It may be written down or maybe it's not, but sometimes you would like it to be.
It may be said or sung or maybe it's not, but sometimes you would like it to be.
It may be felt or given or maybe it's not, but sometimes you would like it to be.
Sometimes, sometimes, sometimes. Or, is it all the time?
Yeah, that would be better, but, then again, sometimes is a much safer bet.
Is it possible to have love without terms? Is it possible to love without terms?
Sometimes is more the norm than is always. Doesn't it?
Look around, observe, ask, read, listen and you'll discover.
No, ponder, examine, reflect on your personal experiences
and tell me what you discover.
Sometimes is a much safer bet than always.
Sometimes makes it easy to offer excuses.
Sometimes makes it easy to share or defer the blame.
Sometimes makes it easy to walk away.
Sometimes makes it easier than always.
Sometimes makes it easier to love.
It makes it easier to love on our own terms.
When we want and feel to love is better sometimes.
It is better sometimes than always. In always there is a commitment that
encompasses feelings and thoughts. It is a commitment that moves thoughts
and feelings to that place where love is not sometimes given but always.
There has to be something inside of us that moves us to that place of always.
That something embodies love and always loves.
It is that something that empowers, enables, and encourages us to always love.
For this something never fails to love.
It loves on its own terms and loves us accordingly.
It loves us completely and perfectly.
That something is the Spirit of God.
Until that Spirit invades and inhabits us we will love on our own terms.
Until then, we will love sometimes, not always.
For in sometimes it is easier to love.
But in always love is being made full, complete, and perfect by God's Spirit in us.
So we love on His terms not ours.
So, on whose term will you love?
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Going Under
A spiral - out of control and furiously spinning
A moment - of despair that seems never-ending
A phase - out of sequence that feels unchangeable
A hope - once alive that's approaching unbelievable
A system - out of order that seems beyond repair
A fight - unwinnable and like a constant nightmare
A spark - out of oxygen so it won't start a fire
A mind - intelligent that fails to skillfully inquire
A dream - out of sight for it has faded away
A scene - lacking life and seemingly full of decay
A voice - out of air so the sound is distorted
A thought - bright & good is being aborted
A skill - out of work and feeling debased
A sign - scrambled and seemingly misplaced
Life has its dark and dreary moments. How do you keep hope alive?
Is your hope in God and His words? Or is it elsewhere?
A moment - of despair that seems never-ending
A phase - out of sequence that feels unchangeable
A hope - once alive that's approaching unbelievable
A system - out of order that seems beyond repair
A fight - unwinnable and like a constant nightmare
A spark - out of oxygen so it won't start a fire
A mind - intelligent that fails to skillfully inquire
A dream - out of sight for it has faded away
A scene - lacking life and seemingly full of decay
A voice - out of air so the sound is distorted
A thought - bright & good is being aborted
A skill - out of work and feeling debased
A sign - scrambled and seemingly misplaced
Life has its dark and dreary moments. How do you keep hope alive?
Is your hope in God and His words? Or is it elsewhere?
God of heaven and earth
We stand afar and gaze upon Your creation,
even up close we are still amazed.
Your handiwork is awesome, and it points
to a majestic Creator, the Ancient of days.
You sit enthroned on high but You are also personal,
Yes, You are the God almighty who is very relational.
Strange? Interesting? Amazing!!!
Every living creature. Every plant.
Every thing in nature testifies of
how great You really are.
We look forward to what You have in store,
When everything is perfect and the imperfect is no more.
We will gaze on You in awe of Your splendor and majesty,
soaking it all in as we get lost in Your immaculate beauty.
In You all find immeasurable and infinite worth,
You are the Creator, God of heaven and earth.
even up close we are still amazed.
Your handiwork is awesome, and it points
to a majestic Creator, the Ancient of days.
You sit enthroned on high but You are also personal,
Yes, You are the God almighty who is very relational.
Strange? Interesting? Amazing!!!
Every living creature. Every plant.
Every thing in nature testifies of
how great You really are.
We look forward to what You have in store,
When everything is perfect and the imperfect is no more.
We will gaze on You in awe of Your splendor and majesty,
soaking it all in as we get lost in Your immaculate beauty.
In You all find immeasurable and infinite worth,
You are the Creator, God of heaven and earth.
Friday, December 30, 2011
A longing for the new
The groaning, the longing to put on a new body,
for we are burdened and troubled by its mortality.
This tent that houses our spirit is not its real home,
we feel so foreign, sometimes cold, and unclothed.
The groaning, the longing to put on a new body,
this mortality will be swallowed up, that's reality.
God has prepared a new house for us, it's not a rental,
a house not made of hands, it's a building that's eternal.
The groaning, the longing to put on a new body,
to be clothed for real in a dwelling that's heavenly.
We are always of good courage, yet still clothed in dust,
we desire and aim only to please God, and so we must.
The groaning, the longing to put on a new body,
to be away from this tent and home with the Lord.
Whilst we are here and in it we will do what is right,
God's Spirit, our guarantee, we walk by faith not sight.
for we are burdened and troubled by its mortality.
This tent that houses our spirit is not its real home,
we feel so foreign, sometimes cold, and unclothed.
The groaning, the longing to put on a new body,
this mortality will be swallowed up, that's reality.
God has prepared a new house for us, it's not a rental,
a house not made of hands, it's a building that's eternal.
The groaning, the longing to put on a new body,
to be clothed for real in a dwelling that's heavenly.
We are always of good courage, yet still clothed in dust,
we desire and aim only to please God, and so we must.
The groaning, the longing to put on a new body,
to be away from this tent and home with the Lord.
