Pastor Jim submitted the following “Ponderings” on 10/9/15…
Greetings Friends:
PLEASE READ: John 10:16
Jesus said, “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.”
PLEASE READ: Hebrews 12:1-2
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every
encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
Throughout the years Christians in general and Methodists in particular have been blessed by many wonderful saints of God. Often there are those who are more prominent than others and there are many who are more notable to the tradition God called them to participate.
There is one man from the Methodist tradition in Canada who is perhaps less familiar to many of us, yet his influence continues to be felt today. Albert Carmen’s influence and life can still be a source of strength for Methodists in all places and times. In addition, his dedication to God and God’s work serves as a solid example of commitment to Christ for Christians of any tradition.
As we read this humble offering below, I continue to be drawn to the words of the covenant Carmen made with God on this date in 1858.
I pray we all will be blessed by today’s offering and that we would consider our own covenant with God.
Shalom,
Pastor Jim
Albert Carman (June 27, 1833 – November 3, 1917) was a Canadian Methodist minister and teacher who became head of the Methodist Church in Canada. While being a preacher, teacher, and leader of the Methodist Church in Canada, Carman was also an author of the book, “The Supernatural.”
As a youth, Albert Carman had many opportunities to learn. However, he was converted through Methodist preaching, vowed to make himself useful, and soon was a mathematics professor at the Canadian Methodists’ Belleville Seminary, where he became principal. When he was twenty-five years old, Carman felt a need to dedicate himself completely to God. He wanted to live his life under the Holy Spirit’s control. One of his first steps was to rid himself of an expensive watch he had bought for show. On this day, October 9, 1858, he wrote out a covenant devoting himself to God.
It said in part, “Fully convinced that I owe everything I have to God, my Creator, Preserver, Redeemer and constant Benefactor: deeply impressed by His Holy Spirit that it is my unceasing duty to devote all I have and am to His service, that I am but a steward: and deeply desirous of becoming holy in heart and practice, on this afternoon of Saturday the ninth day of October, A.D. 1858, upon my bended knees alone with my Heavenly Father, I make this covenant with Him and earnestly pray that through all the changes of life He may grant me wisdom, grace and strength cordially to discharge its sacred obligations….
“You know the motives of the children of men: make, O make mine right in your sight, for by you I shall be judged and rewarded according to my life here below.”
(The above was cited in: Wayne R. Kleinsteuber, More Than a Memory : the Renewal of Methodism in Canada., Mississauga, Ontario : Light and Life Press Canada, 1984).
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