St. Francis of Assisi
lived out his Christian life so seriously that it was said of him that
even birds listened to him preach.
His
words have been quoted many times by many people. If you google it,
you'll find many in seconds. For this week's forum, find a quote from
St. Francis and write your thoughts about it. Don't forget to cite the
reference where you copied the quote.
ReplyDelete“If God can work through me, he can work through anyone.”
St. Francis of Assisi
Oftentimes, people think that certain people are amazing and certain people are not. They disqualify people not knowing that God is a God of all creation, and once they disqualify people, they disqualify God, as the artist of that creation.
It is a mind blowing and a humble thing to think that the above quote came from a very well-known preacher who lived out his life to the fullest yet was humble enough to recognized that God can use anyone and he can work through anyone, so long as His will be done.
Oftentimes the hardest part of the journey is simply believing you’re worthy of the trip. Just like in the ministry, there are times when we struggle to accept that we are worthy to preach the gospel, that we are worthy to teach other people and that we are worthy to rebuke those who are walking in the darkness. Yes, for sure, we aren't worthy, yet Christ has made us worthy because of what He did on the cross.
Next time you ask if you are worthy of God's working in you, or if God can work through you, don't ask anymore, sure you are. No none can disqualify you.
#google.com
-----------Makes Me Think :)
i agree with you Sister, in fact i was once a victim of this mind blowing but easy perception. I envy other peoples lives because of their achievements and on how God works in them. however, i was rebuked and mentored by a man of wisdom telling me about the greatness and love of God to everyone. He indeed can does things to someone else that is possible to everyone. there's no reason to think that God have favored some people. in some ways He used our life as every one is uniquely made. He molded us differently in a specific time, place and methods. Someone told me this,"what is applicable to you would not gratify that it is applicable to me". God is smart and knows all things specifically, and He knew our needs, our hearts and our mind, as a matter of fact he gave us different approach and solutions. therefore, there's no reason to be jealous with someone else, let us be contented and still gave praise to God for his big eyes, wide range ears, and His huge heart!
DeleteTrue... one size doesn't fit all... WE are unique, just like everyone else. This sounds satiric but real.
Delete---------Makes Me Think :)
I like the quoted you quoted. It reminds me that God is at work in everyone's heart not only to a few. Sometimes it is easy to pass on judgment to others who appeared to be "not so pious" and label them. But truly, we cannot judge because we cannot see the inward workings of God.God will use others too just as how He used you and me. And to begin thinking of that is just mind blowing :)
DeleteI really like the quote. Actually I am about to choose it but somebody already got it. But it is just fine :). Thanks Merraluna for sharing your words of wisdom. Yes! we are unworthy to be called as something because in the first place we are nothing. We cannot brag about what we can do because we are just a product of the grace of God. If God has given us a certain ability then we have to give credit to God and it should not be the reason that we would think highly of ourselves than others. It's because there are some things that we cannot do but others can do and vice versa. We are all loved by God and has given us certain talents, skills, potentials and abilities that ought to be used for God's greater glory!!!
DeleteI like the quote "If God can work through me, he can work through anyone. Yes truly God can work in many ways to me and to somebody else. for it is written I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Phil.4:19). As children of God we have different gift, skills, talents that can be use to glorify God, and we can use it for His glory and purpose as we continue to serve God until He comes.
DeleteI agree with you, Luna moon :-) Indeed, God can do great things in us and through us, and this is not because we did something good or that we feel good; it is all because of God's unfailing grace that overflows in us. Many times I feel inadequate in the ministry and yes, felt unworthy of doing it but God is patiently and constantly reminding me of my calling and purpose in life why I am doing what I am doing wherever He leads me. Sometimes, I even feel like I am unworthy of God's favor and blessings, but again, in His sovereignty, it's all because of His grace.
DeleteYes, Indeed God is fair. I agree that He is capable of molding and shaping the lives of the people to become what really they are. It reminds me that i am not worthy to such thing which judges other's action, thoughts, and even the behavior of others. because in the first we are not all-knowing that we can search and know the hearts of others- the inward feelings. Only God knows what really in the hearts moreover, He still do great things in our lives in order for us to grow and mature.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching" - St. Francis of Assisi (accessed 9 February 2016).
ReplyDeleteMany of St. Francis' quotes are awesome and I had a hard time picking one but I chose this quote anyway because I just like it :)
His quotation talked about walking our talk. As a minister of Christ, I only not want to go anywhere in the Philippines or outside our country and preach the Gospel and the things that I studied on the Scripture but rather I have to put in mind to practice and have an application of what I preached and to what I taught to young people and to others whom I am ministering with. Honestly, it is a temptation to command my disciples to do the spiritual disciplines but on my part, I am not even doing it (sometimes I am guilty of this). There are times that I wanted to appear godly but deep inside I am having a hard time communicating with my God. It's hypocrisy – teaching yet not walking my talk. Hence, walking your talk is the key of this quote.
Yes, it is. I am always reminded to preach the gospel to myself, then preach the gospel to others. It is impossible to see the people we minister grow, if we ourselves did not grow.
DeleteYes, it is. I am always reminded to preach the gospel to myself, then preach the gospel to others. It is impossible to see the people we minister grow, if we ourselves did not grow.
