Rediscovering Katharina Schütz Zell

Unveiling Her Contributions to Christian Theology and Church

In the annals of Christian history, there are remarkable figures whose stories often remain untold due to societal biases and historical oversights. Katharina Schütz Zell, a trailblazing woman of the Protestant Reformation, stands as a testament to this reality. Despite her significant contributions to Christian theology and the church, her name has often been overshadowed by her male counterparts. In this blog post, we will shed light on Katharina Schütz Zell's remarkable journey and explore five of her most noteworthy contributions to Christian theology and the church.

1. Pioneering Advocacy for Women's Education:

Katharina Schütz Zell recognised the importance of education for women, advocating for their intellectual development during a time when formal education for women was scarce. She believed that educated women could make significant contributions to the church and society, challenging traditional gender roles and empowering future generations.

2. Writing and Publishing:

Schütz Zell was one of the first female authors of the Reformation era. She authored numerous influential writings, including letters, sermons, and theological treatises. Her works addressed theological issues, defended the Reformation, and provided guidance for Christian living. Through her writings, she actively participated in theological discussions and helped shape the religious landscape of her time.

3. Pastoral Care and Counselling:

Schütz Zell was known for her compassionate pastoral care and counselling skills. She ministered to individuals facing personal struggles, offering spiritual guidance and comfort. Her empathetic approach exemplified the transformative power of Christian love and provided solace to many seeking guidance during tumultuous times.

4. Advocacy for the Poor and Marginalized:

In an era marked by social and economic disparities, Schütz Zell championed the cause of the poor and marginalized. She spoke out against injustices and called for compassion and care for those in need. Her commitment to social justice and her efforts to alleviate poverty demonstrated the Christian ideals of compassion and equality.

5. Active Participation in the Reformation Movement:

Schütz Zell actively participated in the Reformation movement alongside her husband, Matthias Zell. Together, they were instrumental in introducing Protestant reforms in Strasbourg. They promoted the use of vernacular language in worship, advocated for the abolition of compulsory celibacy for priests, and emphasised the primacy of the Bible in Christian life. Their collaborative efforts contributed significantly to the spread of the Reformation in their region.

Katharina Schütz Zell's contributions to Christian theology and the church were profound, yet her name and legacy have often been obscured by historical biases. By acknowledging her remarkable journey and highlighting her accomplishments, we can challenge the gender-based omissions of history and appreciate her role as an influential theologian, writer, advocate for education, pastoral caregiver, and champion of the marginalized. Let us honour Katharina Schütz Zell and celebrate the richness and diversity of Christian history, recognizing the contributions of all who have helped shape our faith.

Simple as A. B. C. and Peh

In the rich tapestry of the Eastern Orthodox Church tradition, it is believed that King David, in his wisdom, utilised Psalm 119 to impart not only the knowledge of the Hebrew alphabet to his son Solomon but also to guide him in understanding the profound "alphabet of the spiritual life."

Within the section marked by the Hebrew letter 'Pe' or 'Peh', which symbolises the mouth, we find a truly captivating message that David sought to instil in his young son. The verses in question, Psalm 119:130-131, beautifully convey the essence of David's teaching:

"The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. I open my mouth and pant because I long for your commandments."

These words resonate with profound truth and carry a timeless message that reaches deep into the depths of our souls. They remind us of the transformative power held within the sacred scriptures and the profound impact they can have on our lives.

David recognised that the unfolding of God's words spoken from the divine mouth, as we delve into the scriptures with open hearts and minds, brings illumination and clarity. Through the divine wisdom contained within these words, understanding blossoms, enlightening even the simplest of minds.

The psalmist's declaration, "I open my mouth and pant," beautifully captures the essence of a soul thirsty for the commandments of the Lord. It symbolises an intense longing, a burning desire to drink deeply from the wellspring of divine guidance and instruction. It signifies an insatiable hunger for the wisdom and truth found within God's word.

