Life in the Way

Spiritual Disciplines: Works of Piety

John Wesley believed that Jesus is God’s means of grace. For him, the “means of grace” were also “works of piety” (spiritual disciplines) and “works of mercy” (doing good to others). He said that means of grace are: “…outward signs, words, or actions, ordained of God, and appointed for this end, to be the ordinary channels whereby he might convey to men, preventing, justifying, or sanctifying grace.”

Wesley talked about a variety of works of piety:
The chief of these means are prayer, whether in secret or with the great congregation; searching the Scriptures; (which implies reading, hearing, and meditating thereon;) and receiving the Lord’s Supper, eating bread and drinking wine in remembrance of Him: And these we believe to be ordained of God, as the ordinary channels of conveying his grace to the souls of men.

He also emphasized the importance of fasting and participating in Christian community.

Prayer

John Wesley considered prayer an essential part of Christian living, calling it, in many of his writings, the most important means of grace. Christians were to pray constantly, without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). He wrote in A Plain Account of Christian Perfection:

Whether we think of; or speak to, God, whether we act or suffer for him, all is prayer, when we have no other object than his love, and the desire of pleasing him.

All that a Christian does, even in eating and sleeping, is prayer, when it is done in simplicity, according to the order of God, without either adding to or diminishing from it by his own choice.

How have you experienced prayer in your own life? Do you agree with Wesley that it is the most important means of grace, more important than the Bible?

Bible Study

John Wesley read the Bible every day, usually early in the day or late in the evening. A scholar, he could read the scriptures in their original languages and wrote commentaries on the Bible. His Explanatory Notes on the New Testament and his sermons are a part of the Doctrinal Standards of The United Methodist Church. John Wesley gave Methodists advice on how to read the Bible. Read Wesley’s advice and try it. Is his approach helpful to you? What is your method of searching the scriptures?

Fasting

The spiritual reasons for fasting have been pretty much lost on today’s society, particularly in Protestantism. Many United Methodists are surprised to learn that John Wesley fasted two days a week, Wednesdays and Fridays, in his younger days. Later he fasted on Fridays. Charles Yrigoyen, Jr., in John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life writes:

Wesley was convinced that fasting, abstaining from food or drink, was a practice firmly grounded in the Bible. People in Old Testament times fasted (Ezra 8:23). So did Jesus and his followers (Matthew 4:2; Acts 13:3), and Wesley saw no reason why modern Christians should not follow the same pattern. His plan of fasting sometimes allowed for limited eating and drinking. He found that fasting advanced holiness. (John Wesley: Holiness of Heart and Life copyright © 1996 Charles Yrigoyen, Jr., p. 33.)

John Wesley believed that God’s grace is conveyed through the Lord’s Supper and that it is a major way God nourishes us. Has your experience of Holy Communion been nourishing to your spiritual growth? If you are one of the many Christians who do not take communion very often, do Wesley’s arguments help you to see the sacrament in a different perspective? Read the entire sermon. (Blog article from http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/wesley/disciple.stm)

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The Aquarium: A Journey Of Faith.

Recently, I bought an aquarium.

But let me start about a year ago, when we saved three “feeder” goldfish. One for each of my kids. Soon, my daughter’s goldfish was the only survivor. Her name is Allie. After the pastor performed funerals for the two deceased fish. The fish died days apart, so the funerals were on separate days and due to my cat we held to the Jewish tradition of burying the departed expediently. Almost immediately my kids wanted replacements and I was able to hold them off. Until, one fateful day when my wife went for her new driver’s license…

The place she needed to go was next to the PetSmart. So, I was going to drop her off and take the kids on some errands. In a whim and to satisfy my kids year long yearning for replacement fish, I decided to take them into the pet store armed with a quarter each ($.25) for two new feeder fish. I knew the fate of these fish and I was now giving two death row fish at least a slim chance. The margin of survival was not good against Allie the now monstrous goldfish that already occupied the tiny little tank, but hey - I was giving them a chance.