DeleteHi Ethics,
DeleteI'm being reminded of our endearment and your quote taken from Saint Francis. It is by walking that we are teaching the truth and the word ethics itself, concepts of right and wrong conduct that we have to always be aware of our disposition and how we behave ourselves whether alone or with the crowd.
---------Makes Me Think :)
It is very much true, as we preach the gospel we need to be sure that we really live the gospel because it is very important as a minister of Christ that we model what we are preaching about. It is vanity indeed that we have a lot of words to say and are knowledgeable of what we are talking about but unfortunately we failed to live with it. What matters most is what we are living in this earth. As a servant of Jesus, we need to be very careful of the words we say because we are to set ourselves as salt and light living of the Gospel we know.
DeleteI thought i would be fed up with that saying, walk your talk, because in our RE classes isn't that always one of the teacher's characteristics, integrity. I agree with you gals and guys, that as ministers and teachers ourselves we should model what we taught.
Delete"No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves."
ReplyDeleteFrancis of Assisi
source: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/francisofa121040.html
As a peace maker this is to be grasp. We maybe think that evilness is outside action of a person towards other person, and when a person inflicting us we called it an enemy. Francis was quite right that we have no enemy except except ourselves.The worst enemy you are facing is on the mirror.One professor told us that "you can be defeated by your own attitudes". Consequently, we often blame others when we are in the verge of nothingness. Jesus once said to love our enemies. We might not be surprise that we are doing in opposite or at least doing do hate those who offended us. on the other hand, as human, we are not really doing so, right? We are not hating the offender in front of us, but when he/she is not around. How? By gossiping when he/she is not around, or at least in the distance.
As Christian, of course this is not so true to us since we know Christ does not come to gossip but to tell the truth even it hurts us, and make us free indeed. As Christian also, we are to be the benefactor of the humanity in their holistic life, most profoundly the Spiritual matter. All these things cannot be shared others unless it can't be preached to oneself. Do unto others that they may do unto you the same.
I agree with you Shaun, we somehow would rather choose to gossip than to confront the person, and i guess it became our tradition to do so, which is not the right thing. I hope and pray that as we all know about it and was conscious about the things that happens around us, we should take the right step to do the right thing which is to confront than to gossip. And I also agree that it starts from us.
Delete---------Makes Me Think :)
Deletei agree with you partz. Why people don't want to confront because their thinking is different. We have different characteristics and personality and if you truly care that person you need to tell her or him the truth. As Christians we must not practice gossip but rather love them and told them the wrong doings that they done. It's starts within our self to be a Christ like attitude and example.
Delete"Even though I had committed but one little sin, I should have ample reason to repent of it all my life." (St. Francis of Assisi)
ReplyDeleteNothing is more difficult to master except sin. We don’t need to practice sin because it is our nature that we commit sin. But the moment we commit sin we find ways to bow our knees, head and heart before God of asking forgiveness. If we failed to ask forgiveness of our sin, we invite sin to rule dominion over us.
"Be conscious, O man, of the wondrous state in which the Lord God has placed you, for He created you and formed you to the image of His beloved Son according to the body, and to His likeness according to the spirit (cf. Gen. 1:26). And [yet] all the creatures under heaven, each according to its nature, serve, know, and obey their Creator better than you. And even the demons did not crucify Him, but you together with them have crucified Him and crucify Him even now by delighting in vices and sins." (St. Francis of Assisi)
A wonderful reminder from St. Francis that this life is not our own but owned by the Creator. We are not created by God to delight in sin but we are created by God to delight on His righteousness and holiness.
http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/saint_francis_reflections_teachings.htm#St. Francis of Assisi on Purity
"If we had any possessions, we would be forced to have arms to protect them, since possessions are a cause of disputes and strife, and in many ways we would be hindered from loving God and our neighbor. Therefore in this life we wish to have no temporal possessions." (St. Francis of Assisi)
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/saint_francis_reflections_teachings.htm
As we were created by God, he prepared all the things that we needed both present and future. When we say possessions, it talks about those things, persons, and even life that we are so privilege to have. St. Francis was right when he said that possessions would hinder us from loving and serving God with our lives. As a matter of fact, we failed to worship and love Him as the only one who gave us our possessions, instead we are giving honor to those things that we have. That should not be! Our tendency was to give our full protection on not allowing other people to snatch it from us? Are we liable or able to protect them from someone else? We are so active in temporal things that last for a short time, and it would only be left here in this corrupt world. Another reality that Francis talked was our inability to love our neighbors—other people because we think that we are privilege and superior from others with the presence of what we have and what we’ve got. I got three P’s when we talk about possessions: Praise, Protect, and Preserve. We are not the owner of our possessions, yet we are only entrusted by God to protect and preserve it for the benefit of others. We need godly-character in handling and dealing possessions. We need to put in our mind that they are all temporal and we must prioritized eternal possessions using earthly possessions is possible. St. Francis reminds all of us to really change our perspective in living. Were so busy protecting and extending our inheritance that we neglect God’s power and providence. Are you in or out? Let’s make our life centered on giving glory and honor to Him.
Yes! God owns all things and we are only stewards. Preach it brother! Indeed, we need to have a change of perspective. Everything we have here are just temporary but I wonder why we still cling to it so closely....hmmmn.
