Tag: god

All The Trimmings

James HoganLeave a comment

A few book thoughts this cold grey January day.

3. Moon Shadow by Rachel Shinnick. A fine second book in the Moon Thief trilogy! I was much delighted by this one and as I started reading was drawn even more into the saga of Ilis and her friends. The first chapter was suitably dramatic and emotional and while I shall be attempting not to spoil things here, I really enjoyed how it set us up for the rest of the book and established Ilis and her place in Beriyth. I loved the letter conceit that was used throughout – it did a marvelous job of both communicating the emotions of the main characters as well as ratcheting up the tension. What is going on in this world? Why is the moon red? What’s going on with the “Lift”? And can Ilis protect her land from the Aetoneans? These questions are (mostly) answered, though as this is the second book in the trilogy, there is a definite sense of unfinished business and lingering fear as one closes the book. I have to confess, I did not at all anticipate the ending of this one. It shook me. I will have to re-read at some point soon and I am curious as to how knowing the end will affect a re-read. The characters in this one are still a joy and I love some of the new characters introduced – especially Cogs! Him and Kat’s friendship is one of my favourite parts of the book and I was always smiling whenever they were on stage. I’ve been a bit all over the place with this one but that’s partly because I really don’t want to spoil. I much enjoyed this. The author’s writing style in the first book was bracingly fast-paced yet lovely – this book the writing took a step up, feeling even more confident and sure of itself as the author continued to unfold her story. The emotional scenes in this one hit all the harder and the beauty shone through all the more. I’m quite excited to see what she does with book 3 and cannot wait to read!

4. Practical Religion by J.C. Ryle. A wonderfully encouraging book. Every time I read a book by Ryle, I wonder why I haven’t read more of his and am all the more eager to find another to add to my shelf. Yes, Ryle is a 19th-century writer and so at times the style feels a bit old-fashioned to her ears. But yet? Ryle speaks clearly and forcefully of the Christian faith and what it calls us to and he is not ashamed one bit. I love how much Ryle feels the weight of the message of the gospel and how passionately he calls us all to make sure we are in the faith as we meditate on our own place in this life. This book is an easy read in some ways, as each chapter is standalone and can be read as part of your daily meditation or devotion. Some of the chapters are a bit longer and will require an extended period (perhaps an hour), yet each chapter is well worth it. I need to read more books like this, books that encourage me in what I believe and remind me of what I know and yet give me further fuel and fire to delight in my Lord and to seek ever more to follow him all of my days. As I read this, I was reminded of the simple and practical parts of our daily life that we should and ought give to our Lord and how silly is it that we so often segregate our life between the secular and the spiritual whereas we should actually consider the whole entirety of our life in the light of the spiritual and seek that we might be properly taking steps that would align us more with what our God has called us to. I realise I haven’t really talked about the main meat of this book – so what is this book really about? As I mentioned, each chapter is standalone, so each chapter is different and it is difficult for me to say there is one major theme. There are chapters on bible reading, prayer, zeal, love, the Lord’s table, sickness, riches and poverty, our final home, the fundamental differences between the Christian and non-Christian and so many other topics. It is helpful to think about these things and Ryle writes so clearly and plainly that it is easy to understand, even with the slightly outdated language at times. Truly this is a pastoral book, and one that I would encourage to all. Yes, he wrote this in a different time, where the majority of people were at least nominally Christian and so some of his lines seem a bit odd now as he’s clearly writing to people who have at least a familiarity with church and Christianity. Still I think this book would benefit anyone who would read it now, even as it would clarify what it means for one to be a Christian and be a follower of Jesus. Reading books that encourage me in following Christ and to be more intentional in my daily walk? Yes please. I need more books like this in my life.

