We need to beware of the way we think.
The way we perceive things must be come suspect.
We must understand that our own expectations and desires
color how we view things around us
as well as things to come.
As spiritual people we've been introduced to the reality
that what will come has a significance for us.
The future has been predetermined.
Christ will come.
Good triumphs over evil.
But on the way there our thoughts and hearts are exposed.
Our motives purified.
The fire burns.
Our outlook redeemed.
Redeemed from an idolatrous way of looking at things.
Even things to come.
Even things that have been promised.
Called to ministry, as a young Christian,
I yearned for ministry.I longed to be used.
God's plan was to use me.
I was given glimpses.
But my focus began to see 'ministry'
as the answer to all my problems.
I thought that as I entered more fully into ministry
I would be more spiritual-feel more of a sense of responsibility
towards spiritual things. Be what God wanted me to be.
As I approached the few opportunities to minister
that did come I got 'real spiritual'.
I abstained from fleshly things like never before.
And friends I talked to did the same thing.
And then it was like God was saying,
'You do all this spiritual stuff in preparation
to appearing before man, why not do the same
when the only one to appear before is me
and that which I call you to do daily?
'I began to see the idolatry of my own heart
and for me what had become the ' idolatry of ministry'.
That began a liberating journey
of learning to appear before God and to minister unto him.
Nothing else matters.
Nothing else compares.
That which seems so confining
becomes a large place indeed.
Priorities are properly arranged.
My own understanding and viewpoint is dealt with
as my expectation is from him
who continually shares from his riches in glory-
what my eye has not seen
nor my ear heard
nor has ever before entered into my heart.
A life of preconceived ideas is shattered
as my heart becomes a childlike one
of beholding and expectant wonder.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
From Confusion to Double
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.Philippians 4.7
In our spiritual lives we often find ourselves in situations
that are perplexing to say the least.
There is that within us which tries to understand.
We seek God for answers and very often the answer
comes to us in the form of that "peace that passeth all understanding."
It is God ministering to us and saying in effect,
"I hear you and I have it in control.
Here is my peace that attests to that."
But understanding is not given.
He ministers the answer to the realm of faith
not our fleshly lust to know all the details
of how and when.
Herein the words of our Lord ring most truewhere he proclaims:
"Except ye be converted and become as little children,ye shall not enter
into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18.3
Did you ever notice how little children can accept alot of things
without needing to understand. You can tell a child we're going to get ice cream and he smiles and jumps for joy.
He doesn't start asking questions about how you are going to get there.
He just climbs in the car and trusts you know what you are doing
and that the object of desire will be forthcoming.
All the details: the cost, the time, the way,
are not even in his realm of concern.
There is a painful process wherein we are humbled
and learn not to lean so much on our own understanding.
Much of the pain is in the realm of confusion.
The Psalmist cried:"My confusion is continually before me..." Psalm 44.15
In listening for the Lordand waiting upon the moving of his spirit;
in knowing when we should act and when we should be still;
in discerning the voice of the Lord in the midst of so many other voices;
in such things and others our situation can be very confusing.
In a life where faith has surely brought
some rock solid sureness to our hearts
in so many ways, there also comes some real perplexing questionings.
I'll never forget the word of a Pastor who once said,
"The mountains just keep getting bigger!"
We are over and over again faced with situations that are
greater than we are-beyond our ability to comprehend.
But they are not bigger than our Lord
who would have us ever learn
to look to him and grow in grace and faith.
But herein, in our befuddlement,
in this inevitable by-product of our seeking to live a life led by the spirit,God has a precious promise for us as we continue in this way:
For confusion... they shall possess the double.
Isaiah 61.7
In our spiritual lives we often find ourselves in situations
that are perplexing to say the least.
There is that within us which tries to understand.
We seek God for answers and very often the answer
comes to us in the form of that "peace that passeth all understanding."
It is God ministering to us and saying in effect,
"I hear you and I have it in control.
Here is my peace that attests to that."
But understanding is not given.
He ministers the answer to the realm of faith
not our fleshly lust to know all the details
of how and when.
Herein the words of our Lord ring most truewhere he proclaims:
"Except ye be converted and become as little children,ye shall not enter
into the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18.3
Did you ever notice how little children can accept alot of things
without needing to understand. You can tell a child we're going to get ice cream and he smiles and jumps for joy.
He doesn't start asking questions about how you are going to get there.
He just climbs in the car and trusts you know what you are doing
and that the object of desire will be forthcoming.
All the details: the cost, the time, the way,
are not even in his realm of concern.
There is a painful process wherein we are humbled
and learn not to lean so much on our own understanding.
Much of the pain is in the realm of confusion.
The Psalmist cried:"My confusion is continually before me..." Psalm 44.15
In listening for the Lordand waiting upon the moving of his spirit;
in knowing when we should act and when we should be still;
in discerning the voice of the Lord in the midst of so many other voices;
in such things and others our situation can be very confusing.
In a life where faith has surely brought
some rock solid sureness to our hearts
in so many ways, there also comes some real perplexing questionings.
I'll never forget the word of a Pastor who once said,
"The mountains just keep getting bigger!"
We are over and over again faced with situations that are
greater than we are-beyond our ability to comprehend.
But they are not bigger than our Lord
who would have us ever learn
to look to him and grow in grace and faith.
But herein, in our befuddlement,
in this inevitable by-product of our seeking to live a life led by the spirit,God has a precious promise for us as we continue in this way:
For confusion... they shall possess the double.
Isaiah 61.7
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
What Mary Found
And she had a sister called Mary,
which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Luke 10.39
As she sat before him his words washed over her
like a gentle rain
like dew on the morning grass
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear,
O earth, the words of my mouth.
My doctrine shall drop as the rain,
my speech shall distil as the dew,
as the small rain upon the tender herb,
and as the showers upon the grass.
Deuteronomy 32.1,2
Her heart became enraptured by the glory of his countenance
One thing have I desired that will I seek after
that i might dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life
to behold the beauty of the Lord
and to enquire in his temple.
Psalm 27.4
Her eyes are fixed upon him
drinking in of his essence
I said,"Behold me..."
Isaiah 65.1
As she sat there a peace came over her and a rest
as she ceased from her own activities and thoughts
while her sister busily and worriedly
moved about the room
For he that is entered into his rest,
he also hath ceased from his own works,
as God did from his.
Hebrews 4.10
As his words entered into her
she felt a uniting of her heart
towards one purpose and one desire
like she had never known before
And I will give them one heart, and one way,
that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them...
Jeremiah 32.39
Her heart swelling with love in his presence
you could even sense something special going on in the room
even see a heart which like a flower opened
and sending forth its fragrance
While the king sitteth at his table,
my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
Song of Songs 1.12
It followed that she said within herself
'This shepherd
I will follow all of my days'
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23.6
which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
Luke 10.39
As she sat before him his words washed over her
like a gentle rain
like dew on the morning grass
Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear,
O earth, the words of my mouth.
My doctrine shall drop as the rain,
my speech shall distil as the dew,
as the small rain upon the tender herb,
and as the showers upon the grass.
Deuteronomy 32.1,2
Her heart became enraptured by the glory of his countenance
One thing have I desired that will I seek after
that i might dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life
to behold the beauty of the Lord
and to enquire in his temple.
Psalm 27.4
Her eyes are fixed upon him
drinking in of his essence
I said,"Behold me..."
Isaiah 65.1
As she sat there a peace came over her and a rest
as she ceased from her own activities and thoughts
while her sister busily and worriedly
moved about the room
For he that is entered into his rest,
he also hath ceased from his own works,
as God did from his.
Hebrews 4.10
As his words entered into her
she felt a uniting of her heart
towards one purpose and one desire
like she had never known before
And I will give them one heart, and one way,
that they may fear me for ever, for the good of them...
