Watchfulness: Recovering a Lost Spiritual Discipline

Description

Are you watchful in your Christian life? Although watchfulness is not as familiar as spiritual disciplines like meditation, prayer, and fasting, it is just as necessary for a healthy spiritual life. Scripture exhorts all Christians to be watchful, regardless of their station and season in life. In Watchfulness , Brian Hedges provides a fresh look at the what, why, how, when, and who of watchfulness, drawing principles from Scripture and instruction from believers of the past who have understood this discipline and written about it. Designed for reflection, self-examination, and personal application, with 'Examine and Apply' questions at the end of each chapter, this book will chart your course toward greater watchfulness, increased holiness, and deeper communion with the triune God. Table of Contents: 1. What? The Nature of Watchfulness 2. Why? The Necessity of Watchfulness 3. How? The Cultivation of Watchfulness 4. When? The Seasons for Watchfulness 5. Who? Watchfulness and the Church Appendix 1: M'Cheyne's Personal Reformation Appendix 2: The Minister's Self-Watch Endorsements 'If you love your Bible, if you love the Puritans, and if you love your own soul, then this little book is a banquet awaiting you to come and indulge your spiritual appetite! Brian Hedges has woven together a wonderfully edifying book on a forgotten spiritual discipline-watchfulness. He has created a tapestry rich in Scripture and the masters of the inner life: Owen, Bunyan, Flavel, Boston, M'Cheyne, and others. I can well imagine this little volume sitting next to my Bible to be read along with morning devotions or for family worship. May the Lord Jesus use this wonderful little book to help His people become more watchful.' - Brian Borgman, Pastor of Grace Community Church, Minden, Nevada, and Author of Feelings and Faith, Cultivating Godly Emotions in the Christian Life, and Coauthor of Spiritual Warfare: A Biblical and Balanced Perspective 'In a sea of antinomian easy believism, Watchfulness is a five-alarm fire bell calling us all to work out our salvation with fear, trembling, and effort. It's about time. In twenty years of ministry, I have not read a single article, let alone book, that deals with the urgent issue of watchfulness. This book is long overdue and desperately needed.' - Todd Friel, Host of Wretched Radio andAuthor of Reset for Parents: How to Keep Your Kids from Backsliding 'Watchfulness is a book for all types of Christians. Whether you just met Christ yesterday or you ve been walking with Him for dozens of years, this book is a helpful reminder that we must diligently keep watch over ourselves and each other. I recommend without hesitation that you pick this up and start implementing it today. Hedges has done the church a great service with this gem!' - Jason M. Garwood, Teaching Pastor of Cross & Crown Church, Northern Virginia, and Author of Be Holy: Learning the Path of Sanctification 'Channeling the likes of Owen, Bunyan, M'Cheyne, and Calvin, Brian Hedges cares for the Christian's soul with the expertise of a seasoned pastor and a wise shepherd. He instructs the reader in the needful and often-neglected spiritual discipline of watchfulness. If you would enjoy Christ more, safeguard your soul with greater effectiveness, and live the faith-filled life more intentionally, devour these pages. It will do your soul good and sow seeds for a life of devotion to Christ.' - Jason Helopoulos, Associate Pastor, University Reformed Church, Lansing, Michigan, and Author of A Neglected Grace: Family Worship in the Christian Home