| Author | Message | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 763 Registered: 8-2004  |
If you simply address the God-shaped blank that people think they've got, the God you end up with is the God shaped by the blank. The real God specializes in taking the blanks in people's lives and pulling and tugging and turning them into a new shape. -- N. T. Wright I found the above quote in an article in Christianity Today just now, and it's set me thinking. When we seek God, how do we find him? By looking for the patterns or characteristics we have come to expect? or by seeking Him out and asking Him to reveal Himself? or by thrashing around and hoping we 'hit something solid' that can't be shaken? or by waiting for Him to come knock us up side the head? In my own experience I think it's been a bit of all these ways, but the times I get the farthest with God are when I lay down my own ideas and my own very self and ask Him to teach me, to do whatever it takes to get through to me. Sometimes nothing obvious happens, but sometimes what a joy to see everything shift and come together in a more glorious and beautiful picture; what peace to realize yet more deeply that God truly is sovereign not only in this world but in my own life; what wonderment to see Him redeeming even the very worst (to my way of thinking) things of my past, present, and future and using them to work out His purposes. And even when there's 'nothing obvious' I can rest securely and confidently in the center of God's love for me, knowing that He has promised to give me all that is needful and much more besides! Thank you Jesus! Blessings, Mary PS: The whole article is worth reading. It is an interview with Mr. Wright on his book "Mere Mission." | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 303 Registered: 8-2006 |
Mary, NT Wright is one of my favorite authors. I'll check out the article. Thanks! Susan | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 643 Registered: 1-2003  |
people will pop up and say, "Surely Jesus said my kingdom is not of this world." And the answer is no, what Jesus said in John 18 is, "My kingdom is not from this world." That's ek tou kosmoutoutou. It's quite clear in the text that Jesus' kingdom doesn't start with this world. It isn't a worldly kingdom, but it is for this world. It's from somewhere else, but it's for this world. --N. T. Wright Mary I went and read the same article and your quote is a central theme of his writing. I'm also thinking about the quote above from the same article. He speaks of how Christ was very much involved in THIS world and made an impact in the lives of those He met. The gospel is not how to avoid the world but how to IMPACT and change the world through an encounter with the Risen Savior and making HIM lord of our lives. Richard rtruitt@mac.com | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 766 Registered: 8-2004 |
Oh yes! I loved that quote too Richard! It made me do a double take that the Greek said "from" not "of". I look forward to and long for the second coming, but I also rejoice that God has given us the responsibility to "occupy till he comes." What an honor! And what a vast field we have even now to dance with God in, to work with God in, to rest with God in! Blessings, Mary | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 772 Registered: 8-2004 |
Here's another quote to chew on: If you think you understand, it isn't God." --St. Augustine |
