[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"$fbXh_amEaP6V1U14jI_u5gBcp5TKC6ewuVXj-1oDoibA":3,"$famBD47QokJI3GgTZ-odnUcs2IBNLEXsbe86hPd_GhZE":12},{"author":4,"tags":11},{"author_id":5,"author_name":6,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"bio":9,"short_bio":9,"slug":10,"image_url":9},17238,"Joel R. Beeke","J",16,null,"joel-r-beeke",[],{"quotes":13,"pagination":99},[14,22,28,34,40,47,53,60,66,83],{"id":15,"quote_text":16,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":19,"source":20,"quote_tag":21,"commentary":9},3144881,"The constant challenge in Christian theology is to preach the whole counsel of God, while not emphazing one point of doctrine in a way that denies another.",6,false,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":23,"quote_text":24,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":25,"source":26,"quote_tag":27,"commentary":9},3144873,"Preaching was uniquely honored by God “in that it serveth to collect the church and to accomplish the number of the elect” and also “it driveth away the wolves from the folds of the Lord.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":29,"quote_text":30,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":31,"source":32,"quote_tag":33,"commentary":9},3144861,"Many forget that most of the greatest theologians God has given to the church were also pastors and teachers in the local church.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":35,"quote_text":36,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":37,"source":38,"quote_tag":39,"commentary":9},3144848,"The conferring and comparing of Scriptures is an excellent means of coming to an acquaintance with the mind and will of God in them. – JOHN OWEN.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":41,"quote_text":42,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":43,"source":44,"quote_tag":45,"commentary":46},3144831,"Give yourself-not just your time-to prayer. Remember that prayer is not an appendix to your life and your work, it is your life your real, spiritual life-and your work. Prayer is the thermometer of your soul.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nJoel R. Beeke, a renowned theologian and pastor, likely wrote or spoke these words in the context of his extensive work on the importance of prayer in Christian living. As a historian, I place this quote within the era of Beeke's emphasis on Reformed spirituality and the pursuit of a vibrant, prayer-filled life. His writings and sermons often reflect a deep concern for the spiritual well-being of Christians, urging them to prioritize their relationship with God.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe counter-intuitive truth in this quote lies in the assertion that prayer is not merely an appendage to one's life and work, but rather the very essence of it. This means that for many Christians, the distinction between their \"spiritual life\" and their \"secular work\" is a false dichotomy, and that prayer should be integrated into every aspect of their existence. By saying that prayer is the \"thermometer of the soul,\" Beeke highlights the idea that prayer reveals the true state of one's spiritual health, often exposing areas of hypocrisy or complacency.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset in modern life, one might adopt a practice of \"prayer-infused work,\" where every task and project is approached as an opportunity to pray and seek guidance from God. This could involve setting aside time to pray before a meeting or project, or incorporating brief prayers into one's daily routine, such as before meals or during breaks. By doing so, one can cultivate a deeper sense of spiritual awareness and integrate their faith more fully into their work and daily life.",{"id":48,"quote_text":49,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":50,"source":51,"quote_tag":52,"commentary":9},3144816,"The love of Christ is insatiable. The more you experience His redeeming love, the more you desire it. The more you desire it, the more you want to dwell on it. The more you dwell on it, the more you cherish it and are satisfied by it. You can never ‘mind’ Christ’s love too often, since his love knows no bounds.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":54,"quote_text":55,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":56,"source":57,"quote_tag":58,"commentary":59},3144806,"You can do more than pray after you have prayed, but you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed,” John Bunyan writes. “Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge to Satan.“24.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],"**The Backstory**\nJohn Bunyan, a 17th-century English writer and Baptist preacher, penned these words in his book \"The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,\" published in 1680. At the time, Bunyan was experiencing persecution and imprisonment for his faith, which likely influenced his emphasis on the importance of prayer as a source of strength and protection.\n\n**The Hidden Insight**\nThe quote reveals a counter-intuitive truth about the nature of prayer and action. Bunyan is not suggesting that prayer is a passive activity that precedes action, but rather that it is an active and essential part of taking action. The phrase \"you cannot do more than pray until you have prayed\" highlights the idea that prayer is not a precursor to action, but rather a catalyst that enables and empowers action.\n\n**How to Use This**\nTo apply this mindset today, recognize that prayer is not a separate activity from work or problem-solving, but rather an integral part of the process. Before taking action, take a moment to pray and seek guidance, not as a replacement for action, but as a way to tap into the power and wisdom that can inform and energize your efforts.",{"id":61,"quote_text":62,"author_id":5,"source_id":17,"has_image":18,"author":63,"source":64,"quote_tag":65,"commentary":9},3144789,"The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams, but God is the fountain. These are but drops; but God is the ocean.16.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[],{"id":67,"quote_text":68,"author_id":5,"source_id":69,"has_image":18,"author":70,"source":71,"quote_tag":72,"commentary":9},755477,"Now I know not anything that will contribute more to the furtherance of this good work than the bringing of family religion more into practice and reputation. Here the reformation must begin.",2,{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[73,78],{"id":74,"tag":75},3601568,{"id":76,"tag_name":77},86,"family",{"id":79,"tag":80},3601569,{"id":81,"tag_name":82},27338,"reformation",{"id":84,"quote_text":85,"author_id":5,"source_id":69,"has_image":18,"author":86,"source":87,"quote_tag":88,"commentary":9},653382,"Jesus calls all sinners to repent. True repentance is not a nebulous response of sorrow; it requires definite actions. Repentance so transforms the mind that it results in a changed life. Repentance does not merely say “I’m sorry” (similar to what we say when we accidentally step on someone’s foot). Rather, true repentance says from the heart, “I’ve been wrong and grieve over my sin, but now I see the truth, and I will change my ways accordingly.",{"id":5,"author_name":6,"slug":10,"author_name_first_letter":7,"article_count":8,"image_url":9},{},[89,94],{"id":90,"tag":91},3331667,{"id":92,"tag_name":93},1085,"christianity",{"id":95,"tag":96},3331668,{"id":97,"tag_name":98},7211,"repentance",{"currentPage":100,"totalPages":69,"totalItems":8,"itemsPerPage":101},1,10]