Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Reflection - Nurturing The Inner Life - The Gift Of Tears

Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 22, "The Gift Of Tears", Page 121.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012


 Christians of earlier generations may have found some modern worship services strange.
PHOTO: Christians of earlier generations may have found some modern worship services strange. One oddity to them would have been the absence of the prayer of confession, which they would have considered an essential part of the service. Could it be that it is no longer fashionable to talk about sin, human depravity, and our need for repentance in God's presence? Or perhaps well-intentioned but inadequately trained worship leaders lack an understanding of the biblical and liturgical underpinnings of worship.

Jesus begun His public ministry with a clear and profoundly simple message: "Repent and believe" (Mark 1:15). The sermon that Peter preached when the church was constituted at Pentecost can be summarised as "repent and be baptised" (Acts 2:38). We must not fail to notice the emphasis that both our Lord and His apostles placed on repentance. Repentance was central to their message.

Some may think that the message of Jesus and Peter were their first sermons, and therefore intended mainly for those who needed to be envangelised and converted. But is that true? Is repentance only required of those who are about to become Christians? What about long-standing Christians? Do they ever graduate from the need to repent? On the contrary: Scripture tells us that repentance is required all our lives. Our experience supports this.

Peter, writing to Christians, frequently emphasised the importance of repentance. He writes: "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind" (1 Peter 2:1). As long as one has not gotten rid of these sins completely, he continues to be in need of repentance. In addition, Peter points out that some in the church had "left the straight way" and "never stop sinning", leading others astray in their folly. Their condition was worse than it was before they became Christians (2 Peter 2:14-22). Explaining why Christ had yet to return, Peter declares that the Lord was patient with them, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).

It is clear that repentance is an essential part of our Christian lives. We enter the Christian life through repentance and grow and mature in it through repentance (or, as Eastern Orthodox writer Frederica Mathewes-Green put it in The Illumined Heart, repentance is both the door and path of the Christian life). [1a]. Repentance must therefore be taken seriously. The early Christian writer Tertullian (155-225), in his On Repentance, argues that Christians must address post-batismal sin with great severity. In his day, the process of repentance, restoration, and reconciliation was a very long one. [2]

Need I say more? It is vital that services include a time for worshippers to confess their sins to God, to repent, and experience God's forgiveness. This time of confession would ideally be personal to each worshipper, and I make this point in two parts.

First, even in congregations which include a corporate prayer of confession, the text used is often too general and impersonal. Worshippers tend to read the prayer without their personal sins in mind and thus without a broken and contrite (remorseful) heart. There is, in such a situation, no personal exchange between a sinful soul and a holy God. This could be rectified in part by a biblically informed and Spirit-led worship leader (ideally the pastor), who would help worshippers to pray the corporate confession with understanding and heartfelt repentance.

Second, repentance must be understood in the context of relationship. It is true that sin is transgression, or the breaking of the moral law. When we realise that we have transgressed the moral law, we often feel guilty. But our understanding of sin and repentance must go deeper than our own guilt. We need to realise that when we sin, we break not only the law, but also the lawgiver's heart. When we realise that we have broken our heavenly Father's heart, our experience of repentance will change profoundly.

A common thread running through Scripture is the God whose heart is broken by human sin, or, as the German Reformed theologian Jurgen Moltmann put it, "the Crucified God". We read in Scripture that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each grieved by human sin (Genesis 6:6; Mark 3:5; Ephesians 4:30). Whenever we understand this, we would take lightly neither sin nor our need for repentance. Rather, we would also experience godly sorrow for breaking God's heart. When I was a youth, I was taught that every time we sinned, it was like crucifying Jesus afresh. While we know that Jesus died only once, perhaps there was pastoral value in that sentiment - insofar as it painted sin and repentance in such personal terms.

When repentance is experienced in the context of our relationship with God, there is often the outpouring of tears (or, as Martin Luther described it, "heartwater"). [3] It is a sign that God is dealing with the spiritual abscesses deeply embedded in our soul. Healing, relief, and spiritual growth follow. In the early church, tears were seen as a spiritual gift and an important part of the Christian life. Tears were closely connected to deep repentance, which, according to Tertullian, was the work of God in our lives. Such repentance tears are born of our relationship with God.

