Strangelywarmed

Family Prayers for each day of the week by John Wesley

2010-04-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

Thursday Evening

O Lord, Thy glory is above all our thoughts and Thy mercy is over all Thy works.

THOU hast sent Thy only Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. O Lord, we believe; help our unbelief. Give us true repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and let the love of God be shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given us.

THOU knowest, O Lord, all our temptations and the sin which doth so easily beset us. Thou knowest the devices of the enemy and the deceitfulness of our own hearts. We pray Thee, good Lord, that Thou wilt arm us with the whole armour of God. Uphold us with Thy free Spirit and watch over us for good evermore.

LET our supplications also ascend before Thee for the whole race of mankind. Send Thy word unto all the ends of the earth, and let it be the savour of life unto all that hear it.

BE gracious to this our native land. Do Thou rule all our rulers, counsel all our counselors, teach all our teachers, and order all the public affairs to Thy glory. Turn from us the judgments which we feel or fear. Continue Thy blessings to our souls and bodies. And notwithstanding all our provocations, be Thou still our God and let us be Thy people.

BE gracious to all our friends and neighbours. Bless our relations with the best of Thy blessings, with Thy fear and love. Preserve us from our enemies, and reconcile them both to us and to Thyself.

LET Thy blessing rest upon us of this family. In every condition secure our hearts to Thyself, and make us ever to approve ourselves sincere and faithful in Thy service.

AND now, O Father of mercies, be pleased to accept our evening sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving. Imprint and preserve upon our hearts a lively sense of all Thy kindness to us, that our souls may bless Thee, and all that is within us may praise Thy holy Name.

FOR all Thy patience with us, Thy care over us and Thy continual mercy to us, blessed be Thy Name, O Lord God, our heavenly Father. And unto Thee, with the Son of Thy love, and the Spirit of grace, be all thanks and praise now and for evermore. Our Father, etc.

Family Prayers for each day of the week by John Wesley

2010-04-29T07:30:00.001-07:00

Thursday Morning

O Lord, the God of our Salvation, Thou art the hope of the ends of the earth. Upon Thee the eyes of all do wait; for Thou givest unto all, life, and breath, and all things. Thou still watchest over us for good; Thou daily renewest to us our lives and Thy mercies; and Thou hast given us the assurance of Thy word, that if we commit our affairs to Thee, if we acknowledge Thee in our ways, Thou wilt direct our paths.

WE desire, O Lord, to be still under Thy gracious conduct and fatherly protection. We beg the guidance and help of Thy good Spirit to dispose of us and all that concerns us, to the glory of Thy Name.

O Lord, withdraw not Thy tender mercies from us, nor the comforts of Thy presence. Pardon all our sins, and save us from all our iniquities.

SANCTIFY to us all our employments in the world, our crosses also, and our comforts, all the estates we go through, and all the events that befall us.

GRACIOUS Father, keep us, we pray Thee, this day in Thy fear and favour, and teach us, in all our thoughts, words and works, to live to Thy glory. If Thou guide us not, we go astray; if Thou uphold us not, we fall. Let Thy good providence be our defence, and Thy good Spirit our guide and counselor, and supporter in all our ways. And grant that we may do always what is acceptable in Thy sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord, in whose holy Name we close these our imperfect prayers; Our Father, etc

Let Thy grace, O Lord Jesus; Thy love, O heavenly Father; and Thy comfortable fellowship, O blessed Spirit, be with us, and all who desire our prayers, this day and for ever more.

Family Prayers for each day of the week by John Wesley

2010-04-28T16:32:00.000-07:00

Family Prayers for each day of the week by John Wesley

Wednesday Evening

O Lord, how manifold are Thy works! In wisdom hast Thou made them all. The day is Thine; the night also is Thine; Thou hast prepared the light and the sun. We render Thee thanks for all the benefits which Thou hast bestowed on the whole world, especially on us whom thou hast called to the knowledge of Thy grace in Christ Jesus.

ACCEPT, O merciful Father, the good resolutions which Thou hast inspired us with by Thy Spirit. Strengthen them, we beseech Thee, with Thy continued grace, that no sudden desires, vehement inclinations, ineffectual purposes or partial performances, may lead us into a false opinion of ourselves; but that we may bring forth actually and with a constant spirit all the fruits of righteousness which are by Christ Jesus.

LIFT our affections to things above that we may have perfect contentment in well-doing and patient suffering. Free us from the cares of this world, from all distrust of Thy good providence, from repining at anything that befalls us; and enable us in everything to give thanks, believing that all things are ordered wisely, and shall work together for our good.

INTO Thy hands we commend both our souls and bodies which Thou hast mercifully preserved this day. We trust in Thy watchful Providence who givest Thy angels charge over us. Continue these holy thoughts and desires in us till we fall asleep, that we may receive the light of morning with a new joy in Thee and thankful affection to Thee.

WE desire likewise, O God, the good of the whole world. Pity the follies of mankind; deliver them from their miseries and forgive Thou all their sins. Hear the cry of every part of the creation and bring them all into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.

Hear the daily prayers of the Church. Free her from error. Let the truth as it is in Jesus prevail, and peace be in all her borders.

STRENGTHEN all Thy faithful servants. Bring back them that wander out of the way. Raise up those that are fallen. Confirm those that stand, and grant them steadily to persevere in faith, love, and obedience. Relieve and comfort all that are in distress. Let the earth bring forth her fruit in due season, and let all honest and industrious people be blest to their labours. Remember all those who have done good unto us. Grant forgiveness and charity to all our enemies, and continue goodwill among all our neighbours. Support the sick with faith and patience. Assist those who are leaving this world. Receive the souls which Thou hast redeemed; and give us all a glorious resurrection and eternal life. Our Father, etc.

Family Prayers for each day of the week by John Wesley

2010-04-28T08:09:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Morning

O GOD, blessed for ever, we thank and praise Thee for all Thy benefits, for the comforts of this life, and our hope of everlasting salvation in the life to come.

THOU hast delivered Thine own Son for us all. How shalt Thou not with Him also freely give us all things?

WE depend upon Thee, especially for the grace of Thy Holy Spirit. May we feel it perpetually bearing us up, by the strength of our most holy faith, above all the temptations that may at any time assault us.

LET Thy mighty power enable us to do our duty toward Thee and toward all men, with care, diligence, zeal, and perseverance unto the end. Help us to be meek and gentle in our conversation, prudent and discreet in ordering our affairs, observant of Thy fatherly providence in everything that befalls us, thankful for Thy benefits, patient under Thy chastisements, and readily disposed for every good word and work.

DELIVER US, we beseech Thee, from worldly cares and foolish desires; from vain hopes and causeless fears; and so dispose our hearts that death itself may not be dreadful to us.

MAY our hearts be so firmly established in grace that nothing may affright us to shake our constancy.

WE commend unto Thee all mankind. Bless our Sovereign, his counselors and ministers and all employed in public business, whether spiritual or civil, that whatsoever they do may be for Thy glory and the public good.

BE gracious unto all that are near and dear to us, and keep us all in Thy fear and love. Guide us, good Lord, and govern us by the same Spirit, that we may be so united to Thee here as not to be divided when Thou art pleased to call us hence, but may together enter into Thy glory, through Jesus Christ, our blessed Lord and Saviour, who hath taught us when we pray to say: Our Father, etc

Tuesday Evening: Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-27T08:12:00.000-07:00

Have mercy upon me, O God, after Thy great goodness; and after the multitude of Thy mercies, do away mine offences. Let Thy unspeakable mercy free me from the sins I have committed, and deliver me from the punishment I have deserved. O save me from every work of darkness and cleanse me from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, that, for the time to come, I may, with a pure heart and mind, follow Thee, the only true God.

O LAMB of God, who both by Thy example and precept didst instruct us to be meek and humble, give me grace throughout my whole life, in every thought, word, and work, to imitate Thy meekness and humility. Mortify in me the whole body of pride.

