Teaching Resources International

Rest … (July 2018 Update)

Probably nothing is more difficult for me than learning to rest. Even when I take a vacation, it takes me a few days to slow down and stop thinking about the things I need to get done! This is doubly true spiritually.  If you ask me, “What is the hardest thing for you spiritually?”  I would answer, “Learning to rest in the Lord.”  I think most other believers would say the same.  While the Bible is full of admonitions to rest in the Lord, it is the one area we struggle the most with.  So, I’m learning to rest – but it is the hardest thing for me to do! Continue Reading »

Progress … (June 2018 Update)

In 1 Timothy 4:15, Paul tells Timothy, “Practice these things; be committed to them, so that your progress may be evident to all” (Christian Standard Bible, Holman). He is speaking about the importance of developing and using the spiritual gifts that God had given to Timothy.  Progress is essential to the Christian life — If we are not growing, we are actually slipping back. While this is most important spiritually, it is also important in every area of our lives.

If anything could describe this last month, it would be the idea of progress. This month has been a difficult one but thankfully, not as tough as last month!  In every area, we have see much progress — hopefully, our spiritual progress however, will be most evident to those around us. Continue Reading »

Grateful for God’s Small Providences … (May 2018 Update)

I thought about titling this, “How a Nose Bleed Saved My Life.” But that would be like Jonah saying the plant protected his head when the Bible says, “God appointed a gourd.” The reality is that God’s small providences have a way of reminding us that He is in control. Continue Reading »

A Time for Everything … (March 2018 Update)

March was a very busy month for teaching.  It began with grading papers from classes in February and ending with more papers to grade from my March classes (which will continue to come in until May!). Ecclesiastes 3:1 says, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” Because I had so much to do last month, I often wondered if I would have time for everything.  But I was reminded time and time again that there is a season for everything that God gives us.  But most of all, I was motivated by Ephesians 5:16, “Make the most of your time, because the days are evil.”  I especially like the translation of this verse by J. B. Phillips: “Make the best use of your time, despite all the difficulties of these days. Don’t be vague but firmly grasp what you know to be the will of God.”  Though some days were exhausting, it is encouraging to be reminded our time must be guided by the will of God. Here are a few highlights from March…. Continue Reading »

The First Day of Spring? … (February 2018 Update)

In Ukraine, March 1st is considered to be the first day of Spring.  In ancient Ukrainian calendars, March 1^st was celebrated as the New Year – the end of winter and the beginning of Spring.  Even today, people here still welcome it with some celebration and greeting each other.  But, in Ukraine, it is anything but Spring!  Just to remind us, March 1^st greeted us with a foot of snow (on top of what we already had) and temperatures below 0 F!  But I know from living here the last 7 years that any real Spring weather is still about a month away (and we can even have snow in mid-May sometimes, like last year!).  Still, March 1^st is a date that everyone in Ukraine looks forward too.  It is a reminder that winter is nearly over and that it is time to start getting prepared for Spring. Continue Reading »

Teaching and Admonishing … (February 2018 Update)

Last month, I traveled to Lviv, Ukraine to spend a week teaching theology sections at Ukrainian Baptist Seminary.  I had 57 students so my week was full – but my heart was fuller!  It was a great joy to be involved in teaching these leaders for the church of Ukraine.  I am reminded that teaching one another the Word of God is the task of every believer (though maybe not in the same way).  In Colossians 3:16, Paul tells us: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” What a joy it has been to be able to teach the Word here in Ukraine!  Here are some highlights from last month in our lives and ministry. Continue Reading »