Dr. Al Mohler has an intriguing post on his blog about cooking in light of the new movie released today about Julia Childs. I felt particularly interested to read it in light of where we are in the gospel of John right now, namely the bread of life discourse in chapter six.

Here is a sample of what Dr. Mohler writes.

Christianity contributes a distinctive understanding of the importance of food and, by extension, the importance of cooking and hospitality. We understand that human beings are made to require food for sustenance. Our need for food is a reminder of our finitude. The food in our fields and all in our tables is a reminder of God’s loving provision for us. The Bible dignifies the loving preparation of food as one of the distinctive gifts of women. While cooking is not limited to women, throughout human history wives and mothers, sisters and daughters, have shown their love for and commitment to their loved ones through the careful preparation and celebration of food. When this is lost, something more than culinary knowledge is lost.

You can check it out here.

Justin Taylor has posted an elaborate inteview with the writer and musician. You can check it out here.

Members of our leadership team gathered last night to pray for Valor Edwards Gjertsen. He’s the one still in the womb belonging to the radiant young lady seated on the left.

This was new for me. Prayer cards with various Scriptures were passed out. Each of us prayed the word of God back to the Father with Valor’s name inserted appropriately in the text. What a sweet time!

I’m wondering if it is too late to do something like this for me? I’ll only be 57 next month.

Man, Gurnall was terrific this morning.

But let the saints humbly shout “Hallelujah!” When God made you a holy man or woman He gave you gates and bars to your city. Now through His grace you are able to defend yourself with the continual comforts which heaven sends to withstand Satan’s power. Once you were a timid slave to him but now he is under your feet. The day you became holy God firmly planted your foot on the serpent’s head. Your lusts–mighty strongholds which gave him easy control–have been take out of his hand. Satan has been dislodged and can never again set himself up as king of your soul.

All together now, HALLELUJAH!

This is the second time in two days I have read disturbing news coming out of Pakistan regarding persecution of Christians there. The first came in our local paper. And then today I received this in the weekly prayer update from Voice of the Martyrs.

On July 30, Muslim extremists attacked Christians, burning more than 50 homes and animals in Faisalabad, Pakistan, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts. Muslims falsely accused Christians of burning the Quran during a wedding ceremony the previous day. Muslim extremists claimed they attacked believers because police did not arrest anyone for their complaints about a burned Quran. This is the fifth incident of persecution against Christians in two months. Muslims are threatening more attacks. Pray for believers who have lost their homes and livestock. Ask God to provide for and encourage them. Pray false accusations by Muslims will draw believers closer to the Lord and for their faithfulness to draw non believers into faith with Christ.

As part of my sacred romance with Jesus in the mornings of late, I am reading The Sacred Romance.

I’m closing in on my four year anniversary since finishing treatment. Surgery to remove a tumor on my tongue and the lymph nodes on the right side of my neck. Thirty-nine radiation treatments. Four bouts with chemo. 2005 was not a fun year.

I kept a journal through the process. Today I revisited this time in ’05. Here’s how part of it reads for August 7.

We watched the celebration of Operation Mobilisation honoring 45 years of George and Drena’s ministry. (George Verwer is one of my modern day heroes of the faith.) It was exuberant, funny, touching, and inspiring all at the same time. The man has had a consitent, faithful run. I would really like to finish like that, however much time remains. Would you be gracious to me, Father, and allow that? Thank you for whatever is to come. Help me to be faithful.

Some four years later. God continues to answer that prayer. Blessed be His name.

Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Heb. 12:1-2).

If you are looking for a review of the ESV Study Bible,
you can find it here.

John Piper has a post on the DG blog with some helpful questions for those pondering marriage. You can check it out here.