Here is today's prayer:
Almighty, most holy, most high God, thank you for paying attention to small things. Thank you for valuing the insignificant. Thank you for being interested in the lilies of the field and the birds of the air. Thank you for caring about me.
In Jesus' name. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 178 - Richard J. Foster
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Systematic Theology - Pneumatology
Pneumatology
To continue to delineate the fullest understanding of God, it is imperative that we turn our attention towards the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). These words foretell the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God. It is the promise that comforts the disciples as Christ ascends and finds its fulfillment in both the historical act of Pentecost and in our baptism into the Church. To delineate God as Triune and not speak directly of the person and works of the Holy Spirit is to miss the fullness of God’s ongoing self-revelation to the world.
The Nature of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God in nature and all attributes. Thus, the Spirit can only be understood in the Spirit’s indivisible relationship with the Father and the Son because the hypostatic union of the 3 persons of the Trinity is the basis for their common nature or essence and their individual work in the world (Lossky, 159). Less is posited about the Spirit’s nature because the Spirit comes to us as the unmanifested portion of the Trinity. The Father is manifest in the Son and the Son is manifest in the Spirit, but the Spirit remains concealed and hidden in the world. It is through the Spirit’s presence in the world today that God is continuing his self-revelation and by which the Spirit is coming to be more clearly known (Lossky, 161). This ongoing self-revelation is communicated by two different means; the first is through the unity and bonding of the Church and the second is in the bestowing of gifts to the individual human person (Lossky, 167-170). A discussion of the Spirit naturally inclines itself to the work of the Spirit.
The Work of the Holy Spirit:
Through the Holy Spirit “God, Creator of all that exists, gives us power to become new creatures; whose infinite gifts make us one people: the Body of Christ” (Mil Voces, 70). The work of the Spirit must always be said to be the work of God. The Spirit testifies to Christ, and in Christ we have not only seen, but also have known the Father. As such, the Spirit works with Christ to build up the Church and help with the in-breaking of the kingdom of God. But the work of the Spirit does not stop there.
When we embark on our journey of faith, we effectively form a relationship with the Trinity through our faith in Jesus Christ, and in that commitment, we are drawn into a deeper, more authentic life in Christ. This, too, is the working of the Spirit; for it is only by the power of the Spirit that we are able to respond in the ways of holiness and love that Christ calls us to. Thus, the living out of our faith, equipped and empowered by the Spirit, is a “linking up of the life span of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word, with our own life span” (Morse, 180). As such, the Spirit is about the ongoing work of God’s grace. We are one by the Father, through the Son and in the Spirit. The Spirit unites us with Christ and enables us to continue our growth in grace.
This work of the Spirit is the love of God in the world and is necessary. St. Augustine confirms this saying, “For man has no means of loving God, unless it comes from God” (Wiles and Santer, 93). Without the presence and working of the Spirit, we would not be able to embrace the truth that is Jesus Christ and that points to the Father. Paul also reminds us, “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom. 5:5).
In the gift of the Spirit, God is giving himself to us, sharing with us the way that He “is said to live, both in self-relation and in relation to creation” (Morse, 182). In this way we can see the healing, teaching, nurturing, and grace filled work of the Spirit as the ongoing self-revelation of God. In encountering the Spirit, we learn a little more about what it is to be in relationship with God and one another and how that encounter always points towards love and wholeness. We see this draw towards love and wholeness on the part of God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—within the pages of Scripture. From the deliverance of God’s people in the Old Testament to the miraculous healings in the New Testament, God always loves and moves towards wholeness. The Spirit, being fully God, always acts in accordance with what we know of God, from within those very same texts. This is why we insist that “what is communicated of God through the Word is thus professed to be communicated in the Spirit” (Morse, 172). The Spirit is nothing less than God’s communicative presence; both the gift and the giver of God’s infinite grace.
Paul said that it is “God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first installment” (2 Cor. 1:21-22). The final work of the Spirit, then, is to allow “the believing community to live already, at least partially, in the ‘not yet’ of the Reign” (Gonzalez, 162). It is the outpouring of grace, in and by the Spirit that enables us to see now in part, what we will only fully realize in the future. The first installment means there is more to come, but God dwelling within us—that is, the Spirit’s work in and through us—is a foretaste of that glorious future that the Spirit attests to in all of his activity in the world.
The Holy Spirit is often the most neglected person of the Trinity in my readings and studies. What other information would you include? How would you handle the co-eternal aspect of the Spirit in light of the scriptures or information presented here?
To continue to delineate the fullest understanding of God, it is imperative that we turn our attention towards the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. Jesus said, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you” (John 14:26). These words foretell the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the people of God. It is the promise that comforts the disciples as Christ ascends and finds its fulfillment in both the historical act of Pentecost and in our baptism into the Church. To delineate God as Triune and not speak directly of the person and works of the Holy Spirit is to miss the fullness of God’s ongoing self-revelation to the world.
The Nature of the Holy Spirit:
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God in nature and all attributes. Thus, the Spirit can only be understood in the Spirit’s indivisible relationship with the Father and the Son because the hypostatic union of the 3 persons of the Trinity is the basis for their common nature or essence and their individual work in the world (Lossky, 159). Less is posited about the Spirit’s nature because the Spirit comes to us as the unmanifested portion of the Trinity. The Father is manifest in the Son and the Son is manifest in the Spirit, but the Spirit remains concealed and hidden in the world. It is through the Spirit’s presence in the world today that God is continuing his self-revelation and by which the Spirit is coming to be more clearly known (Lossky, 161). This ongoing self-revelation is communicated by two different means; the first is through the unity and bonding of the Church and the second is in the bestowing of gifts to the individual human person (Lossky, 167-170). A discussion of the Spirit naturally inclines itself to the work of the Spirit.
