Thursday, October 16, 2014

(*just begun and so not fully developed; imperfectly formed.)



"...The surgeon is... a grim man,
impatient with unlabeled brands of inchoate* faith.

In his view, a man should know his craft,
so that a smith should know his forge,
a farmer his plow, and a chaplain his creed.
He has made plain his disregard for me and my ministry.
The first time I preached to the company,
he observed that in his view a sermon that did not dwell on damnation
was scant service to men daily facing death,
and that if he wanted to hear a love poem
he would apply to his wife."

-from March, by Geraldine Brooks;
a book based on the unknown life at war of the father character from my beloved Little Women.

I found this description(-through-counterexample, I suppose)
of faith
provocative and resonant.

Inchoate faith...
faith that is not fully developed, still imperfectly formed.
Doesn't sound so terrible to me.
Lots of room for mystery and grace?

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

.perhaps we know a dozen, maybe two.



"God does ten thousand things
in every deed.

Perhaps we know a dozen,
maybe two.

But not enough to judge before He's through."

-John Piper

i have mixed feelings about John Piper,
but ever since i first heard this quote,
i've loved it and seen the truth in it.

lately it has been echoing in my head and heart more true every day;

all the crazy ways things have been woven
that i never could have imagined,
making me laugh and marvel and repent and give thanks.

Human Needs Global Resources Covenant, 2009

As fellow travelers on this journey, we commit to this covenant before God. Lord, in Your mercy, hear these our prayers:

When confronted with scarcity, need, and inadequacy, may we be nourished by the Bread of Life and the Cup of Salvation. Abundance overflows from Your table, sustaining all who come in faith. Father, help us.

When monotony blurs our vision and dulls our senses, may we encounter others as Christ did, through intentional presence in daily life, submitting as clay to be formed into vessels filled with the Spirit. Christ, guide us.

When wounded by the fractured condition of Your people, may we be united by Your Lordship in faith, hope, and love; seeing, as through the facets of a diamond, the beautiful spectrum of Your light reflected onto Your holy Church joined in praise. Spirit, empower us.

When all Creation groans, afflicted by injustice and driven to despair, may the promise of redemption root us in the hope of Your Kingdom: "Behold, I am making all things new!"

Holy Trinity, send us now into the world in peace, and grant us strength and courage to love and serve You with gladness and singleness of heart.

Amen.