Jeremiah 32.39
Her heart swelling with love in his presence
you could even sense something special going on in the room
even see a heart which like a flower opened
and sending forth its fragrance
While the king sitteth at his table,
my spikenard sendeth forth the smell thereof.
Song of Songs 1.12
It followed that she said within herself
'This shepherd
I will follow all of my days'
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Psalm 23.6
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Aggression
I was reading a novel the other day in my spare time.
I like to read cop novels and about private detectives.
In this one I was reading the hero was helping a victim
and sought to remove her from danger by escaping with her in his car.
They were seeking to back out of a parking lot in his car
when someone rudely cut them off.
The author took the time here to comment
on people in general in our society describing their behaviour
as part of an epidemic of aggressiveness.
I immediately flashed on how I have seen this attribute
in all kinds of people: little kids, teens and adults.
Just the other day I was in the library and two woman clashed a little
about the use of a public computer.
They both decided to go outside to settle their differences.
I didn't follow them out to watch. I didn't want to see.
I considered how quick they were to go at it.
Back to writers. I read a lot and have noticed over the years
many different people bemoaning, in print,
the condition of the world.
Often its in the form of a question, " What is happening?"
Other times it's just a commentary, "The world is going to hell in a handbasket!"
Many seem to recognize, uncomfortably, that things are getting a lot worse.
The Bible warned, through the Apostle 2000 years ago,
that perilous times would come. Unspiritual men say that mankind is evolving.
Well, technology may be evolving but men are devolving.
They are going backward.
They are becoming beastly.
Jesus said " You generation of vipers."
Men as vipers. Hmnmm!
Instead of rising up towards God they go about on their bellies in the dust.
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city,
he layeth it low ; he layeth it low , even to the ground;
he bringeth it even to the dust. Isaiah 26.5
And be careful, their bite is nasty.
The concept of civilization is being eclipsed.
The civilized societies and cultures were in fact civil
because of the influence of the Gospel which shone on the world
with a new spirit and truth.
The concept of the “gentleman” springs from the truth
that gentleness is born of temperance and grace and strength.
In this intemperate age the opposite is the result.
Aggression.
Meanness.
Mercilessness.
There are pitiful calls for a "kinder and gentler nation",
as the beast and his image influence the imagination of the hearts.
Please don't look for "him"with natural eyes.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,
speak evil of the things that they understand not;
and shall utterly perish in their own corruption... 2 Peter 2.12
Now if your are not all that spiritual nor familiar with prophetic language,
you would look at some of these scriptures after the fashion of Nicodemus
who sought to interpret the words of Christ questioning,
"Shall we enter a second time into our mother's womb" to be born again?
In this same way men look and interpret with the natural mind
and they look for a very evil man to come someday.
In this mode of interpretation of spiritual truth thoughts are tending
toward an apprehension of only the outward like the husk of a seed,
instead of apprehending the valuable life deeper within.
This type of understanding is usually encouraged by literalists
who seem to forget how foolish Nicodemus looked in his manner of interpretation.
The spiritually minded are beginning to realize that this mystery of iniquity,
to which the Bible prophetically alludes, is manifest increasingly
in those who believe not and have pleasure in unrighteousness.
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2Thessalonians 2.12
There is a great falling away taking place before our eyes.
Christian nations are Christian no more as 'beast' nations and rulers
only don the garments of a lamb.
If you believe the rhetoric they are one thing.
If you view the actions they are altogether another.
We understand from scripture that this must take place
before the Lords return so that the 'man of sin'
or in other words 'sin manifesting itself full blown in the collective body of the damned'
becomes apparent and stands in direct contrast to that man of righteousness
who is now seen in his body, the church of the living God.
Just as the 'man of righteousness' has a 'body' so too, the 'man of sin'.
Just as the people did not recognize Christ when he came
they do not recognize anti-Christ either but still look for his appearing.
...and this is that spirit of Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1 John 4.3
Yes, there is a collective body of Christ and there is also a collective body of sinners
that is prophetically referred to as the 'man of sin'.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed , the son of perdition... 2Thessalonians 2.3
You want proof. Take a look around you.
I like to read cop novels and about private detectives.
In this one I was reading the hero was helping a victim
and sought to remove her from danger by escaping with her in his car.
They were seeking to back out of a parking lot in his car
when someone rudely cut them off.
The author took the time here to comment
on people in general in our society describing their behaviour
as part of an epidemic of aggressiveness.
I immediately flashed on how I have seen this attribute
in all kinds of people: little kids, teens and adults.
Just the other day I was in the library and two woman clashed a little
about the use of a public computer.
They both decided to go outside to settle their differences.
I didn't follow them out to watch. I didn't want to see.
I considered how quick they were to go at it.
Back to writers. I read a lot and have noticed over the years
many different people bemoaning, in print,
the condition of the world.
Often its in the form of a question, " What is happening?"
Other times it's just a commentary, "The world is going to hell in a handbasket!"
Many seem to recognize, uncomfortably, that things are getting a lot worse.
The Bible warned, through the Apostle 2000 years ago,
that perilous times would come. Unspiritual men say that mankind is evolving.
Well, technology may be evolving but men are devolving.
They are going backward.
They are becoming beastly.
Jesus said " You generation of vipers."
Men as vipers. Hmnmm!
Instead of rising up towards God they go about on their bellies in the dust.
For he bringeth down them that dwell on high; the lofty city,
he layeth it low ; he layeth it low , even to the ground;
he bringeth it even to the dust. Isaiah 26.5
And be careful, their bite is nasty.
The concept of civilization is being eclipsed.
The civilized societies and cultures were in fact civil
because of the influence of the Gospel which shone on the world
with a new spirit and truth.
The concept of the “gentleman” springs from the truth
that gentleness is born of temperance and grace and strength.
In this intemperate age the opposite is the result.
Aggression.
Meanness.
Mercilessness.
There are pitiful calls for a "kinder and gentler nation",
as the beast and his image influence the imagination of the hearts.
Please don't look for "him"with natural eyes.
But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed,
speak evil of the things that they understand not;
and shall utterly perish in their own corruption... 2 Peter 2.12
Now if your are not all that spiritual nor familiar with prophetic language,
you would look at some of these scriptures after the fashion of Nicodemus
who sought to interpret the words of Christ questioning,
"Shall we enter a second time into our mother's womb" to be born again?
In this same way men look and interpret with the natural mind
and they look for a very evil man to come someday.
In this mode of interpretation of spiritual truth thoughts are tending
toward an apprehension of only the outward like the husk of a seed,
instead of apprehending the valuable life deeper within.
This type of understanding is usually encouraged by literalists
who seem to forget how foolish Nicodemus looked in his manner of interpretation.
The spiritually minded are beginning to realize that this mystery of iniquity,
to which the Bible prophetically alludes, is manifest increasingly
in those who believe not and have pleasure in unrighteousness.
That they all might be damned who believed not the truth,
but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2Thessalonians 2.12
There is a great falling away taking place before our eyes.
Christian nations are Christian no more as 'beast' nations and rulers
only don the garments of a lamb.
If you believe the rhetoric they are one thing.
If you view the actions they are altogether another.
We understand from scripture that this must take place
before the Lords return so that the 'man of sin'
or in other words 'sin manifesting itself full blown in the collective body of the damned'
becomes apparent and stands in direct contrast to that man of righteousness
who is now seen in his body, the church of the living God.
Just as the 'man of righteousness' has a 'body' so too, the 'man of sin'.
Just as the people did not recognize Christ when he came
they do not recognize anti-Christ either but still look for his appearing.
...and this is that spirit of Antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 1 John 4.3
Yes, there is a collective body of Christ and there is also a collective body of sinners
that is prophetically referred to as the 'man of sin'.
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed , the son of perdition... 2Thessalonians 2.3
You want proof. Take a look around you.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Without your wounds where would you be?
The very angels themselves cannot persuade
the wretched and blundering children of earth
as can one human being broken in the wheels of living.