GRANT, O lord, that I may look for nothing, claim nothing, and resent nothing; that I may go through all the scenes of life, not seeking my own glory, but looking wholly unto Thee and acting wholly for Thee.

O THOU Giver of every good and perfect gift, if at any time Thou pleasest to work by my hand, teach me to discern what is my own from what is another’s, and to render unto Thee the things that are Thine. As all the good that is done on earth, Thou doest it Thyself, let me ever return to Thee all the glory. Let me, as a pure crystal, transmit all the light Thou pourest upon me.

MAKE me to remember Thee on my bed, and think upon Thee when I am waking. Thou hast preserved me from all the dangers of the day past. Under the shadow of Thy wings let me pass this night in comfort and peace.

Tuesday Morning: Personal Prayers of John Wesley

2010-04-27T07:56:00.001-07:00

ETERNAL and merciful Father, I give Thee humble thanks (increase my thankfulness, I beseech Thee) for all the blessings, spiritual and temporal, which in the riches of Thy mercy, Thou has poured down upon me.

MAY all my thoughts, words, and works tend to Thy glory. Heal, O Father of mercies, all my infirmities; strengthen me against all follies; and forgive me all my sins.

LET me learn of Thee to be meek and lowly. Pour into me the whole spirit of humility. Fill, I beseech Thee, every part of my soul with it, and make it the constant, ruling habit of my mind, that all my other tempers may arise from it; that I may have no thoughts, no desires, no designs, but such as are the true fruit of a lowly spirit.

BLESS, O gracious Father, all the nations whom Thou hast placed upon the earth, with the knowledge of Thee, the only true God: but especially bless Thy holy catholic Church and fill it with truth and grace. Where it is corrupt, purge it; where it is in error, rectify it; where it is right, confirm it; where it is divided and rent asunder, heal the breaches thereof. Replenish all whom Thou hast called to any office therein, with truth of doctrine and innocency of life. Let their prayers be as precious incense to Thy sight, that their cries and tears for the City of God may not be in vain.

HAVE mercy upon this Kingdom and forgive the sins of this people. Turn Thee unto us, bless us, and cause Thy face to shine on our desolations.

Monday Evening: Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-26T13:59:00.003-07:00

MOST great and glorious Lord God, I desire to prostrate myself before Thy Divine majesty, under a deep sense of my unworthiness, and with sorrow, shame, and confusion of fact, to confess I have, by my manifold transgressions, deserved Thy severest visitations. Father, I have sinned against heaven and am no more worthy to be called Thy son. For Jesus Christ, His sake, graciously receive me. Accept my imperfect repentance, and send Thy spirit of adoption into my heart, that I may again be owned by Thee, call Thee Father, and share in the blessings of Thy children.

ADORED be Thy goodness for all the benefits Thou hast already from time to time bestowed on me; for the good things of this life and hope of eternal happiness. Particularly I offer to Thee my humblest thanks for Thy preservation of me this day. If I have escaped any sin, it is the effect of Thy restraining grace. If I have avoided any danger, it was Thy hand directed me. To Thy holy Name be ascribed the honour and glory. O let the sense of all Thy blessings have this effect upon me—to make me daily more diligent in devoting myself, all I am, and all I have to Thy glory.

O GOD, fill my soul with so entire a love of Thee that I may love nothing but for Thy sake and in subordination to Thy love. Give me grace to study Thy knowledge daily, that in me a zealous obedience to all Thy commands, a cheerful patience under all Thy chastisements, and a thankful resignation to all Thy disposals. Let it be the one business of my life to glorify Thee, by every word of my tongue, by every work of my hand; by professing Thy truth, and by engaging all men, so far as in me lies, to glorify and love Thee.

LET Thy unwearied and tender love to me make my love unwearied and tender to my neighbour, zealous to pray for, and to procure and promote his health and safety, ease and happiness; and active to comfort, succour and relieve all whom Thy love and their own necessities recommend to my charity. Make me peaceable and reconcilable, easy to forgive, and glad to return good for evil. Make me like Thyself, all kindness and benignity, all goodness and gentleness, all meekness and long-suffering. And, O Thou Lover of souls, raise in me a compassionate zeal to save the life, the eternal life of souls, and to reclaim the wicked and win them to Thy love.

BE pleased, O Lord, to take me, with my parents, my friends and relations, and my enemies, into Thy almighty protection this night. Refresh me with such comfortable rest that I may rise more fit for Thy service. Let me lie down with holy thoughts of Thee, and when I awake let me be still present with Thee.

SHEW mercy to the whole world, O Father of all. Let the Gospel of Thy Son run and be glorified throughout all the earth. Let it be made known to all infidels, and obeyed by all Christians. Be merciful to this Church and nation. Give unto those responsible a discerning spirit that they may make choice of fit persons to serve in Thy sacred ministry; and enable all who are ordained to any holy function diligently to feed the flocks committed to their charge, instructing them in saving knowledge, guiding them by their example, praying for and blessing them, exercising spiritual discipline in Thy Church, and duly administering Thy holy Sacraments.

MULTIPLY Thy blessings on our Sovereign, on the Royal Family, and on the Lords and Commons of this land; that they may all, according to the several talents they have received, be faithful instruments of Thy glory.

Monday Morning: Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-26T08:46:00.001-07:00

BLESSED be Thy love for giving Thy Son to die for our sins, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
Blessed be Thy love for all the temporal benefits which Thou hast with a liberal hand poured out upon me; for my health and strength, food and raiment, and all other necessities with which Thou hast provided Thy sinful servant.
I also bless Thee that, after all my refusals of Thy grace, Thou still hast patience with me, hast preserved me this night and given me yet another day to renew and perfect my repentance.

PARDON, good Lord, all my former sins, and make me every day more zealous and diligent to improve every opportunity of building up my soul in Thy faith, love, and obedience.
Make Thyself always present to my mind, and let Thy love fill and rule my soul in all those places, companies, and employments, to which Thou callest me this day.
In all my passage through this world, suffer not my heart to be set upon it, but always fix my single eye and my undivided affections on the prize of my high calling.
This one thing let me do: let me so press toward this, as to make all things else minister unto it; and be careful so to use them, as thereby to fit my soul for that pure bliss which Thou hast prepared for those that love Thee.

O THOU who art good and doest good, who extendest Thy loving-kindness to all mankind, the work of Thine hands, Thine image, capable of knowing and loving Thee eternally, suffer me to exclude none, O Lord, from my charity, who are the objects of Thy mercy, but let me treat all my neighbours with that tender care which is due to Thy servants and to Thy children.

LET no temptation expose me to ingratitude or make me forfeit Thy loving-kindness which is better than life itself, but grant that I may assist all my brethren with my prayers where I cannot reach them with actual services. Make me zealous to embrace all occasions that may minister to their happiness. Let Thy love to me be the pattern of my love to them.

EXTEND Thy mercy to all men and let them become Thy faithful servants. Let all Christians live up to the holy religion which they profess. Be intreated for us, good Lord. Be glorified by our reformation and not by our destruction. Be favourable to Thy people. Give us grace to put a period to our provocations. Defend our Church from schism, heresy, and sacrilege, and the King from all treasons and conspiracies. Bless the clergy with apostolical grace, exemplary lives, and sound doctrine. Grant to the Cabinet wisdom from above, to all magistrates integrity and zeal, to the universities quietness and industry, and to the Lords and Commons, pious, peaceable, and loyal hearts.

PRESERVE my parents, friends and relations, and all mankind, in their souls and bodies. Forgive mine enemies and in Thy due time make them kindly affectioned toward me. Have mercy on all who are afflicted in mind, body, or estate. Give them patience under their sufferings, and a happy issue out of all their afflictions. And grant that we, with those who are already dead in Thy faith and fear, may together partake of a joyful resurrection, through Him who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.

