If God told you to build an Ark-Would you?---Thoughts on doing Gods will.
"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." (Col. 3:17)
i believe that the gut...the instinctive feeling is what to act upon. i hope it is always God speaking. Often; not always -I am more or less certain that it is. I am also aware of the dangers of being impulsive and or jumping to conclusions. Then there is the necessity of simply making a decision-right or wrong; as opposed to being paralyzed in indecision. I have made many choices and decisions that I regret-but I know God does not want self-pity nor self immolation-he does want self-reflection and correction. We must move on and like Lots wife-not look back.
I enjoy taking in and considering mans often ridiculous- administrative laws-Gods law-and secular moral philosophy. There seems to be universal truth-- it is love; yet we are savaging one another; at so many different levels: from personal relationships, to family---to lack of purposeful healthy organization of community at the 'shire' level. This absence of 'base community' makes it structurally-functionally and spiritually impossible to have a dynamic republic. Because of the socio-economic, disconnect at the community (base) level-the fundamental units of social organization (family-interpersonal) collapse upon themselves. With the foundation, fractured evil runs amok; thus the fundamental question of Theodicy-and spiritual life: How can a loving God allow this?
“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it” (Romans 7:14-20 NIV).
how would I respond to an extraordinary message--like build an ark?--- I am acting on such an order--- I believe that 'localism'-the creation of the 'shire'--'intentional community'-- is a mandate equivalent to building an ark. Moreover, I believe that the creation of 'full service community based charter schools' is the prime directive in achieving that goal.
I am also aware of the monumental organized force arrayed against this need be mass undertaking. Therefore I subscribe to another belief which is: The only cause worth dying for is a lost cause. What is your cause?
I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn't confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other.
John 15:11-17 (New Living Translation)
Sumner
Sunday April 20, 2008 - 11:14am (PDT)
...the study of theology (systematic theology) is a worthwhile endeavor. I almost matriculated to trinity Lutheran seminary (Ohio) in '88 for a graduate degree in theology but for some reason did not. i was not seeking to assume the mantle of preacher just strengthen my faith and perhaps bring witness to some meaningful undertaking. I have throughout my life had a strong identification with the warrior monk tradition...and have lived with a eremitic- monastic sensibility...this is very much the case now that my sons are adult and my mother has passed on. It is very important to have continuous meditative enmeshment with the word of God.
I believe it was Dietrich Bonheoffer whom said...Martin Luther as well--to really understand God's word and his voice in our hearts-we must read the bible for ourselves and come to our own understanding. There are many great Sheppard's - -but nothing compares to the direct voice of God to the individual.
I am a social worker and I have worked with many persons whom were considered mentally ill. Those whom had religious-spiritual or metaphysical dimensions to their overt personality i did not judge---whom am I to judge--I wrestle with principalities too. Many of them were in fact gifted and they were made pariahs--
I think Gods will for us is that which he speaks to us. I have not heard the voice saying go to the street corner and preach...but those whom i have seen doing it were on point. They were most apt street corner preachers and their words were of the bible.
I think one of the best way's to serve God is to bear with one another in love--especially those whom are cruel towards us. To be able to keep ones focus in the midst of derision, calumny, judgement- I think is the one of the most challenging and important accomplishments a Christian can make. For this is a task that can only be achieved through faith.
Sunday April 20, 2008 - 03:52pm (PDT)
