Today, a foggy Sunday morning, is a good reading day. It reminds me of another good reading day a couple of years ago. Two books, besides my Bible, were on my docket: a novel, Anna Karenina by Tolstoy (my third or fourth read through), and What Jesus Demands from the World, by John Piper. Below are … More Love Idols that Destroy Love
No doubt, this confession comes as a shock to many of my readers, friends, and family members. Unfortunately, it is both true and embarrassing. But there is no going forward without a confession and owning up to the fact that my addiction is limiting my effectiveness and my experience of the love of God, and … More Confession: I am an Addict
I was reading in Exodus this morning (chapters 27-35), and frankly, most of the section I was reading was fairly boring to my spiritually dull heart, until I got to the last verse in the chapter. “. . . which Aaron had made.” 35 Then the Lord smote the people, because of what they did with the calf which … More Living with Guilt and Responsibility Well
William Tyndale knew the heart of man. He understood the intoxicating draw of this world on the spirit of men and women. And he knew that the only remedy for the addictive pull of culture was the gospel of Jesus Christ. But we, modern, sophisticates (sic) have forgotten that Jesus is called “Savior” because we … More Better Ideas Than God
John Piper is a hero not because he is always right, or without flaw but because he, in his redeemed heart, is one of the most passionate hearts I know of running hard after God. I want to be passionate about pursuing God. Even in my present sickness and low energy due to many travels, … More Spiritual Blindness is not Just a Non-Believing Problem
Keep praying. Don’t lose heart or hope in your God. 16 Rejoice always; 17 pray without ceasing; 18 in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 5:16-18)
This morning I woke early and retreated to the living room to have my devotions. Readings in the Psalms and the Gospel of Mark and then in a devotional that my wife gave me some years ago that I return to often. There, as morning began to rise, I find these words as a part … More The Opportunity of Temptation
Some saints struggle more than others. I don’t know why. But it happens. Right now, I’m not going to analyze the whys. I just want to make the observation and point out an error that sometimes results from the observable fact that some saints struggle to progress in the Christian life at the same pace … More Struggles and Sins
It was pre-2008. I was commenting on the gospel in a message delivered to New Song Church in Bolingbrook, IL. I think it was either Easter or Christmas. In the message, I asked a question which I have asked many times since. “If the greatest being in the universe wants to give the greatest gift … More The Acid Test for Christ-centeredness
I love being with my wife. It doesn’t really matter what we are doing. I love being with her. Driving, watching TV, eating a meal, reading together, traveling, hiking, even walking (I don’t walk with anyone but her, generally, I hate walking.). Any time with my bride is a joy. I love her smile, her … More If I Do Not Love to Be with Jesus, Do I Love Him at All?
ChosenRebel's Blog 