Whilst we are here and in it we will do what is right,
God's Spirit, our guarantee, we walk by faith not sight.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
What do you see?
He lost everything yet chose to be grateful instead of cursing His God. Job
He was told to leave the familiar and without a plan to go abroad. Abram
He was seen as mother's boy and known to be a schemer. Jacob
He was considered daddy's pet, a nuisance and a dreamer. Joseph
She was past child bearing age and still childless was she. Sarah, Elizabeth
She was known as a prostitute by all on Jericho's street. Rahab
The last and least among his family, not considered kingly. David
A people in a severe test of affliction and extreme poverty. churches of Macedonia
A man past his prime going no where just stuck taking care of sheep. Moses
A man overboard and now in the belly of a great fish out in the deep. Jonah
A few guys mending their fishing nets after a fruitless night. Peter, Andrew, John, James
A tax collector sitting at his booth charging people what he thinks is right. Matthew
Another had it all together being a pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. Nicodemus
A baby born in a manger with shepherds having to spread the news. Jesus
A woman anointing Jesus' feet with oil that's worth a year's labor. Mary
A man brilliant in the law and zealous in his role as the church's persecutor. Saul
A people fighting to control and rule their own destiny. All of humanity
A people who lost their lives for Christ so they can always live freely. All the Saints
When we look at ourselves and others on what do we focus? What do you see? Do we use God's truths or our standards (i.e., culture's philosophies and ours)? What do you do with what you see? May we ask God to help us see each other and ourselves the way He sees us. Then, may we trust Him to help us respond to what He causes us to see.
He was told to leave the familiar and without a plan to go abroad. Abram
He was seen as mother's boy and known to be a schemer. Jacob
He was considered daddy's pet, a nuisance and a dreamer. Joseph
She was past child bearing age and still childless was she. Sarah, Elizabeth
She was known as a prostitute by all on Jericho's street. Rahab
The last and least among his family, not considered kingly. David
A people in a severe test of affliction and extreme poverty. churches of Macedonia
A man past his prime going no where just stuck taking care of sheep. Moses
A man overboard and now in the belly of a great fish out in the deep. Jonah
A few guys mending their fishing nets after a fruitless night. Peter, Andrew, John, James
A tax collector sitting at his booth charging people what he thinks is right. Matthew
Another had it all together being a pharisee and a ruler of the Jews. Nicodemus
A baby born in a manger with shepherds having to spread the news. Jesus
A woman anointing Jesus' feet with oil that's worth a year's labor. Mary
A man brilliant in the law and zealous in his role as the church's persecutor. Saul
A people fighting to control and rule their own destiny. All of humanity
A people who lost their lives for Christ so they can always live freely. All the Saints
When we look at ourselves and others on what do we focus? What do you see? Do we use God's truths or our standards (i.e., culture's philosophies and ours)? What do you do with what you see? May we ask God to help us see each other and ourselves the way He sees us. Then, may we trust Him to help us respond to what He causes us to see.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Second Chances
In Adam and Eve we see ourselves for we too want to be our own god.
In their disobedience we see ours for we too are rebellious folk.
In their blaming we see our response for we too choose to blame others.
In Adam, Eve, in you and me mankind never had a chance,
for we are prone to wander from God, it's the same old song and dance.
But God chose instead to bring us back into the right relationship with Him.
Nothing we could do or earn or bargain, it was only by the God of second chances.
All through out the scriptures we see this from Adam and Eve to the early church,
and it holds true even up to present day.
Our blindness, arrogance, ignorance etc do not negatively impact
or lessen this truth, because it is from God not a human decision.
Adam and Eve disobeyed,
Abraham lied,
Jacob deceived,
The children of Israel rebelled,
David counted, Solomon strayed,
the disciples fled, Peter denied,
Thomas doubted, Paul persecuted,
you and I have and do sin too.
But God gives second chances.
He requires repentance,
He offers salvation,
He commands obedience,
He works sanctification.
In His sanctifying work He
gives us second chances, not
so we could sin more but to
make us increasingly into the
people He purposed.
Thank God for second chances!
In their disobedience we see ours for we too are rebellious folk.
In their blaming we see our response for we too choose to blame others.
In Adam, Eve, in you and me mankind never had a chance,
for we are prone to wander from God, it's the same old song and dance.
But God chose instead to bring us back into the right relationship with Him.
Nothing we could do or earn or bargain, it was only by the God of second chances.
All through out the scriptures we see this from Adam and Eve to the early church,
and it holds true even up to present day.
Our blindness, arrogance, ignorance etc do not negatively impact
or lessen this truth, because it is from God not a human decision.
Adam and Eve disobeyed,
Abraham lied,
Jacob deceived,
The children of Israel rebelled,
David counted, Solomon strayed,
the disciples fled, Peter denied,
Thomas doubted, Paul persecuted,
you and I have and do sin too.
But God gives second chances.
He requires repentance,
He offers salvation,
He commands obedience,
He works sanctification.
In His sanctifying work He
gives us second chances, not
so we could sin more but to
make us increasingly into the
people He purposed.
Thank God for second chances!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Reason for Christmas
Sin:
The enslavement to destructive ways and habits of living
The attitudes of the heart oh so wicked and unforgiving
The idolatry that make people and things our "savior"
The ingratitude and hatred that exude from our behavior
Sin:
The poison and pollution that corrodes our daily lives
The rebellious nature that we sometimes disguise
The pride and arrogance we cherish and hold dear
The false humility whose stench is vile and severe
Sin:
The iniquity we practice and do sometimes boast about
The darkness we love and crave for in it we can hideout
The inherent sickness that we view and consider healthy
The intentions and motives done to be praised publicly
More could be said but the truth is that we all sin. God's answer was and is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Christmas (i.e., Jesus' birth) was the way God chose to declare war against sin and death, and thus later (i.e., Jesus' death and resurrection) establish victory over sin and death.
