There is one word when wielded decisively divides humanity into two distinct groups with a chasm between. On each side of the chasm, two dramatically distinct experiences ultimately lay. No one will escape The Bridge leading to a never ending destiny, fixed and unchangeable for the remaining duration. All will argue 'the fact' with the danger hinging on our interpretation or rather misinterpretation of The Fact.
If we place ourselves and flawed, prideful human logic as the gateway to The Fact we might even think we this life as the only side of the chasm, sadly to discover that as we arrive at the bridge, our perception wrong all along. It is not up to you or I to determine if this life is the only side of the bridge, yet we do have a choice in the matter. This choice is not found in our determination, but rather our submission. This option is not one of personal fortitude or pride, but one of humility and angst in the face of our limitations to experience The Truth. This option will move us from focus on shortcomings toward a new way of life, living in power and glory, fully cognizant that it emanates not from us, but through us from The One who holds The Truth.
The determination to be humble has it's dangers as well, for humility is apparent and expected on both sides of the abyss, one form genuine and integrated humility, the other falsely hiding the deep motive, appearing as humility, instead serving and standing as protector of our own pride. Even now as you read this, you are attaching yourself to one side or the other of the abyssal expanse as you press ahead toward your demise and for all of us, our demise is coming. Daily we press closer and closer, towards The Bridge on one side of the path or the other.
All of us will cross The Bridge, none able to return and convey and expose The Truth of what lie ahead. Even if able to return, would others believe our confession? It would be like someone experiencing and living in a world with five dimensions. Their attempts to get us to experience their 'reality' of added dimension unattainable by our 4D limitations. But what if some of that 5D world actually connected to our 4D world? What if hints and glimpses became evident as we explored our 4D world while searching for truth? What if The One who designed and enabled The Bridge revealed The Truth to those who seek it? Truthfully, if we don't believe and commit to the existing evidence here, why would we believe a return voyager from the other side of death and the other side of The Bridge? It would be no more factual than our experience here, for experience drives our decision and how we choose to live.
I have come to believe that only the genuinely curious ones seeking absolute truth will even consider listening to my arguments of faith and life. I also have come to an understanding that I, in these writings do not hold the keys to enlightenment or destination alteration. Yet I have been given eyes to see and discover the direction toward the discovery of Truth, acceptable character, integrity and identity that is beyond my self-centered desire. I am being led, fully trusting that I live as one not bound to this side of the chasm but will be allowed passage across the bridge to the other side. And, I cannot take any credit for where I stand as I press ahead toward The Bridge.
The only credit I can take is my determination to fully uncover The Truth, a fact finding expedition with a completely open and resolute mind to know, as best I can, the eternal destination that clearly awaits us. This destination either exists or is a figment of our imaginations as a place beautiful and resplendent, beyond anything we can imagine with the other horrible and evil, beyond anything we can imagine.
If we choose to live in ignorance and self imposed, self determined truth, we will find ourselves focusing on the wrong side of the abyssal trench, this life alone. It is not the determination of living that determines our destination, it is our determination to find Truth, absolute Truth about The Destination. There is only One Word and only One Way to seal our forever existence in the peace and beauty of The Truth.
God.
It is not our way, it is His. It is not our determination, it is His. It is not found in our goodness, but in His. We cannot provide sufficient goodness to deserve passage across the chasm, only He can. We cannot hold the complete understanding and ways of Him, for only He is immense and fully righteous beyond anything we could ever imagine in our current state of existence. Only He holds the keys to truth and way of living that assures us we living as ones, living more as those on the other side of The Bridge. We each will determine, by choice, prideful human logic, or humble human submission before God, if we believe there is more than life here, and if The Truth points to a life beyond.
Indeed One Word, God, One Way, Jesus Christ, stand at the end of bridge. We each hold the choice of our forever fate, He ultimately allowing or denying our passage. We have, by our living, already made the choice. As long as we live here, our hearts can remain focused and determined by our interpretation of life here only, or our hearts catching glimpses of this true reality, this life being our only opportunity to demonstrate our faith in the clues He has given. We can choose response at the mercy of His Offering of grace, Christ, or at His wrath. The choice is ours. Not religion, not man's conjuration or conjecture of who He is and what He requires, but the reality and response to His Leading, His Calling. Each of us instead placing ourselves in His Mercy, and in the quest for absolute Truth; our futures determined fully in whom we trust; God or The World; This life alone, or this life as a part of the quest toward the next.
It is not up to us to judge which side of the path you are on. The bridge we all are heading for is inescapable. There is no time to waste, no time to grow lax, no time to stop our pursuit of The Truth, lest we be derailed and end up in the chasm, crossing the bridge thinking we will arrive at it's destination, only being throw off it to an eternal, forever separation. Call us fools if you'd like, but once we leave here and start to cross the bridge, there is no return, no alternate path, no longer a chance to change our belief, our path. On the other side of the bridge? A place of peace. A place of absolute truth. A place where the glimpses of what we saw here in 4 dimensions are blown into infinite dimensions, not just 5.
Our experience, our glimpses point toward this place of peace, carrying us there bit by bit, unfolding as we wrestle to find The Truth. How is your examination and search working for you? We all will find ourselves out of excuses once we leave here and start across The Bridge. We are not asking you to do exactly as you see us do, with the singular exception being that of seeking The Truth while moving toward The Bridge as one who is living as a truth bearer more and more. You will recognize it when you see something in our lives aligning with that which is on the other side of The Bridge we all approach.
Ask Him to show you The Way. Ask Him to show you The Truth. Ask Him to show you The Life. We know, you will discover the well placed evidence of the infinite dimensions of God; choosing to live not as one bound to this side of The Bridge, but the other. How will you know if you are seeing the real Jesus or a counterfeit? Ask Him to reveal The Truth. I promise, the real Jesus will point to the other side of The Bridge not here. He will reveal The Way, The Truth and The Life. Trust us, it looks nothing like only what we experience here but rather something sweeter, something deeper, something astoundingly richer and more glorious. Something more like what awaits us on the other side of The Bridge.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Systematic Systemics
Our lives align with our beliefs as a testimony of our character, and, while our character may be publicly exposed, it is in our privacy where it lays bare. Who you and I are, stand in replete testimony when 'we think' no one is looking. The integrity of being, is best understood by those who see us in all situations, especially in our perceived solitude. No one on earth knows me better than my parents, who raised me, and now, my wife, who lives and experiences most of who I am and have grown to become. My strengths, my weaknesses, my battles, my joys are established in the doings and living experiences forged within me. These are all shaped by those I have shared 'life' with, either by being together or vicariously through multiple media 'investments'.
