I had to describe myself and my Christian life today. Note the word Christian – not Baptist, Salvationist or Catholic, although in any one week I do attend meetings /services that include all of these – mass, worship, support groups, learning , Bible study etc..
On Sunday the sermon included advice about using time well, including spending quality time with God. My daughter’s comment was ‘I don’t think you and Dad have to worry about that.’ Yet there is always room for more. A new trick is to deliberately have a Bible and an inspirational book at hand when I’m on the computer - so as to better use my time when that page doesn’t download or things are slow. It has to be better than Freecell.
There is a prayer book close at hand and I've just
opened it randomly on a page for the induction of a new minister. It asks :-
Do you engage in the strength and spirit of Jesus Chrsit faithfully to discharge all parts of the Christian ministry entrusted to you amongst this people, ot the building up of the church and the spread of the Kingdom of God - My answer in 'As far as my abilities allow and as far as I am able.'
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Monday 28 November 2011
Friday 25 November 2011
God has already done it!
Today someone wrote to me ‘God has already done it.’ I know in which area of my life I applied those words. I leave it to you to prayerfully consider what they mean for you and your life of faith.
Sunday 20 November 2011
Friday 18 November 2011
What God Expects
We cultivate a very small field for Christ, but we love it, knowing that God does not require great achievements but a heart that holds nothing back for self.” —St. Rose Philippine Duchesne
This cuts out the guilt we often feel when we see problems in the world. We are where God has placed us and can do our best, wholeehartedly, right where we are - that is what is required.
This cuts out the guilt we often feel when we see problems in the world. We are where God has placed us and can do our best, wholeehartedly, right where we are - that is what is required.
Thursday 17 November 2011
Wednesday 16 November 2011
The Priesthood
Prayer for Vocations to the Priesthood
Ever present God; open the hearts and minds of
all people, and inspire us to use the unique gifts
you have given us for loving service to each other.
We pray especially now, for those women whose
gifts are best suited to serve your Church as
ordained priests. Empower them with courage as
they answer your call and strengthen them for
humble service, great compassion, and insightful
wisdom. Support them through their ministries and
enlighten the leadership of your Church to practice
the equality that Jesus modeled to embrace all
women and men whom you have gifted for
sacramental service. Strengthen your Holy Spirit
within those you have chosen for priestly ministry.
May they answer your call and follow you with
generous hearts. We ask this in the name of
Jesus, who called Mary Magdalene and Phoebe –
as well as Peter and Paul – to be ministers in the
early Christian communities. Amen
Ever present God; open the hearts and minds of
all people, and inspire us to use the unique gifts
you have given us for loving service to each other.
We pray especially now, for those women whose
gifts are best suited to serve your Church as
ordained priests. Empower them with courage as
they answer your call and strengthen them for
humble service, great compassion, and insightful
wisdom. Support them through their ministries and
enlighten the leadership of your Church to practice
the equality that Jesus modeled to embrace all
women and men whom you have gifted for
sacramental service. Strengthen your Holy Spirit
within those you have chosen for priestly ministry.
May they answer your call and follow you with
generous hearts. We ask this in the name of
Jesus, who called Mary Magdalene and Phoebe –
as well as Peter and Paul – to be ministers in the
early Christian communities. Amen
Monday 14 November 2011
Rob Bell
I have seen a number of Bob Bell videos and they certainly provide plenty of material for discussion.
He certainly seems to be sincere in his beliefs. However sincere belief does not always mean that someone is correct - I am sure that Hitler was certain that he was right for instance. Buy the book and judge for yourself. http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/love-wins-a-review-of-rob-bells-new-book On a somewhat different subject these words from the Jerusalem Bible were my reading for today 'The Lord Yahweh has given me a disciple's tongue. So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech' - words I take as a challenge rather than as a statement of fact. My session at the International Training College of the Salvation Army was the 'Disciples of Jesus'.
He certainly seems to be sincere in his beliefs. However sincere belief does not always mean that someone is correct - I am sure that Hitler was certain that he was right for instance. Buy the book and judge for yourself. http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/love-wins-a-review-of-rob-bells-new-book On a somewhat different subject these words from the Jerusalem Bible were my reading for today 'The Lord Yahweh has given me a disciple's tongue. So that I may know how to reply to the wearied he provides me with speech' - words I take as a challenge rather than as a statement of fact. My session at the International Training College of the Salvation Army was the 'Disciples of Jesus'.
Friday 11 November 2011
Relevant Words
Today I needed some encouragement. I was running late, alone in the house and my Bible open on the desk from a study session last night.
Right in front of me were the words I needed. Written many hundreds of years ago, almost two thousand years ago, possibly to a young man, and definitely in a very different place and situation yet speaking to me, an older woman in the 21st century.
From infancy you have known the holy scriptures , which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus , who will judge the living and thedead,and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word.
2 Timothy 3 v 15 – 4 v 2
Right in front of me were the words I needed. Written many hundreds of years ago, almost two thousand years ago, possibly to a young man, and definitely in a very different place and situation yet speaking to me, an older woman in the 21st century.
From infancy you have known the holy scriptures , which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus , who will judge the living and thedead,and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the word.
2 Timothy 3 v 15 – 4 v 2
Wednesday 9 November 2011
This meeting is now over, but could you do the same in your parliament?
http://www.womenpriests.org/meeting.asp
The bit I loved the best was when an elderly man stood up and said loudly 'This will happen while I'm still here on earth!'
The bit I loved the best was when an elderly man stood up and said loudly 'This will happen while I'm still here on earth!'
Sunday 6 November 2011
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