“There are disillusioned people who have three sneers for everything and three cheers for nothing.” (E. Stanley Jones) This a paraphrase from his book, Abundant Living. He seems to be saying that we should be more positive in our thinking, and that too many people are living by a NO when they ought to be living by a YES. This is particularly true when trying to follow God’s direction. ;-) Cheerleader Jack
FROM OPTIMIST P.L.: I just came back from our KH Optimist meeting and noticed the sign on the Church next to Roosevelt School, On one side of the sign it read: "Good without God equals nothing." It really made me think. Does the Pasteur really believe that doing good in this world means absolutely nothing unless that person believes in God? So, if an atheist pulls someone out of a fire and a believer does the same act, the only person who really did good was the one who believed in God. I wonder what your take on this is. RESPONSE FROM JACK: My first response: That's a clever sign. My relective response: I think that you are right My theological response: The sign doesn't say anything about believing in God. G-d, to many people, is the source of all being, and the ultimate source of all that is good. To remove G-d from good, does result in nothing. Just because the atheist denies a god does not eliminate G-d. The agnostic is probably more honest when he says, "I don't know." The words of this hymn speak to the subject at hand.
God moves in a mysterious way,
His wonders to perform;
He plants his footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill,
He treasures up his bright designs,
And works his sovereign will.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, (Someone, by mistake, once sang SAINTS instead of SENSE. That could be true.)
But trust him for his grace;
Behind a frowning providence,
He hides a smiling face.
Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is his own interpreter,
And he will make it plain.
William Cowper (1731-1800) was a British poet and hymnist. He struggled throughout his life with depression, doubts, and fears.
FROM P.O. IN MI: And a hearty "AMEN!" from Cheerleader Pat.
FROM MOLINER C.F.: Some of the people sneer all of the time, and all of the people sneer some of the time, but all of the people do not cheer all of the time, Abe Lipkoowitz
FROM PR F.M. IN WI: Your quote today reminds me of the pastor who confirmed me . . . he quoted in almost every sermon from E. Stanley Jones. Thanks for sharing. I don't have a copy of the book, ABUNDANT LIVING.
2 comments:
Hi!
I think this is particularly relevant during the current "opponent bashing" political race. Every time I turn on the television I hear how horrible the opponent is, whether it is a candidate for president, congress, senate or even the local selectmen. It can be no surprise that voters often conclude that they are voting for the lesser of two evils. By the time the election comes around we hear so many sneers that it is difficult to cheer.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we started with the assumption that everyone who serves in public office does so because they want to do what is right for people? Imagine the healthy debates we would have then...
Cindy
Actually, it just seems like the candidates are promising a lot of the time and maybe the best promiser will win. Some editorial writer wrote today that he thinks there is going to be a backlash later on, after the election. I'm promising myself not to backlash later on and, come hell or high-water, keep abundantly living with whatever blessings are here. Actually does abundantly living mean accepting with grace whatever comes our way and being thankful? Or is it something different? I should buy the book I know.
Sharon
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