Experiences and beliefs are shaped by systematic examinations in life, becoming systemic characters of our integrated selves. The complete truth is, that whether we believe it or not, how we spend our time shapes our systemic beliefs and realities. Over indulging in entertainment, binds us deeply to the surrealistic worlds spun by imaginations, detaching us from the honesty and pain of our daily world experience vying for our hearts and souls. It feels better to revel in a surrealistic dream, than within the toil and struggle of life, yet the more we engage in the surreal, the more disappointment and discouragement delves into our days.
Drinking deeply of life, in life and through life seems too caustic and like the poison which slowly kills, yet, it is the other, the escape from life that is truly the poison which leisurely takes our life from us. These poisons which dull the senses or carry us away from reality, these venoms that we allow into our veins only postpone the inevitable, our need, true need to confront life and find the answers to the consequences of disobedience and self-service. Systematically we allow one form or the other of escape or life to infuse our veins allowing a systemic conundrum press us hard for solutions.
We should choose to face such quandaries with the sharpest of our senses, fully piqued, effusively effervescent with engagement of the only one who can help us find the answers to our dilemmas. How often we tend to run away rather than run towards our only hope, our only way to peace.
Life requires, no, demands proactive, systematic endeavors which color and polish our systemic view of our days. Without a systematic search, should we choose to remain unprepared for the struggle, we will be reduced to only retreat and hide. Yes there are a plethora of people much more intelligent and Holy Spirit led than I. But in this, my journey, it is only my responsibility to wrestle in a manner that allows God to reveal Himself to me with greater abundance each day. Even most cancers start in one place and slowly consume healthy cells until the life of the organism is snuffed out. We all are systemically infected with a cancerous life. Systematically and systemically, I am pressing hard to restore health to this body allowing God to perform His miracle of perfect, systemic healing.
Experiences and beliefs are shaped by systematic examinations in life, becoming systemic characters of our integrated selves. The complete truth is, that whether we believe it or not, how we spend our time shapes our systemic beliefs and realities. Over indulging in entertainment, binds us deeply to the surrealistic worlds spun by imaginations, detaching us from the honesty and pain of our daily world experience vying for our hearts and souls. It feels better to revel in a surrealistic dream, than within the toil and struggle of life, yet the more we engage in the surreal, the more disappointment and discouragement delves into our days.
Drinking deeply of life, in life and through life seems too caustic and like the poison which slowly kills, yet, it is the other, the escape from life that is truly the poison which leisurely takes our life from us. These poisons which dull the senses or carry us away from reality, these venoms that we allow into our veins only postpone the inevitable, our need, true need to confront life and find the answers to the consequences of disobedience and self-service. Systematically we allow one form or the other of escape or life to infuse our veins allowing a systemic conundrum press us hard for solutions.
We should choose to face such quandaries with the sharpest of our senses, fully piqued, effusively effervescent with engagement of the only one who can help us find the answers to our dilemmas. How often we tend to run away rather than run towards our only hope, our only way to peace.
Life requires, no, demands proactive, systematic endeavors which color and polish our systemic view of our days. Without a systematic search, should we choose to remain unprepared for the struggle, we will be reduced to only retreat and hide. Yes there are a plethora of people much more intelligent and Holy Spirit led than I. But in this, my journey, it is only my responsibility to wrestle in a manner that allows God to reveal Himself to me with greater abundance each day. Even most cancers start in one place and slowly consume healthy cells until the life of the organism is snuffed out. We all are systemically infected with a cancerous life. Systematically and systemically, I am pressing hard to restore health to this body allowing God to perform His miracle of perfect, systemic healing.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Learn to Lean, Learn to Listen
Difficult it is for us men to hear of struggle and issues of trouble and not try to solve or rescue the troubled one. We are wired as 'fixers', constructors of answers or finders of solutions, at least I often find myself as such. So, when the earthly love of my life is in a valley, this time at work, wrestling with genuine angst and a bit of fear, my heart is desperately desiring to be her knight, riding into her trouble, carrying her off to safety and peace. I could offer her suggestions and ideas, but I am being told to be only encouraging and mostly praying. As our nation struggles and men throw their empty answers of hope and provision around, again, I am being told to be only encouraging and mostly praying.
It is so 'not me', letting her talk about situations, share her frustrations, all the while, just holding her hand or looking into her struggling eyes with tenderness and concern, with all the strength I can muster, then pausing to pray about it or say something to let her know I am standing with her in this time and struggle. As I think about our nation, it is so 'not me' to rather than lead a continual charge, blathering about what 'seems obvious to me' and to most 'rational' citizens our answer to the issues and problems our nation faces, and just stand with her (America) in this time and struggle.
I find myself learning to lean and learning to listen. Not only to her (my wife and my country), but most importantly to God. He is asking of me something that goes against my fiber, my wiring, my...pride; saying less and praying more, much less and much more.
While most people, including myself, think that praying is our talking with God, I am finding more value in the leaning and listening rather than the tirades I spin in His direction, now finding my heart, changed. Some root characteristics that once overwhelmed me (I seem to like to talk...what teacher doesn't?) is finding temper, balance and I believe, pervasive prudence. I am beginning to really enjoy 'listening' rather than hearing myself 'talk', nearly forcing myself not to speak unless completely compelled to do so, by God himself, not me. I have noticed that often, even when I want to say something, He has another start speaking before I can get going, and for these 'reminders', I am thankful. I need His help still to be still, learn to be quiet, cease the pursuit of making sure others hear what I 'think' I 'have' to say.
Most fascinating, is that the less I say, and the more I pray, the more miraculous the result; the more I find I am learning to trust His working, His solutions, His answers which exceed anything I could hope or desire. Sure, a plethora currently remain 'unanswered' today, but I am confident that His answer and timing will reveal His glory; Confident because I see His answers, His glory unfold in my recent days.
I have invested in the study of His scriptures, exposing His character and leading to others and continue to do so. I now find myself with the singular desire to unleash the fullness of God into my life and the lives around me, something I cannot do, only He can. So as I learn to lean, and learn to listen I find myself learning to let God be God in and around my life. Duh. I have come to discover that it is not for me to solve, unravel, rescue, or answer, it is up to, as it always was and is, Him.
What would happen if our nation of believers fully trusted in our Lord and Savior? What would happen if God were sought with diligence and humility? In prayer and fasting? What would happen if ALL His men, His people would seek His answers, His provision, His direction for solutions to our really complex issues and problems?