SALVATION !!!:
His name is to be Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. [Mt. 1:21b]
Only in Jesus is salvation found, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved. [Acts 4:12]
The enslavement to destructive ways and habits of living
The attitudes of the heart oh so wicked and unforgiving
The idolatry that make people and things our "savior"
The ingratitude and hatred that exude from our behavior
Sin:
The poison and pollution that corrodes our daily lives
The rebellious nature that we sometimes disguise
The pride and arrogance we cherish and hold dear
The false humility whose stench is vile and severe
Sin:
The iniquity we practice and do sometimes boast about
The darkness we love and crave for in it we can hideout
The inherent sickness that we view and consider healthy
The intentions and motives done to be praised publicly
More could be said but the truth is that we all sin. God's answer was and is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Christmas (i.e., Jesus' birth) was the way God chose to declare war against sin and death, and thus later (i.e., Jesus' death and resurrection) establish victory over sin and death.
SALVATION !!!:
His name is to be Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins. [Mt. 1:21b]
Only in Jesus is salvation found, for there is no other name given under heaven by which we must be saved. [Acts 4:12]
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
The chapter, especially verse 10, has been a constant reminder and encouragement to me over this past year. I will share more on that in another post. Life presents many troubles/trials to us that are at times overwhelming. In those moments we feel helpless because we do not have control over our troubles. In those moments fear and doubts can begin to run our lives. God used this verse (i.e., verse 1) last evening to remind me of who He is at all times and in such moments of trouble. Let's dissect the verse to get a deeper understanding and thankfulness.
Upward: God, the first word in this verse. We should interpret that as being very important. Also, if God was not the first word He would still be the focus. The verse is about Him not us. The text is about who God is and what that means for us. If you were to rewrite the verse and still capture its meaning you would see that the focus is God. Here are a few examples:
(1) Our refuge and strength is God. He is always our help even in trouble.
(2) When we are experiencing trouble, God our present help, is our refuge and strength.
(3) In trouble, God is our refuge and strength, our very present help.
(4) Our refuge and strength, our ever present help in trouble is God.
There are more ways to rewrite the verse that correctly interprets and presents its focus. Anyway, you get my "drift" (i.e., what am saying), the conclusion is the same. It is all about God!
Inward: Knowing the verse is about God should be encouraging to us. It is personal not impersonal nor abstract. The psalmist said," God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Those underlined words point to the personal relationship that exists between God and us. Trouble magnifies God and our need for him. We see our insufficiency when we experience troubles, especially when they are many and/or big. We freak out (you know what that looks like for you). Freaking out is one of our natural reactions. We may attempt to resolve the trouble to attain peace but will fail in our own strength. Looking internally is not the answer. If that was the answer then the psalmist would have given options with God as one of them. Then it would not have been absolute (i.e., only about God). Even though we may wish to be our own refuge and strength the truth is that we are not. We can only be strong up to a point. We can only protect ourselves up to a point. We can only encourage ourselves in ourselves up to a point. Also, others in their own strength can only protect, strengthen, and help us up to a point. When measured against the trouble our and others' human efforts fall short. The reason we fall short is for us to find out, experience, and hold fast to the truth that God is our only refuge and strength, our very present help.
Again, it is all about God. Our insufficiency should not make us mad at or hate God. Instead it should move us toward God. It is pride that keeps us away. It is pride that causes us to hate God. Isn't it foolish for us to continually allow trouble to cripple us when God is our very present help? Isn't it insane for us to consistently attempt to be our own refuge, strength, and help when it must be God? Isn't it ridiculous when we expect or ask others to be that for us? God is our refuge and strength, our very present help is first of all internal and personal. It is a personal experience with God. God brings us into his refuge. God brings us into his strength. God brings us into his help. At the same time, God as our refuge, strength, and help is brought into us. He takes up residence in us by placing his Spirit in us. Therefore, instead of summing our inner human strength, which is weak and feeble anyway, we rely on his Spirit.
Outward: Again, the verse reassures us of who God is in case and when we forget. It is a confession from the psalmist that rings through to all generations. It is a declaration that breathes confidence in God. Note that it is not just a thought (did not say I thought to myself) because such truth cannot be kept inside. Have you ever noticed when you really believe something you are not afraid to say it? You don't just keep it inside and let it remain a thought. You are not afraid or ashamed to tell others. Why? Because you believe it to be true and won't believe differently. Belief can make things true, such is the case here. Please note that I am not saying that anything we believe is true. Anyway, how does the psalmist know this to be true? How can we know it is true for us as well? Like the psalmist, we can know it is true because God had proven himself in this manner before and continues. To say that God is always present seems a stretch, right? That's because we view trouble, and life from our perspective. There are times when I wish to excuse myself from trouble but of course I can't. However, God is ever present. You see that? He does not run away or wish to or does excuse himself. He is always there. He does not just show up when we are in trouble. Thank God that is not the case, even if we think that God should take a break when we do not have trouble. If we think in this manner then we need a reminder. Note what Jesus said to his disciples in John 15:33, "... In the world you will have trouble." What does that mean? Well, I take that to mean we are always in trouble of some kind. Those who belong to Christ have trouble from the flesh, the world, and the devil. However, God is our very present help. There is and will be trouble but God is always present. He is not only present but our very present help as our refuge and strength. He helps us. He protects us. He strengthens us. He does so in different ways. Through his word, his spirit, his angels, and others. Unlike us, he is not limited. We cannot and do not have a better help, refuge, and strength. Further reading of this chapter and others assures us. He is our refuge and strength, our very present help even when we go through the valley of the shadow of death.
