Crown Of Compassion

Christian growth development https://ift.tt/2jgylRD The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, AZ, rises dramatically in the desert. “Instead of understanding Christian growth developmentally, the church has unknowingly equated spiritual formation with natural formation.  We assume that as long as you show up, are committed, and work hard, you will grow spiritually as you grow in age. . . .  What the church needs is a vision of God’s work to mature a soul throughout a life.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attending to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”- Ephesians 4:13 (NIV) Today, Kyle Strobel and John Coe begin their discussion of the second path to help you move yourself forward in faith. Path 2: The church in despair.  Certainly, Kyle and John acknowledge, experiences with the church differ from person to person.  However, everything the authors have said about the Christian life for individuals applies on a corporate level to churches.  As the apostle Paul states in Ephesians 4:13, God calls the church to mature together in the faith.  To attend to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Therefore, Kyle and John exhort church leaders to shepherd their flock into and through their struggles with the Lord.  Rather than cast a new vision or launch a new ministry.  Thus, constant prodding to get more involved or bring one’s friends feels more manipulative than missional.  Harnessed rather than shepherded. Furthermore, when churches fail to possess a sense of the developmental progress of a Christian, those churches: cannot preach to specific Christian experiences. give steak to infants and milk to adults. forget that their job centers on walking in the Spirit, not generating consolation. In conclusion, the authors counsel: “We have to wrestle together with what it means to lead minister, guide, and care for each other in seasons of desolation.  The deep belief that we can generate consolation . . . inoculates us against the work of God to call us to himself.” Today’s question: Describe your view of Christian growth development.  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Mimic the experience of the desert” The post Christian growth development appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/HCD8lWa July 31, 2026 at 01:00PM

Weary wilderness walk-through https://ift.tt/xcd3Fvk Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was a strong figure in the Baptist tradition. Some Christians refer to him as the “Prince of Preachers.” “They say, ‘Surely, if I were a child of God this would not happen.’  Oh! say not so, those who are walking in darkness.  The best of God’s saints have their nights; the dearest of his children have to walk through a weary wilderness.  There is not a Christian who has enjoyed perpetual happiness, there is no believer who can always sing a song of joy.”- Charles Spurgeon Today Kyle Strobel and John Coe conclude their study of Path 1 in Chapter 10 of When God Seems Distant. Path 1 (cont.): Why have I never heard this before?  Kyle and John observe that one great temptation in this season of spiritual desertion centers on this thought.  That you think you can fix it.  In addition, in ‘Against the Antinomians,” Martin Luther wrote about how Satan confuses the mind.  Thus, Satan makes us think that Christ only offers us consolation. Hence, Luther stresses, when we experience terror, Satan tries to convince us that we do not have Christ.  Therefore, Satan seeks to fill us with despair.  Consequently, we need to know that the source of our Christian existence is outside of ourselves.  As a result, we must avoid the temptation to live by our senses.  Where we choose to trust what our senses tell us.  Rather than the truth that our life is hidden with Christ in God. In conclusion, Kyle and John offer this advice and counsel: “If we are going to navigate our own lives with the Lord, and certainly if we are going to shepherd others, we need to understand what Scripture and our own tradition help us to see.  It turns out that God is a withdrawing God, not in reality but in experience.  But he is a God who does so in and for love.” Today’s question: What Bible verses sustain you in your weary wilderness walk-through?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Christian growth development” The post Weary wilderness walk-through appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/xSfceTq July 30, 2026 at 01:00PM