Sunday Evening: Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-25T16:52:00.001-07:00

I MAGNIFY Thee for granting me to be born in Thy Church, and of religious parents; for washing me in Thy doctrine of truth and holiness; for sustaining me by Thy gracious Providence, and guiding me by Thy blessed Spirit; and for so often feeding my soul with Thy most precious Body and Blood, those pledges of love and sure conveyances of strength and comfort. O be gracious unto all of us whom thou hast this day or at any time admitted to Thy holy table. Strengthen our hearts in Thy ways against all our temptations, and make us more than conquerors in Thy love.
DELIVER me, I beseech Thee, from all violent passions. Let none of them find a way into my heart, but let me ever possess my soul in meekness. Do Thou reign in my breast; let me ever be Thy servant and love Thee with all my heart.
DELIVER me, O God, from too intense and application to even necessary business. I know the narrowness of my heart, and that an eager attention to earthly things leaves it no room for the things of heaven. Teach me to go through all my employments with so truly disengaged a heart that I may still see Thee in all things; and that I may never impair that liberty of spirit which is necessary for the love of Thee.
DELIVER me, O God, from a slothful mind, from all lukewarmness and all dejection of spirit. I know these cannot but deaden my love to Thee; mercifully free my heart from them and give me a lively, zealous, active, and cheerful spirit, that I may vigorously perform whatever Thou commandest, and be ever ardent to obey in all things Thy holy love.
DELIVER me, O God, from all idolatrous love of any creature. Preserve me from all such blind affection. Be Thou a guard to all my desires. And be Thou my security, that I may never open my heart to anything but out of love to Thee.
ABOVE all, deliver me from all idolatrous self-love. My choice and desire is to love myself, as all other creatures, in and for Thee. O let Thy almighty arm so stablish, strengthen, and settle me, that Thou mayest ever be the ground and pillar of all my love.
LET Thy glorious name be duly honoured by all creatures which Thou hast made. Let Thy infinite goodness and greatness be ever adored by angels and men. May Thy Church be protected from all the powers of darkness. Vouchsafe to all who call themselves by Thy Name on short glimpse of Thy goodness. Send forth Thy blessed Spirit into the midst of these sinful nations, and make us a holy people. Stir up the heart of our Sovereign, and of all whom Thou hast set over us, that they may be instruments in Thy hand of promoting this good work.
THOU Shepherd of Israel, vouchsafe to receive me this night and ever into Thy protection. Accept my poor services, and pardon the sinfulness of these and all my holy duties. Let it be Thy good pleasure to put a period to sin and misery, to infirmity and death, and hasten Thy Kingdom; that we, with all that wait for Thy salvation, may eternally love and praise Thee, O God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost, throughout all ages, world without end.

Sunday Morning: Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-25T05:39:00.001-07:00

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, I, Thy unworthy servant, desire to present myself, with all humility, before Thee, to offer my morning sacrifice of love and thanksgiving.
GLORY be to Thee, O most adorable Father, who after Thou hadst finished the work of creation, enteredst into Thy eternal rest.
Glory be to Thee, O holy Jesus, who having through the eternal Spirit offered Thyself a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice for the sins of the whole world, didst rise again the third day from the dead, and hadst all power given Thee both in heaven and on earth.
Glory be to Thee, O blessed Spirit, who proceeding from the Father and the Son, didst come down in fiery tongues on the Apostles, on the first day of the week, and didst enable them to preach the glad tidings of salvation to a sinful world.
Glory be to Thee, O holy undivided Trinity, for jointly concurring in the great work of our redemption, and restoring us again to the glorious liberty of the sons of God.
Glory be to Thee, who in compassion to human weakness has appointed a solemn day for the remembrance of Thy inestimable benefits.
LET the inspiration of the Holy Spirit prevent and assist me in all the duties of this Thy sacred day, that my wandering thoughts may all be fixed on Thee, my tumultuous affections composed, and my flat and cold desires quickened into fervent longings and thirstings after Thee.
Let me join in the prayers and praises of Thy Church with ardent and heavenly affection, hear Thy Word with earnest attention and a fixed resolution to obey it. And when I approach Thy altar, pour into my heart humility, faith, hope, love, and all those holy dispositions which become the solemn remembrance of a crucified Saviour.
Let me employ this whole day to the ends for which it was ordained, in works of necessity and mercy, in prayer, praise, and meditation; and let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be always acceptable in Thy sight.
GIVE Thy strength unto Thy servant, that Thy love may fill my heart, and be the motive of all the use I make of my understanding, my affections my senses, my health, my time, and whatever other talents I have received from Thee. Let this, O God, rule my heart without a rival; let it dispose all my thoughts, words and works; thus only can I fulfil my duty and Thy command, of loving Thee with all my heart, and mind, and soul, and strength.
Take Thou the full possession of my heart, raise there Thy throne, and command there as Thou dost in heaven. Being created by Thee, let me live to Thee. Being created for Thee, let me ever act for Thy glory. Being redeemed by Thee, let me render unto Thee what is Thine, and let my spirit ever cleave to Thee alone.
LET the prayers and sacrifices of Thy holy Church offered unto Thee this day, be graciously accepted. Clothe thy priests with righteousness, and pardon all Thy people who are not prepared according to the preparation of the sanctuary. Prosper all those who are sincerely engaged in propagating or promoting Thy faith and love[especially----}. Give Thy Son the heathen for His inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for His possession, that from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, Thy Name may be great among the Gentiles

Wednesday Evening: Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-21T15:27:00.001-07:00

Wednesday Evening: Personal Prayer of John Wesley

O Lord, my Judge, Thou art also my Redeemer.
I have sinned, but Thou, O Blessed Jesus, art my Advocate.
Gracious Lord, spare Thy servant whom Thou hast redeemed with Thy most precious blood.
Deliver me from the power of sin and preserve me from the punishment of it.

THOU whose mercy is without measure, whose goodness is unspeakable, despise not Thy returning servant who earnestly begs for pardon and reconciliation. Grant me the forgiveness of what is past and a perfect repentance of all my sins, that for the time to come I may with a pure spirit do Thy will, O God, walking humbly with Thee, conversing charitably with all men, possessing my soul in resignation and holiness, and my body in sanctification and honour.

THOU great Shepard of souls, bring home into Thy fold all that are gone astray. Preserve Thy Church from all heresy and schism, from all that persecute or oppose the truth; and give unto Thy ministers wisdom and holiness and the powerful aid of Thy blessed Spirit.

ADVANCE the just interests and preserve the persons of all Christian princes, especially our Sovereign. Give to him and his royal family, and to all his subjects in their several stations, particularly those that are in authority among them, grace to do Thy will in this world, and eternal glory in the world to come.

BLESS, O Lord, all our nurseries of piety and schools of learning, that they may devote all their studies to Thy glory. Have mercy on all that are in affliction. Remember the poor and needy, the widow and fatherless, the friendless and oppressed. Heal the sick and languishing, and when Thou seest it expedient for them, receive them into Thine everlasting kingdom.

I PRAISE Thee for Thy continual preservation of me, for Thy fatherly protection over me this day, for all the comforts with which Thou hast surrounded me, spiritual and temporal, particularly for leave now to pray unto Thee. Accept my poor services; pardon the sinfulness of this and all my holy duties; and bless me, my friends and relations, my benefactors and enemies, this night and for ever, with the blessings of Thy children.

THESE my prayers, O most merciful Father, vouchsafe to hear, through the mediation of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer, who with Thee and the Holy Ghost is worshipped and glorified, in all Churches of the saints, one God, blessed for ever

Wednesday Morning Personal Prayer of John WesleyWednesday Morning: John Wesley Personal Prayer

2010-04-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Wednesday Morning: John Wesley Personal Prayer

O Thou who dwellest in the light which no man can approach, in whose presence there is no night, in the light of whose countenance there is perpetual day, I, Thy sinful servant , whom Thou hast preserved this night, who live by Thy power this day, bless and glorify Thee, for the defence of Thy almighty Providence, and humbly pray Thee that this and all my days may be wholly devoted to Thy service. Send Thy Holy Spirit to be the Guide of my ways and the Sanctifier of my soul and body. Save, defend, and build me up in Thy fear and love. Give unto me the light of Thy countenance, peace from heaven, and the salvation of my soul in the day of the Lord Jesus.

