2012/01/03
by J. Randal Matheny
3 Comments
According to the predominant religious models, the religious life is thought of in contemplative terms. To be spiritual is to flee from the world. Literally. To the monastery. As he went along, he saw Levi, the son of Alphaeus, sitting … Continue reading
2011/11/09
by J. Randal
0 comments
To people whose religion had become an exercise in perfectionism and, therefore, a competition with others (which always generates conflicts and fights), Paul shows the exercise of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Christian. But the fruit of … Continue reading
2011/02/23
by J. Randal
0 comments
“Then astonishment seized them all, and they glorified God. They were filled with awe, saying, ‘We have seen incredible things today.’” Luke 5:26 NET When Jesus forgave the sins of the paralitic man, he was criticized. But when the crowd … Continue reading
2010/10/29
by J. Randal
2 Comments
Prayer for November, 2010: We invite the brotherhood to dedicate the month of November to the following petition: May we dedicate ourselves to developing the spirit rather than giving in to the flesh; to decency and not sensuality. (see Romans … Continue reading
2009/09/08
by J. Randal
2 Comments
I was reading Joseph Chase’s blog, and came across the old hymn of invitation to the sinner, “Is thy heart right with God?“, both words and music written in 1899 by Elisha A. Hoffman. With the tune in my head, … Continue reading
2009/09/03
by J. Randal
0 comments
Making up for long absence in UPLift, by another one in short space of time. ASK NOT by J. Randal Matheny Ask not for riches, power or rights To spend for self, or multiply sins; Look not to heaven with … Continue reading
2009/08/12
by J. Randal
0 comments
You know that when you were pagans you were often led astray by speechless idols, however you were led. 1 Corinthians 12:2 NET What is spirituality? This was a critical question in Corinth. Paul establishes the criterion: spiritual is he … Continue reading
2009/08/07
by J. Randal
0 comments
The push and pull of politics and then an interview of a Catholic architect, somehow, brought some ideas together and this work of four stanzas pushed back at me. Don’t ask what the above two items have in common or … Continue reading
2009/07/16
by J. Randal
0 comments
Translation of yesterday’s meditation for Portuguese speakers, for your edification. But the king said to Araunah, “No, but I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost … Continue reading
2009/02/04
by J. Randal
0 comments
That’s where the battle is, says Bryant Evans.