Practice of God's Presence: 15th letter
Fifteenth Letter: God knows best what we need. All that He does is for our good. If we knew how much He loves us, we would always be ready to receive both the bitter and the sweet from His Hand. It would make no difference. All that came from Him would be pleasing.
The worst afflictions only appear intolerable if we see them in the wrong light. When we see them as coming from the hand of God, and know that it is our loving Father who humbles and distresses us, our sufferings lose their bitterness and can even become a source of consolation.
Let all our efforts be to know God. The more one knows Him, the greater one desires to know Him. Knowledge is commonly the measure of love. The deeper and more extensive our knowledge, the greater is our love. If our love of God were great we would love Him equally in pain and pleasure.
We only deceive ourselves by seeking or loving God for any favors which He has or may grant us. Such favors, no matter how great, can never bring us as near to God as can one simple act of faith. Let us seek Him often by faith. He is within us. Seek Him not elsewhere.
Are we not rude and deserve blame if we leave Him alone to busy ourselves with trifles which do not please Him and perhaps even offend Him? These trifles may one day cost us dearly. Let us begin earnestly to be devoted to Him. Let us cast everything else out of our heart. He wants to possess the heart alone. Beg this favor of Him. If we do all we can, we will soon see that change wrought in us which we so greatly desire.
I cannot thank Him enough for the relief He has given you. I hope to see Him within a few days. Let us pray for one another.
Brother Lawrence died within days of this last letter.
Questions:
There is an urgency to this letter, isn't there? Br. Lawrence believed himself to be dying and ill as he was, still his thoughts were to assist his correspondent to get to know God and to practice God's presence.
In what ways are you aware of the depth of love that God has for you? Could you list them in your journal or on a sheet of paper? Lay your hands on the list and let your heart pour out your love and gratitude for His love.
Are all of your efforts to know God? Which of your efforts hinder you from knowing Him? Which thought patterns prevent you from knowing Him? Which efforts and thought patterns increase the love between you?
Do you desire the gifts God offers us more than you desire God? Do you prefer the "warm fuzzies" to God's presence because, after all, God's presence in our life requires change on our part.
What does seeking God out by faith look like?
Which trifles do you busy yourself with that don't please God? Are you willing to give them up in order to please Him?
What part of this letter tells us that it is never too late to begin to seek God? Have you thought it was too late for you? Reading these letters, will you seek Him with your whole heart? What does that look like for you?
The title of this book is Practice God's Presence. The title alone tells us that God's presence can be learned if we are willing to work at it. If you are willing to work at it and feel you could use someone to talk to, be encouraged to speak with your clergy person. I can assure you the clergy delight in such conversation. You may also talk to me, if you would like at gloriamarie@gmail.com
Our study of this little book ends today. Has it had meaning for you? If you have any feedback, I would welcome it. You may either respond here in the forum or email me at gloriamarie@gmail.com.
The worst afflictions only appear intolerable if we see them in the wrong light. When we see them as coming from the hand of God, and know that it is our loving Father who humbles and distresses us, our sufferings lose their bitterness and can even become a source of consolation.
Let all our efforts be to know God. The more one knows Him, the greater one desires to know Him. Knowledge is commonly the measure of love. The deeper and more extensive our knowledge, the greater is our love. If our love of God were great we would love Him equally in pain and pleasure.
We only deceive ourselves by seeking or loving God for any favors which He has or may grant us. Such favors, no matter how great, can never bring us as near to God as can one simple act of faith. Let us seek Him often by faith. He is within us. Seek Him not elsewhere.
Are we not rude and deserve blame if we leave Him alone to busy ourselves with trifles which do not please Him and perhaps even offend Him? These trifles may one day cost us dearly. Let us begin earnestly to be devoted to Him. Let us cast everything else out of our heart. He wants to possess the heart alone. Beg this favor of Him. If we do all we can, we will soon see that change wrought in us which we so greatly desire.
I cannot thank Him enough for the relief He has given you. I hope to see Him within a few days. Let us pray for one another.
Brother Lawrence died within days of this last letter.
Questions:
There is an urgency to this letter, isn't there? Br. Lawrence believed himself to be dying and ill as he was, still his thoughts were to assist his correspondent to get to know God and to practice God's presence.
In what ways are you aware of the depth of love that God has for you? Could you list them in your journal or on a sheet of paper? Lay your hands on the list and let your heart pour out your love and gratitude for His love.
Are all of your efforts to know God? Which of your efforts hinder you from knowing Him? Which thought patterns prevent you from knowing Him? Which efforts and thought patterns increase the love between you?
Do you desire the gifts God offers us more than you desire God? Do you prefer the "warm fuzzies" to God's presence because, after all, God's presence in our life requires change on our part.
What does seeking God out by faith look like?
Which trifles do you busy yourself with that don't please God? Are you willing to give them up in order to please Him?
What part of this letter tells us that it is never too late to begin to seek God? Have you thought it was too late for you? Reading these letters, will you seek Him with your whole heart? What does that look like for you?
The title of this book is Practice God's Presence. The title alone tells us that God's presence can be learned if we are willing to work at it. If you are willing to work at it and feel you could use someone to talk to, be encouraged to speak with your clergy person. I can assure you the clergy delight in such conversation. You may also talk to me, if you would like at gloriamarie@gmail.com
Our study of this little book ends today. Has it had meaning for you? If you have any feedback, I would welcome it. You may either respond here in the forum or email me at gloriamarie@gmail.com.
posted by Gloriamarie Amalfitano @ 9:45 AM
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