Day of Retreat Summary
On August 6th we will meet from nine to noon here at Nativity to continue the dialogue about our future direction and mission as parish. Because some parishioners were not able to attend the June 11th retreat and because we can all profit from refreshing our memories, we are presenting a 2nd week of excerpts from Jesse Cox’s remarks from that day. We look forward to hearing again from Jesse on August 6th and to having much more conversation with each other.
Jesus tells us in scripture that, “Nothing is impossible for God.” This scripture turns us away from just our own power, abilities, intellect and creativity. When we allow God to ‘fuel’ our plans, we are plugged into a source that is limitless! We are asked as people of faith to center our lives in Christ and build our plans on the strong foundation of God’s Word and teaching.
As he concludes his great sermon on the mount, Jesus tells this story about two builders. One builds on a secure foundation, while the other sets his house on a foundation that is weak and vulnerable. This story clarifies a twofold requirement for all who wish to follow Jesus: first we are to hear and understand his teaching, and second we are to let that teaching move us to action. As we take up the subject of a renewed theological vision, it is not merely an intellectual exercise. What we come to understand makes a difference in the way we live. Transformational action is the result of transformational thinking.
In what ways can my thinking be challenged so that my actions reflect better the transformation/conversion Jesus invites us all to experience?
The grace of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot sustain you!
On August 6th we will meet from nine to noon here at Nativity to continue the dialogue about our future direction and mission as parish. Because some parishioners were not able to attend the June 11th retreat and because we can all profit from refreshing our memories, we are presenting a 2nd week of excerpts from Jesse Cox’s remarks from that day. We look forward to hearing again from Jesse on August 6th and to having much more conversation with each other.
Jesus tells us in scripture that, “Nothing is impossible for God.” This scripture turns us away from just our own power, abilities, intellect and creativity. When we allow God to ‘fuel’ our plans, we are plugged into a source that is limitless! We are asked as people of faith to center our lives in Christ and build our plans on the strong foundation of God’s Word and teaching.
As he concludes his great sermon on the mount, Jesus tells this story about two builders. One builds on a secure foundation, while the other sets his house on a foundation that is weak and vulnerable. This story clarifies a twofold requirement for all who wish to follow Jesus: first we are to hear and understand his teaching, and second we are to let that teaching move us to action. As we take up the subject of a renewed theological vision, it is not merely an intellectual exercise. What we come to understand makes a difference in the way we live. Transformational action is the result of transformational thinking.
In what ways can my thinking be challenged so that my actions reflect better the transformation/conversion Jesus invites us all to experience?
The grace of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot sustain you!