The Work of the Holy Spirit:
Through the Holy Spirit “God, Creator of all that exists, gives us power to become new creatures; whose infinite gifts make us one people: the Body of Christ” (Mil Voces, 70). The work of the Spirit must always be said to be the work of God. The Spirit testifies to Christ, and in Christ we have not only seen, but also have known the Father. As such, the Spirit works with Christ to build up the Church and help with the in-breaking of the kingdom of God. But the work of the Spirit does not stop there.
When we embark on our journey of faith, we effectively form a relationship with the Trinity through our faith in Jesus Christ, and in that commitment, we are drawn into a deeper, more authentic life in Christ. This, too, is the working of the Spirit; for it is only by the power of the Spirit that we are able to respond in the ways of holiness and love that Christ calls us to. Thus, the living out of our faith, equipped and empowered by the Spirit, is a “linking up of the life span of Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word, with our own life span” (Morse, 180). As such, the Spirit is about the ongoing work of God’s grace. We are one by the Father, through the Son and in the Spirit. The Spirit unites us with Christ and enables us to continue our growth in grace.
This work of the Spirit is the love of God in the world and is necessary. St. Augustine confirms this saying, “For man has no means of loving God, unless it comes from God” (Wiles and Santer, 93). Without the presence and working of the Spirit, we would not be able to embrace the truth that is Jesus Christ and that points to the Father. Paul also reminds us, “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us” (Rom. 5:5).
In the gift of the Spirit, God is giving himself to us, sharing with us the way that He “is said to live, both in self-relation and in relation to creation” (Morse, 182). In this way we can see the healing, teaching, nurturing, and grace filled work of the Spirit as the ongoing self-revelation of God. In encountering the Spirit, we learn a little more about what it is to be in relationship with God and one another and how that encounter always points towards love and wholeness. We see this draw towards love and wholeness on the part of God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—within the pages of Scripture. From the deliverance of God’s people in the Old Testament to the miraculous healings in the New Testament, God always loves and moves towards wholeness. The Spirit, being fully God, always acts in accordance with what we know of God, from within those very same texts. This is why we insist that “what is communicated of God through the Word is thus professed to be communicated in the Spirit” (Morse, 172). The Spirit is nothing less than God’s communicative presence; both the gift and the giver of God’s infinite grace.
Paul said that it is “God who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us, by putting his seal on us and giving us his Spirit in our hearts as a first installment” (2 Cor. 1:21-22). The final work of the Spirit, then, is to allow “the believing community to live already, at least partially, in the ‘not yet’ of the Reign” (Gonzalez, 162). It is the outpouring of grace, in and by the Spirit that enables us to see now in part, what we will only fully realize in the future. The first installment means there is more to come, but God dwelling within us—that is, the Spirit’s work in and through us—is a foretaste of that glorious future that the Spirit attests to in all of his activity in the world.
The Holy Spirit is often the most neglected person of the Trinity in my readings and studies. What other information would you include? How would you handle the co-eternal aspect of the Spirit in light of the scriptures or information presented here?
July 30, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
My Lord and my God, listening is hard for me. I do not exactly mean hard, for I understand that this is a matter of receiving rather than trying. What I mean is that I am so action oriented, so product driven, that doing is easier for me than being.
I need your help if I am to be still and listen. I would like to try. I would like to learn how to sink down into the light of your presence until I can become comfortable in that posture. Help me to try now.
Thank you. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 165-166 - Richard J. Foster
My Lord and my God, listening is hard for me. I do not exactly mean hard, for I understand that this is a matter of receiving rather than trying. What I mean is that I am so action oriented, so product driven, that doing is easier for me than being.
I need your help if I am to be still and listen. I would like to try. I would like to learn how to sink down into the light of your presence until I can become comfortable in that posture. Help me to try now.
Thank you. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 165-166 - Richard J. Foster
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
July 29, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Lord, I seek now to meditate on your disturbing words "I came to bring fire to the earth" (Luke 12:49). What do they mean? What do they mean for me?
Are there things that need to be burned out?...pride...fear...anger? Consume them, each one.
Are there things in this world that you want destroyed--the systems of religion we use to hide from you--the artificial lines we draw that separate us from each other: black from white, men from women, parents from children--the terrible injustices done to the weak and the helpless--the unspeakable violence done to women and to unborn children?
Forgive us, O Lord.
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 154 - Richard J. Foster
Lord, I seek now to meditate on your disturbing words "I came to bring fire to the earth" (Luke 12:49). What do they mean? What do they mean for me?
Are there things that need to be burned out?...pride...fear...anger? Consume them, each one.
Are there things in this world that you want destroyed--the systems of religion we use to hide from you--the artificial lines we draw that separate us from each other: black from white, men from women, parents from children--the terrible injustices done to the weak and the helpless--the unspeakable violence done to women and to unborn children?
Forgive us, O Lord.
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 154 - Richard J. Foster
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
July 28, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Abba, dear Abba, you know that the language of love does not come easily to me. I can talk of courage and faith and a whole host of other things more readily than I can of love. In some ways it is easier to give up my body to be burned than to love. O wine of my heart, intoxicate me with your love.
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 142 - Richard J. Foster
Abba, dear Abba, you know that the language of love does not come easily to me. I can talk of courage and faith and a whole host of other things more readily than I can of love. In some ways it is easier to give up my body to be burned than to love. O wine of my heart, intoxicate me with your love.
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 142 - Richard J. Foster
Monday, July 27, 2009
July 27, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
"O Lord, my Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth." The Pleiades and Orion sing your praise. Sparrows and chickadees mimic their song. All creation seems in harmony with you, the Master Conductor. All, that is, except me. Why? Why do I alone want to sing my own melody? I certainly am a stubborn creature. Forgive me.
I do desire to come into harmony with you more fully and more often. I do desire a fellowship that is constant and sustaining. Please nurture this desire of mine, which seems so small and tentative right now. May I someday become like the trees, which are "planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper."
