Coram Deo ~

Looking at contemporary culture from a Christian worldview

Monthly Archives: January 2021


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BOOK REVIEWS and NEWS


Made for His Pleasure: Ten Benchmarks of a Vital Faith by Alistair Begg. Moody Publishers. 192 pages 2018
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This is a revised and updated edition of the author’s 1996 book, which I read and enjoyed when it was originally published. In this book he looks at the subject of pleasing God in light of putting God first, spiritual fitness, prayer, sacrifice, relationships, vocation, suffering, the heedful life, intellectualism and materialism, humility, and evangelism. He writes that the list is not exhaustive, but selective, and represents something of his own spiritual pilgrimage. He tells us that we could think of the chapters of the book as signposts for the journey of life.
The author writes that we want to learn to be able to say with Paul, “We make it our goal to please him” (2 Cor. 5:9). All of our desires, decisions, aspirations, and affections should be governed by our prior determination to please God.
I highlighted a number of passages as I read this wonderful book, more in some chapters than in others, which you might expect. Below are a few of those passages I would like to share with you:

Click on ‘Continue reading’ for:
BOOK REVIEWS ~ More of this review…
BOOK NEWS ~ Links to Interesting Articles
BOOK CLUB ~ The Gospel According to Jesus by John MacArthur
I’M CURRENTLY READING…. Continue reading →


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Living Intentionally in 2021


Although we all want to put 2020 behind us, we have to face the reality that for most of us it will still be some time yet before we can get the COVID-19 vaccination and life will begin to return to what is going to surely be a “new normal” as far as work, school, travel, visiting, etc. are concerned. As we look to 2021, it would be wise to consider what we have learned about ourselves in 2020.
The beginning of a new year is a great time for us to focus on those areas where we want to improve. But how do you decide what you want to focus on? This is not just about what are referred to as “New Year’s Resolutions”. No, it’s much more important than that. I would suggest going back to your Personal Mission Statement to assure your goals are in alignment with your core purpose, principles and beliefs.
Now I understand and respect that not all people are into setting goals for themselves. I’m one of those who does enjoy setting goals; I break them into daily, short-term and long-term goals.
Here’s a few suggestions for areas you may want to set goals in as you live intentionally in 2021: Continue reading →


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A PRAYER FOR 2021

Our Father in Heaven,

As we begin 2021, we turn to you for your help and guidance. We thank you most of all for sending Jesus, your only son, to earth to pay the price for sin that we could never pay. In an amazing “Great Exchange”, Jesus took our sins upon Himself and gave us His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). As we face 2021, we know that without Him we can do nothing (John 15:5).
Father, 2020 was a very difficult year. Many of us lost loved ones, from COVID-19 or other reasons. The worldwide pandemic has resulted in our lives – work, school, wearing masks, watching church online, fear, etc. – being changed. With the coming vaccinations, we have new hope that soon the worst will be behind us.
May 2021 be a year in which our love for You grows. May many family and friends be drawn to You in saving faith. The call to be about our Father’s business doesn’t change, whether we are in difficult circumstances (a global pandemic) or in pleasant places. Help us in our calling of the Great Commission to share your good news and make disciples of all nations.
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20
May we be people that bring your light and hope to everyone around us. Knowing that you are sovereign, may we find our rest in Thee. Continue reading →