Well, the next twist of fate was unexpected and brought on by the yet-to-renew-my-license lady. My wife was unable to get her license because she only had 16 official forms of identification and needed 17, so she called me on the phone and then meandered over to PetSmart. My kids excitedly told her what the plans were and she promptly pulled me aside and told me that she couldn’t handle anymore fish funerals. So we had to do something else.

Well, what ensued was the creation of self-contained 30 gallon biosphere living in my dining room. Slowly this biosphere (AKA, our Aquarium) began as a somewhat small concept. Probably kinda like Manhattan was 300 years ago. But now there are 5 snails, 4 red tailed sharks, a bala shark, 6 tiger bards, some kind of catfish, an angelfish, and a big ugly eel.

At first, it was challenging and the learning curve was steep as we tried to regulate the water (pH, ammonia levels, etc.). Then it was learning about live plants and figuring out how the general rule of sunlight is bad for your tank can translate into light is good. It was a crazy, tenuous time. We were living on pins and needles. The tension was thick and at any moment anyone could erupt from the pressure. We had to perform CPR on several fish as the water regulated and unfortunately had a couple more funerals.

What has ensued is pretty miraculous.

At first our tank was cloudy, but the pet store’s fish expert - Dr. Fishlady, told us that in about 2-4 weeks “healthy” bacteria will grow and the tank will clear up. Patiently waiting day after day for that moment cause me to wrestle with my faith. The Dr. Fishlady said that seemingly out of nothing these invisible things will grow. But where did these things come from and how can the be helpful, (later I understood them to be from trash (leftover food) and poo)? Can I trust the person who told me, she didn’t look like much of an expert (with her two months experience working at the store)? How could she know? She told me what to do, and I admit I didn’t go on blind faith, I did some research and read for others’ Aquarium experiences. With enough testimony behind her words and advice, I began doing what she suggested.

Hour by hour I waited, carefully watching the water temp., pH, and other factors. Hour by hour, I looked at the fish and the clouds beginning to pessimistically wonder which one would need CPR next, how long would it be before I would sell the tank because of disastrous results, and how I would break my pessimistic ideas to my kids (as they prophetically became reality). I hoped for the best, but I just could not get beyond the experience of struggling fish and cloudy water.

Aside: One thing I have learned about my pessimistic prophecy is that it is always wrong. In all of the Bible their is always life and hope.

So, the family and I left for a little 5 day trip. No one wanted to leave because we feared the unknown, what would happen to the fish in this delicate state with out constant attention and care. With tears, we bought the week long tank auto-release feeders for the tank and left. As we left, the cloudiness was thick and the ammonia and pH were in the danger zone. (I though for sure the fish were goners.)

We arrived home from our trip, miraculously, the tank was crystal clear. The fish were thriving and the pH/ammonia level was great. To this day, the tank is very much a self-regulated system that is easily maintained. Those little invisible bacteria that somehow grew out of nothing have created a healthy biosphere teaming with life. Forgive me for doubting the Fishlady about the invisible stuff that really made life in the biosphere flourish.

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Saddened By The News.

My Uncle Eric lost his battle against cancer and passed away last night. His and my Aunt’s wedding anniversary was yesterday and of course today is Father’s Day, which adds to the sorrow. Please keep them in prayer for peace and strength in this tragic time.

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WSJ article from June 13, 2008

Check out this article called Inspired By Startbucks: Charismatic Pastors Grow New Flocks Overseas,
Using Satellites, DVds and Franchise Marketing To Spread Their Own Brand of Religion.

What do you think about the direction of this type of church?  Do you think it is “the” new emination or a fade/trend that will soon end?  Why?

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Small Local Church - Simply The Best Solution Ever.

What am I raving about… Pastors, church membership recorders, finance committees - I’d like to introduce you to ChurchInfo.

ChurchInfo is a free church database program to help churches track members, families, groups, pledges and payments. Our feature set is comparable to expensive church management software packages. Our users are supported by an open-source community of people who volunteer their time and energy to make this technology available to all churches.

