All Praise – July 17
A Year with Aslan from Voyage of the Dawn Treader
As Christians we must remember the empty tomb, but also where we’re headed..& why.
As Caspian is getting ready to lead the crew on the search for the 7 friends of his father who never returned, Reepicheep has a different goal.
Why should we not come to the very eastern end of the world? I expect to find Aslan’s own country. Lucy asks if it’s even the kind of country you could sail to, & Reep says I don’t know, but the spell has been on me all my life.
The same may be true of your journey. There may be others on the boat who’s journey is a lot different than yours .. but the goal, the destination, is the same.
& Jesus is the Lord of us all.
Ransomed Heart Devotion
Aren’t you ready for victory? In the Sacred Romance, John Eldredge reminds us of this great scripture in Isiah 14, where it says…
Those who see you [talking about Satan], ponder your fate: Is this the man who shook the earth & made kingdoms tremble?
In other words, “You’re the one we’ve been scared of all this time?”
Eldredge goes on to say that time is not now, but will come someday. In the meantime, are adversary will continue to use arrows, & try to get us to doubt our Prince.
Quotes
Desert Wisdom
In the beginning there is struggle & a lot of work for those who come near to God. But after that there is indescribable joy. It’s just like building a fire: at first it’s smoky & your eyes water, but later you get the desired result.
Philip Yancey ~ What’s So Amazing About Grace?
The image Jesus used to describe the church’s destiny – “the gates of hell will not prevail against it” – is a metaphor of offense, not defense. Christians are storming the gates, & they will prevail. No matter how it looks at any point in history, the gates guarding the powers of evil will not withstand an assault by grace.
Henry Nouwen ~ Discernment
Just as it is impossible to see your face in troubled water, so also the soul, unless it is clear of alien thoughts, is not able to pray to God in contemplation.
Brennan Manning ~ The Ragamuffin Gospel
The dawn of trust requires letting go of our craving spiritual consolations. Tangible reassurances cannot create trust, sustain it, or guarantee any certainty of its presence.
Jay Milbrandt ~ go + do
Definition is the death of discovery. Exploration gives us a reason to dream. The less I know, the more thrilling the ride.
Scriptures