5. Christianity and Liberalism by J. Gresham Machen. A superb polemical work, even if at times feeling a bit dated by the time in which it was written. If anything though, this serves both as a proper aid to understanding true historic Christianity as well as a historical primer of the state of the church in the early 20th century. This book really is a fascinating look at the state of the established church (with an American focus) now about a hundred years back and Machen’s book is a bracingly clear and concise defense of what were considered the orthodox beliefs of Christianity. Machen is addressing those “liberals” in his time who began to believe and say and preach (even if veiled at times) that perhaps some of the historic truths of Christianity weren’t quite as important as they were of old made out to be and that perhaps they weren’t even true at all. The quest for the historical Jesus had already began and the critical method had begun to be used as a tool for questioning the old ways of understanding both the Bible and Christianity. Machen in this book attempts to challenge the new paradigm and he takes great offense at the cunning of the modern scholars and theologians who attempt to reframe and ever so gently reshape the Christianity of old to make it more palatable to the modern enlightened mind. Machen holds fast to the old-time religion and in this slim volume (really a quick read – knocked it out in less than a week to Dani’s chagrin!) he spends time talking about some of the fundamentals of the Christian faith and comparing the Christian view to the liberal one. These fundamentals include thoughts on “doctrine”, “the Bible”, “God and Man”, “Christ”, “Salvation” and “the Church”. I think I just named the chapters in this book, for the most part. Machen with skill and grace attacks the liberal position and attempts to set forth the Christian position as the one which aligns with both historic and metaphysical reality. He at times can be a bit abrasive yet I do get the sense that Machen is deeply wounded and shaken by the subtle attacks of those who toss forth that classic question – “hath God said?” and in soft words and softer intimations indicate that of course their position is the only reasonable one in the here and now. Are we not in the modern age, after all? Machen is fighting for the faith and I admire his zeal and love for the Lord as he clearly defines the core ethos of Christianity.

I have a few times mentioned the word “fundamental” and while Machen is often seen as a precursor to the “Fundamentalism” movement of the 20th century, I’m not sure he would himself align with such. Yes he clearly believes in the reality of a spiritual world and the possibility and actuality of the miraculous and supernatural work of God (In ways his thoughts on such reminded me of Lewis’ book ‘Miracles’, which I really must re-read soon!). Yes he clearly believes in the authority of the Word of God and the efficacy of such in working in the hearts and minds of men and women through the power of the Holy Spirit. Yet he also is one who very much values the thoughts and minds of the scholars and theologians of old and does not so eagerly dismiss the written works of the past few thousand years, understanding how much God has worked in his church throughout the past few millennia in increasing our understanding of who God is and how God is working on this earth. Yet Machen also doesn’t hold as blindly as some to earthly institutions and manmade hierarchies. He calls for a simple Christianity and a simple faith, a belief in the God who is real and who in reality stepped on this earth and died on an actual cross of wood so that all those who simply believed on Him would have life eternal, both now and in the age to come. This is both simple and profound and should shake all who think truly upon these words. I was much benefitted by reading this book and while it might be a bit heady for some, I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to think a bit more about the core tenets of the Christian faith and how they compare to some of the modern thoughts and beliefs we even now have about what it means to be a Christian. There are different battles we fight now to be sure. But even now, there are those who call themselves Christians who preach another gospel. Is it not helpful for us to consider even now what the true gospel of Christianity is? What message shall be proclaimed?

Valentine

James HoganLeave a comment

A quiet Wednesday evening here. I know I don’t usually post at this time (or – at least it’s been a while!) but thought I had my laptop out and might as well at least write a few words! Today’s been a cold drizzly grey day. Sometimes I love those kinds of days. Alas today my love was dry. After I finished work, I would have loved to go out and walk in the cold afternoon but the showers descending without mercy gave me pause. So inside I have stayed! Bonus work was accomplished. Some reading was also done. I am almost done with the adventures of the Count of Monte Cristo. What a beast of a book! I hit the thousand-page mark last night and still a good bit to go!! It is worth it, although I am not convinced that it compares to some of my other 19th-century favs. Maybe I’m just not a fan of French lit. Maybe I just prefer the Russians. What does that say about me?

In other news, the scents of dinner rise. Dani is in the kitchen and I am now pleased to report that it seems as if a delicious dinner of fried okra and beef is at hand. Soon enough we shall enjoy a pleasant and delicious dinner and then bed time will be my lot. Early I know, but work is pressing hard of late and I fear I need all my strength to meet the challenge. The Lord gives grace, always.

Now I shall cease this slightly rambling evening post. It’s been a bit since I’ve written like this (makes me nostalgic for the entries of my past a bit!) and though I can’t promise I will keep this up, it makes me smile to write a few words in the middle of a hectic tiring week. Apologies for the lack of anything resembling creativity or wit. Perhaps next time, my friends, perhaps! Oh and one question for the readers. What books should I tackle next? I’m pondering which beautiful works of fiction shall be on my reading list this year of 2026. I am considering a Lord of the Rings re-read (it’s been too long!) and perhaps some more Lewis as well. But I am undecided so I would heartily welcome any beloved recommendations.

Now I am off for real. Peace and love, my friends. Peace and love.

