The Royal Road

[Jennifer]

How these articles continue to inspire me and dissolve so much of the church teaching that has often left me feeling empty, confused and thinking the teaching is purely for self. The Daily Digs oppose this "selfish Christianity" and go deeper to the true meaning of what is expected of us. I carry a heavy physical cross so these words have really helped me to understand and accept that I am not alone and shouldnt resent suffering. I know Im treading on another topic here but I wonder how many of us have received too much "happy clappy" Christianity with no substance other than being "saved" - a word I cant help connecting to "Im alright, its a pity about you" and with little teaching on issues like the significance of suffering. Thank you once more to the Daily Dig for making things clearer.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Elizabeth Norton]

Daily Digs have enriching articles and so appreciated, especially for Lenten readings. It has been years since I read Thomas aKempis, but his writings are as inspirational as ever. As far as any challenge of gender bias, we must remember that these inspirations were written eons ago and if they are to be quoted they need to remain as they were written.
In scripture and in prayer I am very sensitive to gender bias, but do not feel that way when reading excerpts from authors who were writing in a different era.


Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Phil Schulman]

Although I find some encouragement in todays reading, I also find it somewhat troubling in what it seems to imply as the will of God and encouragement of suffering. Oddly I do not neccessarily disagree with most that was written. However, the emphasis seems to me to portray God as one who seeks first our subjugation and even pleases in our suffering.
Of course the cross of Jesus and the call to follow him is troubling and I accept that. Serving God with all heart mind and soul or to place total trust in God rather than seeking primarily for individual advancement may sound sweet until we are confronted with our attachment to earthly success.
I am in no way complaining that this was included. I appreciate a wide range of theological challenge. However, I do feel compelled to lift my voice to say that although Jesuss call may be challenging, divine will is for our peace, happiness and realization of truth. If the emphasis is not upon Gods perfect and loving will for us, than I think we end up worshiping ourselves and justifying our moralism or self will as being divinely or scripturally based.


Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Richard]

Great way of looking at what Christ did for each of us through the sacred cross, and the result of the suffering and sacrifice thru this Holy Cross comes the " Most Sacred Eucharist ", the most precious gift that came to us thru His resurection. If we his children would realize what the " Cross and Eucharist " mean to our purpose, the world would be to us in everyday life what God promised, everlasting life.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Anna Veronica Negrean]

I sometimes find myself telling God: " Ok, I will follow Jesus, I will do your will, I will deny myself, I will carry this cross, but dont expect me to be happy about it!"
Dont know if you feel how I feel- but sometimes I stand alongside God because I have no one better to go to. I admit it and I am sorry I feel that way- but I just cant help it. I wish I would love God very much and be with Him for what He is and I am sorry I dont feel that way.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Dr Robert M. Santry]

Excellent contrast between the Cross of Christ and the cross of the world. One makes sense of suffering and promotes redemption, the other increases suffering and reaps dispair.



Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Krysty]

Down at the foot of the cross is the most high place.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[James Fee]

Great! Short and to the point.


Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Cheryl Stallings]

Loved the content of this article, but disappointed in the gender biased language used. Christ calls us to break down barriers that divide us. Language, while seemingly innocuous at times, is incredibly powerful in shaping our values and beliefs...which in turn impacts how we live in relationship with one another.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Krysty]

Preachers should emphasize more on this kind of messages,and not what people want to hear or what they think people want to hear. "down at the foot of the Cross is the highest and most honourable place".

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Megan R.]

Post by Krysty
Preachers should emphasize more on this kind of messages,and not what
people want to hear or what they think people want to hear. "down at
the foot of the Cross is the highest and most honourable place".
Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

Many love Christ as long as they encounter no hardship; many praise and
bless him as long as they receive some comfort from him. But if Jesus
hides himself and leaves them for a while, they either start complaining
or become dejected. Those, on the contrary, who love him for his own sake
and not for any comfort of their own, praise him both in trial and
anguish of heart as well as in the bliss of consolation. Even if Jesus
should never comfort them, they would continue to praise and thank him.
What power there is in a pure love for Jesus - love that is free from all
self-interest and self-love!

- Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

[Barbara Carder]

Take the narrow way.... Thomas aKempis little black book, "Imitation of Christ," has been with me for many decades. It stays in my nightstand along with Rev. Henri Nouwen, the Dalai Lama, Jean Vanier and many others. Its a voice out of another time, but rings with truth.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Bruderhof]

Post by Jennifer
http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

If we do not bear the cross of the Master, we will have to bear the cross
of the world, with all its earthly goods. Which cross have you taken up?
Pause and consider. -Sadhu Sundar Singh

[Emelda]

This is a very interesting write-up and also good especially at this lenting period for all Christians. Im very happy to have discovered this network. It will help me a lot in improving my Christians life

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Stacy]

This passage spoke to my heart. It is often that we ask ourselves the question of "why are these things happening to me" and this text clearly provides a thorough understanding of the answer.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[E.B. Ayitey]

Truely speaking a seed must die before it can bring-forth fruits.
Also the so-called christians cannot eat thier cake and have it.May the good Lord just have mercy on us.Thank you.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Alice]

I realize how selfish I am and think of my own comfort. I was taught as a child to carry my cross for Jesus, but lately all I think of is my own comfort and happiness in this present life. I feel I have lost out on the things of this world, husband taken from me, loves lost, and being alone and I dont like to bear the cross and I should want to because of everything Jesus has done for me.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Brother Bob Drury]

What can you tell me about the connection between Sadhu Sundar Singh and the Bruderhof Communities? (History, etc.)

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm

[Nancy]

Your words are so true, though they are in some ways hard to hear. I am one of those who is really struggling to carry my cross. I love Jesus so very much. Yet, I have to confess that I find myself over and over again falling under the weight and pain of it. So much pain, loads of trauma and loss and lonliness. I don't know it it's that I love myself more and this is why I stumble or if I am so lacking in strength or if the two are one and the same. I do get up and pick the cross up again. I am never without love for Jesus even when God is silent. Would you pray for me to have more strength?...

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/RoyalRoad.htm