He says:
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.’
“But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will pluck you up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And at this house, which was exalted, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?’ Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers who brought them out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore he has brought all this disaster on them.’”
(2 Chronicles 7:13-22 ESV)
We are not Israel, but we certainly once were a nation brought out of a land of burden, to a land with His new opportunities, along with His leading. We have abandoned His statutes and commandments. Ask yourself this...does it not seem like He is beginning to "pluck you up from my land that I have given you?...and cast you from my sight?" BUT, notice the call isn't to change the hearts of those who don't know Him, rather only ours, His followers, His real followers! His people.
The problems my wife faces at work pale, significantly, to the problems we face as a nation. God will provide her, and my struggling heart for her, answers. Yet now I find myself at His feet asking for an immense and far more reaching issue, the heart of this nation in which I find myself living. Is it possible that He would lead us, His people to a return? He is God and can do anything we ask or desire. I am starting with myself, and praying that He infects, instills, informs and instigates a mighty movement, His holy presence returning to a nation who once trusted Him for our leading, leaning on Him for our protection.
I find myself learning to lean and learning to listen. Will we, as a nation, learn to lean and learn to listen once more to the almighty, righteous, holy, wholly worthy, God?
It is so 'not me', letting her talk about situations, share her frustrations, all the while, just holding her hand or looking into her struggling eyes with tenderness and concern, with all the strength I can muster, then pausing to pray about it or say something to let her know I am standing with her in this time and struggle. As I think about our nation, it is so 'not me' to rather than lead a continual charge, blathering about what 'seems obvious to me' and to most 'rational' citizens our answer to the issues and problems our nation faces, and just stand with her (America) in this time and struggle.
I find myself learning to lean and learning to listen. Not only to her (my wife and my country), but most importantly to God. He is asking of me something that goes against my fiber, my wiring, my...pride; saying less and praying more, much less and much more.
While most people, including myself, think that praying is our talking with God, I am finding more value in the leaning and listening rather than the tirades I spin in His direction, now finding my heart, changed. Some root characteristics that once overwhelmed me (I seem to like to talk...what teacher doesn't?) is finding temper, balance and I believe, pervasive prudence. I am beginning to really enjoy 'listening' rather than hearing myself 'talk', nearly forcing myself not to speak unless completely compelled to do so, by God himself, not me. I have noticed that often, even when I want to say something, He has another start speaking before I can get going, and for these 'reminders', I am thankful. I need His help still to be still, learn to be quiet, cease the pursuit of making sure others hear what I 'think' I 'have' to say.
Most fascinating, is that the less I say, and the more I pray, the more miraculous the result; the more I find I am learning to trust His working, His solutions, His answers which exceed anything I could hope or desire. Sure, a plethora currently remain 'unanswered' today, but I am confident that His answer and timing will reveal His glory; Confident because I see His answers, His glory unfold in my recent days.
I have invested in the study of His scriptures, exposing His character and leading to others and continue to do so. I now find myself with the singular desire to unleash the fullness of God into my life and the lives around me, something I cannot do, only He can. So as I learn to lean, and learn to listen I find myself learning to let God be God in and around my life. Duh. I have come to discover that it is not for me to solve, unravel, rescue, or answer, it is up to, as it always was and is, Him.
What would happen if our nation of believers fully trusted in our Lord and Savior? What would happen if God were sought with diligence and humility? In prayer and fasting? What would happen if ALL His men, His people would seek His answers, His provision, His direction for solutions to our really complex issues and problems?
He says:
When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command the locust to devour the land, or send pestilence among my people, if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.
Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that my name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will be there for all time. And as for you, if you will walk before me as David your father walked, doing according to all that I have commanded you and keeping my statutes and my rules, then I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father, saying, ‘You shall not lack a man to rule Israel.’
“But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will pluck you up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples. And at this house, which was exalted, everyone passing by will be astonished and say, ‘Why has the LORD done thus to this land and to this house?’ Then they will say, ‘Because they abandoned the LORD, the God of their fathers who brought them out of the land of Egypt and laid hold on other gods and worshiped them and served them. Therefore he has brought all this disaster on them.’”
(2 Chronicles 7:13-22 ESV)
We are not Israel, but we certainly once were a nation brought out of a land of burden, to a land with His new opportunities, along with His leading. We have abandoned His statutes and commandments. Ask yourself this...does it not seem like He is beginning to "pluck you up from my land that I have given you?...and cast you from my sight?" BUT, notice the call isn't to change the hearts of those who don't know Him, rather only ours, His followers, His real followers! His people.
The problems my wife faces at work pale, significantly, to the problems we face as a nation. God will provide her, and my struggling heart for her, answers. Yet now I find myself at His feet asking for an immense and far more reaching issue, the heart of this nation in which I find myself living. Is it possible that He would lead us, His people to a return? He is God and can do anything we ask or desire. I am starting with myself, and praying that He infects, instills, informs and instigates a mighty movement, His holy presence returning to a nation who once trusted Him for our leading, leaning on Him for our protection.
I find myself learning to lean and learning to listen. Will we, as a nation, learn to lean and learn to listen once more to the almighty, righteous, holy, wholly worthy, God?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Leading Life
Presently perched on my shoulders, is my head. Duh. With the constant struggle to keep 'my head' in check. How one goes through life, leading life, encouraging whole living without being or sounding prideful is a delicate balance. Citing examples of personal excursions and doings that bless others can be self-serving, and therefore overtly full of inappropriate pride...or, if done correctly, can encourage others to join in with similar acts and responses to our Lord, for His glory.
I suppose it's time to stop worrying about motives, and start leading life, following the Leader of Life, Jesus Christ. It is my desire, hope and motive that this blog is not self-serving, but self-exposing as one life follower of Jesus Christ, inspiring other lives to go and do, inspired and led not by this blog, but Christ and the Holy Spirit! I honestly want 'these footprints' to be of His leading, leading my life.
How does this happen? Only through prayer, constant communication with God, our lives an accurate testimony, and continuing story of Jesus Christ walking the face of this earth. I cover, as I hope you do to, these blogs with prayer and thankfulness for God's inspiration in each post. I also ask Him to allow those who may 'need' such encouragement to find bits and pieces of it here.
Some of you may wonder why I don't often 'pepper' this blog with scripture. For those of you who know scripture, it is 'peppered' with such, woven in the lines as applications of it. I have come to see that a life lived, immersed and bathed in scripture is demonstrated by the outcome of the life...the glory of God revealed in and through us daily, with ever increasing regularity.
