This book is a must read for pastors, seminary students, and anyone contemplating ministry.  I wish I had such a copy when I began many years ago!

I have personally recommended it to men in ministry for years and those young pastors who are  just beginning.

Paul Tripp gives insight into his personal struggles as a pastor and offers insight into the many dangers in the culture of ministry that can undermine his well-being.

The book is divided into the major sections: Part 1 Examining Pastoral Culture; Part 2 The Danger of Losing your Awe [forgetting who God is]; and Part 3 The Danger of Arrival [Forgetting who you are]

I like what James MacDonald says regarding the book. “Approach it prayerfully, and passionately and be prepared for the change God will make in your heart, life,and ministry.”

Please read it and be personally blessed  as well as  your family and church.

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To me the intriguing title is an oxymoron, what can be glorious suffering ruin physically, financially, etc?

The sub title in how suffering sets you free.

Biblical author Elyse Fitzpatrick rightly describes this as cross-centered theology of suffering in contrast to the theologians of glory.[See her book written with Dr Dennis Jonson Counsel from the Cross]

Let me explain: this book came as the result of his sermons on Job, because those sermons were the most requested.   Because of the encouragement by his listeners, who said the sermons helped them to be freed from bitterness, anger, and despair, he wrote this book

His book is divided into 3 main sections: the Realty of Suffering [3 chapters]; Confronting Suffering [2 chapters] and Saved by Suffering [3 chapters].

In his conclusion on page 192 in the first full paragraph he describes the uniqueness and heart of his writing. Please read and consider.

Finally on page 197 he concludes as the Apostle Paul has written “to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  In the light of the cross, suffering and death are more than inevitable they are good. Now that’s what I call freedom.  Indeed, that’s what I call gospel-soaked liberation..”

The challenge for us is to suffer whatever, even if not liberated, and be encouraged by the intimacy with the ever-present, caring shepherd of our souls.

I have just returned from a great vacation in Maine at a cabin near Lake Rangeley where I read this entire book.  “He states what every heart longs for and every chuch can be.

The book of 320 pages has been highly recommended by evangelical leaders like Bill Hybels Mark Driscoll.NANC leaders like  Paul David Tripp and Steve Viars.

Each chapter begins with “Say It in a sentence“so looking at tne beginning each of the 8 chapters gives you what it is about. For example Chapter One “Deep in the soul of every human being is a longing for transcendence created within us by God Himself.

Another uniques feature are Vertical Profiles of  vertical churches across the world.

One other feature s that at the end of each chapter is Discover More Online with video on a website.

In his book he contrasts Horozontal Churches with Vertical ones.

In summary, Dr MacDonald states that we need to discover the things God has designed and given us to welcome His glory and provoke His manifest presence.

Pastors, be prepaed for change!

Timothy Keller and his wife Kathy have produced an unusual book dealing with marriage.  As you may know Timothy is a pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City that has more than 5000 regular Sunday attenders. One point of interest for me is that he has read all of C.S.Lewis works and refers to him frequently.  From my Reading List you can see I have read several of Tim’s books.

Why is this an unusual book of marriage? First it was written in collaboration with his wife Kathy [She wrote Chapter Six, Embracing the Other].

Second, is his scholarly critique to not accept terminology like “soul mate.” as “a perfectly compatible match.” This book came out of the need to instruct his nearly 3000 singles on marriage principles in a nine week series of sermons based on Ephesians 5:18-33. Be prepared to find interpretations with his in-depth approach.

Third, I have applied the words of David Powlison from the Biblical Journal #1 to Timothy’ s style or writing “he can put familiar truths into unfamiliar words pointing out unexpected implications.” See chapter 5 “Loving the Stranger” who is your spouse.

This 240 page book has an appendix that describes Tim and Kathy’s principles of Decision Making and Gender Roles that I have never seen in other books on marriage.

Additional Notes comprise pages 245-279.  I like to read end notes and I have found some additional good material enriching each of the chapter subjects.

All in all a must read for those willing to explore their marriage.

For years I have used The Journal of Biblical Counseling on CD-ROM 1977-2005. It has been valuable part of my toolbox. I highly recommend that you purchase a copy from CCEF.ORG.

Now CCEF has produced in 2012 an updated and improved new journal free online or you can purchase a reasonable copy for your kindle or a  printed copy.  It includes Featured Articles, A Counselor’s Toolbox, Lives in Process and Book Reviews.

My brief review of Volume 26 Number  1.  I highly recommend it.  Dr Powlison discusses the goals of the Journal  under six items [pp 2-10]. He also give an excellent encouragement to the Pastor as a Counselor [pp 23- 39]. If you want to know about Meds Dr Mike Emlet MD gives a great description to help us a counselors.   One area for help is Julie Lowes’ description of the Relationship Assessment Activity to get the best information from children and teens.  She also has a book view of sexual predators.

