This is from "Introduction to the Devout Life" by St. Francis de Sales -- a Doctor of the Church. Msgr. Callahan recommended this at the Men's Day of Recollection and I've been working my way through it for the last couple of months. It was written to give spiritual direction to people with "normal vocations" on how to live devoutly. St. Francis de Sales believed that you didn't need to have a religious vocation to reach sprititual heights.
For any readers out there, I highly recommend this book.
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Birds have nests in trees and can retire to them when need arises, and stags have bushes and thickets wehre they can take cover, hide, and enjoy the cool shade during the summer. So also, our hearts should each day pick and choose some place ... as a retreat where they can retire at various times to refresh and restore themselves during their exterior occupations. There, as in a stronghold, they can defend themselves against temptations.
Always remember to retire at varioust imes into the solitude of your own heart even while outwardly engaged in discussions ofr transactions with others .... Your heart remains alone in the presence of God. Such was the exercise King David practiced amid his many occupations and he testifies to it countless times in the Psalms, as when he says: "O Lord, I am always with you." Indeed, our tasks are seldom so important as to keep us from withdrawing our hearts from them from time to time in order to retreat into this divine solitude.
Therefore, withdraw your spirit from time to time into your heart; and there, apart from the world of men, you can converse heart to heart with God on the state of your soul.
Showing posts with label - Abundant Life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label - Abundant Life. Show all posts
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Daily - 1/20/09
2 Peter 1:3-8
3 His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power.
4 Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge,
6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion,
7 devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.
8 If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Here is some good guidance from the ancient church on how to share in the divine nature (“remaining in Christ” in John’s terminology). This is very instructive, but you have to break it down carefully to get the message.
According to verses 3 and 4:
- God gives us everything we need for life (v3)
- We receive this gift through knowledge of Christ (v 3)
- God has bestowed on us great promises (v 4)
- We may use these gifts to share in the divine nature ( v4)
- But first we need to escape the corruption in the world (v 4)
I very much want to share in the divine nature. To do that, I clearly need to escape the corruption of the world. How do I do THAT? First and foremost, I need faith in Jesus. Furthermore, I need to supplement (i.e., add to) my faith with virtue, knowledge, self control, endurance, devotion, mutual affection, and love.
Consider that thought for a while … faith isn’t complete (i.e., I won’t share in the divine nature) without supplementing it with these things. It is through these acts that we escape the corruption of the world. In Paul’s terminology, this is the process of putting the flesh to death.
3 His divine power has bestowed on us everything that makes for life and devotion, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and power.
4 Through these, he has bestowed on us the precious and very great promises, so that through them you may come to share in the divine nature, after escaping from the corruption that is in the world because of evil desire.
5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge,
6 knowledge with self-control, self-control with endurance, endurance with devotion,
7 devotion with mutual affection, mutual affection with love.
8 If these are yours and increase in abundance, they will keep you from being idle or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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Here is some good guidance from the ancient church on how to share in the divine nature (“remaining in Christ” in John’s terminology). This is very instructive, but you have to break it down carefully to get the message.
According to verses 3 and 4:
- God gives us everything we need for life (v3)
- We receive this gift through knowledge of Christ (v 3)
- God has bestowed on us great promises (v 4)
- We may use these gifts to share in the divine nature ( v4)
- But first we need to escape the corruption in the world (v 4)
I very much want to share in the divine nature. To do that, I clearly need to escape the corruption of the world. How do I do THAT? First and foremost, I need faith in Jesus. Furthermore, I need to supplement (i.e., add to) my faith with virtue, knowledge, self control, endurance, devotion, mutual affection, and love.
Consider that thought for a while … faith isn’t complete (i.e., I won’t share in the divine nature) without supplementing it with these things. It is through these acts that we escape the corruption of the world. In Paul’s terminology, this is the process of putting the flesh to death.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Daily - 1/9/09
Ephesians 3:14-21
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen.
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This is Paul praying for all of us to attain spiritual maturity – to “be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,” and to comprehend “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
This is a description of the abundant life that Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). What do I need to do to get it? From above, it appears that I can’t get this on my own – I need to pray to have God give me this grace. My strategy is to let the Word enrich me, to strive for obedience, to pursue the sacraments regularly (i.e. Eucharist and reconciliation), and to pray for God to strengthen my inner self with his Spirit. The last part is undoubtedly a stumbling block for men, who are very much used to solving problems themselves. In this case though, Paul is clear. This abundance is granted from God, and I need to make myself available to Him.
