Book Review: Experiencing The Trinity by Joe Thorn

Joe Thorn's book, Experiencing the Trinity, is a book that must on your shelf. It's theologically dense and a wonderful piece for a devotional. Joe takes God's attributes as seen through the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit and reminds you of who God is, His promises, what He's done, and is doing. It's both comforting and convicting for the soul; like an extended Psalm. 

Personally, I really enjoyed this book because it's structured in a way that allows for it to be a quick read for the day, but then incorporates sections and chapters that force you to slow down and reflect; ultimately leading you to confession, repentance, and worship of God. My favorite section was on the Holy Spirit as it brought great encouragement and exhortation to my spirit (particularly in this season; as you're reading this I am currently on a brief sabbatical) as I look to gain a fresh sense of renewed strength. In essence, this book lends itself to draw its readers back to the foundation of the gospel of Christ Jesus: His grace and that we are (or should be) desperate for it. 

"Take heart, the Spirit is working in you and slowly bringing you closer to Jesus. "

"The quickest way to stop grieving the Spirit is to be a person of repentance." 

"The great hope of the Christian is the resurrection." 

These are only a few examples from the book that, to me, gave comfort and conviction, encouragement, and brought me to worship of Christ. If you have time on your hands or are looking for a great source for a daily devotional, then I encourage you to read Experiencing the Trinity: The Grace of God for the People of God. 

Review: Cigar Saveur (June)

Earlier this week I experienced my first box opening from Cigar Saveur. I must say, it was exciting! First, the packaging is incredible and I love the artwork. To me, it shows that these guys put a lot of thought and care into their presentation. This is a big deal because cigar smoking is an authentic experience that forces you to slow down and notice things you normally wouldn't when you're on the go. So, to begin, the box artwork is great, big thumbs up. 

Essentially, Cigar Saveur hooks you up with four (4) premium cigars each month once you subscribe as a member of the community. These cigars are not only unique in their flavor and strength, but some of these sticks are limited edition cigars meaning that only a certain amount of these cigars are produced. In my opinion, this enhances the experience because you're getting something special. These guys scout the best tasting cigars and deliver them to your door. Additionally, once you get a taste of some of these and enjoy them then you can consider buying a box of your favorite sticks at your local cigar shop or lounge; works out great because it's amount community! 

Padron Damaso #8
Kristoff Sumatra
Martinez Cigars Flat Iron #2
Room 101 Master Collection Two

I love smoking cigars. As mentioned, they help you slow down and help you to enjoy your experience whether it's found in a good book or among friends. In any case, upon opening the box, the 4 cigars pictured above were originally vacuum sealed which is genius. This allows the cigars to retain their freshness and are ready to smoke or be stored in your humidor. Personally, I stored them in my humidor right away only so that they can get acclimated to the temperature here in south Texas. But if you're not in scorching heat and can enjoy a stick right out of the box, I would encourage you to do so! 

The cigars come with an inventory list that gives you some fun facts about each cigar which is great if you're just getting into cigar smoking community (welcome!). Earlier, I smoked the Room 101 (shortest cigar in the bundle) and the draw was perfect (I prefer on the loose side) with plenty of smoke output, the flavor was sweet with plenty of spice, great tobacco aroma. Tomorrow, I'm trying out the Padron and I'm looking forward to it. Padron cigars are some of my favorite sticks (though I wish they'd double cap). But I digress. 

If you're a cigar enthusiast and love trying out new experiences, then I recommend checking out Cigar Saveur. And before I forget, when you sign up, you're part of an on-line community where everyone shares their thoughts. I've given you some hints of mine from the Room 101, but if you want to know more then you'll have to sign up! 

Reflection: Psalm 40

This past Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching at our church (Logos Community Church). For the past several weeks, we have been looking at the presence of God throughout the Psalms and this past Sunday we visited the Will of God as seen in Psalm 40 and I have been completely wrecked by it. I decided to write a few of my thoughts on what hit me the most, namely the first 3 verses. I think they set the tone for the rest of the Psalm. Nonetheless, I think this will turn into a short series of posts in light of who we are and what God does.

Humility and Hope

The two big themes that the Lord is wrecking me on right now as seen in verse one are humility and hope under the umbrella of waiting patiently. In this verse, King David is not only waiting patiently on the Lord, but says that the Lord hears his cry. Here's a king who had all the power you can imagine and then some waiting patiently and crying out to God.

David demonstrates the kind of humility I wish to pursue. Verse 1 presents a man who is utterly broken over his sin and I am no where near a king and I am not nearly as broken and in tears over my sin as David was (Psalm 6:6). I default to a horrible attitude of "working it off" many times. David's humility, helps me to learn of his Hope that is ridiculously confident in God as he waits. David places his hope in the Lord through his word (Psalm 130:5) and I'm over here taking hope for granted because it's been a pretty good season. 

You and I don't have room or time to take a back seat to our faith. It doesn't work that way because the truth is that we quickly desire ownership instead of worship of God (Genesis 2:16-17). 

