Spurgeon’s Treasury of David

My wife recently asked me which was the best Christmas present I got in 2021. The answer is Spurgeon’s Treasury of David. It is a three book commentary set on the Psalms written by Charles Spurgeon. In this post I want to explain why I love this set so much and then outline how I …

The Favour of Man

"The focus is not Joseph's winsome personality, but on God." - John Piper (Providence, pg 386-7) "The LORD...gave [Joseph] favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison" - Genesis 39:21 In my reading of the story of Joseph (and with similar characters such as Daniel) who gained the favour and recognition of those …

Six Leadership Lessons (Part 3): Sense of Destiny and Lifetime Perspective

The first two lessons were 1) maintaining a learning posture throughout life and 2) valuing spiritual authority as a primary power base. The next two lessons were 3) recognising the importance of leadership selection and development and 4) maintaining a dynamic ministry philosophy. This week we finish looking at Clinton's six leadership lessons. 5) Effective …

Six Leadership Lessons (Part 2): Training Others and Maintaining a Dynamic Ministry Philosophy

The previous two lessons were 1) maintaining a learning posture throughout life and 2) valuing spiritual authority as a primary power base. We continue now looking at Bobby Clinton's six leadership lessons which seem to appear consistently throughout the lives of many Christian leaders. 3) Effective leaders recognise leadership selection and development as a primary …

Should I be afraid?

There is a lot of talk in Christianity about fear. In fact one of the most repeated commands in the Bible is ‘do not fear’ or ‘do not be afraid’. Paul writes to Timothy, explaining to him that ‘God did not give you a spirit of fear!’, therefore do not be afraid! How then do …

Personal Growth and Study Projects

Over the last few years I’ve undertaken a few self-initiated study and personal development projects. A couple of examples: - Working through Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology book, taking notes and reflecting on the questions for each chapter. - Taking an online course at Biola Learn on Spiritual Formation and reading through Robert Mullholland’s books all …

The 5am Club

Recently went on holiday with some childhood friends to Wales, and decided I’d sneak in a cheap kindle read. Indulging in a cheesy “self-help” book, one I didn’t have to take too seriously and one that would require very little changes in my life (I already wake at 5 most days). But at the same …

Carrot and Stick Discipleship

One of my all time favourite writers and speakers is a man called Simon Sinek. I’ve read his three books: Start with Why, Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game , several times now. What I like about him and his messages so much is a story for another blog! What I want to talk …

Mentored by Authors

Anyone who has been around this blog for long enough will know that I love to read. But from March 2020 up until now, I have deliberately taken a few steps back from reading "Christian" books. (Don't get me wrong, I've read a few!) But, relatively speaking, I cut back a significant chunk. Why? Well, …