Tag: Transforming Grace

Books I’ve Read in 2009

~ K ~ 1 Comment

Here’s a list of books I’ve read in 2009. More a list for myself than for the rest of the world but feel free to offer comments if you’re so inclined.

  1. Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges
  2. When People Are Big and God Is Small by Ed Welch (3rd read)
  3. God’s Plans For You by J. I. Packer
  4. Relationships by Tim Lane & Paul Tripp
  5. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
  6. Holy Ground: Walking With Jesus as a Former Catholic by Chris Castaldo
  7. It’s Your Time by Joel Osteen
  8. Velvet Elvis by Rob Bell
  9. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross by Nancy Guthrie
  10. Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus by Nancy Guthrie 
  11. Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
  12. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
  13. Counterfeit Gods by Tim Keller

I actually think I’ve read more than that but that’s what I’ve got off the top of my head for now. I’m actually surprised at how much I’ve read this year. I usually start a lot of books but never finish them but with the exceptions of those noted “in progress,” I’ve completed the reading of all those other books this year in their entireties. Also, I most recently enjoyed Holy Ground (which is the book I’ve most recently completed). Here’s a brief commentary: Continue reading “Books I’ve Read in 2009” →

Spiritual paralytic

~ K ~ 1 Comment

Sometimes one of our friends or loved ones becomes a spiritual paralytic. The affliction or trial he or she has undergone has virtually immobilized the person spiritually. He is unable to help himself. Not only that, but the spiritual “mat” he is lying on — that is, faith in God and trust in His promises — is no more than the equivalent of a thin, straw-filled mattress. If you try to encourage him through Scripture, he will look at you blankly and tell you Scripture just doesn’t mean anything to him anymore. he has tried to claim God’s promises, but nothing “works.” God just isn’t there.

This person has become an awkward, heavy spiritual burden. You cannot pray with him, you can only pray for him. But just as the paralytic’s friends persisted until they brought him to Jesus, so we too must persist in bringing this person to the throne of grace until God heals him spiritually. — Jerry Bridges, Transforming Grace (p. 234)

Bridges is describing me right now. If you’re reading this and you think of it, pray for me. Thanks.