In these verses, we find an invitation to immerse ourselves in the teachings of Scripture, to seek understanding, and to thirst after the commandments of the Lord. They encourage us to open our hearts and minds, ready to receive the light that emanates from God's word, illuminating our path and guiding us in the ways of righteousness.

As we reflect upon these profound words, taking time to quiet our mouths and hearts, let us recognise the immense value of God's Word in our lives. Let us approach the unfolding of God's words with anticipation and longing, knowing that through them, we can gain wisdom, understanding, and the transformative power to live according to God's divine purpose.

May the spirit of King David's teaching resonate within us, igniting a hunger for God's commandments and a thirst for the life-giving truths found within His word. As we open our mouths in awe and anticipation, may our souls be nourished, our minds enlightened, and our lives transformed by the radiant light of God's unfailing love.

Each day my mouth shapes at least 7000 words with so many wasted, and forgotten as soon as they are uttered. But we are reminded by the prophet Isaiah that God never wastes a word and each one accomplishes its purpose.

'For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.' - Isaiah 55:10-11

In the Depths of Struggle: Prophetic Words from Prison Cells

At Milton Keynes Christian Centre while studying the Apostle Paul's letter to the churches in Galatia for our teaching series, we were reminded of a challenging period in church history marked by both remarkable progress and significant resistance. The act of following Jesus appears to cultivate a remarkable beauty that flourishes amidst adversity.

It reminded me that some of the most profound and inspirational writings in Christian history were penned from prison cells. The strength of faith and the power of God's Word truly shine through these beautiful works.

Take, for instance, John Bunyan's timeless masterpiece, "The Pilgrim's Progress," which he wrote during his imprisonment in Bedford jail. This allegorical tale has captivated readers for centuries, providing deep spiritual insights and guidance for the journey of faith.

Then there are the poetic and Christ-filled letters written by Samuel Rutherford during his banishment in Aberdeen. Despite his physical separation from his congregation, Rutherford's words carried a profound sense of love, hope, and devotion to Jesus.

And let's not forget the apostle Paul, who penned the very words of holy Scripture while under house arrest in Rome. His letters, such as Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, continue to impact lives and shape our understanding of God's grace and truth.

The Apostle Paul, through a thought-provoking letter to his companions in Corinth, provides us with a profound insight into the challenges he encountered while serving Jesus.

I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have laboured and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. - 2 Cor 11:23-27

These writings are a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of believers even in the most challenging circumstances. They remind us that physical barriers or limitations do not limit God's presence and inspiration.

So, let us take a moment to appreciate and delve into these beautiful profound writings, crafted with love, wisdom, and profound spiritual insight from the confines of prison cells. May they inspire us to seek God's truth and grace in every season of life.

If you have any personal favourites or recommendations of authors who have inspired and encouraged you in difficult times, please share them in the comments below. Let's encourage one another in our spiritual journeys through the written words of these saints!

Sabbath - Think delight not don’t

The Lord’s Day was a big thing as I grew up in church in North East Scotland. It was the day we did nothing except go to church. We didn’t:

• Watch TV
• go shopping (even if you could find one open)
• go out to play
• play golf (in fact the golf course was closed even to non Christian’s )
• do housework 
• put our washing out
• go to work (the trawlers didn’t leave the harbour till the ‘back o Sunday’ - a second past midnight.

Sunday equalled ‘don’t’ when it should have meant delight!

Check out this quote from Dan Allender from his book Sabbath.

The Sabbath is an invitation to enter delight. The Sabbath, when experienced as God intended, is the best day of our lives. Without question or thought, it is the best day of the week. It is the day we anticipate on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday—and the day we remember on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday. Sabbath is the holy time where we feast, play, dance, have sex, sing, pray, laugh, tell stories, read, paint, walk, and watch creation in its fullness. Few people are willing to enter the Sabbath and sanctify it, to make it holy, because a full day of delight and joy is more than most people can bear in a lifetime, let alone a week.

