Here are the top five things I have done so far today…
1) Started elders meeting this morning, 6am, with a Bible study from Deuteronomy 17:18-20. The King of Israel had to write out a copy of the law of God for himself and keep it with him always.
18 “And when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, he shall write for himself in a book a copy of this law, approved by the Levitical priests. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God by keeping all the words of this law and these statutes, and doing them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment, either to the right hand or to the left, so that he may continue long in his kingdom, he and his children, in Israel.
We read this passage together and made observations and applications from it. We talked a lot about spiritual leaders (those in authority) being under authority. I love studying and applying the Word with these men.
2) Had a great talk giving advice to someone who is tying to help someone else to repent and recover from sin.
3) Working on teaching notes for the next Firm Foundations class I am teaching on how to help people change (biblical counseling 101). You know, Darien is at the NANC conference this week. He is relaxing in a nice hotel, hearing stellar teaching from the premier biblical counselors in the world. I am here in this office preparing to teach on biblical counseling. Does this seem fair to you?
4) Working with John on agenda for our elders retreat. We are taking a Friday and Saturday away this month for prayer, planning, relationship building, and vision.
5) In Pastor’s meeting we spent a good time praying for the men’s retreat. We are praying that God will grant repentance and that His Spirit will bind our men together in real pursuit of Christ. Wayne has asked three men to give a testimony (one in each session). The three men are ages 85 and 35 and 15. Really looking forward to hearing from them.