at the beginning of the year i thought about what i felt should be my focus for the year. sure, i had resolutions, but what about something that was deeper, spiritually for my life.
the funny thing is, there are a couple of people/books/music that have been brought to my attention for various reasons in the past weeks, and all have pretty much the same theme. so i am taking my focus for 2009 from them...
a phrase that has been on my mind is faith in action. how does my faith play out in my daily life?
i am reading the book Ragamuffin Gospel, by Brennan Manning. this book gets to the nitty gritty of grace. what has specifically touched me, is the fact that we all know what grace is. we [i] can quote the theological definition. we [i] know that we are saved by grace. but how little Christians [i] tend to extend that grace to one another....
Manning is also famous for quote, "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." ouch, and note to self to become more aware of my life outside of church.
i have also been reading about St Benedict. he is credited with writing: The monks are to bear with patience the weaknesses of others, whether of body or behaviour. Let them strive with each other in obedience to each other.
Let them not follow their own good, but the good of others. Let them be charitable towards their brothers with pure affection.
ouch, ouch. 2nd note to self - be charitable to my brothers with pure affection.
Matthew Henry's commentary says it this way:
Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. They may impose upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire in duty, particularly in doing good. This we should carefully watch and guard against. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our life-time, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.
so, because i have received grace, how much more should i extend that grace to others in my life?
the funny thing is, there are a couple of people/books/music that have been brought to my attention for various reasons in the past weeks, and all have pretty much the same theme. so i am taking my focus for 2009 from them...
a phrase that has been on my mind is faith in action. how does my faith play out in my daily life?
i am reading the book Ragamuffin Gospel, by Brennan Manning. this book gets to the nitty gritty of grace. what has specifically touched me, is the fact that we all know what grace is. we [i] can quote the theological definition. we [i] know that we are saved by grace. but how little Christians [i] tend to extend that grace to one another....
Manning is also famous for quote, "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." ouch, and note to self to become more aware of my life outside of church.
i have also been reading about St Benedict. he is credited with writing: The monks are to bear with patience the weaknesses of others, whether of body or behaviour. Let them strive with each other in obedience to each other.
Let them not follow their own good, but the good of others. Let them be charitable towards their brothers with pure affection.
ouch, ouch. 2nd note to self - be charitable to my brothers with pure affection.
Matthew Henry's commentary says it this way:
Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. They may impose upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire in duty, particularly in doing good. This we should carefully watch and guard against. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our life-time, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.
so, because i have received grace, how much more should i extend that grace to others in my life?
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and a little bit of today: N's solution to pushing his sister on the swing!
A, getting to know the chooks more...
