Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Saturday, September 02, 2006
Sun Tea and The Infinite-Personal God
As I held the small packet of Lipton ice tea in my hand as memory floated delightfully to my mind. In Oklahoma, my mother, grandmothers, aunts, and anybody Southern would partake in a near ancient tradition - Sun Tea. To my surprise, many of my coworkers are unaware of such a thing. Upon further questioning, only one other soul knew of what I spoke!
Allow me to preach such glorious news. Gather some black tea bags, which band you fancy would do. Take the desired amount of water (keeping in mind the water to bag ratio) and merge with the tea. This is only possibly in hot and sunny weather, for you now place that brewing treat in the sun. Allow it time to fully brew and heat. Unlike most tea, this does not have the luxury of a stove, teapot, or quickly heated water. Nope, it takes Mr. Sun and his son Ray to slowly blend the two. After this long time you must invite philosophy loving friends to sit and enjoy.
As I sip this delicious brew my mind is dwelling on the topic of sanctification. Quite a jump, isn't it? Yet think of the simply allusions between the two. Our bodies begin on earth as irreprobate beings, unable to even knock wind against God's holy law. Until the Holy Spirit invades the dreadful heart our minds and bodies are at a great enmity with God.
Though I believe justification is once-for-all, sanctification is an ongoing endeavor. Like Sun Tear (I feel like some cheap pastor now), the rays of Jesus Christ, through his word, will enliven us to become holy and obedient sons and daughters. Trials and fire set us to be pure and refined. When our hearts tense the most is often our most precious times of growth.
Therefore, we should not lose heart. "Though the outer man is decaying the inner man is being renewed day by day." Like sun tea, again taking the role of cheesy guy, the heat of the trials does nothing but refine, if we take these trials by the hand. Otherwise, we simply are beaten down and, perhaps, proven not of Christ's.
Just...short and simple thoughts tonight. I mean...how much can sun tea really inspire?
Takes a sip aaaaahhhh.
Allow me to preach such glorious news. Gather some black tea bags, which band you fancy would do. Take the desired amount of water (keeping in mind the water to bag ratio) and merge with the tea. This is only possibly in hot and sunny weather, for you now place that brewing treat in the sun. Allow it time to fully brew and heat. Unlike most tea, this does not have the luxury of a stove, teapot, or quickly heated water. Nope, it takes Mr. Sun and his son Ray to slowly blend the two. After this long time you must invite philosophy loving friends to sit and enjoy.
As I sip this delicious brew my mind is dwelling on the topic of sanctification. Quite a jump, isn't it? Yet think of the simply allusions between the two. Our bodies begin on earth as irreprobate beings, unable to even knock wind against God's holy law. Until the Holy Spirit invades the dreadful heart our minds and bodies are at a great enmity with God.
Though I believe justification is once-for-all, sanctification is an ongoing endeavor. Like Sun Tear (I feel like some cheap pastor now), the rays of Jesus Christ, through his word, will enliven us to become holy and obedient sons and daughters. Trials and fire set us to be pure and refined. When our hearts tense the most is often our most precious times of growth.
Therefore, we should not lose heart. "Though the outer man is decaying the inner man is being renewed day by day." Like sun tea, again taking the role of cheesy guy, the heat of the trials does nothing but refine, if we take these trials by the hand. Otherwise, we simply are beaten down and, perhaps, proven not of Christ's.
Just...short and simple thoughts tonight. I mean...how much can sun tea really inspire?
Takes a sip aaaaahhhh.
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