One measure of humane, sustainable, biblical wisdom is not to take oneself so seriously that one becomes grimly self-focused but, instead, so to trust God that one retains a lifelong personal capacity for childlike fun, youthful play, hilarious frivolity, uncontrollable laughter to the point of tears and goofing off with a clear conscience. I believe this.

— Ray Ortlund (b. 1949), Pastor, Theologe und Autor

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Faith & Trust, Wisdom & Understanding

Ray Ortlund

Ray Ortlund (* 1949) ist ein US-amerikanischer Theologe, Alttestamentler und Pastor im reformiert-evangelikalen sowie anglikanischen Raum, der unter anderem am Trinity Evangelical Divinity School lehrte und die Immanuel Church in Nashville gründete. Er steht für die theologische Verbindung von biblischer Lehre mit einer gelebten Gemeindekultur der Gnade, Barmherzigkeit und geistlichen Erneuerung. Für Bibelleser verknüpfen seine Auslegungen und Schriften theologische Reflexion mit einer seelsorglichen, auf Christus zentrierten Alltagspraxis.

All quotes by Ray Ortlund (67)

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When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther

I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.
Gertrud von le Fort

Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.
Fyodor Dostoevsky

Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.
Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo

For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.
Dag Hammarskjöld

The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.
Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.
Frederick Buechner

All quotes · lumen.bible