Illustration: Sin-Cost of, Temptation

Ronald Meredith describes one quiet night in early spring: "Suddenly out of the night came the sound of wild geese flying. I ran to the house and breathlessly announced the excitement I felt. What is to compare with wild geese across the moon? It might have ended there except for the sight of our tame mallards on the pond. They heard the wild call they had once known."

Hosea Intro

Are all sins equal? Some would say there is an inherent hierarchy in sin -- that lying is not on the same scale as murder. Others say all sin is equal, that it's not the offense itself but the One who is being offended.

Give us Faith So We’ll Be Safe: A Theological and Pastoral Response to the Tragedy in Haiti

How do we who call ourselves followers of the Lord of life respond to the chilling report that "40,000 bodies have been buried and there could be 200,000 dead in Haiti"? That paralyzing news is what we heard from the report of Shepherd Smith of Fox News on this date.[1] The earthquake in Haiti that has shaken the tiny Caribbean nation to death also is shaking our consciences and our souls with questions.

Why You Think the Way You Do

In Why You Think the Way You Do (Zondervan), Glenn S. Sunshine shows readers how the Western worldview developed and how to understand their own worldviews and those of other people. This is a useful tool in recognizing what a biblical worldview should look like and how it can be a tool in transforming culture.

Small Things, Big Things: Inspiring Stories of Everyday Grace

Michael Milton's new book Small Things, Big Things: Inspiring Stories of Everyday Grace (P&R) is a delightful collection of brief epistles Milton wrote to his people while he served as a pastor. (He is now President of Reformed Theological Seminary in Charlotte, as well as a contributing editor of Preaching magazine.) Preachers will find a treasure chest full of great stories in this wonderful book.

Spiritual Intelligence

Alan Nelson's new book Spiritual Intelligence (Baker) can be a helpful resource in guiding your church toward greater spiritual growth. The book includes a spiritual health and assessment plan. The January-February 2010 issue of Preaching includes an article for pastors based on some of the book's insights.

Illustration: Stretching the Truth

A well-respected surgeon was relaxing on his sofa one evening just after arriving home from work. As he was tuning into the evening news, the phone rang. The doctor calmly answered it and heard the familiar voice of a colleague on the other end of the line.

Illustration: Relationships, Respect

Don Wilton writes: "People quit on us when they don't feel valued. George and Mary Lou were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. A reporter asked George, 'What's your recipe for a long, happy marriage?' George explained that after the wedding his father-in-law handed him a package. Inside it was a gold watch that George still used. He showed it to the reporter. Across the face of the watch where he could see it a dozen times a day, were written the words, 'Say something nice to Mary Lou.'"