Friends,
As there are some new subscribers to the list, and because we could all use a gentle reminder from time to time of things we once knew but have since forgotten, I’m sending out a quick summary of five things I think worth knowing (or remembering) about this publication.
Mailings
First, about once a month, I mail out a print newsletter. This is where most of the new writing ends up. Join the list for free, or you can always download and print them yourself. Whenever I mail a new issue, I upload it here as a PDF.
And the Fullness Thereof
In addition to the mailings, for the past year, I’ve been slowly working on a verse-by-verse devotional based on Acts chapter 5. I’m up to verse 33 now. Here’s a short excerpt from the introduction:
The world feels the absence of a people who know their God.
If we are to know Him again, it must begin with the Scriptures and an examination of how we read them. Acts chapter 5 contains 42 verses. We’ll go through each one, offering a mix of commentary, devotional, and exhortation. You, the reader, will be both confronted and encouraged, corrected and stirred onto good works. All in the hopes that we, the people of God, would once again know Him as He truly is. And in knowing Him, that we would love, obey, and glorify Him. May we once again be a people “perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Let us be renewed in our repentance, “so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
This has been a worthwhile exercise for me, and one that could certainly use a heavy dose of editing! But nonetheless, I pray it would be an encouragement for you.
Our doctrines
Last Summer, as I was praying, I felt led to answer the question, “What do you believe to be true and can you articulate it clearly?” This led to the writing down and publishing of our doctrines.
For those of you new to the publication, or who don’t know us personally, I trust this page will be helpful for you as you carefully judge and weigh the gospel we are proclaiming (for there is only one, and cursed is anyone who preaches another - Gal. 1:9-10).
I’m currently teaching my way through these doctrines with our family, which has been wonderful. I will be adding more Scriptural references to the doctrines once I’m done teaching.
Feasting on His Word
As much as we live in a multi-tasking, efficiency-driven, do-more-with-less, culture, there really is no shortcut to feeding on His Word every single day and being prepared, at any given moment, to speak those words to others. I wonder if we read like that — with such utter urgency, dependence, and expectancy?
In September of 2022, I was confronted by the fact that I did not always do this and so I adjusted my practices slightly, to ensure I was feasting as I ate and not just picking at the edges of such a grand buffet.
Part of my adjustment was to try and write down quick thoughts based on a verse from the day’s reading. Sometimes I publish those thoughts and this is where you’ll find those. I do update this page on a pretty regular basis.
Browse the archives (written and audio)
When I started Kingdom Heard in early 2020, I was publishing online between once and twice a week. You can find all of these early writings in the archive portion of the website.
On top of that, I realized there would be great value in being able to record audio versions of the weekly letters so people could listen rather than read, as some of them can get quite long. You can listen to these recordings on Spotify or through most major podcasting platforms. Here’s a landing page with all the links.
The audio has personally been very beneficial, as it’s allowed me to reflect on my own journey over these past several years and become humbled afresh as I see my own limitations and how often I struggled to say certain things clearly or simply.
Prayer request
Lastly, I’d love to ask for your prayers. As a family, we’ve been feeling led to relocate, most likely out of state, but at this point, have no idea where or when. Our aim is obedience to the will of God. But sometimes, discerning that will accurately can be a challenge. Could you be in prayer for us?
In love,
Derek
P.S. Remember, you can always reply directly to these emails if you’d like to share something with me or ask a question.