Last week, Bryan Stoudt shared about the tension many grad students feel between work and family, and the temptation to make good work God has called us to do into an idol. This week, he explores the underlying reasons for this tendency. See Part 1 here. Part 2: But Why Do We Worship Our Work? So our obsession with school can stop us from loving and serving our spouses, kids and others around us. … [Read more...] about Loving Your Spouse, Kids (And Anyone, Really) While You’re Still In School—Part 2
fear
Scholar’s Compass Navigating Beginnings: Relying on God’s Strength and Blessing Others
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary. . . . He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might, he increases strength. – Isaiah 40:28-29 (ESV) Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. – Proverbs 11:25 (ESV) Reflection Earlier this week we looked at God's sustaining grace in the midst of new beginnings—times that can bring both excitement and … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass Navigating Beginnings: Relying on God’s Strength and Blessing Others
Scholar’s Compass Navigating Beginnings: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and a sound mind. – 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 (NKJV) Reflection Fall has always been my favorite time of the year. Crisp mornings, warm afternoons, jumping back into rhythms and routines after a summer filled with barbeques, family reunions, and time to just sit back and relax. It … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass Navigating Beginnings: Overcoming Fear and Anxiety
Why You Must Be Dying to be a Christian Scholar (2/2)
Last week I began to introduce myself and my understanding of the Christian scholar's vocation by briefly outlining the controversy which marked my time as a student at Westminster Theological Seminary. (You can read last week's post here.) This week I would like to share what I think were some of things I learned about the challenge of Christian scholarship from my time at Westminster. I should make it clear that my interest is not specifically in the challenge of doing serious scholarship within a confessional … [Read more...] about Why You Must Be Dying to be a Christian Scholar (2/2)
Approaching a New Semester
Editor's note: A powerful piece received a few weeks ago, I encourage you to join the author and myself in prayer for the new term. . . . I have to admit a certain fear as the new semester approaches. Not so much about the teaching itself. It's a lot of work, but I've done it before. What incites fear in me is the realization that I — with all my insecurities, faults and failures —am again being given sixty-some students for four hours a week for fifteen weeks. This is more time than they will spend with their … [Read more...] about Approaching a New Semester