"the need of the secular world is greatest at the very points where it's criticisms of the church are most intense" E. Clowney
Meaning: when we hear hate towards the church it's also an opportunity to identify Gospel needs.
Jesus says,
"Ask…seek…knock."
The Greek verbs could be translated as
"keep on asking, keep on seeking, keep on knocking."
Christ is wanting an ongoing conversation,
not just a one-time request.
An idol is whatever you look at and say, in your heart of hearts, ‘If I have that, then I’ll feel my life has meaning, then I’ll know I have value, then I’ll feel significant and secure.
@chuckdegroat I can 100% identify with this and was/is my experience. self confidence was a mask for how insecure I felt and how I needed to compensate for my shame/self doubt.
“Occasionally, weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have.” @JohnPiper
There are days when I am more aware of my need to hear from the Lord. I open the @247prayer Lectio 365 app and I see the topic and think, "good but probably isn't going to be what I need to hear.." I've enjoyed the times I've been so wrong. Today was one of those days. Thankful.
As you start new resolutions, remember:
Spiritual disciplines are not about making you more precious to God. They’re about making God more precious to you.
He won’t brush aside the bruised and the hurt and he won’t disregard the small and insignificant,
but he’ll steadily and firmly set things right.
Isaiah 42:3 (MSG)