O THOU who art the Way, the Truth, and the Life, Thou hast said: no man can follow Thee unless he renounce himself. Thou hast laid nothing upon us but what the design of Thy love made necessary for us. May I ever renounce my own, and do Thy blessed will in all things.

O THOU whose whole life did cry aloud. ‘Father , not mine, but Thy will be done’, give me grace to walk after Thy pattern, to tread in Thy steps.
Strengthen my soul that I may be temperate in all things; that I may never use any of Thy creatures but in order to some end Thou commandest me to pursue, and in that measure and manner which most conduces to it. Let me never gratify any desire which has not Thee for its ultimate object. Let me never gratify any desire which has not Thee for its ultimate object. Let me ever abstain from all pleasures which do not prepare me for taking pleasure in Thee, as knowing that all such war against the soul, and tend to alienate it from Thee. Save me from ever indulging either the desire of the flesh, the desire of the eye, or the pride of life. Set a watch, O Lord, over my senses and appetites, my passions and understanding, that I may resolutely deny them every gratification which has no tendency to Thy glory. O train me up in this good way that when I am old I may not depart from it.

Hear also my prayers for all mankind, and guide their feet into the way of peace: for Thy holy church, let her live by Thy Spirit and reign in Thy glory. Remember that branch of it which Thou has planted in these Kingdoms, especially the steward of Thy holy mysteries: give them such zeal, diligence, and wisdom, that they may save both themselves and those that hear them.

Let these my prayers, O Lord, find access to the Throne of Grace, through the Son of Thy love, Jesus Christ the righteous; to whom, with Thee, O Father, in the unity of the Spirit, be all love and obedience, now and for ever.

Friday Morning Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-16T08:04:00.000-07:00

Mercifully this day watch over me with the eyes of Thy mercy. Direct my soul and body according to the rule of Thy will, and fill my heart with Thy Holy Spirit, that I may pass this day and all the rest of my days to Thy glory.

O Saviour of the world, God of God, Light of Light, Thou that art the brightness of Thy Father’s glory, the express image of His Person, Thou that hast destroyed the power of the devil, that hast overcome death, that sitteth at the right hand of the Father, Thou that wilt speedily come down in Thy Father’s glory to judge all men according to their works: be Thou my Light and my Peace. Destroy the power of the devil in me and make me a new creature.

O THOU who didst cast seven devils out of Mary Magdalene, cast out of my heart all corrupt affections.
O Thou who didst raise Lazarus from the dead, raise me from the death of sin.
Thou who didst cleanse the lepers, heal the sick and give sight to the blind, heal the diseases of my soul, open my eyes and fix them singly on the prize of my high calling, and cleanse my heart from every desire but that of advancing Thy glory.

O Jesus, poor and abject, unknown and despised, have mercy upon me, and let me not be ashamed to follow Thee.
O Jesus, hated, calumniated, and persecuted, have mercy upon me, and let me not be afraid to come after Thee.
O Jesus, betrayed and sold at a vile price, have mercy upon me, and make me content to be as my Master.
O Jesus, blasphemed, accused, and wrongfully condemned, have mercy upon me, and teach me to endure the contradiction of sinners.
O Jesus, clothed with a habit of reproach and shame, have mercy upon me, and let me not seek my own glory.
O Jesus, insulted, mocked, and spit upon, have mercy upon me, and let me run with patience the race set before me.
O Jesus, dragged to the pillar, scourged, and bathed in blood, have mercy upon me, and let me not faint in fiery trial.
O Jesus, crowned with thorns and hailed in derision;
O Jesus, burdened with our sins and the curses of the people;
O Jesus, affronted, outraged, buffeted, overwhelmed with injuries, griefs, and humiliations;
O Jesus, hanging on the accursed Tree, bowing the head, giving up the ghost, have mercy upon me, and conform my whole soul to Thy holy, humble, suffering Spirit.

O THOU who for the love of me hast undergone such an infinity of sufferings and humiliations, let me be wholly emptied of myself, that I may rejoice to take up my cross daily and follow Thee.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, I, miserable sinner, humbly acknowledge that I am altogether unworthy to pray for myself. But since Thou has commanded me to make prayers and intercessions for all men, in obedience to Thy command, and confidence of Thy unlimited goodness, I commend to Thy mercy the wants and necessities of all mankind.

Hear, O merciful Father, my supplications, and that for the sake of Thy Son, Jesus, and bring us, with all those who have pleased Thee from the beginning of the world, into the glories of Thy Son’s Kingdom; to whom with Thee and the Holy Ghost, be all praise for ever and ever.

Gregory the Theologian

2010-04-15T22:18:00.001-07:00

Gregory the Theologian said: "God demands the following three virtues from every man who is baptized: for the soul, true faith; for the body, chastity; for the tongue, truth.... It is more essential to remember God than to breathe... you must think of God more often than you breathe."

Thursday evening Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-15T18:56:00.000-07:00

Thursday Evening

My Lord and my God, thou seest my heart, and my desires are not hid from Thee.
I am ashamed when I think how long I have lived a stranger to Thee.
Lord, hear me, help me and show mercy unto me, for Jesus Christ’s sake.

To Thee, O God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier, I give up myself entirely: may I no longer serve myself, but Thee, all the days of my life.

I give Thee my understanding: may it be my only care to know Thee, Thy perfections, Thy works, and Thy will.
I give Thee my will. Whatsoever Thou willest may I will and that only. May I will Thy glory in all things.
I give Thee my affections. Do thou dispose of them all. Be Thou my love, my fear, my joy. And may nothing have any share in them but with respect to Thee and for Thy sake. What Thou lovest may I love; what thou hatest may I hate; and that in such measure as Thou art pleased to prescribe me.
I give Thee my body. My I glorify Thee with it and preserve it holy, fit for Thee, O God, to dwell in. May I neither indulge it nor use too much rigour toward it. but keep it, as far as in me lies, healthy, vigorous, and active, and fit to do Thee all manner of service, which Thou shalt call for.
I give Thee all my worldly goods. May I prize them and use them only for Thee. May I faithfully restore to Thee, in Thy poor, all Thou hast entrusted me with, above the necessities of my life, and be content to part with them too, whenever Thou shalt require them too, whenever Thou shalt require them at my hands.
I give Thee my credit and reputation. May I never value them but only in respect of Thee; nor endeavor to maintain them but as they may do Thee service and advance Thy honour in the world.
I give myself and my all. Let me look upon myself to be nothing, and to have nothing, out of Thee. Be Thou the sole desposer and governor of myself and all I have. Be Thou my portion and my all.
O God, when hearafter I shall be tempted to break this solemn engagement, when I shall be prest to conform to the world, and to the company and customs that surround me, may my answer be: I am not my own. I am not for myself, nor for the world, but for my God. I will give unto God the things which are God’s. God be merciful to me a sinner.

Have mercy, O Father of the spirits of all flesh, on all mankind. Convert all men to Thy truth. Bless the Church, heal its branches and establish it in truth and peace. Preserve and defend all Christian princes, especially our Sovereign and his family. Be merciful to this nation. Bless the clergy with soundness of doctrine and purity of life, the Government with wisdom, the magistrates with integrity and zeal, and the people with loyalty. Bless the universities with learning and holiness, that they may afford a constant supply of men to do Thee service.

Shower down Thy graces on all my relations, on all my friends and all that belong to this family. Comfort and relieve those that labour under any difficulties of body or mind; especially those who suffer for the testimony of a good conscience. And grant us all, together with Thy whole Church, an entrance into Thine everlasting Kingdom, through Jesus Christ, to whom with Thee and the blessed Spirit, Three Persons and One God, be ascribed all majesty, dominion, and power, now and for evermore.

Thursday Morning Personal Prayer of John Wesley

2010-04-15T08:56:00.000-07:00

Eternal God, my sovereign Lord, I acknowledge all I am, all I have is Thine. Give me such a sense of Thy infinite goodness that I may return to Thee all possible love and obedience.

