Persevere

Often we fail to persevere when there is no longer any hope. One thing that leads to lack of hope is the failure to wait upon God and get His perspective. Often I have resolved to give up an go m way on something. Then God intervenes and turns my sorrow to joy. Romans 8 is quite applicable here. I some times joke that God's hobby is proving me wrong.

Another reason akin to this method of loosing hope is that we put our values in the wrong place. I highly recommend The Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson, Soli Deo Glori Publications. It is a puritan writing, but very readable. It ought to be the first book read by anyone trying to get out of debt.

Watson has a great way of drawing us upward to look upon things from a God centered view. Perhaps this ought to be one of those annual reads that keep us in proper perspective.

Persevere

It seems to be we are too often awed by our problems, rather than awed by God.

Remember, the Bible is a book not about personalities and how to's, it is a revelation of an almighty God whom overcomes the world. Take this perspective when making decisions.

Help, I want to quit.

What do you do when you need help?
Pride says, "work it our yourself". It also whispers "What will people think of you if you admit you really can't do it all?"

But Christ says "Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, I will give you rest.

The command in John 15 is to abide in Him, not do it on our own. It glorifies God to seek Him out rather than self help.

I was reminded of these things today. Last night I was up till 3:00am and again up at 5:30, all in order to fix of all things a computer. Now it is befuddling my brain and my time with God. I was more Martha than Mary. Thus I find myself loopy and dizzy. I lack sleep. I am also feeling defeated. These are never good for a pastor. When we are physically weak we are easy to fall to spiritually weak. So in this, God prompted me to seek prayer. I sent out a blurb and God encouraged me through two praying women.

Pastor, minister, deacon, Christian, God gave us the body of believer to work together. It is self, or idolatry to do it all on your own. When you are weak call out for help. I have always been well refreshed by those whom God puts in the church for prayer. If you are struggling in ministry seek out those God abiding persons of prayer. Have them pray.

I hope to return tomorrow with another point to post on perseverance.

What is on My iPod

At Christmas I wound up with an Ipod touch. I say wound up with it as its arrival came by a variety of means converging at the right moment. So it is now about six months into the mainstream of my daily routine, and I must say I welcome the technology.

I am usually found about once a week downloading new apps for testing and use. Often I only get the free ones. Most become bore some to me after a while, some only last minutes. Others though have proven to be worth the money I have invested. So without further rambling, Here is a list of what you may find on my iPod.

Mobicip, this browser has replaced Safari for me, and my kids. It is an internet filter that you can customize and require a report sent covering all its use. I highly recommend it for personal integrity.

ESV Bible- Wow the ESV and its free. It also has the functionality to add personal notes. This is a real must have.

RTS Seminary- I have been using this app to learn the Westminster Shorter catechism. Great app.

Accuweather- Ever since The Weather Chanel fired some of my favorite hosts it seems their quality has gone done. (I still like Jim Cantore and Mike Sidel) Their app shows it too. But Accuweather has a great app. I love how it gives me the hourly, radar, and 15 day forecast. Even better is how they incorporate "real feel" in thier reporting.

Facebook- It is a must have.

Onplace.com- I enjoy being able to quickly access some of the better preachers, John MacArthur and Alistair Begg.

GF Card- this card is a winner. I have Celiac Disease. This card explains my condition to servers at restaurants with ease, all in about 40+ languages.

For Games I really enjoy...
Unblock Me- It causes me to think. The relax mode is unwinding.

For Relaxing I enjoy Sleep Machine and Ambiance. For differing reasons I can can choose which app of sounds to sleep to. I paid for the full versions and do not regret it.

Podacsts-
Personally I get a lot of use out of Desiring God, Renewing YOur Mind, and The White Horse Inn.

I hope to periodically come back and update this entry. AS I learn more I discover more and more useful nuances for my Ipod. I would welcome any that you wish to share.