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 129 - Richard J. Foster
"O Lord, my Lord, how excellent is your name in all the earth." The Pleiades and Orion sing your praise. Sparrows and chickadees mimic their song. All creation seems in harmony with you, the Master Conductor. All, that is, except me. Why? Why do I alone want to sing my own melody? I certainly am a stubborn creature. Forgive me.
I do desire to come into harmony with you more fully and more often. I do desire a fellowship that is constant and sustaining. Please nurture this desire of mine, which seems so small and tentative right now. May I someday become like the trees, which are "planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper."
For Jesus' sake. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 129 - Richard J. Foster
Sunday, July 26, 2009
July 26, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Our Father who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, forever.
Amen.
Foster commented in this chapter that this was an excellent example of sacramental prayer.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 118 - Richard J. Foster
Our Father who art in Heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
Thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, forever.
Amen.
Foster commented in this chapter that this was an excellent example of sacramental prayer.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 118 - Richard J. Foster
Saturday, July 25, 2009
July 25, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Blessed Savior, I am not good at resting in the hollow of your hand. Nothing in my experience has taught me this resting. I have been taught how to take charge. I have been taught how to be in control. But how to rest? No, I have no models, no paradigms for resting.
That is not exactly right. Jesus, when you walked among the Jerusalem crowds and in the Judean hills, you pioneered this way of living. You were always alert and alive. You lived utterly responsive to the will of the Father. Manifold demands were placed upon you, and still you worked in unhurried peace and power.
Help me to walk in your steps. Teach me to see only what you see, to say only what you say, to do only what you do. Help me, Lord, to work resting and to pray resting.
I ask this in your good and strong name. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 103 - Richard J. Foster
Blessed Savior, I am not good at resting in the hollow of your hand. Nothing in my experience has taught me this resting. I have been taught how to take charge. I have been taught how to be in control. But how to rest? No, I have no models, no paradigms for resting.
That is not exactly right. Jesus, when you walked among the Jerusalem crowds and in the Judean hills, you pioneered this way of living. You were always alert and alive. You lived utterly responsive to the will of the Father. Manifold demands were placed upon you, and still you worked in unhurried peace and power.
Help me to walk in your steps. Teach me to see only what you see, to say only what you say, to do only what you do. Help me, Lord, to work resting and to pray resting.
I ask this in your good and strong name. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 103 - Richard J. Foster
Friday, July 24, 2009
What I am doing now
In the United Methodist Church, the pastors are itinerant - that is, they serve under appointment of a bishop and are moved from place to place over the course of their pastoral careers.
On June 9th, Erica, Bailey, and I experienced our second move. Our first move took us from Houston to Edom (in East Texas). This latest move took us from Edom to Port Arthur (Southeast Texas).
So what is it exactly that I am doing now? It is a little complicated, but let me try and explain.
This is Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church:
3/4 of my appointment is to serve as the pastor of this church. This includes preaching, teaching, ordering the life of the church, visitation, administering the sacraments, etc...you know, normal preacher stuff.
This is the United Methodist Temple:
1/4 of my appointment is to serve as the associate pastor of this church. My main purpose here is to launch a new worship service and outreach ministry called Encounters (you can check Encounters out at their blog here and on Facebook here) and to assist the senior pastor in any way that I can.
So I am still serving a two point charge, I am just 240 miles south of where I was. I invite you to check out the related links on the right for more information about Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Temple, or Encounters.
We are really grateful for the welcome we have received since our arrival and are looking forward to what God has in store for us in this new appointment!
On June 9th, Erica, Bailey, and I experienced our second move. Our first move took us from Houston to Edom (in East Texas). This latest move took us from Edom to Port Arthur (Southeast Texas).
So what is it exactly that I am doing now? It is a little complicated, but let me try and explain.
This is Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church:
3/4 of my appointment is to serve as the pastor of this church. This includes preaching, teaching, ordering the life of the church, visitation, administering the sacraments, etc...you know, normal preacher stuff.
This is the United Methodist Temple:
1/4 of my appointment is to serve as the associate pastor of this church. My main purpose here is to launch a new worship service and outreach ministry called Encounters (you can check Encounters out at their blog here and on Facebook here) and to assist the senior pastor in any way that I can.
So I am still serving a two point charge, I am just 240 miles south of where I was. I invite you to check out the related links on the right for more information about Aldersgate Trinity United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Temple, or Encounters.
We are really grateful for the welcome we have received since our arrival and are looking forward to what God has in store for us in this new appointment!
July 24, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
O most high, glorious God, how great is my dilemma! In your awful presence silence seems best. And yet, if I keep my peace, the rocks themselves will cry out. But if I do speak, what will I say?
It is Love that calls forth my speech, though it still feels like stammering. I love you, Lord God. I adore you. I worship you. I bow down before you.
Thank you for your gifts of grace:
-the consistency of sunrise and sunsets
-the wonder of colors
-the solace of voices I know
I magnify you, Lord. Let me see your greatness--to the extent that I can receive it. Help me bow in your presence in endless wonder and ceaseless praise.
In the name of him whose adoration never failed. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 90-91 - Richard J. Foster
O most high, glorious God, how great is my dilemma! In your awful presence silence seems best. And yet, if I keep my peace, the rocks themselves will cry out. But if I do speak, what will I say?
It is Love that calls forth my speech, though it still feels like stammering. I love you, Lord God. I adore you. I worship you. I bow down before you.
Thank you for your gifts of grace:
-the consistency of sunrise and sunsets
-the wonder of colors
-the solace of voices I know
I magnify you, Lord. Let me see your greatness--to the extent that I can receive it. Help me bow in your presence in endless wonder and ceaseless praise.
In the name of him whose adoration never failed. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 90-91 - Richard J. Foster
Thursday, July 23, 2009
July 23, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Blessed Savior, I pace back and forth at the altar of commitment. I really want a fixed habit of prayer. At least, that is what I want right now. I'm not sure if that is what I will want two weeks from now. I do know that without some kind of consistent communion with you I will not know holy obedience. So, as best I can, I promist to set aside time regularly for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading. Strengthen me in this covenant. Help me to so delight in your presence that I will want to come home to you often.