My review of Volume Number 2:  This has 70 pages including articles on Godly Intoxication dealing with unique study of addiction of various kinds highlighting be benefits of a church community; What’s Right about Sex reminds us and celebrates the fact that we were made for intimacy; How Does Scripture Change You  gives stories of personal struggles pointing out that change rarely comes by a pat answer or quick fix; Evaluating a Person with Suicidal Desires presents a great list of risk factors, etc; What to say to a Teenager in Crisis is great and I recently gave a copy to parents or a teen; the journal continues the format mentioned above in Issue 26.

My review of Volume Number 3:

CCEF is to be commended for graciously producing a scholarly, yet useful tool to help biblical counselors.

Featured articles are by David Powlison;  one on “moderate makeovers” and one on redeeming psychology;Edward Welsh has two: one to counselors on feeling inadequate, Sam Williams on counselors as missionaries and Aaron Sinori on forgiveness. In the section on Counselors’ Toolbox has a great article on counseling non-Christian. and one I have used in counseling by Paul David Tripp on Lost in the Middle of your Life.  There are also other features on lives in process and book reviews.

This last book of the Evangelist was written in his nineties caught my eye since I am 76+ and am closer to Heaven than I was!  The book is well done and covers every aspect of old age.  In fact, Graham says the book is not just for older people but”for people at every stage of life.”

He goes on to challenge us to “Explore with him not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment and even joy that can be ours since we learn to look at these years from God’s point of view and discover His strength to sustain us every day.”

These ten chapters of this 180 page book not only covers every facet of growing older but I like the way he shares his personal journey with his wife Ruth who is already “home.”

I highly recommend it.  You will be blessed and perhaps you can pass it on to someone who is discouraged.

Paul David Tripp has written a great book on marriage. Sub title Redeeming the realities  of marriage. It covers six commitments with two chapters per Commitment. The commitments include confession & forgiveness, daily growth and change, building a sturdy bond of trust, building a  relationship of love,  dealing with differences & appreciation with grace, and working to protect your marriage.

In my counseling ministry I have worked through the book several times and am now in the process of helping my client couples to go through chapter by chapter using a simple study outline to rebuild their marriages.  I highly recommend it because I have seen dramatic change happen.

This is the best book I have ever read on the subject. In fact, I have given one to my four adult sons and three son-in-laws.  I highly recommedn it for a men’s small group in churches.  I have also used in it my counseling ministry since many men seem to be confused on their role. It can be a mentoring tool for a dad with his son.

I was asked to teach it to a Titus Two group in the church where I lead their Faith House counseling ministry.

http://www.newsongfellowship.net

Topics include: christrian masculinity, leadership  in marriage, decision-making and an appendix on the enemy of biblical manhood: lust. Stuart Scott has accompised this in only112 pages. I have found that this is a plus for men who for the most part do not like to read.  

www.focuspublishing.com will sell them in  lots of six for half price!

My reading of this book was more than just a search for information, I began my biblical counseling journey in 1997 in Philadelphia while the senior pastor of Burholme Baptist Church in Philly.  I began taking courses at CCEF under Jay Adams and others.  I remember his quote about why he did not wear a tie becuase “that is why men die younger than women die from choking  Fast forward to 2009 when I attended his retirement in Spartanbutg SC at the NANC Conference.  When we were offered an opportunity to have  a picture taken with Jay I went wearing a tie and now in my library/prayer room is a photo of me and Jay with him seeking to pull my tie off.. 

This book by David Powlison is a must read for anyone in the counseling field including  pastors, associates and elders.  This 331 page book covers from 1960 into the present.  Powlison chronicles the first comprehensive inside book on its history and presents to the reader an honest critique.  He  challenges biblical counselors and prospective newcomers.

As I read through the  book, it occured to me that much of what I reading was part of my history.  “I was there” when Jay taught us,  “I was there”  when mentored by John Bettler in my NANC certification,  I heard John Broger’s Self Confrontation studies.  In fact, I even taught his material in one of my churches.to laymen and women. “I was there” and attended back when Bill Goode led us in NANC Conference in Layfeyette IN.  “I was there” attending CCEF Conferences to sharpen my skills with courses taught by Paul David Tripp and Tim Lane in Helping People Change and Changing Hearts Changing Lives  by Paul David Tripp and David Powlison, Ed Welsh on Fear: Running Scared abd even a David Powlison seminar on Death and Dying.

So still counseling at 76 all this biblical preparation has blessed me and I encourage you to continue to become a life-long learner in a ministry of helping hurting hearts.

Why not lookup www.CCEForg for more information or www.NANC.org

Also see te Journal of Biblical counseling on CD-Rom 1997-2005 and the new online Journal from CCEF.