Pastor’s June Book Selection

The practice of the presence OF GOD by brother Lawrence


This is a book I have been wanting to recommend for some time, but hesitated due to some of the negative press it receives in certain Protestant circles. (Call it, the fear of man.) However, after rereading it a number of times with great personal benefit, I thought I would take the plunge.

As a lay monk, living in France between 1611 and 1691, Brother Lawrence dedicated himself to drawing near to God above everything else. He called this endeavor, “The Practice of the Presence of God.” In whatever circumstances he was engaged, he sought to enjoy God’s presence, offer the moment to Him, and set his heart upon doing all things for the Lord. He truly believed that nothing made him worthy to approach God except for what Christ had done on his behalf. It would seem that the ability to consistently practice God’s presence flowed out of a heartfelt belief that God truly was the lover of his soul. Here was a monk that understood the power of, not only preaching the gospel to oneself, but continually basking in the love of God. This is not a theological treatise that expounds the fine points of doctrine, but a call to marvel at the splendor of your Savior. I recommend this book to anyone that simply wishes to consider the sweetness of living daily with Jesus.

Pastor’s March Book Selection

The Mark of the Christian, by Francis Schaeffer

Although written in the latter half of the 20th Century, this short, but insightful, book continues to speak clearly to the church today. Schaeffer’s theme is that the greatest defense of the Christian faith (i.e. apologetic), and of our claim to be Christians, is that we love one another. While agreeing that we are to love all people as image-bearers of God, the author points out that Christians are especially called to an observable love for each other. This Christian love, practiced in holiness, is the highest demonstration of the veracity of our doctrine, and the character of God before a watching world. Throughout this work, Schaeffer deals with the problem of division among Christians, the need for heartfelt forgiveness, overcoming differences and disagreements, and the costly nature of the love to which all God’s people are called. If Bible-believing Christians are to take seriously their mission to be witnesses of Christ, nothing can be more important than that we love one another.

Written by one of the most well-known Christian thinkers of the last century, this brief, but timeless book serves as a helpful challenge to anyone wishing to live an honest and sincere Christian life.

Pastor Mayk’s Sabbatical

Greetings G&P Family,

As a follow up to the announcement that I will be taking a sabbatical beginning in September, I wanted to send out this very short video clip from Pastor Ligon Duncan regarding the importance and purpose of a pastoral sabbatical. Since G&P has not made use of pastoral sabbaticals before, some folks might have questions as to the reason and value of them.

In this video, Ligon offers a concise and helpful insight into the spiritual benefit for the pastor, as well as the congregation through the implementation of a sabbatical. For that purpose, I would also like to ask the congregation to pray in the following manner during my time away…

  • That I would be refreshed in my walk with the Lord, drawing close and growing in my relationship with Him (This cannont be understated.)
  • That Renee and I would both be refreshed and recharged to carry on the ministries to which God has called us as a couple
  • That my adult children would also grow in the Lord during this time
  • That the Ruling Elders of G&P would be given a measure of grace to minister during this time
  • That the visiting preachers would faithfully bring God’s word to the hearts of our congregation, enabling God’s people to continue to grow in his word
  • That the Lord Jesus would shepherd the pastor and the congregation in a Psalm 23 manner during this time

Ligon Duncan on Sabbaticals for Pastors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tguq1xWtof0

May the Lord bless you today as his joy is fulfilled in you.

Bill Mayk

[Ed. note: Pastor Mayk will be away from mid-September through mid-January.  Please contact one of the elders or deacons if you have pastoral or physical needs during this time.]

Gentle and Lowly

by Dane C. Ortlund

Pastor’s Monthly Book Suggestion – September, 2020

If there has ever been a book I am thoroughly excited about suggesting to the congregation it is Gentle and Lowly, by Dane Ortlund. Gathering insights from various Puritans, Reformers, and preachers Ortland digs deeply into Scripture to uncover the heart of God in the heart of Christ for God’s people. This magnificent treatment of God’s kindness and compassion toward us refreshes the soul. Once I began reading this book, I didn’t want to put it down.

If you have struggled with truly believing that Christ is for you, even when you have committed that sin again, then read this book. If you intellectually believe that God loves you, but find it difficult to understand what that means, then read this book. If you have ever worried that maybe Jesus is simply fed up with your many failures, read this book. If you simply want to take a fresh look at your Savior that will make you smile, then read this book.

While the entire work presents the marvelous love of God toward us, I especially appreciated the way the author uncovers the heart of Jesus in His works of compassion throughout the four Gospels. I wholeheartedly recommend this east-to-read, but deeply satisfying volume to every person in our church family.

Coronavirus And Christ

by John Piper

Pastor’s Monthly Book Suggestion – August, 2020

Early on in the advance of the Coronavirus, John Piper wrote a very short book that basically answers the question, “Where is God in this pandemic?” Although there is nothing new or earth shaking (IMO) in the way Piper responds to that inquiry, this work is a helpful reminder of who God is and how He uses tragedy in the lives of His people. While Piper’s specific intent was to speak into the situation surrounding COVID-19, his biblical insights are helpful when facing any catastrophic event. Therefore, I would recommend this brief volume as an encouragement, not only in the difficulties regarding the Coronavirus, but in light of the many trials we often face.

Church History in Plain Language

By: Bruce L. Shelley

The Pastor’s Monthly Book Selection – July, 2020

The history of the Church is nothing less than the continuing story of God’s work of redemption in the world. It is filled with interesting characters, powerful movements of the Holy Spirit, and events that can stir the soul. In this one-volume work, Bruce Shelley tells the history of Christianity in a manner that is captivating and enjoyable.

It is my firm belief that the lack of theological understanding by many Christians today can be somewhat attributed to an insufficient knowledge of Church history. Beyond knowing something about the Apostles’ Creed and hearing a few quotes by Augustine, most Protestants know nothing of the Church before Luther. In fact, it might even be fair to say that most know little about Luther and less of Calvin as well. In other words, we suffer from a spiritual malnutrition regarding God’s work in the Church. Consequently, we have little appreciation for the theology of the Bible even though we claim to believe its teaching.

Therefore, I am recommending this easy-to-read volume for anyone who wishes to understand that our Faith is much more than just “me and my Bible.” As Christians, we belong to a people called out of the world by Jesus Christ. We are part of His kingdom as it presses forward into this world. And we would do well to know of our spiritual ancestry so that we might learn from it, and appreciate the work of Christ in this age.

On a final note, please don’t let the fact that this is a history book scare you. Shelley writes so that his work reads like a story and captures your imagination. May you read and appreciate the activity of God through His Church. As Christians, this is a work of which you are all a part.

WPE