In your name and for your sake I make this covenant. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 77 - Richard J. Foster
Blessed Savior, I pace back and forth at the altar of commitment. I really want a fixed habit of prayer. At least, that is what I want right now. I'm not sure if that is what I will want two weeks from now. I do know that without some kind of consistent communion with you I will not know holy obedience. So, as best I can, I promist to set aside time regularly for prayer, meditation, and spiritual reading. Strengthen me in this covenant. Help me to so delight in your presence that I will want to come home to you often.
In your name and for your sake I make this covenant. Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 77 - Richard J. Foster
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
July 22, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus, in my better moments I want nothing more than to be like you. But there are other moments...Help me to see how good conformity to your way really is. In my seeking for you may I be found by you. I love you, Lord.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 66 - Richard J. Foster
Dear Lord Jesus, in my better moments I want nothing more than to be like you. But there are other moments...Help me to see how good conformity to your way really is. In my seeking for you may I be found by you. I love you, Lord.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 66 - Richard J. Foster
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
July 21, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
O Lord, how do I let go when I'm so unsure of things? I'm unsure of your will, and I'm unsure of myself...That really isn't the problem at all, is it? The truth of the matter is I hate the very idea of letting go. I really want to be in control. No, I need to be in control. That's it, isn't it? I'm afraid to give up control, afraid of what might happen. Heal my fear, Lord.
How good of you to reveal my blind spots even in the midst of my stumbling attempts to pray. Thank you!
But now what do I do? How do I give up control? Jesus, please, teach me your way of relinquishment.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 56 - Richard J. Foster
O Lord, how do I let go when I'm so unsure of things? I'm unsure of your will, and I'm unsure of myself...That really isn't the problem at all, is it? The truth of the matter is I hate the very idea of letting go. I really want to be in control. No, I need to be in control. That's it, isn't it? I'm afraid to give up control, afraid of what might happen. Heal my fear, Lord.
How good of you to reveal my blind spots even in the midst of my stumbling attempts to pray. Thank you!
But now what do I do? How do I give up control? Jesus, please, teach me your way of relinquishment.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 56 - Richard J. Foster
Monday, July 20, 2009
Fun and Games
Bailey's imagination is one of her most captivating characteristics. She loves to pretend and to play games. A recent favorite is a game I call "nap time". Bailey demands that one of us (usually mom) lay down (usually on the floor or on a towel or blanket, but today it was the couch). Then she wants to snuggle up with whoever is "it". She directs us to close our eyes and is adamant about patting our back; all the while telling us to close those eyes or go to sleep. It is really cute.
Here are some photos of momma and Bailey playing nap time this evening:
The whole face crunching, eyebrow raising, funny face making tricks are new. Instead of smiling when we ask her to, we just never know what expression she is going to come up with.
Here are some photos of momma and Bailey playing nap time this evening:
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
The whole face crunching, eyebrow raising, funny face making tricks are new. Instead of smiling when we ask her to, we just never know what expression she is going to come up with.
Hat Happy
Bailey went through a phase where she didn't want to have anything to do with wearing hats...I mean NOTHING! As with most things, it was only a phase. Now she loves wearing hats (usually ours) and often asks for them. Here is a picture from earlier in the week showing off not only her hat wearing acumen, but also one of her favorite new toys---a light up wand that doesn't light anymore:
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
July 20, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Gracious Jesus, it is easier for me to approach you with my mind than with my tears. I do not know how to pray from the emotive center of my life or even how to get in touch with that part of me. Still, I come to you just as I am.
I am sorry for my many rejections of your overtures of love. Please forgive all my offenses against your law. I repent of my callous and insensitive ways. Break my stony heart with the things that break your heart.
Jesus, you went through your greatest trial in unashamed agony and wept tears of deep, deep sorrow. In remembrance of your sorrow help me to weep over my sin...and my sins.
For your sake and in your name, I pray.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 46 - Richard J. Foster
Gracious Jesus, it is easier for me to approach you with my mind than with my tears. I do not know how to pray from the emotive center of my life or even how to get in touch with that part of me. Still, I come to you just as I am.
I am sorry for my many rejections of your overtures of love. Please forgive all my offenses against your law. I repent of my callous and insensitive ways. Break my stony heart with the things that break your heart.
Jesus, you went through your greatest trial in unashamed agony and wept tears of deep, deep sorrow. In remembrance of your sorrow help me to weep over my sin...and my sins.
For your sake and in your name, I pray.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 46 - Richard J. Foster
Sunday, July 19, 2009
July 19, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Precious Savior, why do I fear your scrutiny? Yours is an examen of love. Still, I am afraid...afraid of what may surface. Even so, I invite you to search me to the depths so that I may know myself--and you--in fuller measure.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 24-25 - Richard J. Foster
Precious Savior, why do I fear your scrutiny? Yours is an examen of love. Still, I am afraid...afraid of what may surface. Even so, I invite you to search me to the depths so that I may know myself--and you--in fuller measure.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 24-25 - Richard J. Foster
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Systematic Theology - Christology Part III
Here is our final installment on Christology:
Our Lives in Christ: Who Christ is and what Christ has done has direct bearing upon creation, the human community, and especially upon those of us who claim to be his followers. While most of this will be addressed in the sections on soteriology and eschatology, there are some additional comments that are necessary before proceeding.
First, we must remember that no matter how high our Christology is, Christ is not God alone. Jesus tells Thomas that, “If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him" (John 14:7). Christ exists in community with the Father and the Holy Spirit. By embracing Christ in our lives, we are embracing the Triune God of which Christ is a part and of which Christ continually points us towards. This passage of Scripture reminds us that when we have encountered Christ, we have encountered the One from which he is begotten. As God’s ultimate self-revealing act, Christ grants us the privilege to experience the very heart of God in our faith in and relationship with him.
