Comments for Grace Dependent http://gracedependent.com The thoughts & musings of Pastor Mark Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:45:40 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ Comment on God’s Healing for Life’s Losses by Dr. Bob Kellemen-review by Boomer Brown http://gracedependent.com/2010/06/09/gods-healing-for-lifes-losses-by-dr-bob-kellemen-review/#comment-863 Boomer Brown Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:45:40 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2224#comment-863 I have experienced lots of losses. I have been unemployed for 17 months. I have used all my income, savings, and retirement. I work three jobs and bring home 1/3 the income I once made. I look every week for employment but receive more rejection letters. My father is dying of COPD and because of my income situation I can't be there for him or my mother. I graduated from seminar in 1990, served as a missionary pastor for 4 years. My wife and I experienced painful disappointments in ministry and left full-time ministry in 1994. I have tried to return to ministry but churches can't look beyond the gap. Yet, in the middle of these losses, I trust God. My faith and hope is in Him. He does meet our needs and He is there. I could get bitter (and have been) but I chose to become better "In Christ". I would like a copy of the book because I can't buy one but I know it would be an encouragement to us (my wife and I) and be used to ministry to others who have experienced loss. God is faithful and His Word is true. We are growing “In Him” and He will be glorified as we continue to live “In Him.” I have experienced lots of losses. I have been unemployed for 17 months. I have used all my income, savings, and retirement. I work three jobs and bring home 1/3 the income I once made. I look every week for employment but receive more rejection letters. My father is dying of COPD and because of my income situation I can’t be there for him or my mother. I graduated from seminar in 1990, served as a missionary pastor for 4 years. My wife and I experienced painful disappointments in ministry and left full-time ministry in 1994. I have tried to return to ministry but churches can’t look beyond the gap. Yet, in the middle of these losses, I trust God. My faith and hope is in Him. He does meet our needs and He is there. I could get bitter (and have been) but I chose to become better “In Christ”. I would like a copy of the book because I can’t buy one but I know it would be an encouragement to us (my wife and I) and be used to ministry to others who have experienced loss. God is faithful and His Word is true. We are growing “In Him” and He will be glorified as we continue to live “In Him.”

]]> Comment on About the Author by Jim Hughes http://gracedependent.com/about/#comment-847 Jim Hughes Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:47:23 +0000 #comment-847 Just a note to introduce you to my book, C Through Marriage. Written primarily to the Christian community, it is a useful resource for pastors, counselors, group leaders, and struggling couples. You may preview it at Amazon books.com and it is available through most Christian book outlets. If you think you may interested in reviewing it, I can send you an e-book version to you right away. Just a note to introduce you to my book, C Through Marriage. Written primarily to the Christian community, it is a useful resource for pastors, counselors, group leaders, and struggling couples. You may preview it at Amazon books.com and it is available through most Christian book outlets.

If you think you may interested in reviewing it, I can send you an e-book version to you right away.

]]> Comment on The Reformed Pastor: Co-blogging Richard Baxter’s work by Garry Geer http://gracedependent.com/2010/07/07/the-reformed-pastor-co-blogging-richard-baxters-work/#comment-826 Garry Geer Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:41:17 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2270#comment-826 Mark, I have a little love/hate with this section. As you mentioned, Baxter really stresses the need for pastors to examine themselves, understanding the consequence of moral failure to their message and ministry. I spoke to a young man today who seemed somewhat disillusioned by the hypocrisies of pastors he had perceived to the point where he turned from the ministry himself. That conversation will still continue, God willing. I appreciate the reminder that I am obligated to live out my messages. Until they become beautiful and live-changing to me, I had better beware before I proclaim them to others. We become machines of doctrine-- churning out various discussions and syllogisms but remaining untouched by what we teach. On the other hand, I don't think that Baxter ever envisioned a day when we could divorce our testimony from our teaching so much due to technology, transportation and geography. We can teach, and not be forced to expose our real selves to our church members. It is so incredibly easy in this age. It also doesn't help that we live in a market driven society where the market is not incredibly worried as to the consistency of the messenger, as much as how entertaining he is. Paul also mentions that God glorifies Himself through people who minister for the wrong reasons. It is a curious tension. Self-examination is so much more important now-a-days as public visibility disappears. Mark,
I have a little love/hate with this section. As you mentioned, Baxter really stresses the need for pastors to examine themselves, understanding the consequence of moral failure to their message and ministry. I spoke to a young man today who seemed somewhat disillusioned by the hypocrisies of pastors he had perceived to the point where he turned from the ministry himself. That conversation will still continue, God willing.

