Envisioning Telos

 Envisioning Telos

       You may already know something about this Greek word that we will discuss this week because it's meaning taps into the big picture issues of life.    I'm sure that your pastor has used this word in his/ her sermons due to the impact it has on theological understandings.                        

 With telos, many great things have been accomplished in this world but Without telos, some of the smallest things that we experience in life are chocked out of our reality.  Sometimes people who have lost their telos will fall into deep dark depression, some have died.   So, let's talk about telos this week.

    Telos is Purpose

      Defined: The end of a goal-directed process, especially the Aristotelian final cause..

  As humans, our minds are driven to understand the world around us in a way that looks for purpose.  Not just what else does this can opener do besides open cans but what is the end goal and purpose for the making of this thing.   telos has more to do with what will a certain process bring about and how will it effect the world around it?

       We all have thought about what is our purpose in a job or task, maybe a group has a certain purpose looking to accomplish an outcome and this is important in life.   

  The Psalmist said....

   Psalm 73:28 says, "But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works."

    Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 1 What is the chief end of man?  And the answer is, “Man's chief end is to glorify God, an enjoy Him forever. 

       You see, in the Biblical sense, we were created to glorify God, or to use our abilities and skills to impact the world in a certain way.... A way in which God has determined.   You may think that you think strangely but in the biblical sense you were brought into this world with a purpose for your life and to make a change in the lives of those that you encounter.   So. When people encounter you, they will be a little different than when you first met them.   

       The second part of the answer is very important too, because it speaks of fulfillment in life.   As we seek to glorify God in our lives with the skills, gifts and talents we have, we find that we have the experience of the benefit of feeling useful in the world around us.  This usefulness is not the telos of the big picture but it points to the reality of our ultimate telos, enjoying God forever.  The fulfillment we feel is that we are actually doing what God purposed us to do.  This whole teaching opposes the idea of Charles Darwin the author of 'Origin of the Species'.   When we know our purpose, we find what we are to be doing while in this world and get a sense of our actions being bigger than ourselves.   

       Your specific job here at on your team has meaning and purpose but if you think about it you could have worked anywhere doing anything, how you see your purpose defines how you end up serving the world around you.  Looking from the 'Bird's eye view' you have a broader understanding of why you have this job on this team doing what you do with excellence and intension and for a greater purpose.    So, serve your particular purpose on the team you work with.  Do it with great planning, excellence and passion and then feel the great rush of fulfillment that gives you a sense of God's purpose for your life and it's ultimate ends.  A great enjoyment with God. 

 May God bless you.    May there be a fusillade of grace, by way of direction, connecting, compassion that grant you success in your efforts to offer support and hope to patients and their families.  Amen

Thy Will Be Done: Grown Folks Version

Thy Will be Done; Grown Folks version

      ^NLT Matthew 6:10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done here on earth, just as it is in heaven.

       Asking for the will of God to be done here in this world is a very difficult thing for any human being to do.  Many people use this phrase to sanction their own desire and to help everyone get on board with what they would like to do but it is much more.   Really asking for the will of The Lord to be done means that we are submitting our own will to be destroyed at the mercy of the perfect will of God.  This perfect will, usually comes at some very simple yet possibly difficult discipline to my own intentions.  God’s perfect will is rarely understood by humans yet it becomes so clear that we cannot deny the justice, dynamic or powerful impression carried out by it when completed.   Our will can make a difference in the lives of others. We do many good and noble things but when it comes to the will of God, he wills and does things that may have lasting effect on the broader society, the nation and even the world as time moves forward. 

     God’s will is tough because many times it calls for a sacrifice that someone must give.  When you pray, “Thy will done in earth as it is in heaven.” Do you mean, “I am willing to sacrifice my own priorities so that the greater, wiser, most holy and perfect thing that will be done for all ages be done in my life and for the future after me.???  That’s a big ask!!!   Jesus instructs us to pray in such a way.  The will of God is a plan for the whole of history, that is why it rubs us the wrong way.  We all would like to leave our mark on the world but most do not want to uproot their lives and the lives of everyone they know in order to be a mover and shaker of history.  Martin Luther, the great reformer, said that “this prayer is dangerous because it means we give obedience without talking back.” 

       We are comforted by the words, “The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you.”  A great saying but it does not tell you that the will of God is not given in memos to follow but actions, responsibilities, circumstances, highs and low and many other players that enter onto the stage of life.  When we look at the great sacrifices of many in history, we are given great notice to how the will of God means that our desires are submitted to His for a better outcome.  Mother Teresa, Harriet Tubman, William Wilberforce, Martin Luther King, Jr.  We are to do the will of God even when it calls for the difficult tasks to be taken up and drives us towards an outcome that honors God and looks to the right and the left to include the goodwill of those around us.  Jesus is informing us that we must ask for help from God to be responsible to carry out God’s desire for our life along with the hard choices that come along with it. 