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Epilogue, 1/9/09 – This was written in June 2008. Six month later, I have to say that this strategy works pretty well for me. I’ve gotten to the point where I pray almost daily for God to increase my faith, and to help me make myself available to Him, so that I can do what he wants. I’ve learned several lessons in humility that have driven home the message that the spiritual things that happen in my life are God’s doing, not mine -- until the next time I need to be reminded.
My job is to remain in Him.
14 For this reason I kneel before the Father,
15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,
16 that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,
17 and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love,
18 may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20 Now to him who is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us,
21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.
Amen.
----------------
This is Paul praying for all of us to attain spiritual maturity – to “be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self,” and to comprehend “the breadth and length and height and depth” of Christ’s love, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.
This is a description of the abundant life that Jesus came to give us (John 10:10). What do I need to do to get it? From above, it appears that I can’t get this on my own – I need to pray to have God give me this grace. My strategy is to let the Word enrich me, to strive for obedience, to pursue the sacraments regularly (i.e. Eucharist and reconciliation), and to pray for God to strengthen my inner self with his Spirit. The last part is undoubtedly a stumbling block for men, who are very much used to solving problems themselves. In this case though, Paul is clear. This abundance is granted from God, and I need to make myself available to Him.
---------------
Epilogue, 1/9/09 – This was written in June 2008. Six month later, I have to say that this strategy works pretty well for me. I’ve gotten to the point where I pray almost daily for God to increase my faith, and to help me make myself available to Him, so that I can do what he wants. I’ve learned several lessons in humility that have driven home the message that the spiritual things that happen in my life are God’s doing, not mine -- until the next time I need to be reminded.
My job is to remain in Him.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Daily - 12/26/08
Ephesians 1:15-21
15 Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones,
16 do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.
18 May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might,
20 which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,
21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.
I’ve sent out this passage before. I love it because it gives a glimpse of what lies ahead for those who truly pursue spiritual maturity. I am at times a “studier” of the bible, and can get frustrated when I see descriptions of a spiritual life that I haven’t yet experienced. How do I get there? Paul gives the answer in this passage. He prays that the Ephesians receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation. For me personally, when there’s something that I study but can’t understand, I have taken to praying that God show me the answer. It is amazing how often this prayer gets answered. As it says in Matthew 7:
7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Look again at Ephesians 1:17 and see the description of private revelation that can occur for each of us. God gives a spirit of wisdom that results in knowledge of Him. Our hearts are enlightened, we begin to know the riches of glory, and we experience the surpassing greatness of his power. This is pretty heavy stuff that Paul is describing. It is a glimpse of what I call transcendent faith, and is the product of drawing ever closer to Christ.
15 Therefore, I, too, hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and of your love for all the holy ones,
16 do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers,
17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him.
18 May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones,
19 and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might,
20 which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens,
21 far above every principality, authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named not only in this age but also in the one to come.
I’ve sent out this passage before. I love it because it gives a glimpse of what lies ahead for those who truly pursue spiritual maturity. I am at times a “studier” of the bible, and can get frustrated when I see descriptions of a spiritual life that I haven’t yet experienced. How do I get there? Paul gives the answer in this passage. He prays that the Ephesians receive a spirit of wisdom and revelation. For me personally, when there’s something that I study but can’t understand, I have taken to praying that God show me the answer. It is amazing how often this prayer gets answered. As it says in Matthew 7:
7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
8 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Look again at Ephesians 1:17 and see the description of private revelation that can occur for each of us. God gives a spirit of wisdom that results in knowledge of Him. Our hearts are enlightened, we begin to know the riches of glory, and we experience the surpassing greatness of his power. This is pretty heavy stuff that Paul is describing. It is a glimpse of what I call transcendent faith, and is the product of drawing ever closer to Christ.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Daily - 10/23/08
Colossians 2:1-3
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face,
2 that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
There is a ton of information in these three verses. Take the time to think about what Paul is saying here ... richness, understanding, knowledge, mystery, treasures, wisdom. These are lofty things. There is a mystery that we have been given the keys to. It contains hidden treasures.
How do we get to those hidden treasures? This isn’t an intellectual puzzle to be solved – God didn’t set up a system where only the brilliant can find answers. The answers come directly from God – through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and obedience. That comes from seeking God, asking for spiritual growth, and remaining in God (ie, obedience to God’s commands).
St. Thomas Aquinas calls this divine revelation, which can be a scary concept for some. The world mocks divine revelation.
