Book Review: Ordering Your Private World

Ordering Your Private World, Revised and Updated, by Gordon MacDonald

When I picked up this book, I thought it was a book about time management. However, I quickly discovered it was book about the care of an individual's soul. It is part warning against the driven, disorganized, distracted busyness that pushes people to "burnout, breakdown, or blowup" (pg. 10). MacDonald states, "A soul--our spiritual space-- is empty when one tries to do soul-based things but makes little or no effort to keep that soul filled" (pg. xviii).

It is also part instruction manual, as MacDonald explains the resources we can use to keep our souls filled. The key is disciple, or more accurately, the spiritual disciplines. He states, "If we are ever to develop a spiritual life that gives contentment, it will be because we approach spiritual living as a discipline, much as the athlete trains his or her body for competition" (pg. 121). He lists five spiritual exercises: "the pursuit of silence and solitude, singing, regularly listening to God; the experience of reflection and meditation; and prayer as worship and intercession" (pg. 128). He also deals with role of friends and periods of rest in restoring balance to the inner world.

Much of the book resonated with me. I saw myself reflected in his descriptions of the disorganized person. His discussion on journaling was helpful (although I would have liked a more detailed how-to). I liked that he included singing in his list of spiritual exercises. There is some helpful insights to glean throughout this book.

However, there were a few things I didn't like. His treatment of the spiritual exercises was uneven, and in some places, thin. While I doubt it was his intention, it seemed like reading and studying the Bible were merely options at the table and not the main course. In his effort to avoid hard and fast rules, he missed the opportunity to guide a novice into a deeper understanding.

Overall, Ordering Your Private World was a helpful book. It helped me to recognize some errors in my own spiritual development and encouraged me to approach spiritual development with more disciple. Should you read it? If you are new to the spiritual disciplines, I would recommend you start somewhere else like Don Whitney's Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. If you are familiar with the spiritual disciplines, but wonder why you should bother with them, then you would probably be helped by this book.

Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

Adjusting Your Plans

Nearly two weeks into the new year and the newness has worn off. That new year smell has faded, and you have probably settled into the same old routines. Why bother with fad-ish resolutions or goals for the new year? After all, there is life to be busy with. But is it the life you want? Are you finding yourself frustrated at the lack of accomplishment in your life?

Breathe.

Sometimes, the best way forward is to stop moving and take a look around. Are you missing something? Do you need to continue moving in the same direction? Is the resistance you are feeling positive or negative resistance? Positive resistance is the feeling you might have if you were breaking free from a restraint. As you strain against the bonds, you feel hope and the sense of anticipation at the coming freedom. Negative resistance is that feeling that keeps you from straining at the bonds that hold you back. Negative resistance says, "What is the sense of trying, things never change."

Sometimes we put too much pressure on the decisions and moments in our life. You hear of an individual who hit a turning point in life or a person who had a make-or-break moment. These concepts leach into our lives, and shape our thinking about what comes next.

Let's say you decide to lose weight. You struggle with comfort eating, poor self-esteem, inexperience with exercise (which often leads to injury), poor eating habits, etc. Thus the decision to lose weight, then becomes your "make-or-brake" moment. You throw all of your hopes on this one, single, solitary, in-the-moment decision--and you expect it to bear the weight of that commitment.

And then, somebody brings donuts to work or invites you to a dinner. You go to the gym only to experience physical pain because you didn't quite know how to use that one machine, and now you need a few days to recover. Your make-or-brake moment cracks under the pressure, and you console yourself with a pint of ice cream. It seems you were destined to be fat.

The real issue isn't what you want to accomplish or even why you want to accomplish it. The real issue is that your plans are often frustrated because you place to much emphasis on the wrong things. Simply put, while there are make-or-brake moments, there are also constant opportunities to either change your course or recommit to it.

People give up too easily because they think to narrowly about big things. They want change to be instantaneous. They want to move from A to Z without ever touching on the rest of the alphabet. All of this can be applied to discipleship. There is a sense in which people fell that spiritual growth should be automatic. They think a believer should go from sinner to saint in a twinkling of an eye. This view takes our justification (the legal declaration by God that we are right with him) and confuses it with our sanctification (the process by which the Spirit brings that righteousness to bear fruit).

Whether we are at the gym working off the last five years of Christmas cookies (and other stuff) or reading our Bible for encouragement, we need to recognize that there are a thousand make-or-break decisions throughout our day. No one wrong decision can derail our progress if we are quick to repent and confess and correct course. If we put too much pressure on one moment, it will break our momentum. But if we recognize that each success will only bring us success if we keep building on it and each failure will only lead to failure if we give, then we move forward.