This is the solution that I have been looking for. It is web-based (hosted on our server). It is simple. As a pastor, it does everything I need it to. It is open source. It is free. κοινωνία at it’s best!

I can’t say enough about the effectiveness I have already experienced. Check it out!

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ESP - You Thought You Knew

ESP has been traditionally know in my circles as Extra-Sensory Perception. I loved studying about this in graduate school as part on my parapsychology studies. But recently, ESP has taken on a different meaning, Equally Shared Parenting.

“Teammates through life,” the husband in the NY Times video says, yet the husband and wife split up the laundry duties whites (hers) and darks (his) because apparently no one wants to do it (so if they have two garbage cans do they each clean one can every three months???). My perception is that ESP tries to reframe a social contract of love and respect issues in the realm of a business contract dividing up responsibilities (to borrow from Dan Ariely’s terminology in Predictably Irrational).

I believe that each person whether working or not has an essential role in the family. Teaching at times, learning at time, following at times, and leading at times, but in each role, with love and respect. When we talk about people and relationships, equal is a little more complex than getting change for a dollar and splitting it 50/50 (because inevitably one person will want a 50 cent piece and the other will want 50 pennies - and the change maker gave you 4 quarters). Of course any married couple regardless of culture and era should want health, recreation, and fulfillment for their partner. It is implicit in the couples marriage vows or relational covenant.

As I watched the New York Times video on ESP, I couldn’t help but think that this idea is wrong kind of ESP a healthy relationship requires, focusing on the individual self-fulfillment. Instead, my marriage has required me to perceive, in almost an extra-sensory way, the things that create spousal-fulfillment through respect, appreciation, and selfless love. I am not trying to say something crazy like we should be willing to live together in love willing to comfort your partner, or honor them; whether they are in sickness and in health; especially forsaking everything for them as long as you both shall live… or then again, maybe that is exactly what I am saying.

ESP, in an attempt to create individual and family health, seems to focus on marriage as something that primarily is focussed on equally shared responsibilities and fairness (business commitments), instead of respect and love (social commitments). ESP is a hopeful construct that will in actuality causes a regression pointing back to a time when marriage was more a business contract between families than a love contract that require self-sacrificing love.

What do you think?

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Drew Theological School: The Welcome Table

Above is the image from their brochure and website. I really like it! Who made it? What software program was it made in? Is it a .jpeg? Can we animate it so that the people around the cross move, rotate and dance a little? Would it be better to create a flash video or an animate .gif for the presentation purpose of the web, projection software and print? Maybe put some music behind it…

From Drew’s Website: “The feasting table where there is room for every one is also the place where, throughout time, we’ve told our faith stories and praised the Holy One who gathers us together. Join us this summer at the table where we will learn exciting and inspiring ways to tell our stories - gathered around a table or in our congregational families. And, hear and learn new worship music that will excite the soul and invite the Holy Spirit. You’re invited to ‘The Welcome Table’ whether you are clergy or lay person, musician, preacher, worshiper, anyone who seeks to share stories and praise God.”

This looks like a lot of fun. The leaders are solid and Drew is a nice place to envelop yourself in Methodism. When I was at SCD a couple of years ago, Molly Vetter did a great seminar on emerging worship. One of the things she did was talk about the use of projection in worship. There is a level of technical prowess that can (let me reiterate - “can” does not mean it is necessary, but if done well “can”) enhance the worship experience through use of picture, sound, and video. This seminar has aspects of emerging and recorded music (although more as a negative because their is no musician, as opposed to using digital music to enhance the experience).

Maybe Drew could consider a worship/church technology track, supplement, or event. Early on in my ministry I would have found that incredibly useful, and even today as technology continues to expand in leaps, it would be great to have a group of early adopters (or beta testers) sharing information and creative ideas. Our most successful churches are using projection in worship and without artistic talent (or just good taste) it can come off doing the opposite of it’s intent. Projection in church can be like an out of tune instrument or a sloppy communion table without the right training and artistic touch.

From my estimation, there are two components to this: human and mechanical.