Friend

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A Monday morning says hello and soon oh too soon must I begin to work, this I know. But can I not spend a bare few minutes typing up a little soliloquy? Whether or not I’m granted permission, I proceed. It is a cold morning and though I wish I could enjoy it with a nice long walk, there is no time alas. Perhaps later! For the now, I simply sit and meditate on what I’ve read this morning. From beautiful words of comfort and joy found in the Bible to words of strong exhortation and sweet encouragement from JC Ryle, I’m grateful for the time I have to ponder heavenly things as I think on the inheritance that is mine through the glorious work of Jesus Christ. Soon enough the hustle and bustle of the daily stresses will commence and I shall deal with those in their proper order. But no matter what comes, I walk forward in calm confidence that all I do is through the grace and power granted me by God himself. I rejoice knowing that I am called a child of God and have no fear of what may come this day. Though I was once a sinner vile and blind of eye and perverse of heart, I now have been made anew, am regenerated true and born again that I might sing glory glory to my God! Jesus is my friend. What a thought! I sit here and let that wash over me and think on it again. Jesus is my friend.

And though now I act in faith and bemoan the fact that I cannot take his hand and feel the scars and touch the side that bore the spear for me, I do look upward now knowing that he is there at the right hand of God ever mediating for me his friend. Yet he is there yet also here in union with me in divine mystery that I don’t fully understand. But this union is something beautiful, a vine that I am part of. Yes, I abide in Christ. I close my eyes for a second and think again that I am a child of God. The Spirit prods me closer down the path and reminds me that this world is not my home. I have another and even now my friend Jesus makes it ready for me. Soon I come. Not yet. But soon. I long for that far country where I shall sit at the feet of Jesus and share a meal with him. Now I think on the meal I take in memory, that wine and bread which reminds me of that work which Jesus did for me. His body, broken for me. His blood, given for me. I am washed and clean and wear robes of white because the Lamb of God gave his life for me. And this is not a mere transactional note in the divine ledgers. No, Jesus looks to me in love and stretches out his hand and says come. Come to me and you shall find your rest. Yes, my Lord, I come. I rest in you. I delight to say – Jesus, my dear friend and brother, I rest in you! My Lord and my God, I rest in you.

Signed and Sealed

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in the fog he strides and sings
glory glory to my king!
he lifts his head and smells the smoke
whispering to himself of what he knows
promises that were long ago written
words of life that for him were given
and though too oft he tends to stutter
and wastes his thoughts on another
there are times like now when he stands tall
and remembers seeing the rainbow at the falls
so please forgive him for not always being plain of speech
for it brings him perhaps perverse delight to weave poetry
that subtly whispers truth that aches with love
and gently hints at the truths of him who sits above
but now he laughs and cries as he remembers his story
his heart burns within him as he ponders that farther glory
and he knows that though he was lost and broken true
and that he had no idea what if anything he could do
there was one who reached out his hand
and pleaded him to come into the farther land
all he had to do was fall and kneel and pray
and in desperate humble brokenness ask and say
Lord I bring nothing I am but ash and rust
save me save me oh save me or I am lost!
and so he looks to the cross and says i believe
help me God to come now to thee
for on my own i would surely be done
but now i rest my faith in you God’s own Son!
and that is all and that is enough he cries
for he knows that for his soul the Son did die!
so now he’s washed and now he’s clean
and now he stands forever among the redeemed
he rises up through the waters of the brook
and to the far shore he now dares to look
the pilgrim way continues on and ever on
but now he walks with the light of God
and though his writings still sometimes stumble
and though his poetry tends to kind of mumble
he leaves this here for a witness
to the God whom he confesses
Father, Son and Spirit Holy
eternity now whispers
and I follow

Flexing

James HoganLeave a comment

Hello friends! A quick post this lovely Saturday evening which may or may not lead to more writing down the line, who can say? Certainly not I. As is usual, I’ll start out by noting the absolute gorgeousness of this day. It’s about 50 degrees outside, a chill that delights my heart and warms my soul. The sky is of a cornflower blue, it’s face friendly and well-washed by the recent rain. And feathery clouds rest atop the horizon heralding the sunset that is soon to come. I could have stayed at home and written there of course and I almost did. But I walked down the street to the coffeeshop here mostly because I craved the walk and all its attendant delights. Now I sit here at a small wooden table at Antidote, resting my back against the block wall and subtly listening in on some of the conversations around. Right now to my left sit a couple from England talking to a couple from the Netherlands and I’m enjoying their random chat. But let’s see if I can shut that off and focus on writing, shall I? The electronic beat of the music – warehouse techno in styling – sounds firm in my ears and drives me ever forward. I must write. I shall write. My fingers have been inactive too long. But what? Shall I write of that which I love? Shall I write of those dreams that linger afore my waking eyes and softly draws me closer with the soft scent of rose perfume? Or shall I instead crack open my heart a bit and let it pour forth that molten gold that has been in the forging processing these many months? I know not, I know not. Too often I allow myself these stream-of-consciousness sessions and at times it is beautiful but at times I slightly worry about what may issue forth. But then I remember to whom I belong and who even now is at work pruning me and making me fit for the far country for which I long. And I smile and worry no more. I am a child of God, am I not? What love is mine. So let’s write and let’s love and let’s wonder. I’ll let others worry, I simply rest on the promises that are mine. Peace and love, dear friends.