So, is God really your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble? Is he definitely mine? Is he truly ours? Let us examine ourselves. If not, ask him to be. This means denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following him. It means trouble. More than that, however, is the peace and the blessed assurance that God will be our refuge and strength, and our very present help. If he is, then let us continue to rely on him as our refuge and strength, and very present help. There is no one or nothing else. Why wait or waste any more time? Let him be. Amen!
The chapter, especially verse 10, has been a constant reminder and encouragement to me over this past year. I will share more on that in another post. Life presents many troubles/trials to us that are at times overwhelming. In those moments we feel helpless because we do not have control over our troubles. In those moments fear and doubts can begin to run our lives. God used this verse (i.e., verse 1) last evening to remind me of who He is at all times and in such moments of trouble. Let's dissect the verse to get a deeper understanding and thankfulness.
Upward: God, the first word in this verse. We should interpret that as being very important. Also, if God was not the first word He would still be the focus. The verse is about Him not us. The text is about who God is and what that means for us. If you were to rewrite the verse and still capture its meaning you would see that the focus is God. Here are a few examples:
(1) Our refuge and strength is God. He is always our help even in trouble.
(2) When we are experiencing trouble, God our present help, is our refuge and strength.
(3) In trouble, God is our refuge and strength, our very present help.
(4) Our refuge and strength, our ever present help in trouble is God.
There are more ways to rewrite the verse that correctly interprets and presents its focus. Anyway, you get my "drift" (i.e., what am saying), the conclusion is the same. It is all about God!
Inward: Knowing the verse is about God should be encouraging to us. It is personal not impersonal nor abstract. The psalmist said," God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Those underlined words point to the personal relationship that exists between God and us. Trouble magnifies God and our need for him. We see our insufficiency when we experience troubles, especially when they are many and/or big. We freak out (you know what that looks like for you). Freaking out is one of our natural reactions. We may attempt to resolve the trouble to attain peace but will fail in our own strength. Looking internally is not the answer. If that was the answer then the psalmist would have given options with God as one of them. Then it would not have been absolute (i.e., only about God). Even though we may wish to be our own refuge and strength the truth is that we are not. We can only be strong up to a point. We can only protect ourselves up to a point. We can only encourage ourselves in ourselves up to a point. Also, others in their own strength can only protect, strengthen, and help us up to a point. When measured against the trouble our and others' human efforts fall short. The reason we fall short is for us to find out, experience, and hold fast to the truth that God is our only refuge and strength, our very present help.
Again, it is all about God. Our insufficiency should not make us mad at or hate God. Instead it should move us toward God. It is pride that keeps us away. It is pride that causes us to hate God. Isn't it foolish for us to continually allow trouble to cripple us when God is our very present help? Isn't it insane for us to consistently attempt to be our own refuge, strength, and help when it must be God? Isn't it ridiculous when we expect or ask others to be that for us? God is our refuge and strength, our very present help is first of all internal and personal. It is a personal experience with God. God brings us into his refuge. God brings us into his strength. God brings us into his help. At the same time, God as our refuge, strength, and help is brought into us. He takes up residence in us by placing his Spirit in us. Therefore, instead of summing our inner human strength, which is weak and feeble anyway, we rely on his Spirit.
Outward: Again, the verse reassures us of who God is in case and when we forget. It is a confession from the psalmist that rings through to all generations. It is a declaration that breathes confidence in God. Note that it is not just a thought (did not say I thought to myself) because such truth cannot be kept inside. Have you ever noticed when you really believe something you are not afraid to say it? You don't just keep it inside and let it remain a thought. You are not afraid or ashamed to tell others. Why? Because you believe it to be true and won't believe differently. Belief can make things true, such is the case here. Please note that I am not saying that anything we believe is true. Anyway, how does the psalmist know this to be true? How can we know it is true for us as well? Like the psalmist, we can know it is true because God had proven himself in this manner before and continues. To say that God is always present seems a stretch, right? That's because we view trouble, and life from our perspective. There are times when I wish to excuse myself from trouble but of course I can't. However, God is ever present. You see that? He does not run away or wish to or does excuse himself. He is always there. He does not just show up when we are in trouble. Thank God that is not the case, even if we think that God should take a break when we do not have trouble. If we think in this manner then we need a reminder. Note what Jesus said to his disciples in John 15:33, "... In the world you will have trouble." What does that mean? Well, I take that to mean we are always in trouble of some kind. Those who belong to Christ have trouble from the flesh, the world, and the devil. However, God is our very present help. There is and will be trouble but God is always present. He is not only present but our very present help as our refuge and strength. He helps us. He protects us. He strengthens us. He does so in different ways. Through his word, his spirit, his angels, and others. Unlike us, he is not limited. We cannot and do not have a better help, refuge, and strength. Further reading of this chapter and others assures us. He is our refuge and strength, our very present help even when we go through the valley of the shadow of death.
So, is God really your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble? Is he definitely mine? Is he truly ours? Let us examine ourselves. If not, ask him to be. This means denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following him. It means trouble. More than that, however, is the peace and the blessed assurance that God will be our refuge and strength, and our very present help. If he is, then let us continue to rely on him as our refuge and strength, and very present help. There is no one or nothing else. Why wait or waste any more time? Let him be. Amen!
Monday, November 7, 2011
Rahab
Her lifestyle was not the best, but she was no worse;
her lifestyle showed all are sinners, that all are perverse.
