This Sunday’s readings: James 1:19-27
Reflections
Just as our love for God begins with listening to God’s Word, the beginning of love for other Christians is learning to listen to them.
~ Dietrich Bonhöffer
Everyone feels benevolent if nothing happens to be annoying him at the moment.
~ C.S. Lewis, 1898-1963, British Writer
The great test of life is obedience to God. … When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power.
~ Ezra Taft Benson, 1899-1994, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
Growth for the sake of growth is the ideology of the cancer cell.
~ Edward Abbey, 1927-1989, Author/Essayist, Environmentalist
Sometimes the process of growth looks a lot like destruction and pain. But you’ll realize with time that you’re not breaking; you’re healing.
~ Brittany Burgunder, Author, Life-Coach, eating disorder specialist
Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.
~ Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881, British Essayist, Historian
I never work better than when I am inspired by anger; for when I am angry, I can write, pray, and preach well, for then my whole temperament is quickened, my understanding sharpened, and all mundane vexations and temptations depart.
~ Martin Luther, 1483-1546, German Priest/Theologian
I am angry nearly every day of my life, Jo, but I have learned not to show it; and I still hope to learn not to feel it, though it may take me another forty years to do so.
~ Louisa May Alcott, 1832-1888, Author, Little Women
The closer you get to the truth, the clearer becomes the beauty, and the more you will find worship welling up within you. That’s why theology and worship belong together.
~ N.T. Wright , Author/Professor, Former Bishop of Durham
Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.
~ Edwin Hubbell Chapin, 1814-1880, Am. Preacher/Writer