moi
i thought i'd just write a bit about stuff i've been thinking about recently.
i've been reading a book called "Desire" by John Eldredge. it's dealing a lot with the heart, which is something God's been talking about recently. Foundational to it is the idea that we were created for Eden, and that the desires of our heart arise from that.
It has really encouraged me to live with the hope of eternity in my heart, and taught me not to try to arrange for my 'perfect life' in this lifetime. It has shown me that my deepest desires are God-given, and He loves to fulfill them. Psalm 37:5 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."
Also, i just read Chris Mooney's most recent blog (on suffering), and i thought i'd write a little on the subject.
Now firstly, i can't say i've ever truly suffered like, for example, David suffered.
But from what i can see in the Bible, God allows suffering. God wants to deal with our hearts, and this isn't usually a comfortable experience. As a Father who loves us, He wants us to grow and become all we can be. If my life is aways easy, then I may become complacent and lose my focus on God.
For example, as i read this morning in Revelation 2:10, God tells the church in Smyrna "Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life."
blessings
john