    There is only one human who knows the will of God and desires always to do what it takes to fulfill that perfect will, Jesus.  ^NLT John 4:34 Then Jesus explained: "My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, who sent me, and from finishing his work.” 

^NLT Hebrews 10:5 That is why Christ, when he came into the world, said, "You did not want animal sacrifices and grain offerings. But you have given me a body so that I may obey you. ⁶ No, you were not pleased with animals burned on the altar or with other offerings for sin. ⁷ Then I said, 'Look, I have come to do your will, O God-- just as it is written about me in the Scriptures.' " ⁸ Christ said, "You did not want animal sacrifices or grain offerings or animals burned on the altar or other offerings for sin, nor were you pleased with them" (though they are required by the law of Moses).

       To accomplish the will of God in your life means that some of the intentions you hold close will be sacrificed for the sake of someone God intends to touch and change forever.

This is “Thy Will Be Done: Grown Folks Version”

May God bless you to know His presence, peace and safety as you seek to experience the love of God through Jesus Christ in our world.  May there be a fusillade of faith, grace, and joy to lead you to His truth daily.  Amen

The Annual Care Giver Retreat May 2017

ACGR
    

   The Annual Care Giver Retreat 
   This year's theme is, Prescriptions from Dr. Seuss
   This year we look forward to having a fun time reflecting on the timeless sayings of that master of simple sayings, 'Dr. Seuss'.  Remember,"A person is a person, no matter how small." from 'Horton hears a Who'!!
Mining the simple and sometimes silly sayings that carry mounds of truth embedded.  Dr. Seuss' prescriptions will support, confront, convict and affirm any professional care giver who looks for a place to belong in the world of life-on-life care.    

The ACGR will be held on Friday, May 19th from 9am to 1:30pm on location at Dunaway Gardens, among the natural fragrance of flowers and lovely landscape.  The Annual Care Giver Retreat is specifically for Professional Care Givers and Professional Teachers. 
      Dunaway Gardens, is a well manicured garden tucked in the corner of Newnan, Ga.   You will be surrounded by nature and have time to take for reconnecting with your mind and body and spirit. 

      Participants will meet at Dunaway Gardens:

3218 Roscoe Rd., Newnan, Ga. 30263

Please call Chaplain Horace Cutter for any questions or concerns.  678-763-1871

Directions to Dunaway Gardens       

*From I-85 take exit 47 Bullsboro Dr. (Hwy 34) in Newnan.

*Drive toward Newnan about ¼ mi, make right on 34 by-pass.

*Continue on 34 by-pass (3mi.) to Hwy 70  (Roscoe Rd). make right & Drive apprx. 5. 5 miles. 

*Dunaway Gardens will be on the Left. 

The Gift of God: Think Responsibility

Title: The gift of God: Think Responsibility

Text: Jeremiah 1:7, But the LORD said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ You must go to everyone I send you to and say whatever I command you.

     Intro: There is a saying in the media these days which holds a good word of reason for those who desire to drink alcohol, which states, ‘Drink Responsibly’.  Anyone who considers taking in a drink should do so with caution due to the ability of the drink to take away the person’s ability to think clearly.  I think a similar word of caution could be given to those who discover God’s gift to them.  When God reveals the gift, He reveals with the intent of the obedience to Him.

          For the young prophet Jeremiah, it was clear that he was intimidated by the dictates of the surrounding experiences that he thought he was unable to prophesy.  “I am a child” he said.  But when God gives to the world his presence in the form of gifts, along with the gift is the guidance of reason from the truth of God’s experience not our own.  As we discussed last week the fact that God placed you in a certain place and time, gives much cause to find the purpose of what He has called you to.  This week we are looking at using your make up in the place He has called you to with great consideration and responsibility. 

As you will study in scripture, God calls people to the task to be done with the command of loyalty to Him and the Kingdom of God.  Remember that the prophet was given this vision at an early age yet at many times in his life the gift seemed to be against any good that it would gain for Jeremiah personally.  In chapter 20 the prophet was so distraught with God’s plan of discipline that he attempted to keep from performing the gift that God had given.  Due to his own desire to say something positive, Jeremiah wanted to spread some good news but God had different plans.  Jeremiah was unable to keep God’s gift contained to his preference.   “There is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.” He could not, not dispense the gift.

The Apostle Paul gives further insight into the gifts when he wrote to the Corinthian church,   “You know that when you were pagans, somehow or other you were influenced and led astray to mute idols. ³ Therefore I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

Notice that Paul makes mention that being influenced and led astray by mute idols cannot compare to being led intentionally through life by the Spirit of God.  Mute idols cannot relate, inform and instruct so the person is led by his own preferences.  The gift of God is given in a certain place and time so that the glory of God will be revealed in the kingdom of His dear Son.   That is important for us to know.  Nowhere in scripture is anyone given specific gifts to be used at their own liking but for His greater purpose.  That is why when the gift is used, it calls for the believer to depend upon the guidance, will and love of God.  Even Jesus when crying out for another way to secure salvation, in prayer in the garden, was compelled to resign to the higher dictates of the Kingdom above His own desire for the moment.  The call of the gift of God demands the believer to be responsible to the higher demands of the Kingdom above property, face or even life.  The plan of God is to be trusted as the guide for those who believe in Him.  Continuing to believe that His Spirit will lead them by the power of the word He has written and sustains.  