I humbly and heartily thank Thee for all the favours Thou has bestowed on me: for creating me after Thine own image, for daily preserving me by Thy good Providence, for redeeming me by the death of Thy blessed Son, and for the assistance of Thy Holy Spirit; for causing me to be born in a Christian country, for blessing me with plentiful means of salvation, with religious parents and friends, and frequent returns of Thy ever blessed Sacrament. I also thank Thee for Thy temporal blessings; for the preservation of me this night, for my health, strength, food, raiment, and all the other comforts and necessities of life.

And, O Father of mercies, I most humbly implore forgiveness of all my sins. Lo, I come now to do Thy will alone; and am resolved by Thy assistance to have no longer any choice of my own, but with singleness of heart to obey Th.y good pleasure. Father, not my will, but Thine be done, in all my thoughts, words, and actions.

O THOU all-sufficient God of angels and men, who art above all, and through all, and in all; from whom, by whom, and in whom are all things; in whom we live and move and have our being—may my will be as entirely and continually derived from Thine, as my being and happiness are.

O SOVEREIGN GOODNESS, O mighty Wisdom, Thou doest order and govern all things, even the most minute, even the most noxious, to Thy glory and the good of those that love Thee. O Father of the families of heaven and earth, Thou so disposest all events as may best magnify Thy goodness to all Thy children, especially those whose eyes wait upon Thee. I most humbly beseech Thee, touch me to adore all Thy ways, though I cannot comprehend them. Teach me to be glad that Thou art King, and to give Thee thanks for all things that befall me. And for that which is to come, give me Thy grace to do in all things what pleaseth Thee, and then with an absolute submission to Thy wisdom, to leave the issues of them in Thy hand.

Help me with Thy grace that whatsoever I shall do or suffer this day may tend to Thy glory. Keep me in love to Thee and to all men. Do Thou direct my paths and teach me to set thee always before me. Let not the things of this life, or my manifold concerns therein, alienate any part of my affections from Thee, nor let me ever pursue or regard them but for Thee and in obedience to Thy will.

EXTEND, O Lord, Thy pity to the whole race of mankind. Enlighten the Gentiles with Thy truth and bring into Thy flock Thy ancient people the Jews. Be gracious to Thy Church, and grant that she may always preserve that doctrine and discipline which Thou hast delivered to her. Grant that all of this nation may, whatsoever they do, do all to Thy glory. Bless all nurseries of true religion and useful learning and let them not neglect the end of their institution. Be merciful to all that are in distress, that struggle with pain, poverty, or reproach. Be Thou a guide to them that travel by land or water. Give a strong and quiet spirit to those who are condemned to death, liberty to prisoners and captives, and ease and cheerfulness to every sad heart. Give to all in error the light of Thy truth. Bring all sinners to repentance. And give to all heretics humility and grace to make amends to Thy Church by the public acknowledgment of a holy faith.

Last Thursday. . . .that section from Soul Tsunami

2009-08-27T13:31:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday was our first “Into the Light” of the semester. It was an evening that I had been looking forward to for a few weeks. There is a lull that hangs over me mid way in the Summer break and I begin really missing our students and looking forward to reconnecting with them.

We had a great summer, in terms of ministry and maintenance, our Board really kicked in with some great work days and we accomplished so many things in preparation for the beginning of the Fall semester. One of the things we were able to do is meet at the end of June for the culmination of our Spring fundraiser, Riding our Bikes in the “tour de oink”. During that weekend we met and began vision ministry for the Fall and set our theme for the 2009-10 School year.

The theme is “Living Water” based on John 4:10-11. A meeting of Jesus and the woman at the well in the Samaritan village of Sychar. There are so many of what I call “spokes” in this story: The Well, Samaria, The Hour, the absence of the disciples, The original contractor of the Well-- Jacob, Jesus, the male Jewish Rabbi, The Woman, the living water vs regular well water. It is a brilliant tapestry offering promise and acknowledging, without apologies, the awkwardness of the situation.

The purpose in my message, on this first night of worship, was to lay out the theme by directing us to think about its context and who it was that was speaking. How “the Well” is still something that is relatable to us and how its context is vital to our understanding of this story. How we receive this story and in doing so also receive the “living water” and how we are compelled by this “living water’ to share it with those that are thirsty. How we can view our context on the University Campus and have eyes and ears to see how our context gives us opportunity to both receive and share this same “living water”

In trying to develop this notion of context I shared a section from “Soul Tsumani” by Lenard Sweet. Len Sweet is one of my favorite authors and he considers himself a “futurist” this book was written in 1999 and it cast a vision of what “Post Modern” culture would look like. Particularly in this section Dr. Sweet was fleshing out what he calls the “double ring”. I asked students to listen to the section that I read and ask themselves if indeed our culture looked like what Dr. Sweet 10 years ago was describing. The following is what I read to them.

“One of the characteristic features of postmodern culture is that opposite things happen al the same time without being contradictory. Anyone who doesn’t feel pulled in conflicting directions doesn’t understand Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Paul’s exclusion principle and Schrodinger’s wave equation. Where the modern age was predominantly either-or, the postmodern world is and/also. Or phrased more memorably, “the postmodernist always rings twice.”

This is an in-your-face society. This is a get-out-of-my-face society.

This is a culture where you want it to stop and you want it to go on.

This is a culture of outplacing and replacing, deployment and unemployment, high fat and low fat, no fat and fake fat.

This is a society where the nun Isabella in Hal Hartley’s 1994 movie Amateur can confess that she is a nymphomaniac---and admit she has never had sex. This is a culture where the sexiest lingerie and negligees are marketed by a firm that promotes a Victorian ambiance. This is a double-edged culture, a culture of paradox. Philosopher Manuel Castell, the intellectual heir to Hegel, has written a three volume magnum opus, The Information Age. He devotes his first volume to exploring how communications technologies are pulling us together. His second volume is dedicated to exploring the forces that are pulling us apart.

Four fundamental transitions in our perception of the world divide the modern from the postmodern era, creating the double-ring phenomenon.
1.) In the cosmic and quantum worlds, there are always two sides or parts to all the wholes. Physicist Niels Bohr’s principle of complementarity provides a scientific scaffolding to the double-ring phenomenon. Light is particles. Light is waves. Human existence is both then and there, particle and wave. Physicist Joseph J. Thomson received the Nobel Prize for showing that matter is made up of particles known as electrons. His son received the same prize for showing that electrons exhibit the properties of waves. Sound is bother wave and particle, light is both wave and particle. You and I are both matter and energy, you and I are both clumps of particles and waves of energy. Given the oneness of matter and spirit, not to hit the double ring is to sound a half truth. . .(Soul Tsunami, pp27-28)

As I was reading this section I realized(by the looks of some faces) I had ran off the road in my effort to talk about our context. I apologize for not being more clear to anyone that might be reading this and was there last Thursday. This notion of the “Double-Ring” is something that I think is vital to the context of our culture. At this point though I would argue that we don’t just have a “Double-Ring” anymore(if we ever had) but rather a “Multi-Ring”. And if there is multiples of rings to our context we are obliged to be listening for how they will unfold around us. And by identifying the layers thus be prepared to both receive and offer “living water”.

Tonight we will be looking at John 7:38. Another verse in which Jesus reference’s “Living Water” and identifies one of the sources or agitators of this water.

Less than a Week

2009-08-10T16:05:00.001-07:00

In less than a week students new and old will be returning to the UCA campus. It has been a good summer, but I'm ready for everyone to get back and get into a new academic year. I consider the season's during this time. How each turn of the planet keeps us moving, moving, moving. I think about the notion that what we were created to be is in motion, moving in sync with the creator. Moving to where He leads us. And how each new movement, brings us both to new yet familiar places. Our shepherd leading us to green pastures that we may have been to before but that have had the opportunity in our absence to grow fresh and sustaining grass for us to graze on. I see in my minds eye these fresh pastures and also look for the brooks, rivers and lakes where we might quench our thirst. The watering holes that offer us the opportunity to pause for a cool drink. That simple water that fills us with what we need to live.

