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).