The Secret Sauce of Private Purity

In March 2001 at the age of 38, I left the business world and transitioned into a role on a church staff team. I had always been very active in church life but now I was fully immersed in the church world and, to my initial surprise, found myself being swept along by a tsunami of teaching on leadership. Looking back now the shift had started years before with good heathy teaching on the character of those entrusted with caring for the flock of God, helping believers take their next step in their Christian journey and prophetically calling people to follow them in the cause of Christ as 'they followed Jesus'.

As so often happens in the church what starts as a healthy challenge or correction can finish with a wild and unhealthy pendulum swing. Book after book and conference after conference focused on developing yourself as a leader, finding leaders, appointing leaders, and developing leaders. Talk of discipleship was replaced by an emphasis on leadership development and leadership levels when scripture to my knowledge is silent on the latter but is crystal clear in its call to 'make disciples.

Of course, I must be careful not to 'throw the baby out with the bath water' and pursue yet another dangerous swing. However, a short story from Pastor Rick Warren during a chat with Carey Nieuholf really brought home to me the crushing failures of our leadership teaching. 

One of the Pastors, from whom I have learned much, but has featured large in creating the leadership culture wave is Bill Hybels formally of Willow Creek Church and Willow Creek Leadership Summit. The great sadness is that all his teaching on leadership was holed beneath the waterline because his public platform life was not flowing in integrity with his private backstage life. Despite teaching others about leadership for decades he created a leadership culture that was abusive and not life-giving.

In the middle of a conversation with Carey about pastors protecting themselves from moral failure, Rick recalls a conversation with Bill Hybels:

'I remember telling this to Bill Hybels back in the eighties. I warned him. I said, "Bill, I think you're flirting with fire the way you travel with female staff and the way you don't hold up lines." And I gave him my Saddleback Ten Commandments. His response to me was "Rick, you're going overboard." That's what he told me. And I looked at him in the eye and I said, "Bill, I'd rather go overboard than be thrown overboard." And he was thrown overboard.'

I also remember hearing Rick say: ‘In ministry, private purity is the source of public power.’

This is true for all of us, whether we are operating in the family, the workplace, the community or the church. If we want to have a powerful impact for Christ in the world, we need to be people of purity.

Lord help me to continue to walk close and consistently with you, allowing you to do the work you need to do in my life that only you can do, enabling me to serve you faithfully with the humble confidence that comes from a heart overwhelmed by you.

Lord why is this?

John Newton wrote:

I asked the Lord that I might grow

In faith, and love, and every grace;

Might more of His salvation know, 

And seek, more earnestly, His face.

’Twas He who taught me thus to pray, 

And He, I trust, has answered prayer.

But it has been in such a way,

As almost drove me to despair.

I hoped that in some favoured hour, 

At once He’d answer my request;

And by His love’s constraining pow’r, 

Subdue my sins, and give me rest.

Instead of this, He made me feel 

The hidden evils of my heart; 

And let the angry pow’rs of hell

Assault my soul in every part.

Yea more, with His own hand

He seemed intent to aggravate my woe;

Crossed all the fair designs I schemed, 

Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.

Lord, why is this?’ I trembling cried,

‘Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?’

‘’Tis in this way,’ the Lord replied,

‘I answer prayer for grace and faith.’

‘These inward trials I employ,

From self, and pride, to set thee free;

And break thy schemes of earthly joy, 

That thou may’st find thy all in Me.’

50 years and counting

Today my friend and hero Roger Blackmore celebrates 50 years in ministry. Whilst he has been the person on the platform most of the time it is also as much a celebration of his wife Gill who has been there at every step of the 50-year journey. Together they have pastored churches in England, Scotland and of course Long Island, NY.

Roger & Gill have impacted countless lives over 5 decades and I am honoured and thankful to count myself in that number. I guess my story is replicated a myriad of times in many lives. Accepted, valued, encouraged, challenged, mentored and loved are just a few of the adjectives to describe time with Roger & Gill.