Delete“Lord, grant that I might not so much seek to be loved than to love”
ReplyDelete-St. Francis of Assisi
(http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/francis_of_assisi.html)
There's so much humility and sincerity in this plea of St. Francis. The human tendency is to look for love rather than to love. For some reasons we are drawn to look out for love and enjoy it. But I seldom see people who earnestly seek to love. Perhaps it is because of man's selfishness. I believe that this is what I need to ask and work on. At some point, I have come to accept the reality that people will not always like me and I could either do the same. But somehow I know that I should respond differently. My default is apathy but I am tired of that. I want to learn how to love and pursue it passionately. Actually, this word of St. Francis is not foreign because I often read this in my Bible. Yet, it's so hard to follow. It might sound unbelievable to some but I actually am praying that God would break my heart for what breaks his, to love freely just as He did, and to execute love in its purest sense. I know that it's taking so long but I believe that God is working. And it is also my prayer that we all will seek to love more than the desire to be loved. And behold, we are already loved!
Exactly ate Sar. We seek more to be loved than to love others. We seek more to be understood than to understand others. I too have not seen most Christians, including myself, and even church leaders,to make effort to truly seek out to love others. This is what I also want to apply in my life, that in my prayers, I'll ask God also to grant my heart to seek to love others than to be loved. :D
DeleteI agree with you ate Sarah. Because you know most of the times I seek to be more loved, be more understood, and be more cared by others. Not considering other people's need as well. And I am so guilty with that. I can notice in myself if I act selfishly when I become so sensitive with my friends, when I feel like they failed to meet the love that I need. Yet, even though this word of St. Francis is not new to me, (as what ate Sarah said) I find it really hard to do. Especially when I feel tired of loving those unlovable ones. But I am fully aware that as a follower of Christ I should not be tired of loving people. And it is also my prayer that God would give me a heart that seeks to love others more than myself. And To love others unconditionally.
DeleteI ought to love others because God loves me first.
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
ReplyDelete― Francis of Assisi (https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi)
People oftentimes believes by what they have seen rather than by what they have heard. Just like the old famous line saying, "Action speaks louder than words", Francis Assisi's quote is an alarming truth especially for us Christian workers who are ministering people not just to our fellow believers in Christ but most especially to the unbelievers. Once again, I was being reminded of how I should live my life not just here in BTC but also outside and throughout my remaining times in this world. It's a shameful thing to think of that I wasted so many opportunities of showing Christ through my actions especially to my unbelieving families and friends. I should have done things that could encourage my fellow believers, but I chose the other way and unfortunately, caused many heartaches and bitterness. Sad to say, those deeds and harms cannot be undone and erased from their hearts. As disturbing as it was, I am still glad to know that God is not finished yet in building up my character and never runs out of forgiveness and chances for us to do what is right; He is very patient and gracious in molding us to be more and more like Christ. His love and grace for us is overflowing that we too, could not help but show it to other people especially through our actions. Our deeds are very important testimony of God's marvelous love to every one for sometimes, our words may fail to do so. It is good to be reminded again that every day, people are watching us setting an example and leaving a legacy that would last. I just hope and pray that by God's sustaining grace, my daily life from now on would be a sermon that could uplift and encourage the hearts of other people.
Start by doing what's necessary; then do what's possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
ReplyDelete~Francis of Assisi (brainyquote.com)
I think that this is another way of saying “Just do it”. A lot of circumstances during my decisions in life that I was able to do this. Most of the times, if given a big responsibility, I would think negatively and think that it is really impossible for me to do it. But then I am always reminded by God's Word in Philippians 4:13 which says “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”. I would then start praying to God to give me wisdom and strength. Then the next thing I know, I was able to do it. I was able to do what was impossible for me. Throughout my experiences I learned that all it takes is a little faith and courage to take the risk and make the first step. And that first step is always to commit that responsibiliy to God and ask for His help. For we know that we are nothing without Him. Though there are still times that I'm afraid, though I've asked God for help, I turn to step 2 and that is to trust and expect God's promise to be fulfilled that He will help us in our time of need. And in step 3, I would do what I can do with God's help until I am able to do what's impossible for me. Indeed nothing is impossible for me for I know that God is with me and I know that with God, nothing is impossible.
Yes, indeed chicken..I can relate with you most of the time. But i always thank God for renewing my faith day by day, to trust Him in every works that my hand would do, it may be impossible for me but to God it is not.
Delete"And all of us must keep close watch over ourselves and keep all parts of our body pure, since the Lord says 'Anyone who looks lustfully at a woman has already committed adultery with her in his heart (Mt. 5:28)'; and the Apostle says: 'Do you not know that your members are the temple of the Holy Spirit?'; therefore, whoever violates God's temple, God will destroy him (1 Cor. 3:17)." (St. Francis of Assisi) http://www.mycatholicsource.com/mcs/qt/saint_francis_reflections_teachings.htm
ReplyDeleteGod expects from us to live a godly life. It means to have a love for the things of God and to walk in the ways of God for we are His children, the salt and light living in this dark world. Titus 11:2-14 for the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. As follower of the Lord Jesus Christ I must take good care and keep all parts of my body pure and holy. I must handle with care, that the name of Jesus will be glorified, and make known throughout the entire of my life. Because of His grace and favor I am able to say no to sin and Yes to Jesus and ought to live holy and godly lives as I look forward to the day of God and its coming 2Peter 3:10-12. I must live a life worthy of His calling. I must flee from all youthful desires, instead I will pursue righteousness, holiness, love, self-control, patience, faith, godliness, and I will look back on what Christ has done in my life, and I will serve Him faithfully through the gift, talents, and abilities that He entrust, and I will do good until He will call me, to come home.