Repentance leads us to recognise God's deep pain caused by our sin. Our recognition of God's deep sorrow leads to deep sorrow in our own heart. When the divine pain of a holy and loving God meets the pain of a repentant human heart, a deep transformation is brought about. In this way our repentance becomes fertile soil for growth of the soul. When we repent, we discover the depths of God's grace and the beauty of His love.

May each Lenten season, therefore, be a season for us to rediscover repentance. Sin is not a harmless toy but a deadly weapon in our hands. When we abuse the freedom and power that the Sovereign God gave is in love, we can terribly hurt Him (just think of the cross). For this reason we must come to hate sin: because it hurts God. And it destroys us too. If only we all could see how dangerously sick we are with sin.
 

Christians of earlier generations may have found some modern worship services strange. One oddity to them would have been the absence of the prayer of confession, which they would have considered an essential part of the service. Could it be that it is no longer fashionable to talk about sin, human depravity, and our need for repentance in God's presence? Or perhaps well-intentioned but inadequately trained worship leaders lack an understanding of the biblical and liturgical underpinnings of worship.


 Christians of earlier generations may have found some modern worship services strange.
PHOTO: Christians of earlier generations may have found some modern worship services strange. One oddity to them would have been the absence of the prayer of confession, which they would have considered an essential part of the service. Could it be that it is no longer fashionable to talk about sin, human depravity, and our need for repentance in God's presence? Or perhaps well-intentioned but inadequately trained worship leaders lack an understanding of the biblical and liturgical underpinnings of worship.
Picture posted by Daniel Rieke on 17 September 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kUpgZJIgHH0nYhu2_WHfEJ04TiHa5uVQrljbpgxz_rYK22vrJMqFMwNxvJEAkPG9BqGwI1YpqWjb1ynQpvknyAg5M6wqJGlAMC38wGa1vGt5hYLdYUUyAfHmXHLbdYuJ_Z9QqY0yzanErnR0N9Lela_7RDjk15fJMn0ceY0q7yrpopc6fjP5M9_Rr_E/s1024/image-asset_1.jpeg
https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/53153b7ee4b064db76a3217f/1432328050237-K0DMLMRRX9IRPQ7RCMHT/image-asset.jpeg?format=2500w
http://www.hopechurchhouston.org/blog/2015/5/22/who-are-we-singing-to-on-sunday


Jesus begun His public ministry with a clear and profoundly simple message: "Repent and believe" (Mark 1:15). The sermon that Peter preached when the church was constituted at Pentecost can be summarised as "repent and be baptised" (Acts 2:38). We must not fail to notice the emphasis that both our Lord and His apostles placed on repentance. Repentance was central to their message.

Some may think that the message of Jesus and Peter were their first sermons, and therefore intended mainly for those who needed to be envangelised and converted. But is that true? Is repentance only required of those who are about to become Christians? What about long-standing Christians? Do they ever graduate from the need to repent? On the contrary: Scripture tells us that repentance is required all our lives. Our experience supports this.


 Jesus begun His public ministry with a clear and profoundly simple message: 'Repent and believe' (Mark 1:15).
PHOTO: Jesus begun His public ministry with a clear and profoundly simple message: "Repent and believe" (Mark 1:15). The sermon that Peter preached when the church was constituted at Pentecost can be summarised as "repent and be baptised" (Acts 2:38). We must not fail to notice the emphasis that both our Lord and His apostles placed on repentance. Repentance was central to their message.
Picture posted by Cinderella Tran
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMDrPLpN9gCz5K3HdHjOCbKCumlvQXcJPlV9PTeRdqOUW0n0jpvkuHbXDRKt_xW1WBtzX38kahTHm282S_PS0OjTNrnZGKy2mC7pZRs9eub0fl5idSehKugFKoF5hXFaj_YODXukJbECG9djCwAA9_-bx6pS291IVq6O9wUYEzfy4wIS9bcleeHfM5JD4/s1104/63b261167f638bbaca171a17cb655471_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/63/b2/61/63b261167f638bbaca171a17cb655471.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/28710516368796394/