1 For I want you to know how great a struggle I am having for you and for those in Laodicea and all who have not seen me face to face,
2 that their hearts may be encouraged as they are brought together in love, to have all the richness of fully assured understanding, for the knowledge of the mystery of God, Christ,
3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
There is a ton of information in these three verses. Take the time to think about what Paul is saying here ... richness, understanding, knowledge, mystery, treasures, wisdom. These are lofty things. There is a mystery that we have been given the keys to. It contains hidden treasures.
How do we get to those hidden treasures? This isn’t an intellectual puzzle to be solved – God didn’t set up a system where only the brilliant can find answers. The answers come directly from God – through prayer, Scripture, the sacraments, and obedience. That comes from seeking God, asking for spiritual growth, and remaining in God (ie, obedience to God’s commands).
St. Thomas Aquinas calls this divine revelation, which can be a scary concept for some. The world mocks divine revelation.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Daily - 10/14/08
Psalm 23:1-6
1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
David saw God as a guide, a refuge, a provider, a protector, a father, and so many other things. We’re all familiar with these words, but it pays to take the time to really think about them. Look what God will do for us, if we could only let him. Imagine what things can be like if we truly remained with Christ, every day, 24-7. I’ve had short stretches of feeling this way, but I don’t come close to all day, every day. That’s the goal I’m pushing toward.
1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack.
2 In green pastures you let me graze; to safe waters you lead me;
3 you restore my strength. You guide me along the right path for the sake of your name.
4 Even when I walk through a dark valley, I fear no harm for you are at my side; your rod and staff give me courage.
5 You set a table before me as my enemies watch; You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
6 Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.
David saw God as a guide, a refuge, a provider, a protector, a father, and so many other things. We’re all familiar with these words, but it pays to take the time to really think about them. Look what God will do for us, if we could only let him. Imagine what things can be like if we truly remained with Christ, every day, 24-7. I’ve had short stretches of feeling this way, but I don’t come close to all day, every day. That’s the goal I’m pushing toward.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Daily - 10/13/08
Colossians 1:9-14
9 Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
10 to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God,
11 strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
13 He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Here Paul gives us another glimpse of what faith in God can bring. Does spiritual wisdom and understanding sound good to anyone?
· That we are filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding
· That we live in a manner pleasing to the Lord (ie, obedience to his commands)
· That our works bear fruit (this is the spiritual fruit that comes from remaining in Christ)
· That we grow in the knowledge of God
· That we are strengthened with every power, in accordance with his glorious might
Paul is speaking about much more than just being a "good guy." He’s talking about the life that results from a full commitment to God, where continually we seek him through prayer, through searching his Word, and through the sacraments. There is so much out there for us if we continue to seek God, turn ourselves over to Him, and ask Him to build us into what He wants us to be.
Broken record alert: Remember that this doesn’t happen on its own. Paul prays for all of this to occur (ie, seeks it from God). God won’t force us into this life. He shows us little bits and pieces, and we decide if that’s what we want. We need to to seek it from God, and make ourselves available to him.
9 Therefore, from the day we heard this, we do not cease praying for you and asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding
10 to live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God,
11 strengthened with every power, in accord with his glorious might, for all endurance and patience, with joy
12 giving thanks to the Father, who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.
13 He delivered us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Here Paul gives us another glimpse of what faith in God can bring. Does spiritual wisdom and understanding sound good to anyone?
· That we are filled with spiritual wisdom and understanding
· That we live in a manner pleasing to the Lord (ie, obedience to his commands)
· That our works bear fruit (this is the spiritual fruit that comes from remaining in Christ)
· That we grow in the knowledge of God
· That we are strengthened with every power, in accordance with his glorious might
Paul is speaking about much more than just being a "good guy." He’s talking about the life that results from a full commitment to God, where continually we seek him through prayer, through searching his Word, and through the sacraments. There is so much out there for us if we continue to seek God, turn ourselves over to Him, and ask Him to build us into what He wants us to be.
Broken record alert: Remember that this doesn’t happen on its own. Paul prays for all of this to occur (ie, seeks it from God). God won’t force us into this life. He shows us little bits and pieces, and we decide if that’s what we want. We need to to seek it from God, and make ourselves available to him.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Daily - 9/17/08
Romans 8:35-39
35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
36 As it is written: "For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
If angels or principalities can’t separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, then we can’t either. There are people out there who think they are too far gone, that they can’t be forgiven for what they’ve done in their lives. But the teaching is clear – the road is always open to repentance and acceptance of God’s limitless mercy and forgiveness.
If you haven’t done this recently, you should really take the time to read Romans 7 and Romans 8 together. Romans 7 speaks of the duality in which we live – new creations in Christ, yet still stuck in our worldly bodies. Romans 8 discusses how Christ delivers us from that duality, and the glorious path that Christ has built for us.