In loves service only the wounded soldiers can serve.
Thornton Wilder
But faithful are the wounds of a friend, saith the Lord.
In faithfulness I have afflicted thee.
Have not I power over the vessel to shape it as I will-
with what means I deem right?
But know this that it is I that wound, and it is I that heal.
And precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Have you indeed been baptized into death
and has not this which is esteemed by others as nothing
and deemed foolishness and soemthing to be despised-
has not even this been the very avenue of the life
of the Son of Righteousness in you?
Yea, thus I lift you up-
thus are you healed-
and thus are you empowered-
through death and through the cross.
It is thus that you are now graced with newness of life.
Do you not know that those who do not choose to suffer with my son
will ever learn to reign with him.
This reigning life is manifested as through the Light of the World-
is not for those who choose to shun his pain.
It is those who refuse the way of the cross that will
paradoxically suffer greatly
and be pierced though with many sorrows.
But in choosing the way of the cross
my children find a way wherein the burden is made light.
Those who refuse
find themselves in a way that is unutterably hard
with thorns and snares
and fiery serpents multiplied.
And turn ye not aside : for then should ye go after vain things,
which cannot profit nor deliver ; for they are vain.
1Samuel 12.21
But my son has indeed taken to himself great power
and reigns through the victory of the cross
that he might be the author of salvation to those who believe.
For he must reign
with the power with which he is able
to subdue all things unto himself.
In his kingdom therefore he orders all things aright
and manifests all authority
to cause all things to work together to the good
of them that love God
and are called according to his purpose.
So fear not my little children as even your pains
both small and great
are taken into account
as the hairs of the head,
even the tribulations which are appointed you.
And consider that, like my servant Job,
after you are tried you shall come for as gold-
even as jewels that are formed through great pressure.
Upon such the Son shines to reveal glory and beauty
and the wounds that I have administered will be healed.
I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal. Deuteronomy 32:39
Only look not to the earth for witness
nor to those thing that are without,
but only look to that heavenly witness within-
even the Holy Spirit of God which is given you
and bears witness with your spirit.
And now do all things as unto God and not as unto men-
for it is of God that you receive your reward.
And know this that it is not in your ability-nor your understanding
through which my power is perfected in your life and being,
(for it is not by might and he that thinks
that he knows anything knows not yet as he ought to know),
no, it is not your power but your weakness
wherein my power and plan for you is perfected.
So lift up you heads this day my little ones-
my weak and afflicted ones-my chosen ones-for I Am!!!
What am I ?
I am your God and your are mine-
my jewels which I form for myself.
God hath made many cutting instruments
and rough files for the polishing of his jewels;
and those He especially loves and means to make most resplendent,
He hath oftenest his tools upon.
Bishop Leighton
the wretched and blundering children of earth
as can one human being broken in the wheels of living.
In loves service only the wounded soldiers can serve.
Thornton Wilder
But faithful are the wounds of a friend, saith the Lord.
In faithfulness I have afflicted thee.
Have not I power over the vessel to shape it as I will-
with what means I deem right?
But know this that it is I that wound, and it is I that heal.
And precious in the eyes of the Lord is the death of his saints.
Have you indeed been baptized into death
and has not this which is esteemed by others as nothing
and deemed foolishness and soemthing to be despised-
has not even this been the very avenue of the life
of the Son of Righteousness in you?
Yea, thus I lift you up-
thus are you healed-
and thus are you empowered-
through death and through the cross.
It is thus that you are now graced with newness of life.
Do you not know that those who do not choose to suffer with my son
will ever learn to reign with him.
This reigning life is manifested as through the Light of the World-
is not for those who choose to shun his pain.
It is those who refuse the way of the cross that will
paradoxically suffer greatly
and be pierced though with many sorrows.
But in choosing the way of the cross
my children find a way wherein the burden is made light.
Those who refuse
find themselves in a way that is unutterably hard
with thorns and snares
and fiery serpents multiplied.
And turn ye not aside : for then should ye go after vain things,
which cannot profit nor deliver ; for they are vain.
1Samuel 12.21
But my son has indeed taken to himself great power
and reigns through the victory of the cross
that he might be the author of salvation to those who believe.
For he must reign
with the power with which he is able
to subdue all things unto himself.
In his kingdom therefore he orders all things aright
and manifests all authority
to cause all things to work together to the good
of them that love God
and are called according to his purpose.
So fear not my little children as even your pains
both small and great
are taken into account
as the hairs of the head,
even the tribulations which are appointed you.
And consider that, like my servant Job,
after you are tried you shall come for as gold-
even as jewels that are formed through great pressure.
Upon such the Son shines to reveal glory and beauty
and the wounds that I have administered will be healed.
I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal. Deuteronomy 32:39
Only look not to the earth for witness
nor to those thing that are without,
but only look to that heavenly witness within-
even the Holy Spirit of God which is given you
and bears witness with your spirit.
And now do all things as unto God and not as unto men-
for it is of God that you receive your reward.
And know this that it is not in your ability-nor your understanding
through which my power is perfected in your life and being,
(for it is not by might and he that thinks
that he knows anything knows not yet as he ought to know),
no, it is not your power but your weakness
wherein my power and plan for you is perfected.
So lift up you heads this day my little ones-
my weak and afflicted ones-my chosen ones-for I Am!!!
What am I ?
I am your God and your are mine-
my jewels which I form for myself.
God hath made many cutting instruments
and rough files for the polishing of his jewels;
and those He especially loves and means to make most resplendent,
He hath oftenest his tools upon.
Bishop Leighton
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Lead Me O God
Lead me O God
I do not know this way
It has been proved to me o’er and o’er
For when I have set my faith
my heart
my face like flint to seek you
to go on further still
even further than ever before
I’ve been surprised by opposition strange
and unexpected resistance
as though an enemy fears that I should enter into
such a place of abandonment with thee
Or is it you who tests my commitment
and through such circumstance say to me,
“Are you truly committed to my way my son?
will you indeed no longer turn my glory into shame?
will you indeed stand upright in this exalted place?
or will you allow yourself to be talked down once again?"
I know not O god
Thou knowest my heart has been so changeable
you alone have proved faithful
But this I have
that I know that I am blind
and that you alone can lead me in this way
Thou who at once dwellest in the midst of the thick darkness
and in the light that is unapproachable
lead me on
for you have said, “Who is blind as my servant?”
Is it that I have been so immersed in my weakness
and my blindness that I have a confidence that this shall be no work of my own
but only of thy grace and mercy
not any of my might or power
nor any of my willing...
...but a feeling after thee
who is in me both to will and to do
What is this strange confidence
where before there has only been failure?
Was my utter failure ...again and again....all this falling...
preparatory to my rising again?
Is it through my profound imperfection
that I now appreciate your perfection?
Is it the knowledge of my own weakness
that now helps me find this strength?
Is it my own profound blindness
through which I now see such glory?
After so great a death whence comes
this overflow of abundant life?
Did vanity and emptiness alone
prepare me for such wealth of spirit?
I only know now that without your sovereign discipline
your loving rebuke
I could never have been freed from much that held me.
What now can I do in this place
high above all rule and authority
This place you said you had prepared for me
that you promised to come and bring me to?
Seated together with you
in heavenly places I rest
work your work
my works shall follow
I will be still praising you
I do not know this way
It has been proved to me o’er and o’er
For when I have set my faith
my heart
my face like flint to seek you
to go on further still
even further than ever before
I’ve been surprised by opposition strange
and unexpected resistance
as though an enemy fears that I should enter into
such a place of abandonment with thee
Or is it you who tests my commitment
and through such circumstance say to me,
“Are you truly committed to my way my son?
will you indeed no longer turn my glory into shame?
will you indeed stand upright in this exalted place?
or will you allow yourself to be talked down once again?"
