THE BULLETIN OF IBTM
with Douglas Jacoby

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20 August 2025
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Good morning from very sunny England!

It’s been quite a week! Radio interviews, birthdays, resiliency training, and consulting (Europe, Africa, North America, Australia). And we celebrated our ruby wedding anniversary! Also, after two surgeries this past year, I just learned I need shoulder surgery too (bone-on-bone, severe arthritis—same as my knees). We hope you are well, and will enjoy all four of this week’s offerings. But first, zooming in on a Lancashire sunset:

.E-CIGARETTES AND TEEN VAPING
Used with the permission of John Clayton

As America moves farther and farther away from God, young people are desperately searching for a substitute for the peace that faith brings. Since they came on the market in 2007, e-cigarettes have created a teen vaping problem. When a person inhales vapor laced with nicotine, the drug is quickly absorbed through the blood vessels and can reach the brain in as little as 10 seconds. This rapid absorption means that addiction comes very quickly. CONTINUE

A GREAT BOOK: DEEPLY LOVED

On Monday I had the pleasure of interviewing Bill and Kristi Gaultiere, Christian, doctors of psychology who head up Soul Shepherding, about their upcoming book, Deeply Loved. This ministry has trained 1000s of missionaries, church leaders, coaches and others in Jesus-centered psychology.

As common friends (and Soul Shepherding facilitators) Jim and Lindsay long put it, “Empathy is Soul Shepherding’s Secret Sauce, because it permeates their spiritual direction, Christian coaching, and everything they do, distinguishing them from other programs.” Deeply Loved is an extremely well-done, biblical, easy-to-read, and practical exploration of empathy.

We had a lot of fun in the interview. To watch, click here. Passcode: r2=MBf?% . Pre-order the book here. Then fill out this form for free gifts!

MARCUS AURELIUS

Here are some of my favorite passages in the Meditations of Marcus Aurelius (AD 121-180). This Roman emperor and Stoic has caught the attention of many, especially in the context of resiliency training.

Many of the tenets of Stoicism overlap with Christian moral teaching—explaining the current popularity of Marcus Aurelius in resiliency training programs. (I’m currently involved in two.)

Resilience training equips individuals with the mental and emotional tools to effectively cope with high levels of stress, adversity, and change. It focuses on developing adaptive skills, emotional regulation, and a positive mindset to navigate challenges and bounce back from setbacks. This training helps individuals develop strategies to manage emotions, maintain a positive outlook, and improve their overall well-being.

I’ve selected a handful of my favorite passages. For more, click here.

3.1—So we must have a sense of urgency, not only for the ever closer approach of death, but also because our comprehension of the world and our ability to pay proper attention will fade before we do.
4.19—One who is all in a flutter over his subsequent fame fails to imagine that all those who remember him will very soon be dead—and he too.
4.24—Most of what we say and do is unnecessary: remove the superfluity, and you will have more time and less bother…
7.4—In conversation one ought to follow closely what is said, in any impulse to follow closely what takes place. In the latter case, to see immediately the intended object of reference: in the former, to watch carefully what is meant.
7.21—Soon you will have forgotten all things: soon all things will have forgotten you.
7.26—When someone does you some wrong, you should consider immediately what judgment of good or evil led him to wrong you. When you see this, you will pity him, and not feel surprise or anger...
11.18.15—Generally one needs to know a great deal before one can pronounce with certainty on another’s actions.
11.18.10—There is nothing manly in being angry, but a gentle calm is both more human and therefore more virile. It is the gentle who have strength, sinew, and courage — not the indignant and complaining. The closer to the control of emotion, the closer to power. Anger is as much a sign of weakness as is pain.

EFFECTS OF THC ON THE HUMAN BRAIN
Used with the permission of John Clayton

Studies have examined the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on the brain.

THC is the primary psychoactive chemical in marijuana (cannabis) plants. One study of teen health in Australia and New Zealand dealt with the effects of THC on depression and suicide. It showed that adolescents using cannabis were 2.5 times as likely to have depression and three times as likely to have suicidal ideas than those who did not use it. CONTINUE

Q3 SCHEDULE
Jul: Copan fellowship visit
Jul: London (North): Sunday sermon: "United with God"
Jul: Isle of Man: Writing week
Aug: US trip: Atlanta + Atlanta Braves trip
Aug: St Augustine, FL: Sunday message
Aug: WMUZ-FM: "The Paul Edwards Show" interview on Amen & Amen with Tim Jordan
Aug: AM1160 Chicago & FaithTalk 150: "The Common Good" interview on Amen & Amen
Aug: The Call, with Nancy Sabato — interview on Amen & Amen
Aug: Interview with Bill & Kristi Gaultiere on Deeply Loved
Aug: Mountain Theological Seminar M.A. course in World Religions (ends Dec)
Aug: Two interviews on Amen & Amen with Jay Rudolph on The Plumb Line
Sep: London, UK: Apologetics day with David Hutchings and Douglas Jacoby
Sep: Weekly online communion services continue (52 sessions in 2025)

All for now…

In our next bulletin:
~ Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff at Work
~ The teaching ministry in Tanzania and Ethiopia: how you can help.
~ Cool quotes
~ “The Aftermath of Nicaea: 7 Crucial Transitions Following AD 325”
~ London evidences event with David Hutchings (physics)

Thanks for your financial help and prayers. We appreciate them. — DJ

  • For all bulletins 2004-2025 (100s of pages of biblical material), click here.
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