Announcement--Lessons Learned Along the Way

Today marks the one year anniversary of Works From Faith and the final post. It has been my pleasure to be able to offer prayers, insights,quotes and writings this past year.It's been a blessed discipline indeed. Those who desire to lead a holy life understand the necessity of discipline in their quest to draw closer to Him. I would encourage everyone who comes upon this site and is unfamiliar with it to look at the older postings from 2008. You can begin if you wish with the four early ones from the end of February 2008 and continue from there. You will notice that on the right side of this page is a listing of the postings for the month,2009 and 2008. Scroll down the page a little till you see 2008,click the triangle next to it and this will display the months for that year. Choose a month and all the titles will be displayed. I gave a lot of thought to the words that were written, as well as the prayers and quotes chosen.
Some things I've become more aware of as this year has passed.
1. Each day you awaken is a gift from God and an opportunity,it is your choice as to how you will use this opportunity. 2.Follow Jesus' admonition and not worry about tomorrow,focus on and appreciate this present moment in time. 3. Don't leave your salvation and relationship with Jesus in the hands of another person or organization. Faith is a personal relationship with Jesus, not membership in a particular Church. 4. Do not send money or support television,radio or mega "ministries". If you research,as I have, even the most seemingly honest ministers and ministries, you will find they live like kings and queens....on the donations of others.For instance, America's "pastor to the Presidents" and his son make $425,000.each a year.For what? Others make much,much more. For those who doubt this, I would suggest that you simply do a google search of ministers and their organizations and you will be shocked and disheartened. Give your money to your Church to support its activities and functions, or, consider charitable organizations that are in need. 5.If you believe abortion is an acceptable practice,you are not a Christian, no matter what you may think. 6. The Bible was written for an audience who had much less education than anyone in this country today. Knowing that, ask yourself, do we really need all the books and commentaries out there explaining to us what's in the Bible when we can readily know for ourselves? 7.And finally,live simply.Too many things,too many activities,draw you away from a deep relationship with Our Lord.
A closing prayer:
The Lord bless us and keep us. The Lord make His face to shine upon us, and be gracious unto us. The Lord lift up His countenance upon us, and give us peace,this night and evermore. Amen.

Religious Arrogance

In this day and age we see different sects and denominations within Christianity sniping at each other for not worshipping or holding to the same beliefs as they do. Too often, the not too subtle inference in these criticisms is the belief that "we have more of the truth than you do", that "our faith is more pleasing to God than yours is". A sad state of affairs if there ever was one,a perfect example of the triumph of ego over humility.
The basics of the Christian faith is this, Jesus is the Son of God and His death,redemptive work and our belief in what He did opens for us a vast world of promises,not the least of which is the promise of eternal life.Variations in worship and style are really the only difference between mainstream faiths and denominations. Yet, many of them will still insist they are more pleasing to God then the others(faiths). Although they may not come right out and say it,the inference is clearly there. Those who doubt this, I would ask that they carefully read the literature of these groups with an open mind.
Christianity is all about a relationship with Jesus---NO faith, denomination, or sect has a more direct line to Our Heavenlty Father than any sincere believer has.

A Prayerful Thought

If go to the sea, you are there. If I go to the forests, you are there. If I enter the city, you are there in everyone and everything I see. Open my eyes to your goodness that is everywhere around me. Give me a heart that delights in your infinite creativity.
(by Thomas Merton).

A Prayer For the Lenten Season

Remove from my heart its malicious tongue that does not speak of peace but only of war and hate. Let me recognize by your grace and teaching the sins of my mouth, the harm I do so casually by my malicious words. Let me fast this Lent from all talk that puts down my neighbor,reviles my perceived enemies, and creates division instead of community. Lord, make my mouth an instrument of your peace. Amen.
(from Lent and Easter Wisdom from Thomas Merton).
Lent, may it be for all of us a season of spiritual self-examination and renewal.
One thinks of the Epistle of James when reading the above prayer.

The Ninth Hour

O God, of all the Strength and Power,
Who dost, Thyself unmoved, each hour
Through all it's changes guide the day,
From early morn to evening's ray;

Brighten life's eventide with light
That ne'er shall set in gloom of night,
Till we a holy death attain,
And everlasting glory gain.

Almighty Father, hear our cry
Through Jesus Christ our Lord most High,
Who with the Holy Ghost and Thee
Doth live and reign eternally.
(from Hymns Ancient and Modern).