Second, our encounter with Christ calls us to reexamine reality because in Christ humanity is “gripped by a new reality” (Herzog, 92). This is because Christ points us towards reorientation; an orientation that brings Christ-likeness to us by directing us towards those that Christ was directed to—the poor and the outcasts (Herzog, 93). In such an encounter, humanity is invited to respond in faith to what God has done for them in Jesus Christ. It is also an invitation for us to participate in the divine life through the “indwelling spirit of the crucified and risen Christ” (Musser and Price, 251).
Finally, everything that has happened has been a willful and loving act of God. It has happened for our greatest good and without our deserving it. All that is of Christ is of the one holy Triune God, who put on flesh, dwelt amongst us, and took on the fullness of humanity that we may be fully reconciled to God. All of this comes to us as a gift of God, freely given to all. This gift requires our acceptance in faith. By accepting God’s gracious gift in Christ, we are committing to accepting his mantle for the entirety of our lives as our Prophet, our Priest, and our King. This commitment in faith is one that will radically alter our very existence, now and forever, as we bear the marks of his disciples and live radically reordered lives.
What do you think; how does the nature and work of Christ define our relationship with Christ?
Our Lives in Christ: Who Christ is and what Christ has done has direct bearing upon creation, the human community, and especially upon those of us who claim to be his followers. While most of this will be addressed in the sections on soteriology and eschatology, there are some additional comments that are necessary before proceeding.
First, we must remember that no matter how high our Christology is, Christ is not God alone. Jesus tells Thomas that, “If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him" (John 14:7). Christ exists in community with the Father and the Holy Spirit. By embracing Christ in our lives, we are embracing the Triune God of which Christ is a part and of which Christ continually points us towards. This passage of Scripture reminds us that when we have encountered Christ, we have encountered the One from which he is begotten. As God’s ultimate self-revealing act, Christ grants us the privilege to experience the very heart of God in our faith in and relationship with him.
Second, our encounter with Christ calls us to reexamine reality because in Christ humanity is “gripped by a new reality” (Herzog, 92). This is because Christ points us towards reorientation; an orientation that brings Christ-likeness to us by directing us towards those that Christ was directed to—the poor and the outcasts (Herzog, 93). In such an encounter, humanity is invited to respond in faith to what God has done for them in Jesus Christ. It is also an invitation for us to participate in the divine life through the “indwelling spirit of the crucified and risen Christ” (Musser and Price, 251).
Finally, everything that has happened has been a willful and loving act of God. It has happened for our greatest good and without our deserving it. All that is of Christ is of the one holy Triune God, who put on flesh, dwelt amongst us, and took on the fullness of humanity that we may be fully reconciled to God. All of this comes to us as a gift of God, freely given to all. This gift requires our acceptance in faith. By accepting God’s gracious gift in Christ, we are committing to accepting his mantle for the entirety of our lives as our Prophet, our Priest, and our King. This commitment in faith is one that will radically alter our very existence, now and forever, as we bear the marks of his disciples and live radically reordered lives.
What do you think; how does the nature and work of Christ define our relationship with Christ?
July 18, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
God, where are you! What have I done to make you hide from me? Are you playing cat and mouse with me, or are your purposes larger than my perceptions? I feel alone, lost, forsaken.
You are the God who majors in revealing yourself. You showed yourself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When Moses wanted to know what you looked like, you obliged him. Why them and not me?
I am tired of praying. I am tired of asking. I am tired of waiting. But I will keep on praying and asking and waiting because I have nowhere else to go.
Jesus, you, too, knew the loneliness of the desert and the isolation of the cross. And it is through your forsaken prayer that I speak these words.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 24-25 - Richard J. Foster
God, where are you! What have I done to make you hide from me? Are you playing cat and mouse with me, or are your purposes larger than my perceptions? I feel alone, lost, forsaken.
You are the God who majors in revealing yourself. You showed yourself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. When Moses wanted to know what you looked like, you obliged him. Why them and not me?
I am tired of praying. I am tired of asking. I am tired of waiting. But I will keep on praying and asking and waiting because I have nowhere else to go.
Jesus, you, too, knew the loneliness of the desert and the isolation of the cross. And it is through your forsaken prayer that I speak these words.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 24-25 - Richard J. Foster
Friday, July 17, 2009
July 17, 2009
Anyone that has traveled down the pathway of prayer would probably admit that they have been changed not only by the act of praying itself, but also by those who offered assistance along the way. Sometimes those that teach us to pray are as close as our best friend or our pastor. Sometimes the ones that have a deep impact on our prayer life are located worlds away.
For the next 3 weeks I would like to share some prayers with you that have been exremely formative in my life of prayer. They are the simple and profound words of Richard J. Foster and come to us from his work entitled "Prayer - Finding the Heart's True Home". If you find that these words are at all helpful or enlightening, I would recommend that you examine all the thoughts and insights he offered in the remaining pages of this book. I have been blessed beyond measure by his writing.
Here is today's prayer:
Dear Jesus, how desperately I need to learn to pray. And yet when I am honest, I know that I often do not even want to pray.
I am distracted!
I am stubborn!
I am self-centered!
In your mercy, Jesus, bring my "want-er" more in line with my "need-er" so that I can come to want what I need.
In your name and for your sake, I pray.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 15 - Richard J. Foster
For the next 3 weeks I would like to share some prayers with you that have been exremely formative in my life of prayer. They are the simple and profound words of Richard J. Foster and come to us from his work entitled "Prayer - Finding the Heart's True Home". If you find that these words are at all helpful or enlightening, I would recommend that you examine all the thoughts and insights he offered in the remaining pages of this book. I have been blessed beyond measure by his writing.
Here is today's prayer:
Dear Jesus, how desperately I need to learn to pray. And yet when I am honest, I know that I often do not even want to pray.
