Greetings, Sisters, Brothers, and Friends of the Community!
I pray that this note finds you all well!
Occasionally we hear of people who claim that they have heard the voice of God; that God has actually spoken directly to them! Other people reflect on this claim and reluctantly reveal that they have never heard God’s voice – but they wish they would.
There is some implication in this comparison that those who have heard God’s voice are somehow closer to Him and more spiritual than those who have not heard His voice. Inevitably I am asked (and you may be wondering at this point, too) whether or not I have ever heard God’s voice. Perhaps there is a test embedded in the question, assessing just how far my spiritual quest has brought me.
“Well,” I begin my response, “I most certainly have. As a matter of fact, I hear Him all the time.” The inquirer cautiously moves back a step, uncertain as to what they are now dealing with. So, I need to explain a bit more:
Do I hear God’s voice? You bet I do. He sounds like every person asking for help, or saying thanks, or offering a compliment. He is the sound of every child playing, every person laughing, every bird singing; He sounds like a busy street or a symphony orchestra; I hear Him in the hammering of a house being built, or in an ambulance siren; He’s the sound of a clock ticking or a phone ringing; His voice is the sound of the storm wind or a gentle breeze. When you see a flower He is saying, “See the beauty in the world? Please enjoy it.” God’s voice is the sound of life, moment by moment.
The messages God is sending to us can only be heard in the present moment. So, if you’re waiting to hear a message from God, He’s waiting for you to hear the one’s He’s been sending you.
Listen for the voice of God this coming week; what is He saying to you?
Your brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
Monday, August 17, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Can We Play By These Rules?
Greetings, Sisters, Brothers and Friends of the Community!
I pray this note finds you all well! After a dry and cool July, we are now getting a lot of rain. Some of it has even found its way into the cellar!
Recent troubles in our extended family can leave one scratching his head and wondering, “How are we going to straighten all this out?” People talking past each other, accusations, old baggage, finger-pointing – you’ve probably all been there.
Looking over the lectionary readings for this Sunday’s service, I realized that the passages in Ephesians 4 give us a partial answer at least. This list of St. Paul’s for starting a new life could be used as guidelines for resolving disputes. Let’s take a look at these:
· Put away falsehood; speak the truth
· Remember that we are all spiritual brothers and sisters
· It is OK to be angry - emotions compel us to act, and this is not a sin
· BUT! Once we begin to act, ditch the anger. Emotions cloud judgment and decision-making. Don’t let the sun set on your anger.
· Let no evil talk come out of your mouths; instead, uplift each other.
· Put away all bitterness and wrath and malice; instead, be kind to each other, and forgiving
Bottom line, we are to be imitators of God, as His beloved children should be. Following these rules may be only one of the components needed to resolve issues. Outside help is often needed.
NOT following these rules is a guarantee of failure.
And, oh yeah, here’s the most important part – waiting to see if the other person is going to follow these rules before you do is certain failure. It is critical to have the courage of Christ to take the lead on this, whether or not the other person(s) will do it!
Let us praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Your-caught-in-the-middle-brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
I pray this note finds you all well! After a dry and cool July, we are now getting a lot of rain. Some of it has even found its way into the cellar!
Recent troubles in our extended family can leave one scratching his head and wondering, “How are we going to straighten all this out?” People talking past each other, accusations, old baggage, finger-pointing – you’ve probably all been there.
Looking over the lectionary readings for this Sunday’s service, I realized that the passages in Ephesians 4 give us a partial answer at least. This list of St. Paul’s for starting a new life could be used as guidelines for resolving disputes. Let’s take a look at these:
· Put away falsehood; speak the truth
· Remember that we are all spiritual brothers and sisters
· It is OK to be angry - emotions compel us to act, and this is not a sin
· BUT! Once we begin to act, ditch the anger. Emotions cloud judgment and decision-making. Don’t let the sun set on your anger.
· Let no evil talk come out of your mouths; instead, uplift each other.
· Put away all bitterness and wrath and malice; instead, be kind to each other, and forgiving
Bottom line, we are to be imitators of God, as His beloved children should be. Following these rules may be only one of the components needed to resolve issues. Outside help is often needed.
NOT following these rules is a guarantee of failure.
And, oh yeah, here’s the most important part – waiting to see if the other person is going to follow these rules before you do is certain failure. It is critical to have the courage of Christ to take the lead on this, whether or not the other person(s) will do it!
Let us praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Your-caught-in-the-middle-brother,
Br. Daniel-Joseph, CTG
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