Some would have judged her and looked down with disdain,
but they were in no way better, all had no righteousness claim.
Her lifestyle was not the best, what she did was not ideal,
but it shows all do sin, though some of it we try to conceal.
Some would have judged her and looked at her with scorn,
but they were in no way better, all were of the flesh born.
Her lifestyle was not the best, she was in need of repair,
she longed for something more, to be freed from despair.
Some would have judged her and considered her a lost cause,
but they were in no way better, all sinned against God's laws.
Her lifestyle was not the best, but for her faith she was rewarded,
she was brought into God's family, yes scarred, but not discarded.
Some would still judge her, talk about her past & make a snide remark,
but God saved & forgave her, and in Christ she no longer missed the mark.
Our lifestyle was also not the best, we fell short of God's glory,
prostituting ourselves to sinful pleasures, all of us being unholy.
But we heard about Jesus, and by faith we believed in his name,
He freed us from sin's enslavement, no longer to live in its shame.
Our lifestyle is now being transformed, so we must boldly declare,
that we are a new creation in Christ, and nothing else can compare.
Some would still judge and call us by who we once used to be,
but like Rahab, we have in Christ been given a new identity.
her lifestyle showed all are sinners, that all are perverse.
Some would have judged her and looked down with disdain,
but they were in no way better, all had no righteousness claim.
Her lifestyle was not the best, what she did was not ideal,
but it shows all do sin, though some of it we try to conceal.
Some would have judged her and looked at her with scorn,
but they were in no way better, all were of the flesh born.
Her lifestyle was not the best, she was in need of repair,
she longed for something more, to be freed from despair.
Some would have judged her and considered her a lost cause,
but they were in no way better, all sinned against God's laws.
Her lifestyle was not the best, but for her faith she was rewarded,
she was brought into God's family, yes scarred, but not discarded.
Some would still judge her, talk about her past & make a snide remark,
but God saved & forgave her, and in Christ she no longer missed the mark.
Our lifestyle was also not the best, we fell short of God's glory,
prostituting ourselves to sinful pleasures, all of us being unholy.
But we heard about Jesus, and by faith we believed in his name,
He freed us from sin's enslavement, no longer to live in its shame.
Our lifestyle is now being transformed, so we must boldly declare,
that we are a new creation in Christ, and nothing else can compare.
Some would still judge and call us by who we once used to be,
but like Rahab, we have in Christ been given a new identity.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Overcome
Because You overcome, we will too,
though true, we need You to breakthrough,
for there are days when all seems lost,
when it seems we have miscalculated the cost,
of what it really means to be Your disciple
as we find ourselves confronted by evil.
Not that we want to give up or turn away,
no Lord, we just need You to display
more of Your power in and over our lives,
for too much of the flesh still survives.
But it is for freedom that You set us free,
to stand secure in and to live from victory,
the victory that comes with your kingdom
and your will being done - so we overcome.
though true, we need You to breakthrough,
for there are days when all seems lost,
when it seems we have miscalculated the cost,
of what it really means to be Your disciple
as we find ourselves confronted by evil.
Not that we want to give up or turn away,
no Lord, we just need You to display
more of Your power in and over our lives,
for too much of the flesh still survives.
But it is for freedom that You set us free,
to stand secure in and to live from victory,
the victory that comes with your kingdom
and your will being done - so we overcome.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Love For Our Enemies
They look at us with piercing eyes, their hatred pollutes the air.
Should we really have love for them?
They bear false witness against us, their lies tarnishes our character.
Should we really have love for them?
They demand our food and clothes, their envy makes us sick.
Should we really have love for them?
They spit in our face and persecute us, their fame is our torture.
Should we really have love for them?
They disguise in sheep's clothing, their hunger is to devour us.
Should we really have love for them?
They show no mercy to the ones we love, their thirst is to destroy.
Should we really have love for them?
They scorn our faith in God, their boasts are all for and about nothing.
Should we really have love for them?
They call our liberty bondage, their perverseness has them intoxicated.
Should we really have love for them?
They mock our God and attempt to deny Him, their folly is sin and its wages death.
We were once God's enemies.
Yes, we ought to really have love for them.
Our God expects us to.
Our God equips us to.
Our God commands us to:
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
In this way, you show that you are children of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45a)
Should we really have love for them?
They bear false witness against us, their lies tarnishes our character.
Should we really have love for them?
They demand our food and clothes, their envy makes us sick.
Should we really have love for them?
They spit in our face and persecute us, their fame is our torture.
Should we really have love for them?
They disguise in sheep's clothing, their hunger is to devour us.
Should we really have love for them?
They show no mercy to the ones we love, their thirst is to destroy.
Should we really have love for them?
They scorn our faith in God, their boasts are all for and about nothing.
Should we really have love for them?
They call our liberty bondage, their perverseness has them intoxicated.
Should we really have love for them?
They mock our God and attempt to deny Him, their folly is sin and its wages death.
We were once God's enemies.
Yes, we ought to really have love for them.
Our God expects us to.
Our God equips us to.
Our God commands us to:
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.
In this way, you show that you are children of your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:44-45a)
Still Believe?
Will we still believe when the dark darkens?
Will we still believe when the smoke thickens?
Will we still believe when the fire intensifies?
Will we still believe when the water floods?
Will we still believe when the wind hurls?
Will we still believe when the persecution comes?
Will we still believe when the hatred mounts?
Will we still believe when the sickness worsens?
Will we still believe when the unemployment persists?
Will we still believe when the money goes?
Will we still believe when the friendships fail?
Will we still believe when the world crumbles?