I am an avid reader and I am sad to say too many of the books on my shelves are written by Christian leaders who have crashed and burned along the way and many struggling to stand back up. So, in an age when pastors and Christian leaders seem to have a difficult job finishing well 50 years is a milestone worth celebrating.

Although young I was still aware of the tensions encountered when they were leading our church in Cairnbulg & Inverallochy. Transitioning a church is not the easiest thing to do. But walking into Genesis Church you can tell an instant that this church one, reflects Jesus but also the couple who planted it, Roger & Gill Blackmore.

It is a place that is real, honest, fun, gracious, accepting, loving and of course, are passionate about reaching the people who do not know Jesus yet!

 They and Genesis are the real deal.

Congratulations on 50 years, whats next?

A road map to a healthy church culture

One of my favourite authors Scot McKnight has a new book being published later this year that explores creating a "goodness culture" in our church families.

Our first instinct may be to think well that automatically exists in a local church! Tragically, in recent years, Christians have gotten used to revelations of abuses of many kinds in our most respected churches--from Willow Creek to Mars Hill. We are not immune to this in the UK. In the last couple of weeks, we have read of a well-know leader announce his resignation with trustees citing concerns around an unhealthy church culture and specifically a culture that led to racism.

I am sure that no Jesus follower who hears the call of God and sets off to dedicate their life to serve God by planting or leading a church, expects to arrive at a place where they have to resign and suffer the consequences.

However, it seems to be happening with too much regularity at this moment in time. Our behaviours, beliefs and practices contribute so much to the culture we create. Let's take a time out to ensure we are taking steps towards health rather than a disaster.

Scot gives lists 7 characteristics he has noted in unhealthy church culture and 7 that help create a healthy culture.

(Below are my paraphrase of what I heard on a webinar and not exactly what was said)

Characteristics of a toxic culture

1. Narcissism is allowed.
2. Fear is common.
3. Care for the institution can trump the care of people.
4. False narratives are formed (e.g. to protect the institution)
5. There is a large emphasis on loyalty.
6. Celebrities and hero leaders are common.
7. A greater emphasis on leadership than pastoring.

Characteristics of a healthy culture

1. A high degree of empathy for others.
2. Shaped by grace and nurtures grace.
3. People are put first.
4. The truth is told even when it's hard. (no spin)
5. Justice is nurtured (do the right thing even when it hurts)
6. A culture of service is built (particularly in leadership)
7. Christlikeness is developed and valued (Christoformity)

An extract from Scot's book - A Church called Tov

Toxic, flesh- driven cultures breed a lust for power, success,

celebrity, control through fear, an emphasis on authority, and

demands for loyalty. These values may not be explicitly stated,

or even outwardly recognized, but as they fester in the heart of a leader, they can’t help but bear bitter fruit, damaging the culture of the church and seeking to destroy anyone who gets in the way.

A Spirit- formed, Christlike culture, on the other hand, nurtures truth, offers healing for the wounded, seeks opportunities to

show redemptive grace and love, focuses on serving others (rather than on being served) and looks for ways to establish justice in the daily paths of life. A Christlike church culture always has its eyes on people because the mission of the church is all about God’s redemptive love for people.

The Holy Spirit at work in Acts 4

Dr Luke's history of the birth and growth of the early church is named "The Acts of the Apostles" may well be better titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit. As like us those early followers of Jesus were totally reliant on the Holy Spirit in everything they did.