This year we will be thematically moving with the "Living Water" that Christ offers. That living water that he first offered to a woman at a Well. Only that living water that he offers comes to us from a place other than a Well. That living water that quench's our thirsts and continues to flow and move in and through us. We are moving with this water and even in our necesary moments of stillness, it continues to flow. Keeping us constantly in motion. My prayer is that as we journey that this living water will be shared and grow into a raging river.

The notion of lament

2009-03-03T10:09:00.000-08:00

In the past I've considered the correlation of Lamentations with the rise of depression in our society. In my lifetime I've seen the growth of the health industry explode. Not that hasn't always been some form of remedy offered socially, however it seems the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st is off the scale with what it offers to the wider public. The advent of the internet pressing it even wider. I think about "depression" and how we identify it and begin medicating it. When I consider how wide it is I think is this "new" to society. Is this something that just popped up because of all the tampering that we have done medically in the last 50 years. Is there an association with the rise of depression with the change that we have affected in growing our crops and feeding out our livestock. Is there a correlation with our vacines, our population growth. . .etc. It goes on and on. I'm a casual conspiracy theorist so if I go to far I find the connections which end up doing not much else than frustrating me more.

Then. . I pause. I think, what if depression has been around all along. Where do we see sign's of it historically? What were the remedies for depression in years past? I look where I often do to scripture for some insights. And when I slow down and sink into God's word a little deeper I find the signs of depression rampant within God's word. Or at the very least one of the remedies of depression being worked out. Lamentation. A cry out of despair. A desperate weeping and moaning of the soul. Fist's shaken at the heavens shouting "My God, My God why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me from the words of my groaning? (Psalm 22:1) There it is! This doesn't come out of the mouth of a person who is happy, joyful and always walking around giving pep talks. This comes from a person who is weighed down. Like Stones placed on the chest. Someone who "feels" loss and abandonment. A person suffering from the affects of depression. Here though as we work through the Lament we see the balancing of what we "feel" and what is "real" or what is the direction we must turn ourselves in order to be delivered our of the morass.

22I will tell of your name to my brothers and sisters; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you:

23You who fear the Lord, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him; stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!

24For he did not despise or abhor the affliction of the afflicted; he did not hide his face from me, but heard when I cried to him.

25From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will pay before those who fear him.

26The poor shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord. May your hearts live forever!

27All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord; and all the families of the nations shall worship before him.

28For dominion belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations.

29To him, indeed, shall all who sleep in the earth bow down; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, and I shall live for him.

30Posterity will serve him; future generations will be told about the Lord,

31and proclaim his deliverance to a people yet unborn, saying that he has done it.

Psalm 22:22-31.

We see in the first part of the Lament it is right to speak to shout to say how it is we "feel" God can take it. God does take it. As we move through our anger or despair, our pain and loneliness we are led to put our countenance in the right perspective to the only one who can deliver us. Praise is our remedy. Telling our story is the Remedy. God is our Remedy in the times of despair. It doesn't come at once. But it does come.

I don't want anyone reading this to hear me saying if your depressed your only remedy is to write a lament or Praise God. I at the least know the impact depression has had on those I love. We have to find help. However maybe part of our help can be joining our voices together, shouting our cries in unison. And finding our peace in the one who has the power to deliver us. Praising God in the midsts of our sorrow and resting of the certainty of Gods Love.

The Great Emergence

2009-01-14T06:38:00.000-08:00

Just got through the first section of part one of Phyllis Tickle book "The Great Emergence". I've been dabbling in things called "emergent" for the last 7 or 8 years. Leonard Sweet is, by number of his books I have, my favorite author and his musing's are what tipped my interests toward "emergent" authors and events. Lately I've been a little more cautious about the so called "emergent movement", mainly because it stretch's the field in places of theology that I think are at times ridiculous and at other times just not sound, but that is another 100 blogs or so.

I first heard Phyllis Tickle speak at an Emergent Conference in Nashville, TN. She made an impression on me then with her command of the stage, insight into subject and passion for the faith. So I was interested in what she has to say, but still a bit cautious. . .and quite honestly I still have my hand on the "wary button". However in just the opening pages she has set the ground work of support for much of my personal observances and laments about the institutional church. It has evoked responses like "that is what I've been saying all along" or "I knew there was something to my maniacal ranting".

Quoting "Bishop Mark Dyer", Tickle says this: ". . .about every 500 years the empowered structures of institutionalized Christianity, whatever they may be at the time, become an intolerable carapace that must be shattered in order that renewal and new growth may occur." Now this has gotten my attention, because for the last couple of years the only answer that I can see to the future of the church is an almost total do over. Course I have to read on now, but this certainly satiates my interest.

You Never Let Go

2009-01-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

I've been struggling the last several years to keep up with the steady flow of music that comes from artists that impact my heart and mind. Not just in my the Praise and Worship Genre but in the wide spectrum of music that I have listened to over the years. I have chalked some of it up to that gap that I noticed between myself and my parents music when I was younger. I've thought, "oh no! I've reached that age that my parents were at when music didn't seem to matter to them, the difference is, I recognize that its happening and I don't want it to". So I go and make sure I buy an album and listen to it with the purpose of thoroughly letting it flow into my heart and soul. Lately when I've done that it has seemed to just go in one ear and out the other.

Toward the end of last semester a friend was sharing with me some music from his folder, and as he taught one of these new songs it seemed vaguely familiar. Sure enough when I went back to my computer this song was on an album I had downloaded a couple month's ago. The song entitled "You Never Let Go" by David Crowder is pretty simple lyrically, its melody drives steadily and then as you repeat the chorus it is like a chant, that cuts deep into our consciousness, driving home the reality of our relationship with God. The feelings of lostness, aloneness, the idea's that we go through life as a single pilgrim holding steady to our course in the midst of all that life can throw at us, gives way to the startling reality that God has never let go of us. God is always with us. Steady and sure as we reflect on all of the ups and downs, the hurts and aches, God has never let go of us. In these moments of realization, of eyes being opened, my heart indeed overflows, gushes with God's presence and Joy. And I can remember that whatever gaps I presume are there, they are filled with God's presence. God Never lets Go

Salvation by Faith

2009-01-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Hello Friends,

Below is a sermon by John Wesley. I've often wanted to have conversation about Wesley's Preaching. I've recently read this sermon and so invite you to talk it through with me.

Salvation by Faith
By John Wesley
Sermon 1

(text from the 1872 edition - Thomas Jackson, editor)
Preached at St. Mary's, Oxford, before the University, on June 18, 1738.

By grace are ye saved through faith. Ephesians 2:8

1. All the blessings which God hath bestowed upon man are of his mere grace, bounty, or favour; his free, undeserved favour; favour altogether undeserved; man having no claim to the least of his mercies. It was free grace that "formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into him a living soul," and stamped on that soul the image of God, and "put all things under his feet." The same free grace continues to us, at this day, life, and breath, and all things. For there is nothing we are, or have, or do, which can deserve the least thing at God's hand. "All our works, Thou, O God, hast wrought in us." These, therefore, are so many more instances of free mercy: and whatever righteousness may be found in man, this is also the gift of God.

2. Wherewithal then shall a sinful man atone for any the least of his sins? With his own works? No. Were they ever so many or holy, they are not his own, but God's. But indeed they are all unholy and sinful themselves, so that every one of them needs a fresh atonement. Only corrupt fruit grows on a corrupt tree. And his heart is altogether corrupt and abominable; being "come short of the glory of God," the glorious righteousness at first impressed on his soul, after the image of his great Creator. Therefore, having nothing, neither righteousness nor works, to plead, his mouth is utterly stopped before God.

3. If then sinful men find favour with God, it is "grace upon grace!" If God vouchsafe still to pour fresh blessings upon us, yea, the greatest of all blessings, salvation; what can we say to these things, but, "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!" And thus it is. Herein "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died" to save us "By grace" then "are ye saved through faith." Grace is the source, faith the condition, of salvation.

