Comments on: Faith, a Gift of God: Miroslav Volf, Tom Wells, and John Murray http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/ living the gospel Fri, 12 Mar 2010 00:20:06 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.7 by: Matt D http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/#comment-97970 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 22:25:55 +0000 http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/#comment-97970 I have always heard the descriptive "tool" in a negative light, or at the very least, to cause a laugh and someone elses expense. As in: "that guy is a total corporate tool". Up until now, when the word has been used I have been able to see room for personal goals or outside motivators in the lives of these 'tool' examples. As in: well they are not a complete tool he feeds his family working for that coporation, even if he does put in 12 hours a day 7 days a week. But what you describe here makes full and complete use of the descriptive 'tool'. While at the same time finding yourself at a table of hope and blessings and grace. Who would ever dream of getting up from this table? How astoundingly hard my heart and mind work to convince me that there are better places to be than at that table. And what an indescribable release when they finally break, and I find that God has been holding me at that table all along. I have always heard the descriptive “tool” in a negative light, or at the very least, to cause a laugh and someone elses expense. As in: “that guy is a total corporate tool”. Up until now, when the word has been used I have been able to see room for personal goals or outside motivators in the lives of these ‘tool’ examples. As in: well they are not a complete tool he feeds his family working for that coporation, even if he does put in 12 hours a day 7 days a week.

But what you describe here makes full and complete use of the descriptive ‘tool’. While at the same time finding yourself at a table of hope and blessings and grace. Who would ever dream of getting up from this table? How astoundingly hard my heart and mind work to convince me that there are better places to be than at that table. And what an indescribable release when they finally break, and I find that God has been holding me at that table all along.

]]> by: nathan http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/#comment-97114 Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:46:19 +0000 http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/#comment-97114 I have read, I think, everything Henri Nouwen has written and have benefited. Glad to hear that you are among those of us who re-read a book! I have read, I think, everything Henri Nouwen has written and have benefited. Glad to hear that you are among those of us who re-read a book!

]]> by: Rese http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/#comment-97095 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:50:45 +0000 http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/#comment-97095 I found myself praying this morning, praying for The President Elect this morning, and his Lady...delightedly...how weird and wonderful is that? I found myself praying this morning, praying for The President Elect this morning, and his Lady…delightedly…how weird and wonderful is that?

]]> by: Holli http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/#comment-97023 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:37:33 +0000 http://nathanlewis.org/2008/11/12/faith-a-gift-of-god-miroslav-volf-tom-wells-and-john-murray/#comment-97023 Have you read Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen? I've not read it since my freshman year in college, but your post here reminded me of a passage in that book which has lingered with me this past decade. It addresses the notion of pride and self abasement (as being a form of pride because it shows that you still believe that you could have something to offer, when in fact, we have nothing). I think I will read the book again... Maybe I'll start tonight. Have you read Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen? I’ve not read it since my freshman year in college, but your post here reminded me of a passage in that book which has lingered with me this past decade. It addresses the notion of pride and self abasement (as being a form of pride because it shows that you still believe that you could have something to offer, when in fact, we have nothing). I think I will read the book again… Maybe I’ll start tonight.

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