To borrowed light take heed https://ift.tt/cgqVaWY Barney Fife fears that Andy and Helen are trapped after a cave collapse.  So, he organizes a search and rescue mission. “When the soul is in the dark, and her own light shines not, she may do well to get a guide, and to take heed to borrowed light, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in her own heart.”- Fransis Rous (1579-1659) The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”- Jeremiah 31:3 (NIV) As Kyle Strobel and John Coe move on in Chapter 10 of When God Seems Distant, they offer five paths.  Paths to help us move forward. Today the authors discuss the first path. Path 1: Why have I never heard that before?  First, Kyle and John point out, one finds the concepts of consolation and desolation throughout the Protestant tradition.   Thus, varying terminology addresses the notion that God withdraws.  In addition, phrase ‘dark night of the soul’ represents the longest lasting term. Most significantly, the authors note, in Jeremiah 31:3 the calling of desertion involves knowing, by faith, the steadfast love of God.  An invitation to draw near to the Lord and offer oneself to Him in truth.  Yet, Kyle and John acknowledge, that fails to take away the difficulty of the experience. However, Kyle and John caution: “[The] Christian who turned to Christ for help early in life now imagines they should be beyond this kind of dependence. . .  .  So instead of abiding — instead of acting from God and for God — they seek to self-generate the Christian life to their demise.  When this happens, because they feel the weight of the Christian life, they give themselves to it vigorously. . . . It is out of their spiritual immaturity and fear of their condition that they push back on themselves and their own self-effort rather than drawing near to God to abide in him.” Today’s question: To what borrowed light does your soul take heed?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Weary wilderness walk-through” The post To borrowed light take heed appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/MqaC5vI July 29, 2026 at 01:00PM

Longing for God v. feeling better https://ift.tt/OFPQhaX “Jesus, help me! I prayed silently. I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling”- Corrie ten Boom, when facing former Ravensbrück prison guard “Our growth requires that we attend to how we practice what we do and honestly recognize what we long for in and through our devotion.  Are we longing for God, or are we simply looking to feel better? . . .  When . . . you feel the bottom drop out and the gas tank goes down to E, remember that the goal is . . . to go to God and say, God, I need YOU.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe But [the Lord] said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”- 2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV) Kyle Strobel and John Coe continue Chapter 10 of When God Seems Distant as John underscores that desolation is not an issue of the will.  Hence, John poses these questions for you to sit with: Can I be with the Lord in truth? Can I be with him in the places I might not even be honest with myself about? Because, as you walk in the desert or in desolation, one thing the Lord reveals to you involves what fuels your spiritual practices.  So, when consolation disappears, our wills start to struggle. Therefore, Kyle and John counsel: “The gift of consolation is this lesson: We can do nothing apart from God.  This is where we learn, from our gut, that God’s power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).  This is not an abstract notion but something we learn with God as he leads us into this season.  At the bottom of our hearts we are learning to say, God, I cannot do this. But if we hear this in the flesh, we are in a terrible danger.  Here, we are an inch away from either returning to the nagging of our moralistic efforts or moving to a despair where our will deflates entirely.  This is why we must seek God.” Today’s question: Do you see yourself longing for God or simply looking to feel better?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “To borrowed light take  heed” The post Longing for God v. feeling better appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/y8FVfKG July 28, 2026 at 01:00PM

Desolation: an invitation to abide https://ift.tt/6RtjLh1 Johann Von Staupitz (left), Martin Luther’s spiritual father, mentor and personal confessor – from the 2003 movie “Luther”. Martin once said, “If it had not been for Dr. Staupitz, I should have sunk in hell.” “Some experience their will falling flat, and they just stop praying.  Instead of turning to God, they turn away.  But now we can see that desolation is an opportunity to draw near to God in truth.  This is an invitation to abide. . . .  The gift of desolation is this lesson: We can do nothing apart from God.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit.”- John 15:15 (NIV) As Kyle Strobel and John Coe move on in Chapter 10 of When God Seems Silent, they caution that when you find yourself in the desert, do not: try to get out of the desert. fix your life; instead, offer yourself to the Lord and seek to walk by faith. In addition, Kyle and John counsel, allow the Lord to open your heart to the truth and show you all that is within you.  Certainly, the authors acknowledge, tell the Lord that you long for consolation.  Or that you desperately want out of the desert.  Above all, they underscore, bring your longings to the Lord in the shape of Jesus’ prayer: “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42 ESV). In conclusion, Kyle and John encourage: “If you find yourself in desolation, remember that desolation is an opportunity to stand before God, not only to the reality of God and sinful decisions we sometimes make but in the truth of what our character has become. . . . God doesn’t just ignore our loudness, brokenness, and rebellion.  He wants to transform us into the kind of people who, when pierced, bleed the fruits of the Spirit.” Today’s question: What Bible verses help you to view desolation as an invitation to abide in Christ?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Longing for God v. feeling better” The post Desolation: an invitation to abide appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/yclLh3F July 27, 2026 at 01:00PM