Now, that we fall not short of the grace of God, it concerns us carefully to inquire, --

I. What faith it is through which we are saved?

II. What is the salvation which is through faith?

III. How we may answer some objections?
I.

1. What faith it is through which we are saved. And, first, it is not barely the faith of a heathen. Now, God requireth of a heathen to believe, "that God is; that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him;" and that he is to be sought by glorifying him as God, by giving him thanks for all things, and by a careful practice of moral virtue, of justice, mercy, and truth, toward their fellow creatures. A Greek or Roman, therefore, yea, a Scythian or Indian, was without excuse if he did not believe thus much: the being and attributes of God, a future state of reward and punishment, and the obligatory nature of moral virtue. For this is barely the faith of a heathen.

2. Nor, secondly, is it the faith of a devil, though this goes much farther than that of a heathen. For the devil believes, not only that there is a wise and powerful God, gracious to reward, and just to punish; but also, that Jesus is the Son of God, the Christ, the Saviour of the world. So we find him declaring, in express terms, "I know Thee who Thou art; the Holy One of God" (Luke 4:34). Nor can we doubt but that unhappy spirit believes all those words which came out of the mouth of the Holy One, yea, and whatsoever else was written by those holy men of old, of two of whom he was compelled to give that glorious testimony, "These men are the servants of the most high God, who show unto you the way of salvation." Thus much, then, the great enemy of God and man believes, and trembles in believing, --that God was made manifest in the flesh; that he will "tread all enemies under his feet;" and that "all Scripture was given by inspiration of God." Thus far goeth the faith of a devil.

3. Thirdly. The faith through which we are saved, in that sense of the word which will hereafter be explained, is not barely that which the Apostles themselves had while Christ was yet upon earth; though they so believed on him as to "leave all and follow him;" although they had then power to work miracles, to "heal all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease;" yea, they had then "power and authority over all devils;" and, which is beyond all this, were sent by their Master to "preach the kingdom of God."

4. What faith is it then through which we are saved? It may be answered, first, in general, it is a faith in Christ: Christ, and God through Christ, are the proper objects of it. Herein, therefore, it is sufficiently, absolutely distinguished from the faith either of ancient or modern heathens. And from the faith of a devil it is fully distinguished by this: it is not barely a speculative, rational thing, a cold, lifeless assent, a train of ideas in the head; but also a disposition of the heart. For thus saith the Scripture, "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness;" and, "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved."

5. And herein does it differ from that faith which the Apostles themselves had while our Lord was on earth, that it acknowledges the necessity and merit of his death, and the power of his resurrection. It acknowledges his death as the only sufficient means of redeeming man from death eternal, and his resurrection as the restoration of us all to life and immortality; inasmuch as he "was delivered for our sins, and rose again for our justification." Christian faith is then, not only an assent to the whole gospel of Christ, but also a full reliance on the blood of Christ; a trust in the merits of his life, death, and resurrection; a recumbency upon him as our atonement and our life, as given for us, and living in us; and, in consequence hereof, a closing with him, and cleaving to him, as our "wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption," or, in one word, our salvation.
II.

1. What salvation it is, which is through this faith, is the Second thing to be considered. And, First, whatsoever else it imply, it is a present salvation. It is something attainable, yea, actually attained, on earth, by those who are partakers of this faith. For thus saith the Apostle to the believers at Ephesus, and in them to the believers of all ages, not, Ye shall be (though that also is true), but, "Ye are saved through faith."

2. Ye are saved (to comprise all in one word) from sin. This is the salvation which is through faith. This is that great salvation foretold by the angel, before God brought his First-begotten into the world: "Thou shalt call his name Jesus; for he shall save his people from their sins." And neither here, nor in other parts of holy writ, is there any limitation or restriction. All his people, or, as it is elsewhere expressed, "all that believe in him," he will save from all their sins; from original and actual, past and present sin, "of the flesh and of the spirit." Through faith that is in him, they are saved both from the guilt and from the power of it.

3. First. From the guilt of all past sin: for, whereas all the world is guilty before God, insomuch that should he "be extreme to mark what is done amiss, there is none that could abide it;" and whereas, "by the law is" only "the knowledge of sin," but no deliverance from it, so that, "by" fulfilling "the deeds of the law, no flesh can be justified in his sight": now, "the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, is manifested unto all that believe." Now, "they are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ." "Him God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for (or by) the remission of the sins that are past." Now hath Christ taken away "the curse of the law, being made a curse for us." He hath "blotted out the handwriting that was against us, taking it out of the way, nailing it to his cross." "There is therefore no condemnation now to them which" believe "in Christ Jesus."

4. And being saved from guilt, they are saved from fear. Not indeed from a filial fear of offending; but from all servile fear; from that fear which hath torment; from fear of punishment; from fear of the wrath of God, whom they now no longer regard as a severe Master, but as an indulgent Father. "They have not received again the spirit of bondage, but the Spirit of adoption, whereby they cry, Abba, Father: the Spirit itself also bearing witness with their spirits, that they are the children of God." They are also saved from the fear, though not from the possibility, of falling away from the grace of God, and coming short of the great and precious promises. Thus have they "peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. They rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And the love of God is shed abroad in their hearts, through the Holy Ghost, which is given unto them." And hereby they are persuaded (though perhaps not at all times, nor with the same fullness of persuasion), that "neither death, nor life, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate them from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

5. Again: through this faith they are saved from the power of sin, as well as from the guilt of it. So the Apostle declares, "Ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not" (1 John 3:5ff.). Again, "Little children, let no man deceive you. he that committeth sin is of the devil. Whosoever believeth is born of God. And whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God." Once more: "We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not" (1 John 5:18).

6. he that is, by faith, born of God sinneth not (1.) by any habitual sin; for all habitual sin is sin reigning: But sin cannot reign in any that believeth. Nor (2.) by any wilful sin: for his will, while he abideth in the faith, is utterly set against all sin, and abhorreth it as deadly poison. Nor (3.) By any sinful desire; for he continually desireth the holy and perfect will of God. and any tendency to an unholy desire, he by the grace of God, stifleth in the birth. Nor (4.) Doth he sin by infirmities, whether in act, word, or thought; for his infirmities have no concurrence of his will; and without this they are not properly sins. Thus, "he that is born of God doth not commit sin": and though he cannot say he hath not sinned, yet now "he sinneth not."

7. This then is the salvation which is through faith, even in the present world: a salvation from sin, and the consequences of sin, both often expressed in the word justification; which, taken in the largest sense, implies a deliverance from guilt and punishment, by the atonement of Christ actually applied to the soul of the sinner now believing on him, and a deliverance from the power of sin, through Christ formed in his heart. So that he who is thus justified, or saved by faith, is indeed born again. He is born again of the Spirit unto a new life, which "is hid with Christ in God." And as a new-born babe he gladly receives the adolon, "sincere milk of the word, and grows thereby;" going on in the might of the Lord his God, from faith to faith, from grace to grace, until at length, he come unto "a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ."
III.

1. The first usual objection to this is, that to preach salvation or justification, by faith only, is to preach against holiness and good works. To which a short answer might be given: "It would be so, if we spake, as some do, of a faith which was separate from these; but we speak of a faith which is not so, but productive of all good works, and all holiness."

2. But it may be of use to consider it more at large; especially since it is no new objection, but as old as St. Paul's time. For even then it was asked, "Do we not make void the law through faith?" We answer, First, all who preach not faith do manifestly make void the law; either directly and grossly, by limitations and comments that eat out all the spirit of the text; or indirectly, by not pointing out the only means whereby it is possible to perform it. Whereas, Secondly, "we establish the law," both by showing its full extent and spiritual meaning; and by calling all to that living way, whereby "the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in them." These, while they trust in the blood of Christ alone, use all the ordinances which he hath appointed, do all the "good works which he had before prepared that they should walk therein," and enjoy and manifest all holy and heavenly tempers, even the same mind that was in Christ Jesus.