I know not O god
Thou knowest my heart has been so changeable
you alone have proved faithful
But this I have
that I know that I am blind
and that you alone can lead me in this way
Thou who at once dwellest in the midst of the thick darkness
and in the light that is unapproachable
lead me on
for you have said, “Who is blind as my servant?”
Is it that I have been so immersed in my weakness
and my blindness that I have a confidence that this shall be no work of my own
but only of thy grace and mercy
not any of my might or power
nor any of my willing...
...but a feeling after thee
who is in me both to will and to do
What is this strange confidence
where before there has only been failure?
Was my utter failure ...again and again....all this falling...
preparatory to my rising again?
Is it through my profound imperfection
that I now appreciate your perfection?
Is it the knowledge of my own weakness
that now helps me find this strength?
Is it my own profound blindness
through which I now see such glory?
After so great a death whence comes
this overflow of abundant life?
Did vanity and emptiness alone
prepare me for such wealth of spirit?
I only know now that without your sovereign discipline
your loving rebuke
I could never have been freed from much that held me.
What now can I do in this place
high above all rule and authority
This place you said you had prepared for me
that you promised to come and bring me to?
Seated together with you
in heavenly places I rest
work your work
my works shall follow
I will be still praising you
Monday, November 08, 2010
The Wound is Healed
Twas on the cross that serpent received
the wound to the head- yet he lived
And now that wound- it heals
Christianity was at the forefront of civilization
But civilization will cease as we know it
That which comes and now is
with the healing of that vile head
does not breed nor inspire a civilized man
but a beastly- unmerciful- implacable
Now comes not the age of Aquarius as it were
but the Age of Polarization
Extremism is the rule of the day
as the sheep are separated from the goats.
The beast riseth from the sea of imagery
and moveth surreptitious
especially at night
he is seen sneaking into homes unknowing
a strange blue glow signaling his presence
to those who stand without
And he poureth forth his blasphemies
waters flowing forth
into the souls of the sons and daughters of men
as he maketh his war
from the idol that doth both live and speak in the sight of men-
empowered by the power of lightnings
that crackle with might
as they course through the power of the air
And children most of all
demonstrate that awe that is felt
as the image appears in the sight
and hearts are bowed
before this abomination that causes desolation.
And he saith in his heart before those feasting at his table, “Who seeth me?”
the wound to the head- yet he lived
And now that wound- it heals
Christianity was at the forefront of civilization
But civilization will cease as we know it
That which comes and now is
with the healing of that vile head
does not breed nor inspire a civilized man
but a beastly- unmerciful- implacable
Now comes not the age of Aquarius as it were
but the Age of Polarization
Extremism is the rule of the day
as the sheep are separated from the goats.
The beast riseth from the sea of imagery
and moveth surreptitious
especially at night
he is seen sneaking into homes unknowing
a strange blue glow signaling his presence
to those who stand without
And he poureth forth his blasphemies
waters flowing forth
into the souls of the sons and daughters of men
as he maketh his war
from the idol that doth both live and speak in the sight of men-
empowered by the power of lightnings
that crackle with might
as they course through the power of the air
And children most of all
demonstrate that awe that is felt
as the image appears in the sight
and hearts are bowed
before this abomination that causes desolation.
And he saith in his heart before those feasting at his table, “Who seeth me?”
Saturday, November 06, 2010
The Parable of the Tall Ships
A wise Captain and owner of a fleet of ocean going vessels
went down to the docks to see a man who sold cargo ships:
large multi-mast vessels capable of commercial transport.
The owner of the marina explained that he only had two available.“One,” he said,
"just came from the builders-the other, just in from the storm.”
The captain knew what storm the man was talking about,
having lost ships that he was now trying to replace. He went on,
"The worst storm of the century some are sayin’!
That’s where this one here that’s all tore up just came in from.
She just limped in out of that storm like a beat dog.” He pointed ,
”You can see, two of ‘er masts are cracked near the base.
I’m surprised they didn’t break clean off like the main mast did.
She’s banged up all over as well. Need lots of repairs
and a good scrub and polish a ‘course, ‘fore she’s fit to sail again!”
And then excitedly he turned the master sailor to show him the brand new ship:
a grand and tall sailing vessel. The Captain had to squint his eyes
to shield them from the brightness reflected off the polished chrome
and brass and bronze that adorned the magnificent new vessel.
“Now this here’s a beauty. She’s a bit pricey, mind you, but worth every penny.
State of the art! and brand spankin’ new, she is!
She’s never been outside of this here jetty.
We just put her in the water the other day.”
“Aye, she’s a beauty that she is!” the wizened sea veteran agreed
but as he did he turned to the beat up and broken vessel that lay sorrowful
and bruised in the water and propositioned the seller,
“How much will ya take for that one?”
Shocked, the harbor master looked to the man pleadingly saying,
“If its money that’s the problem…” but the Captain cut him short,
“No! No! You know I run a large fleet and money is not the issue here!”
And the seller looked on still incredulous, for he himself was very impressed
with his new ship and had seen how the Captain had admired it as well.
But the fleet owner went on to explain: “In that devil of a storm,
I lost some ships and many men as well. And by God, if I can help it,
that’s not gonna happen again. You see, where many other ships failed
in that great tempest- this one came through.
A bit worse for the ware, tis obvious, but she made it;
and her men and all the cargo survived.
And now we know something about this here ship.
She’s been tested, tried in the fire as it were, and she’s survived.
That’s more than you can say for a lot of others which didn’t make it.
And who can say with this new one here. A fine looking ship she is,
I’ll grant you, but who would you trust the lives of your crew to-
this one here which has never been to sea, and may or may not be seaworthy,
or survive in great waters? or this one whose taken the worst
that ole sea can throw at her and survived intact to sail another day?
We know she can take the rough stuff!”
And so the sale was made and the Captain had a new ship.
The harbor master was disappointed that he didn’t sell the more expensive one,
but still he had to admire the wisdom of the Master’s choice.
So, ready to restore the broken vessel and add it to his fleet,
the Captain took his leave. As he departed he turned and said,
“And don’t worry, that other is a fine looking ship and most people
are overly impressed by outward appearance.
You should have no trouble selling her. And who knows
maybe she’ll prove to be a good bet after all.”
So, with a tip of the hat, a grin, and a sparkle in his eye,
the sage Captain climbed to shore and sauntered off,
confident in the vessel he had chosen, while the harbor master stood,
watching him leave, and scratching his head.
Like the wise Captain, God is choosing in this hour
based not on appearance but on survivability.
Jesus said, “I have prayed for you that your faith fail not.” Luke 22.32
Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah.
Isaiah 1.9
went down to the docks to see a man who sold cargo ships:
large multi-mast vessels capable of commercial transport.
The owner of the marina explained that he only had two available.“One,” he said,
"just came from the builders-the other, just in from the storm.”
The captain knew what storm the man was talking about,
having lost ships that he was now trying to replace. He went on,
"The worst storm of the century some are sayin’!
That’s where this one here that’s all tore up just came in from.
She just limped in out of that storm like a beat dog.” He pointed ,
”You can see, two of ‘er masts are cracked near the base.
I’m surprised they didn’t break clean off like the main mast did.
She’s banged up all over as well. Need lots of repairs
and a good scrub and polish a ‘course, ‘fore she’s fit to sail again!”
And then excitedly he turned the master sailor to show him the brand new ship:
a grand and tall sailing vessel. The Captain had to squint his eyes
to shield them from the brightness reflected off the polished chrome
and brass and bronze that adorned the magnificent new vessel.
“Now this here’s a beauty. She’s a bit pricey, mind you, but worth every penny.
State of the art! and brand spankin’ new, she is!
She’s never been outside of this here jetty.
We just put her in the water the other day.”
“Aye, she’s a beauty that she is!” the wizened sea veteran agreed
but as he did he turned to the beat up and broken vessel that lay sorrowful
and bruised in the water and propositioned the seller,
“How much will ya take for that one?”
