andrew dodson

This will be the first post in a series as I read through John Piper’s Faith in Future Grace. I’m a quarter of the way through, and it’s one of the best books I’ve read so far. It just happens that I’ve picked it up at the right time in my life, as I deal with different anxieties and strengthen my faith in all areas of my life.

In the chapter on Pride vs. Faith in Future Grace, Piper uses this scripture:

Deuteronomy 8:11-18

11 “Take care lest you forget the Lord your God by not keeping his commandments and his rules and his statutes, which I command you today, 12 lest, when you have eaten and are full and have built good houses and live in them, 13 and when your herds and flocks multiply and your silver and gold is multiplied and all that you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, 15 who led you through the great and terrifying wilderness, with its fiery serpents and scorpions and thirsty ground where there was no water, who brought you water out of the flinty rock, 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna that your fathers did not know, that he might humble you and test you, to do you good in the end. 17 Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ 18 You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your fathers, as it is this day.

It’s easy for us to give ourselves praise when things are going well. We have to be sure to give God the credit for our jobs, families, churches, friends, food on the table, money in the bank, and happy American lives. Pride says, “I did a good job today. I accomplished something today. I deserve praise for my good life.” No, no silly Christian. All the good things in our life are a result of God working through us.

In the tough times, it’s easy to be anxious about aspects of our life. It’s easy to doubt that God will truly provide. Faith in Future Grace says that God has provided for you in the past, and he will take care of you in the future. Cast your anxieties on Him. Grace is past, present and future.

Isn’t that refreshing to know?

I’m back to work after the holiday break.  I didn’t bring my iPod to work with me today because I’m trying out the AOL Radio client for Mac.  So far, I’m pretty happy with it.  It features all of the XM Radio channels, as well as several more AOL-only channels (including an All-Dave Matthews Band channel).  If you have broadband access and are a Mac user, it works really well (Windows users:  you will have to use the actual AOL software, or access AOL Radio through AOL.com - there is no radio client for Windows users).

For those that don’t have AOL, you can sign up for a free account if you have internet access through another provider.  The free accounts are full-featured and give you access to everything AOL has to offer.  Current AOL members should switch to the free accounts if you have a separate internet provider.  For example, I have access through the Frankfort Plant Board, so I’ve switched to a free AOL account.

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