Tag Archives: Holy Spirit

The third person of the Trinity and the work of G*d in this world – it is the Holy Spirit that builds faith

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 17, 2015
Tags: Holy Spirit,   

“Too Soon Old and Too Late Smart” — Rev. David J. Schreffler

image    September 17, 2015

“The Jews took up stones again to stone him. Jesus replied, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these are you going to stone me?” The Jews answered, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you, but for blasphemy, because you, though only a human being, are making yourself God.” Jesus answered, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods’? If those to whom the word of God came were called ‘gods’—and the scripture cannot be annulled— can you say that the one whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world is blaspheming because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me. But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.”
John 10:31-38

“When we notice in ourselves eager desires for something in the future, and when we see that our temperament carries us too intensely to all that must be done, let us try to restrain ourselves from hurry, and ask our Lord to stop the haste in our hearts and the agitation of our behavior, since G*d has said Himself that His Spirit does not dwell in confusion. Let us take care not to participate too much in all that is said and done, and not to absorb too much of it, because this task that presents itself, let us keep to that, and separate from all the rest. Thus we shall always keep the depths of our souls free and balanced, and we shall cut off entirely the host of unnecessary things which burden our hearts, and which prevent them from turning easily toward G*d.” Christian Perfection, Francois de Salignac Fenelon (1651 – 1715) “For All The Saints” volume II (p. 850)

There’s the saying “We get too soon old, and too late smart” that is an idiom which comes from our PA Dutch friends. It means, in part, that wisdom often comes after we have lived many years. I think it relates to what our friend Fenelon was stating in the above devotion. If we are too much in a hurry to accomplish something that we lose ourselves, our time, our thoughts, and our allegiances in the process, we can also lose our connection with the Holy Spirit, and thus lose our connectivity to G*d. Slow and steady may not always win the race, but it may allow us to be open to the Holy Spirit who will help diminish the chaos and confusion that life can bring. We may still get “too soon old, and too late smart”, but at least we may also learn some wisdom along the way to guide us in faithful living and faithful decisions.

Pastor Dave

Unknown's avatar Rev. David J. Schreffler 4:44 am on September 12, 2015
Tags: , Holy Spirit   

Being Trained-Up in G*dliness — Rev. David J. Schreffler

 

image

 

September 12, 2015

“Have nothing to do with profane myths and old wives’ tales. Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” 1 Timothy 4:7b-10

“(Writing to a friend in a letter) Lift up your heart to Him even at your meals, or when you are in company; the least little remembrance will always be acceptable to Him. You need not cry very loud; He is nearer to us than we think. To be with G*d there is no need to be continually in church. Of our heart we may make an oratory, wherein to retire from time to time and with Him hold meek, humble, loving converse.” The Practice of the Presence of G*d Brother Lawrence (1611-1691) “For All The Saints” volume II (p. 817)

Train yourself in godliness. What an image. I think it is an image that can help many people find a stronger faith life. Although, I am not so naive to think that this is good for everyone. I realize that many people see the word “training” in a negative light because they have spent so much time training in their lives (for sporting events and other kinds of endeavors) that they are burned out by the idea. And yet, many people need a trainer to make any changes in their lives. They need someone or something to push them continually.

The good news is that we have a trainer just waiting to teach us — and that trainer is the Holy Spirit. In fact we cannot train up ourselves in godliness on our own — it takes the training and the support of the spirit. But, the Holy Spirit will not wake you up in the morning to get you motivated. You and I must remain open to the spirit, open to the presence of the spirit, and expecting the spirit to move just when we least expect it. That is how one is “trained up” by the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Dave