Say no to sin, and Yes to Jesus, and walk in the ways of God, as He called us to live a holy life, for He is holy.
“Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature. What you are in his sight is what you are and nothing more. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received...but only what you have given; a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.”
ReplyDeleteRead more at http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/12-st-francis-quotes-will-challenge-way-you-live-your-faith#x3OHUbks5FTxVIWA.99
The recognition of what we did should not be ourselves but towards God as Creator. We should look to the interest of others which looking beyond ourselves. As a servant of Jesus Christ, our life's purpose here on earth is to glorify God. Being thankful of what God has given to us and enjoy life with the resources He has given. God is the source of everything that we have so all the glory belongs to Him alone. In the service of the King, our hearts should be honest, loving and has sacrificial attitude as we walk in our journey in life.
Indeed the very purpose why we are created is to glorify God. Also, we are created in His image and own likeness. Our value is with the Lord and so we should not degrade ourselves just because we do not have what other people have. As Christians, what matters most is the very foundation that we have - the Bible. On the other part, I am reminded with our Math reading on Alcorn's book that we glorify God through our everything which includes money and our finances. It is true that we cannot take anything that we earned here on earth because these things are temporary. We came on this earth naked then we will leave this earth naked as well. Hence, the most important thing to do is to give service to our fellow, having a Chris-like character.
Delete“Where there is injury, let me sow pardon” (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/francis_of_assisi.html).
ReplyDeleteDue to our human frailty, we would rather choose to inflict pain to those who harmed us. It's difficult for us to show good to those people who don't show love to us. In a simpler term, it's so hard to love the unlovable. Humanly speaking, the more we are hurt, the more we do the same to others. All the more we become too insensitive to what other people feel especially if our hearts become already calloused due to the sufferings we have experienced and are experiencing. We repay good for good and evil for evil.
In a Christian perspective, I highly agree to the quote above by St. Francis and I would back it up with with the verses found in Romans 12:17-21 that say, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”says the Lord On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Honestly speaking, it's so easy to say this but applying it is such a hard task. I encountered and still encountering lots of challenging people in my life. Every time I would meet such people, I depend God all the more. Some people I met caused me pain a lot due to their destructive criticisms. But then I thank God because He is there for me and also comforts me with a statement, “I have the final say”. God has the final say. He knows me and other people's negative feedback should not discourage me. Maybe in some way they are right, but not all what people say to me are right because maybe they just fail to see the 'real' me. My identity is in Christ and I have to embrace that. Instead of holding grudges against the difficult people I encounter, I would always remind myself to show more love to them and learn to forgive them. I want to follow God's pattern that despite our rebellious character, He still loves us no matter what. God showed His unconditional love to the world, so why not do the same to others with the help of my sovereign Lord? I am not saying that I don't fail anymore in this area but I still sometimes fail but thank God that He always get me back to Him and shift the camera towards Him and not to myself. It's because if I am just too focus to myself, all the more I become aware of the pain I received from others which leads me to retaliate them. But if my eyes are focus on Jesus, I can say that the suffering I have is incomparable to what He suffered but He still cope to spread His love throughout the whole world. So why not spread mercy even if I am not loved? Why not sow pardon even if I am injured?
Let this be our motto, “The more we are unloved by others, the more we show love to them.”
Yes, I totally agree with you ate shiela. Although it is indeed difficult to love others especially those who hurt us it is what we can do to them for them to know what love is and how God loves us and them so much. This is what Jesus wants us to do as well.
Delete"While you are proclaiming the peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more in your heart" https://www.google.com.ph/search?q=quotes+of+St.+Francis+of+Assisi&biw=1024&bih=506&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwj1xYj0gO_KAhVFHqYKHTHaDPwQ_AUIBigB&dpr=1
ReplyDeleteMost of the time I pretend to be at peace when it is totally opposite of what I felt, but because I don't want other people to feel the same thing I pretend to be at peace and speak as if not distracted. Now, as I read this quotes I ask myself if I really give them peace when my heart is not. I realized that not all the time doing something you think is wise and better is right even if your intention is good.
I know that most of us were looking for peace and we could only find that peace if you heart is in peace. By doing so, offer those unease heart to God and you will found the true meaning of word PEACE.
This is a reminder for you and me not only if we talk about "peace" but in every words that our lips proclaim should be also true in our hearts.
Have a PEACEFUL heart everyone :)
This message from St. Francis rebuked me. It made me change my prayer to God. If I wanted peace, I would ask for peace beneath what is uttered by mere mouth. Thank you for choosing this quote it is indeed a great reminder as we live our daily life. Peace be to all!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete“Keep a clear eye toward life's end. Do not forget your purpose and destiny as God's creature...Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take nothing that you have received..."
