Although James tells us that when we sin we’re being lured away and enticed by our own desires, it seems we easily justify our actions by blaming things outside of ourselves. Here are 12 sins we blame on others.

Ellie Mason (Matt & Paula’s 3 year old daughter) was diagnosed with pneumonia last week and was taking antibiotics. Her fever remained and they brought her to the hospital yesterday where they found she has an abscess in her lung. They are trying an antibiotic treatment again, if this doesn’t work surgery may be required. Please pray that God would heal her, and that surgery wouldn’t be necessary. Pray for Matt and Paula and the boys as well that God would give them peace and draw them together as a family as they care for Ellie.

Carolyn McCulley posted a blog about the Ranch, the clinic, and the amazing people who served there. (There are a couple of pictures of some of our Lakeview Ladies.)

Thanks again to everyone that went and gave of their time, prayers and love. I am truly honored to call many of you my friends.

CJ Mahaney gave this list to his wife of books he considers the most important spiritual books to read in your lifetime:

Knowing God by JI Packer
The Holiness of God by RC Sproul
The Cross of Christ by John Stott
When I Don’t Desire God by John Piper
The Discipline of Grace by Jerry Bridges
The Gospel for Real Life by Jerry Bridges
Holiness by JC Ryle
Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands by Paul Tripp

Don’t forget! Pivot will be Sunday night, at 7:00p. Come at 6:15p for prayer. And, of course, we’ll have free pizza after the meeting.

JC Ryle:

A zealous person in Christianity is preeminently a person of one thing. It is not enough to say that they are earnest, strong, uncompromising, meticulous, wholehearted, and fervent in spirit. They only see one thing, they care for one thing, they live for one thing, they are swallowed up in one thing; and that one thing is to please God. Whether they live, or whether they die-whether they are healthy, or whether they are sick-whether they are rich, or whether they are poor-whether they please man, or whether they give offense-whether the are thought wise, or whether they are thought foolish-whether they are accused, or whether they are praised-whether they get honor, or whether they get shame-for all this the zealous person cares nothing at all. They have a passion for one thing, and that one thing is to please God and to advance God’s glory. If they are consumed in the very burning of their passion for God, they don’t care-they are content. They feel that, like a candle, they were made to burn; and if they are consumed in the burning, then they have only done the work for which God has appointed them. Such a person will always find a sphere for their zeal. If they cannot work, or give money, or a man cannot preach, then they will cry out and sigh, and pray. Yes: if they are extremely poor, on a perpetual bed of sickness, they will make the activity of sin around him slow to a standstill, by continually interceding against it. If they cannot fight in the valley with Joshua, they will do the work of Moses, Aaron, and Hur, on the hill. (Exodus 17:9-13) If they are cut off from working themselves, they will give the Lord no rest until help is raised up from another quarter, and the work is done. This is what I mean when I speak of zeal in Christianity.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon:

“Help, Lord.”
–Psalm 12:1

The prayer itself is remarkable, for it is short, but seasonable, sententious, and suggestive. David mourned the fewness of faithful men, and therefore lifted up his heart in supplication–when the creature failed, he flew to the Creator. He evidently felt his own weakness, or he would not have cried for help; but at the same time he intended honestly to exert himself for the cause of truth, for the word “help” is inapplicable where we ourselves do nothing. There is much of directness, clearness of perception, and distinctness of utterance in this petition of two words; much more, indeed, than in the long rambling outpourings of certain professors. The Psalmist runs straight-forward to his God, with a well-considered prayer; he knows what he is seeking, and where to seek it. Lord, teach us to pray in the same blessed manner.
The occasions for the use of this prayer are frequent. In providential afflictions how suitable it is for tried believers who find all helpers failing them. Students, in doctrinal difficulties, may often obtain aid by lifting up this cry of “Help, Lord,” to the Holy Spirit, the great Teacher. Spiritual warriors in inward conflicts may send to the throne for reinforcements, and this will be a model for their request. Workers in heavenly labour may thus obtain grace in time of need. Seeking sinners, in doubts and alarms, may offer up the same weighty supplication; in fact, in all these cases, times, and places, this will serve the turn of needy souls. “Help, Lord,” will suit us living and dying, suffering or labouring, rejoicing or sorrowing. In Him our help is found, let us not be slack to cry to Him.
The answer to the prayer is certain, if it be sincerely offered through Jesus. The Lord’s character assures us that He will not leave His people; His relationship as Father and Husband guarantee us His aid; His gift of Jesus is a pledge of every good thing; and His sure promise stands, “Fear not, I WILL HELP THEE.”

From Matt:

Some of the most gospel rich songs that we sing - songs like In Christ Alone and The Power of the Cross - were written and are beautifully performed by Keith and Kristen Getty. I just found out that they will be at First Baptist New Orleans tonight! If you have a chance to come I’d highly recommend it. I’m told that the evening starts at 7pm, but that the Getty’s won’t be coming up until 7:25pm, so if you’re running late that’s ok.

I’m going to try to get stuff done this afternoon and bring the boys out, so if you come look for us, alright?

This is faith-fanning to see God at work changing lives. I couldn’t help but think of all the similar situations around me and have assurance that the Gospel is greater than man’s fall.

Just a reminder that we will not be having Pivot this Sunday night (since it’s Father’s Day). It will be next Sunday, June 22. See ya then!