Silence

The discipline of silence is the price we must pay to get to know God." AW Tozer

Sin

Whoever is truly humbled — will not be easily angry, nor harsh or critical of others. He will be compassionate and tender to the infirmities of his fellow-sinners, knowing that if there is a difference — it is grace alone which has made it! He knows that he has the seeds of every evil in his own heart. And under all trials and afflictions — he will look to the hand of the Lord, and lay his mouth in the dust, acknowledging that he suffers much less than his iniquities have deserved.

John Newton, from his letters, Indwelling Sin And The Believer

The World

As the world is weary of me so am I of it. John Knox

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world.
And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. 1 John 2:15-17

If I Could Counsel Myself...

If looking back on life I could give counsel to myself regarding a walk with Jesus, some things I would recomend:

• read atleast one chapter in the Bible everyday
• focus on worship, listening, and meditating on scripture in prayer
• spend alone time with God in prayer everyday
• in addition to reading the Bible each day, get involved in a same sex small group Bible study that meets regularly and remain involved
• be involved in Christian community year round
• preach the gospel to self daily
• be vulnerable with others and merciful to others
• be charitable regarding nonessential theological issues
• get to know pastor and treat him like a normal human being
• memorize as much scripture as possible
• do not get into debt as it could influence your ministry direction in the future
• remember God is protector of reputation, provider and giver of every good gift

The Wilderness

"You will never find Jesus so precious as when the world is one vast howling wilderness." Robert M McCheyne

Right now I am having a wilderness moment. I feel I have failed in many ways as a father, in my profession and in being a light for Christ. My band of brothers in Christ seem distant and disinterested in striving for the kingdom in the way that seems right to me. So I feel rejected in a way. Yet in another group of brothers and sisters, I have failed to be consistent in doing community. I am on the verge of a funk as I sit on my couch pondering things. Sad. But from the wilderness I have always.....always been rescued by my beloved savior Jesus Christ. So here I will sit and wait on him.

Causes Of Spiritual Declension

• Formality in holy duties, under the constant outward performance of them.
• Vehement engagements in the affairs of life.
• An over valuation of sinful enjoyments.
• Growth on carnal wisdom.
• Neglect of daily mortification of such sins as men are naturally disposed to, with a secret influence from the prevalent temptation of the days in which we live.

--John Owen, The Glory Of Christ