ReplyDelete― Francis of Assisi (https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi)
We are created by God to give glory to Him. And while we are living in this earth let us not be distracted to its deceptions. All things in this world are temporal, they will all come to pass. Just like what St. Francis said, we need to keep a clear eye toward life's end. But sadly, most people live their lives as if there's nothing more after death. Many people thought that life ends with death. So they just enjoy doing many things while they still have their breaths. But as Christians we are fully aware that life does not just end there. There is more to look forward and that is the reality of eternity. I hope that we'll not settle in investing things in this world and for the world instead, let us glorify God by doing the things that are pleasing to Him and by investing for the things which have eternal value. Yes, it is true that we could take nothing from this world when we die, specifically the material things or treasures, but we could send them ahead of us in heaven by investing a soul from it.
Life here on earth is temporary but the life promised by God to us is eternal.
This is similar to the dot and the line principle of Alcorn.
:)
“Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
ReplyDelete― Francis of Assisi
There are things and situations in life that I wanted to change, selfish things that I wanted to happen that would probably have brought joy and ease to my life. There are also situations that I am capable of correcting and changing yet I haven’t done anything to it. It takes heavenly wisdom to react on such things. I love this prayer of St. Francis of Assisi because it reminds me to really consult on God and not decide on my own and for my own sake. It is a good prayer to pray every day especially living in the dorm where I can see lots of flaws and mistakes on a person or in a certain circumstance. Indeed, knowing and meditating God’s Word is the key to have wisdom in all circumstances and changes in my daily life.
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi?page=1)
This is a great prayer of Francis that we also pray this for there are many things that we cannot change like negative or positive events and since we cannot change this I need to accept the fact and the truth. There are also things that i can change; like what you said Weng, the decisions we make everyday, we need to ask wisdom from the Lord.
Delete“He who works with his hands is a laborer.
ReplyDeleteHe who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist.”
― Francis of Assisi
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi
I super like and agree with his last statement that "He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist", because it is true that if you are an artist you will be able to create a thing beautifully because you did it with the heart. Most of the time, when I start to think of what to do I usually go for what my heart beats for, like I pose for the moment and think and feel of what to do or create. I love to feel things, that's why I most fail when it comes to thinking or I.Q test. But these three statements is true and it all talks about "Work", now it depends on the person where he/she is in this area, whether a laborer, a craftsman, or an artist. Me, I am an artist, and I love being one. And as a servant and a worker of Christ I hope that people would love to do and work for God's glory and not for it's own glory. All in all, these three kinds of work can glorify God, but it all depends to the person doing the work.
Indeed all three could be bring honor to God only if their hearts are right to doing the things that they do with sincerity. But to be able to work on the three areas of the whole being of a person is really outstanding. And I guess that is what God wants his people to do. To be able to touch not just the hand, or the heart but at the same time also the heart. :-)
Delete“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.” -Francis of Assisi
ReplyDeletehttp://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/francisofa153347.html
It is not enough to teach everything from the Bible and convince people about the love of God, His grace, and His faithfulness. It is not enough to tell somebody that He is loved by God if we, as ministers, have bitterness hidden deeply in our hearts. What we share should always reflect. Though, this is challenging, it is how the Lord can be pleased. God is not focused on what we do or achieve in doing His ministry, rather, He is pleased with how we spend time with Him joyfully and how we live our lives with love to Him and to the people we minister to. It is not about the works we do, it is about how we let God work in our lives. We can show our love to God through loving others as well. The best message that we can share to other people is our testimony and the way we live our lives according to God's will. We can not preach or teach other people without letting the Holy Spirit, first, minister in our lives and implant the essence of God's word reflecting its truth by the way we live.
Yes so true Mands, sometimes we are already calloused about applying God's word in our lives because we are too confident that we have this relationship with Him but the fact is we are already far away from Him even we always say to other how great He is and even we are serving Him always inside the ministry. This situation happens to my life also that i keep on encouraging, imparting, and reminding others about God's Word and His love but inside of my heart it will not penetrates anymore and convince me that these are true. because sometimes in our Christian life we experience drought and hopeless especially if we have challenges and less appreciation while doing the ministry of God. But God still never fail to help us in renewing our goal and purpose why we serve Him. He finds ways and able to heal us and restore us into being passionate and sincere in serving Him through serving others with His words.
Delete“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
ReplyDelete― Francis of Assisi
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi
“Action speaks louder than word” a quote that seems St. Francis’ quote. Sometimes it is really better to do an action than just saying word by our mouth. Sometimes words are less significant than doing something. For me I would rather do it than saying it because I know I tend to fail what I’ve said. Doing good things to others is also like telling or preaching them a one whole sermon. Because we already imparted something that they will never forget. By just saying words they probably forget it in just a little moment but by doing something that changed their lives will last forever. So, I’ll rather do it directly to others what I want to do for them than by just saying it because by just saying words are not yet enough. Though these two are very important say it and do it. And this also imply in saying promises sometimes we are not careful in letting go of words and the time goes by we already fail to do it. Saying words might hurt someone than doing it directly because by doing, it proves that we are firm of our words. Hearing words will not last in our mind but seeing the action will last in our heart and mind.