Our intentions often blind us https://ift.tt/j6dGsnr Ralph: “Anyway, so what? I didn’t get in any trouble, there was no harm done. I explained to the cops how I got the money and they let me go. So, what did I do? What’d I do?” “The reason our intentions often blind us is that they become lenses we look through to interpret our behavior.  When we look through our good intentions, even our failures are given a rose-colored shading.  When our intent feels strong, we blind ourselves to how broken and even sinful our actions really are. . . .  Our intentions can easily numb us to our desperate need for grace.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe In Chapter 10 (“Walking the Path Ahead”), the final chapter of When God Seems Distant, Kyle Strobel and John Coe underscore that Scripture calls us to a life of holiness and love.  And we live this life by grace through faith in the truth of who we are.  Hence, the calling of our unique training consists of undertaking life in the presence of God.  And for the presence of God. However, when we interpret our experience of life with God through our intentions and expectations, we feel much confusion.  As a result, our intentions often blind us.  Because those intentions function as the lenses we look through to interpret our behavior. Furthermore, like our intentions, our expectations color our experiences.  Thus, they often lead us away from interpreting our experiences by faith.  So, they often lead us away from Jesus rather than to rest in Him. In conclusion, Kyle and John counsel: “As we grow, the Lord leads us to trust that we are safest in his hands and plans and not our own.  He knows our fears, worries, joys, loves, and struggles, and he is not afraid of them as we are. . . .  He calls us by name in the truth of our life.  . . calls us to abide in him, to come and draw deeply from a well that never runs dry, especially when our hearts feel dry as dust.” Today’s question: What Bible verses help the most when our intentions blind us?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Desolation: an invitation to abide” The post Our intentions often blind us appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/eolBjkf July 26, 2026 at 01:00PM

Empower a self-formed life? https://ift.tt/Zk0qS3B “Christian spiritual formation is focused entirely on Jesus. Its goal is an obedience or conformity to Christ that arises out of an inner transformation accomplished through purposive interaction with the grace of God in Christ.”- Dallas Willard “[God] does not send the Spirit to empower a self-formed life.  He sends his Spirit to unite us to himself so we can grow with a growth from God.  He calls us to himself in the truth of our neediness so that we can be filled by his love.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe Kyle Strobel and John Coe conclude Chapter 9 of When God Seems Distant as they stress that spiritual formation stand on justification by grace through faith.  In addition, the authors note, patience, peace, joy, kindness, and all other virtues take shape in us only as we make Christ our rest, peace, and refuge.  Union with God spiritually forms us. Yet, Kyle and John underscore, we find the path of love a hard one to navigate.  Because maturation in love invites us into places in our hearts and lives that we’d rather ignore.  However, the Lord calls us to His love as He leads us through places of our sin, shame, and brokenness.  As a result, the Lord guides us into vistas of healing.  The places where we truly need it. Hence, to walk by the Spirit requires us to grapple with our: sinful deception. worldly desires. the ways our flesh longs to assert itself. Certainly, the path of love humbles us.  But we only find true life on that path.  Therefore, the authors counsel: “The only way to mature in love is through abiding honestly with him because the way of love calls us into the truth.  This is obvious on paper, but it is entirely counterintuitive to our experiences and assumptions.  Freedom in Christ is not often what we think until we discover it is deeper than we dared imagine.” Today’s question: What Bible verses help you avoid an attempt ot empower a self-focused life?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Our intentions often blind us” The post Empower a self-formed life? appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/aksQ6BA July 25, 2026 at 01:00PM