I am distracted!
I am stubborn!
I am self-centered!
In your mercy, Jesus, bring my "want-er" more in line with my "need-er" so that I can come to want what I need.
In your name and for your sake, I pray.
Amen.
Prayer - Finding The Heart's True Home, pg. 15 - Richard J. Foster
Thursday, July 16, 2009
The Meaning of Worship
I ran across this video today from Worship House Media...I think it asks a lot of thought provoking questions and offers a great definition of worship. Here is the video:
What do you think? Does this match up with your thoughts on worship? Why or why not?
What do you think? Does this match up with your thoughts on worship? Why or why not?
July 16, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayer of General Thanksgiving
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your servants give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people;
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And we beseech you, give us that due sense of all your mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayer of General Thanksgiving
Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we your servants give you most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people;
We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; but above all for your inestimable love in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And we beseech you, give us that due sense of all your mercies, that our hearts may be unfeignedly thankful, and that we show forth your praise, not only with our lips, but in our lives; by giving up ourselves to your service, and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom with you and the Holy Spirit be all honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
July 15, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayer of Gratitude for Scripture
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayer of Gratitude for Scripture
Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them, that by patience, and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
July 14, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayer for Wisdom
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayer for Wisdom
O Lord Jesus Christ, who at thy first coming didst send thy messenger to prepare thy way before thee; Grant that the ministers and stewards of thy mysteries may likewise so prepare and make ready thy way, by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, that at thy second coming to judge the world we may be found an acceptable people in thy sight, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Monday, July 13, 2009
Something Out of the Ordinary
Here is something completely out of the ordinary to end your Monday:
Thanks to my buddy Scott for expanding my horizons and first sharing this video with me. I have always loved this song (think what you like) and this is an incredible rendition.
Happy Monday everyone!
Thanks to my buddy Scott for expanding my horizons and first sharing this video with me. I have always loved this song (think what you like) and this is an incredible rendition.
Happy Monday everyone!
July 13, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayer for Purity
O God, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; Grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is pure; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Spirit, he liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayer for Purity
O God, whose blessed Son was manifested that he might destroy the works of the devil, and make us the sons of God, and heirs of eternal life; Grant us, we beseech thee, that, having this hope, we may purify ourselves, even as he is pure; that, when he shall appear again with power and great glory, we may be made like unto him in his eternal and glorious kingdom; where with thee, O Father, and thee, O Holy Spirit, he liveth and reigneth, ever one God, world without end. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Systematic Theology - Christology Part II
Here is the next installment:
The Work of Jesus Christ:
Understanding the fullness of Christ’s nature leads us to a discussion of his workings in human history. Often, the work of Jesus is described in threefold form based upon the offices that are attributed to him. These offices bear the labels, Prophet, Priest, and King (“Loci…,” 2007). Keeping in mind that the work of the Son is equally the work of the Triune God, let us look briefly at the acts that are most frequently attributed to our Lord.
Jesus proclaims "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news"(Mark 1:14-15). These words point to the in-breaking of God’s kingdom through Jesus Christ. It is through Christ’s proclamation of such words, as well as his healings, forgiveness, and teachings, that his prophetic office is fulfilled. Everything that Christ does and says points towards the Father who sent him and towards the fulfillment of this in-breaking at some future point. It is a foretaste of the fullness of the kingdom of God that we have in Christ’s enfleshment and presence in history. Christ’s prophetic voice presents us with a revolutionary understanding of what it means to be in relationship with God.
“Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17). Jesus is the high priest to all of humanity in that he offers sacrifice on behalf of the world for the forgiveness of sins. Christ’s actions as high priest are definitively different from those appointed to this task within the Jewish tradition in that Christ’s sacrifice was the self-sacrifice of God. He was the unblemished Lamb that was offered freely and lovingly.
Scripture also highlights the third office of Christ, in that it recognizes Christ as “the King of kings” (1 Tim. 6:13-15). This acknowledgement of Christ recognizes both the act of deliverance and the attribute of sovereignty granted to him as King. It points towards the ultimate fulfillment of salvation where heaven and earth are reordered and God is with God’s people.
While the work of Christ is perfect and complete, it has not reached the fullness of its expression. The liturgy of the Lord’s Supper calls the participants to proclaim the mystery of faith which includes the statement that “Christ will come again” (UMH, 14). This proclamation of faith recognizes the greatest work that was done in and through Jesus Christ by attesting to Christ’s death on a cross, his resurrection, and the promise that he is coming again. As such, there is testimony to the work that has already been fully complete, but has yet to reach its fullest realization. There is no need for the work to be repeated, but it is only in some future point that the fullness of this act will be understood.
More will be expressed when we get to the sections on Eschatology, but what are your thoughts regarding the way that the work of Christ's life, death and resurrection as they have been presented thus far?
The Work of Jesus Christ:
Understanding the fullness of Christ’s nature leads us to a discussion of his workings in human history. Often, the work of Jesus is described in threefold form based upon the offices that are attributed to him. These offices bear the labels, Prophet, Priest, and King (“Loci…,” 2007). Keeping in mind that the work of the Son is equally the work of the Triune God, let us look briefly at the acts that are most frequently attributed to our Lord.
Jesus proclaims "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news"(Mark 1:14-15). These words point to the in-breaking of God’s kingdom through Jesus Christ. It is through Christ’s proclamation of such words, as well as his healings, forgiveness, and teachings, that his prophetic office is fulfilled. Everything that Christ does and says points towards the Father who sent him and towards the fulfillment of this in-breaking at some future point. It is a foretaste of the fullness of the kingdom of God that we have in Christ’s enfleshment and presence in history. Christ’s prophetic voice presents us with a revolutionary understanding of what it means to be in relationship with God.
“Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people” (Heb. 2:17). Jesus is the high priest to all of humanity in that he offers sacrifice on behalf of the world for the forgiveness of sins. Christ’s actions as high priest are definitively different from those appointed to this task within the Jewish tradition in that Christ’s sacrifice was the self-sacrifice of God. He was the unblemished Lamb that was offered freely and lovingly.
Scripture also highlights the third office of Christ, in that it recognizes Christ as “the King of kings” (1 Tim. 6:13-15). This acknowledgement of Christ recognizes both the act of deliverance and the attribute of sovereignty granted to him as King. It points towards the ultimate fulfillment of salvation where heaven and earth are reordered and God is with God’s people.
While the work of Christ is perfect and complete, it has not reached the fullness of its expression. The liturgy of the Lord’s Supper calls the participants to proclaim the mystery of faith which includes the statement that “Christ will come again” (UMH, 14). This proclamation of faith recognizes the greatest work that was done in and through Jesus Christ by attesting to Christ’s death on a cross, his resurrection, and the promise that he is coming again. As such, there is testimony to the work that has already been fully complete, but has yet to reach its fullest realization. There is no need for the work to be repeated, but it is only in some future point that the fullness of this act will be understood.
More will be expressed when we get to the sections on Eschatology, but what are your thoughts regarding the way that the work of Christ's life, death and resurrection as they have been presented thus far?
July 12, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayers for Protection
O God, who knows us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: grant us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lighten our darkness, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and by Thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of Thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayers for Protection
O God, who knows us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: grant us such strength and protection, as may support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lighten our darkness, we beseech Thee, O Lord; and by Thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of Thy only Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Saturday, July 11, 2009
July 11, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayer for Strength
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayer for Strength
Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Friday, July 10, 2009
July 10, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayer for All Sorts and Conditions of Men
O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, Thy saving health unto all nations.
More especially we pray for Thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by Thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians maybe led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
Finally, we commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please Thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities; giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayer for All Sorts and Conditions of Men
O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, we humbly beseech thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldest be pleased to make Thy ways known unto them, Thy saving health unto all nations.
More especially we pray for Thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by Thy good Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians maybe led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the bond of peace, and in righteousness of life.
Finally, we commend to Thy fatherly goodness all those who are any ways afflicted, or distressed, in mind, body, or estate; that it may please Thee to comfort and relieve them, according to their several necessities; giving them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And this we beg for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Thursday, July 9, 2009
July 9, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Bedtime Prayer
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee O Lord; we pray: and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Bedtime Prayer
Lighten our darkness, we beseech thee O Lord; we pray: and by thy great mercy defend us from all perils and dangers of this night; for the love of thy only Son our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
July 8, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Evening Prayer
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto your servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and also, that by you we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of
Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Evening Prayer
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto your servants that peace which the world cannot give; that both our hearts may be set to obey your commandments, and also, that by you we being defended from the fear of our enemies may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of
Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
July 7, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayer for Grace
O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; Defend us in the same with Thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings, being ordered by Thy governance, may be righteous in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayer for Grace
O Lord, our heavenly Father, Almighty and everlasting God, who hast safely brought us to the beginning of this day; Defend us in the same with Thy mighty power; and grant that this day we fall into no sin, neither run into any kind of danger; but that all our doings, being ordered by Thy governance, may be righteous in Thy sight; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Monday, July 6, 2009
July 6, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Prayer for Peace
O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us Thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in Thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that by Thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Prayer for Peace
O God, who art the author of peace and lover of concord, in knowledge of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom; Defend us Thy humble servants in all assaults of our enemies; that we, surely trusting in Thy defence, may not fear the power of any adversaries, through the might of Jesus Christ our Lord.
O God, from whom all holy desires, all good counsels, and all just works do proceed; Give unto Thy servants that peace which the world cannot give; that our hearts may be set to obey Thy commandments, and also that by Thee, we, being defended from the fear of our enemies, may pass our time in rest and quietness; through the merits of Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer
Sunday, July 5, 2009
July 5, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Lord our God, as with all creation, we offer you the life of this new day, give us grace to love and serve you to the praise of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Lord our God, as with all creation, we offer you the life of this new day, give us grace to love and serve you to the praise of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Systematic Theology - Christology Part I
Christology
Many theologians would immediately place a discussion of creation and providence following their delineation of the doctrine of God. Obviously, I have failed to follow in that path. It is essential that great care be taken in our expression of God. If we are fully committed to God as Triune, then we can only continue with a discussion of Christ. To not do so entails the danger of explicating a systematized theology that is not wholly God centered.
Christ’s Nature:
After talking with the disciples regarding what the community was saying about him, Jesus asks them directly, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:13-15). Perhaps no question has demanded more of the Church’s time and energy than this one. Countless councils and theologians have worked at hammering out an answer to this question. While space does not permit a full delineation of the arguments proposed by such early Church leaders as Tertullian, Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, Nestorius and others, it is important to note that their contributions to the process were significant. The questions that these early leaders raised and the responses that they debated birthed the most definitive and best explicated understandings of the nature of Christ; that understanding is the definition that came out of Chalcedon affirming that Jesus is “complete in his deity and complete—the very same—in his humanity…” (R. Norris, 159). This definition accepts the best thinking provided by both the schools of Antioch and Alexandria as it affirms Christ as one hypostasis in two natures. Embracing Christ’s nature this way forces us to always see Jesus as fully human and as fully God acting in our midst. Neither of the two natures can be viewed independently.
To recognize the full humanity of Jesus is to appreciate the awesome truth of how radically God draws near to us and how perfectly God draws us near to him. Without the full humanity and divinity of Jesus, the work that he was sent to complete would be impossible. Additionally, the recognition of the full divinity of Jesus means that everything we attribute to God must also be attributed to the Son. To say that God the Father is eternal, just, loving, powerful, and so on is to say that Jesus is also these very same things. Jesus is the full self-revelation of God to humanity.
More will be said in Parts II and III about The Work of Jesus Christ and Our Lives in Christ respectively.
