Happy St. Patrick's Day

March 17 is a day set aside to celebrate the life of Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland. It is believed that he died on March 17, 460 A.D.

Saint Patrick was born to a wealthy family in Wales. At age 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and spent six years in slavery before he escaped.

Much of his time in Ireland was spent working alone as a shepherd. During this time of solitude, he became a devout in his faith. It is also believed that it was at this time in his life that he began dreaming of converting the Irish to Christianity.

After he returned to Britain, he was told in a dream to return to Ireland as a missionary. He undertook 15 years of study and ordination as a priest before returning to Ireland with a dual mission - to minister to Christians there and to convert the Irish.

Saint Patrick left an incredible legacy! Not only did he bring "many thousands" to the Lord, he also proved the viability of missions for the church. His example inspired later missionaries to greater levels evangelism abroad.

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

This Blessed Book!

"When you come to this Blessed Book, the great point is to come with a deep consciousness of your ignorance, seeking on your knees the help of God, that by his Spirit he may graciously instruct you.

If you do not understand some portions, do not be discouraged, but come again and again to God, and he will guide you little by little, and further instruct you in the knowledge of his will.

And with an increasing knowledge of God obtained in a prayerful, humble way, you will receive, not something that simply fills the head, but something that exercises the heart, and cheers and comforts and strengthens you inner man."

George Muller
1805 - 1898

George Muller was a 19th century evangelist and coordinator of orphanages in Bristol, England. He lived an incredible life of faith and ministry to the poor. If you are interested in learning more about him, I recommend his autobiography or, for an easier read, George Muller: Man of Faith and Miracles.

Shoulders of Giants

This week, I am thankful for the great men and women who have lived before me, who have demonstrated amazing faith and wisdom, and have struggled through deep truths. I am who I am because I can stand on the shoulders of these giants.

As protestants we sometimes forget the very challenging work of the church fathers to "rightly handle the word of truth." Throughout our history as the body of Christ, there have been questions about who we are and who God revealed himself to be. These courageous men and women struggled through these questions and have established the truths of the Christian church.

As one example, imagine how very differently we would view ourselves if the gnostic beliefs had not been checked in the early church. We would believe that the physical world was evil and worthless, and only the spirit mattered. While we do hold to the importance of the new life we have in the spirit, we can also enjoy the beauty of the physical world -- the ocean, the sunset, the hugs of our children -- as part of God's good gifts to us.

So today I echo the statement of Sir Isaac Newton, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants."

Join me in being thankful this week. Every Thursday you can enter your Living in Thanksgiving post at Blue Castle.