Log College Press has released a new pamphlet in its series of publications providing wisdom from the past. The new title is The Mission of Parenting: Raising Children Who Love the Mission of God by Thomas Smyth (a brief biography of him is available on this site). The author was the minister of Second Presbyterian Church in Charleston, South Carolina, for nearly four decades. He begins his study with the importance of parental leadership teaching children about missions not only in word but also by example. Smyth's booklet could be used in a home schooling situation to help children understand the nature, purpose, and need for missions not only in terms of the work of adults but also the children themselves. Vacation Bible schools could use Smyth's thoughts to encourage missionary support since VBS usually takes a collection for missions. Check out Smyth's publication at https://www.logcollegepress.com/smyth-the-mission-of-parenting. [Posted November 18, 2019]

While reading Nehemiah 9, I was impressed by how much Covenant theology is rooted in history. In the Old Covenant, God often spoke through his prophets, priests, and kings to remind his people of what he had done for them in the past. We get focused on what is happening now and what we desire for the future, but then we fail to remember God's faithfulness in the past. This memory lapse is aggravated by a culture that has limited historical interest, if any at all. You have probably heard the comment "History is just that, history!," or maybe Henry Ford's comment that "History is Bunk!" For Covenant theology history is essential. One aspect of the Old Covenant was the use of memorials in the book of Joshua, stones of remembrance. When individuals traveled by the memorial it turned their thoughts to what God had done at that point in the history of redemption for his people. It would be good to keep a Blessings Book similar to a diary, or a file in your smart-phone to record all God's unusual providences and goodness from the past. When times get tough, turn to your list of Covenant memorials to be reminded of God's Covenant faithfulness. We need to count our blessings, name them one by one, and we will be encouraged to see what God has done. The price of the Covenant was Christ's atoning death accomplished in redemptive history and it reminds us that what has gone before is essential for our present and future growth in sanctification, service, and eternal glory. [posted October 25, 2019]