Good Medicine

Proverbs 17:22

A joyful heart is good medicine,
but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Centuries before the advent of scientific medicine, this proverb recognized a key element of good health and even for curing illness - a joyful heart. Being happy is not a cure-all, of course, but it does play a significant role in reducing the ill effects caused by stress, depression, anger, self-pity, and resentment.
Read more »

Brotherly Love

Tenth's ACTS Ministries is featured in this week's WORLD magazine. Check out the article.

A Fool's Father

Proverbs 17:21

He who sires a fool gets himself sorrow,
and the father of a fool has no joy.

Too many parents can nod their heads to this proverb. Others may laugh at a fool, shake their heads in disdain or pity. The parent (father or mother) weeps. The father hangs his head in shame and the mother in sorrow. They had hopes for their child; their delight was in the pleasure he would bring. And especially in ancient times, they looked to him to provide for them in their old age. But the fool becomes their thorn in the side. When they see children devoted to their parents, they ache. When they see children grow up to be mature men and women, they cannot help but contrast their foolish child. The fool robs his parents of joy.
Read more »

TCF Prayer Request

Please pray for student leaders in Tenth College Fellowship. Pray that they would welcome and encourage fellow students. Pray also that they would mature through this role. Please pray for volunteer adult leaders who help out at various events and in other ways as well. Please pray for interns Tim Shaw, Emily Doll, and Elijah Thomas as they run Bible studies and other events. Pray for me (John Canavan) as I direct the whole ministry and lead two Bible studies. Pray that we would all be faithful to the word of God and loving witnesses to the gospel.

Owen Randolph Roberts

Neil and Eunhee Roberts give thanks to the Lord for their baby Owen Randolph, whom the Lord has seen fit to take unto himself. He was delivered this morning. A funeral service is scheduled for Friday, at 1:00, in the chapel of the Arlington Cemetery on 2900 State Road, Upper Darby.

Crooked Heart

Proverbs 17:20

A man of crooked heart does not discover good,
and one with a dishonest tongue falls into calamity.

The problem for such a man above is not bad luck, as he would think is the cause. Nor is the problem one of circumstances - if only he had money, a good job, a job without a boss, neighbors who appreciated him, etc. Jesus stated clearly his problem: it is his heart. "For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts..." (Mark 7:21).
Read more »

Bad Love

Proverbs 17:19

Whoever loves transgression loves strife; 
he who makes his door high seeks destruction. 

Consider the transgression of the Ten Commandments in reverse order. One who covets will experience strife with his neighbor through competition and resentment. One who lies presents opportunity for strife by deceit and breaking trust.
Read more »

Sunday Services 8/18/2013

Join us this Sunday for our services.
AM (9 & 11): Rev. Jonny McGreevy preaching, “Work in Progress” (Genesis 32:22–32). Hymns: Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing; How Firm a Foundation; Jesus, Lover of My Soul.
PM (Soli Deo Gloria 6:15): Richard Jones, cello
(6:30): Rev. Carroll L. G. Wynne preaching, “A Trinity of Grace” (Ephesians 3:14–21). Hymns: God’s Glorious Grace; The Lord’s My Shepherd, I’ll Not Want; Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven.
The service will include communion.

For a Weary Young Mom

Recently, the mother of young children sent an email to me and Ginger. Here is the email and Ginger's response:

My question is, What does it look like to love the Word and systematically study it as a mom of young children? In this stage of life, I feel so limited in being able to keep up any sort of systematic study of the Word. I can catch some at our small group and church, but I wish I had more desire to do systematic study on my own. I fear I use my children as an excuse not to systematically study the Bible, but most times I really do feel hard pressed for mental energy to do so. Maybe the question is, What does a rich personal spiritual life look like for a weary young mom? How does one still prioritize loving the Word and its systematic study?
Read more »

Maranatha Returns

The Maranatha team is scheduled to arrive in Miami around 3:30/4pm today, then  in Philadelphia at 1:05AM. Pray for safe travels.

Risky Security

Proverbs 17:18

One who lacks sense gives a pledge
and puts up security in the presence of his neighbor.

This is one of several proverbs warning against putting up security for another person (6:1; 11:15; 22:26). The concern is putting one’s self at risk. Putting up security for another person is saying that I will make good what that person cannot, even though I will reap no benefit from what I give.
Read more »