Honestly, when I read the Scriptures, I really believe the Lord puts a heart in us when we become believers.

We live in a relativistic culture, where people are more con- cerned with being liked than being truthful. In A Sweet and Bitter Providence, John Piper does an outstanding job of bibli- cally defending key truths that the church often ignores. He gives us an example of how to take a bold and educated stand on issues of race, purity, and God's sovereignty.

If I were Satan and my ultimate goal was to thwart God's kingdom and purposes, one of my main strategies would be to get churchgoers to ignore the Holy Spirit.

Do you understand that it's impossible to please God in any way other than wholehearted surrender?

Our lack of intimacy is due to our refusal to unplug and shut off communication from all others so we can be alone with Him.

In our world, where hundreds of things distract us from God, we have to intentionally and consistently remind ourselves of Him.

Can you worship a God who isn't obligated to explain His actions to you? Could it be your arrogance that makes you think God owes you an explanation?