3. But does not preaching this faith lead men into pride? We answer, Accidentally it may: therefore ought every believer to be earnestly cautioned, in the words of the great Apostle. "Because of unbelief," the first branches "were broken off: and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear. If God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God! On them which fell, severity; but towards thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." And while he continues therein, he will remember those words of St. Paul, foreseeing and answering this very objection (Rom. 3:27), "Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? Nay: but by the law of faith." If a man were justified by his works, he would have whereof to glory. But there is no glorying for him "that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly" (Rom. 4:5). To the same effect are the words both preceding and following the text (Eph. 2:4ff.): "God, who is rich in mercy, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved), that he might show the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves." Of yourselves cometh neither your faith nor your salvation: "it is the gift of God;" the free, undeserved gift; the faith through which ye are saved, as well as the salvation which he of his own good pleasure, his mere favour, annexes thereto. That ye believe, is one instance of his grace; that believing ye are saved, another. "Not of works, lest any man should boast." For all our works, all our righteousness, which were before our believing, merited nothing of God but condemnation; so far were they from deserving faith, which therefore, whenever given, is not of works. Neither is salvation of the works we do when we believe, for it is then God that worketh in us: and, therefore, that he giveth us a reward for what he himself worketh, only commendeth the riches of his mercy, but leaveth us nothing whereof to glory.

4. "However, may not the speaking thus of the mercy of God, as saving or justifying freely by faith only, encourage men in sin?" Indeed, it may and will: Many will "continue in sin that grace may abound:" But their blood is upon their own head. The goodness of God ought to lead them to repentance; and so it will those who are sincere of heart. When they know there is yet forgiveness with him, they will cry aloud that he would blot out their sins also, through faith which is in Jesus. And if they earnestly cry, and faint not, if they seek him in all the means he hath appointed; if they refuse to be comforted till he come; "he will come, and will not tarry." And he can do much work in a short time. Many are the examples, in the Acts of the Apostles, of God's working this faith in men's hearts, even like lightning falling from heaven. So in the same hour that Paul and Silas began to preach, the jailer repented, believed, and was baptized; as were three thousand, by St. Peter, on the day of Pentecost, who all repented and believed at his first preaching And, blessed be God, there are now many living proofs that he is still "mighty to save."

5. Yet to the same truth, placed in another view, a quite contrary objection is made: "If a man cannot be saved by all that he can do, this will drive men to despair." True, to despair of being saved by their own works, their own merits, or righteousness. And so it ought; for none can trust in the merits of Christ, till he has utterly renounced his own. He that "goeth about to stablish his own righteousness" cannot receive the righteousness of God. The righteousness which is of faith cannot be given him while he trusteth in that which is of the law.

6. But this, it is said, is an uncomfortable doctrine. The devil spoke like himself, that is, without either truth or shame, when he dared to suggest to men that it is such. It is the only comfortable one, it is "very full of comfort," to all self-destroyed, self-condemned sinners. That "whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed that the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him": here is comfort, high as heaven, stronger than death! What! Mercy for all? For Zacchaeus, a public robber? For Mary Magdalene, a common harlot? Methinks I hear one say "Then I, even I, may hope for mercy!" And so thou mayest, thou afflicted one, whom none hath comforted! God will not cast out thy prayer. Nay, perhaps he may say the next hour, "Be of good cheer, thy sins are forgiven thee;" so forgiven, that they shall reign over thee no more; yea, and that "the Holy Spirit shall bear witness with thy spirit that thou art a child of God." O glad tidings! tidings of great joy, which are sent unto all people! "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters: Come ye, and buy, without money and without price." Whatsoever your sins be, "though red like crimson," though more than the hairs of your head, "return ye unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon you, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon."

7. When no more objections occur, then we are simply told that salvation by faith only ought not to be preached as the first doctrine, or, at least, not to be preached at all. But what saith the Holy Ghost? "Other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, even Jesus Christ." So then, that "whosoever believeth on him shall be saved," is, and must be, the foundation of all our preaching; that is, must be preached first. "Well, but not to all." To whom, then are we not to preach it? Whom shall we except? The poor? Nay; they have a peculiar right to have the gospel preached unto them. The unlearned? No. God hath revealed these things unto unlearned and ignorant men from the beginning. The young? By no means. "Suffer these," in any wise, "to come unto Christ, and forbid them not." The sinners? Least of all. "He came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Why then, if any, we are to except the rich, the learned, the reputable, the moral men. And, it is true, they too often except themselves from hearing; yet we must speak the words of our Lord. For thus the tenor of our commission runs, "Go and preach the gospel to every creature." If any man wrest it, or any part of it, to his destruction, he must bear his own burden. But still, "as the Lord liveth, whatsoever the Lord saith unto us, that we will speak."

8. At this time, more especially, will we speak, that "by grace are ye saved through faith": because, never was the maintaining this doctrine more seasonable than it is at this day. Nothing but this can effectually prevent the increase of the Romish delusion among us. It is endless to attack, one by one, all the errors of that Church. But salvation by faith strikes at the root, and all fall at once where this is established. It was this doctrine, which our Church justly calls the strong rock and foundation of the Christian religion, that first drove Popery out of these kingdoms; and it is this alone can keep it out. Nothing but this can give a check to that immorality which hath "overspread the land as a flood." Can you empty the great deep, drop by drop? Then you may reform us by dissuasives from particular vices. But let the "righteousness which is of God by faith be brought in, and so shall its proud waves be stayed. Nothing but this can stop the mouths of those who "glory in their shame, and openly deny the Lord that bought them." They can talk as sublimely of the law, as he that hath it written by God in his heart. To hear them speak on this head might incline one to think they were not far from the kingdom of God: but take them out of the law into the gospel; begin with the righteousness of faith; with Christ, "the end of the law to every one that believeth;" and those who but now appeared almost, if not altogether, Christians, stand confessed the sons of perdition; as far from life and salvation (God be merciful unto them!) as the depth of hell from the height of heaven.

9. For this reason the adversary so rages whenever "salvation by faith" is declared to the world: for this reason did he stir up earth and hell, to destroy those who first preached it. And for the same reason, knowing that faith alone could overturn the foundations of his kingdom, did he call forth all his forces, and employ all his arts of lies and calumny, to affright Martin Luther from reviving it. Nor can we wonder threat; for, as that man of God observes, "How would it enrage a proud, strong man armed, to be stopped and set at nought by a little child coming against him with a reed in his hand!" especially when he knew that little child would surely overthrow him, and tread him under foot. Even so, Lord Jesus! Thus hath Thy strength been ever "made perfect in weakness!" Go forth then, thou little child that believest in him, and his "right hand shall teach thee terrible things!" Though thou art helpless and weak as an infant of days, the strong man shall not be able to stand before thee. Thou shalt prevail over him, and subdue him, and overthrow him and trample him under thy feet. Thou shalt march on, under the great Captain of thy salvation, "conquering and to conquer," until all thine enemies are destroyed, and "death is swallowed up in victory."

Now, thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ; to whom, with the Father and the Holy Ghost, be blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, for ever and ever. Amen.

Ice Ice baby

2008-12-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday and last night we were blanketed with freezing rain and sleet. Pretty messy out there. Thinking about what to think about. Read some blogs and some scripture this morning. A moment to wrap my mind around blogging again. Obviously don't think about it much. Try try again.

A Day

2008-04-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

Just a regular day in the neighborhood. Greeted the day singing O Happy Day with my family. Moved on to work. Listened to a little commentary about the upcoming NFL Draft. Visited with a friend and loaned him a music stand. Visited another friend and talked about some stuff. Responded to some correspondence and got some office work done. Ate Lunch, played a little, visited with students, prepped some music, got one practice done and am off to the next.

Peace, Thanks be to God.

New Couch

2008-04-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Got a new couch and love seat from one of our Board members today for the Wesley Foundation. Very nice. Thanks