Jesus Hung Out With Ragamuffins.

The Way Of Trust Is A Movement Into Obscurity, Into The Undefined, Into Ambiguity, Not Into Some Predetermined, Clearly Delineated Plan For The Future. The Next Step Discloses Itself Only Out Of A Discernment Of God Acting In The Desert Of The Present Moment. The Reality Of Naked Trust Is The Life Of The Pilgrim Who Leaves What Is Nailed Down, Obvious, And Secure, And Walks Into The Unknown Without Any Rational Explanation To Justify The Decision Or Guarantee The Future. Why? Because God Has Signaled The Movement And Offered It His Presence And His Promise.

Experience Has Taught Me That I Connect Best With Others When I Connect With The Core Of Myself. When I Allow God To Liberate Me From Unhealthy Dependence On People, I Listen More Attentively, Love More Unselfishly, And Am More Compassionate And Playful. I Take Myself Less Seriously, Become Aware That The Breath Of The Father Is On My Face.

The Fierce Words Of Jesus Addressed To The Pharisees Of His Day Stretch Across The Bands Of Time. Today They Are Directed Not Only To Fallen Televangelists But To Each Of Us. We Miss Jesus' Point Entirely When We Use His Words As Weapons Against Others. They Are To Be Taken Personally By Each Of Us. This Is The Form And Shape Of Christian Pharisaism In Our Time. Hypocrisy Is Not Hte Prerogative Of People In High Places. The Most Impoverished Among Us Is Capable Of It. Hypocrisy Is The Natural Expression Of What Is Meanest In Us All.

The Good News Means We Can Stop Lying To Ourselves. The Sweet Sound Of Amazing Grace Saves Us From The Necessity Of Self-deception. It Keeps Us From Denying That Though Christ Was Victorious, The Battle With Lust, Greed, And Pride Still Rages Within Us.

Jesus Says. "acknowledge And Accept Who I Want To Be For You: A Savior Of Boundless Compassion, Infinite Patience, Unbearable Forgiveness, And Love That Keeps No Score Of Wrongs. Quit Projecting Onto Me Your Own Feelings About Yourself. At This Moment Your Life Is A Bruised Reed And I Will Not Crush It, A Smoldering Wick And I Will Not Quench It. You Are In A Safe Place." Brennan Manning. Abba's Child: The Cry Of The Heart For Intimate Belonging