In a world driven by advertising–contentment seems to be increasingly a counter-cultural attitude.  But Scripture is clear about the benefit of and need for contentment. 1 Timothy 6:6—10 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if …
Category: Musings
Priority of the Bible
John Piper was asked, “If you could say one thing to the next generation of church leaders, what would it be?” I think his answer is good for everyone. Make the Bible the supreme intellectual and emotional authority in your life, for the sake of magnifying Christ in the fullness of his person and his …
Good music to study by
Today (Monday) is supposed to be my day off–but having missed most of May, I’m still catching up.  So while replying to email and studying, I’ve been enjoying good piano music. Listen for yourself Play List You can see other play lists at jonschimdt.com My son exposed Jon Schmidt to me through one of his most …
Lessons from a stay in the hospital
I’m recovering from an 8 day stay in the hospital.  My appendix, which was perforated (they don’t burst, but burst sounds better), was removed and the infection hopefully contained. I’ll spare you the time-line and the details–for fear of exaggeration–but do want to share observations and lessons.  I probably should wait for a time of more clarity and …
Psalm 25
A friend shared Psalm 25 in our staff devotions asking us to notice what David reveals about our attitudes toward God and our asking of God. As I was looking at the Psalm I notice that, like most Psalms, one of the key questions we also need to ask is, what are the attributes of …
Thinking
One of the aspects of my role that I enjoy most is helping/encouraging people to think…to think biblically. So when I saw this image on Walt Muller’s excellent blog, I thought I had to post it.
Crisis of Worship
This past Sunday I finish a brief 3 part series, Worship in the Book of Revelation.  Revelation gives us wonderful image of God–Sovereign Holy King (ch 4), Redeemer who gives hope (ch 5).  I have been reminded increasingly that worship, since it centers on God requires submission. As I look through all the “worship hymns” …