First, the easy one is the mechanical. The machines need to be capable. Can you imagine a communion table that is unstable or a church full of pews that might not support the people sitting on them. Well, computers, software, and projector are much the same. The things that we incorporate into worship must be more than capable of supporting the purpose - enhancing or accenting the worship experience.

Much like pianist, who not only knows how to play the piano; but knows the different piano manufacturers; how different environmental conditions can cause distortions in the piano’s ability; and how different pianos sound better for certain pieces; have an ear for playing; etc. The people behind the curtain (at least at our Annual Conference) have the ability to focus or frustrate the worshipers. And like the musician, the projection can be specific to the context, culture, and content. - And get this, it can be well done with good, fast machines that can make what your doing help to focus and reinforce the worship connection or it can be done with slow glitchy, “out of tune,” machines that frustrate instead of focus. There is an artistic side that any good template maker or piano designer knows.

Second, is the human resource. In this instance, the people working on this must be both artistically sensitive and technically capable. There are aspects of searching for the right image, video, and song. (There are multiple needs like legal assistance navigating copyright - but for simplicity’s sake…)

With the incredible ability to manipulate and create, the people creating multimedia for worship can become very much like the trained pianist who can more than just play the song on the songsheet. I have seen some really good multimedia in worship and I have seen some really bad multimedia (an example is the PowerPoint slides for the UMH and FWS, they are right on technically and incredibly useful, but artistically they are poor quality and not flexible beyond the Microsoft monopoly.) A good multimedia sense is a pentacostal manifestation of tongues to the new generation. (Aside: my 32 month old child like to play nickjr.com more than watch it on TV.) Working together, technically, artistically, powerful worship is possible and fun!

Outside of the “walled” worship experience, there are multiple avenues of recording, broadcast and interactivety that are easily accessible and affordable for the local church to reach out to a broader community. The web has developed in a way that can revolutionize the local church’s ministry. Just a few examples of this are shut-ins who can gain access to worship in multiple formats (e.g., tape, CD, DVD, online) or even live on the computer; youth and young adults can interact through multiple channels of access (e.g., text, IM, blog, email); and young parents can find the schedules and events at anytime and import them into their calendar systems and set reminders, as well as instantly map out point to point route on their GPS system.

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It Is 52F Degrees In Reykjavik Today.

I went out this morning to get the papers at 7:45am and was blasted by the heat. It was already unbearable! Yesterday, we spent the evening at my parents house with some of my cousins from Iceland. They are visiting and heading down the coast today with a final destination of Disney. Can you find me?

I told Denise (can you find her?) on Thursday that I was already tired of the summer and that I was ready for winter. This is a far cry from my days of youth yearning for the summer and long days on the beach body boarding and playing beach volleyball. Now I am much more content in cooler weather. I would rather be freezing than burning up in the heat. (There might be theology in there somewhere.)

Anyway, I was praying this morning for my family and extended family and found myself being envious of the fact that it never get this hot where they live. Oh for Iceland today.

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The Prodigy… enjoy! (3.24 mins)

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Out of the Funk.

Well, over the years I have learned that one day does not need to bleed into the rest.  Yesterday was one of those days, but with some help from my wife, today is not.  Thanks!

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Connecting Beyond The Obvious Back To The Obvious.

Obvious is a word that I would define as on the surface and common. My experience with God is not all that obvious. It tends to be beyond obvious. Normal life tends to be day to day and emotionally driven. When I am down, I tend to unwittingly become self-destructive. It takes a conscious effort to keep God in the forefront. In these times, even keeping my focus on God has a tendency to come up short. I can start to question the power of God to make a difference, to pull me out, but inevitably things begin to happen in not so obvious ways. Little things, but powerful. In these dry times, in the effort, it takes patience and a deeper look at life.

There are always things that I can focus on that will continue to perpetuate the downward emotion of the day. I often wonder how it was for King David or Job or even Jesus. Why would they continue to forge on with God? Did they think that they were not really connected to the true Creator? Maybe they had aspect of God persona right and other wrong?