Peter, writing to Christians, frequently emphasised the importance of repentance. He writes: "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind" (1 Peter 2:1). As long as one has not gotten rid of these sins completely, he continues to be in need of repentance. In addition, Peter points out that some in the church had "left the straight way" and "never stop sinning", leading others astray in their folly. Their condition was worse than it was before they became Christians (2 Peter 2:14-22). Explaining why Christ had yet to return, Peter declares that the Lord was patient with them, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).


 Peter, writing to Christians, frequently emphasised the importance of repentance.
PHOTO: Peter, writing to Christians, frequently emphasised the importance of repentance. He writes: "Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind" (1 Peter 2:1). As long as one has not gotten rid of these sins completely, he continues to be in need of repentance. In addition, Peter points out that some in the church had "left the straight way" and "never stop sinning", leading others astray in their folly. Their condition was worse than it was before they became Christians (2 Peter 2:14-22). Explaining why Christ had yet to return, Peter declares that the Lord was patient with them, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghx7gH_b4FSp_Ptg4Ay7ZtOAEmXI5Yvgh0w9Vod78qpks2pEotTRdXsSRcN3qe1KdAw3fCShIe5_9I5wHT_r-LKxGzwlQL1Qziax2gIDuYSEy28-FCYYK1HMYE3vM8XACS32-x03KLj4J0UjwUrPE-qGImcki26_MHmvjNGs4BSsvO-2uIejCoy36cW8s/s1432/4fe546b79e3e74634860ab1c9d5480eb-944x1432.jpg
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4f/e5/46/4fe546b79e3e74634860ab1c9d5480eb.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/444519425706671829/


It is clear that repentance is an essential part of our Christian lives. We enter the Christian life through repentance and grow and mature in it through repentance (or, as Eastern Orthodox writer Frederica Mathewes-Green put it in The Illumined Heart, repentance is both the door and path of the Christian life). [1a]. Repentance must therefore be taken seriously. The early Christian writer Tertullian (155-225), in his On Repentance, argues that Christians must address post-batismal sin with great severity. In his day, the process of repentance, restoration, and reconciliation was a very long one. [2]

Need I say more? It is vital that services include a time for worshippers to confess their sins to God, to repent, and experience God's forgiveness. This time of confession would ideally be personal to each worshipper, and I make this point in two parts.


 It is clear that repentance is an essential part of our Christian lives.
PHOTO: It is clear that repentance is an essential part of our Christian lives. We enter the Christian life through repentance and grow and mature in it through repentance (or, as Eastern Orthodox writer Frederica Mathewes-Green put it in The Illumined Heart, repentance is both the door and path of the Christian life). [1a]. Repentance must therefore be taken seriously. The early Christian writer Tertullian (155-225), in his On Repentance, argues that Christians must address post-batismal sin with great severity. In his day, the process of repentance, restoration, and reconciliation was a very long one. [2]
Picture posted by Girls perfect Dp on Wednesday, 18 April 2018 at 07:14 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsjQgIsubUesYO1QkGci3fzgH8zA-OLngMRTUKppwuw2bgreT6CULF04K0cESDQODsUMXQH6KTmTUkmQEudoHZg5K_KO9tVKC7tEuFmOzv1isb870FfUgxjR1_ShJX38LBU12psjlo-DCcDn56eeesc_GWv5Vbvg99AsScUQOLE8enFSoXfKuGD4-MqZM/s540/30762674_194917104633879_7988795090757746688_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin14-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/30762674_194917104633879_7988795090757746688_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=8lV636_BFh4Q7kNvgHqZNZ7&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin14-2.fna&oh=00_AYAABywbWUdhdFW07cSsAI4dZfriilfgsfaoCvccNpDcow&oe=6685376B
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=194917101300546&set=pb.100078838242866.-2207520000


First, even in congregations which include a corporate prayer of confession, the text used is often too general and impersonal. Worshippers tend to read the prayer without their personal sins in mind and thus without a broken and contrite (remorseful) heart. There is, in such a situation, no personal exchange between a sinful soul and a holy God. This could be rectified in part by a biblically informed and Spirit-led worship leader (ideally the pastor), who would help worshippers to pray the corporate confession with understanding and heartfelt repentance.
 

