Writing makes me a better communicator. Writing forces me to think in a concise organized fashion. I have to organize my thoughts and ensure that I’m within the stated word limits for an essay or book.

We are not emotional trash compactors. Sin has a destructive effect on our spiritual well-being. The more we hold on to it, the more it makes things worse. If something makes you sinfully angry, then you need to deal with it.

When you meet a missionary, therefore, thank them for their sacrificial service to the Lord. Regularly pray for them so that your prayers would undergird their ministry. Prayerfully consider financially supporting your denomination’s missionaries. And see what you can do to encourage missionaries—write letters, send care packages, or when they’re home on furlough invite them into your home for fellowship and hospitality.

The sports arena, whether we play or observe, is a microcosm of life. It reveals the true nature of our character. If we act humbly off the court but then act like a pompous jerk on the court, then something is definitely amiss. If we treat people kindly in person but then erupt in a rage of passion when we watch a ballgame, something is off kilter.

In our own day Reformed theology has almost become a brand unto itself—we have somehow convinced ourselves that there is a unique Reformed approach to all doctrine. Yet, our Reformed forefathers knew better—they benefited from the riches of their common patristic and medieval heritage.

I’m serious when I say, the biggest threat to my sanctification is the person who stares back at me in the mirror. I regularly pray, “Oh Lord, please protect me from myself. Please sanctify my desires so they conform to your will, not my own.” Recognize that you are your own worst enemy. If you can acknowledge this truth, you’ll make greater progress in your growth in grace.

In the end, move beyond the shallow general confession of sin and into the deeper maturity of confessing your particular sins particularly. In so doing you will not only discover the depths of the riches of Christ’s grace and mercies to meet your sin, but you will also make greater strides in your sanctification.

In the end, rather than pin our hopes on a man-made concept such as the Church Calendar, we should instead ask what our triune God has commanded in his word concerning our worship of him. We should celebrate the birth, life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ every Lord’s Day as we look to the horizon in the hope and anticipation of Christ’s return on the last day.

Ideally, any time we bow our heads in prayer our hearts should overflow with thanksgiving for the many blessings we have received from God’s hand, chief of which is our salvation.

Give careful thought, prayer, and preparation if you decide to serve in the military. Pray in the end that, no matter your vocation, that you would glorify God in all that you do, even through your military service.