Conversion:  The Life-Changing Power of the Word

(from Augustine’s Confessions, Book VIII, Chs. 8-12)

There was a garden attached to our lodging, and we had the use of this as of the whole house; for our landlord, the owner of the house, did not live there.  To this garden the tumult in my heart had driven me, as to a place where no one could intervene in this passionate suit which I had brought against myself until it could be settled—though how it would be settled You knew, not I. 

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith July 28, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On the Benefits of Continual Conversation With God

(from The Practice of the Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence, Fifth Letter) 

I know that for the right practice [of the presence of God], the heart must be empty of all other things; because God will possess the heart alone; and as he cannot possess it alone without emptying it of all besides, so neither can He act there, and do in it what He pleases, unless it be left vacant to Him.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith July 27, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On Thinking Rightly about God

(from The Knowledge of the Holy, by A.W. Tozer)  

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.

The history of mankind will probably show that no people has ever risen above its religion, and man’s spiritual history will positively demonstrate that no religion has ever been greater than its idea of God.  Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith July 26, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

On The Hidden Life in Christ

(from The Pilgrim’s Progress, by John Bunyan)

Then I saw in my dream, that the Interpreter took Christian by the hand, and led him into a place where was a fire burning against a wall, and one standing by it, always casting much water upon it, to quench it; yet did the fire burn higher and hotter.

Then said Christian, What means this?

The Interpreter answered, This fire is the work of grace that is wrought in the heart; he that casts water upon it to extinguish and put it out, is the devil: but in that thou seest the fire notwithstanding burn higher and hotter, thou shalt also see the reason of that. 

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith July 25, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura

If you had all the time in the world to read, what books beside the Bible would you invest your time in?

Jim Ware is a longtime member of the Focus team. He is a highly talented writer as well as a gifted musician. He can often be seen simultaneously reading and walking on his lunch break around the streets of our campus. He would probably deny it, but he may be the most well-read person you would ever meet.

Topics: Family and Home Tags: church, faith July 24, 2011 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura