Beholding the Image of God in the Inner Man

I've been continuing in my Devos in "Early Will I Seek You: A 40-Day Journey in the Company of Augustine" (ed. David Hazard). The chapter on "Beholding the Image of God in the Inner Man" has prompted me to think deeply on taking off the old self and putting on the new self. An extract from my reading is attached below for your reading delight.


"[take] off your old self with its practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator." Col 3:9-10 (NIV)

Augustine says,

To begin with, I must tell you: The manner of life you live, together with the state of your heart, is most important when it comes to this matter of learning how to behold the image of God in the sanctuary of your soul.

As we have all learned from our Lord Jesus Christ, this begins by learning to be meek. That is, we must come to Him daily for spiritual power and strength (Phil 2:13). By seeking God's strength, not our own, we become humble before Him. Never allow any pride, which causes us to imagine and to pretend that we have no spiritual needs (James 4:10)....

Now I will tell you: You will make greater progression by secret prayer and meditation than by reading or hearing spiritual teachings. By these two crucial practices, you build up the inner man, receiving words of spiritual insight that feed your soul and renew it day by day.

Therefore, lift up the spirit of your mind, so that this daily renewing may begin. Set your thoughts on the character of God Himself - think on the One who is full of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience (Col 3:12). Think on these things until you find yourself entering that secret chamber of the heart where Christ dwells in you by faith (Eph 3:17). - Augustine; On Seeing God:1, 2.

My Father, I will quiet my soul now and enter its "sanctuary" with you....

When I listen to the secrets of my heart, I find that my inner man is clothed sometimes with... pride and an unwillingness to admit I've been wrong... impatience... hard-heartedness towards someone who irritates me ... secret joy when another fails...

But today, Father, I will fix the eyes of my soul upon you! Clothe me with your compassion, kindness, humility... so that the others may feel even the slightest brush of your garment as I pass by.

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Grace and Peace
Ollie
Jun 2009

The piercing arrow of the Word of God

In addition to reading through the Gospels, I've been doing my devotional reading from "Early Will I Seek You: A 40-Day Journey in the Company of Augustine" (ed. David Hazard). In this book, excepts from Augustine's writings are presented along with scripture and prayer. I love writings from historical Christian heroes; they serve as a "cloud of witnesses" to the Faith, and often helping to encourage, teach and give insights to God's Word and Works.


Today's reading from the Chapter "Our Defense", Augustine writes:

When we believe lies, I tell you, a baneful forest grows within the soul, and we become lost by excusing ourselves from service in God's Kingdom. We allow ourselves worldly thoughts and worldly affections. The Word of God must come like a piercing arrow, bearing a flaming coal, so that this forest of worldly thoughts will be set on fire, become cleared ground where God may build His temple within.

The Devil comes to sow tares and darkness, to bring ruin to your soul. The Words of God come like fire, so that when your heart is cleared, Christ can be built in you, a temple of eternal happiness. (Augustine, Homilies on the Psalms:5 emphasis mine)

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Grace and Peace
Ollie
Jun 2009

Video Testimony - Jolly Blogger's Battle with Cancer

David Wayne (aka Jolly Blogger) was diagnosed with cancer in December 2008. He gives a powerful testimony of God's Faithfulness in the midst of suffering and pain. He also speaks about the theology of the Cross and embracing trials and suffering that leads to deeper knowledge of God. See his video testimony below.

David Wayne - My Battle with Cancer from David Wayne on Vimeo.

David blogs at Jolly Blogger.


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Grace and Peace
Ollie
Jun 2009

John Calvin's 500th Birthday

Get the John Calvin birthday clock at Calvin 500


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Grace and Peace
Ollie
Jun 2009