Spiritual practices – the goal https://ift.tt/dQwXRDG Martin Luther once lay prostrate near the grave of Johannes Zachariae, located in front of the altar (middle) of the Augustinian Church in Erfurt. Zachariae vehemently opposed John Hus. “We are not using spiritual practices to somehow create a life or persona we imagine is worthwhile, as if the goal of spiritual practices is to feel centered, whole, or non-anxious.  This might become true, but it is not the goal.  These feelings often seduce us into achieving something we can create in ourselves rather than using these practices to lay down our lives to Christ.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”- 1 John 4:7 (ESV) Kyle Strobel and John Coe continue Chapter 9 of When God Seems Distant as they stress that our formation requires more than willpower and effort alone.  Our formation also happens through our union and communion with God, in Christ. Above all, with the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives must conform to Christ.  However, Kyle and John note, this is not something done against us.  Rather, it’s what happens as we embrace Christ via the Holy Spirit.  Because the calling of the Christian is to abide to bear fruit, the authors assert, the call in every season remains the same.  To draw near to the Lord. Hence, we draw near to the Lord and offer ourselves to Him.  As we walk by faith, we see the truth and take it to Christ.  Where we find healing. In conclusion, Kyle and John counsel: “If you use [spiritual practices] to grow, you will lose sight of Jesus.  If you try to from yourself, you will do exactly that, self-formation.  But if you abide in him, grasping his life and making him your refuge, you will discover life in him.  The formation we are called to . . . happens face-to-face with him as we draw near in the truth of our lives.” Today’s question: What do you see as the goal of your spiritual practices?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Empower a self-formed life?” The post Spiritual practices – the goal appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/JbmXa1B July 24, 2026 at 01:00PM

Discordant notes in kingdom symphony https://ift.tt/amtRhsX Facing a hostile, skeptical River City crowd — and with no actual musical knowledge — Prof. Harold Hill famously exhorts his newly formed band: “Think, men, think!” “When we seek to draw near to God in our actions — meditating, listening to a sermon, singing, serving, fasting — we are moving from rest into his peace.  We recognize that we are discordant notes in the symphony of God’s kingdom and that he is tuning our hearts to sing his praise. . . .  Training for life in the kingdom . . . is a whole-life harmonizing around ‘the beauty of holiness’ (Psalm 29:2 NKJV).”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.”- Psalm 29:2 (ESV) As Kyle Strobel and John Coe move on in Chapter 9 of When God Seems Distant, they stress what it means to start with rest.  Hence, starting with rest means that we lay down all of our desires to establish our own rest.  Or to get out of the desert and avoid desolation.  Thus, as we walk by faith, we present ourselves to the Lord.  Furthermore, we trust Him wherever He leads. Therefore, as we train for life in the presence of God, we receive Him, rest in Him, and embrace what God calls good, holy, and true.  Thus, through His grace, we walk into His reign and rule as the proper way to see the world. Consequently, Kyle and John point out: “We do not achieve this through spiritual practices themselves; our action does not from the kingdom in us.  Rather, through spiritual practices, we are taking a step into the unseen reign of God and walking into his presence as a way to affirm the truth of who he is and what he has done.  This is why our spiritual life is an entire life and not merely a set of disciplines.  We are called to become a certain kind of person, a person who flourishes in the presence of God.  All of life can be lived in the rest and peace of God.” Today’s question: What discordant notes do you play in the symphony of God’s kingdom?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Spiritual practices – the goal” The post Discordant notes in kingdom symphony appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/FHW4VEX July 23, 2026 at 01:00PM

