In a letter written June 1, 1682, Brother Lawrence notes that Christians sometimes become content with so little, even though God’s infinite treasures are available: “God has infinite treasures to give us. Yet a little tangible devotion, which passes away in a moment, satisfies us. How blind we are, since in this way we tie […]
At the time Brother Lawrence took his monastic vows, his soul was afflicted with great internal suffering. The Abbe of Beaufort pointed out that one reason for this suffering was God’s process of purification. As painful as the situation was for Brother Lawrence, the Abbe noted that God often uses such situations to test His […]
The Practice of the Presence of God begins with the Eulogy delivered by the Abbe of Beaufort on the occasion of Brother Lawrence’s death. In his address, he cites Brother Lawrence as an example of one who retained in himself the fruits of the spirit, yet transmitted that spirit to others and caused that spirit […]
As the Foreword to The Practice of the Presence of God indicates, the book is not by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection (1611-1691). Rather, it is a compilation by a teacher of the church in Brother Lawrence’s day. The compilation consists of Lawrence’s letters and spiritual maxims as well as conversations with him. The writer […]
In Chapter 35 of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren notes that while we typically define weaknesses as flaws and imperfections, we also may be weakened by uncontrollable circumstances such as finances or job loss. Usually, he adds, we deny, defend, excuse, hide, or resent our weaknesses. Yet, just as our birth was no accident, […]
In Chapters 30-31 of The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren uses the acrostic SHAPE to list and describe 5 factors that illuminate the unique combination of capabilities with which God equips us for our calling. Rick summarizes this process at the beginning of Chapter 30: “Before God created you, he decided what role he […]
In the concluding section of Chapter 28 of The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren lists 4 ways to incorporate God in the process of growing our spiritual maturity: 1. Believe God is working in your life even when you don’t feel it. Just as the earth has seasons, so does our spiritual life. Short, intense […]
At the beginning of Chapter 28 (“It Takes Time”) of The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren notes that while we’re concerned about how fast we grow spiritually, God is concerned with how strong we grow. Jesus chooses to develop us slowly, preferring to work in incremental steps in our lives. Rick offers 5 reasons […]
At the conclusion of Chapter 27 of The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren presents the third and fourth keys to defeating temptation (as always, the author’s words are in bold type). 3. Resist the devil. In its entirety, James 4:7 reads: “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” […]
Rick Warren continues his presentation of the 4 keys to defeating temptation in Chapter 27 of The Purpose Driven Life. The second key is discussed today. 2. Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group. As we journey toward healing and revitalization of our calling, we need at least one person with whom […]
In Chapter 27 of The Purpose Driven Life, Pastor Rick Warren presents 4 Biblical keys to defeating temptation. The first key is discussed today (author’s keys in bold type). 1. Refocus your attention on something else. Rick begins by stating that nowhere in the Bible are we told to “resist temptation”. However, we are told the […]
As Pastor Rick Warren concludes Chapter 26 of The Purpose Driven Life, he offers 3 specific steps to take in overcoming temptation. 1. Refuse to be intimidated. Rick notes that temptation is a normal part of being human and living in a fallen world. While we can’t keep the Devil from offering his half-truths and […]