Here's what we can think and chew on over the next couple of days: humility will not be cultivated by yourself. And hope is an assurance that is only found in the Fear of the Lord (Proverbs 1:7) and whether God saves a week later or a year later, God inclines and hears our cry. God saves His children for the purpose of His name being glorified.

Whatever your cry is right now, waiting patiently is not sitting still, but actively pursuing humility and placing you hope in what He has spoken through His written word. 

Recommended Reading: The Treasure of David by Charles H. Spurgeon; Sound Words by Jeremy Carr

Listen/Watch Sermon (vimeo was being a little fuzzy about starting at 0:00): 

Review: Valley Vintage Shop Beard Balm

The two most common questions I get about my beard are how long have you been growing your beard? And what do you use for to take care of your beard? This short review is an effort to answer all of your beard-curious questions because the bottom line is that every man should have a beard and if you can't have one, hang out with someone who does. 

As far as the length of my beard, I have been letting it grow for about 2 years and in various seasons, namely every couple of months, my lovely wife trims it. I cry a little and ask not to trim any of the length, but she does a pretty snappy job at cleaning the sides. When released, my beard can grow pretty out of control so trimming the sides helps me to look somewhat like a person. 

Now, in terms of what I use for care, I'm a huge fan of Valley Vintage Shop's (VVS) beard balm. It's what I've always used and have zero complaints about it. In May, Amanda at VVS released the Pipe Tobacco scented beard balm and before I get into the wonders that it is, let me give you two quick reasons on why you need to take care of your beard and then a final reason as to why you should check out Valley Vintage Shop.

Beard Care

First, taking care of your beard is a big deal especially if your beard is the type that requires maintenance. It is a fact that some beards simply don't need as much as others. The majority of us need help. Beard balm provides essential oils that help keep your beard healthy.

Second, the oils in balm are vitamins for your beard and the beard needs them! Your hands suck. The oils secreted by your hands can actually damage the health of your beard. If you mess with your beard often, then buy balm and a comb!

Valley Vintage Shop

Here's what I love about VVS beard balm: every ingredient that is used is natural and safe for you and the beard. This is a big deal because many beards can be sensitive to various products that can damage facial hair.  

While there is an array of options, I suggest the coffee scented balm or the pipe tobacco balm. In my opinion, the textures of these two balms and their oils help increase the health of the beard (I've noticed a difference). Additionally, beard balm keeps the beard soft and moist whereas beard oil, I feel, can make it dry causing you to reapply more. 

Beard balm is a great gift for the man, ladies. And men, you simply need to buy it because it's time. Trust me. 

Check out Valley Vintage Shop for their balms and other great gift ideas. 

Recent shot of my beautiful wife, myself, and the beard. 

I've been reading Russell Moore's book Tempted and Tried and I must say, it's one of my favorite books on the topic of temptation. Recently, I spoke at a monthly gathering we call "Man Church" and taught from James with influence from Dr. Moore's book, then I decided to write about it. As I meet regularly with several of the men I disciple, the subject of temptation is at the forefront of our conversations. In short, I hope this post helps you with some theological perspective as it has me and my boys. 

In his book, Dr. Moore writes that "temptation starts with a questions of identity" and then adds how it can lead to a confusion of our desires and ultimately to a place we don't remember how we got to or simply regret.  In the first chapter of James, he teaches that "each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death (James 1:14-15)."

Here are two things I want you dwelling on: (1) your desire and (2) your satisfaction in Jesus. First, when James refers to our "desires," he is implying that which we wish to impose our will upon, albeit someone or something; coveting. Secondly, when you and I decide to follow through with our sinful desire (the porn website you visited, your anger, your whatever) we are finding satisfaction in someone or something that isn't Jesus. Simply, we have "drawn away" from our identity. 

Ask yourself: Who Am I? 

Ask yourself that question out loud right and then preach the gospel to yourself. I want you to preach the beautiful message that reminds you that Jesus came down to earth fully God and fully man to dwell among us; lived the life we cannot live and dying the death that we deserve; who knew no sin, but became sin by taking on the Father's wrath on your behalf so that we might be saved. You have been saved by the blood of Christ and have been made new. Preach this over and over. Everyday. 

James knew what he was talking about when he called himself a slave to God (James 1:1) knowing that this meant it was going to effect every single facet of his life. More so, James knew that in an effort to move forward in difficult times, he was going to need a faith that produced endurance and character (James 1:2-3); faith that relies on what Jesus has done (preach the gospel to yourself again). Later, James adds that as we move forward and we lack wisdom that we should ask for it, but to ask in faith and without doubt (James 1:5-6); a faith that rests in knowing who Jesus is (preach the gospel again!). You and I find ourselves in the middle.

Our identity rests in the person and work of Jesus. We, through the blood of Jesus, are made new not patched (2 Corinthians 5:17). Let me submit to you that temptation is going to be an opportunity to either sin or to worship. Temptation will begin with a question: who are you? 

"It is no longer I have who live, but Christ who lives in me and the life I live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Recommended Books: Tempted and Tried by Russell Moore; Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself by Joe Thorn