Deus Misereatur

The following is a letter I recently sent to a Christian woman who was concerned about how, and if, to approach the subject of dying with a close family member who may be nearing death in the next year or so. This is advice, or spiritual counsel, for a Christian wanting to talk with a fellow believer. {I have also visited with others who were Buddhists, Muslims, and rank non-religionists as they neared death. For them, my advice would be similar, but with some marked differences that are not listed below. I may save that for another post.} --------- Dear Sister, After thinking over our conversation, I have put together some thoughts that may be helpful with regard to talking with a loved one about death and dying. 1. As you know, we see God Himself kindly informing people of their approaching death. One of the most notable examples is King Hezekiah (2 Kings 20.1). Most of the time we cringe away from the topic and seek to sugar coat the whole affair, deceiving ourselves (the s...

If you are a Christian who has been faithfully engaging in the corporate worship of God, then hopefully, over the years, you have noticed that much of our religion, much of Christianity is external. The Spirit uses outside-of-us things to bring us into fellowship with Christ. Just think about the Gospel. It is a verbum ex auditu (an external word), that comes to us by another who is outside us, and it confronts and comforts us from the outside. As Paul says: “Faith comes by hearing; & hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10.17). Similarly, think of Baptism or the Lord’s Supper. They also are outside things that God pours out onto us as well. None of this is a mistake, meaningless, or useless ritualistic rigmarole. God intentionally, purposefully establishes creaturely things to aid and guide His human creatures. To disdain the physical, creaturely rites for some form of “superior spirituality” is to slide, whether subtly or seriously, into the anti-cosmic, anti-creation, anti-hi...

Here is a link to take you to a new review of my book, "Gnostic Trends in the Local Church". It's over at the Colson Center.  Gnostic Trends in the Local Church Mike

“O my Lord, Let not my ministry be approved only by men, or merely win the esteem and affections of people; But do the work of grace in their hearts, call in Your elect, seal and edify the regenerate ones, and command eternal blessings on their souls. Save me from self-opinion and self-seeking; Water the hearts of those who hear Your Word, that seed sown in weakness may be raised in power; Cause me and those that hear me to behold You here in the light of special faith, and hereafter in the blaze of endless glory; Make my every sermon a means of grace to myself, and help me to experience the power  of Your dying love, for Your blood is balm, Your presence bliss, Your smile heaven, Your cross the place where truth and mercy meet. Look upon the doubts and discouragements of my ministry and keep me from self-importance; I beg pardon for my many sins, omissions, infirmities, as a man, as a minister; Command Your blessing on my weak, unworthy labours, and on the message of salvation g...

In following a long and ancient tradition  [for example, the old 1552 Book of Common Prayer's Admonition before Communion ]  that flows back to 1 Corinthians 11.17-34, we Presbyterians “fence” the table every time we have the Lord’s Supper. Below is an example of something I will say this Lord’s Day. It may cause some to shudder, some to jerk back repulsed; but I would encourage all to stop and ponder. ------ “And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2.16-17). God set before Adam and Eve two ways, and which way did our fore-parents go? 3.11-13 says they ate of the forbidden food. Eating is a refreshing, satisfying act of obedience; or eating is a smothering, life-depriving act of disbelief. The crucial point is, do you feast at God’s command, or in outright disobedience to His command? Do ...

One of the certainties is that Sunday is coming. And once again we Christians will be assembling in the name of the Lord to worship God Most High. Our task on that day will amount to one of two choices. First, we are to come with a deep delight and satisfaction with the knowledge that God is God, and we aren’t. That He is the beginning and the end, the one who speaks and it comes to pass, who turns the hearts of kings, prime ministers and presidents whichever way He chooses, and who upholds the fallen, heals the broken, and restors life to the dead. That God is God and we aren’t should be sweet drink to our thirsty souls; a cool, refreshing breeze to tame our hot heads; a satisfying morsel to fill us full with everlasting delights! “O taste & see that the LORD is good. How blessed is the man the trusts in Him” (Psalm 34.8) The second honest, and godly, option is to come realizing that we DON’T possess this delight. That we are about to offer prayerless prayers and praisesless ...

Simply put: "Cruciform: Living the Cross Shaped Life" by Jimmy Davis, is a good little book. The 107 page, 8 chapter paperback is filled with Christ-focused encouragement and guidance. Everything from How to rightly perceive ourselves, others, God and creation, to the "why" of pursuing "Spiritual Disciplines". It makes for a wonderful Sabbath read, and if you purchased copies of this inexpensive book for each member of your immediate family (say, age 12 & up) it would be a worthwhile devotional for family worship. I recommend it for any and all. You can purchase the book here: https://www.cruciformpress.com/product/cruciform/ Mike