Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
Brennan ManningRead
What makes authentic disciples is not visions, ecstasies, biblical mastery of chapter and verse, or spectacular success in the ministry, but a capacity for faithfulness. Buffeted by the fickle winds of failure, battered by their own unruly emotions, and bruised by rejection and ridicule, authentic disciples may have stumbled and frequently fallen, endured lapses and relapses, gotten handcuffed to the fleshpots and wandered into a far county. Yet, they kept coming back to Jesus.
Interpretation
Authentic discipleship is defined by faithfulness rather than extraordinary achievements or experiences.
Brennan Manning emphasizes that true discipleship is not about having extraordinary experiences or knowledge but about a steadfast commitment to faith amidst challenges and failures. Despite facing difficulties such as rejection, emotional turmoil, and setbacks, authentic disciples remain dedicated and return to their faith, illustrating that resilience and faithfulness are the hallmarks of a true disciple.
In practice
In a sermon discussing the importance of perseverance in faith.
Trust is that rare and priceless treasure that wins us the affection of our heavenly Father.
The sinners to whom Jesus directed His messianic ministry were not those who skipped morning devotions or Sunday church. His ministry was to those whom society considered real sinners. They had done nothing to merit salvation. Yet they opened themselves to the gift that was offered them. On the other hand, the self-righteous placed their trust in the works of the Law and closed their hearts to the message of grace.
There is the "you" that people see and then there is the "rest of you". Take some time and craft a picture of the "rest of you." This could be a drawing, in words, even a song. Just remember that the chances are good it will be full of paradox and contradictions.
Do you honestly believe God likes you, not just loves you because theologically God has to love you?
Suffering, failure, loneliness, sorrow, discouragement, and death will be part of your journey, but the Kingdom of God will conquer all these horrors. No evil can resist grace forever.
For Ragamuffins, God's name is Mercy. We see our darkness as a prized possession because it drives us into the heart of God. Without mercy our darkness would plunge us into despair - for some, self-destruction. Time alone with God reveals the unfathomable depths of the poverty of the spirit. We are so poor that even our poverty is not our own: It belongs to the mysterium tremendum of a loving God.
Acknowledgemen t of what you feel, what you know, what you need is the first step toward healing.
I have been given eyes to see and a mind to think, and now I know a great secret of life, for I perceive, at last, that all my problems, discouragements , and heartaches are, in truth, great opportunities in disguise.
If it's knowledge and wisdom you want, then seek out the company of those who do real work for an honest purpose.
Enlightenment is the key to everything, and it is the key to intimacy, because it is the goal of true authenticity.
At times it is folly to hasten at other times, to delay. The wise do everything in its proper time.
Our misery is that we thirst so little for these sublime things, and so much for the mocking trifles of time and space.
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