tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702707714463896610.post4316143635119286038..comments2023-10-15T04:49:04.164-07:00Comments on Christine's Contemplations: Sermon Reflection - 2/15/09Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07869965986083175599noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702707714463896610.post-75937563210478367942009-02-19T09:02:00.000-08:002009-02-19T09:02:00.000-08:00Thanks.I can't take credit for the first thing you...Thanks.<BR/><BR/>I can't take credit for the first thing you quoted, that was something Pastor Mike said in the sermon. But it rings so true.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447760727419360984noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-702707714463896610.post-82477128717951863552009-02-19T06:14:00.000-08:002009-02-19T06:14:00.000-08:00Hi Christine! I like the following two things you ...Hi Christine! I like the following two things you wrote:<BR/><BR/>"Why are the disciplines important?<BR/>Our culture celebrates the freedom to do what we want, when we want. The last thing "we" want is to be under the authority of another."<BR/><BR/>"I've seen the power and effectiveness of confession and acknowledgement to God. It's a tough thing, especially when it's a sin that is enjoyed so much by the flesh. But the longer one holds on to the sin, the harder it is to turn from it. And the heavier the hand of God feels on oneself. But the bigger the relief is when it's finally been removed."<BR/><BR/>I never looked at the spiritual disciplines that way. That's good! They are an active way of putting ourselves under the authority of something other than ourselves on a regular basis.<BR/><BR/>As for confession, yeah, I agree that it can be a really, really tough thing. It's even harder to give up the sins we're really enjoying--and we enjoy them all or we wouldn't do them. The truth of this: "...the longer one holds on to the sin, the harder it is to turn from it" is why we need to keep short accounts with God. <BR/><BR/>You've given me some things to ponder. Thank you, Christine.Debbie Haughland Chanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05953143365720196539noreply@blogger.com