35 What will separate us from the love of Christ? Will anguish, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or the sword?
36 As it is written: "For your sake we are being slain all the day; we are looked upon as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we conquer overwhelmingly through him who loved us.
38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers,
39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
If angels or principalities can’t separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, then we can’t either. There are people out there who think they are too far gone, that they can’t be forgiven for what they’ve done in their lives. But the teaching is clear – the road is always open to repentance and acceptance of God’s limitless mercy and forgiveness.
If you haven’t done this recently, you should really take the time to read Romans 7 and Romans 8 together. Romans 7 speaks of the duality in which we live – new creations in Christ, yet still stuck in our worldly bodies. Romans 8 discusses how Christ delivers us from that duality, and the glorious path that Christ has built for us.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Daily - 9/2/08
Romans 12:1-2
1 I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.
2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
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This was the second reading at Sunday’s mass. I’ve sent this out before, but I thought it was worth repeating.
Verse 2 describes discerning God's will. This is a key element in spiritual development -- to be able to understand what God is asking us to do. How do we go about doing that?
Verse 2 says that to discern the will of God, we must allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewal of mind. OK, how do I go about doing that?
I submit that part of the answer is verse 1 - submit our bodies as a living sacrifice, wholly and pleasing to God.
OK, how do I do that?
In my opinion, this means several things:
- Put sin to death as best we can by committing to obedience and remaining in Christ. Why? We know that sin is offensive to God, and if I don't make that commitment, I don't think I can be a sacrifice that is pleasing to God.
- Receive the sacraments of eucharist. There is no better way to transform ourselves than by inviting the Lord to transform our bodies.
- Receive the sacrament of reconciliation frequently. It is the tried and true process for putting sin to death. As we become more aware of our sins and confess them to God's minister we put sin to death in our lives. The process of confession, absolution, and penance separates us from sin and opens us up to the Spirit.
- Give control of our lives over to God. Paul tells us to offer ourselves as a sacrifice, which means we are transferring "ownership" to God. If you're unwilling to make this step, you're never going to be able to be transformed the way Paul is describing.
In my opinion, understanding these points are key to moving toward the abundant life that Christ offers to us.
1 I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.
2 Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
-----------------
This was the second reading at Sunday’s mass. I’ve sent this out before, but I thought it was worth repeating.
Verse 2 describes discerning God's will. This is a key element in spiritual development -- to be able to understand what God is asking us to do. How do we go about doing that?
Verse 2 says that to discern the will of God, we must allow ourselves to be transformed by the renewal of mind. OK, how do I go about doing that?
I submit that part of the answer is verse 1 - submit our bodies as a living sacrifice, wholly and pleasing to God.
OK, how do I do that?
In my opinion, this means several things:
- Put sin to death as best we can by committing to obedience and remaining in Christ. Why? We know that sin is offensive to God, and if I don't make that commitment, I don't think I can be a sacrifice that is pleasing to God.
- Receive the sacraments of eucharist. There is no better way to transform ourselves than by inviting the Lord to transform our bodies.
- Receive the sacrament of reconciliation frequently. It is the tried and true process for putting sin to death. As we become more aware of our sins and confess them to God's minister we put sin to death in our lives. The process of confession, absolution, and penance separates us from sin and opens us up to the Spirit.
- Give control of our lives over to God. Paul tells us to offer ourselves as a sacrifice, which means we are transferring "ownership" to God. If you're unwilling to make this step, you're never going to be able to be transformed the way Paul is describing.
In my opinion, understanding these points are key to moving toward the abundant life that Christ offers to us.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Daily - 8/28/08
John 8:31-32
31 Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
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When Christ calls us to remain in his word, he is calling us to obedience. Once we are faced with the Word, we have a choice to make – belief and submittal to it, or not. If we believe but we do not obey, we are caught in a kind of spiritual limbo. This happens to a lot of people. In my opinion, for men the reasons come from two places – either fear of the unknown (ie, what will happen to me, what do I have to do, what will be taken from me), or a prideful refusal to give up control.
Yet if we remain in the word (ie, obey), Christ promises us the truth, and that the truth will set us free. Some people spend years studying the word before finally coming to this point. I was one of those people. Finally I woke up and realized that the call to obedience was firm. Once I responded to this call and submitted to Christ’s authority, I was able to understand a lot more about the concept of the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the surpassing joy that can come from that pursuit.
So … I can personally testify to the truth of these two verses.