Hi Donna Fe,
DeleteI like the quote you have chosen because that is quite true to every human being. People may tend to deny what they really want to say. But actions tells what's really the truth. Our actions speaks what overflows our minds and hearts. So it is very important to guard our actions when we show off because it could be a good sermon that will make a person whole or it might be an action that breaks a person's life. It is very important to walk in accordance of the righteousness of God so that we will help unbelievers or even the believers that surround us. It will lead them and glorify God, our Father in heaven. There are people who looks us up because we are christian. They are so mindful of our activities daily. So we must be watchful always. Our good deeds might open their minds and soul about the Lord we are serving and it will also breaks their hesitancy to come to know our Savior. Let's keep doing good for the glory of God and for the salvation of other people who don't know yet about Jesus Christ.
“Sanctify yourself and you will sanctify society.”
ReplyDelete― Francis of Assisi
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi?page=1 (Feb 12,2015)
The first statement, “Sanctify yourself…” reminds me of the command of God to the Israelite in the Old Testament, and was also quoted by Peter in his first book of the New Testament which says “be holy because I am holy” (1 Pet 1:16). This statement is really true for the saints of God. It is not just a quote, but the Word of God itself says so. It must be the aim of every Christian to live a holy life. It must be our lifestyle. It must be the only thing that we wear every day. But it sad to say that often times we forgot to pursue God’s holiness because we choose to follow own desires, our own pleasures which defile our holy God. There is a lot of ways that we can defile our God through our filthy words, our thoughts, and our hearts desires. Even our actions express how sinful we are. So, as a Christian it is very important to be watchful of our deeds, thoughts, desires and words. Because we are God’s chosen people. We are separated from the world so that we can freely live in the light of Christ. There are many people who are watching us. The consequences of what we do will be revealed through the responses of the people that surround us. We might be a blessing to them or a stumbling block. If we live according to the holiness of God, it is easy for us to bring change to our society. But if we dwell in the things that hinders us to be like Christ there will be no transformation of our society. I can say that Francis of Assisi is true. It is always starts with us. Then, we will be a vessel of sanctification or change of our society.
"We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh, but, instead, we must be simple, humble, and pure"
ReplyDelete(Source: Francis of Asisi: Early Documents, Volume 1)
http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/12-st-francis-quotes-will-challenge-way-you-live-your-faith
Be humble even others are not. I was touched then when this saying appeared in just a seconds in my heart. I dreamed to be more successful than anyone else but in the long I was just letting myself to become ruin and lost the way of godliness. The Bible describes it as absence of self. It means to give more importance or focus for other's lives rather to myself. It does not mean that it would always think to consider others but instead of being sensitive to others' feelings, thoughts, and emotions. the lowliness of mind that means it is the heart attitude not merely an outside appearance. there are times that some may put an a outward show of humility but deep inside the heart is full of arrogance and pride.Jesus said that we must be poor in spirit for we will inherit the heaven. being poor in spirit means that those who admit the failure of spiritual worth will inherit the eternal life. the criterion of the Christian life is Humility. when we come to Christ as a sinners, we must come in humility. the true humility can be only found in the life f Jesus Christ. He is role model of the word humility. according to Prov. 3:34, God promises to give grace to the humble and opposes the proud. I do believe God is against to those who are not humble and whose heart is full of arrogance. We must be simple, humble, and pure as long as Christ is our master and model. the way we behave must reflect of determine the way Christ lives. We ought not to be proud but, instead, we live in simplicity.
Yes, I indeed agree with what you say about the quote of St. Francis that you reflect upon. It is really true that to become humble people is what God want his people to become. But to be humble is not an easy thing to accomplish, because as human as we are we are really aiming for honor and prestige. I myself had a real hard time in that area of life, because more often I would rather be proud and accept others appreciation as it was what I was looking for. And I really forgot to give the honor and glory to God. It is a daily struggle to achieve humbleness and humility but I do believed that it could be possible only by our total dependence and focus on Jesus Christ alone. :-)
DeleteIt is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching.
ReplyDeleteFrancis of Assisi
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/francis_of_assisi.html#KSZwEj9ZlFK40Aoz.99
It is not enough if we going to preach God's word without living daily in our lives. It is not enough to share the love of God while hating other persons. It is no use to preach how God is amazing in your life while you feel like jealous, envy and greedy to others.
Our life is the number one testimony to others, and I agree with Assisi that it is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching. Let us walk our own talk.It is useless and sad for us Christians if we didn't walk the teachings of Christ.
I've heard a lot of preachers or leaders who does not walk their talk. It's negative side is that there will be no audience anymore to listen to us if we do not walk our talk. Our integrity cracked. It's positive side....none. We are not fit for the Calling if we do not know who we are in God's eyes.
DeleteIndeed, a preacher's life is very much important for the impact of his sermons to other people especially to his own self.
DeleteAmen!I do agree with this. This is not just applicable to the preachers but even to the teachers and to those who proclaim to be Children of God, yet its not shown in our lives. This is great reminder as ministers who desire to serve God with the rest of our lives. Indeed, Let Jesus Christ be seen in our lives!
Delete“A man who works with his hands is a laborer. A man who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman. A man who works with his hands, his head, and his heart is an artist.”