Did they have a deep, rich experience with the Almighty that they reflected on or that kept them grounded? Were they of unusual character? Well, the short answer is “yes.” With Jesus as the exception (because He was God) the others had an incredible faith that provided “manna from heaven” for the journey.

Yet, at the same time, they were no different from me and you. They had good day and bad days. They wrestled with tough conversations, honesty, relationships, and parenting. Did Job beat himself up about his ability to parent - you bet ya. Did David flipflop on issues? Why did Saul all of a sudden turn on him? Did David want to be loved by him? Joseph was thrown in a pit because his brothers despised him so. Was he aware of the way he was coming off? All that said to connect with the real people - not a fantasy biblical hero.

So, what about me? Today is one of those days. A day when I feel like poor me and I am tending to give in to the self-destructive tendencies that are born to my history and genetics. Rationalize as I may, I am waiting patiently on my God to hear the cries of my heart today and lift me out of my emotion. Patience is key, but facing the factors that continue to lend themselves to separating me from who God intended me to be is my reality. Those destructive aspects of me are not obvious either. They have the nasty ability to rear their heads unbeknownst and to ever so slowly and destructively eat away at my spirit from the inside out.

As Job sat in the ash, what did he think about? How did he keep his mind from straying from the truth of God? I wonder if the friends that came and challenged him were real or were merely personifications of his thoughts.

Personally, one of the things that continues to eat at me is my own confusion about different goals that I have set for myself. Are they purposed by God or simply goals that I set for myself that distract me from God’s purpose for my life? I can rationalize both ways. Not only can I rationalize both ways, but I also recognize that while the future is God’s, we work in community and relationship (as does God with everyone). Then I start to spin out of control with the depth and complexity of the world in which we live.

Did Job just stay focused on the foundation of God’s promise, disbarring any complexity that came to mind and focusing back on the obvious - God’s unfailing love?

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School of Congregational Development or Leadership Institute

Well, what do you think I should do?

School of Congregational Development (I’ve been twice already)
Leadership Institute (Never been)

FYI - I am doing the Leadership Summit (WCA) in August and will probably do something at Ocean Grove for some education and renewal (know anyone who would sublet their tent for a couple of weeks)?

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Annual Conference LIVE

Click here to watch the Annual Conference LIVE…

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Signing Off…

I have spent too much time on the computer over the last week.  So much time that my back hurts (sorry about the winning), but it is time to pack and move the family to Valley Forge until Saturday.  Once we are there I’ll be up and running with the TV/Tech Team probably by tomorrow night… so “god natt.”

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Annual Conference blog set up.

I am about as done as I can be with the Conference blog site (http://2008gnjac.com).  I added all the resolutions there and on the Facebook GNJAC group.  I wonder if any discussion will take place online.  There hasn’t been any advertising of the blog and really limited advertising of the streaming video that we are doing this year (http://2008gnjac.tv).

Well, what do you think?  Any suggestions?  Has any conference done anything like this before?  what was it like?

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Down To The River To Pray.

As I was sitting in Starbucks working tonight and I heard a song being piped in through their sound system (Starbucks radio). This song penetrated me! Besides the song itself, I was surprised that Starbucks was playing it. Here is a video of it from YouTube and the lyrics below.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O sisters let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
O sisters let’s go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O brothers let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
Come on brothers let’s go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O fathers let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
O fathers let’s go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O mothers let’s go down,
Let’s go down, don’t you want to go down,
Come on mothers let’s go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the starry crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

O sinners let’s go down,
Let’s go down, come on down,
O sinners let’s go down,
Down in the river to pray.

As I went down in the river to pray
Studying about that good old way
And who shall wear the robe and crown
Good Lord, show me the way!

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The Purity Ball - What do you think?

I have a 7 year-old daughter and I am watching her develop into a wonderful young person.  I love to think about the future and have been thinking about Sweet-16 party costs (because apparently the parties can cost enough that I need to start saving now for them).  They should probably start some kind of tax-deferred savings vehicle like an IRA for Weddings and Sweet-16s.  Anyway, maybe this could be an alternative to the Sweet-16. Although, it looks like it will cost just as much.