I appreciate the reminder that I am obligated to live out my messages. Until they become beautiful and live-changing to me, I had better beware before I proclaim them to others. We become machines of doctrine– churning out various discussions and syllogisms but remaining untouched by what we teach.

On the other hand, I don’t think that Baxter ever envisioned a day when we could divorce our testimony from our teaching so much due to technology, transportation and geography. We can teach, and not be forced to expose our real selves to our church members. It is so incredibly easy in this age. It also doesn’t help that we live in a market driven society where the market is not incredibly worried as to the consistency of the messenger, as much as how entertaining he is.

Paul also mentions that God glorifies Himself through people who minister for the wrong reasons. It is a curious tension.

Self-examination is so much more important now-a-days as public visibility disappears.

]]> Comment on Co-Blogging Through the Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter by gracedependent http://gracedependent.com/2010/06/17/co-blogging-through-the-reformed-pastor-by-richard-baxter/#comment-818 gracedependent Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:56:28 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2240#comment-818 Bob, Garry will be jealous that you left a comment for him on my website - but I think he'll repent soon enough. Thanks for stopping by and I pray that our entries will be an encouragement to you. ~Mark Bob,
Garry will be jealous that you left a comment for him on my website – but I think he’ll repent soon enough. Thanks for stopping by and I pray that our entries will be an encouragement to you.
~Mark

]]> Comment on Co-Blogging Through the Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter by Bob Kellemen http://gracedependent.com/2010/06/17/co-blogging-through-the-reformed-pastor-by-richard-baxter/#comment-817 Bob Kellemen Thu, 17 Jun 2010 19:52:05 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2240#comment-817 Pastor Gary, What a great book to blog through. So many timeless truths that apply to ministry today. Can't wait. Bob Pastor Gary, What a great book to blog through. So many timeless truths that apply to ministry today. Can’t wait. Bob

]]> Comment on God’s Healing for Life’s Losses by Dr. Bob Kellemen-review by gracedependent http://gracedependent.com/2010/06/09/gods-healing-for-lifes-losses-by-dr-bob-kellemen-review/#comment-816 gracedependent Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:31:45 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2224#comment-816 Thank you, on Dr. K's behalf, for the kind words you have for his ministry. He <em>is</em> a great encourager! Thank you, on Dr. K’s behalf, for the kind words you have for his ministry. He is a great encourager!

]]> Comment on God’s Healing for Life’s Losses by Dr. Bob Kellemen-review by Marcie Glass http://gracedependent.com/2010/06/09/gods-healing-for-lifes-losses-by-dr-bob-kellemen-review/#comment-815 Marcie Glass Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:29:50 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2224#comment-815 I would love to get a copy of this book to help me better understand the grief process and the steps to recovery from the pain of life's great losses. Your work is wonderful Bob and so encouraging. I would love to get a copy of this book to help me better understand the grief process and the steps to recovery from the pain of life’s great losses. Your work is wonderful Bob and so encouraging.

]]> Comment on God’s Healing for Life’s Losses by Dr. Bob Kellemen-review by gracedependent http://gracedependent.com/2010/06/09/gods-healing-for-lifes-losses-by-dr-bob-kellemen-review/#comment-814 gracedependent Thu, 10 Jun 2010 13:57:33 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2224#comment-814 Thanks for stopping by to read the review! Thanks for stopping by to read the review!

]]> Comment on God’s Healing for Life’s Losses by Dr. Bob Kellemen-review by Lyn O'Tuel http://gracedependent.com/2010/06/09/gods-healing-for-lifes-losses-by-dr-bob-kellemen-review/#comment-813 Lyn O'Tuel Wed, 09 Jun 2010 22:10:30 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2224#comment-813 Hope for the hurting- this book sounds so helpful. Would love to read it/share it! Thanks for the opportunity to receive a copy. Hope for the hurting- this book sounds so helpful. Would love to read it/share it!

Thanks for the opportunity to receive a copy.

]]> Comment on Some Rules of the Bean from Dreaming in Color by What keeps me blogging… « Grace Dependent http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/27/some-rules-of-the-bean-from-dreaming-in-color/#comment-762 What keeps me blogging… « Grace Dependent Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:35:16 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2104#comment-762 [...] keeps me blogging… Posted on April 28, 2010 by gracedependent And speaking of coffee (in my last post) here is a sweet deal for [...] [...] keeps me blogging… Posted on April 28, 2010 by gracedependent And speaking of coffee (in my last post) here is a sweet deal for [...]

