Radical DependenceLike faith & hope — trust cannot be self-generated. I cannot simply will

Radical DependenceLike faith & hope — trust cannot be self-generated. I cannot simply will myself to trust. What outrageous irony — the one thing that I am responsible for throughout my life I cannot generate. The one thing I need to do I cannot do. But such is the meaning of radical dependence. It consists in theological virtues, in divinely ordained gifts. Why reproach myself for my lack of trust? Why waste time beating myself up for something I cannot affect? What does lie within my power is paying attention to the faithfulness of Jesus. That’s what I am asked to do– to pay attention to Jesus throughout my journey, remembering His kindnesses (Ps. 103:2).― Brennan Manning, Ruthless Trust / The Ragamuffin’s Path to GodPsalm 103 / The Message O my soul, bless God.From head to toe, I’ll bless His Holy name!O my soul, bless God,don’t forget a single blessing!He forgives your sins—every one.He heals your diseases—every one.He redeems you from hell—saves your life!He crowns you with love & mercy—a paradise crown.He wraps you in goodness—beauty eternal.He renews your youth—you’re always young in His presence.God makes everything come out right;He puts victims back on their feet.He showed Moses how He went about His work,opened up His plans to all Israel.God is sheer mercy & grace; not easily angered, He’s rich in love.He doesn’t endlessly nag & scold, nor hold grudges forever.He doesn’t treat us as our sins deserve,nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.As high as heaven is over the earth,so strong is His love to those who fear Him.And as far as sunrise is from sunset,He has separated us from our sins.As parents feel for their children, God feels for those who fear Him.He knows us inside & out & keeps in mind that we’re made of mud.Men & women don’t live very long; like wildflowers they spring up & blossom,But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly, leaving nothing to show they were here.God’s love, though, is ever & always, eternally present to all who fear Him,Making everything right for them and their children as they follow His Covenant ways & remember to do whatever He said.God has set His throne in heaven; He rules over us all.He’s the King!So bless God, you angels, ready & able to fly at His bidding,quick to hear & do what He says.Bless God, all you armies of angels, alert to respond to whatever He wills.Bless God, all creatures, wherever you are—everything & everyone are made by God.And you, O my soul, bless God! -- source link

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