May we still believe and proclaim:
God is our only rock and our salvation,
our fortress; we will not be shaken.
On Him rests our salvation and glory;
our mighty rock, our refuge is God!!! (Psalm 62:6-7)
We will still believe!!!
Will we still believe when the smoke thickens?
Will we still believe when the fire intensifies?
Will we still believe when the water floods?
Will we still believe when the wind hurls?
Will we still believe when the persecution comes?
Will we still believe when the hatred mounts?
Will we still believe when the sickness worsens?
Will we still believe when the unemployment persists?
Will we still believe when the money goes?
Will we still believe when the friendships fail?
Will we still believe when the world crumbles?
May we still believe and proclaim:
God is our only rock and our salvation,
our fortress; we will not be shaken.
On Him rests our salvation and glory;
our mighty rock, our refuge is God!!! (Psalm 62:6-7)
We will still believe!!!
Looking Out For Us
The trips, stumbles, falls too many to recall.
The tears, fears, nightmares too many to count.
The losses, obstacles, hindrances too many to think about.
The debts, doubts, darkness too many to speak of.
The misdeeds, evil, perverseness too many to look at.
We cry out. We hurt. We bleed.
Amazingly, there is someone looking out for us.
In spite of the trips, stumbles, falls.
In spite of the tears, fears, nightmares.
In spite of the losses, obstacles, hindrances.
In spite of the debts, doubts, darkness.
In spite of the temptations, evil, perverseness.
Assuredly, there is someone looking out for us.
To help us up when we fall.
To comfort us through the tears.
To assure us of ultimate victory even after a loss.
To shine His light in the dark places of our lives.
To lead us not into temptations.
Always demonstrating that we who belong to Him are His, FOR REAL.
To guide our feet in His path.
To give us courage in the face of fears.
To bring an end to the nightmares.
To help us cast of the hindrances.
To help us hurdle the obstacles.
To see the hope when doubt persists.
To forgive our debts and cancel them.
To protect us from the evil one.
To bring repentance from our perverseness.
God, our heavenly Father, is always reigning over us.
Jesus, our Savior, is always interceding for us.
The Holy Spirit, our Counselor, is always there to guide us.
Our God is always looking out for us!
The tears, fears, nightmares too many to count.
The losses, obstacles, hindrances too many to think about.
The debts, doubts, darkness too many to speak of.
The misdeeds, evil, perverseness too many to look at.
We cry out. We hurt. We bleed.
Amazingly, there is someone looking out for us.
In spite of the trips, stumbles, falls.
In spite of the tears, fears, nightmares.
In spite of the losses, obstacles, hindrances.
In spite of the debts, doubts, darkness.
In spite of the temptations, evil, perverseness.
Assuredly, there is someone looking out for us.
To help us up when we fall.
To comfort us through the tears.
To assure us of ultimate victory even after a loss.
To shine His light in the dark places of our lives.
To lead us not into temptations.
Always demonstrating that we who belong to Him are His, FOR REAL.
To guide our feet in His path.
To give us courage in the face of fears.
To bring an end to the nightmares.
To help us cast of the hindrances.
To help us hurdle the obstacles.
To see the hope when doubt persists.
To forgive our debts and cancel them.
To protect us from the evil one.
To bring repentance from our perverseness.
God, our heavenly Father, is always reigning over us.
Jesus, our Savior, is always interceding for us.
The Holy Spirit, our Counselor, is always there to guide us.
Our God is always looking out for us!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Followers not just believers
It may be easy to say we believe,
but does that mean we did receive,
that Christ offered himself for us,
so we in him could live victorious?
We may call ourselves believers,
but does that mean we are seekers,
desperate to know & live out his word,
so His message will be seen and heard?
To say we follow Jesus, must be more,
more than mere talk, that is for sure,
it calls for obedience to walk in His way,
anything else causes our souls to decay.
To follow Jesus is a life long commitment,
there is no in-between nor being dormant,
we must strive for our walk & talk to be n'sync,
if we do not, then are we whose we think?
Because following Jesus means denying self,
so we can be conformed to Christ himself,
following Jesus means taking up our cross,
and for Christ's sake, we count all but loss.
but does that mean we did receive,
that Christ offered himself for us,
so we in him could live victorious?
We may call ourselves believers,
but does that mean we are seekers,
desperate to know & live out his word,
so His message will be seen and heard?
To say we follow Jesus, must be more,
more than mere talk, that is for sure,
it calls for obedience to walk in His way,
anything else causes our souls to decay.
To follow Jesus is a life long commitment,
there is no in-between nor being dormant,
we must strive for our walk & talk to be n'sync,
if we do not, then are we whose we think?
Because following Jesus means denying self,
so we can be conformed to Christ himself,
following Jesus means taking up our cross,
and for Christ's sake, we count all but loss.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Unshakable
God is unshakable! Nothing and none can trouble, unseat, or unsettle him. How many times do we attempt to convey that we can unseat, trouble, or unsettle him? How many times do we look at the magnitude of our situations as too much for God? How many times do we think the turmoils we see and hear about are more than God can handle? How many times do we think we should help God? How many times do we think that God needs our help? How many times do we view the magnitude of the world's problems as proof that God is no more? How many times do we choose to believe that man's philosophies and methods have made God obsolete? Do we think the I Am is now the Am I? Do any of those concerns actually shake God? Do they make him less God? Absolutely not! Can anything change the fact that a man or woman or boy or girl is a human being? Nope. Why do we think, then, that we or anything can change the fact that God is God? God is God! Unshakable! He is His own foundation. Always was. Always is. Always will be. Therefore, we, who belong to God, have an unshakable, immovable foundation. Our God is unshakable!
