Without the Miracle There Is Nothing!: Devotionals to Encourage and Inspire - Paperback

by Geoffrey Butcher (Author)

Without the Miracle There Is Nothing -- "And what is that miracle?" you might ask. This collection of devotionals shows that there are many miracles: the miracle of creation, the miracle of yourself, the miracle of finding something within you that is also outside of you, the miracle of the Holy Spirit. Constant themes are our place in creation and our relationship to the Creator: "God is male and female, straight and gay, black, white, red, tan, yellow, etc. The children of God are Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, and pagans . . . We all carry God's DNA. There are no exceptions to this spark of God planted within each person." "Redemption is about being reconnected to the beauty that has been planted at the heart of all being. The challenge for us is to accept our true identity - to be brought back to a place of beauty - to the God who dwells within us." The author encourages us to see the many opportunities to find God, and shares his belief that the Bible is only one resource in this quest: "The revelation of God did not stop with the library of books we call the Bible. The story continues to be told and to develop. The Scriptures in themselves show a continuing revelation from the concept of many Gods to one God, and to a God most clearly seen in the person of Jesus Christ." "The cosmic presence of God known through faith, prayer, and contemplation is witness to the Spirit's presence in everything, everywhere and at every moment."

Author Biography

The Rev. Geoffrey Butcher is currently Priest-in-Charge of Trinity Episcopal Church in Russellville, KY. He came to Trinity Church after serving at Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville, where he was Canon Pastor. Prior to that he was Canon Precentor and Sub-Dean at The Cathedral Church of St. John, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Earlier in his ministry, he served as a parish priest, pastor, and organist-choirmaster for churches in New Mexico. In addition to his primary roles as pastor, priest, and teacher, he has been a leader at numerous liturgical and church music conferences, and is active in leading centering prayer workshops and retreats. Centering prayer is a method of contemplative prayer or Christian meditation, placing a strong emphasis on interior silence. Geoffrey was ordained a deacon in 1965 and priest in 1966 and holds a Doctorate in Ministry (parish revitalization) degree from McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois; a Master of Arts degree from New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, New Mexico; and a Master of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary, New York City. He received his undergraduate degree from Hobart College, Geneva, New York. From 1980-1986, he was a member of the Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Church Music, which was responsible for the production of the Hymnal 1982. He has written numerous short sacred musical works, most notably the Rio Grande Mass.