Friday, 20 May 2016
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Jack Kornfield tells us that, forgiveness is the capacity to let go, to release the suffering, the sorrows, the burdens of the pains and betrayals of the past, and instead to choose the mystery of love. He says forgiveness shifts us from the small separate sense of ourselves to a capacity to renew, to let go, to live i
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A Talk Given by David Jones on Sept. 5th, 2010
Today’s talk is entitled “The Shame Makers.” I will talk about what shame is, the types of families that often produce shame in us, and then have some discussion on what is the real truth about our nature and the divine love that is deep
Today’s talk is entitled “The Shame Makers.” I will talk about what shame is, the types of families that often produce shame in us, and then have some discussion on what is the real truth about our nature and the divine love that is deep
Posted by Unknown |
Being the Church
But as I got older, my definition of church deepened. I became involved in a congregation, first as a church member and then as a pastor.
Those of us who have spent years within its doors realize that the church is far more than a building. In its simplest definition, the church is the body of Christ (1 Cor. 12:27). He is the vine; we are the branches (John 15:5). We are grafted together, growing and drawing nourishment from our heavenly Father. We are no longer to live as independent individuals but to be connected as one body, the church.
Now, when I think of the church, I think of the many times the church family has been present for my wife, Cheryl, and me. Just last year, the church provided nurture and love to our youngest son, Sawyer, and his wife, Karen. They were expecting their second child, a girl. Early in the pregnancy, medical tests showed severe chromosomal issues, indicating that she would not live after birth. They made the difficult decision to carry the baby as long as she lived, and we all hoped for the chance to meet her before she slipped into eternity.
At this time, Sawyer was in his final year in seminary. They were typical examples of a poor seminary student and family. This was going to be a serious expense, however. If the baby was born, medical costs would be enormous, followed by immediate funeral expenses. In addition, Sawyer and Karen needed support and encouragement to persevere—and we were 1,000 miles away.
During those difficult weeks and months, the church that Sawyer and Karen attend in Dallas joined together to meet their needs. Members and leaders in the church regularly prayed for and over the family. The church set up a fund to help defray the additional costs. People provided meals. The church provided pastoral support and encouragement each step of the way.
Ella Selah Nyquist was born and lived a short 38-minute life. She is now buried with love in a grave in central Michigan. For her, Sawyer, Karen, and all of our family, the church truly acted like the body of Christ. They met the needs of a hurting family. And I am truly grateful.
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A Sermon given by David Jones on June 20, 2010
This is a very beautiful story that will surely touch your heart. I hope you will enjoy it as I give the details.
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box
This is a very beautiful story that will surely touch your heart. I hope you will enjoy it as I give the details.
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer’s showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.
As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box
Posted by Unknown |
Based on this passage, some Christian
denominations require head coverings for women. The Plymouth Brethren,
for example, hold that women show respect for God and male leadership
when they cover their heads with scarves, shawls, or hats during the
worship service. Others see this as a specific historical-cultural
practice not binding for us today.
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