Moving from rest, not our own works https://ift.tt/SEJVR18 This ad for Burny Brothers Bakery appeared in the Southtown Economist on March 31. 1954. Due to blue laws, the bakery listed no Sunday hours. “Moving from rest and not from our own works has always been ingrained in God’s people. . . .  It is from resting in [God] and trusting in his work that we respond.  Our insufficiency and his sufficiency are the ground upon which we came to him in the first place; and the ground upon which we always stand in the Christian life.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe The Lord declared to his people. “Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the LORD, sanctify you.”- Exodus 31:13 (ESV) Kyle Strobel and John Coe continue Chapter 9 of When God Seems Distant as they discuss a hard tension in the Christian life.  Most significantly, the authors stress, spiritual formation is not: simply habit formation; yet we still need to develop habits that reveal God’s power in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). the fruit of self-effort; but you still need to give effort. primarily oriented to your formation; but you still must give yourself to your formation. In addition, Kyle and John underscore, we must not fuel our spiritual efforts with passion.  Nor find the ground of our spiritual stance in ourselves.  Because no foothold exists in ourselves.  Hence, autonomy consists only of shifting sands. Therefore, the authors state, we move from the rest secured by God, not from our anxious toilings.  Consequently, Kyle and John conclude: “Because of the nature of our life with Christ, faith is not something we simply start the Christian life with.  We must walk by faith, and it is only by faith that we know who we are. .   We are the redeemed . . . beloved . . . his children . . .those who can rest in the peace he has established.  But this rest does not, or should not, lead to passivity.” Today’s question: What Bible verses help you in moving from rest, not from your own works?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Spiritual practices – the goal” The post Moving from rest, not our own works appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/RyTG6k5 July 22, 2026 at 01:00PM

Enacting new habits? Not enough! https://ift.tt/4I6MAjq To figure out why they argue so much, Felix and Oscar take a therapist’s suggestion and reverse roles. Each cultivates the habits of the other. “We can develop new habits, new rhythms, or new actions and still not have a transformed life.  Enacting new habits is not enough.  We are not called to ‘fake it till we make it’ or try hard to act like good Christians.  Formation is not achieved through raw effort.  Our formation is the fruit of God’s life in our lives.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe As Kyle Strobel and John Coe move on in Chapter 9 of When God Seems Distant, they talk about what to do if you don’t want to open your heart to the Lord.  To taste and see what it means to trust Him.  As well as to taste and see the Lord’s work and words.  Therefore, if you balk at doing this, Kyle and John exhort, tell the Lord.  Because, even in that place, you finally open to the Lord in the truth. Above all, the authors cite Bernard of Clairvaux.  He observed what happened when Christians lost sight of their faith, hope, and love.  Bernard stated that many Christians of his day functioned like canals.  Thus, they immediately poured out whatever they received. Instead, we need people who function as reservoirs.  People filled with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom, knowledge, and love.  Who then pour those forth into all they do. In conclusion, Kyle and John counsel: “By resting in the fact that he is our righteousness, we have space to see the truth of our unbelief and all the ways we avoid God in our passion, goodness, devotion, and such.  We need to know God’s grace and mercy in those places just as we need to hear the Lord’s calling and direction out of our sin and brokenness to be formed in his love.  But we should never hear the call away from our sin and brokenness apart from Christ.” Today’s question: How do you avoid relying solely on enacting new habits in your spiritual formation?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Moving from rest, not from our works” The post Enacting new habits? Not enough! appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/RyTG6k5 July 21, 2026 at 01:00PM

