Thursday, February 23, 2006

Jacques Ellul Devotional

I was given this devotional and it has proven to be quite good.  Basically it pulls a quote or two from Ellul and then the devotional writer (Charles Ringma) expounds on the thought.  I especially loved today's thoughts on the topic of "Change."  So much so that I am copying it here for you so enjoy...



CHANGE



Change can only occur when new possibilities are envisaged and embraced



    Personal change does not occur easily.  We seem to hold onto the old and familiar, even when that may be hurting us.  Thus, pressure or difficulty of itself is usually not sufficient to bring about lasting change.  Something more is needed.  Ellul speaks of the "changing of man in the presence of God's promise."  In this, he points to the power of the new that draws us forward into new ways of being and acting.



    Because God's promise is never an empty word but can accomplish what it envisages, it is a power that sustains us in the journey toward the promised goal.  So the key to the change process is being empowered to move forward.



    Because the Holy Spirit is the One called to our side, we can gain hope int eh midst of doubt, strength when we are weak, courage when we are fearful, and perseverance when we feel like giving up. 



ACTION



While change may have its genesis when we are dislocated or vulnerable, depend on a vision of the new and on God's power to sustain you on the way in order to progress.



I can't really add much to that.  I'll leave it alone in hopes that it encourages you as it did me today.




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