31 Jesus then said to those Jews who believed in him, "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples,
32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
------------
When Christ calls us to remain in his word, he is calling us to obedience. Once we are faced with the Word, we have a choice to make – belief and submittal to it, or not. If we believe but we do not obey, we are caught in a kind of spiritual limbo. This happens to a lot of people. In my opinion, for men the reasons come from two places – either fear of the unknown (ie, what will happen to me, what do I have to do, what will be taken from me), or a prideful refusal to give up control.
Yet if we remain in the word (ie, obey), Christ promises us the truth, and that the truth will set us free. Some people spend years studying the word before finally coming to this point. I was one of those people. Finally I woke up and realized that the call to obedience was firm. Once I responded to this call and submitted to Christ’s authority, I was able to understand a lot more about the concept of the pursuit of spiritual maturity and the surpassing joy that can come from that pursuit.
So … I can personally testify to the truth of these two verses.
Friday, August 22, 2008
Daily - 8/22/08
Philippians 3:12-14
12 It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ (Jesus).
13 Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.
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I want to focus on the last half of v13, and v14. Paul is talking about attaining spiritual maturity. Look at his plan – forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal.
It is inevitable that we will sin on our own journeys of faith. Paul knows that and he’s done it (ie, Romans 3:23 – all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and pretty much all of Romans 7). We are convicted by sin, but we are not to dwell on it. We are to seek absolution from God, then forget what lies behind, and continue on the journey.
Sometimes when sin occurs – Satan steps right in and showers us with guilt. This keeps us from the "pursuit of the goal." How can we project a life of light when sin lies on our conscious? I don’t know about you, but I get those thoughts. In fact, I’ve had some in the past week. We need to remember that our God is forgiving, and if we repent, confess our sins, and ask forgiveness, we will get it. We should have confidence in that, and not listen to the Father of Lies as he whispers in our ear about how we’re not worthy to seek God’s face.
12 It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ (Jesus).
13 Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.
------------
I want to focus on the last half of v13, and v14. Paul is talking about attaining spiritual maturity. Look at his plan – forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead, I continue my pursuit toward the goal.
It is inevitable that we will sin on our own journeys of faith. Paul knows that and he’s done it (ie, Romans 3:23 – all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and pretty much all of Romans 7). We are convicted by sin, but we are not to dwell on it. We are to seek absolution from God, then forget what lies behind, and continue on the journey.
Sometimes when sin occurs – Satan steps right in and showers us with guilt. This keeps us from the "pursuit of the goal." How can we project a life of light when sin lies on our conscious? I don’t know about you, but I get those thoughts. In fact, I’ve had some in the past week. We need to remember that our God is forgiving, and if we repent, confess our sins, and ask forgiveness, we will get it. We should have confidence in that, and not listen to the Father of Lies as he whispers in our ear about how we’re not worthy to seek God’s face.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Daily - 8/5/08
Psalm 145:13-21
13 Your reign is a reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work.
14 The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look hopefully to you; you give them their food in due season.
16 You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 You, LORD, are just in all your ways, faithful in all your works.
18 You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth.
19 You satisfy the desire of those who fear you; you hear their cry and save them.
20 You, LORD, watch over all who love you, but all the wicked you destroy.
21 My mouth will speak your praises, LORD; all flesh will bless your holy name forever.
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To me, this is a great description of how the Lord works with the faithful. All of these great things can happen to those eyes look hopefully to God (v. 15), who call upon Him in truth (v. 18), who fear Him (v. 19), and love him (v. 20).
It amazes me that it has taken me so long to see this. It’s all about faith in the Lord. Loving Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, and having confidence in Him. The further you go down this road, the greater your relationship with God is, and (I believe) the more He calls you to do His work.
Lord, please increase our faith. Help us to grow in our knowledge of you, and to begin to feel that peace that transcends all understanding. Help us to know the length and width and breadth of your love. Help us have the faith to make ourselves available to you, so that we let you build us into what you want us to be.
13 Your reign is a reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations. The LORD is trustworthy in every word, and faithful in every work.
14 The LORD supports all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down.
15 The eyes of all look hopefully to you; you give them their food in due season.
16 You open wide your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
17 You, LORD, are just in all your ways, faithful in all your works.
18 You, LORD, are near to all who call upon you, to all who call upon you in truth.
19 You satisfy the desire of those who fear you; you hear their cry and save them.
20 You, LORD, watch over all who love you, but all the wicked you destroy.
21 My mouth will speak your praises, LORD; all flesh will bless your holy name forever.
--------------------
To me, this is a great description of how the Lord works with the faithful. All of these great things can happen to those eyes look hopefully to God (v. 15), who call upon Him in truth (v. 18), who fear Him (v. 19), and love him (v. 20).
