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February 27 - Jan Bales

2/27/2015

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Friday
Matthew 16:21-28

These days I feel not much happens by coincidence. I believe in a transcendent God who loves me and is so anxious to get my scattered attention that everything in my life can be connected in a meaningful way if I just take the time to see and to listen.  To just be in God's presence.

So, here I sit in my cozy chair, computer on my lap, coffee cup in hand.    It is dawn.  In one month you will be reading the verses given to me (at random) and my response to them.  Seventy years ago, 1/27,  Auschwitz  was liberated.   Today's verses reminded me of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the courageous Lutheran pastor hanged by the Nazis in 1945. In The Cost of Discipleship he writes of cheap grace that he feels will destroy the church. "Cheap grace is the grace we bestow upon ourselves...the preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline.....grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate." (italics mine)

Eugene Peterson, The Message,  translates Jesus words: "Anyone who intends to come with me has to let me lead.  You're not in the drivers' seat; I am.  Don't run from suffering; embrace it.  Follow me and I'll show you how.  Self-help is no help at all.  Self-sacrifice is the way, my way, to finding yourself, your true self.  What kind of deal is it to get everything you want but lose yourself? What could you ever trade your soul for?"

So, here I sit. Cozy chair. Computer. Coffee.  What is my cost of discipleship to follow Jesus Christ?

Jan Bales
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505.345.8147                601 Montaño Road NW, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87107                  office@all-angels.com

  • ABOUT US
    • WHO WE ARE
    • 2023 Annual Meeting
    • Leadership
    • Newcomers
    • Pastoral Care
    • Faces of Our Community
    • Contact
  • Transition
  • Worship & Prayer
    • Download Service Bulletins
    • Daily Prayer Services - The Daily Office
    • Sermons
    • Art, Music, & Literature
  • FORMATION
    • Adult Formation
    • Retreats
    • Family & Youth
  • Outreach & Social Justice
    • Casa San Miguel Food Pantry
    • The Landing
    • LGBTQ+
    • Immigration Ministry
    • Navajoland Partnership
    • Senior Ministry
    • ALL ANGELS EPISCOPAL DAY SCHOOL
  • Give
    • Annual Pledge
    • Stewardship
    • Gifts & Memorials