Shocked, the harbor master looked to the man pleadingly saying,
“If its money that’s the problem…” but the Captain cut him short,
“No! No! You know I run a large fleet and money is not the issue here!”
And the seller looked on still incredulous, for he himself was very impressed
with his new ship and had seen how the Captain had admired it as well.
But the fleet owner went on to explain: “In that devil of a storm,
I lost some ships and many men as well. And by God, if I can help it,
that’s not gonna happen again. You see, where many other ships failed
in that great tempest- this one came through.
A bit worse for the ware, tis obvious, but she made it;
and her men and all the cargo survived.
And now we know something about this here ship.
She’s been tested, tried in the fire as it were, and she’s survived.
That’s more than you can say for a lot of others which didn’t make it.
And who can say with this new one here. A fine looking ship she is,
I’ll grant you, but who would you trust the lives of your crew to-
this one here which has never been to sea, and may or may not be seaworthy,
or survive in great waters? or this one whose taken the worst
that ole sea can throw at her and survived intact to sail another day?
We know she can take the rough stuff!”
And so the sale was made and the Captain had a new ship.
The harbor master was disappointed that he didn’t sell the more expensive one,
but still he had to admire the wisdom of the Master’s choice.
So, ready to restore the broken vessel and add it to his fleet,
the Captain took his leave. As he departed he turned and said,
“And don’t worry, that other is a fine looking ship and most people
are overly impressed by outward appearance.
You should have no trouble selling her. And who knows
maybe she’ll prove to be a good bet after all.”
So, with a tip of the hat, a grin, and a sparkle in his eye,
the sage Captain climbed to shore and sauntered off,
confident in the vessel he had chosen, while the harbor master stood,
watching him leave, and scratching his head.
Like the wise Captain, God is choosing in this hour
based not on appearance but on survivability.
Jesus said, “I have prayed for you that your faith fail not.” Luke 22.32
Unless the Lord Almighty had left us some survivors,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would have been like Gomorrah.
Isaiah 1.9
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
As at the first...
Remember how it was at first?
When you first met Him?
Ah...the lover of our souls.
His love (truly we discovered) was better than all other highs.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth:
for thy love is better than wine.
Song of Songs 1.2
And then we found that this Christian stuff wasn't so easy.
After a wonderful season with our "first love",
we entered into
a season of cold and darkness
where we wondered what the heck was going on.
I sought him whom my soul loveth,
I sought him,but I found him not.
Song of Songs 3.1
There were times where the pain of this relationship,
and all of its difficulty,
wrought a brokenness within.
Oh that I knew where I might find him.
Job 23.3
Would it not be wonderful if it could be as at the first?
When we were first enthralled with his loveliness and his grace.
Well, allow me be to be like one who comes from the mountains
bearing glad tidings. (Isaiah 52.7) That is exactly what God is doing
for many in this hour.
After the initial time of faith followed by the testing and prison of hope
there comes this season of love
where God promises to be to us like he was at the beginning.
Don't just take my word for it though- look at what God Himself has promised:
I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return
and I will build them as at the first.... And it shall be to me a name of joy,
a praise and an honor before all the nations of the earth,
which shall hear all the good that I do unto them.
And they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness
and for all the prosperity
that I procure unto it.
Jeremiah 33.7,9
Now I know that that was written to Israel but I have found
the same principle is found in promise to the church.
God is coming to us as at the firs and better.
He has saved the best wine for last.
Before, we had heard about him with the hearing of ear.
Now, like Job, after much suffering we say,
...now my eye sees you.
Job 42.5
I am come into my garden,my sister, my spouse:
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice,
I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey,
I have drunk my wine with my milk:
Eat, O friends, drink, yea drink abundantly, O my beloved.
Song of Songs 5.1
After seasons of faith and hope there comes a time of love-
a day of the gladness of our hearts
where the children of promise become
the mature sons and daughters of fulfillment.
When you first met Him?
Ah...the lover of our souls.
His love (truly we discovered) was better than all other highs.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth:
for thy love is better than wine.
Song of Songs 1.2
And then we found that this Christian stuff wasn't so easy.
After a wonderful season with our "first love",
we entered into
a season of cold and darkness
where we wondered what the heck was going on.
I sought him whom my soul loveth,
I sought him,but I found him not.
Song of Songs 3.1
There were times where the pain of this relationship,
and all of its difficulty,
wrought a brokenness within.
Oh that I knew where I might find him.
Job 23.3
Would it not be wonderful if it could be as at the first?
When we were first enthralled with his loveliness and his grace.
Well, allow me be to be like one who comes from the mountains
bearing glad tidings. (Isaiah 52.7) That is exactly what God is doing
for many in this hour.
After the initial time of faith followed by the testing and prison of hope
there comes this season of love
where God promises to be to us like he was at the beginning.
Don't just take my word for it though- look at what God Himself has promised:
I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return
and I will build them as at the first.... And it shall be to me a name of joy,
a praise and an honor before all the nations of the earth,
which shall hear all the good that I do unto them.
And they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness
and for all the prosperity
that I procure unto it.
Jeremiah 33.7,9
Now I know that that was written to Israel but I have found
the same principle is found in promise to the church.
God is coming to us as at the firs and better.
He has saved the best wine for last.
Before, we had heard about him with the hearing of ear.
Now, like Job, after much suffering we say,
...now my eye sees you.
Job 42.5
I am come into my garden,my sister, my spouse:
I have gathered my myrrh with my spice,
I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey,
I have drunk my wine with my milk:
Eat, O friends, drink, yea drink abundantly, O my beloved.
Song of Songs 5.1
After seasons of faith and hope there comes a time of love-
a day of the gladness of our hearts
where the children of promise become
the mature sons and daughters of fulfillment.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Prayer is not so much what I do....
I thought that I must not consider prayer
in relation to that which I do
but rather
that which I am
Not as something that I must find time for
and then perform
but that which is now become so pervasive
and so permeating
that like my breathing
it is ongoing
oft unconscious
a function of my being
an atmosphere into which I am placed
something I watch for and yield to
as a Son
and with that Spirit within
a position where I now awaken
ship without oars
immersed in a mighty river
that quietly and imperceptibly
except to quickened eye
flows clear as crystal
Instead of an inner and continual sucking need
a fullness overflows
with thankfulness and praise
even adoration
to Him who sits on the Throne
not of heaven’s distance
but nearness to my very heart
The sacrificial fires ever burning
desolation no more
in relation to that which I do
but rather
that which I am
Not as something that I must find time for
and then perform
but that which is now become so pervasive
and so permeating
that like my breathing
it is ongoing
oft unconscious
a function of my being
an atmosphere into which I am placed
something I watch for and yield to
as a Son
and with that Spirit within
a position where I now awaken
ship without oars
immersed in a mighty river
that quietly and imperceptibly
except to quickened eye
flows clear as crystal
Instead of an inner and continual sucking need
a fullness overflows
with thankfulness and praise
even adoration
to Him who sits on the Throne
not of heaven’s distance
but nearness to my very heart
The sacrificial fires ever burning
desolation no more
Friday, October 15, 2010
Trousered Apes
See how they parade
all that passes for entertainment
across the brightly lit and colorful screen
Trousered apes
they are
reveling in beastly mirth
Encouraging the ungodly appetites of the unstable
and undiscerning
all for mammon, earthly pleasure and gain.
Has an idol ever both lived and spoken in the sight of men before this?
Shall we drink the wine of venom of asps?
Will we grasp vanity and the wind
and not reap
that which whirls
with violence
How hath the beast so surreptitiously worked his wiles?
What! is there no watchman?
How is it that ye do not understand…?
Matthew 16.11
all that passes for entertainment
across the brightly lit and colorful screen
Trousered apes
they are
reveling in beastly mirth
Encouraging the ungodly appetites of the unstable
and undiscerning
all for mammon, earthly pleasure and gain.
