David Brenner in his book Sacred Companions: The Gift of Spiritual Friendship and Direction reflects on why we need companions in our Christian journey. In essence, a spiritual friend helps you to do three things: To know God better, to know yourself better, and to become a person with a greater capacity for intimacy. He … Continue reading Spiritual Friendship – A Transformational Journey
Author: 2cherish2commend
Living with Hope – Henri Nouwen
"Optimism and hope are radically different attitudes. Optimism is the expectation that things-the weather, human relationships, the economy, the political situation, and so on-will get better. Hope is the trust that God will fulfill God's promises to us in a way that leads us to true freedom. The optimist speaks about concrete changes in the … Continue reading Living with Hope – Henri Nouwen
A Generous Heart
Mark 14:3 says: "And while he was at Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he was reclining at table, a woman came with an alabaster flask of ointment of pure nard, very costly, and she broke the flask and poured it over his head." A perninent word from J.C. Ryle on this … Continue reading A Generous Heart
The Best Friend
Below is a paper from the pen of J.C. Ryle entitled "The Best Friend" from his book Practical Religion. He was a pastor in Liverpool, England back in the late 1800s. It will take you a little while to get through, but I have found it extremely helpful in my own journey in deepening my … Continue reading The Best Friend
Worship Reflections – Redemptive Friendships
If you are making significant progress on the transformational journey of Christian spirituality, you have one or more friendships that support that journey. If you do not, you are not. It is that simple. - David Brenner, Sacred Companions I am convinced that true friendship cannot exist among those who live without Christ... because worldly … Continue reading Worship Reflections – Redemptive Friendships
To Increase Humility
1 Peter 5:5 says: "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." In my devotional reading this morning, I came across this piece from a 17th century pastor named Jeremy Taylor entitled "To Increase Humility." I stumbled upon it in the Winter … Continue reading To Increase Humility
God’s Guidance – Wisdom Along the Way
Jake was so excited to be hunting quail. He took off through the brush and proceeded to flush a bird… not just once, twice, but three times. After the third time, the hunter, my friend Joseph Wheat’s father, got right in Jake’s face and spoke firmly to his dog: “Jake, we’re not here today to … Continue reading God’s Guidance – Wisdom Along the Way
A Few Distinguishing Features of Christ-likeness
Below are a few thoughts gleaned from James I. Packer in CRUX, the periodical of Regent College in Vancouver, Canada. “With God’s blessing of our efforts, what kind of Christians will be formed by the kind of adult catechesis that we have in mind in our church community? Catechesis is a word that summaries the … Continue reading A Few Distinguishing Features of Christ-likeness
Several Christian Leaders Speak after Another Failed Doomsday Prediction From Harold Camping
Ed Stetzer, head of the Southern Baptist Convention's LifeWay research: Harold Camping, please update http://www.familyradio.com w/ your repentance statement and instructions to your now-broke followers. Al Mohler, president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary: "We will not be surprised that Christ has not returned according to any human's timetable. But we should not be relieved. Lord … Continue reading Several Christian Leaders Speak after Another Failed Doomsday Prediction From Harold Camping
The True Glory of A Church – J.C. Ryle
Mark 13:1 As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” 2 “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” Let us learn from this solemn saying that the true glory of … Continue reading The True Glory of A Church – J.C. Ryle
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