It amazes me that it has taken me so long to see this. It’s all about faith in the Lord. Loving Him, trusting Him, obeying Him, and having confidence in Him. The further you go down this road, the greater your relationship with God is, and (I believe) the more He calls you to do His work.
Lord, please increase our faith. Help us to grow in our knowledge of you, and to begin to feel that peace that transcends all understanding. Help us to know the length and width and breadth of your love. Help us have the faith to make ourselves available to you, so that we let you build us into what you want us to be.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Daily - 7/28/08
1 Kings 33-14
3 Solomon loved the LORD, and obeyed the statutes of his father David; yet he offered sacrifice and burned incense on the high places.
4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand holocausts.
5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, "Ask something of me and I will give it to you."
6 Solomon answered: "You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne.
7 O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.
8 I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?"
10 The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.
11 So God said to him: "Because you have asked for this--not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right--
12 I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.
13 In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.
14 And if you follow me by keeping my statutes and commandments, as your father David did, I will give you a long life."
· Solomon’s love for the Lord came from his father David. That’s a huge lesson for those of us who raise kids. We have a tremendous responsibility to be spiritual leaders in our household. It is up to us (ie, not school, not PSR, not someone else) to develop faith in our children. What happens at school/PSR/whatever supplements it, but if they don’t see a faithful life from the parents, the chances of religious education taking hold decrease considerably.
· Given the opportunity to have ANYTHING, Solomon asks for an understanding and discerning heart. He asks God to fully equip him to carry out the assignment that God has given him. This is completely consistent with several of the New Testament passages that I’ve sent out recently about seeking out faith. God knows what we need, but he wants us to come to Him.
· Look at what happens in response. God gives Solomon more than what he asks for. He takes care of all his worldly needs.
· God asks for obedience in return: "if you follow me by keeping my statutes and commandments, as your father David did, I will give you a long life."
3 Solomon loved the LORD, and obeyed the statutes of his father David; yet he offered sacrifice and burned incense on the high places.
4 The king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, because that was the most renowned high place. Upon its altar Solomon offered a thousand holocausts.
5 In Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at night. God said, "Ask something of me and I will give it to you."
6 Solomon answered: "You have shown great favor to your servant, my father David, because he behaved faithfully toward you, with justice and an upright heart; and you have continued this great favor toward him, even today, seating a son of his on his throne.
7 O LORD, my God, you have made me, your servant, king to succeed my father David; but I am a mere youth, not knowing at all how to act.
8 I serve you in the midst of the people whom you have chosen, a people so vast that it cannot be numbered or counted.
9 Give your servant, therefore, an understanding heart to judge your people and to distinguish right from wrong. For who is able to govern this vast people of yours?"
10 The LORD was pleased that Solomon made this request.
11 So God said to him: "Because you have asked for this--not for a long life for yourself, nor for riches, nor for the life of your enemies, but for understanding so that you may know what is right--
12 I do as you requested. I give you a heart so wise and understanding that there has never been anyone like you up to now, and after you there will come no one to equal you.
13 In addition, I give you what you have not asked for, such riches and glory that among kings there is not your like.
14 And if you follow me by keeping my statutes and commandments, as your father David did, I will give you a long life."
------------------
This was the first reading at Mass last Sunday. I was really struck by these things:· Solomon’s love for the Lord came from his father David. That’s a huge lesson for those of us who raise kids. We have a tremendous responsibility to be spiritual leaders in our household. It is up to us (ie, not school, not PSR, not someone else) to develop faith in our children. What happens at school/PSR/whatever supplements it, but if they don’t see a faithful life from the parents, the chances of religious education taking hold decrease considerably.
· Given the opportunity to have ANYTHING, Solomon asks for an understanding and discerning heart. He asks God to fully equip him to carry out the assignment that God has given him. This is completely consistent with several of the New Testament passages that I’ve sent out recently about seeking out faith. God knows what we need, but he wants us to come to Him.
· Look at what happens in response. God gives Solomon more than what he asks for. He takes care of all his worldly needs.
· God asks for obedience in return: "if you follow me by keeping my statutes and commandments, as your father David did, I will give you a long life."
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Daily - 7/15/08
Hebrews 5:11-14
11 About this we have much to say, and it is difficult to explain, for you have become sluggish in hearing.
12 Although you should be teachers by this time, you need to have someone teach you again the basic elements of the utterances of God. You need milk, (and) not solid food.
