C. J. Mahaney and Books

C. J. is one of my favourite prestent day preachers. He's the (human) head of Sovereign Grace Ministries and passionate preacher. Like every other cool person he blogs!

Here's an excerpt of his answer to the question: 'What books on the cross of Christ have affected you the most?'

Great question. I love answering this question (the challenge here will be brevity). But before I do, let me briefly describe why it’s so important to consistently read about the cross.

We awaken each day with a tendency to forget that which is most important: the gospel. All of us should assume this tendency and be aware of this tendency. Because of the Fall and due to the effects of remaining sin, we have a daily tendency and temptation to forget stuff in general and to forget that which is most important in particular.

Assuming this tendency, we must create practices that will enable us to remember what we must not forget—the cross. So each day I seek to spend time in a location where I am not distracted, unhurriedly reading and meditating on Scripture and finding my way in Scripture to a hill called Calvary to meditate each day on Christ and him crucified. Each day I need to remind myself of the gospel. I cannot live on yesterday’s recollection of the gospel. I need to review and rehearse the gospel each day or I will assume the gospel, forget the gospel, and prove vulnerable to all manner of temptation and sin.

Read the rest of the article here.

To dwell or not to dwell...

Hello!

I like the book 'thinking spiritually' by Owen. It is definitely thought provoking and convicting.
On page 25, the last paragraph he writes: 'It is right and good for believers to have regular times set apart for spiritual meditation, but if we suppose that we have no further need for spiritual thoughts at any other time, can we be spiritually minded?'
While cooking dinner tonight, I allowed my thoughts to drift and continue to dwell on something really silly which caused unrest and I admit anger. My son was sitting at the kitchen table and needed my help with his math work, unfortunately and I'm sorry that my response to him wasn't in patience or helpful due to the frustration that I allowed to govern me instead of taking control of my thoughts...it was sort of sorted out in the end. He eventually gave up which could have been avoided if I responded differently to begin with!
This is a good example of what happens when thoughts are allowed to go rampant; that anyones thoughts drift does happen, after all we are sinful creatures but to continue to dwell instead of fighting against it and replacing wrong thinking with good wholesome thoughts, is sin and it effects people around us too...
Paul wrote in Philippians 4 vs 8: Finally brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. (NASB)

God Bless!
Cynthia