Posts Tagged: heart


10
Nov 10

Humility…

Reflecting on Philippians 2:3-4 this morning, I found the thoughts of John Calvin refreshing

But it is asked, how it is possible that one who is in reality distinguished above others can reckon those to be superior to him who he knows are greatly beneath him? I answer, that this altogether depends on a right estimate of God’s gifts, and our own infirmities [shortcomings]. For however any one may be distinguished by illustrious endowments, he ought to consider with himself that they have not been conferred upon him that he might be self-complacent, that he might exalt himself, or even that he might hold himself in esteem. Let him, instead of this, employ himself in correcting and detecting his faults, and he will have abundant occasion for humility. In others, on the other hand, he will regard with honor whatever there is of excellences, and will by means of love bury their faults. The man who will observe this rule, will feel no difficulty in preferring others before himself. And this, too, Paul meant when he added, that they ought not to have every one a regard to themselves, but to their neighbors, or that they ought not to be devoted to themselves. Hence it is quite possible that a pious man, even though he should be aware that he is superior, may nevertheless hold others in greater esteem.


26
Jul 10

Something to Behold

From time to time I am taken aback by my wife and her beauty.  We have almost spent 2 years together in the refinement of marriage.  These have been two years of unfathomable value to me.  My wife is perhaps the single greatest teacher I have.  I often find her to be the impetus of growth and the balm to my wounds.  I am the recipient of untold grace, support, and encouragement from her.

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15
Jul 10

Emotion Meets Reason: a marriage

I’m an extremely emotional individual; I always have been.  Even as a young child, I felt everything with extreme depth and poignancy. Through a formula of heart-hardening ingredients, I was taught that my emotions were arrogant back seat drivers.  They called out from the back row of the minivan, but reason was at the wheel and only seldom did he make a wrong turn.

But then I met Jesus in another man’s life in college.  I’ve been un-learning and re-learning ever since.  One of the ways I’ve been flying upside down unawares, was in thinking that emotions played a tertiary role in life.

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