Tuesday 29 June 2010

Worship - emotion required

Worship is a way of gladly reflecting back to God the radiance of His worth. It is not a mere act of willpower by which we perform outward acts. Without the engagement of the heart, we do not really worship. The engagement of the heart in worship is the coming alive of the feelings and emotions and affections of the heart. Where feelings for God are dead, worship is dead.
True worship must include inward feelings that reflect the worth of God's glory. If this were not so, the word hypocrite would have no meaning. But there is such a thing as hypocrisy - going through outward motions (like singing, praying, giving, reciting) that signify affections of the heart that are not there. "This people honours me with their lips, but their heart is far from me."

- John Piper, from Desiring God, p 87-88


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Sunday 20 June 2010

Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards: #56

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

He must have failed or given up at times. Otherwise he wouldn't have made this resolution. This weakness in a spiritual giant is a comfort for the rest of us. Indeed, it is the Lord who keeps His saints, while saints stumble over many times.

(Source: A Puritan's Mind)

Saturday 5 June 2010

Saving faith

Saving faith is the heartfelt conviction not only that Christ is reliable, but also that He is desirable. It is the confidence that He will come through with His promises and that what He promises is more to be desired than all the world.
- Desiring God p.73, John Piper