A Consideration

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Hello friends! While I hope at some point to do a proper 2025 retrospective and a 2026 looking forward…this is not that. Instead, why not start off the year with a few books? (That I most certainly finished in 2025 but have only gotten around to writing about now!)

1. You Are Not Your Own by Alan Noble. A difficult read at times, but not for any fault of the author’s. Rather, this is a book that shines an unsparing mirror upon society (and yes, ourselves) and asks us to consider if the way we live our lives really properly reflects the truths that sit at the core of our very existence. Of course this is coming from a Christian perspective but if one considers such a perspective is true (which I do), this book is properly bracing in how it lays out the way our modern society has failed us and how our only response can be a reorienting and a considered, intentional way of living that operates with the understanding that we are not our own, but we belong to the God who created us. The first few chapters of this book (really the first half of this book!) are grim indeed, as they lay out the way in which our society and our modern outlook have failed us. It can be a bit of a hard slog and a depressing one as one reads on and on about we are set up for a miserable go of it if we live as if we are our own. I appreciated Noble’s perspective, for as much as I love old books, sometimes it is quite important to have people writing and sharing wisdom on the time in which we now live. This book does that. All the modern Western ailments are dealt with and at times I flinched as I considered how much my own thoughts and actions are coloured by my unthinking adherence to the standards and practices of this age which I call my own. And so, please push through the first few chapters as they are important and necessary for us to understand the problem. Of course, Noble does eventually come to a solution (what I would call the solution) of understanding that only through living as if we belong to God can we properly thrive in our living and being. It is still hard though. We want a practical primer, takeaways and 5-step programs and knowing that if we do the “one thing”, then everything will be better. Well, everything won’t be better immediately, no matter what we do. We live in a broken world, and nothing we can do can entirely redeem it. Thankfully, miraculously, gloriously? We know there is one who came to this world precisely to redeem it, and so in the glorious reality that Christ came to this world to offer salvation and point to a future in which all will be made right, we can also live now in gratitude and joy, beacons of hope to the dark that surrounds.

I am beginning to ramble now, so I won’t say much more, but there are some lovely statements and practical wisdom at the end of this book that helped me to reflect on how I ought now live. Particularly one line I loved was about the importance of “small rearguard advances”, the small things we do that reflect the true and the beautiful.

Actually, I think I will quote that paragraph to end: “I suspect this part of the book would feel much more satisfying if I lied to you, but I’m not going to. You will not save the world; you can’t even save yourself. At best, you may see the corruption in society more clearly, you may be better prepared to deal with the indignities of the modern world, and you may make small, rear-guard advances for truth, goodness, and beauty in your sphere of influence. I hope you do! But if you can get over yourself and stop thinking in terms of efficiency, you can honor God and love your neighbor while having faith that He will set things to right. Don’t let yourself ask, “Is this good deed making any real difference?” If it really is the right thing to do, the efficiency does not matter. Your obligation is faithfulness, not productivity or measurable results.”

2. Voices From the Past, edited by Richard Rushing. A wonderful daily devotional. I read this (almost!) every day this past year and my soul was much delighted in the doing. As someone who appreciates the old Puritan writings, reading a little bit of one every morning was truly balm for the soul. Of course some of the selections are better than others and of course there were times I wondered how the selection reflected the verse chosen. Still yet. It is wonderful to meditate on God and His words and works, and these writings helped me do so. Heartily recommend this if any of you are looking for a new daily devotional!

Bread

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I wonder what it was like to sit on those green hills and listen to those strange words falling from the prophet’s lips. Did those words hit their hearts like thunder? Would a tremble have gone across their limbs as they heard this man say that he had come from heaven and was indeed the bread that would grant them life eternal? I wonder if I too would have been more focused on the fish and bread I was munching on than on the face of the man that stood before me with hands outstretched. I wonder if my thoughts too would have narrowed on the potential of this man being a revolutionary king that would be the pivot point upon which my fortunes would turn. Or would I have had the wisdom to see that perhaps there was more to this man and that I only needed to sit at his feet and listen? I would love to say that I would have been echoing the words of the one brash young man who declaimed his loyalty and been no less shy at admitting my lack of other options as I recognized that eternal life came from the strange words falling from the prophet’s lips. Perhaps? It is hard for me to say for that is not my story.