As I see it, there is only one Leading Life, Jesus Christ, and if we let Him lead our lives, we will join in the leading of lives in such a manner that others become leaders of life. Sound familiar? Oh...Jesus called that 'making disciples'! Will you join me as a disciple of Christ and invite others to read, comment and join us in the the leading of lives to the only Leader of Life? This blog stands, I pray, as a testimony of one life, in directed obedience, seeking to inspire others to rise to His call. I really don't care if you jump on this blog and become a follower, but rather that you invest your life as Christ directs and walk, truly walk as His follower. He alone is our Leader of Life, who can change our world by using those who listen and follow The Leader.
I suppose it's time to stop worrying about motives, and start leading life, following the Leader of Life, Jesus Christ. It is my desire, hope and motive that this blog is not self-serving, but self-exposing as one life follower of Jesus Christ, inspiring other lives to go and do, inspired and led not by this blog, but Christ and the Holy Spirit! I honestly want 'these footprints' to be of His leading, leading my life.
How does this happen? Only through prayer, constant communication with God, our lives an accurate testimony, and continuing story of Jesus Christ walking the face of this earth. I cover, as I hope you do to, these blogs with prayer and thankfulness for God's inspiration in each post. I also ask Him to allow those who may 'need' such encouragement to find bits and pieces of it here.
Some of you may wonder why I don't often 'pepper' this blog with scripture. For those of you who know scripture, it is 'peppered' with such, woven in the lines as applications of it. I have come to see that a life lived, immersed and bathed in scripture is demonstrated by the outcome of the life...the glory of God revealed in and through us daily, with ever increasing regularity.
As I see it, there is only one Leading Life, Jesus Christ, and if we let Him lead our lives, we will join in the leading of lives in such a manner that others become leaders of life. Sound familiar? Oh...Jesus called that 'making disciples'! Will you join me as a disciple of Christ and invite others to read, comment and join us in the the leading of lives to the only Leader of Life? This blog stands, I pray, as a testimony of one life, in directed obedience, seeking to inspire others to rise to His call. I really don't care if you jump on this blog and become a follower, but rather that you invest your life as Christ directs and walk, truly walk as His follower. He alone is our Leader of Life, who can change our world by using those who listen and follow The Leader.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Underwear. Under Where?
A little humor can also go a long way. Did the title of today's blog pique your curiosity? Whether you choose to wear them or not, there are reasons for dawning such garments if not for practicality's sake. But where could I possibly be going with this?
While most consider these garments to be 'essential', or at least practical, it is often taken for granted and not normally socially acceptable to discuss. No elaboration is needed right? Yet, how often the essence or practicality of a pure, holy and genuine response to God 'hidden' underneath garments of manipulation and contrived adornment and clothing, while all along our Lord sees through what I present to the world. In a sense, He sees all and knows all, and I try to fool Him and others with 'my take' on what a Godly life 'should' look like.
While it is embarrassing to be 'exposed', most of us wouldn't think twice about walking around in our underwear at home (of course discretion is needed even there). For in intimate settings of family and home, the rules are different than out in the world. Yet, God demands of me whole and complete intimacy; the recognition that He sees and know ALL, and is desiring for my response to fully recognize this fact.
My pastor this weekend has forged new thinking within my heart about God and how I try to 'manage' Him and my understanding of Him. In a sense, my heart was fully exposed to Him for what may be the first time, ever. I am a doer and to the many who know me, find public display of my faith and 'righteousness' as the fine clothes that speak of my heart, while all along, He sees into the complete and total picture of me. I am undone! My arrogance, my appearance, complete appearance, exposed (as it always was) to my holy and almighty God! This time, though, I can see, in desperation, why I need a savior!!
AND, I have one!!!
I find myself asking God to help me put aside all my expectations, all my preconceived notions, all my 'religious' practices, all my conventions of access to Him, yes, all the ways I try to manipulate Him as God, to receive and hear directly from Him what I am to do, how I am to present myself as a living sacrifice before Him, holy and acceptable which is my reasonable service of worship. (Romans 12:1).
I am sure He will continue to use many familiar forms of access, prayer, meditation on His words found in the complete Bible, and some of the current 'doings' in my life, yet I desire to live a life under where there are no 'secrets' from God (I try to fool myself into thinking I can hide anything from Him?), and, in fact, where I find myself standing exposed and 'comfortable' being all He has made me and will make of me. My desire is to be a man who asks of God, "Oh, I need your help to remove every blemish and impurity that is hidden (and honestly not hidden, but which I cling to) to my spiritually desirous pure eyes within me. Lord, help me find it...under where? Aha, there it is, and here you go. Take it, remove it far from me. Forgive me, and thank you for exposing it to my eyes, for Your glory."
Lord, take me today, and make the words of my mouth and meditations of heart pleasing and acceptable to You, oh my Rock and my Redeemer!
While most consider these garments to be 'essential', or at least practical, it is often taken for granted and not normally socially acceptable to discuss. No elaboration is needed right? Yet, how often the essence or practicality of a pure, holy and genuine response to God 'hidden' underneath garments of manipulation and contrived adornment and clothing, while all along our Lord sees through what I present to the world. In a sense, He sees all and knows all, and I try to fool Him and others with 'my take' on what a Godly life 'should' look like.
While it is embarrassing to be 'exposed', most of us wouldn't think twice about walking around in our underwear at home (of course discretion is needed even there). For in intimate settings of family and home, the rules are different than out in the world. Yet, God demands of me whole and complete intimacy; the recognition that He sees and know ALL, and is desiring for my response to fully recognize this fact.
My pastor this weekend has forged new thinking within my heart about God and how I try to 'manage' Him and my understanding of Him. In a sense, my heart was fully exposed to Him for what may be the first time, ever. I am a doer and to the many who know me, find public display of my faith and 'righteousness' as the fine clothes that speak of my heart, while all along, He sees into the complete and total picture of me. I am undone! My arrogance, my appearance, complete appearance, exposed (as it always was) to my holy and almighty God! This time, though, I can see, in desperation, why I need a savior!!
AND, I have one!!!
I find myself asking God to help me put aside all my expectations, all my preconceived notions, all my 'religious' practices, all my conventions of access to Him, yes, all the ways I try to manipulate Him as God, to receive and hear directly from Him what I am to do, how I am to present myself as a living sacrifice before Him, holy and acceptable which is my reasonable service of worship. (Romans 12:1).
