The solution to pride

After James 4:1-10 

The spirit dwells

within us; more grace

is given, grace is

given to the humble.

Submission to God

buries the pride.

Draw near to God,

and he draws near

to you. Cleanse

your hands; purify

your hearts. Mourn

and weep; turn

the laughter of pride

to the mourning 

of faith. It’s

a conundrum:

humble yourselves,

and he will exalt you.

 

Photograph by Timo Wagner via Unsplash. Used with permission.

Some Sunday Readings

 

David’s God-Entranced Song – John Piper at Desiring God.

 

The Gift of Finitude – A.D. Donahue at Bandersnatch Books.

 

The Terrible Possibility of Adultery – Benjamin Vrbicek at Desiring God.

 

The Lie of Living Your Truth – Rosaria Butterfield at the Institute for Faith and Culture.

The world

After James 4:1-10 

How do you

define the world?

Quarrels, fights,

passions at war

within, desire,

covetousness, pride,

misguided praises,

adulterousness.

To befriend that,

to be a friend 

of the world,

is to be an enemy

of God, is to declare

war on heaven.

 

God is jealous;

he wants your heart.

It’s why he made

the spirit to dwell

within us.

 

Photograph by Greg Rosenke via Unsplash. Used with permission.

Some Friday Readings

 

“What the Young Saint Said,” poem by Gerard Smyth – D.S. Martin at Kingdom Poets.

 

How to Read the Bible When Your Heart Feels Cold – Andrew Dacis at Ligonier.

 

Columba and my calling – Malcolm Guite.

 

“Teach Me, My God and King,” hymn by George Herbert – Anthony Esolen at Word & Song.