If you make a wrong turn in your day, make a u-turn. If things aren't going the way you planned, adjust your plan (and maybe your expectations--that's a post for another day). God has promised not to give up on you, so you aren't allowed to give up on you, either.

Praying in Faith

My Bible reading plan has me in 1 Chronicles (and other place) right now. Although the first few chapters are mostly genealogies, there are encouraging bits and pieces here and there. First Chronicles 5:20 states, "And when they [the  Rubenites, the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh] prevailed over them, the Hagrites and all who were with them were given over into their hands, for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him."

Notice that the Chronicler attributes their success not to their ability or size of their army, but to the Lord's response to their prayer. What makes this remarkable is that he has already described the army. He states they were "valiant men who carried shield and sword, and drew a bow, expert in war, 44,760, able to go to war" (1 Chr. 5:18). Their power to prevail was not rooted in their own power.

Whether the army they fought was bigger, we are not told. But the battle must have been intense. Notice that it says they "cried out to God" and that "he granted their urgent plea." The battle wasn't a walk in the park. These were valiant men, experts in war. They were able and willing, yet their pleas to God were urgent. I don't imagine them to be cowards curled up in the fetal position in a foxhole asking God to get them out of trouble. These were men who were in the heat of battle praying for strength or wisdom or both.

Their prayers won the day because they trusted the Lord to answer. The author of Hebrews states, "And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him" (Heb. 11:6). Paul touches on the importance of the Word to our faith. He states, "For 'everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.' But how are they to call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? . . . So faith comes from hearing the, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:13-17).

Reading Scripture, studying it, meditating on it, memorizing it, hearing it read, taught, or preached has the potential to grow our faith--if we act upon it. As faith grows, prayer grows. I am convinced that a person's prayer life is directly proportional to their faith in God. If you believe there is a God, and that he rewards those who seek him, then you will seek him. You will not only seek him in weakness, but even when you feel absolutely capable of handling by yourself.

Truths to remember:

1. There is God.

2. He answers prayers prayed in faith.

Will you call out to him in prayer? John says, "And this is the confidence we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him" (1 John 5:14-15). Let 2016 be a year of faithful prayer.

Reading Challenge 2016

According to Pew Research Center, "As of January 2014, some 76% of American adults ages 18 and older said that they read at least one book in the past year." In that same year, half of the people polled had read more than five books, the other half had read fewer than five books. I would guess there hasn't been much change in the last year. How many books did you read in 2015? One? Two?Five? Ten? Zero? 

Reading is important. It is a powerful tool for growth. Mark Twain supposedly said, "The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can't read them." But reading, like many other things, requires that one develops a taste for it. There was a time in my childhood where I hated reading, then I loved it, then I cooled towards it. It wasn't until after I came to Christ that I began reading again. It took awhile for the love of reading to kick in. Now, I really enjoy reading. 

According to Goodreads, I read 53 books last year. I may have read more than that, but I'm terrible at keeping track of what I have read. I didn't include commentaries or devotions in the count in 2015. Many of the titles are actually books I read to Sophia at bedtime. I rarely have a plan, I read what catches my attention or has been recommended by someone I respect.

This year, I decided I need a plan. There was a 26 book challenge floating around last year that I really considered, but never got around to it. I was revisiting it when Tim Challies, a blogger I follow, issued his 2016 Reading Challenge. It is a challenge broken up into 4 categories: light, avid, committed, and obsessed. If a person makes it through the obsessed list, they will have read 104 books in 2016. I'm hoping to complete the challenge. I at least want to make it through the light and avid sections (13 books each), that is about two books every week.

The thought of reading a 104 books in 2016 might make your brain hurt. So my challenge to you is to set your own goal. How many books did you read last year? If you read one book last year, why not aim for two this year? If you read five books, try to read ten. If you didn't read a single book last year, why not aim to read one book this year. I would challenge you to read at least one book in addition to reading your Bible this year. I plan to offer recommendations in the weeks and months to come.

Are you willing to read more this year than last year? Here are a few quick tips.

1. Pick a format that works best for you. Do you have a long drive to work? Try an audio book. Do you have a tablet? Try reading an ebook. Don't like gadgets? Get a print book.

2. Start of with a shorter book. Should you decide this is the year you are going to read the classics, fantastic. However, avoid starting with War & Peace. Look for a book with few than 300 pages (not counting the end notes and other material--you can skip this stuff). Skip introductions about the book not written by the author. I attempted to read Frankenstein several years ago, and gave up because I had to slog through 80 pages of introduction by an expert. Later, I picked it up again, only this time I started where Mary Shelley did. It was quite enjoyable.