Come to the water – and listen https://ift.tt/ASm2IhN A male whooping crane forages inside his marshy enclosure at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI. While his mate incubates a future whooper, safe from predators. “O let all who thirst, / let them come to the water. / And let all who have nothing, / let them come to the Lord: / Without money, without price. / Why should you pay the price, / except for the Lord.”- John B. Foley, S. J. “Come everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; . . . Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that you may live.”- Isaiah 55:1,3 (ESV) Quiet is a think tank of the soul.”- Gordon Hempton, acoustic geologist In 1973 Ron Sauey (1948-1987) and George Archibald ornithology students at Cornell University, founded the Internation Crane Foundation (ICF).  Ron and George envisioned an organization created to combine research, captive breeding and reintroduction, landscape restoration, and education.  So, in 1973, the Sauey family rented their horse farm to Ron and George for $1 per year! Furthermore, Dr. Archibald served as ICF director until the year 2000.  Most significantly, George pioneered the use of crane costumes by humans as a technique to raise cranes.  In fact, for three years Archibald walked, called, and danced with a female crane named Tex.  Along with artificial insemination, the process produced a chick named Gee Whiz. Located on its present 300-acre site since 1983, ICF’s global headquarters in Baraboo, WI, includes the only complete collection of all 15 species worldwide.  Other features include live crane exhibits, guided and self-tours, a research library, welcome center, and 4 miles of nature trails.  Today Dr. Rich Beilfuss serves as President and CEO. Writing in Whisper: How to Hear the Voice of God (2017), Mark Batterson stresses that ultimately, all of us need to find a voice.  Thus, Mark defines voice as the unique message God wants to speak through our lives.  But, to find our voice begins with hearing His voice.  Come to the water. Certainly, Pastor Batterson notes, God possesses an outside voice — one He’s not afraid to use.  However, when God truly wants us to hear Him, He often speaks in a whisper — just above the threshold of hearing.  In addition, Mark observes, the Hebrew word for silence, demamah, translates as ‘silence’ or ‘stillness’ or calmness.’  Gentle, but most powerful! Above all, we lean toward a whisper; exactly what God desires.  But the goal of hearing the heavenly Father’s voice involves more than just hearing.  It consists of intimacy with Him.  Because He wants to be as close to us as possible, He speaks in a whisper.  God loves us that much — so come to the water. Did you know, Pastor Batterson asks, that Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 in C minor opens with silence?  Because Beethoven inserted an eighth note rest before the first note.  And if we want our lives to function as symphonies of God’s grace, we need more eighth note rests.  For silence enables us to hear God’s voice and sing His song as we come to the water.  Thus, silence constitutes the difference between: sight and insight. happiness and joy. fear and faith. In conclusion, Mark underscores, whether you recognize it or not, God was the first voice in your life.  But, Mark wonders, is it the loudest voice in your life?  Silence involves proactive listening — not passive waiting.  And as we listen, God’s whisper quiets, calms and stills us as we come to the water. As a result, Pastor Batterson counsels: “God wants us to hear what He’s saying, and we must heed His voice.  But much more than that, He wants us to hear His heart.  So He whispers softer and softer so that we have to get closer and closer.  And when we finally get close enough, He envelops us in His arms and tells us that He loves us.” The post Come to the water – and listen appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/H5pWbxm July 20, 2026 at 01:00PM

Formed supernaturally: one place only https://ift.tt/QMJ3SYc After Opie accidentally kills a mother bird with a slingshot, he looks for new ground to stand on. He rescues the baby birds and takes on the job of raising them. “We have to remember that we are formed supernaturally in one place and in one place only: before the face of God, in Christ, by the Spirit. . . .  But we often go looking for other ground to stand on. . . .  We’re often afraid that if we don’t actualize ourselves and make something of ourselves, then no one will uphold us and our life will come apart.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”- Colossians 2:3 (ESV) In Chapter 9 (“Relearning the Path of Love”) of When God Seems Silent, Kyle Strobel and John Coe note that, when things seem hopeless, we need to remember the depth of the good news.  That Christ is ours in faith.  Therefore, in light of the good news of Jesus, Kyle and John pose these questions: How are our lives purified? What does it look like to grow in affection rather than passion, to grow in goodness without being moralistic? What does it look like to give our lives to the Lord rather than fixing ourselves? Furthermore, the authors stress, spiritual formation looks far different than the fantasy of self-actualization.  Because spiritual formation requires that we start precisely where we are.  And draw near to the God who is perfect love.  Hence, we draw near because our sin and brokenness no longer define us.  Instead, Christ and His righteousness define us. Therefore, Kyle and John ask that you pause for a moment to ponder the above thought.  For, Kyle and John explain and reiterate: “Spiritual formation requires us to pause and seek the truth, naming how our guilt, shame, fear, and anxiety have led us, and also the various ways our pride, jealousy, and greed still infiltrate our decisions.  We need to see and name these things to draw near to the God who is perfect love.” Today’s question: What most helps you to remember you are formed supernaturally?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: the July Short Meditation, “Come to the water – and listen” The post Formed supernaturally: one place only appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/OdWuARF July 19, 2026 at 01:00PM