The Holy Spirit at work in Acts 4

• When we proclaim Jesus the Holy Spirit does the rest v4
• The Holy Spirit arranges incredible opportunities for us to tell others about Jesus. v5-6
• When telling others about Jesus it's a good thing to be "filled with the Holy Spirit". v8
• The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say when telling others about Jesus. v8-12
• The Holy Spirit gives us boldness. v13
• The Holy Spirit specialises in using unlikely people. v13
• The Holy Spirit silences even the most sceptical. v14
• The Holy Spirit at work is a powerful sign to unbelievers. v16
• The Holy Spirit compels us to tell others about Jesus. v20
• The Holy Spirit can work a miracle in an instant even if we have been waiting 40 years. v22
• It was the Holy Spirit speaking through David that wrote the Psalms. v25
• Empowered by the Holy Spirit David, prophecied about the victory of Jesus. v25-26
• The Holy Spirit heals and performs "signs & wonders".
• The work of the Holy Spirit can literally share the ground under your feet. v31
• An outcome of being filled with the Holy Spirit is boldly telling others about Jesus. v31
• The Holy Spirit gives the power to share your own "Jesus" story. v33
• The Holy Spirit gives us the favour of God. v33
• The Holy Spirit at work in us destroys selfishness and inspires incredible generosity. v34-37

The Holy Spirit at Work - Acts 3

Dr Luke's history of the birth and growth of the early church is named "The Acts of the Apostles" may well be better titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit. As like us those early followers of Jesus were totally reliant on the Holy Spirit in everything they did.

Acts 3

• The Holy Spirit gives us gifts to give away v6
• The Holy Spirit can instantly make limbs that have never been used strong enough to jump v7
• The Holy Spirit can take a lifetime of hurt into pure joy v8
• The Holy Spirit in action fills even those who are not followers of Jesus with "wonder and amazement". v9
• The Holy Spirit at work often draws a crowd v11
• When seeing the Holy Spirit work through your life often people can reach the wrong conclusion and think you have superpowers. v12
• The Holy Spirit gives us the words to say to the crowd that points back to Jesus. v13 - 16
• The Holy Spirit empowered the Old Testament prophets to talk about the coming of Jesus. v21

The Holy Spirit at Work - Acts 2

Dr Luke's history of the birth and growth of the early church is named "The Acts of the Apostles" may well be better titled the Acts of the Holy Spirit. As like us those early followers of Jesus were totally reliant on the Holy Spirit in everything they did.

Acts 2

• The presence of the Holy Spirit can sound like "mighty rushing wind" v2
• The presence of the Holy Spirit may be seen on occasions. This time as fire. v3
• Experiencing the Holy Spirit is often likened to being "filled". The greek word for filled can also be translated "to be under full influence". v4
• The Holy Spirit can give someone the ability to speak a language they have never learned. v4
• The Holy Spirit draws people to God v6
• One of the reasons the Holy Spirit gives the supernatural ability to speak in another language is that people who speak that language can here the Gospel. v6
• The Holy Spirit tells people about "the mighty works of God". v11
• Being filled with the Holy Spirit can be so overwhelming it can look like a person is drunk! v13
• The Holy Spirit was promised in the Old Testament. On this occasion, the prophet Joel is quoted by Peter. v16
• The Holy Spirit is for every believer not a select few. v17
• A sign of the Holy Spirit is prophesy v17
• A sign of the Holy Spirit is visions v17
• A sign of the Holy Spirit is dreams v17
• The Holy Spirit fills both male and female v18
• The Holy Spirit brings conviction of sin. v37
• Receiving the Holy Spirit is an integral part of salvation. v38
• The Holy Spirit is for every believer from the day of Pentecost onwards. v39
• The work of the Holy Spirit brings "awe" v43
• Signs of the Holy Spirit are "many wonders and signs" v43

Can you add any more?

Acts 3 tomorrow

The Holy Spirit at work - Acts 1

We launched a brand new teaching series at MKCC this past Sunday about the Holy Spirit. I am reminded of how John Phillips, my favourite lecturer at college, introduced his series of lectures on the book of the Acts of the Apostles. He suggested that a better name for the book would be "The Acts of the Holy Spirit" and set us a task of listing all the times we see the Holy Spirit at work in these chapters. 

So, I thought to repeat that exercises again 38 years later would remind me of the Holy Spirit's vital work in the early church.