ReplyDelete― Francis of Assisi
(https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi)
Indeed to work only with a hand is like a forced work, to work with a hand and a mind is for business, to work with a hand, a mind, and a heart is a free artist. When Apostle Paul told us that "whatever we do, we should do it for the glory of God", we should have a willingness of heart to do a ministry knowing that God would reward us soon. When we work only because we do not have an allowance, it looks like were doing the ministry as a business, not a ministry. Ministry does not talk about money or food, it will later on follows as a blessing, so there should be no reason to make it in our worry list. Ministry is God's business, not ours. We are only the one who were entrusted to it. If we can add in our life some beauty, why not do it in His ministry?
"The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today"
ReplyDeletehttps://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi
There are many thoughts that came into my mind when I had read this quote but all of it are connected to the idea of the impact that we make as we are living our lives. It is the same idea of the lyrics of one song, "shine your light and let the whole world see". This is such a great challenge, to have our lives as a living testimonies of the love and power of God. Especially when you are living in the midst of the hopeless people. But this should be an expected glow from us, every believers, knowing that we have the Holy Spirit in us that enables us to be more Christ-like each day.
I agree with you Mikki. I was reminded of the story that i read in our World Lit. class about the person who was determined to let Christ shined in his life by helping those people who were in need. The people who saw his godly character made these people believed in Jesus Christ. So therefore, let us continue to be a blessing to other people and let us let our light shine to them so that they will believe in Christ and give glory to His name.
DeleteIt makes me think....
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ReplyDelete“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Where these is hatred, let me sow love.”
ReplyDeletehttp://thinkexist.com/quotes/st._francis_of_assisi/2.html
I was reminded of the sermon I've heard in our church that said "we must be a peacemaker rather than a peacekeeper." This is usually our tendency especially towards people that we do not like or our enemies, all we do is just ignore or even hate them. As followers of Christ, we ought to make peace toward our enemies and we must show love. I remembered in the movie "Les Miserables," wherein Jean stole something from the house of the priest. But instead of hating Jean, what the priest did was he forgave the person and showed love to him. It was the priest who made peace with Jean Valjean. I hope and pray that we should be peacemakers and not peacekeepers. If we are able to make peace or be an instrument of peace with others, there is no hatred but instead love. We can show love especially love that comes from God to other people. We show love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).
I agree with you pretty that we must be a peacemaker. I also observed that most of Christians are not peacemaker because sometimes believers are the one who initiated of a fight because of gossiping. I cannot understand why this is still practiced until today. I also pray that all believers will be sister's and brother's keeper that will encourage peace and love rather than to fight and have more enemies because of insecurities. Peacemakers are the ones who has love and receive love from God that ought to be share to others.
Delete“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi
ReplyDeletePreaching is formal and pastors who preach will be in front and with best attire and the words that they will say is prepared and also with the help of the Holy Spirit they deliver the word. But this quote is really true for me. That the actions or deeds that I will do is a sermon or applied sermon message. There are a lot of people do not like to hear sermons specially young people today. What they equate in sermons is the sermon of their mother or father and also the sermon of the pastor. The best way to send them message is through our deeds. Sometimes “actions speaks louder than word” this is a famous statement and it is often true.
“The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today”
ReplyDeletehttps://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi
When I read this, I remember our Pastor told me to be careful of the actions that I do for there are people who see me. This quote reminded me that my lifestyle can be a blessing to others. It must be natural for every Christian to live that shows the love of God to other people. It was written in the Bible that we let our light shine before men that they may see our good deeds and glorify our Father in heaven. Person's life could be a encouragement to other people. This quote is a good one for Christians to be aware of the actions that will be performed. It is to chow the light and love that we have received from Christ. We can be a blessing to others without saying any words, instead showing it through actions.
Very true. Not all people will be able to hear somebody preaching. But your life will surely become one. It is because people are aware of your actions. Especially when you are a Christian, your life seems to become the standard of how a person should live. How you live your life will surely become a big influence in people's lives. That's why, we should be aware of our actions. Because as the quote says, "The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today."
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Delete"If God can work through me, he can work through anyone."
ReplyDeletehttp://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/francisofa103418.html
It is really true. If God can work through me, He can work through anyone. God is at work in everyone's lives. Even when that person has not know Him yet, I believe at some point of his life God is at work. He may use situations that would lead that person to know Him or lead that person to have a change of heart. That was what did to me before I knew Him. God has been working in my life. He has been using me to tell people about His goodness and His great love. I believe that God can do that to others as well.
That's why we should always give others a chance that God could work in their lives.
DeleteThat's why we should always give others a chance that God could work in their lives.
Delete“LORD grant that I might not so much seek to be loved as to love”.