I am sure He will continue to use many familiar forms of access, prayer, meditation on His words found in the complete Bible, and some of the current 'doings' in my life, yet I desire to live a life under where there are no 'secrets' from God (I try to fool myself into thinking I can hide anything from Him?), and, in fact, where I find myself standing exposed and 'comfortable' being all He has made me and will make of me. My desire is to be a man who asks of God, "Oh, I need your help to remove every blemish and impurity that is hidden (and honestly not hidden, but which I cling to) to my spiritually desirous pure eyes within me. Lord, help me find it...under where? Aha, there it is, and here you go. Take it, remove it far from me. Forgive me, and thank you for exposing it to my eyes, for Your glory."
Lord, take me today, and make the words of my mouth and meditations of heart pleasing and acceptable to You, oh my Rock and my Redeemer!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Unsettling and unsatisfied...
How often do we find ourselves 'here', moving through life a bit unsettled and unsatisfied with a preponderance of discord and difficulty dousing our days, dimming our delight, hampering our hope? With hope hampered, what is it, exactly, that would bring absolute restoration of opulent optimism?
A wrestling heart comes from dissatisfaction of banal living. Inspiration comes from listening, inspired listening from discerning ears, discerning ears from wrestling heart. A wrestling heart, inspired, listening and correctly discerning, discovers truth, and the truth, absolute truth, will set us free from a banal existence.
Who can we listen to, or should we be listening to restore order and hope around us? Can our government restore this? Will having the right job suffice? Will making more money, having a boss that sees and understands our hampered ability to accomplish the impossible suddenly providing the army of employees to support success satisfy?
As a dear friend of mine often asks, Quoting another interesting man, "How's that workin' for ya?". Has the cavalry arrived? Will it? Has our government provided wise and prudent leadership for our nation? Will access to health care for all be enough to bring you hope? Will victorious war and protection of our nation bring us hope?
While all of these things would contribute to a 'feeling' of hope, each in concert would not even fully satisfy and bring us complete hope. Where are we looking for our hope? Who can bring it on and make our lives 'work', our existence filled with joy and satisfaction?
I have found one man whose life defied empty religion, pointed to, delivered and fully exemplified one who has and will answer our 'need' for complete hope in dire, desperate times. His name and ways seem to offend those who don't fully know and understand that surrender and humility are the only way to find peace, hope and truth. Yet, His compassion and ways are like none other. His promise of hope extending far beyond my wildest expectations. His power to do, heal, protect, restore order, provide for my needs from His riches and wisdom beyond anything I could ask or imagine. His healing and inspiration far reaching and miraculous. Who is this man? Jesus Christ. Read about his life. Listen for His leading and our lives will move from unsettled and unsettling to peace and power that transforms not only our lives, but transforms the world.
A wrestling heart comes from dissatisfaction of banal living. Inspiration comes from listening, inspired listening from discerning ears, discerning ears from wrestling heart. A wrestling heart, inspired, listening and correctly discerning, discovers truth, and the truth, absolute truth, will set us free from a banal existence.
Who can we listen to, or should we be listening to restore order and hope around us? Can our government restore this? Will having the right job suffice? Will making more money, having a boss that sees and understands our hampered ability to accomplish the impossible suddenly providing the army of employees to support success satisfy?
As a dear friend of mine often asks, Quoting another interesting man, "How's that workin' for ya?". Has the cavalry arrived? Will it? Has our government provided wise and prudent leadership for our nation? Will access to health care for all be enough to bring you hope? Will victorious war and protection of our nation bring us hope?
While all of these things would contribute to a 'feeling' of hope, each in concert would not even fully satisfy and bring us complete hope. Where are we looking for our hope? Who can bring it on and make our lives 'work', our existence filled with joy and satisfaction?
I have found one man whose life defied empty religion, pointed to, delivered and fully exemplified one who has and will answer our 'need' for complete hope in dire, desperate times. His name and ways seem to offend those who don't fully know and understand that surrender and humility are the only way to find peace, hope and truth. Yet, His compassion and ways are like none other. His promise of hope extending far beyond my wildest expectations. His power to do, heal, protect, restore order, provide for my needs from His riches and wisdom beyond anything I could ask or imagine. His healing and inspiration far reaching and miraculous. Who is this man? Jesus Christ. Read about his life. Listen for His leading and our lives will move from unsettled and unsettling to peace and power that transforms not only our lives, but transforms the world.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Facing Fears
I have been here before. We have (Carrie and I) been here before. It seems the end of another career with the pressing on to yet another? Another time of unemployment is unsettling for Carrie still, and honestly, for me as well. Yet, there is one lesson I hold to and embark upon every time I have been faced with this state of living; continue looking, doing and listening each day for the 'work' I am to accomplish within it. Some may call it a 'blind and worthless faith' that I hold to, but if one were to examine the details of my life, the movement and success of this soul's living, the opportunities, the challenges, the steps of faith which speaks volumes into lives, I call it a well placed faith.
Tonight, while going to a favorite restaurant, a tall young man approached me and asked, "Mr. Arii?". My gaze rose from the counter where I was standing and turning towards him, his expectation rose as well. I smiled and vaguely recognized his features. "Your...my brain reaching deep into the failing cells...Adam!" The astonished face of the man I last saw as a boy over 10 years ago as I taught a middle school science class, changed to a smile as he reached out his right hand vigorously shook mine. His parents followed quickly behind him and we engaged in a momentary conversation. Yes, it was a blessing to connect with a young man who was a past student who remembered me and wanted to see me again in this place. It was also wonderful to hear about his success as a business major and pitcher for a local college and now (from his proud dad) the # 1 pitcher in San Diego county. So there we stood, me with a grateful heart, filled with joy because of the tremendous sacrifice it took my family and wife to allow me to change careers and become a teacher, Adam's teacher.
Earlier, I spoke of yet another career change, and with education in dire straits and my job virtually vanishing, I find myself at another crossroad. My Facebook 'friends' are mostly past students, and stand as a testimony to the care I enjoyed investing in their lives. Adam's approach today speaks to that same investment. While working as a teacher, I found myself caring for young hearts. Now, while continuing to work with I find myself working with adults in my church. Adults who have lost love ones and walk the road of grief. Often these words in my blog have pointed to the pain and anguish my friends face as my footprints have led me into their circle.
In talking with my wife this morning while out to breakfast, I discovered that she is uneasy with my unemployment, compounded by her feeling 'buried' at work. She confesses trust in our Lord for His provision, and she is looking forward to seeing it happen, but the waiting...is hard.