What can I say now though? I do believe this prophet’s words and I recognize a calling that has been issued that I cannot help but follow. A flame burns upon my brow and my clothes drip water from the sacred fount. I sit and eat this bread and drink this wine and look up to the tree that is stained in my Savior’s blood. Father my Father, I come. Spirit oh Spirit, I come. Jesus, I come.

Light in the Darkness

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How good it is to be still and rest and sit and meditate the beauties of my God this merry day. What a joy it is to be with the family and hear all their voices chatting about this and that and the other, my stomach very pleasantly stuffed, a pot of stock bubbling on the stove and a book at my side about to be opened. Oh my heart is full to bursting as I consider how much my God has blessed me this day, all the days in my past and all the days in my future still to come! I sometimes tilt my head in awe and wonder that I should be given so much, I whom deserve so little.

So though I could write lines and lines and books and books and I feel the words simply must be written so that all might know what is in my heart, I shall cease now in fear that any words I could write would be insufficient to convey the beauties of the glory of the Lord. But hark – just a few more. Have you ever thought how marvelous it is that the God that created the universe and even now holds it all together, this very same God was born a baby on this earth in order to bring us close to him in full and forever communion with Him? I do not serve a cold and distant being who looks upon me in scorn. No, I serve a God who has saved me from my sins and has brought me into perfect fellowship with him. I deserved nothing but wrath and I have been given nothing but love. Jesus Christ came to this earth and was born in one of the most shockingly beautiful moments in history. My soul trembles as I think that God knows my name and smiles upon my frame. My heart breaks as I consider that I will be with my God forever through the blood of my Jesus who was born and died for me. Shocking, this.

Merry Christmas, my dear friends.

Fixed it For You

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A few thoughts on my latest read this warm December evening.

83. The Everlasting Righteousness by Horatius Bonar. A beautiful book on the righteousness of Christ and its implications for those who put their trust in him. I was looking for a little book on Christ that would aid my devotion and meditation on him, and this certainly fit the bill! Its subtitle is “How shall man be just with God” and most certainly this book answered the question with the answer being self-evident from the title alone. At times we can trust to our own efforts or goodness, even if we would not put it quite so boldly out loud. Yet at times we often think we have done a bit of what is necessary to give God cause to love us, true? This book is a wonderful corrective to such thinking, driving one to the cross. Only in Christ can man be just with God. Only through Christ and his righteousness, for we have naught to bring! We are blind indeed and those who know such and cry out to the great Healer will surely find their eyes opened and eternal life in the bargain. The majority of this book deals with the subject of Christ’s righteousness and the imputation of such to the sinner who puts his trust in Christ. I probably read this a bit too quickly and I think it would well repay a slower reading. The author did add a few chapters at the end on both the significance and result of the resurrection of Christ as well as the necessary outcome of holy living for the one who is truly covered by the righteousness of Christ. These are “side issues” as it were to the main subject of the justification of the sinner through Christ’ righteousness, yet I’m still grateful that the author decided to add these chapters as they are simply magnificent and heart stirring in all their grandeur. Meditating on the resurrection of Christ was true balm for my soul!! I probably have said too many words on this one already. It’s a small book, the chapters perfectly sized for a short evening’s reading. Though this book may come across a bit dated to some (written over a hundred and fifty years ago now), I’m still most grateful I read this and shall certainly pick it up again when I am seeking to be encouraged and reminded of why I am so confident of that hope which I call my own.

Let Us Sing in Harmony she Said Eagerly to Me

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The vegetables have been chopped. The chicken thighs are roasting in the oven. Soon enough I will heat up the stove and begin the process which shall presumedly end in a delightfully yummy chicken and barley soup. For now though, I can sit here and blissfully rest. I say that as if I have been strenuously working all day, which is most certainly not the case. Still yet, I am grateful for this moment. Dani and I had a lovely walk here there and everywhere (a little over 4.5 miles I believe) and oh how wonderful was it to enjoy this early December day in all its shy beauty! The fading evening light washed over us as we walked and it did my soul good to breathe in the wintry air this day. Now I think perhaps a book is about to be opened. Multiple books even. The candle is lit, as is only proper. And soon enough the scents of chicken soup shall waft their way throughout our little home and I shall then – even as I am now – sing praises to my Lord. Too often do I forget that all these things that have been given me come from my God. On that note, I am away. My soul thrills to to read a few words now on Christ and his marvelous work for me. I sit at the foot of the cross and weep for love.