Musings with PWC

Beyond your wildest imagination! In Luke 16, Jesus tells the story of a rich man and Lazarus.  The comparisons are as follows: Rich man Lazarus Very rich                     Dirt poor Healthy                       Very sick Successful Unknown  Lots of support Only dogs helping him These are huge comparisons.  But the story develops even further! They both die and it seems the situation is totally reversed.  The rich man ends up in a place of torment and Lazarus ends up in a place of complete tranquility and peace.  Jesus in his story speaks these words about the rich man: …remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing.  So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish (Luke 16:25 NLT).” I recently read a book by Ralph Martin that spoke of the same idea. Eternity will be beyond your wildest imagination!  It will be what you were thin

On Spiritual Growth I have been reading and studying for a few years now in the area of spiritual formation and spiritual direction.  I have now come to a firmer conclusion that I have held loosely for years. True spiritual growth does not happen by chance.  Growth happens intentionally and purposefully.  Sad to say, many believers in Christ, do not progress on their spiritual journey because they don’t have the necessary tools or understanding to move forward. I recently read Teresa of Avila’s 4 blockage in spiritual progression: # 1.  A Carelessness about Sin Here the admonishment is about paying close attention to our words, conduct, thoughts, and actions.  Ralph Martin: “Making a decision never to freely choose to commit even a small sin is an important turning point in our spiritual journey.” # 2.  Not avoiding the Near Occasions of Sin We too often fall back into the same sin(s) and end up spinning our spiritual wheels.  We excuse our sin, plu