Grace and Good Works
Saved by grace through faith. Incredible! All God's doing! Even faith is a gift. Works is our response to God's grace, not to obtain God's grace. Grace is free! Grace cannot be earned or bought. That is why works for salvation is useless. Utterly useless! Works done to stay in God's favor is also useless. Get the picture?
We are called to do good works, but, again, not for our salvation. Salvation belongs to our God ... (Revelation 7:10)! We are admonished to, however, work out or live out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). Isn't is cool that God prepared good works beforehand for us to walk in them (Ephesians 2:10)? Why? So we would not entertain the idea that our good works can effect our salvation. So we would not hold committee meetings to determine what are good works and how they should be done. So we would not be trapped in legalism.
Also, note that He prepared the good works for us to walk in. It is a relationship, not just actions. It is a lifestyle, not fad. Good works are to be God works. Meaning? It is God doing them in and through us in light of our relationship with Him. He equips us to live them out. In essence, grace effects us to walk in God's good works. Grace for the walk. Grace in the walk. Grace to walk in God's good works which He prepared beforehand.
We are called to do good works, but, again, not for our salvation. Salvation belongs to our God ... (Revelation 7:10)! We are admonished to, however, work out or live out our salvation (Philippians 2:12). Isn't is cool that God prepared good works beforehand for us to walk in them (Ephesians 2:10)? Why? So we would not entertain the idea that our good works can effect our salvation. So we would not hold committee meetings to determine what are good works and how they should be done. So we would not be trapped in legalism.
Also, note that He prepared the good works for us to walk in. It is a relationship, not just actions. It is a lifestyle, not fad. Good works are to be God works. Meaning? It is God doing them in and through us in light of our relationship with Him. He equips us to live them out. In essence, grace effects us to walk in God's good works. Grace for the walk. Grace in the walk. Grace to walk in God's good works which He prepared beforehand.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
For Being God
Dear God:
Thank You that You are God. You stand alone. You did not become God because it was passed down to You. You did not become God because You were elected or chosen. You did not become God because You won a “battle of the gods”. You did not become God because You surpassed your mentor or your creator. You did not become God because …. You are God because You have no equal. You are God because You are Holy and incorruptible. You are God because You are sovereign. You are God because You are just. You are God because You are unconditional in love. You are God because You are merciful. You are God because You are omnipresent. You are God because You are salvation. You are God because You are life. You are God because You are light. You are God because You are creator. You are God because You are all mighty and almighty - omnipotent one. You are God because You are unsearchable. You are God because You are omniscient. You are God because You are self-existing. You are God because You are infinite. You are God because You are all this and so much more. And I thank You for being God!
Thank You that You are God. You stand alone. You did not become God because it was passed down to You. You did not become God because You were elected or chosen. You did not become God because You won a “battle of the gods”. You did not become God because You surpassed your mentor or your creator. You did not become God because …. You are God because You have no equal. You are God because You are Holy and incorruptible. You are God because You are sovereign. You are God because You are just. You are God because You are unconditional in love. You are God because You are merciful. You are God because You are omnipresent. You are God because You are salvation. You are God because You are life. You are God because You are light. You are God because You are creator. You are God because You are all mighty and almighty - omnipotent one. You are God because You are unsearchable. You are God because You are omniscient. You are God because You are self-existing. You are God because You are infinite. You are God because You are all this and so much more. And I thank You for being God!
Insufficient
I have tried my best and do try my best,
but even my best is insufficient.
Can I save myself?
Can I sustain myself?
Can I salvage the world?
The deception in thinking that I could
do all of those and more.
Exhausting, frustrating, futile.
Yet the attempt to still continues.
Really!?
Well, in some ways.
But there is hope.
There is change.
A realization.
An acceptance.
No longer deceived.
There is a fight.
A fight!?
Yep. A fight to surrender.
A fight to submit.
A fight to sacrifice.
Attempts? Works?
True.
Still deceived then.
Am I?
Hmm. Why not just surrender?
Really submit?
Willingly sacrifice?
Can I really?
You can.
You will have real hope.
You will experience true change.
It begins with a realization.
And an acceptance
of the Truth.
Do you see it now?
Yes I do. In myself, I am insufficient,
and will always be,
even if I were to live forever.
All attempts at sufficiency are insufficient.
The choices are:
Still attempt to be sufficient,
or surrender to the One who is All Sufficient.
So what do you decide?
Well, having tried the first and failed.
I choose the second!
but even my best is insufficient.
Can I save myself?
Can I sustain myself?
Can I salvage the world?
The deception in thinking that I could
do all of those and more.
Exhausting, frustrating, futile.
Yet the attempt to still continues.
Really!?
Well, in some ways.
But there is hope.
There is change.
A realization.
An acceptance.
No longer deceived.
There is a fight.
A fight!?
Yep. A fight to surrender.
A fight to submit.
A fight to sacrifice.
Attempts? Works?
True.
Still deceived then.
Am I?
Hmm. Why not just surrender?
Really submit?
Willingly sacrifice?
Can I really?
You can.
You will have real hope.
You will experience true change.
It begins with a realization.
And an acceptance
of the Truth.
Do you see it now?
Yes I do. In myself, I am insufficient,
and will always be,
even if I were to live forever.
All attempts at sufficiency are insufficient.
The choices are:
Still attempt to be sufficient,
or surrender to the One who is All Sufficient.
So what do you decide?
Well, having tried the first and failed.
I choose the second!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
My Righteousness
I want to believe that I am so good,
that somewhere within I am getting this
life figured out, to hit more than miss,
always doing the best that I could.