The Lamb

Little lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee,Gave thee life, and bid thee feed By the stream and o'er the mead;Gave thee clothing of delight,Softest clothing, woolly, bright;Gave thee such a tender voice,Making all the vales rejoice? Little lamb, who made thee? Dost thou know who made thee? Little lamb, I'll tell thee; Little lamb, I'll tell thee:He is called by thy name,For He calls Himself a Lamb.He is meek, and He is mild,He became a little child.I a child, and thou a lamb,We are called by His name. Little lamb, God bless thee! Little lamb, God bless thee!
( by William Blake).

Spare Us!

Spare us, good Lord! If just the strife,
Yet still from guilt we are not free;
Forgive our blind and careless life,
Our oft forgetfulness of Thee.
O God of mercy, hear our cry,
And to our contrite souls draw nigh.
(from Hymns Ancient and Modern).

Two Bedtime Prayers

Dear Lord, I will lay me down in peace and take my rest, for it is thou, Lord, only, that makest me dwell in safety. Amen.

Into thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit, for thou hast redeemed me, O Lord, thou God of truth. Amen.
(from Traditional St.Augustine Prayer Book).

For The Souls of the Faithful Departed

O Dearest Jesus, whose loving Heart was ever touched by the sorrows of others,have mercy upon the souls of the faithful departed, and grant them a place of refreshing, light and peace whence pain and sorrow and sighing are driven away; and in thy goodness and mercy pardon every sin committed by them in thought,word and deed; thou who art the Resurrection and the Life,and who livest and reignest,world without end. Amen.
(from Traditional St.Augustine's Prayer Book).

On Race and Things

The present Attorney General raised a furor when he labeled millions of decent Godly Americans as cowards for being,in his opinion,reluctant to discuss matters of race. Strange words coming from a man who is the first black Attorney General and was appointed by a President, who is referred to as being the first black President, but is actually the son of a white mother and African father.Strange words coming from an Attorney General, who when employed under President Clinton, lobbied long, hard and successfully to have 16 foreign terrorist murderers pardoned.His sense of morality is obviously a subjective matter to him.
Sadly,this Attorney General belongs to a group of people whose existence depends on denying the facts in order to maintain their self-serving belief that they are victims.
The reality is,is that this country for 45 years has passed legislation year after year to make amends for the gross injustices done to black people.Has this Attorney General chosen to ignore that the current President wouldn't have been elected if white people hadn't voted for him? Truth be known,this person chooses willfully to ignore this fact and others.
No change comes in how we perceive others of different race,culture and nationality until we enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ and our hearts and minds are changed. No amount of rulings and laws can bring about such a change.
May God in His mercy save this country.

God Be In My Head

God be in my head, and in my understanding;
God be in my eyes, and in my looking;
God be in my mouth, and in my speaking;
God be in my heart, and in my thinking;
God be at my end, and at my departing.
(from the Sarum Primer).

For Those Gone Astray

Show me Thy mercy, O Lord, for I am a sheep that is gone astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home again to Thy fold. Deal favourably with me according to Thy good pleasure, that I may dwell in Thine house all the days of my life and praise Thee for ever and ever with them that are there. Amen.
(by Saint Jerome).

Some Things To Consider

"To hope is to risk frustration. Therefore, make up your mind to risk frustration."

"Do not be one of those who, rather than risk failure, never attempt anything."

"It is not that someone else is preventing you from living happily; you yourself do not know what you want. Rather than admit this, you pretend that someone is keeping you from exercising your liberty. Who is this? It is you yourself ?"
(from New Seeds of Contemplation by Thomas Merton).

In Time of War

O God of Love,O King of peace,
Make wars throughout the world to cease;
The wrath of sinful man restrain,
Give peace,O God, give peace again.

Remember,Lord,Thy works of old,
The wonders that our fathers told,
Remember not our sins dark stain,
Give peace, O God,give peace again.

Whom shall we trust but Thee,O Lord?
Where rest but on Thy faithful Word?
None ever call'd on Thee in vain,
Give peace,O God,give peace again.

Where Saints and Angels dwell above,
All hearts are knit in holy love;
O bind us in that heavenly chain,
Give peace,O God,give peace again.
(from Hymns Ancient and Modern).

Loving Those Who Hate Him

"Do not think that you can show your love for Christ by hating those who seem to be His enemies on earth. Suppose they really do hate Him: nevertheless He loves them, and you cannot be united with Him unless you love them too."
(quote by Thomas Merton from New Seeds of Contemplation).
The true test,loving those who hate.

