This Sunday’s readings: John 16:4-11

Reflections

It’s easy to see God in the exceptional things, but it requires a culture of spiritual discipline to see God in the details.
~ Oswald Chambers, 1874-1917

A man’s social and spiritual discipline must answer to his corporeal. He must lean on a friend who has a hard breast, as he would lie on a hard bed. He must drink cold water for his only beverage. So he must not hear sweetened and colored words, but pure and refreshing truths. He must daily bathe in truth cold as spring water, not warmed by the sympathy of friends.
~ Henry David Thoreau

The general human failing is to want what is right and important, but at the same time not to commit to the kind of life that will produce the action we know to be right and the condition we want to enjoy. This is the feature of human character that explains why the road to hell is paved with good intentions. We intend what is right, but we avoid the life that would make it reality.
~ Dallas Willard, Philosopher/Author

Loving our enemies also teaches us that the gospel is bigger and more important than any other issue. It trumps all divisions, prejudices, and hatred. The gospel is more important than any personal or political issues you may have with others.
~ John S. Leonard, Get Real: Sharing Your Everyday Faith Every Day

Never allow your ego to diminish your ability to listen.
~ Gary Hopkins, The Master Within