My days are filled with doing. I am finishing home building projects, carefully monitoring the financial aspect of it all, and volunteering for other tasks as they arise. Various light handyman jobs, writing, teaching an Adult Sunday School class at church, leading a grief recovery group, writing music, singing and playing my instruments at a local hospital, cooking for large groups and my family, counseling a few people and selling a car are just a few of the 'tasks' I participates in as the weeks advance. All of them monetarily unpaid. My days are filled with doing.
While I am not making an money (with the exception of selling the car), I am getting paid. I get paid with thanks, smiles, words of encouragement, and just the satisfaction that I know, as I do, I am making a difference; not in stuff, but in people's lives. The things I have been doing have made other's lives a bit easier, or added joy, or peace or encouragement.
Life is not about monetary pay. It is about facing fears full on and finishing with strength and integrity. It is about doing in the day and receiving pay in ways more satisfactory than money alone. Maybe this is why I truly loved teaching. Sure, I got paid for it, but the richest part of my paycheck was the smiles and connections I made with my students. So, the pay continues as I do and invest in the lives of my friends and community. No, its not in dollars, and no, you cannot eat if you don't get paid. Yet I know, just as He has in the past, that God will lead me into His riches, and no one can claim his wealth, it's all His.
As we face fears and trust Him, he promises to care for us. He has yet to fail me and I know and believe God never will. What fears are you facing? Who are you trusting for the answer to your fears? What are you doing while you are waiting for something to happen? It might be the way I'm designed, but surely, I cannot just sit on the couch, or in front of my computer, doing nothing. If you find yourself unemployed, what are you doing? How are you getting 'paid'? If you are just sitting on the couch, watching the flat screen, maybe that is why you aren't even the recipient of the richest form of pay found within this blog. Let's together face our fears and listen for God's call in...today.
Tonight, while going to a favorite restaurant, a tall young man approached me and asked, "Mr. Arii?". My gaze rose from the counter where I was standing and turning towards him, his expectation rose as well. I smiled and vaguely recognized his features. "Your...my brain reaching deep into the failing cells...Adam!" The astonished face of the man I last saw as a boy over 10 years ago as I taught a middle school science class, changed to a smile as he reached out his right hand vigorously shook mine. His parents followed quickly behind him and we engaged in a momentary conversation. Yes, it was a blessing to connect with a young man who was a past student who remembered me and wanted to see me again in this place. It was also wonderful to hear about his success as a business major and pitcher for a local college and now (from his proud dad) the # 1 pitcher in San Diego county. So there we stood, me with a grateful heart, filled with joy because of the tremendous sacrifice it took my family and wife to allow me to change careers and become a teacher, Adam's teacher.
Earlier, I spoke of yet another career change, and with education in dire straits and my job virtually vanishing, I find myself at another crossroad. My Facebook 'friends' are mostly past students, and stand as a testimony to the care I enjoyed investing in their lives. Adam's approach today speaks to that same investment. While working as a teacher, I found myself caring for young hearts. Now, while continuing to work with I find myself working with adults in my church. Adults who have lost love ones and walk the road of grief. Often these words in my blog have pointed to the pain and anguish my friends face as my footprints have led me into their circle.
In talking with my wife this morning while out to breakfast, I discovered that she is uneasy with my unemployment, compounded by her feeling 'buried' at work. She confesses trust in our Lord for His provision, and she is looking forward to seeing it happen, but the waiting...is hard.
My days are filled with doing. I am finishing home building projects, carefully monitoring the financial aspect of it all, and volunteering for other tasks as they arise. Various light handyman jobs, writing, teaching an Adult Sunday School class at church, leading a grief recovery group, writing music, singing and playing my instruments at a local hospital, cooking for large groups and my family, counseling a few people and selling a car are just a few of the 'tasks' I participates in as the weeks advance. All of them monetarily unpaid. My days are filled with doing.
While I am not making an money (with the exception of selling the car), I am getting paid. I get paid with thanks, smiles, words of encouragement, and just the satisfaction that I know, as I do, I am making a difference; not in stuff, but in people's lives. The things I have been doing have made other's lives a bit easier, or added joy, or peace or encouragement.
Life is not about monetary pay. It is about facing fears full on and finishing with strength and integrity. It is about doing in the day and receiving pay in ways more satisfactory than money alone. Maybe this is why I truly loved teaching. Sure, I got paid for it, but the richest part of my paycheck was the smiles and connections I made with my students. So, the pay continues as I do and invest in the lives of my friends and community. No, its not in dollars, and no, you cannot eat if you don't get paid. Yet I know, just as He has in the past, that God will lead me into His riches, and no one can claim his wealth, it's all His.
As we face fears and trust Him, he promises to care for us. He has yet to fail me and I know and believe God never will. What fears are you facing? Who are you trusting for the answer to your fears? What are you doing while you are waiting for something to happen? It might be the way I'm designed, but surely, I cannot just sit on the couch, or in front of my computer, doing nothing. If you find yourself unemployed, what are you doing? How are you getting 'paid'? If you are just sitting on the couch, watching the flat screen, maybe that is why you aren't even the recipient of the richest form of pay found within this blog. Let's together face our fears and listen for God's call in...today.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Our Own Ownership
I started a venture asking a simple question...What do I truly own? Ownership means that I have full claim, authority, dominion of that which I claim is mine. Extrapolating it to the day of my demise, I come to realize that whatever I believe is really mine, I actually only possess to use while here on the planet. The absolute, long-term truth is, though I may have purchased the item, once I am gone, I am no longer capable of remaining the owner of "IT". Extrapolating further one must ask, do I even own my own life? Is it something I can possess in spite of my death?
What I have come to discover is that yes, I do own my life and the time given me to exist. We all own this present 'time'. I do have choice. I do have reason, which has been crafted within me since the day of my birth and as I continue to walk this planet we call earth. And, while not all believe in one, I do have choice with my soul, the particular being or entity which makes me uniquely me. No one is a carbon copy of anyone before. Each of us has individual characteristics that will never be duplicated in any other being. No one will ever write like your or me. No one will ever dream like your or me. No one will ever do exactly as you or me. But someone else with either own my possessions or discard them upon my earthly demise.
As I think about the bumper sticker we have all seen "He who dies with the most toys wins" my responsive bumper sticker would be "He who dies with the most toys looses the most toys". None of us will take them with us, and nothing we own, except our souls will last for eternity.
