Book Recommendation from a Pastor
“When Sinners Say ‘I Do’” by Dave Havey
Recommendation by Pastor Wayne Hu
One of the books that I regularly recommend to married couples is the book, “When Sinners Say ‘I Do’” by Dave Harvey. This book was given to me by one of my groomsmen as a gift on our wedding day 12 years ago and I still regularly go back to it to remind myself of how much I need the gospel in my marriage.
This book is very honest about sin and very hopeful about the amazing resources of God’s grace in Jesus Christ. It reminds me that I am the biggest problem in my marriage and that Jesus is the only solution. With practical applications of the gospel in everyday life, this resource encourages me not to rely upon my own strength or wisdom but to look to the Cross and be empowered by grace as I seek to move towards Mel in times of conflict or disappointment.
Here are some quotes from the book:
- “The gospel is an endless fountain of God’s grace in your marriage… To be able to look forward to a lifelong, thriving marriage, you must have a clear understanding of the gospel. Without it, you cannot see God, yourself, or your marriage for what they truly are” (25).
- “Once I find 1 Timothy 1:15-16 trustworthy — once I can embrace it with full acceptance — once I know that I am indeed the worst of sinners, then my spouse is no longer my biggest problem: I am. And when I find myself walking in the shoes of the worst of sinners, I will make every effort to grant my spouse the same lavish grace that God has granted me” (41).
- “Your spouse was a strategic choice made by a wise and loving God. Selected by him, for you, from the beginning of the world, your spouse is an essential part of God’s rescue mission for your life” (71).
Articles
Ministry Belongs to the Members: How God Uses Ordinary Saints
In light of this past Sunday’s sermon, this article reinforces how the joy of ministry belongs to the members of the church. While this is a unique season, our calling and privilege as the church is still the same.
Part of serving is committing yourself to the church. Our church is having membership classes for those who want to formally commit to Lighthouse as their spiritual family. This article provides worthy considerations.
As we serve in the church or work in our jobs, let us be watchful of how the fear of man can creep into our motivations and shapes our behaviors. The way to combat this vice is to elevate God to His proper place.
The Back-to-School Supplies Parents Need
For most, school is back, which means the hustle and bustle of getting kids ready. One of the best ways parents can be prepared is by checking our hearts and deliberating over how we can leverage the new challenges of this school year.
Suffering and the Joy before Us
When we suffer, God wants us to turn to Him. In our times of need, God desires to show us His sufficiency. Trust in the truth of God’s Word until it strengthens you to endure knowing God is doing something good.
Humble Prayer Under Humbling Providences
Pray. One of the clear lessons of 2020 is to be a people of prayer. There is probably no ministry that is as accessible and as powerful as when we cry out to our omnipotent and caring Father.
Music
You Keep On Getting Better (feat. Majesty Rose)
Sometimes we need to awaken our souls to unchanging truths. From morning until evening, let us never forget the goodness of God.
Consider the Stars / Is He Worthy?
In preparation for their new album, Keith & Kristyn Getty tease with a couple of songs. “Consider the Stars” has us look to God’s relentless faithfulness to keep His promises and how this comforts us in difficult times.
Another live video put out by Austin Stone Worship. Here’s one that exhorts us to render worship to our Holy God.
Miscellaneous
The Book of Hebrews with Dr. Michael J. Kruger
Bored out of your mind? Interested in the book of Hebrews, but intimidated by it? Dr. Michael J. Kruger of RTS provides study notes to help you plumb the richness of this treasured epistle.
How to Prioritize Family Discipleship
In promotion of a new book, this interview discusses some of the key lessons in shaping the lives within your household. Whether we realize it or not, we are always discipling each other; it’s just a matter of how and what.
Poems can strike us in a way prose can’t. This one expresses the struggle as we learn to navigate through the hardships of life and sin while clinging to God.
Sometimes we need to consider the glories of God’s creation to be amazed at the glory of the Creator. This interesting video project has us look at the life cycle of a butterfly and the marvelous design of our God.
