Wisdom
Manhood On The Mind
by on Nov 17th, 2009 at 12:30 am
Greetings Gentlemen,
I thought that I would pass along more interesting articles/videos that you can access online concerning various issues of manhood.
Tullian Tchividjian - "Unriddling Our Times"
I am always a fan of articles that seek to allow the reader to make his/her own informed decision. In his blog, Pastor Tchividjian (Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church) has made the case for us to work at understanding the times in which we live. As a massive fan of history (ok, addict really), I believe that reading helps us grasp what is going on around us, especially when we couple our reading with observation. He provides a long list of resources, some that I have read and others that I have not. Nevertheless, you will have before you a map for starting the process of being culturally aware, which is a key ingredient for being able to communicate to your own culture about Christ.
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Manhood On The Mind
by on Jan 13th, 2010 at 12:04 am
Well, now that everyone has returned for the new semester, and the routines of life are regaining their pre-Christmas patterns, I thought that I would send some articles your way that have appeared in the realm of blogdom since early December. As a side note, I will try to begin each week with a “Manhood on the Mind” post so you can keep up with what is being written by other Christian leaders.
"Nothing Can Unsex Me If I Don’t Let It" from Kevin DeYoung
I have learned to look forward to Kevin DeYoung’s blog entries because they are unpredictable, authentic, and well-written. In this particular entry, he shares a story from a First Things article in which a wife and mother is coming to grips with her femaleness while her husband struggles through joblessness and being the homemaker for the family. Here is yet another practical example of the reality of our hardwiring as men and women to be more than what society is trying to make us.
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Leadership Library Spotlight
by on Jan 14th, 2010 at 11:00 pm
Book: The Book of Proverbs
Author: Robert M. Wynalda, Jr.
God knew that the Israelites would eventually reject Him as king and call for a human king of their own. In preparation for their rebellion, and in a display of His grace for such disobedience, He gave a command to Moses for these kings to follow when their reigns were established. They were each to write their own copy of the Law (Deut. 17:18-20).
The process of writing can be helpful to the retention of learning. Our brains respond amazingly to muscle memory, the pace at which we write is far slower than our typing (at least in theory), and our minds capture the word pictures that are formed as we shape each letter.
Now, without the efficiency of ink-loaded pens, Israel’s kings would have had to write at a brutally slow pace compared to what we could do today, but the value they attained in writing their own copies can still be shared by us if we were to repeat their exercises.
Therefore, even though we live in an age where we can have access to Bibles in multiple translations both on paper, on the computer, on our phones, and Kindles, maybe one of the best helps to our spiritual growth would be to write our own copies of God’s Word.
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Manhood on the Mind
by on Jan 25th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Last week was a busy one in which many redeeming items were written for our good. I have only included a small number of them so that I could save other articles for a rainy week. Here goes:
"Success Can Be Perilous" by Jon Bloom
From Desiring God Ministries
Success is a drug in our country. We are addicted to it and tragically find ourselves unfulfilled when we attain it. Jon Bloom offers this wise counsel that seems even more relevant for young men at the beginning of careers.
"Mugged by Ultrasound" by David Daleiden and Jon A. Shields
From The Weekly Standard
Doctors and assistants in abortion clinics are finding themselves increasingly burdened and convicted by the combination of pre-natal murder and technology. Ultrasound technology allows them to see the damage they render these unborn humans, and such vision is leading some to change their minds on the issue. This article by Daleiden and Shields informs us of what is happening.
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Manhood on the Mind
by on Feb 1st, 2010 at 12:01 am
Gentlemen, I hope that your week will prove fruitful for you and those who fall within your sphere of influence. Run hard for Jesus and consider the thoughts below:
The Shack: The Missing Art of Evangelical Discernment by Albert Mohler
Here is yet another example of why we need to operate with wisdom, especially when God is employed in a person’s storyline.
Air Conditioning Hell: How Liberalism Happens by Albert Mohler
Neutering accountability from the Christian life destroys the need for repentance. Our human natures resist the concept of hell because, ironically, our sense of justice despises such judgment. Yet, the fact remains that this doctrine, more than any other, has contributed to the establishment of cults in America, and liberal theology has taken the bait too.