So here is Acts 1

• Jesus was directed by the Holy Spirit in choosing the Apostles v 2
• Jesus was guided by the Holy Spirit in His teaching of the Apostles v 2
• The Holy Spirit was promised by God the Father and Jesus v 4
• Experiencing the Holy Spirit is described as baptism. The Greek word "baptizo" to immerse, cleanse or purify. v 5
• The Holy Spirit is guided by God Father’s v 7
• The Holy Spirit brings us power v 8
• The Holy Spirit comes to individuals v 8
• The main purpose of the Holy Spirit is to empower us to tell others about Jesus. v8
• The Apostles recognised that the Holy Spirit was at work in writing scripture v 15
• Was the Holy Spirit at work in how the Apostles chose a replacement for Judas Iscariot v 26

Can you add any?

More to come

A Fellowship of differents

The first European church began as a fellowship of differents. A wealthy fashionista named Lydia, an abused slave girl and an ex-praetorian guard, and his family, living out his retirement as a jailor in this outlying Roman colony. It would seem that Holy Spirit pulled together, as the founding church members in Philippi, a very diverse group of people.

Scot McKnight describes in his book "A fellowship of Differents" a typical house church in Rome.

Understand that these early Christians did not meet in churches and sit apart from one another in pews, and then when the music ended, get in their chariots and go home. No, their churches were small, and they met in homes or house churches. A recent study by a British scholar has concluded that if the Apostle Paul's house churches we composed of about thirty people, this would have been their approximate make-up:

• A craft worker in whose home they meet, along with his wife, children, a couple of male slaves, a female domestic slave, and a dependent relative.
• Some tenant, with families and slaves and dependents, also living in the same home in rented rooms.
• Some family members of a householder who himself does not participate in the house church.
• A  couple of slaves whose owners do not attend.
• Some freed slaves who do not participate in the church.
• A couple of homeless people.
• A few migrant workers renting small rooms in the home.

Add to this mix some Jewish folks and perhaps an enslaved prostitute and we see how many "different tastes" were in a typical house church in Rome.

Scot McKnight, A fellowship of differents, Ch 2

But Paul made it clear how these desperately different people would relate to each other. They were ONE. Not one because they managed to work out all their differences. But one IN Christ Jesus. 

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. - Galatians 3:28

Or as it is put in a literal translation of the Greek;

there is not here Jew or Greek, there is not here servant nor freeman, there is not here male and female, for all ye are one in Christ Jesus.

And as the Galatian believers were gathered together, not in rows facing the front, they're in someone's dining room and the centre of their activity really is the fellowship meal or the communal meal, Paul's letter was read aloud to them. Maybe there was a dramatic effect placed on the word HERE. Here at this table, we are all one because of Jesus. 

Make me Lord a dreamer for your Kingdom

I should be in bed but a Facebook post has sent me down a path of nostalgia and blessing. I haven't heard this song in decades but can remember vividly the first time I heard it. A young kid going through Bible College with huge dreams for God and his kingdom.

As Chris Bowater sang these amazing lyrics I fell to my knees and as is usual with me shed a few tears as I begged God to do the impossible through me. Even driving back from Lincoln that evening to Mattersey Hall speech eluded me.

Now at the age of 57, I look back amazed at the journey God has taken me on. My dreams back then were to return home to North East Scotland and plant churches in the towns and villages with my friend Roger but God had other plans. (but it would have been cool to do)

England, not Scotland would become home for me and my family and God gave me the honour of serving a local church as a volunteer, an Elder, a teacher and the last 20 years as one of the Pastors. And, not just once, Mark, my leader and friend, have glanced at each other with a look that needed no words but each of us understood, that we can't quite believe that God would use us in his plans.

But that's enough looking back it is time to pray again....

Make me Lord a dreamer for Your kingdom
Plant in my heart heavenly desires
Grant faith that can say ‘Impossibilities shall be ‘
And vision lest a world should Perish not knowing Thee

Make me, Lord, a dreamer for your kingdom,
I would aspire to greater goals in God.
So cause faith to rise, to motivate each word and deed,
a faith that’s well convinced that Jesus meets every need.