To those who don't believe we have a soul, you will someday. For when you are taken from this place, your soul removed from the body which temporarily 'holds' it, you will discover the error of your thinking. And for me, if the soul is not an entity, and upon my earthly demise I find myself nothing, even if I were to die with a few toys, I still would have lost it all, yet I know my life would account for blessing of others as I lived and breathed.
So, there remains a choice, there is something we 'own' for sure being our earthly existence and what we choose to do today. Whether you believe in God or not, each of us can choose to look for truth, and honestly, I am truly seeking to know truth. Not religion, not some conjured up human reasoning, absolute truth.
I have seen miracles. I have experienced that which defies coincidental explanation. I have prayed and seen the gamut of modes of answers to my prayers. I have listened and followed both righteous leadership and unrighteous leadership. I have worked hard to discern the difference between the two, and believe I have found a way to determine such. Have you? Where do you go for truth? Whose truth is it that drives your life? Where is the absolute goodness in your days? How has your life been essential in the quest of your soul and the soul of others?
We do own things. Our own ownership speaks volumes to our integrity and character. Our choices in each day, each moment reveals who we are and where we are heading. I am trying to use all that I own to invest in the lives of others, making our journey through this life as tolerable as possible, fully believing that what I leave behind pales significantly to what I will own in the future, beyond my life here.
What do you own? How will you use what you own today? How will your life speak of your ownership after you exit?
What I have come to discover is that yes, I do own my life and the time given me to exist. We all own this present 'time'. I do have choice. I do have reason, which has been crafted within me since the day of my birth and as I continue to walk this planet we call earth. And, while not all believe in one, I do have choice with my soul, the particular being or entity which makes me uniquely me. No one is a carbon copy of anyone before. Each of us has individual characteristics that will never be duplicated in any other being. No one will ever write like your or me. No one will ever dream like your or me. No one will ever do exactly as you or me. But someone else with either own my possessions or discard them upon my earthly demise.
As I think about the bumper sticker we have all seen "He who dies with the most toys wins" my responsive bumper sticker would be "He who dies with the most toys looses the most toys". None of us will take them with us, and nothing we own, except our souls will last for eternity.
To those who don't believe we have a soul, you will someday. For when you are taken from this place, your soul removed from the body which temporarily 'holds' it, you will discover the error of your thinking. And for me, if the soul is not an entity, and upon my earthly demise I find myself nothing, even if I were to die with a few toys, I still would have lost it all, yet I know my life would account for blessing of others as I lived and breathed.
So, there remains a choice, there is something we 'own' for sure being our earthly existence and what we choose to do today. Whether you believe in God or not, each of us can choose to look for truth, and honestly, I am truly seeking to know truth. Not religion, not some conjured up human reasoning, absolute truth.
I have seen miracles. I have experienced that which defies coincidental explanation. I have prayed and seen the gamut of modes of answers to my prayers. I have listened and followed both righteous leadership and unrighteous leadership. I have worked hard to discern the difference between the two, and believe I have found a way to determine such. Have you? Where do you go for truth? Whose truth is it that drives your life? Where is the absolute goodness in your days? How has your life been essential in the quest of your soul and the soul of others?
We do own things. Our own ownership speaks volumes to our integrity and character. Our choices in each day, each moment reveals who we are and where we are heading. I am trying to use all that I own to invest in the lives of others, making our journey through this life as tolerable as possible, fully believing that what I leave behind pales significantly to what I will own in the future, beyond my life here.
What do you own? How will you use what you own today? How will your life speak of your ownership after you exit?
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Time for Clarity
When I clearly cleave to clever contortions, twisting truth to fit false imitations of what is truly truth, I eventually come to realize my failings. The more I contort, the more probable my error and my evolution of truth becomes. It is clarity I seek. The simple, evident and persistent existence of truth; not some contortion of truth, but the absolute, inarguable, innate, inseparable, invaluable truth; which some believe to be nonexistent.
How do you clearly find truth? Can absolute truth be relegated to some human contortion? Or do you even believe such absolute truth exists? Where would such absolute truth be found? How would you know if you found "it"?
Relative truth, the truth that each of us 'manufactures' from our understanding floods the world today. What is okay for one has become the premise or acceptable as a way of life for all. Tolerance, has become intolerance for if someone speaks of Godly truth, or some absolute truth, such has become intolerable. Conformity to a single truth or righteous, Godly truth has been removed from the realm of 'tolerance'.
It seems that a majority of people shun external 'imposition' of morality based on a Godly perspective. Why? Could it be the 'nature' that has been placed in us, created in 'the image of God' which compels us to actually believe we ourselves are god? If such godly goodness within us is 'real', why are we surrounded by and barraged by such unsettling 'evil' or disaster? Have we developed a 'blindness' to corruption and loss of personal integrity? Have we become acceptors of sin and wayward living in such a way that we 'allow' it to overtake us? Is there an answer for all the difficulty that surrounds us?
If one does not believe in absolute truth, how is that working for us? Is our world actually getting better? Is there great improvement in the goodness and godness of man? Are we actually heading toward an Utopian society with peace and goodness reigning because of our fully innate and complete goodness?
I am seeking clarity. I want to see and know the truth. I do believe that many have good intentions, good integrity and good will; I just don't see it evident in the larger community. I have determined to make it my own personal striving to discover absolute truth, and hope that my 'musings' here uncover that which is truth. It is bane to state that I live and breathe absolute truth. It is a struggle I face daily, even moment to moment. Yet, I want to bless my friends, be an encouragement, real encouragement as a man of integrity, looked upon as one of humility and service; living such a life that those who know me see that there is a way to absolute truth and that is sweet in it's attainment, lived out in a way that oozes grace, mercy and love to a world in angst.
Give me clarity to see, all that You have created me to be. Yes, God, I do believe in Your absolute truth, and desire to live in such a manner that those around me would see the fullness of You, and who you really are, as I have come to know You.
It is time for clarity. It is time for grace. It is time to live as people of integrity, standing in truth; absolute truth.
How do you clearly find truth? Can absolute truth be relegated to some human contortion? Or do you even believe such absolute truth exists? Where would such absolute truth be found? How would you know if you found "it"?
Relative truth, the truth that each of us 'manufactures' from our understanding floods the world today. What is okay for one has become the premise or acceptable as a way of life for all. Tolerance, has become intolerance for if someone speaks of Godly truth, or some absolute truth, such has become intolerable. Conformity to a single truth or righteous, Godly truth has been removed from the realm of 'tolerance'.