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Manhood on the Mind
by on Feb 8th, 2010 at 12:01 am
Ok, so the Super Bowl is over, and now our uber-consumeristic culture will set its mind toward who will win next year (of course, this follows all of the “I-told-you-so” articles from sports critics).
Hopefully for us, life has not been severely derailed by a game. Here are some articles from the past week that, I hope, will draw your focus in profitable places.
“Getting Your Eyes Off the Other Guy” by Doug Wilson
Never underestimate the deceitfulness of sin and its ability bring harm to others.
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Manhood on the Mind
by on Feb 15th, 2010 at 2:32 am
Gentlemen, I hope that this week is full of character-growing opportunities. Here are some articles that can stir your heart and challenge your mind.
“Where are the Young Men” by Albert Mohler
The number of female students entering undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate education programs has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. This trend is a good thing. However, the male population is dropping and Al Mohler inquires as to why this is the case.
“When God’s Direction Comes through Correction” by Jon Bloom
Oh for holy friends who can deliver faithful wounds...
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Manhood on the Mind
by on Feb 22nd, 2010 at 1:58 am
Spring break is one week away for me. I’m looking forward to visiting with my mother, extended family, and my brother’s family. I’m also looking forward to going south where it (hopefully) is warmer and the southern charm is available even for Yankees such as myself. Not every moment will be light and easy. My grandfather, a hero of this country and in my own life, is not faring well, and I am preparing to speak with him for what might very well be the last time. Pray that I can learn one last lesson from him and honor someone to whom honor is due.
“The Critical Spirit” by Douglas Wilson
Just a thought for us as we embark on another week.
“Did He Get Married Too Young” by Albert Mohler
Dr. Albert Mohler offers an interesting review of David Lapp’s article on marriage and youth. What do you think of the issue?
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As You Prepare For Another Year Of School, pt. 1
by on Aug 23rd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
The summer break has come to a close and while I think we all, to some degree, mourn its passing, we still find that the excitement and promise of a new school year is something to savor.
Some of you are starting the grand adventure of college. You have left home for the first time. The hope of expanding your mind is strong. If you are anything like I was at the beginning of my freshmen year, there is also a sense of fear that accompanies such hope. Can you handle the academic demands of college courses? Did you pick the right major? Is it really possible that you will make a new circle of friends that will most likely cause your friendships from home to pale in comparison?
The rest of you are returning to resume your academic pursuits. The questions of freshmen year are, for the most part, answered and now new ones are upon you. What orgs and extra-curricular activities will you join? Are you meeting your academic goals? What are you going to do when you graduate? Are you going to graduate?
Regardless of your situation, the beginning of the school year is the best time to consider education as a whole. You are not yet encumbered with homework, exams, social activities, and other responsibilities that always seem to increase as the year continues. Now is the time to think about what education is and how it can best be utilized. Here are just a few thoughts to help you approach the school year with a purpose:
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As You Prepare For Another Year Of School, pt. 2
by on Aug 24th, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Here are a few more pieces of advice to help you make the most of your time in school:
CHOOSE TO TAKE STRATEGIC BREAKS
When I was in college, I made the mistake of thinking that I would somehow be able to rest after all of my obligations in and out of class were satisfied. This thinking actually didn’t affect me too negatively in college because I was young and wired to be a workaholic. It was after I graduated and entered a world that always seemed to pile on more work that I learned the value of strategic rest.
I know that I mentioned earlier the need for students to embrace the stress of college. However, one way to manage stress is to get adequate rest. God did not design us to operate over long periods of time without a good amount of sleep, food, and community. Denying yourself any of these elements too often will result in a breakdown of your health and academic performance. You will also be denying yourself the opportunity to enjoy a life of trust in God’s provision for work.
Make a determination to set aside times of study and times of rest. As a seminary student, I made a commitment to do no work on Sundays and to strive to complete all work by Saturdays. Yes, weekdays and nights were really long on some occasions, but having time to recuperate was crucial for succeeding in actually learning something (and not just finishing work).