“Authentic spiritual friendships: Most of what we know about ourselves, truth or falsehood, has been reflected back to us from others. It is vital that we have close brothers and sisters in Christ with whom we can be open and… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
“Even though we have all had experiences of feeling distant from God, the Dark Night of the Senses is a particular experience with identifiable symptoms, described by John of the Cross. Although not every person necessarily experiences all these symptoms, we can get a good feel for this painful time by looking at the characteristics he describes:4 • The Dark… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share
“The enemy’s attacks also increase during prayer. Disguised as our own thoughts, the enemy sends many memories of past sins, shameful thoughts, and messages of condemnation, designed to make us feel unworthy to seek God or ask His help. A flood of distractions about things to do makes it even more difficult to focus on God in prayer. We seldom… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share
“For the anxious longing of the creation waits eagerly for the reveal- ing [through conversion and transformation] of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share
“Our defense against the devil, made possible by Jesus’ death and resurrection and the Holy Spirit’s presence in us, comes in three ways: 1.… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
“The very fire of love which afterwards is united with the soul, glorifying it, is that which previously assails it by purging it.” — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
“Reading and teaching about contemplative prayer and spiritual warfare in prayer are essential. Although sermons and books and mentors can be very helpful, we… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
“Two primary tactics used on us are pride and distractions. The enemy will attempt to convince us that we are really important, mature, and… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
“Authentic spiritual friendships: Most of what we know about ourselves, truth or falsehood, has been reflected back to us from others. It is vital… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
“The garden of the soul, she says, can be watered in several manners. The first, drawing the water up from a well by use… — R. Thomas Ashbrook Copy Share Image
