I get lots of question sabout discerning a “call” to ministry and felt this is the best treatment of the subject that I’ve seen yet. I hope it’s helpful to you.

Resources you can use

https://SettingCaptivesFree.com

PORN

It’s one of the most frequent sin issues I’m asked about. It’s one of hte most common addictions people ask for prayer about.

It’s real.

The folks at Setting Captives Free have created one of the best biblically based curriculums to help you address your porn problem, by getting clear and solid on the power of a superior affection for Jesus.

I don’t think the SCF folks say it that way, but that’s what they mean. When you love Jesus and are “addicted” to Him, you have the REAL THING and nothing else will compare.

The best part about the SCF website and resources is that it’s entirely free. You can sign up for the course, choose to have an online accountability partner (or not), and go day by day through the scripture-soaked curriculum.

If you’ve got a porn problem and are willing to commit yourself to learning and applying this program (sounds kind of Jason Bourne-ish, but it’s not), you will experiencing increasing levels of freedom from porn.

By the way, there are also alcohol, eating, etc. programs as well. And books.

What I’m reading

Most Christians have at least heard of “The Chronicles of Naria” by C.S Lewis. It’s must-read fiction for young believers. Lewis masterfully crafted an alegory of Jesus in a fantasy world called Narnia.

I’ve been reading the stories to my 4 oldest grandboys when we’re together lately. I think we are half way through the 4th book in the series.

You can find the set we are using here.

What I’m listening to (podcasts, usually)

You may have heard one of the “bonus episodes” of the Morning Mindset featuring a conversation I had with Rob and Amy Rienow of Visionary Family Ministries. They are great people. (If you didn’t hear it and would like to, you can find it here).

And they have a podcast. It’s called (appropriately) “Family Vision.“

I encourage you to listen. The blurb from their podcast is the following…

Dr. Rob and Amy Rienow provide practical, encouraging, and real conversations about faith and family. Each episode will give you hope and encouragement to grow in your faith and strengthen your family. Family Vision is the podcast ministry of Visionary Family Ministries.

Imagine the impact if an Elder’s wife did not share his desire to shepherd God’s people. Emergency needs among the church family might become areas of resentment for the wife. She could begin to feel that the needs of their family are not as important to her husband as the needs of the church family. He would not have the much-needed and vitally important resource of a godly, female perspective from which to gain additional wisdom for his role. His own home may suffer from lack of a united, Spirit-filled effort in directing their family toward God’s glory and will in all things. There is a sense in which one could say that an Elder’s wife must have a calling to be the supportive partner and helper to her Elder-husband that God intends for her to be. A man considering the role and calling of Elder must take time to honestly evaluate this issue alongside his wife.

From “The Elder Training Handbook: An assessment and training tool for the church“

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