God’s presence = spiritual pleasure? https://ift.tt/EgZYIdu Betsie and Corrie ten Boom with their father (seated between them on the couch). With them are Jewish people and other refugees they sheltered in their home. “The temptation to fill and fix oneself are significant in the Christian life.  We will always be tempted to look for ways to fill ourselves and to equate God’s presence, acceptance, and love with spiritual pleasure rather than trusting in the promise by faith. . . .  We are tempted, with the Corinthian church, to equate Christian power with worldly power and achievement, using those things to secure life on our own terms.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”- Romans 5:5 (ESV) Kyle Strobel and John Coe conclude Chapter 8 of When God Seems Distant with this astute observation.  That many people naively think that they have dealt with a specific sin.  That their spiritual efforts conquered the problem.  But, the authors note, the truth is often different. Certainly, Kyle and John acknowledge, the Holy Spirit’s ministry to lance the wound of our flesh to expose the truth is often painful.  However, in the end, the cure awakens praise, gratitude, and awe from the heart.  Because the Spirit’s work calls us to see these things for this purpose.  So that we receive forgiveness, redemption, and transformation where we need it most. But, the authors counsel, this happens if we assume that being filled with the Spirit always produces pleasure.  Then we miss the way the Lord calls us to himself.  And exposes us to the truth. In conclusion, Kyle and John exhort: “As a Christian, you have the Spirit.  That is the truth of your life by faith.  By having the Spirit, you are called to live a spiritual life — a life that seeks, rests upon, and receives the love of God poured into your heart by the Spirit (Romans 5:5). Today’s question: do you ever equate spiritual pleasure with God’s presence?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Formed supernaturally: one place only” The post God’s presence = spiritual pleasure? appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/E0Xd3rq July 18, 2026 at 01:00PM

Grasp ahold of your struggle https://ift.tt/uUDPkMa In this photo from the 1970s, an awestruck young boy looks us at wrestler Andre the Giant. Andre stood 7′ 4″ tall and weighed 520 pounds. “Maybe . . . you are struggling with too much to be able to say with confidence that you know the love of God.  Don’t try to generate faith in these moments.  Don’t try to fix yourself.  Instead, grasp ahold of your struggle, fears, worries, and needs, and bring all of that to the Lord.  Come out of hiding and tell him exactly what you are feeling and thinking and wrestling with.  Be open to his forgiveness, mercy, and love.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe “By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.”- 1 John 3:19-20 (ESV) Kyle Strobel and John Coe continue Chapter 8 of When God Seems Distant with this salient point.  That we don’t simply develop spiritual virtue.  In addition, we bear the fruit of abiding in Christ.  However, the authors caution, we must not turn the reality of being with God into a feeling.  Because we cannot judge the work of God by attending to our feelings. Furthermore, Kyle and John counsel, feeling excited or joyful fails to help is discern God’s presence and activity.  Thus, when we live by faith, we trust what the Lord’s declared to us.  Hence, we cannot reduce being filled with the Spirit to a feeling. In conclusion, the authors encourage: “We too struggle with where God leads us.  But our feelings don’t somehow locate God in this world, and they don’t tell us about his presence.  Rather, our feelings of struggle tell us about ourselves and the truth of how much we need him. . . . The path of faith must lead us beyond what our present experience seems to be telling us.  The path of faith leads us to the God who is greater than all we experience, even when our feelings tell us that he is the one condemning us.” Today’s question: What Bible verses help you grasp ahold of your struggle?  Please share. Coming Monday: the July Short Meditation, “Come to the water – and listen” Tomorrow’s blog: “God’s presence = spiritual pleasure?” The post Grasp ahold of your struggle appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/LhUYuTC July 17, 2026 at 01:00PM

