Month: January 2026

2 Temptations that Keep Us from the Dive of Love

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I’m listening to Richard Rohr’s The Tears of Things.

In chapter five he discusses the writings of Jeremiah. One aspect Rohr pulls out is Jeremiah’s challenge to not be attached to the exterior works of religion and to choose the inner transformation found in a relationship with the one being worshipped. Be more in love with God instead of the rituals that supposedly bring you closer to him.

This particular statement stung me:

Church loyalty is commonly substituted for the love of God. Loyalty is actually a form of codependency giving a warped sense of control and safety while love is a dive into perfect freedom.

Loyalty – I have wrestled with this value most of my life. I’ve come to the realization that the temptation to be loyal to what or who I can see is a great tool of the enemy. So yes, it’s easy to understand how one could substitute it for the real thing.

Codependency – This is a good possibility of why we choose that substitution. This temptation to be in control and to pursue safety is the oldest tool of spiritual warfare. It’s not a reason to run from the church; it’s a worthy awareness to maintain church health.

Love of God – I’ve been challenged several times over the last five years by those speaking into my life that my dive into perfect freedom needs more attention. That’s why this quote resonated. That is how I avoid yielding to these two temptations.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

25 Books in 2025 Library

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For an eighth year I have followed a self-developed reading strategy with the objective to read broader. The goal: read books falling under diverse headings. This strategy is still working for me, probably the richest year yet.

For the curious, here is the library of 25 books including avenue of reading:

  • Attached to God by Krispin Mayfield (hoopla)…2nd read
  • Becoming Rooted by Randy Woodley (hoopla)
  • Beyond the Third Door by Maria Heckinger (hoopla)
  • Bone Songs by Andre Gregory (hoopla)
  • Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault (hoopla)
  • The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris (hoopla audio)
  • Courage Doesn’t Always Roar by Mary Anne Radmacher (hoopla)
  • Deliver Me by Dawn Van Beck (hard copy)…most recommended Christian life book on the list-several “I needed this book” responses
  • Dream Weaver by Jenny Jing Zhu (hard copy)
  • From Beneath the Ice by Todd Arkyn Crush (audible)…most compelling book on the list-leading to a new friendship
  • Fully Alive by Timothy Shriver (audible)…favorite read of the year
  • The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan (audible)…most practical book on the list–bought hard copies for coworkers
  • Hello Darkness, My Old Friend by Sanford Greenberg (hard copy)…most engaging book on the list
  • In the Shelter by Padraig O Tuama (hoopla audio)
  • Ladder to the Light by Steven Charleston (hoopla audio)
  • The Lord Is My Courage by K. J. Ramsey (hoopla)
  • A Loving Life by Paul E. Miller (hoopla)
  • Resurrecting Jesus by Adyashanti (hoopla audio)
  • Seeing with the Eyes of the Heart by Adyashanti and Cynthia Bourgeault (hoopla audio)
  • Separation of Church and Hate by John Fugelsang (audible)
  • A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by W. Phillip Keller (hoopla)
  • Single at Heart by Bella Depaulo (hoopla)…most thought-provoking book on the list
  • The Third Door by Alex Banayan (audible)
  • Unlimited by Jason Dunn (hoopla)
  • The Wisdom of Stability by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove (hoopla)…the best big idea book on the list–a fresh take on the definition of and need for stability

NOTE: If you’re not familiar with hoopla, check it out: https://www.hoopladigital.com/