The way they did it in the article, it seems over-the-top and sexist for me.

Here is the article…

Dancing the Night Away, With a Higher Purpose
By NEELA BANERJEE
Published: May 19, 2008
At the Purity Ball, fathers and daughters unite to make public pledges of sexual abstinence until marriage.

I guess if I was planning a type of “Purity” Ball, it would be for my daughter and it would incorporate her ideas about faith and commitment.  The NY Times article shares about an event that seemingly is not focussed on the girls, but it is about a father’s commitment to be, I don’t know, a “better” father/”Christian.”

In brief, but MOST importantly the incorporation of my wife would be essential and foundational.  We are by God’s blessing, through our marriage - one. Thinking about my daughters decisions, faith, self-control, gifts - all that she is and is becoming - parentally speaking, she comes from a joint effort from my wife and me through grace, love, mutual respect and parental influence all focused on God (as proclaimed throughout scripture). While I understand the importance of a daddy/daughter relationship, I also understand the importance of a mommy/daughter relationship.  Both relationships are paramount to the development of a child (regardless of gender).

What do you think about the idea?   If you were to plan something like this for your child, what would you do?

Tags: daughter, purity

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Confirmation Project - Day 6: The General Rules of the Methodist Church

What do you think about the following rules:

The Nature, Design, and General Rules of Our United Societies

In the latter end of the year 1739 eight or ten persons came to Mr. Wesley, in London, who appeared to be deeply convinced of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption. They desired, as did two or three more the next day, that he would spend some time with them in prayer, and advise them how to flee from the wrath to come, which they saw continually hanging over their heads. That he might have more time for this great work, he appointed a day when they might all come together, which from thenceforward they did every week, namely, on Thursday in the evening. To these, and as many more as desired to join with them (for their number increased daily), he gave those advices from time to time which he judged most needful for them, and they always concluded their meeting with prayer suited to their several necessities.

This was the rise of the United Society, first in Europe, and then in America. Such a society is no other than “a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation.”

That it may the more easily be discerned whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each society is divided into smaller companies, called classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in a class, one of whom is styled the leader. It is his duty:

1. To see each person in his class once a week at least, in order: (1) to inquire how their souls prosper; (2) to advise, reprove, comfort or exhort, as occasion may require; (3) to receive what they are willing to give toward the relief of the preachers, church, and poor.
2. To meet the ministers and the stewards of the society once a week, in order: (1) to inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly and will not be reproved; (2) to pay the stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week preceding.There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies: “a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins.” But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits.

It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as:

The taking of the name of God in vain.

The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein or by buying or selling.

Drunkenness: buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity.

Slaveholding; buying or selling slaves.

Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling.

The buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty.

The giving or taking things on usury—i.e., unlawful interest.

Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation; particularly speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers.

Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us.

Doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as:

The putting on of gold and costly apparel.

The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus.

The singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God.

Softness and needless self-indulgence.

Laying up treasure upon earth.

Borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.

It is expected of all who continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men:

To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that are sick or in prison.

To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting all we have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine that “we are not to do good unless our hearts be free to it.”

By doing good, especially to them that are of the household of faith or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others; buying one of another, helping each other in business, and so much the more because the world will love its own and them only.

By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be not blamed.

By running with patience the race which is set before them, denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily; submitting to bear the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the world; and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them falsely, for the Lord’s sake.

It is expected of all who desire to continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God; such are:

The public worship of God.

The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded.

The Supper of the Lord.

Family and private prayer.

Searching the Scriptures.

Fasting or abstinence.

These are the General Rules of our societies; all of which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written Word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul as they who must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But then, if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls.

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Family and Preparations for Death, Confirmation Project - Day 5

Tonight was kinda weird because our family came together to rally around my Uncle, who has terminal cancer.  It is hard wrestling with the emotions of joy to be with him and sadness because death appears imment and close. 

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Really Funny…

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