Tether God to what we can see https://ift.tt/WqiCR26 “When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, ‘Come, let us make gods who will go before us.’ “- Genesis 32:1 (NIV) “If we reduce being filled with the Holy Spirit to our activity, we seek to tether God to what we can see, like tethering God to a golden calf.  We think that if only we have the right technology — doctrinal statements, spiritual practices, or liturgies — that we can harness God’s power to use for our advancement.  But God is free.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe “Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another is psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in your heart.”- Ephesians 5:18-19 (ESV) As Kyle Strobel and John Coe move on in Chapter 8 of When God Seems Distant, they discuss one thing that happens as we mature from being a toddler in the faith to adolescence.  We carry with us notions of the flesh that still dwell in our hearts.  Consequently, we still function as if we are: alone. under the law instead of grace. the source of our spiritual life. In addition, like Adam and Eve, we find ourselves tempted to self-create a life.  Because, Kyle and John stress, the serpent’s lie in the garden echoes throughout history.  Thus, Satan’s original lie still tempts us — that we too can be like God.  The lie that we can self-live, self-create, and self-transform seduces us still. Therefore, the authors observe. we must not hear biblical commands as a call to fix ourselves.  So, in Ephesians 5:18, the apostle Paul writes in the passive voice.  It’s not an active command.  As a result, this serves as a call to abide in order that we can bear much fruit.  Because the Holy Spirit’s filling produces the fruit of our growth. In conclusion, Kyle and John exhort: “God is love, and he calls us to himself in love to be known in love.  God is both our foundation for a flourishing life and the goal for a flourishing life because we truly flourish only if we embrace him.” Today’s question: How do you tether God to what you can see?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Grasp ahold of your struggle” The post Tether God to what we can see appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/36ekhtz July 16, 2026 at 01:00PM

An overly caffeinated will https://ift.tt/MtaFdj1 Ralph Kramden’s iconic bulging eyes behold a suitcase full of money found on his bus and left unclaimed for 30 days. Ralph thinks he’s struck it rich, but the money turns out to be counterfeit. “When consolation fades and we feel stuck in the Christian life, the temptation is to pump up our will, excite passion, and fuel our faithfulness through flesh.  But over time we feel the effects of trying to live off an overly caffeinated will. . . .  The assumption is that we simply need to tweak our actions to get the right result.”- Kyle Strobel and John Coe “These [regulations] have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”- Colossians 2:23 (ESV) In Chapter 8 (“Avoiding God by Fixing Ourselves”) of When God Seems Distant, Kyle Strobel and John Coe detail what happens when we begin to feel the effects of living off our overly caffeinated will.  Rather than infuse passion into our will, we might also: focus on getting the right technique. affirm the right doctrinal statement. tweak our actions to get the right result. find it tempting to create a path where we use God as an instrument for our own achievement. Most significantly, Kyle and John note, when desolation hits, we tend to discover a deep, abiding anger.  An anger we never knew existed in our hearts. In conclusion, the authors counsel: “The temptation of the flesh, like Satan’s temptation in the garden, promises much but delivers nothing that lasts.  Like Satan’s lies, the flesh promises a path to being like God through our own efforts and actions, but it proves fruitless. . . .  This way appears wise . . . but fails because it seeks to make Jesus and his way into a bulleted list of ways to grow.  Jesus himself is our salvation and hope, our righteousness, and our sanctification.” Today’s question: What Bible verses help calm an overly caffeinated will?  Please share. Tomorrow’s blog: “Tether God to what we can see” The post An overly caffeinated will appeared first on Crown of Compassion. via Crown of Compassion https://ift.tt/j5V0ZJu July 15, 2026 at 01:00PM