A Lost Capacity

The question arises: is modern man--confused and exhausted by a multitude of words, opinions,doctrines,and slogans--psychologically capable of the clarity and confidence necessary for valid prayer? Is he not so frustrated and deafened by conflicting propagandas that he has lost his capacity for deep and simple trust?
(from Life and Holiness by Thomas Merton).
Jesus said we must become as a child,innocent,trusting. Simplicity is the key.

That Time

Lord, in me be sin subdued, So may I with heart renew'd, Fight the fight and run the race, Work in my appointed place, Waiting for the glad new birth, Of Thy perfect Heav'n and earth.
( Hymns Ancient and Modern from The Scottish Book of Common Prayer,1929,Edinburgh).

My God

God be in my head,
And in my understanding;
God be in my eyes,
And in my looking;
God be in my mouth,
And in my speaking;
God be in my heart,
And in my thinking;
God be at my end,
And at my departing.
(from Hymns Ancient and Modern).

Little Kindnesses

"No single great deed is comparable to the multitude of little kindnesses performed by those unselfish souls who forget their own sorrows and as true followers of Christ scatter happiness on every side,and strew all life with hope and good cheer."
(Thoughts from Father Faber on kindness)
Words to live by.

O Lord

Lord! though the sun forsake our sight, and mortal hopes are vain, Let still Thine everlasting light Within our souls remain; And in the nights of our distress, Vouchsafe those rays Divine, Which from the Sun of Righteousness, For ever brightly shine.
(from Ancient Hymns and Modern).

Avoiding Temptation

The reason why so many are left to themseves in places of temptations is that they do not set the Lord always before them. When we permit our communion with God to be broken, our defense is departed from us.We must be men and women of prayer.Our petitions must not be faint,occasional, and fitful, but earnest,peservering and constant.
Once again--"trust in the Lord with all of your heart,lean not on your own understanding."
Christians must be ever vigilant.

A Prayer For Sunday

O Lord, we beseech thee favorably to hear the prayers of thy people: that we, who are justly punished for our offences, may be mercifully delivered by thy goodness, for the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

(The Scottish Book of Common Prayer).

Endless Love

In this life we will find that human love will often change,but Christ's love will not. When we cry to Him for help,His hand is stretched out to save. We read in Isaiah,54:10, "For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

The World is Too Much With Us

"The world is too much with us; late and soon, Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers: Little we see in Nature ours."
(by William Wordsworth).
The more we clutter our lives with things and activities,the more apt we are to be drawn away from what is truly important.Simplify and appreciate.

Four Keys To Success

1. Give God the first part of every day(Mark 1:35).
2. Give God the first day of every week.
(Acts 20:7,Hebrews 10:25,26).
3.Give God the first consideration in every decision.
(James 1:5-7).
4.Give God the first place in your heart.
(Colossians 1:18, Mark 12:28-30,Mark 16:15-16).

Lord,Be Thy Word My Rule

Lord, be Thy Word my rule, In it may I rejoice; Thy glory be my aim, Thy holy will my choice; Thy promises my hope; Thy providence my guard; Thine arm my strong support; Thyself my great reward.
(from Hymns Ancient and Modern, found in The Scottish Book of Common Prayer,1929).
May I surrender myself totally to Your will.

Three Quotes To Consider

“Religion is not ours till we live by it, till it is the Religion of our thoughts, words, and actions, till it goes with us into every place, sits uppermost on every occasion, and forms and governs our hopes and fears, our cares and pleasures."

“He who has learned to pray has learned the greatest secret of a holy and happy life."

“If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead."
(quotes by William Law,18th Century Anglican Priest).
The first quote above says it all.
A Serious Call to A Devout and Holy Life by William Law is another book that should be read by every Christian.

His Example

"In His hidden life at Nazareth we have to learn from our divine Master the great lesson of obedience, the love of obscurity, the love of humility,the love of poverty(the spirit of poverty,detachment from creatures), and the love of labor.
In His public life and in His passion we must also consider Jesus Christ as our model and learn from Him the lessons He inculcates both by word and example,notably,meekness,humility,patience,charity,kindness,forbearance, forgiveness of injuries,love of prayer,zeal for souls,self-restraint,self-denial, and conformity to the will of God."
(from The Imitation of Christ by Thomas Kempis).
The Imitation of Christ is a must read for every Christian.