 First, even in congregations which include a corporate prayer of confession, the text used is often too general and impersonal.
PHOTO: First, even in congregations which include a corporate prayer of confession, the text used is often too general and impersonal. Worshippers tend to read the prayer without their personal sins in mind and thus without a broken and contrite (remorseful) heart. There is, in such a situation, no personal exchange between a sinful soul and a holy God. This could be rectified in part by a biblically informed and Spirit-led worship leader (ideally the pastor), who would help worshippers to pray the corporate confession with understanding and heartfelt repentance.
Picture posted by BoYs AnD GirLs StylisH Dps Hub on Thursday, 19 August 2021 at 09:21 pm
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNGvnulWJceUa7rHJbEm20BMBEkp8mAgGkdhd0cLW0mc3PBdamhjnO44oh8BaPcV0ooG1fhMQL9OXQz3EFwR40-feW3fD8LFOXOOVX-AYmWevNYddlrhW-KiAJK82NwMPgZBId9iahw6G4UDZvSo_1XI4aMngfxItAJWfDO7m_6C8fbSRP1G0tTGGI3s/s736/237685807_374043010904639_8807306609851545795_n.jpg
https://scontent.fsin14-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/237685807_374043010904639_8807306609851545795_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=5f2048&_nc_ohc=J2G-D_zxiI8Q7kNvgFoEilP&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin14-2.fna&oh=00_AYD9UP2bR_EIER7MOjVPPOErSOyqe-vL2jbRPYJj-1xofQ&oe=66638A70
https://www.facebook.com/DpsXlM/photos/a.109007484074861/374043000904640/?type=3


Second, repentance must be understood in the context of relationship. It is true that sin is transgression, or the breaking of the moral law. When we realise that we have transgressed the moral law, we often feel guilty. But our understanding of sin and repentance must go deeper than our own guilt. We need to realise that when we sin, we break not only the law, but also the lawgiver's heart. When we realise that we have broken our heavenly Father's heart, our experience of repentance will change profoundly.


 Second, repentance must be understood in the context of relationship.
PHOTO: Second, repentance must be understood in the context of relationship. It is true that sin is transgression, or the breaking of the moral law. When we realise that we have transgressed the moral law, we often feel guilty. But our understanding of sin and repentance must go deeper than our own guilt. We need to realise that when we sin, we break not only the law, but also the lawgiver's heart. When we realise that we have broken our heavenly Father's heart, our experience of repentance will change profoundly.
Picture posted by Janie Jordan, Linkedin on 20 May 2019
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCV9qoOYAyV8lxUCM7IToZwd-xQNX6WFEt3m7oYVmX-BPhFXHlJJSbupJ-x-DKobZ5jiKmLVmAiahKnM0ytIhIuVwE5p1Y_1erd7z1aQS6LPea9Y4tbzUdyqEdg78d3eQ_jb0wypEMljJ9MQ8aC4c7W24ZgNTsIbxAjN-o5i2DjgFaarT64eyYbs-q8DE/s720/1558340718331_1.png
https://media.licdn.com/dms/image/C5112AQHX_f9HcEzY2A/article-cover_image-shrink_720_1280/0/1558340718331?e=2147483647&v=beta&t=2VhmToi13_9LYSVrB6h2MIoQDppxVgIAAO3ELsaNJAU
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/prime-minister-mother-nature-weeping-we-ache-inspiring-janie-jordan


A common thread running through Scripture is the God whose heart is broken by human sin, or, as the German Reformed theologian Jurgen Moltmann put it, "the Crucified God". We read in Scripture that Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are each grieved by human sin (Genesis 6:6; Mark 3:5; Ephesians 4:30). Whenever we understand this, we would take lightly neither sin nor our need for repentance. Rather, we would also experience godly sorrow for breaking God's heart. When I was a youth, I was taught that every time we sinned, it was like crucifying Jesus afresh. While we know that Jesus died only once, perhaps there was pastoral value in that sentiment - insofar as it painted sin and repentance in such personal terms.