3. Read a little bit each day. You don't have to block out an hour of your time each day to be a reader. Set a side 15 minutes or read 10 pages or a chapter--whatever works best for your schedule. Pack a book with you wherever you go, so you can make the most of down time (lines, doctor's office, etc.).

4. Pick a book that really interests you. This may seem unimportant, but you will most likely finish a book that you want to read. If you start a book and it bores you, put it down and get a different book. Your third grade teacher may not approve, but it's okay. Don't waste time on boring books.

5. Don't break the bank. I love books and bookstores. I can spend hours in a bookstore, and I'm always adding to my library. But you don't have to build your own library (if you don't want to or can't afford to). There is a magical place that will let you borrow books of various kinds--it's called a library (I know you probably knew that). Most libraries will even help you get books that they don't physically possess, either by inter-library loan or by purchase. If you don't have a library card, get one and wear it out. The library is also a great way to encourage daily reading. When you check out a book you have to have it back on a certain day--use that as a deadline to drive your reading.

A New Year of Dwelling in the Word

It's a new day in a new year. Although the calendar is a arbitrary way of slicing up time, it is the method most of us use. Each day is a new opportunity to make plans, change course, or dream new dreams. For many the idea of making resolutions in the new year is silly. If you have made resolutions in the past, but failed to keep them you might be hesitant to make new ones this year. So don't. Don't make any resolutions. Why make resolutions that you aren't going to keep.

Why not make a plan instead? Instead of a vague resolution like "I will lose weight this year." Why not come up with an actual plan? There are thousands of places that you can borrow a plan from. They all typically involve: healthy eating, exercise, and accountability. Why not select a weight loss program and ask family and friends to spend the next 6 weeks making changes? Make a plan (or borrow one). Take it one day at a time. Do it together.

Why not approach our spiritual growth in a similar fashion? As I began pondering the new year, Colossians 3:16 came to mind. Paul states, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs" (Col. 3:16). How can I let the word of Christ dwell in me richly?

In order for the word to dwell in someone, they must dwell in the word. Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing" (John 15:5). How do you dwell in the word of Christ? By reading, studying, memorizing, praying, and meditating upon the word of God.

Let's not resolve to do these things for the new year. Let's make a plan to accomplish these these things in the new year.

1. Reading the Bible in the New Year.

There are several plans out there that will take you through the whole Bible in one year. Some will take you through the New Testament in a year. Some plans last two or three years. Some plans can be completed in as little as 10-15 minutes a day, and some require much more time. Some focus on several passages, while others focus on one book at a time. Find a plan and stick to it. Invite friends and family to read with you.

Justin Taylor put together a list of Bible reading plans. You can find them here.

Ligonier Ministries also put together a list. You can find it here.

Joe Carter offered different approach to Bible reading in a year. Check it out here.

2. Study the Bible in the New Year.

Again there are several resources out there that could help you accomplish this, but I will recommend three basic resources that will help you grow in your study of the Bible.

Living by the Book by Howard G. Hendricks and William D. Hendricks
Read the Bible for Life by George H. Guthrie
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart

3. Memorizing the Bible in the New Year.

Again, there are several resources available to help you with memorizing Scripture. I use Fighter Verses on my iphone, but you can access them on here.

Here are a couple of articles to encourage you: Five Tips for Bible Memory and Are We Using Our Memory for the Glory of God.

4. Praying the Bible in the New Year.

Donald Whitney's book Praying the Bible is a great resource. It is simple and straight forward. It doesn't take a lot of time to read, and can be put into to practice quickly.

5. Meditating on the Bible in the New Year.

Donald Whitney's methods of meditation is my go-to resource. You can find a copy here.


What is your plan for dwelling in Christ this year? Why not pick a Bible reading plan and print out a few copies to give to family and friends? Why not get a few resources and begin working through the process? Don't leave your spiritual growth the chance this year. Make a plan. Stick to it. Get others involved.

Note: I chose the Daily Bible Reading Plan found in the ESV Study Bible. Bro. Ray Gilliland, a mentor and friend, recommended reading through a study Bible in a year, so this year I'm hope to read through the ESV study Bible.

Applying the Gospel in the New Year

It has been nearly a year of radio silence, or should I say blogging silence. A lot happened in 2015, much of it was wonderful: we finalized Gloria's adoption, I turned 40, and I became a doctor (of Education). Some of it was not wonderful: I have wrestled with diabetes, my contract at adult ed. wasn't renewed, and I got the flu. Throughout the year I found my resolved tested, and at times, I wasn't sure I would make it through, but by the grace of God, I have begun a new year.

Writing has always been a dream of mine, but somewhere in the back of my mind I didn't believe I had what it takes to be a writer. Having completed a doctoral thesis, I now know what I was lacking--perseverance. This blog got placed on a shelf as I did the hard work of writing my thesis and wrestling with my own insecurities.