It seems that a majority of people shun external 'imposition' of morality based on a Godly perspective. Why? Could it be the 'nature' that has been placed in us, created in 'the image of God' which compels us to actually believe we ourselves are god? If such godly goodness within us is 'real', why are we surrounded by and barraged by such unsettling 'evil' or disaster? Have we developed a 'blindness' to corruption and loss of personal integrity? Have we become acceptors of sin and wayward living in such a way that we 'allow' it to overtake us? Is there an answer for all the difficulty that surrounds us?
If one does not believe in absolute truth, how is that working for us? Is our world actually getting better? Is there great improvement in the goodness and godness of man? Are we actually heading toward an Utopian society with peace and goodness reigning because of our fully innate and complete goodness?
I am seeking clarity. I want to see and know the truth. I do believe that many have good intentions, good integrity and good will; I just don't see it evident in the larger community. I have determined to make it my own personal striving to discover absolute truth, and hope that my 'musings' here uncover that which is truth. It is bane to state that I live and breathe absolute truth. It is a struggle I face daily, even moment to moment. Yet, I want to bless my friends, be an encouragement, real encouragement as a man of integrity, looked upon as one of humility and service; living such a life that those who know me see that there is a way to absolute truth and that is sweet in it's attainment, lived out in a way that oozes grace, mercy and love to a world in angst.
Give me clarity to see, all that You have created me to be. Yes, God, I do believe in Your absolute truth, and desire to live in such a manner that those around me would see the fullness of You, and who you really are, as I have come to know You.
It is time for clarity. It is time for grace. It is time to live as people of integrity, standing in truth; absolute truth.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Absolute Absurdity to Righteous Response
I used to wonder how a man like Adolf Hitler could infect a culture in such a way that people would shun all form of right moral reasoning, see their infected culture as the only deserving survival at the expense of all else, with the only ultimate threat being the culture led by right moral reasoning. How could an entire people be led astray into such a life of absolute absurdity? Then it grabbed me. There was another man, who infected a culture in such a way that they were taught to adhere to moral reasoning, see their infected culture as one needing a turn from empty religious practices and sin, surviving not only this life, but in an eternal glorious one, absent of absolute absurdity, reveling in righteous response to a risen Savior; all this, standing opposed to the other way of leading and thinking.
We all are growing weary of putting our trust in failing men of promise, a failing economy, failing wars, failing marriages, failing employment and are looking for a real savior. A person of conviction and charisma. A person with a plan and the ability to make the world a better place to exist, who seems to gather others seemingly capable of accomplishing such a task. Saddening is that we allow ourselves to become followers of men, and in this pursuit become infected with a disease that dulls our senses allowing heinous crimes, empty comfort and vacuum of lies to encroach upon us with no solutions; like spectators of life desiring change yet impotent to effect it.
The road to murderer is rarely an overnight decision. Bit by bit the value of life is removed from the one who eventually takes a life. They come to feel as if they are more deserving of some aspect of life itself than their victim, and being deceived, snatch the very thing they cherish in themselves from someone else.
While this is the most extreme form of absolute absurdity, we, the people, seem to be heading down a similar road. As our nation declines in leadership, innovation and righteousness, we seem to be turning to 'the wrong' god(s). Integrity fading, commitment and sound thinking waning, we are being tossed as if in the ravages of a storm on the sea thrown about in a dingy.
Is it not time to be real reflectors of righteousness in response to the only wise God? Is it not time to fully impute our trust, our passion, our service into His hands and under His continual leading? Are we listening and desiring to be ALL that He wants us to be?
I find myself wanting to move from a life accepting absolute absurdity to one of righteous response...not to my own heart, or the 'goodness' which lies within (ah yes, my goodness is a lie), but to the truth, the power and manifold grace of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and God; His goodness is true. To live as a citizen of heaven, imparting heavenly goodness and blessing to those around me, this is my desire. To serve and invest in that which will bring eternal benefit and glory...to God, yet again is my desire. Will you join me in the listening? Can we, together change our world in such a way that the power and majesty of His righteousness and mercy will pour into the lives of our friends, neighbors and community? I have many friends who are doing exactly this, and I want to stand with them. Together we can let God restore His peace, His guidance, His protection, His blessing on us, a nation who used to believe and live "In God we trust". It is time to move from lives headed toward absolute absurdity to ones of righteous response to His leading, standing and living together, with God.
We all are growing weary of putting our trust in failing men of promise, a failing economy, failing wars, failing marriages, failing employment and are looking for a real savior. A person of conviction and charisma. A person with a plan and the ability to make the world a better place to exist, who seems to gather others seemingly capable of accomplishing such a task. Saddening is that we allow ourselves to become followers of men, and in this pursuit become infected with a disease that dulls our senses allowing heinous crimes, empty comfort and vacuum of lies to encroach upon us with no solutions; like spectators of life desiring change yet impotent to effect it.
The road to murderer is rarely an overnight decision. Bit by bit the value of life is removed from the one who eventually takes a life. They come to feel as if they are more deserving of some aspect of life itself than their victim, and being deceived, snatch the very thing they cherish in themselves from someone else.
While this is the most extreme form of absolute absurdity, we, the people, seem to be heading down a similar road. As our nation declines in leadership, innovation and righteousness, we seem to be turning to 'the wrong' god(s). Integrity fading, commitment and sound thinking waning, we are being tossed as if in the ravages of a storm on the sea thrown about in a dingy.
Is it not time to be real reflectors of righteousness in response to the only wise God? Is it not time to fully impute our trust, our passion, our service into His hands and under His continual leading? Are we listening and desiring to be ALL that He wants us to be?
I find myself wanting to move from a life accepting absolute absurdity to one of righteous response...not to my own heart, or the 'goodness' which lies within (ah yes, my goodness is a lie), but to the truth, the power and manifold grace of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit and God; His goodness is true. To live as a citizen of heaven, imparting heavenly goodness and blessing to those around me, this is my desire. To serve and invest in that which will bring eternal benefit and glory...to God, yet again is my desire. Will you join me in the listening? Can we, together change our world in such a way that the power and majesty of His righteousness and mercy will pour into the lives of our friends, neighbors and community? I have many friends who are doing exactly this, and I want to stand with them. Together we can let God restore His peace, His guidance, His protection, His blessing on us, a nation who used to believe and live "In God we trust". It is time to move from lives headed toward absolute absurdity to ones of righteous response to His leading, standing and living together, with God.
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