Author: Tim Challies

I was just a young child when my parents told me I ought to begin daily devotions. I began the habit when I was perhaps eight or ten years old and have largely stuck with it for the past four decades. During that time, I have attempted a hundred different approaches, but it seems like I always end up in the same place: Before my day really begins and often before the sun even rises, I go for a walk through my neighborhood, and as I walk, I listen to the Bible and pray. There is a sweet harmony between Scripture and prayer, which is to say, a sweet harmony between hearing from God and speaking to God. My time of devotion is not first a time of study, but a time of relationship—of hearing God speak to me and then speaking to him in return. I often return home feeling relationally connected and marveling at the privilege that is mine to be able to have a friendship with God—a relationship that, like any other, depends upon two-way communication. I have often spoken to people who struggle to know how to integrate prayer and Scripture in such a way that they can carry on a conversation with the Lord. For those who struggle in that way, I want to give you a tip: Begin with Proverbs. Begin with Proverbs because, in my experience, there is no book that more readily gives itself to conversation. To get started, open Proverbs to one of the middle chapters.…See AlsoWhen You Want It More Than They DoA La Carte (December 20)A La Carte (March 26)

Get ready to travel the globe and experience the beauty of Christian worship like never before. That’s what I hope and trust you’ll gain as you read my new book and watch my new documentary titled From the Rising of the Sun—a project I created in collaboration with my friend Tim Keesee. It is available now! From the Rising of the Sun (Affiliate links) From the Rising of the Sun takes you on an unforgettable journey, showcasing how believers from all corners of the earth praise God in ways that are consistent with Scripture but faithful to the local language, customs, and culture. And here’s the best part—this book includes a code for free streaming access to a 12-episode video series, so you can witness these incredible moments of worship for yourself! Starting in Fiji, you’ll follow the sun as it rises and sets, moving through Australia, Asia, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and beyond. Along the way, you’ll meet brothers and sisters in Christ who worship amidst stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and remote jungles. From the hymns sung in Korea’s bustling metropolises to the prayers offered in Zambia’s open plains, you’ll see and feel the unity and diversity of God’s people. Each chapter invites you into the heart of a country or region and includes: Whether you’re passionate about global missions, fascinated by cultural diversity, or simply looking to deepen your understanding of worship, From the Rising of the Sun will inspire and uplift you. Take this unique opportunity to celebrate God’s glory through the…See AlsoA La Carte (August 14)A Family Update (And an Engagement!)Preorder My New Book and Documentary!

Along the coast of New York is a little town called East Hampton. And I recently read that there is a cemetery in East Hampton where you can find 12 identical graves that have been laid side by side. There’s a story behind them, of course. All the way back in the 1800s, there was a terrible storm in that area. A passing ship struck a rock and began to break apart and sink. It was close enough to land that the townsfolk could see the ship foundering and see the sailors struggling. It was close enough that they could actually fire ropes out to the ship. Twelve of the sailors managed to climb into a lifeboat and grab hold of one of the ropes. The townspeople began to pull it in, drawing the sailors closer and closer to shore. But just as they were about to touch land, the rope snapped. A huge wave flipped the lifeboat and threw them all into the sea. Not one survived. And so as their bodies washed ashore, they were taken to the cemetery and laid to rest. Just imagine coming that close to rescue but still drowning. Even though those 12 men got almost close enough to touch land, they suffered the exact same fate as those who went down with the ship. To be almost rescued is no different from not being rescued at all. To be almost saved is still to be completely lost. I sometimes wonder how many people in your church and mine…See AlsoThe Soundtrack of HeavenWhen God’s Blessings FlowMy Naughty Heart