Well-ordered living is not to be belittled, for it is good and comes from God, but a clean conscience and a virtuous life are much better and more to be desired. Because some men study to have learning rather than to live well, they err many times, and bring forth little good fruit or none. — Thomas A’ Kempis, The Imitation of Christ
Category: Spiritual Formation
Lead me into deeper self-examination, Lord
“Oh, how we need a deeper musing on our perennial knack for disobedience and God’s unbounded habit of mercy. Oh, how we need a richer contemplation on that Life that is life indeed and that shows us the way so we may follow in his steps. Oh, how we need a fuller meditation on that death that sets us free. And, oh, how we need a more profound experience of that resurrection that empowers us to obey Christ in all things.” — Richard Foster, Longing for God
Restore to me the sense of wonder
This week we’ve received the news of the transition of Eugene Peterson. I have been deeply impacted by his life and work and continue to feel his impact that will last long past his time on this earth.
I’m also working my way through a biography of Dallas Willard, another spiritual giant in my life who continues his walk with Christ in the very presence of the Savior as well. Continue reading “Restore to me the sense of wonder”
Your “humble servant”
“Humility is the virtue of which I am most proud.”
I hate it when my humble service goes unnoticed. (Really hurts my reputation as a “servant leader.”)
There are true tests the Lord brings into our lives, in all seriousness. What we are not currently interested in (and me among that number) is the work of true humility. Not in a era where “servant leadership” is something celebrated in front of huge crowds.
But, in the meantime, I work to find humor as I strive to find “humble service.” 🙂
Four key questions about life
What is reality?
Who is well-off or blessed?
Who is a truly good person?
How does one become a truly good person?
None of these questions Dallas Willard posed in his life are about the “most sacred contemporary idol, feelings.” It is about the realm of knowledge. Knowledge was what Dallas was after.
— Becoming Dallas Willard by Gary Moon
The notes that serve as reminders
I like wide margin Bibles because I like to take my own notes. There isn’t a wide enough margin for me to adequately do that over the years, of course, so I am thankful for digital Bibles as well. They allow me to keep expanding notes over time. Continue reading “The notes that serve as reminders”
Keep it simple
Scariest verse from my reading this morning: “You are in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.” (Matt. 22:29) Continue reading “Keep it simple”
