"Refreshment........................."

Philip Yancey quotes the 2nd century theologian Iraneus as saying “The glory of God is a person fully alive”; and then adds, in his opinion, how, sadly, such description does not reflect the image that many people have of Christians today. Rightly or wrongly, we are often seen as being restrained, up tight, repressed men and women who are less likely to celebrate life as we are to wag our fingers in disapproval. Where did believers get the reputation of being life-squelchers instead of life-enhancers? Indeed, what keeps us from realizing life “more abundantly” as promised unto us, at least in such a way as to share it with others?...This being the third Wednesday of the month, our group is scheduled to return to the rescue mission for an evening service. We will go, as usual, with no lengthy three-point sermon to preach, but trusting in His faithfulness to be there with us. The Book will not be abandoned. I’m sure there will be reference to chapter and verse in there somewhere. It is, however, a manifestation of His presence that we seek, an affirmation of His reality, in whatever form it comes, an assurance that His love covers all. The journey thus far has taught me that the flow of that stream comes out of a man’s “belly”, not his head. Reason need not be thrown to the wind, but if it isn’t surrendered to Wisdom personified, it usually only amounts to a lot of hot air…..