An oldie but a goodie! This book, written around 400 years ago, details the ways to defend oneself from the schemes Satan uses to tear Christians away from the foot of the cross. Drawing from the scripture quoted below, Thomas Brooks guides the believer through the remedies they may practically employ to protect themselves and their way of thinking.

“in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.” 

2 Corinthians 2:11

“[I]t is not hasty reading–but serious meditating upon holy and heavenly truths, that make them prove sweet and profitable to the soul. It is not the bee’s touching of the flower, which gathers honey–but her abiding for a time upon the flower, which draws out the sweet. It is not he who reads most–but he who meditates most, who will prove the choicest, sweetest, wisest and strongest Christian.”

You can buy the book here (extremely cheap!) and likely find it online in pdf form for free. WELL WORTH THE READ! Especially if you are considering taking the One Year Challenge. Satan will certainly oppose any who who would attempt great things for God in going on mission, it is our job to put on the armor that God has provided!

“Russian philosopher Vladimir Solovyov sarcastically summarized the ethical reasoning of secular humanism like this: ‘Man descended from apes, therefore we must love one another.’ The second clause does not follow from the first. If it was natural for the strong to eat the weak in the past, why aren’t people allowed to do it now? . . . Given the secular view of the universe, the conclusion of love or social justice is no more logical than the conclusion to hate or destroy. These two sets of beliefs—in a thoroughgoing scientific materialism and in a liberal humanism—simply do not fit with one another. Each set of beliefs is evidence against the other. Many would call this a deeply incoherent view of the world.”

Tim Keller (42–43)

We are not animals, not beasts. As Christ has love us, let us love others.

If you’re thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, you will likely encounter people from a different background and world view, but we share a father.

It’s a long quote but a good one. What could inspire a man do face such challenges as Hudson Taylor did and remain faithful to the mission? What could motivate us to follow in his footsteps?

Not many months after my conversion, having a leisure afternoon, I retired to my own chamber to spend it largely in communion with GOD. Well do I remember that occasion. How in the gladness of my heart I poured out my soul before GOD; and again and again confessing my grateful love to Him who had done everything for me–who had saved me when I had given up all hope and even desire for salvation–I besought Him to give me some work to do for Him, as an outlet for love and gratitude; some self-denying service, no matter what it might be, however trying or however trivial; something with which He would be pleased, and that I might do for Him who had done so much for me. Well do I remember, as in unreserved consecration I put myself, my life, my friends, my all, upon the altar, the deep solemnity that came over my soul with the assurance that my offering was accepted. The presence of GOD became unutterably real and blessed; and though but a child under sixteen, I remember stretching myself on the ground, and lying there silent before Him with unspeakable awe and unspeakable joy.

Hudson Taylor

Only by the love and power of God.

If you’re thinking about taking the One Year Challenge, take the time to read about a man who did a 52+ year challenge to China. Hudson Taylor laid a legacy for Christianity in China, despite countless afflictions and obstacles. Disciples are made in cities with churches, with believers who are walking by faith and reaching out as ambassadors for Christ. Taylor’s life can give any disciple an inspiring example of giving all for Christ.

“Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still. He will never talk well and with real success to men for God who has not learned well how to talk to God for men.”

E.M. Bounds, Power Through Prayer

If you are thinking about Taking the One Year Challenge, check out this book. Written by E.M. Bounds, published in 1910, this book will inspire any disciple to go to God more in prayer. As Jesus taught his disciples in Luke 18:1-8, we should pray and never give up.