13 Everyone who lives on milk lacks experience of the word of righteousness, for he is a child.
14 But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties are trained by practice to discern good and evil.
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Here’s more on the idea of spiritual maturity. In this passage it is clear that it takes an effort of will to achieve spiritual growth. It is easy to "become sluggish in hearing" and mediocre in our faith. I know I’ve done that from time to time. It’s crazy that I can forget how joyful spiritual growth is, but sometimes I do, and let the world close in on my thinking too much.
We have to commit to growth, to actively seek it out through prayer, study of scripture, and the sacraments. We have to actively seek "experience in the word of righteousness" – it’s not going to happen on it’s own, and God is not going to force it on us. Note that solid food is "for those whose faculties are trained by practice to discern good and evil." We have to seek righteousness, rather than wait for it to find us. That’s a big difference.
11 About this we have much to say, and it is difficult to explain, for you have become sluggish in hearing.
12 Although you should be teachers by this time, you need to have someone teach you again the basic elements of the utterances of God. You need milk, (and) not solid food.
13 Everyone who lives on milk lacks experience of the word of righteousness, for he is a child.
14 But solid food is for the mature, for those whose faculties are trained by practice to discern good and evil.
-------------------
Here’s more on the idea of spiritual maturity. In this passage it is clear that it takes an effort of will to achieve spiritual growth. It is easy to "become sluggish in hearing" and mediocre in our faith. I know I’ve done that from time to time. It’s crazy that I can forget how joyful spiritual growth is, but sometimes I do, and let the world close in on my thinking too much.
We have to commit to growth, to actively seek it out through prayer, study of scripture, and the sacraments. We have to actively seek "experience in the word of righteousness" – it’s not going to happen on it’s own, and God is not going to force it on us. Note that solid food is "for those whose faculties are trained by practice to discern good and evil." We have to seek righteousness, rather than wait for it to find us. That’s a big difference.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Daily - 7/14/08
Philippians 3:8-16
8 More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God, depending on faith
10 to know him and the power of his resurrection and (the) sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death,
11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ (Jesus).
13 Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us, then, who are "perfectly mature" adopt this attitude. And if you have a different attitude, this too God will reveal to you.
16 Only, with regard to what we have attained, continue on the same course.
8 More than that, I even consider everything as a loss because of the supreme good of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have accepted the loss of all things and I consider them so much rubbish, that I may gain Christ
9 and be found in him, not having any righteousness of my own based on the law but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God, depending on faith
10 to know him and the power of his resurrection and (the) sharing of his sufferings by being conformed to his death,
11 if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 It is not that I have already taken hold of it or have already attained perfect maturity, but I continue my pursuit in hope that I may possess it, since I have indeed been taken possession of by Christ (Jesus).
13 Brothers, I for my part do not consider myself to have taken possession. Just one thing: forgetting what lies behind but straining forward to what lies ahead,
14 I continue my pursuit toward the goal, the prize of God's upward calling, in Christ Jesus.
15 Let us, then, who are "perfectly mature" adopt this attitude. And if you have a different attitude, this too God will reveal to you.
16 Only, with regard to what we have attained, continue on the same course.
---------------
I was speaking with someone about this search for spiritual maturity that I’ve been writing about lately. We discussed whether that life is fully attainable. My response was maybe not fully, but I can sure get farther along the road than I am now.
Later on I thought about the Philippians passage shown above, that discusses Paul’s search for the same thing. In several places he provides vivid descriptions of this higher level of faith, which he wouldn’t be able to do if he hadn’t experienced it himself. Yet even with all the riches of faith that he has experienced, he still sees that there is more out there for him. He’s seen enough to know that he wants it fully and completely. He says forget what lies behind, and keep up your pursuit of the goal. And he says that this attitude of pursuit is a sign of spiritual maturity.
PS - Here are some descriptions of the "abundant life" that I’ve provided in previous messages in the past month or so. This is far more than going to church every Sunday, working booths at the church picnic, and helping little old ladies across the street. This is a life where you have so much faith that you’re perfectly balanced between the lives in spirit and flesh, where you have no anxieties at all, where your prayer life becomes a pouring out of your heart to God.
· Philippians 4:6-7 - Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
· Ephesians 1:18-19 - May the eyes of (your) hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might,
· Ephesians 3:16-19 … that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith
· Ephesians 3: that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Daily - 6/25/08
Philippians 1:1-11
1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and ministers:
2 grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you,
4 praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,
5 because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now.