Has an idol ever both lived and spoken in the sight of men before this?
Shall we drink the wine of venom of asps?
Will we grasp vanity and the wind
and not reap
that which whirls
with violence
How hath the beast so surreptitiously worked his wiles?
What! is there no watchman?
How is it that ye do not understand…?
Matthew 16.11
Monday, October 11, 2010
Heartfire
The heart is for flames. The soul yearns for fire.
The human heart offers itself upon the altar of sacrifice to be consumed.
To what does the heart give itself?
On what altar is the sacrificial fire burning?
What fire is kindled there?With what is our heart inflamed?
What passion consumes us?
Peering across the landscape of human experience
we can discern many sources of fire.
For instance, most of us have experienced the fire and warmth
that a romantic relationship kindles within.
When we have found that special someone, incipient interaction sparks a fire
that begins to consume and to warm what before might have been a cold and empty heart.
Most of us have never felt so alive, so warmed within, so passionate.For many this type of burning within is so much to be desired that they will seek to kindle this flame
and continually fan even the idea of it, with romance novels and movies
when it is absent in an actual personal relationship.
We all long to be so consumed to kindle something in our heart.
The heart is for flames the soul yearns for fire.
Alcohol is another way that one seeks to kindle a fire within.
Whole nations experience widespread and epidemic abuse of this intoxicant
as its use has even been stamped with a measure of social acceptability.
Imbibing ‘spirits’ is another way anxious souls seek to meet the hearts yearning.
The scriptures talk about those who seek wine until they are ‘inflamed’ by it.
… they are inflamed with wine.
Isaiah 5.11
Most often it is a deeper thirst than a dry throat that many seek to quench.
In pubs across the world multitudes spend hour upon hour at wooden
altar like structures upon which they rest their elbows in prayer like fashion
while kindling a slow burn within.
The heart is for flames .The soul yearn for fire
In these ways and a multitude of others, the heart,being the desperate lonely hunter that it is, goes about seeking an altar on which to offer itself — a sacrificial offering
to be consumed by the flames of the altar.
Needy, the human heart will become inflamed with lust, greed, hatred, love (true and false), religion, idolatry, witchcraft, drugs, money, and on and on…
…enflaming itself with idols under every green tree.
Isaiah 57.5
A prophet addressed this issue when he wrote,
Behold, ye that kindle a fire, that compass about yourselves with sparks:
walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks that ye have kindled.
This ye shall have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
Isaiah 50.11
Not coming to the Lord for fire, we all will seek something or other to warm us within.
And just as nature abhors a vacuum, so the human heart abhors the absence
of a filling and warming fire, and many abuse this reality
rather than accepting the heavenly cure.
For they have made ready their heart like an oven…
in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.
Hosea 7.6
We all yearn to feel alive, to relieve the tension and the boredom;
to be warmed in such a way as to fight the cold, fear, and the loneliness.
We look for that which is beyond ourselves.
We look for that which will enhance our lives.
And there are many promising lights, and deceitful,
that attract our attention from out of the darkness.
…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11.14
Yes, there are many and divers fires that would draw us
to their proffered light and warmth.
Evil is often disguised as a warming fire.
The heart is for flames the soul yearns for fire- but God’s judgment upon life
that is not found in Him is evident.
There are sad eyes everywhere.
Joy has withered away from the sons and daughters of men.
The rivers dry up, the land mourns, the harvest is not plentiful.
Hosea 4.3
Yes, that harvest of the human heart is mournfully thin—
all because men and women choose their own way,
following after the desires of their own heart, mind and imagination.
The heart is for flames and the soul hungers for fire but mankind
walking in the light of their own fires have this from the Lord’s hand – they lie down in sorrow.
In times past an empty hearth meant a cold house. But where a fire burned within
the inhabitants could rest comfortably. Likewise the human heart is restless
until it finds its rest in God-cold and hard until warmed by the fire that is God Himself.
“Our God is a consuming fire.” the apostle proclaimed.
God will consume the heart with a fire that will always be burning,
While all other fires burn out and leave the user sick and full of sorrow,self loathing and pain,
the fire of God burns with health and vitality, sure and eternal.
Jesus, proclaiming the salvation that would come after his departure
and knowing the need and hunger of fallen hearts, promised,
“Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”
O the wonderful fire that is God.He burns in our hearts with sweet assurance
of his presence and favor when we invite the Holy Ghost in.
Jesus promised that he would give the Holy Spirit to all who would ask saying,
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:
how much more shall your heavenly Father
give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Luke 11.13
The heart is for flames the soul hungers for fire and God who gives
the Holy Ghost to those who seek and obey Him also provides that needed Heartfire.
The human heart offers itself upon the altar of sacrifice to be consumed.
To what does the heart give itself?
On what altar is the sacrificial fire burning?
What fire is kindled there?With what is our heart inflamed?
What passion consumes us?
Peering across the landscape of human experience
we can discern many sources of fire.
For instance, most of us have experienced the fire and warmth
that a romantic relationship kindles within.
When we have found that special someone, incipient interaction sparks a fire
that begins to consume and to warm what before might have been a cold and empty heart.
Most of us have never felt so alive, so warmed within, so passionate.For many this type of burning within is so much to be desired that they will seek to kindle this flame
and continually fan even the idea of it, with romance novels and movies
when it is absent in an actual personal relationship.
We all long to be so consumed to kindle something in our heart.
The heart is for flames the soul yearns for fire.
Alcohol is another way that one seeks to kindle a fire within.
Whole nations experience widespread and epidemic abuse of this intoxicant
as its use has even been stamped with a measure of social acceptability.
Imbibing ‘spirits’ is another way anxious souls seek to meet the hearts yearning.
The scriptures talk about those who seek wine until they are ‘inflamed’ by it.
… they are inflamed with wine.
Isaiah 5.11
Most often it is a deeper thirst than a dry throat that many seek to quench.
In pubs across the world multitudes spend hour upon hour at wooden
altar like structures upon which they rest their elbows in prayer like fashion
while kindling a slow burn within.
The heart is for flames .The soul yearn for fire
In these ways and a multitude of others, the heart,being the desperate lonely hunter that it is, goes about seeking an altar on which to offer itself — a sacrificial offering
to be consumed by the flames of the altar.
Needy, the human heart will become inflamed with lust, greed, hatred, love (true and false), religion, idolatry, witchcraft, drugs, money, and on and on…
…enflaming itself with idols under every green tree.
Isaiah 57.5
A prophet addressed this issue when he wrote,
Behold, ye that kindle a fire, that compass about yourselves with sparks:
walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks that ye have kindled.
This ye shall have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
Isaiah 50.11
Not coming to the Lord for fire, we all will seek something or other to warm us within.
And just as nature abhors a vacuum, so the human heart abhors the absence
of a filling and warming fire, and many abuse this reality
rather than accepting the heavenly cure.
For they have made ready their heart like an oven…
in the morning it burneth as a flaming fire.
Hosea 7.6
We all yearn to feel alive, to relieve the tension and the boredom;
to be warmed in such a way as to fight the cold, fear, and the loneliness.
We look for that which is beyond ourselves.
We look for that which will enhance our lives.
And there are many promising lights, and deceitful,
that attract our attention from out of the darkness.
…for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.
2 Corinthians 11.14
Yes, there are many and divers fires that would draw us
to their proffered light and warmth.
Evil is often disguised as a warming fire.
The heart is for flames the soul yearns for fire- but God’s judgment upon life
that is not found in Him is evident.
There are sad eyes everywhere.
Joy has withered away from the sons and daughters of men.
The rivers dry up, the land mourns, the harvest is not plentiful.
Hosea 4.3
Yes, that harvest of the human heart is mournfully thin—
all because men and women choose their own way,
following after the desires of their own heart, mind and imagination.
The heart is for flames and the soul hungers for fire but mankind
walking in the light of their own fires have this from the Lord’s hand – they lie down in sorrow.