]]> Comment on Another Scandalous Quote – Carson by gracedependent http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/21/another-scandalous-quote-carson/#comment-740 gracedependent Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:44:56 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2069#comment-740 Thanks for stopping by to read the blog - have a blessed day! Thanks for stopping by to read the blog – have a blessed day!

]]> Comment on Another Scandalous Quote – Carson by aj http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/21/another-scandalous-quote-carson/#comment-739 aj Wed, 21 Apr 2010 17:41:26 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2069#comment-739 what a scandal! thanks mark what a scandal! thanks mark

]]> Comment on Scandalous Quote – D.A. Carson by Another Scandalous Quote – Carson « Grace Dependent http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/20/scandalous-quote-d-a-carson/#comment-738 Another Scandalous Quote – Carson « Grace Dependent Wed, 21 Apr 2010 14:07:54 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2064#comment-738 [...] April 21, 2010 by gracedependent you may read my first quote from D.A. Carson’s Scandalous, here. Those who exercise any authority at any level in the kingdom in which Jesus is king must serve the [...] [...] April 21, 2010 by gracedependent you may read my first quote from D.A. Carson’s Scandalous, here. Those who exercise any authority at any level in the kingdom in which Jesus is king must serve the [...]

]]> Comment on Whiter than Snow – Paul Tripp – excerpt by Viola Flemmings http://gracedependent.com/2009/03/05/whiter-than-snow-paul-tripp-excerpt/#comment-724 Viola Flemmings Fri, 16 Apr 2010 06:26:12 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=624#comment-724 You wrote very interesting post i love your blog it contains very informative article i will share it with my friends. You wrote very interesting post i love your blog it contains very informative article i will share it with my friends.

]]> Comment on The Joys of Living in a Rural Area by Robert Williams http://gracedependent.com/2010/03/30/the-joys-of-living-in-a-rural-area/#comment-718 Robert Williams Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:06:55 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2009#comment-718 It is a blessing to live in places that continue to show God amazing work. It is all around us. God continues to show us his blessings Daily It is a blessing to live in places that continue to show God amazing work. It is all around us. God continues to show us his blessings Daily

]]> Comment on Reminder on the book giveaway this Friday! by JC http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/12/reminder-on-the-book-giveaway-this-friday/#comment-716 JC Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:28:54 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2036#comment-716 I'd like to express my interest in this book! Pls take this as my 1st entry. 2nd entry: I tweeted this. 3rd: I blogged about this with a link back to your post. 4th. posted a comment on Facebook Thanks! I’d like to express my interest in this book! Pls take this as my 1st entry.

2nd entry: I tweeted this.
3rd: I blogged about this with a link back to your post.
4th. posted a comment on Facebook

Thanks!

]]> Comment on Children’s Book Review: This Little Prayer of Mine – Giveaway too! by “This Little Prayer of Mine” book giveaway « Crosseyed Reader http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/08/childrens-book-review-this-little-prayer-of-mine-giveaway-too/#comment-715 “This Little Prayer of Mine” book giveaway « Crosseyed Reader Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:22:40 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2026#comment-715 [...] http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/08/childrens-book-review-this-little-prayer-of-mine-giveaway-too/ [...] [...] http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/08/childrens-book-review-this-little-prayer-of-mine-giveaway-too/ [...]

]]> Comment on Reminder on the book giveaway this Friday! by “This Little Prayer of Mine” book giveaway « Crosseyed Reader http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/12/reminder-on-the-book-giveaway-this-friday/#comment-714 “This Little Prayer of Mine” book giveaway « Crosseyed Reader Wed, 14 Apr 2010 20:22:33 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2036#comment-714 [...] http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/12/reminder-on-the-book-giveaway-this-friday/ [...] [...] http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/12/reminder-on-the-book-giveaway-this-friday/ [...]

]]> Comment on Children’s Book Review: This Little Prayer of Mine – Giveaway too! by Janelle http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/08/childrens-book-review-this-little-prayer-of-mine-giveaway-too/#comment-709 Janelle Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:10:22 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2026#comment-709 We say a basic prayer with our kids at bedtime but haven't really discussed how prayer can be used at different times for different reasons. We say a basic prayer with our kids at bedtime but haven’t really discussed how prayer can be used at different times for different reasons.

]]> Comment on Children’s Book Review: This Little Prayer of Mine – Giveaway too! by Kelly http://gracedependent.com/2010/04/08/childrens-book-review-this-little-prayer-of-mine-giveaway-too/#comment-705 Kelly Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:35:44 +0000 http://gracedependent.com/?p=2026#comment-705 Sounds like a great book! Sounds like a great book!

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