ReplyDelete_Francis of Assissi
(https://www.google.com.ph/searchbiw=1366&bih=623&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=francis+of+assisi+quotes&oq)
The quote wholy talks about the very human tendency of each person, the wanting to acquire love and feel being loved. Most of the time it’s more important for a person to be able to feel that he/she is being loved rather than he/she showing love. The selfishness of just wanting to gain for our own selves was always and strongly present in each individual. And this statement that might be a prayer of St. Francis of Assissi, shows an honest longing and petition of his heart; to be able to give love more often that wanting to received one. Heartaches and hurts are rampant because of that longing to received loved from people who in any ways did have the same kind of thinking, of wanting to also receive such kind of love. If we take a closer and deeper look on the situation, we could see that in a society the give and take process is a very rare thing because most people want a one way kind of love; just to be the recepient of it. The results are devastating as no one gets what they wanted because no one gives what they needed. This prayer of Francis shows the taking of a courageous step of making a difference. That instead of what’s the normal way of waiting to be loved, he wants to be the first to give love. He showed an act of selflessness; by taking away the true desire of his self and diverting it to filling the needs of others. His longing to show love and give love will be a bridge for people to acquire and attain their hearts desire to be loved. It is the very same thing that Jesus modeled back in His time on earth. He showed love rather than waiting to received loved. And I believed this prayer of St. Francis was a reflection and an adaptation of what Christ did; its like following His step by being able to see the people throught the lenses of God. It’s not as easy as we could think it is, but it’s really nice and wonderful to also have such kind of longing and desire. That we too might be a bridge and an instrument for people to see the truth that there is someone who would love anyone no matter who they are, because He came not to attain and ask for people’s love but rather He came to show and give love to everyone who seeks to be loved.
"Your deeds may be the only sermon some persons hear today" -St. Francis of Asisi.
ReplyDeleteTruly, our deeds could be the only sermon others would hear because not all the time that we can sit down with a person and talk to him about Christ. Sometimes, we don't have the luxury of time of really sharing the Word and not all of us has the gut of standing up behind the pulpit, preaching sermons. St. Francis' quotation is such an encouragement to believers who thought that they couldn't do confrontational evangelism. Even, myself and I, am glad to read this, that my life and everything i am doing could be the only sermon that some persons could hear today.
Thumbs up with this, because words that have spoken to people is useless and meaningless without showing it in daily lives or the way they live. Words without deeds nothing.
DeleteYes, this is very true :) people are really looking at us as good examples. We must really walk what we talk. We must also know that what we do will impact more than what we say. We must always live a life that is in line with the characters of God, so that when people sees our difference, we might be able to penetrate to them and eventually reach them out.
Delete“Above all the grace and the gifts that Christ gives to his beloved is that of overcoming self”
ReplyDeleteRead more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/francis_of_assisi.html
Contrary to what the world around us believes, the truth about overcoming self is that it is not done by our own effort. Its secrets are not hidden in self-help books, how-to seminars or feel-good programs.We do not deal with it on our own. Its not a result of our accomplishments and it is not earned by what we generate. It is God's grace. It is God's gift. God, in His grace, did not leave us to deal with life on our own. He did not leave us to do what is right on our own strength. He did not leave us to deal with sin and temptations by ourselves. He provided Jesus so we could be saved by grace through Him and gave us the Holy Spirit to dwell in us and help us overcome. There's no need for us to flex our moral muscles because its not about our strength.It’s about the Holy Spirit overcoming the temptations we meet. It’s about leaning to God and asking for help. And then trusting Him and acting in faith. So why do we stress ourselves too much in managing self? Why is it so hard for us to ask for help when we know we will only fail on our own? Why do we forget that God wants to help us? That He is glorified when we realize our need of Him? God delights in helping us. So let Him pour out His grace and let Him drown us with His love until there's no need for overcoming self because we finally lost ourselves in Him and all others see is Him, radiating through us.
“It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching”
ReplyDeleteFrancis of Assisi
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/f/francisofa153347.html
Every individual exist for a very purpose of the one who created all. Even a very simple and an ordinary people has given by God an authority to do things that pleases him. Especially to those people who know Him the real He as God. We are God's instruments for the battle here on this imperfect world. I agree with what St. Francis of Assisi said from the quotation above that everything is useles or meaningless even though how far and how you exert effort just for preaching and how many sacrifices you did for him unless you walk what you talk. This is the most known but mostly rejected one to Christian's lives. They may preach but without applying into their lives preaching is useless and there is no meaning on it.
"While you are proclaiming peace with your lips, be careful to have it even more fully in your heart." -Francis of Assisi
ReplyDeleteRead more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/f/francis_of_assisi.html
This has always been my prayer seeing that the days are fleeting and it passes by so fast. To have peace in our hearts requires us only one thing. that one thing is "surrender." As I look back to the things that happened, I sometimes worry too much, and end up having no peace of mind. As I look forward to what is ahead, it even grows stronger, the worries and anxieties are consuming me more. This quote of St. Francis reminded me of how I should live my life, and how I must live what I preach. It is very true that we can proclaim peace if don't have one in our hearts. We can't let people know how to have peace when we don't know how it feels to have peace anyway. At the same time, it is good that as we proclaim peace, we truly have it fully in our hearts, that we may be able to relate, and share the same feelings with others as they receive the message of peace that God has for them.
“Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that have received--only what you have given.”
ReplyDeletehttps://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/149151.Francis_of_Assisi
This is a very aspiring quote of Francis of Assisi. Indeed whatever I achieve in life, I cannot bring it to eternity. Only what I have received is only the salvation that I can have until eternity. So by this statement, I am more encouraged to bring the gospel of salvation to others in which they can have until eternity.