Just uploaded a new podcast at growthhelps.com.  Today’s topic is the SOAP devotional method.  Check it out here.

We also finished the resources section with a weekly devotional, recommended reading and online study helps.  Check these out here.

A couple of Sundays ago, Josh and I, went to hike our favorite trail.  Since moving last year, we have been able to hike a few trails, but our favorite is Shaddox Hollow.  It is a good rigorous hike with beautiful scenery.  It was absolutely incredible to see the changing of the colors out in the woods. 

We just uploaded the newest podcast at growthhelps.com.  Today’s topic is the challenges of prayer.  Namely it is a discussion of the condemnation we feel for not praying enough as well as some of the distractions we face when it comes to prayer.

Check it out here.  Let me know if these podcasts are helpful to you.

Yesterday we began a 7 day fast.  The focus of this fast is to seek God for His miraculous power.  “These things come by prayer and fasting”, Jesus said.  So on  day two of the fast I just wanted to share a few thoughts:

1.  Fasting helps you overcome your flesh in order to tune into the Spirit.

2.  I read a good thought today that said, “Fasting demonstrates my PHYSICAL connection to God… Love God with all your strength.”  It is being willing to lay down your physical needs and rely on Him for strength. 

3.  The first couple of days are the toughest in fasting.  It is hard to concentrate because you are used to the food and junk.  Your body is going through withdrawals and believe it or not food has a psychological effect on you as well.  We crave certain things and our mind tells us we need it.  The first few days are spent overcoming the feelings of giving in.

4.  You never know how much you eat or how bad you eat until you fast.  You notice how often you crave the food or in my case, the candy stash in my office.  Fasting helps bring discipline to your habits.

5.  We always say that time is flying by.  I must admit, if we want to slow down time, just fast, minutes seem like hours.

6.  Fasting is something we do to discipline ourselves and draw near to God.  If you break your fast, it is not a sin.  Too often we feel condemned if we couldn’t make it and snuck a cookie.  Do your best.  God’s grace will see you through.  It is not easy and if you falter, pick up where you left off.  Don’t think it has been in vain.

7.  If you are fasting from all food, drink lots of water, it will help you feel more full.

Happy Fasting!

These set of rules are for die-hard golfers.  These are the rules from a golf club in England during World War 2.  My favorites are rules number 2 and 6.

Golfers are known for their dedication to the game—even during war times. But perhaps the most astonishing evidence of the fact is a document headed "Temporary Rules—1940—Richmond Golf Club, Sudbrook Park, England." It reads:

1. Players are asked to collect the bomb and shrapnel splinters to avoid damage to  the mowing machines.

2. In competition, during gunfire or while bombs are falling, players may take shelter without penalty for ceasing play.

3. The positions of known delayed-action bombs are marked by red flags at a reasonable, but not guaranteed, safe distance therefrom.

4. Shrapnel and/or bomb splinters on the fairways or in bunkers, within a club’s length of a ball, may be moved without penalty, and no penalty shall be incurred if a ball is thereby caused to move accidentally.

5. A ball moved by enemy action may be replaced, or if destroyed, a ball may be dropped not nearer the hole without penalty.

6. A player whose stroke is affected by the simultaneous explosion of a bomb may play another ball. Penalty, one stroke.

—Garden City, N. Y. Golf Club

When I was a sinner, I could have sworn that our pastor picked his sermons based off of how I had lived that past week.  At times I was certain my parents told him what I had been up to.  He came every week with a message prepared just for me…and I left disgusted that he had the gall to preach to me in public instead of addressing it in private.

Then, I got saved and became a pastor.  Only then, did I realize that the Holy Spirit knows what is going on in every person’s life.  Therefore, He speaks, guides and directs me in what I should preach on Sunday morning.  If I am listening to the Lord, the message will be on target.  It will hit home with someone.

The moral of the story is that God knows where you are and what you need to hear.  He will direct someone to speak into your life to meet you where you are.

I read this poem today and thought it was good:

My pastor shapes his sermons
From A to final Z

In clear and forthright language,
And aims them straight at me.

And when he gets to preaching,

I look around to see
If there might be another

Deserving more than me.

But every soul looks saintly
Their hearts to heaven turn

While I, in my conviction,
Can only sit and squirm.

You know, I often wonder
If I should miss a day;

Would he, without his target,
Have anything to say?

-Author Unknown-

I just uploaded our latest growthhelps.com podcast.  The subject is How To Use A Reference Bible.  growthhelps.com is designed to give you resources to help with your spiritual growth journey between Sundays.  I encourage you to check it out as we continue to add more free resources.

Listen to today’s podcast here.

"If the invisible God could be seen, He would look like Jesus." -I. H. Marshall-

HT: Ray Ortlund