Monday, January 21, 2008

The Still Small Voice (taken from The Thought of God)


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"There is nothing about God's being , nature, or ways which embarasses us more than His gentleness. We readily think of power, majesty, greatness and sovereignty when we remember God. It is right and good that we should do so. These are all parts of His ways. They do not surprise or unman us because we expect them and are, in a manner, prepared for them. But God's gentleness is somehow awesome and overwhelming to our minds. It catches us off balance and staggers us by its very wonderfulness ..."



This quote is taken from The Thought of God, by Maurice Roberts. Before I married Mr. S, he suggested that we read this book together and discuss it on the weekends. I don't think we finished it before marriage, but every now and again we pull it out. I would recommend reading it, the language Roberts uses is masterful and hard hitting.



Roberts challenges us to reflect more often upon God's grace. We glibly speak of His grace all the time, but do we really stop to contemplate it?



"... the most important acts of God's power are those which, all unnoticed by man, touch the secret springs of his soul and heart. Regeneration, sanctification, repentance, growth in grace -- all are the product of divine omnipotence acting with marvellous gentleness and love upon man's inner being ..."



I am sitting at my dining room table with a mug of steaming coffee. Hubby has gone off for a conference for three days and the house is very quiet. Lena is still snuggly wuggly in her crib. So for now, I am free to reflect in the stillness of my home. I hope these words spoke to you too, friend.

7 comments:

Beka said...

Beautiful and thought-provoking words...

"the product of divine omnipotence acting with marvelous gentleness and love upon man's inner being..."

Thanks for sharing this today!

Maxine said...

I like the sound of this book, but never read it. Nice peaceful post. Aren't those quiet minutes in the morning wonderful?

Cathy said...

That is beautiful. You have a way with words just like your mother. I'm sorry your dear husband is out of town again. I know you miss him. I'm glad you enjoyed your quiet time.

Cosette said...

Isn't it nice when you come upon a quote that really catches your attention, and makes you 'see' God in an even more 'real' way?
And the way you describe your quiet times--makes me wish that I could invite you over for a cup of tea and some muffins :)

Mimi said...

the early morning quiet times are the most restful, inspiring and peaceful...
You can feel so close to God before the hustle and bustle starts for the day...
enjoy your quiet time!!!

Jodi said...

I've not heard of this book; I'll have to look for it. It sounds thought provoking.

Just pondering your quote for a moment, I think God's gentleness is unnerving in part because it speaks of His self-control.

He feels wrathful towards sin and rightly so. We can relate to that because we so easily can become indignant when we feel we are wronged or something in society is wrong.

To extend mercy and grace to a sinner (in that He loved us before we first loved Him) shows a *self-control* over that wrath. It is His choice *not* to exercise what He's justified in pouring forth. Ah, for *us* to control our strong emotions ... that is not so easy. God's tenderness (which is wrapped in forgiveness) is much harder for us to duplicate in our own lives as we seek to be like Him.

Dear me, I hope that makes sense. Your lovely quote just got me mulling things over, but the quiet of my house is long over and will not return until very late tonight. My ability to think deeply tends to fade along with the quiet ~ lol. :o)

Praying you have a wonderful week.

Becky Arnold said...

This is one of my favorite books. have you read his other books? I would highly recommend them. My dad got me hooked on them. I've enjoyed reading through your blog tonight. Blessings!