During my course work at seminary, they called it "impostor syndrome." I think most people feel it no matter what they are doing: writing, studying, working, parenting, etc. It's a nagging voice somewhere deep inside that says, "You don't belong here. You don't have anything to contribute. If you don't turn back now, they will all know you're a fraud." Maybe you have felt that way. Maybe the voice you hear is meaner. Maybe it wants you to believe you don't have the right to enjoy your life.

But have you ever stopped to consider that the voice is wrong? The Bible teaches that every human being is created in the image of God (it also teaches that the image is marred because the presence of sin in the human heart, but that is a post for another day). Because we are image bearers, we all have something to offer. Whatever knowledge, experience, or skill set you possess, you are uniquely fitted to transform the environment in which you find yourself.

While you may be painfully aware of every one of your weaknesses and limitations, you must also become aware of your abilities, talents, strengths, and gifts. While it is not impossible to live a life of purpose without being aware God, it is certainly much more difficult. It is also much more dangerous because you might live your life for the wrong purpose.

The best way to combat that accusing voice is to apply the gospel. Humanity was made to be different, to live in communion with God, but sinned broke that relationship. All human beings are guilty of sin, and we feel it, even when we don't know how to express it, explain it, or even if we don't believe it. It manifests itself as guilt, shame, feelings of inferiority, feelings of superiority, pride, prejudice, and so on. God in his mercy sent his Son, Jesus to become like us, and to give his life as an offering for ours. He paid our penalty, so that we might share in his righteousness. Through that gift, God calls everyone everywhere to repent of their sin and believe in Jesus Christ. To accept his death and resurrection as the solution for our sin.

What does it look like to apply the gospel? Imagine the voice returns to you and says, "You don't belong." You can say, "Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (see Rom. 8:31-39)." The voice tells you, "You're a failure!" You can say, "I have an advocate with the Father, Christ Jesus the Righteous (See 1 John 2:1-2)." The voice screams, "Nobody loves you." You can say, "But God shows his love to us in that while we were sinners Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8)."

If you are trusting Christ as the sole source of your righteousness with God, then you belong, and nothing can change that. To that end, I invite you to join me in the coming year as I renew my commitment to this project. I don't assume I have all the answers, but I want to share what I'm learning. The articles that I post will center on the things that view as most important: the gospel, the Bible, discipleship, family (marriage and parenting), and more. There will be several changes coming this blog in the weeks and months ahead. I hope you join me on this journey.

Made to Reflect

Photo by George Hodan

Have you ever looked into a puddle, and saw your reflection? Surely you have looked at yourself in the mirror. I often imagine our distant ancestors peering a bucket of water or into a polished metal piece, transfixed by the reflection looking back at them. I imagine it like the myth of Narcissus, a young man who saw his reflection in lake, and fell in love with his own beauty. He was turned into a flower for his trouble. Yet, I doubt the ancient world was transfixed by the reflections they saw. They probably learned to ignore them much like our generation. Our reflections probably only serve to remind us of our flaws or satisfy our sense of worth, but they can do so much more.

Mankind was created in the image and likeness of God--designed to reflect his glory back into this world. In all of our relationships and experiences, their is a way in which we can reflect God. Paul identifies the husband and wife relationship with the relationship of Christ and the church. Parenthood is linked to God the Father. Even work and rest find deeper meanings when we see the connection to creation and redemption. Yet in Adam the image was corrupted, so that our relationships and experience do not always reflect the glory and goodness of God.

Initially, we were made so that others viewing us would see God at work within us. We would reflect him: not necessarily in our outward appearance (as a child would his parents), but in our attitudes and actions. In this way, the reflection points back to the source. As fallen human beings, we no longer reflect our source properly. Yet in Christ, the image is being restored within believers. As the Spirit works in our lives, characteristics of a fallen life give way to the characteristics of Christ--strife is replaced with peace, anger is replaced with joy (See Gal. 5:16-24).

As we think about our initial purpose (reflecting God's glory) and the Spirit's sanctifying work (bringing Christ out in us), we can return to the mirror with a renewed sense of purpose--reminder. Our reflections point us back to ourselves. If we aren't careful, we might fall into Narcissus's folly. Seeing our reflections can remind us to look beyond our outer appearance, and reflect on the shape of our inner person. Are we reflecting the glory of Christ? Just as we give careful attention to our appearance, we must give careful thought to our attitudes and actions.

In this world, we are often reminded of the need to slow down and reflect. We need to reflect on ourselves: our attitudes, actions, and purpose. We were created and redeemed for a purpose--to reflect the glory of our Maker.As you reflect upon this truth, I hope other come to see Jesus in you.