6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right that I should think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception,
10 to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
------------------------
Paul is writing this from prison. Look at verses 8-11 – these are very similar to the verses from Ephesians yesterday. In the Ephesians passage he talked about comprehending "the breadth and length and height and depth" of Christ’s love. Today he talks about that love increasing "ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value."
This is another glimpse of the abundant life. This is a transcendant life where you don’t care if you’re in jail because you know it’s God’s will. Jail doesn’t matter, beatings don’t matter, shipwrecks don’t matter, hunger and thirst don’t matter. All that matters is God.
Something to spend a lifetime striving for.
1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, to all the holy ones in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the overseers and ministers:
2 grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you,
4 praying always with joy in my every prayer for all of you,
5 because of your partnership for the gospel from the first day until now.
6 I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
7 It is right that I should think this way about all of you, because I hold you in my heart, you who are all partners with me in grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.
8 For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
9 And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception,
10 to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,
11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
------------------------
Paul is writing this from prison. Look at verses 8-11 – these are very similar to the verses from Ephesians yesterday. In the Ephesians passage he talked about comprehending "the breadth and length and height and depth" of Christ’s love. Today he talks about that love increasing "ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value."
This is another glimpse of the abundant life. This is a transcendant life where you don’t care if you’re in jail because you know it’s God’s will. Jail doesn’t matter, beatings don’t matter, shipwrecks don’t matter, hunger and thirst don’t matter. All that matters is God.
Something to spend a lifetime striving for.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Daily - 5/14/08
Galatians 5:16-25
16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.
18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,
21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
----------------------
The fruit of the Spirit (verses 22 and 23) is what I want. Christ isn’t calling us to live a boring, dull life that’s no fun. Rather, he came that we could have an abundant life. So … how do I get this abundant life? What exactly does it mean to live by the Spirit? In my opinion this is a very difficult question. I’d hoped to sit down and write a description of how you live in the Spirit, but the scriptural basis is literally all over the New Testament. Just compiling it takes hours/days. Let alone understanding it and trying to put it into personal terms.
I’m convinced one can devote a lifetime to answering this question, and I’m also convinced that God is calling me to do just that. I'm going to be spending some time on this question going forward.
16 I say, then: live by the Spirit and you will certainly not gratify the desire of the flesh.
17 For the flesh has desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you want.
18 But if you are guided by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious: immorality, impurity, licentiousness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, rivalry, jealousy, outbursts of fury, acts of selfishness, dissensions, factions,
21 occasions of envy, drinking bouts, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
24 Now those who belong to Christ (Jesus) have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
----------------------
The fruit of the Spirit (verses 22 and 23) is what I want. Christ isn’t calling us to live a boring, dull life that’s no fun. Rather, he came that we could have an abundant life. So … how do I get this abundant life? What exactly does it mean to live by the Spirit? In my opinion this is a very difficult question. I’d hoped to sit down and write a description of how you live in the Spirit, but the scriptural basis is literally all over the New Testament. Just compiling it takes hours/days. Let alone understanding it and trying to put it into personal terms.
I’m convinced one can devote a lifetime to answering this question, and I’m also convinced that God is calling me to do just that. I'm going to be spending some time on this question going forward.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Daily - 5/9/08
I'm always struck by the difference between the Peter of the gospels and the Peter of Acts. The difference is the completed work of Christ on earth, and the sending of the Holy Spirit. Peter’s antics in the gospels are well known. The transformed Peter was a different animal entirely – a leader, a preacher, and a healer. It’s testament to the power of Christ’s redemption and the power of the Holy Spirit for those who accept that redemption and give themselves over to God.
Acts 9:32-42
32 As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed." He got up at once.
35 And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving.
37 Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid (her) out in a room upstairs.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay."
39 So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, "Tabitha, rise up." She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.
41 He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive.
42 This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.
Acts 9:32-42
32 As Peter was passing through every region, he went down to the holy ones living in Lydda.
33 There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been confined to bed for eight years, for he was paralyzed.
34 Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed." He got up at once.
35 And all the inhabitants of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.
36 Now in Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which translated means Dorcas). She was completely occupied with good deeds and almsgiving.
37 Now during those days she fell sick and died, so after washing her, they laid (her) out in a room upstairs.
38 Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him with the request, "Please come to us without delay."
39 So Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived, they took him to the room upstairs where all the widows came to him weeping and showing him the tunics and cloaks that Dorcas had made while she was with them.
40 Peter sent them all out and knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said, "Tabitha, rise up." She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.
41 He gave her his hand and raised her up, and when he had called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her alive.
42 This became known all over Joppa, and many came to believe in the Lord.
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