Make me, Lord, a dreamer for your kingdom,
dreams that will change a world that‘s lost its way.
May dreams that first found their birth in your omnipotence
come alive in me, becoming reality.

Thanks, Chris

The contradiction of courage

Whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” - Jesus (Matthew 16:25)

“Courage is almost a contradiction in terms, it means a strong desire to live taking the form of a readiness to die. . . . This paradox is the whole principle of courage; even of quite earthly or quite brutal courage. . . . A soldier surrounded by enemies, if he is to cut his way out, needs to combine a strong desire for living with a strange carelessness about dying. He must not merely cling to life, for then he will be a coward, and will not escape. He must not merely wait for death, for then he will be a suicide, and will not escape. He must seek his life in a spirit of furious indifference to it; he must desire life like water and yet drink death like wine.

G.K. Chesterton
(Orthodoxy, p89)

Can sickness be better than health?

The deepest, most precious, and most abiding spiritual lessons, which God has been pleased to teach me were learned in consequence of enduring my various experiences of sickness. . . . I feel it would have been nothing short of a calamity to have missed the physical suffering through which I have passed. . . . I am positive that I have sometimes met with God’s refusal to heal when I have been most in fellowship with him.

Hudson Taylor

If it’s good enough for one of the greatest Christian Missionaries 

Loving our enemies?

The Spirit is the One who can transform us from people who love only the people we like and the people who are like us, into people who love the people we don’t like, the people who are different from us, and yes, even our enemies. - Scot McKnight (Open to the Spirit)

Maybe it’s because of my Pentecostal background but mention the Holy Spirit and the first thing that pops into mind or is often mentioned by others is miracles, healing, speaking in tongues. Basically the 9 “gifts of the Spirit” given as examples by the Apostle Paul to the church in Corinth. (Yes for me Pentecostal friends I said examples as comparing this with other similar list I don’t think Paul’s intention was to create a definitive finite list for the gifts of an infinite God)

Now I prefer to think firstly about the Holy Spirits work in my salvation journey which is beyond doubt the ultimate miracle!

But I also think of Jesus command for us to love our enemies! The first virtue of the Holy Spirit is Love and the Spirit grows divine Love in our lives. Even love for our enemies. That could be the second biggest miracle of the Holy Spirit? Just a thought.

Not so fond of transformation a prayer

Praying for transformation that I’m not sure I want. By John Levison 

Holy Spirit, 

I’m not so fond of transformation. 

I’m not so hungry for adaptation.

I’m not so keen on modification. 

“Leave things as they are.” 

That’s my earnest prayer. 

But how can I ask you for this? 

And how could you possibly answer this prayer?

What could I be thinking? 

How little could I know you? 

You’re torrential. 

We’re sopping, sodden, soaked. 

Caught in the downpour of your craving 

to transform us from inside out 

and also from outside in. 

Amen

Have we tamed the lion?

The people who hanged Christ never, to do them justice, accused Him of being a bore—on the contrary; they thought Him too dynamic to be safe. It has been left for later generations to muffle up that shattering personality and surround Him with an atmosphere of tedium. We have very efficiently pared the claws of the Lion of Judah, certified Him “meek and mild,” and recommended Him as a fitting household pet for pale curates and pious old ladies.

Dorothy Sayers

Open to the Spirit......

Being open to the Spirit has nothing to do with struggling to meet a standard. Rather, to be open is an inside-out and upside-down approach. To be open means God’s grace is at work in us through the Spirit. Openness is not a game of strategy and intense planning, like chess. Rather, being open is a dance in which we listen to the beat of the Spirit and respond to the Spirit’s promptings. Every time we are open to the Spirit’s steps, the Spirit takes us to Jesus, the Living Word.

Scot McKnight

Open to the Spirit

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