When repentance is experienced in the context of our relationship with God, there is often the outpouring of tears (or, as Martin Luther described it, "heartwater"). [3] It is a sign that God is dealing with the spiritual abscesses deeply embedded in our soul. Healing, relief, and spiritual growth follow. In the early church, tears were seen as a spiritual gift and an important part of the Christian life. Tears were closely connected to deep repentance, which, according to Tertullian, was the work of God in our lives. Such repentance tears are born of our relationship with God.
 

 When repentance is experienced in the context of our relationship with God, there is often the outpouring of tears
PHOTO: When repentance is experienced in the context of our relationship with God, there is often the outpouring of tears (or, as Martin Luther described it, "heartwater"). [3] It is a sign that God is dealing with the spiritual abscesses deeply embedded in our soul. Healing, relief, and spiritual growth follow. In the early church, tears were seen as a spiritual gift and an important part of the Christian life. Tears were closely connected to deep repentance, which, according to Tertullian, was the work of God in our lives. Such repentance tears are born of our relationship with God.
Picture posted by Tim Jennings, M.D., Comeandreason Ministries on  21 July 2011
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQGcpAuIfRGnk2sQLDV3luGv3cXlHjJMM-Vj6Q8xvAUOKDrrSzQJsozqoFD27GmnmZ9kfKz0wbfCEHF21kOmvhe4J_aeWaqAporaXOb6YwQLg8BuDQxw2ryv5xrXG4p59oi5NkeGXTadwt_ucmTWI4GfD5br3EtlruSZQksjjBb_qTaRNoNpnyV63cjs8/s1500/Heart_shutterstock_552978640_1500.jpg
https://comeandreason.com/images/stories/Heart_shutterstock_552978640_1500.jpg
https://comeandreason.com/god-is-love-all-the-time/


Repentance leads us to recognise God's deep pain caused by our sin. Our recognition of God's deep sorrow leads to deep sorrow in our own heart. When the divine pain of a holy and loving God meets the pain of a repentant human heart, a deep transformation is brought about. In this way our repentance becomes fertile soil for growth of the soul. When we repent, we discover the depths of God's grace and the beauty of His love.

May each Lenten season, therefore, be a season for us to rediscover repentance. Sin is not a harmless toy but a deadly weapon in our hands. When we abuse the freedom and power that the Sovereign God gave is in love, we can terribly hurt Him (just think of the cross). For this reason we must come to hate sin: because it hurts God. And it destroys us too. If only we all could see how dangerously sick we are with sin.


 Repentance leads us to recognise God's deep pain caused by our sin.
PHOTO: Repentance leads us to recognise God's deep pain caused by our sin. Our recognition of God's deep sorrow leads to deep sorrow in our own heart. When the divine pain of a holy and loving God meets the pain of a repentant human heart, a deep transformation is brought about. In this way our repentance becomes fertile soil for growth of the soul. When we repent, we discover the depths of God's grace and the beauty of His love.
Picture posted by Piper Gonzalez
 

 Dear Lord
PHOTO: "Dear Lord, May each Lenten season be a season for us to rediscover repentance. Sin is not a harmless toy but a deadly weapon in our hands. When we abuse the freedom and power that the Sovereign God gave is in love, we can terribly hurt Him.

May we come to hate sin: because it hurts God. And it destroys us too. May we all could see how dangerously sick we are with sin.

May our repentance becomes fertile soil for growth of the soul. May we repent and discover the depths of God's grace and the beauty of His love. May healing, relief, and spiritual growth follow.