In times past an empty hearth meant a cold house. But where a fire burned within
the inhabitants could rest comfortably. Likewise the human heart is restless
until it finds its rest in God-cold and hard until warmed by the fire that is God Himself.
“Our God is a consuming fire.” the apostle proclaimed.
God will consume the heart with a fire that will always be burning,
While all other fires burn out and leave the user sick and full of sorrow,self loathing and pain,
the fire of God burns with health and vitality, sure and eternal.
Jesus, proclaiming the salvation that would come after his departure
and knowing the need and hunger of fallen hearts, promised,
“Ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”
O the wonderful fire that is God.He burns in our hearts with sweet assurance
of his presence and favor when we invite the Holy Ghost in.
Jesus promised that he would give the Holy Spirit to all who would ask saying,
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children:
how much more shall your heavenly Father
give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?
Luke 11.13
The heart is for flames the soul hungers for fire and God who gives
the Holy Ghost to those who seek and obey Him also provides that needed Heartfire.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
Gilded Cage
captive bird
blessed cage
in width and height contained
the world without….
and devils….
they touch me not here
only in passing beyond bars wide
restraint and protection
by choice alone
blessed cage
in width and height contained
the world without….
and devils….
they touch me not here
only in passing beyond bars wide
restraint and protection
by choice alone
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Church a prostitute?
"A number of years ago, I had the privilege of teaching
at a school of ministry. My students were hungry for God,
and I was constantly searching for ways
to challenge them to fall more in love with Jesus and to become
voices for revival in the Church. I came across a quote
attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe.
It is a short version of the history of Christianity,
and it goes like this:" .
Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship;
it moved to Greece and became a philosophy;
it moved to Italy and became an institution;
it moved to Europe and became a culture;
it came to America and became an enterprise.
Some of the students were only 18 or 19 years old--
barely out of diapers--and I wanted them to understand
and appreciate the import of the last line,
so I clarified it by adding, "An enterprise. That's a business."
After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class,
raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be.
I thought the little vignette was self-explanatory,
and that I had performed it brilliantly.
Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha's raised hand, "Yes, Martha."
She asked such a simple question, "A business?
But isn't it supposed to be a body?"
I could not envision where this line of questioning was going,
and the only response I could think of was, "Yes." She continued,
"But when a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"
The room went dead silent.
For several seconds no one moved or spoke.
We were stunned,
afraid to make a sound because the presence of God
had flooded into the room, and we knew we were on holy ground.
All I could think in those sacred moments was,
"Wow, I wish I'd thought of that."
I didn't dare express that thought aloud.
God had taken over the class. Martha's question changed my life.
For six months, I thought about her question at least once every day.
"When a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"
There is only one answer to her question. The answer is "Yes."
The American Church, tragically, is heavily populated by people
who do not love God. How can we love Him?
We don't even know Him; and I mean really know Him. ...
I stand by my statement that most American Christians do not know God--
much less love Him.
The root of this condition originates in how we came to God.
Most of us came to Him because of what we were told He would do for us.
We were promised that He would bless us in life and take us to heaven after death.
We married Him for His money, and we don't care if He lives or dies
as long as we can get His stuff. We have made the Kingdom of God
into a business, merchandising His anointing.
This should not be. We are commanded to love God,
and are called to be the Bride of Christ--
that's pretty intimate stuff. We are supposed to be His lovers.
How can we love someone we don't even know?
And even if we do know someone,
is that a guarantee that we truly love them? Are we lovers or prostitutes?
I was pondering Martha's question again one day, and considered the question,
"What's the difference between a lover and a prostitute?"
I realized that both do many of the same things,
but a lover does what she does because she loves.
A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay.
Then I asked the question, "What would happen if God stopped paying me?"
For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover my motives
for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of God?
What would happen if He stopped blessing me?
What if He never did another thing for me?
Would I still love Him? Please understand,
I believe in the promises and blessings of God.
The issue here is not whether God blesses His children;
the issue is the condition of my heart.
Why do I serve Him? Are His blessings in my life the gifts of a loving Father,
or are they a wage that I have earned or a bribe/payment to love Him?
Do I love God without any conditions?
It took several months to work through these questions.
Even now I wonder if my desire to love God is always matched
by my attitude and behavior.
I still catch myself being disappointed with God and angry
that He has not met some perceived need in my life.
I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved,
but I want more than anything else to be a true lover of God.
So what is it going to be?
Which are we, lover or prostitute? There are no prostitutes in heaven,
or in the Kingdom of God for that matter,
but there are plenty of former prostitutes in both places.
Take it from a recovering prostitute when I say there is no substitute
or unconditional, intimate relationship with God.
And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us
(take another look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime).
We must choose.
Dr. David Ryser
at a school of ministry. My students were hungry for God,
and I was constantly searching for ways
to challenge them to fall more in love with Jesus and to become
voices for revival in the Church. I came across a quote
attributed most often to Rev. Sam Pascoe.
It is a short version of the history of Christianity,
and it goes like this:" .
Christianity started in Palestine as a fellowship;
it moved to Greece and became a philosophy;
it moved to Italy and became an institution;
it moved to Europe and became a culture;
it came to America and became an enterprise.
Some of the students were only 18 or 19 years old--
barely out of diapers--and I wanted them to understand
and appreciate the import of the last line,
so I clarified it by adding, "An enterprise. That's a business."
After a few moments Martha, the youngest student in the class,
raised her hand. I could not imagine what her question might be.
I thought the little vignette was self-explanatory,
and that I had performed it brilliantly.
Nevertheless, I acknowledged Martha's raised hand, "Yes, Martha."
She asked such a simple question, "A business?
But isn't it supposed to be a body?"
I could not envision where this line of questioning was going,
and the only response I could think of was, "Yes." She continued,
"But when a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"
The room went dead silent.
For several seconds no one moved or spoke.
We were stunned,
afraid to make a sound because the presence of God
had flooded into the room, and we knew we were on holy ground.
All I could think in those sacred moments was,
"Wow, I wish I'd thought of that."
I didn't dare express that thought aloud.
God had taken over the class. Martha's question changed my life.
For six months, I thought about her question at least once every day.
"When a body becomes a business, isn't that a prostitute?"
There is only one answer to her question. The answer is "Yes."
The American Church, tragically, is heavily populated by people
who do not love God. How can we love Him?
We don't even know Him; and I mean really know Him. ...
I stand by my statement that most American Christians do not know God--
much less love Him.
The root of this condition originates in how we came to God.
Most of us came to Him because of what we were told He would do for us.
We were promised that He would bless us in life and take us to heaven after death.
We married Him for His money, and we don't care if He lives or dies
as long as we can get His stuff. We have made the Kingdom of God
into a business, merchandising His anointing.
This should not be. We are commanded to love God,
and are called to be the Bride of Christ--
that's pretty intimate stuff. We are supposed to be His lovers.
How can we love someone we don't even know?
And even if we do know someone,
is that a guarantee that we truly love them? Are we lovers or prostitutes?
I was pondering Martha's question again one day, and considered the question,
"What's the difference between a lover and a prostitute?"
I realized that both do many of the same things,
but a lover does what she does because she loves.
A prostitute pretends to love, but only as long as you pay.
Then I asked the question, "What would happen if God stopped paying me?"
For the next several months, I allowed God to search me to uncover my motives
for loving and serving Him. Was I really a true lover of God?
What would happen if He stopped blessing me?
What if He never did another thing for me?
Would I still love Him? Please understand,
I believe in the promises and blessings of God.
The issue here is not whether God blesses His children;
the issue is the condition of my heart.
Why do I serve Him? Are His blessings in my life the gifts of a loving Father,
or are they a wage that I have earned or a bribe/payment to love Him?
Do I love God without any conditions?
It took several months to work through these questions.
Even now I wonder if my desire to love God is always matched
by my attitude and behavior.
