Book Look: Holy Available

On July 6, 2012 By BrianIn Book Look

Holy Available by Gary Thomas is a wonderful book on an important part of the Christian life. The basic premise, which is fleshed out in the first part of the book, is that Jesus our ascended Lord is still active today through his people. We must go beyond merely avoiding evil and seek to be available for his use. Part two gets specific, looking at what it might mean for us to make ourselves available to God: our eyes, our mouths, our ears, our minds, our hands, our feet, and our hearts. Part three addresses being available for God’s glory, making progress, perseverance, and the context of the church. This is a book to read slowly and ponder and apply. Challenging and highly recommended.

For those on a budget, right now you can get slightly imperfect copies for only $4.99 here.

Keep Your Heart

On July 5, 2012April 15, 2017 By BrianIn PASSION Quotes3 Comments

If we don’t keep our heart, which means continually feeding our heart’s affection – if we allow the running of a business or the raising of a family or the maintenance of a church to keep us so busy that we don’t take time to cultivate intimacy with God and to keep our hearts burning with passion for our first love – then we shouldn’t be surprised if our souls collapse into the false intimacy of scandalous sin.

– Gary Thomas in Holy Available

Rest In Being Used

On June 29, 2012 By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

Here’s the joy of the God-empowered life: we can cease expending energy trying to be impressive and instead rest in being used. The reality of being used, by definition, points people back to the One who is using us. Such a ministry glorifies God by relying on God and by demonstrating the reality of God. It recognizes the providence of God, the activity of God, the grace and generosity of God, and the wisdom of God. And there is no greater thrill – absolutely none – than being used to glorify God.
– Gary Thomas in Holy Available

Lost In Wonder

On June 21, 2012 By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

When we look at life through God’s eyes, we become lost in wonder and convinced of God’s astounding generosity, his marvelous mercy, and his gigantic grace. Sin causes us to look at life through the lens of entitlement – that we deserve salvation without repentance, wealth without work, accolades without self-denial, health without personal discipline, pleasure without sacrifice. Biblical truth reminds us that, in reality, we deserve hell…. Every small laugh, each tiny expression of joy, a simple meal – any momentary reprieve from the ongoing agony of hell – truly is an underserved gift. When we add the assurance that the completed work of Christ guards our eternity, our lives should radiate not merely joy (though there should be an abundance of that) but wonder and astonishment at how good God truly is.
– Gary Thomas in Holy Available

Growing Dim?

On June 13, 2012 By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

Will you pause for just a moment and consider where your eyesight may be growing dim? Are you blinded to God’s daily blessings because you’re too focused on financial concerns, health issues, or frustrated relationships? Have you stopped seeing people as important and instead stare persistently at possessions, power, and pleasure? Are your eyes so preoccupied by your comfort that they have grown too tired to look at your life and your circumstances from God’s perspective?
– Gary Thomas in Holy Available

All About Christ Or Me?

On June 5, 2012March 21, 2015 By BrianIn Humility Quotes1 Comment

One of the biggest threats to incarnational living is pride. Instead of manifesting Christ’s presence, we want to showcase our own presence; instead of dispensing Christ’s wisdom, we want to spotlight our own insights; instead of speaking Christ’s truth, we want to spout our own opinions; instead of adopting Christ’s agenda, we want to accomplish our own five- or ten-year plans; instead of building Christ’s kingdom, we want to spread our own “ministry.”
– Gary Thomas in Holy Available

Christ Working Through Us

On May 31, 2012June 5, 2012 By BrianIn PASSION Quotes1 Comment

We serve the ascended and reigning Christ. The world may mock our King. We may disdain his rule by our own sinful rebellion – but the fact is, he reigns. And we can participate in the spread of his kingdom not simply by imitating how he lived while on earth but by making ourselves “holy available” to his dynamic, life-transforming presence within us, by letting him change the way we see, think, feel hear, speak, and serve. It’s the life of Christ in us, continuing his work, exercising his reign, manifesting his presence.
– Gary Thomas in Holy Available

A Compelling Life

On May 29, 2012June 5, 2012 By BrianIn PASSION Quotes

What defines a compelling life? Someone who is available to God and regularly experiences God’s fellowship, presence, and empowerment. There are no substitutes, no shortcuts. We are not compelling; on the contrary, we are sinful, often poor imitations of our Lord. But when God lives through us, shines through us, and overcomes our worst inclinations with his merciful transformation – that’s compelling. People become interested not so much in us but in what’s so different about us. The non-Christian notices the changes as we become more and more like Christ – if indeed we are experiencing more and more of Christ.
– Gary Thomas in Holy Available