For now, what are your thoughts regarding the nature of Christ that has been delineated here?
Many theologians would immediately place a discussion of creation and providence following their delineation of the doctrine of God. Obviously, I have failed to follow in that path. It is essential that great care be taken in our expression of God. If we are fully committed to God as Triune, then we can only continue with a discussion of Christ. To not do so entails the danger of explicating a systematized theology that is not wholly God centered.
Christ’s Nature:
After talking with the disciples regarding what the community was saying about him, Jesus asks them directly, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:13-15). Perhaps no question has demanded more of the Church’s time and energy than this one. Countless councils and theologians have worked at hammering out an answer to this question. While space does not permit a full delineation of the arguments proposed by such early Church leaders as Tertullian, Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria, Nestorius and others, it is important to note that their contributions to the process were significant. The questions that these early leaders raised and the responses that they debated birthed the most definitive and best explicated understandings of the nature of Christ; that understanding is the definition that came out of Chalcedon affirming that Jesus is “complete in his deity and complete—the very same—in his humanity…” (R. Norris, 159). This definition accepts the best thinking provided by both the schools of Antioch and Alexandria as it affirms Christ as one hypostasis in two natures. Embracing Christ’s nature this way forces us to always see Jesus as fully human and as fully God acting in our midst. Neither of the two natures can be viewed independently.
To recognize the full humanity of Jesus is to appreciate the awesome truth of how radically God draws near to us and how perfectly God draws us near to him. Without the full humanity and divinity of Jesus, the work that he was sent to complete would be impossible. Additionally, the recognition of the full divinity of Jesus means that everything we attribute to God must also be attributed to the Son. To say that God the Father is eternal, just, loving, powerful, and so on is to say that Jesus is also these very same things. Jesus is the full self-revelation of God to humanity.
More will be said in Parts II and III about The Work of Jesus Christ and Our Lives in Christ respectively.
For now, what are your thoughts regarding the nature of Christ that has been delineated here?
July 4, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Blessed are you, Lord our God, Giver of life, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At the opening of this day you call us out of darkness into your marvelous light. Blessed are you for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessed are you, Lord our God, Giver of life, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. At the opening of this day you call us out of darkness into your marvelous light. Blessed are you for ever and ever. Amen.
Friday, July 3, 2009
First Sushi Experience
I can remember the day that Erica took me to have sushi for the very first time. I was addicted from the word go. Erica and I absolutely love sushi. Well, our daughter loves everything (or so it seems)...while she may want something one day and not the next, she will usually return to a food in a couple of days. She has never been a picky eater...she just knows what she wants when she wants it...and she almost always wants what mommy and daddy are having.
A couple of days ago, we were at some friends house and Bailey got to eat her first crawfish...she loved it. Yesterday, I took the girls out to dinner at a buffet that happens to serve sushi in town. Like most evenings, she wanted what we had. She specifically asked for (pointed to) the philly roll and the tuna. Both of which she scarfed!
So I give you Bailey's first sushi experience:
Thank you Bailey for being such a great eater!
A couple of days ago, we were at some friends house and Bailey got to eat her first crawfish...she loved it. Yesterday, I took the girls out to dinner at a buffet that happens to serve sushi in town. Like most evenings, she wanted what we had. She specifically asked for (pointed to) the philly roll and the tuna. Both of which she scarfed!
So I give you Bailey's first sushi experience:
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
Thank you Bailey for being such a great eater!
Captain Bailey
Today we spent the day with Grandpa Joe (my dad) in Crystal Beach near Bolivar. We rode around in the boat, did some fishing, and just generally hung out. While Bailey didn't make the entire 6 hour boat ride (her and momma went to shore to try to get a nap...a fruitless endeavor, unfortunately), she seemed to have fun while she was on the water.
We didn't have a regular camera with us. But there was a point where Grandpa and Bailey were driving together that warranted breaking out the Blackberry to capture the moment. Here it is:
That's my girl!
We didn't have a regular camera with us. But there was a point where Grandpa and Bailey were driving together that warranted breaking out the Blackberry to capture the moment. Here it is:
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| From Photo Blog 2009 |
That's my girl!
July 3, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Lord of all life, I use thousands of words each day yet so few of them are about you. Forgive me. I see and meet many people but forget that in them I could be meeting you. I busy myself in so much rushed activity that I blank out the silence within. Forgive me. Help me to retune our lives to the silent music of your beckoning presence. Amen.
Lord of all life, I use thousands of words each day yet so few of them are about you. Forgive me. I see and meet many people but forget that in them I could be meeting you. I busy myself in so much rushed activity that I blank out the silence within. Forgive me. Help me to retune our lives to the silent music of your beckoning presence. Amen.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
July 2, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
O Lord, open our lips and we shall praise your name.
Send out your light and truth to be my guide;
let them lead me to your holy hill, to your dwelling place.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
O Lord, open our lips and we shall praise your name.
Send out your light and truth to be my guide;
let them lead me to your holy hill, to your dwelling place.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning, is now, and shall be for ever. Amen.
Early 80's Flashback
My friend Jenni discovered an old picture from the early 80's of our Spanish class with Senorita Lemm.
Since I have been in a humorous mood this evening, I thought I would share a personal funny with you in the form of a picture (I am the goof on the far right with the glasses):
I owe Jenni big now!
Since I have been in a humorous mood this evening, I thought I would share a personal funny with you in the form of a picture (I am the goof on the far right with the glasses):
I owe Jenni big now!
A Little Humor for Your Evening
I have to say a huge thanks to Pete the Brit for giving me the biggest laugh I have had this whole week!
Here is the video that left me rolling on the floor laughing:
Have a happy and safe weekend!
Here is the video that left me rolling on the floor laughing:
Have a happy and safe weekend!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
July 1, 2009
Here is today's prayer:
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.
Amen.
Our Father,
who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day
our daily bread
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil,
for thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.
Amen.
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