Forget Self-esteem

If you are one of the many people who struggle with 'old english' style writing from the puritans John Owen and Jonathan Edwards....I highly recommend the book 'The Enemy Within"

My husband and I are reading it currently, and it's filled with texts that cut to the heart.......as God's word was intended to. You have to get low to get high, as Christ will lift you up.

"He who is bowed down is speedily released."
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Admitting our own 'good deeds' as being mostly self serving will heat up the luke warm, coasting style love for others into what we are truly called to.
I mean that 'love' that is offered in place of the sacrifical love that is required of us, that pours out of a broken hearted love for what Jesus has done for such pathetic wretches.

Kris Lundgaard wrote the book.......using today's terminology and up to date examples to hit us where we need it most - the heart.
I don't have much time to go into it, but the one piece that is sticking with me today is what he said about how loves differ. (I forget the exact quote but it was something like this)

"Buying a birthday gift for a friend is a bit like 'choking down' a double fudge brownie sundae, but letting a homeless person sleep in our homeis more like eating gravel."

This thought pricks my heart in that area that I guard and call 'wisdom' .......love and compassion and the law is summed up by this - that you love your neighbor as yourself.

How disturbing this should be for those who are 'in the church' who find it hard to EVEN love those who love them.....yikes..........How is love for enemies ever to manifest itself -if the basic love for brothers and sisters isn't there? (total sidenote.....see 1 John, as this isn't possible....)

May God get us out of our worship of self and comfort and ease and give us devotion to Him that can affect hearts for eternity.

Love in Truth,
jen2