Through Lord Jesus Christ we pray. Amen."
Picture posted by Hany Rady
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNIHxEScDcJUCXc13ZmOVbOH9Fn5iVm4hzlvZ4C8DNrisErqOR7zQb_K3vfU2r6QrieMICwZC3_mXj7Igps_kL45QVdOWcpUPhFkX6PEtVnrtROaXa-JIss_XrDrN9lDjFc0_DjdZ1YZEW2eAVV-XcGmdJo5FUZ-VCtaqk_XpOr_FrxdwoTVFt1jkfuyU/s1229/95f2495f553d3adb1f734f764538f744_1.png
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/95/f2/49/95f2495f553d3adb1f734f764538f744.jpg
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/3096293487055410/

Reflection - Nurturing The Inner Life - The Gift Of Tears
Source (book): "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Chapter 22, "The Gift Of Tears", Page 121.
By Robert M. Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore from 2000 - 2012



"Faithful to the end", A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon

'Faithful to the end', A Preacher's Exposition of 2 Timothy, @ 2014 by Robert M. Solomon<br>
Reflection - Faithful to the end (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2017/06/reflection-faithful-to-end-links.html


"Finding rest for the soul" Responding to Jesus' Invitation in Matthew 11:28-29, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
Reflection - Finding rest for the soul (Links)
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2018/10/reflection-finding-rest-for-soul-links.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART I-III, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-i.html


"God in Pursuit" Lessons from the Book of Jonah, © 2016 by Robert M. Solomon

'Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
Reflection - God in Pursuit (Links) - PART IV, posted on Saturday, 10 August 2019
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2019/08/reflection-god-in-pursuit-links-part-iv.html 


"Songs of Christmas", The Stories and Significance of 20 Well-Loved Carols, © 2018 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
Reflection - Songs of Christmas (Links), posted on Friday, 24 April 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/04/reflection-songs-of-christmas-links.html
 

"Growing Old Gracefully", Following Jesus to the End, © 2019 by Robert M. Solomon

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part I - III (Links), posted on Wednesday, 09 December 2020
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part.html
 

Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
Reflection - Growing Old Gracefully, Part IV - V (Links), posted on Thursday, 22 April 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2020/12/reflection-growing-old-gracefully-part_9.html
 

"Teach Us to Number Our Days", © 2008 by David Roper

Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 1 - 40 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 November 2021
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2021/11/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-1-40.html
 
 
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
Reflection - Number Our Days, Chapter 41 - 64 (Links), posted on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/03/reflection-number-our-days-chapter-41.html
 
 
"He Walks with Me - Devotions for Your Caregiving Journey with God",  © 2018 by Our Daily Bread Ministries, Shelly Beach

 Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022Reflection - He Walks with Me (Links), posted on Tuesday, 16 August 2022
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2022/08/reflection-he-walks-with-me-links.html
 

"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 1 - 45 (Links), posted on 03 April 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/04/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-1-45.html

 
"Classic Gem: Timeless Devotions from Our Daily Bread Authors", Copyright © 2021 by Our Daily Bread Ministries

Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on
Reflection - Classic Gem, Chapter 46 - 90 (Links), posted on Tuesday, 24 October 2023
https://veryfatoldman.blogspot.com/2023/10/reflection-classic-gem-chapter-46-90.html



Reference
[1] From "Making All Things New", 52 Reflections to Challenge the Way You Live, Copyright @ 2022 by Robert M. Solomon, Chapter 22, "The Gift Of Tears", Page 121.

[1a] Frederica Mathewes-Green, "Chapter 6," in The Illumined Heart: Capture the Vibrant Faith of Ancient Christians (Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2001).

[2] Tertullian, "On Repentance, Chapters 7-10," in Ante-Nicene Fathers, vol. 3, trans. S. Thelwall, ed. Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe (Bufffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1885). Revised and edited for for New Advent by Kevin Knight, https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0320.htm.

[3] Charles R. Swindoll, Insights on Luke (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012), 186.


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