Just reading through your older posts and came upon this one. I have been leading a study in Ephesians and struggling with Ephesians 2:10. This quote from Newman really helped me. As I leave a 40 year career in nursing I wonder what work God has prepared for me now. Thank you for this post as it is an encouragement to me. Keep writing!!
Thank you for the work you put into this amazing reflection.
In a few weeks, I will be sharing at a small gathering. Our theme is”Butterflies.” Although we were in Argentina from January to February, I was often able to access emails and internet.
When I read about Niggle’s leaf, the inspiration came to relate this to the flutter of praise, the flutter of God’s flying flowers. The beauty of your thoughts are lifting me to higher realms as I paint my own word leaf.
Thank you for this, Pastor Scott. Very meaningful reflection and consideration. As a new, young pastor, I appreciate the quote from John Newman. It resonated deeply with me, and will be something I mediate on as I think of my vocational calling. Thank you for sharing!
“And then he died.” The OT phrase that speaks volumes. A good humble pie reminder that as important as we all think we are or would like to be, the death dirt nap we’re all going to take someday levels the earthly playing field. A one leaf tree may be a nice lonely Charlie Brown Christmas sentiment, but the Kingdom of God healing tree is the most beautiful thing ever, because we’re all in it, united as One, in unity, with God, at the end of the Jesus Revelation story. The One and the many.
Loved the pictures you painted in my mind with this article. Thanks!
I've given help (money) to 6 different friends repeatedly over the last 3 years. A huge sum overall. I felt I was doing God's work, helping others. I now think I was a chump, a naive sucker, and my days of giving are very over. Sorry, but telling myself a magical story about being of service is over now too.
Sorry for my cynicism in the above comment - 4 of these friends faded away in 2021. I still believe soul expression in all its forms is why we're here. Namaste.
This is a really beautiful post. As a preacher who also likes to write, it's easy sometimes to wonder, like, what is all of this building towards? So much of the work we do feels ephemeral.
I really loved the Newman quote. I also, as a Wesleyan, have always loved that John Wesley really didn't hit his stride until he was around 40 when it comes to being a spiritual leader and pastor and preacher.
I'll admit I have trouble with understanding how God directs the minutia of our lives. Sometimes I think we play this up to much, giving God the glory when things go well, and not the blame when they don't. I don't think it's really so much that I want to blame God, rather, I want to at least give voice to the reality of the hard stuff. It's there, and it affects us. Some might call me a cynic. Others, a skeptic. I don't mean to be either of those things. I just want to be honest. I've written about this in the past.
But your post reminds me that there just might be some divine guidance and direction we can lean into. That's what I've tried to do, I think. I hope. So, this morning as I was struggling to move forward into my calling to write, I came across your piece in my feed. I read it. I appreciated it.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction, with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in encouragement too.
Just reading through your older posts and came upon this one. I have been leading a study in Ephesians and struggling with Ephesians 2:10. This quote from Newman really helped me. As I leave a 40 year career in nursing I wonder what work God has prepared for me now. Thank you for this post as it is an encouragement to me. Keep writing!!
It's hard to go wrong with a Newman quote...
Indeed it is, Mr. Newman. ;-)
Unless you're quoting Alfred E., but clearly we're not related since he spells his name differently.
Wonderful article! The John Henry Newman quote will make it into my journal. Thanks!
Oh, this is balm for my soul.
Thank you for the work you put into this amazing reflection.
In a few weeks, I will be sharing at a small gathering. Our theme is”Butterflies.” Although we were in Argentina from January to February, I was often able to access emails and internet.
When I read about Niggle’s leaf, the inspiration came to relate this to the flutter of praise, the flutter of God’s flying flowers. The beauty of your thoughts are lifting me to higher realms as I paint my own word leaf.
Bless you! I am undone.
Lynn Saint
Thank you for this, Pastor Scott. Very meaningful reflection and consideration. As a new, young pastor, I appreciate the quote from John Newman. It resonated deeply with me, and will be something I mediate on as I think of my vocational calling. Thank you for sharing!
This is about self worth. If we all put God first, self worth wouldn't be an issue in humanity.
Thank you! It's amazing. I love Leaf by Niggle.
“And then he died.” The OT phrase that speaks volumes. A good humble pie reminder that as important as we all think we are or would like to be, the death dirt nap we’re all going to take someday levels the earthly playing field. A one leaf tree may be a nice lonely Charlie Brown Christmas sentiment, but the Kingdom of God healing tree is the most beautiful thing ever, because we’re all in it, united as One, in unity, with God, at the end of the Jesus Revelation story. The One and the many.
Loved the pictures you painted in my mind with this article. Thanks!
Resounding words, Scott! My daughter had given me that obscure book as a gift. The lie of insignificance. Great encouragement, Scott!
I've given help (money) to 6 different friends repeatedly over the last 3 years. A huge sum overall. I felt I was doing God's work, helping others. I now think I was a chump, a naive sucker, and my days of giving are very over. Sorry, but telling myself a magical story about being of service is over now too.
Sorry for my cynicism in the above comment - 4 of these friends faded away in 2021. I still believe soul expression in all its forms is why we're here. Namaste.
No worries!
Great reminder!
This is a really beautiful post. As a preacher who also likes to write, it's easy sometimes to wonder, like, what is all of this building towards? So much of the work we do feels ephemeral.
I really loved the Newman quote. I also, as a Wesleyan, have always loved that John Wesley really didn't hit his stride until he was around 40 when it comes to being a spiritual leader and pastor and preacher.
Scott,
Thank you for this.
I'll admit I have trouble with understanding how God directs the minutia of our lives. Sometimes I think we play this up to much, giving God the glory when things go well, and not the blame when they don't. I don't think it's really so much that I want to blame God, rather, I want to at least give voice to the reality of the hard stuff. It's there, and it affects us. Some might call me a cynic. Others, a skeptic. I don't mean to be either of those things. I just want to be honest. I've written about this in the past.
But your post reminds me that there just might be some divine guidance and direction we can lean into. That's what I've tried to do, I think. I hope. So, this morning as I was struggling to move forward into my calling to write, I came across your piece in my feed. I read it. I appreciated it.
Thank you.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all encouragement, who encourages us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to encourage those who are in any affliction, with the encouragement with which we ourselves are encouraged by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in encouragement too.
(2Cor 1:3-5)
Thank you. I really needed this encouragement today.
Thank you Scott! Very encouraging. Shared with my brothers.