I still catch myself being disappointed with God and angry
that He has not met some perceived need in my life.
I suspect this is something which is never fully resolved,
but I want more than anything else to be a true lover of God.
So what is it going to be?
Which are we, lover or prostitute? There are no prostitutes in heaven,
or in the Kingdom of God for that matter,
but there are plenty of former prostitutes in both places.
Take it from a recovering prostitute when I say there is no substitute
or unconditional, intimate relationship with God.
And I mean there is no palatable substitute available to us
(take another look at Matthew 7:21-23 sometime).
We must choose.
Dr. David Ryser
Friday, July 16, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Aloneness ( There I will give thee my love)
“The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.”
Isaiah 35.1
Every one of us has a place in our life and in our hearts where we alone go.
We might be married or we might be be a Pastor who ministers to a large congregation;
we might have a house full of children or a very active social life;
on the other hand we might not have a life at all, so to speak.
Regardless, each one of us has his or her alone place.
And what we are in relation to this solitary place determines more than anything else
what and who we really are.We may have areas in our lives
where others help us and the burden is borne with the loving aid of giving friends-
but as sure as the sun shines, there will always remain
that place where we alone must go.
No one else can go there with us.
No one can help us there.
Others can only point the way.
But let every man prove his own work, and then
shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For every man shall bear his own burden.
Galatians 6.4,5
Now this alone place is like an uncultivated garden.
There is great potential for fruitfulness here.
Or, this place can be barren, unfruitful.
Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish ,
whether the tender grape appear , and the pomegranates bud forth :
there will I give thee my loves.
Song of Songs 7.12
When this place is fruitful and filled with the beauty of flowers,
running streams and fruitful trees, it is easily understood
that this place will be one that someone would choose to visit often;
a beautiful garden of rest, comfort, and refreshing.
We would want to go there and tend to our garden
and enjoy its prosperity, drink in its beauty.
Awake O north wind: and come, thou south; blow upon my garden
that the spices thereof may flow out.
Song of Solomon 4.16
As well, if this secret place is empty and barren, you can imagine
that a person would not choose to visit there
but would avoid going there at all costs.
How many of us book passage to the barren, howling wilderness?
No one in their right mind! We all want to vacation in Paradise Garden.
Now the fact that some, maybe most people, seek to avoid
their own personal alone place is the reason many embrace some form of escapism.
We turn to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, TV, overeating, shopping (hello!)
unhealthy relationships, bars movies etc.
Actually the list is endless concerning the things we will pursue
rather than seek to develop the inner land
that pertains to our own inner life and the garden of the Lord in our innermost being.
How many stay in a bad relationship because to get out means
they would have to face their own place of aloneness?
Many things we do are an attempt to put a hedge
between us and aloneness with the accompanying emptiness and boredom..
We’re all carrying around this empty place within:
that "God shaped void" that came with the “ fall” (see Genesis).
We hate the ‘void’ but verily, this place will be filled- for good or for ill.
You’ve heard that ‘nature abhors a vacuum’.
Well, that truth works on an emotional and spiritual level as well.
Yes, it is true that many people are terrified of being or feeling alone.
They have not realized that this place of aloneness can be a place of great blessing.
To find this blessedness the Lord calls us to lone places,
the Spirit guides us into desert places.
God ordains that some become very familiar with this type of wilderness-
this spiritual place of which we speak.
Let him sit alone in silence
for the Lord has laid it on him.
Lamentations 3.28
And because it is here God brings revelation, it is here also we find intimacy
and fellowship with the Son of God. It is to this place that the Jesus directs us
when he counsels,
When thou prayest enter into thy closet,
and when thou hast shut the door (when you are truly alone with God),
pray to the Father which is in secret,and the Father which seeth in secret
shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6.6
The promise of heavenly reward is for those who will not be afraid
to shut themselves up alone with God if only for a portion of the day.
It is in this way that the promise is realized,
that we become like a tree planted by the rivers of water
whose leaf will not wither.
Have you ever met a person with withered leaves? Its not pretty.
Its not what God has for those who look within to find that place that,
though it looks threateningly like a desert, God promises to make
like a well watered garden.
And he promises to faithfully to watch over it.
I the Lord do keep it. I will water it every moment:
lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
Isaiah 27.3
and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.”
Isaiah 35.1
Every one of us has a place in our life and in our hearts where we alone go.
We might be married or we might be be a Pastor who ministers to a large congregation;
we might have a house full of children or a very active social life;
on the other hand we might not have a life at all, so to speak.
Regardless, each one of us has his or her alone place.
And what we are in relation to this solitary place determines more than anything else
what and who we really are.We may have areas in our lives
where others help us and the burden is borne with the loving aid of giving friends-
but as sure as the sun shines, there will always remain
that place where we alone must go.
No one else can go there with us.
No one can help us there.
Others can only point the way.
But let every man prove his own work, and then
shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
For every man shall bear his own burden.
Galatians 6.4,5
Now this alone place is like an uncultivated garden.
There is great potential for fruitfulness here.
Or, this place can be barren, unfruitful.
Let us get up early to the vineyards; let us see if the vine flourish ,
whether the tender grape appear , and the pomegranates bud forth :
there will I give thee my loves.
Song of Songs 7.12
When this place is fruitful and filled with the beauty of flowers,
running streams and fruitful trees, it is easily understood
that this place will be one that someone would choose to visit often;
a beautiful garden of rest, comfort, and refreshing.
We would want to go there and tend to our garden
and enjoy its prosperity, drink in its beauty.
Awake O north wind: and come, thou south; blow upon my garden
that the spices thereof may flow out.
Song of Solomon 4.16
As well, if this secret place is empty and barren, you can imagine
that a person would not choose to visit there
but would avoid going there at all costs.
How many of us book passage to the barren, howling wilderness?
No one in their right mind! We all want to vacation in Paradise Garden.
Now the fact that some, maybe most people, seek to avoid
their own personal alone place is the reason many embrace some form of escapism.
We turn to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, TV, overeating, shopping (hello!)
unhealthy relationships, bars movies etc.
Actually the list is endless concerning the things we will pursue
rather than seek to develop the inner land
that pertains to our own inner life and the garden of the Lord in our innermost being.
How many stay in a bad relationship because to get out means
they would have to face their own place of aloneness?
Many things we do are an attempt to put a hedge
between us and aloneness with the accompanying emptiness and boredom..
We’re all carrying around this empty place within:
that "God shaped void" that came with the “ fall” (see Genesis).
We hate the ‘void’ but verily, this place will be filled- for good or for ill.
You’ve heard that ‘nature abhors a vacuum’.
Well, that truth works on an emotional and spiritual level as well.
Yes, it is true that many people are terrified of being or feeling alone.
They have not realized that this place of aloneness can be a place of great blessing.
To find this blessedness the Lord calls us to lone places,
the Spirit guides us into desert places.
God ordains that some become very familiar with this type of wilderness-
this spiritual place of which we speak.
Let him sit alone in silence
for the Lord has laid it on him.
Lamentations 3.28
And because it is here God brings revelation, it is here also we find intimacy
and fellowship with the Son of God. It is to this place that the Jesus directs us
when he counsels,
When thou prayest enter into thy closet,
and when thou hast shut the door (when you are truly alone with God),
pray to the Father which is in secret,and the Father which seeth in secret
shall reward thee openly.
Matthew 6.6
The promise of heavenly reward is for those who will not be afraid
to shut themselves up alone with God if only for a portion of the day.
It is in this way that the promise is realized,
that we become like a tree planted by the rivers of water
whose leaf will not wither.
Have you ever met a person with withered leaves? Its not pretty.
Its not what God has for those who look within to find that place that,
though it looks threateningly like a desert, God promises to make
like a well watered garden.
And he promises to faithfully to watch over it.
I the Lord do keep it. I will water it every moment:
lest any hurt it, I will keep it night and day.
Isaiah 27.3
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