As you find the gift that God has given you, remember that you must not lean to your better thoughts to follow God but lean heavily upon the dictates of His Spirit through His word to make the gift work to the glory of God. 

Blessing:  May the task that you have committed to God to get done today be pleasing  in His sight and bring about great success      

Prayer:                           O Lord in whom all things live,

Who commanded us to seek you,

Who are always ready to be found:

To know you is life,

To serve you is freedom,

To praise you is our soul’s delight.

We bless you and adore you,

We worship you and magnify you,

We give thanks to you for your great glory,

Through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Augustine

A New Year's Thought for believers

Don't get stuck on yesterday, get a life... with me

Remember His presence over the miracle

 NIV Isaiah 43:15

I am the LORD, your Holy One, Israel's Creator, your King." 16 This is what the LORD says-- he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17 who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18 "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. 20 The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21 the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise. 22 "Yet you have not called upon me, O Jacob, you have not wearied yourselves for me, O Israel.

         I consider this passage of scripture a true New Year's lesson that the Lord wants us to remember in the coming of a new year.  God reminds His people of His place in their lives as the One who gives them identity and hope.  He gave them life as humans and as people.  God wants them to remember that He is the one that is their king not by choice but by love.  God has become the king of a people because of the reality of a kingdom that He wants to promote in the world.  The Kingdom of God is the issue of the people of God and distractions are all around us.  God wants us to remember that as the King of the whole universe, He has something more than what meets the eye to do through His chosen people.  They are to display and relay something in their lives to the watching world.   They are to display a life of faith in the reality of the great Kingdom of Heaven, who’s leader is God Almighty.   They are to relay the life of one who believes and is devoted to the creator of the universe.    

      The king of creation reminds us that He didn't deliver us to follow the tides of common people apart from the intervention of God.   People remember the greatness of God only through their own experiences.  God wants them and us not to get stuck in remembering the power of God because of what He did for them then sometime in the past.  This passage is like God saying, "I know that you are thinking of what happened in the past but I want you to forget about those things.  I am doing a new thing (even greater than what your fathers and mothers remember).”   

     God is saying, " I am giving you a whole new experience to remember and believe.  Look around you."  God is saying, I can and will answer the needs of my people regardless of the obstacle.  You can face a new day but don't try to do that without me.   God is the one who brought the Israelites out of Egypt in the beginning and He is the one who will care for his people.

     Remember the relationship with God over and above the power and miracles of God.  Walk with God as a loving, and personable God who walks with His people.   This new day, new time, new year is just another opportunity to experience the power and majesty of a God who can do more than we can imagine. 

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. "    Eph 3:20-21

     Happy New Year-  Make it a good one with God!!!

       

Hope Regained

Hope Regained 

Acknowledgement: 
While there's life,there's hope.
 This famous saying was used by Cicero who may have borrowed it from a Latin playwright named Terence (190-159 B.C.) Leading any person along the path of learning is a journey of hope.
   
       All it takes is a small spark of hope to ignite the flame of inquiry leading to a blaze of sheer hunger for knowledge in the very spirit of normal human being. Teachers yearn for this, a mind open just enough for the practical world to touch the threshold of imagination, then you launch- off into your possibilities. Just because the flame of hope was nurtured, believed and ignited. 

Educate:
 The Scholar's Hope
      "Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.   No husbandman would               sow one grain of corn, if he hoped not it would grow up and become seed; no               bachelor would marry a wife, if he hoped not to have children; no merchant or             tradesman would set himself to work, if he did not hope to reap benefit thereby.           How much more, then, does hope urge us on to everlasting life and salvation?"                   Martin Luther

      This quote from the pages of the Reformer, Martin Luther is one of my favorite. Luther takes the crude ground that we walk upon to offer a clear parallel for exquisite truths like that of Spiritual life and eternal hope in providence. What scholar set you ablaze from the gesture of intellectual prowess that places you before pliable minds of the future? Continue to seek that which inspires you to regain hope and refresh those threads of hope to reel in the attention of those you seek to launch. 

Compliment: 

        As you think about those whom you will see in the morning, imagine what compliment would make them feel accepted and affirmed. Smile and make them feel your support in meaningful ways today and tomorrow.

 Empowerment: 

       What is the most important thing that money can buy? (trick question). Money can't buy a thing, it is the person using the money who chooses where to exchange things for its value. Use your money wise and it will place you in a place of comfort, let money use you and you will forever look for comfort because it has no heart. 

Blessing:
 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. May those good and perfects gifts rain upon you and yours today.

 Chaplain Horace Cutter
  hmanchaplain@gmail.com
  www.walkingtogethernow.blogspot.com