But I do not have to look hard to see,
the evil within and without daily exercised,
my tries falling short, slowly being capsized
by pride and efforts to control my destiny.
I want to give the impression I really care,
but tend to hold on the selfish things I do,
so far from the surrender God calls me to,
I keep on blinders, caught up in my own affair.
The good deeds done so myself I can applaud,
and tout my righteousness here and abroad.
Isaiah 64:6
I am like one who is unclean,
and all my righteousness deeds are like a
polluted garment.
I fade like a leaf,
and my iniquities, like the wind, take me away.
that somewhere within I am getting this
life figured out, to hit more than miss,
always doing the best that I could.
But I do not have to look hard to see,
the evil within and without daily exercised,
my tries falling short, slowly being capsized
by pride and efforts to control my destiny.
I want to give the impression I really care,
but tend to hold on the selfish things I do,
so far from the surrender God calls me to,
I keep on blinders, caught up in my own affair.
The good deeds done so myself I can applaud,
and tout my righteousness here and abroad.
Isaiah 64:6
I am like one who is unclean,
and all my righteousness deeds are like a
polluted garment.
I fade like a leaf,
and my iniquities, like the wind, take me away.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
To Go On
I remember you in better times, your smile,
your passion, your dreams, your desires.
Yes, I do remember your dreams and desires
to be a positive influence. Now you are gone.
Am I dreaming? If so why is it not a sweeter dream?
Why not one filled with your smiles?
Why not one filled with you changing lives?
Why not one with us arguing? We'll reconcile later.
We always do, and are the better for it.
But they said you have gone and won't be back.
We did not get to say goodbye. We did not hug.
I did not get to say for the last time, "I love you!"
I will shout it anyway and hope you hear it.
I will pray it and believe that you will hear it.
"I love you! My beloved I love you."
God has you now and you are safe.
You are in His arms and can rest in peace.
But I tell you it is hard without you here.
I will grieve. I also need God's arms now.
I need His peace to comfort me.
In His peace I can also rest.
My prayer is that your leaving will be a positive
influence on others like you dreamed and desired.
We will be together again and it will be sweetest.
Your smile brightest. Your passions strongest.
Your dreams and desires most alive.
Because in His presence everything is glorious.
Until then, I will go on and seek to be
a Christlike influence on others.
I love you and will miss you.
But I will go on in the strength of the Lord,
until that time when we are reunited.
Written for a couple, one of whom lost a sibling. Dedicated to them and all who have lost loved ones.
your passion, your dreams, your desires.
Yes, I do remember your dreams and desires
to be a positive influence. Now you are gone.
Am I dreaming? If so why is it not a sweeter dream?
Why not one filled with your smiles?
Why not one filled with you changing lives?
Why not one with us arguing? We'll reconcile later.
We always do, and are the better for it.
But they said you have gone and won't be back.
We did not get to say goodbye. We did not hug.
I did not get to say for the last time, "I love you!"
I will shout it anyway and hope you hear it.
I will pray it and believe that you will hear it.
"I love you! My beloved I love you."
God has you now and you are safe.
You are in His arms and can rest in peace.
But I tell you it is hard without you here.
I will grieve. I also need God's arms now.
I need His peace to comfort me.
In His peace I can also rest.
My prayer is that your leaving will be a positive
influence on others like you dreamed and desired.
We will be together again and it will be sweetest.
Your smile brightest. Your passions strongest.
Your dreams and desires most alive.
Because in His presence everything is glorious.
Until then, I will go on and seek to be
a Christlike influence on others.
I love you and will miss you.
But I will go on in the strength of the Lord,
until that time when we are reunited.
Written for a couple, one of whom lost a sibling. Dedicated to them and all who have lost loved ones.
Thoughts of You
I admire the person you are
and I desire to know you,
but it seems am unable to act
and when I do it's not on queue.
More often than not I fumble
trying to say the things I think,
muttering nonsense and stumbling
it's evident that am not n'sync.
My actions have been puzzling
well, that's not a surprise,
am trying to keep it real
so my feelings I disguise.
But I think about you
in sweet & wholesome ways,
it thrills my emotions
and for you my heart prays.
Have I told you before
or was I just dreaming?
that, I do like you lots
it's real, tis no scheming.
My heart desires you
and my mind agrees,
yet I do and do nothing
to set them at ease.
I ponder: Should I tell you or not
or do you even care to know?
Should I be bold and let it out
or is it better kept in the shadow?
The above was a for real admiration experienced some time ago and written at that time.
and I desire to know you,
but it seems am unable to act
and when I do it's not on queue.
More often than not I fumble
trying to say the things I think,
muttering nonsense and stumbling
it's evident that am not n'sync.
My actions have been puzzling
well, that's not a surprise,
am trying to keep it real
so my feelings I disguise.
But I think about you
in sweet & wholesome ways,
it thrills my emotions
and for you my heart prays.
Have I told you before
or was I just dreaming?
that, I do like you lots
it's real, tis no scheming.
My heart desires you
and my mind agrees,
yet I do and do nothing
to set them at ease.
I ponder: Should I tell you or not
or do you even care to know?
Should I be bold and let it out
or is it better kept in the shadow?
The above was a for real admiration experienced some time ago and written at that time.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
FAITH
Faith is more than words yet it involves words.
Faith is more than works yet it involves works.
Faith is active yet it rests.
Faith is bold yet it is gentle.
Faith is assured yet it wrestles.
Faith is powerful yet it is fully dependent.
Faith is loud yet it is respectful.
Faith is intangible yet it is real.
Faith is complete yet it is being perfected.
Faith is strong yet it has to be exercised.
Faith is a gift that we receive.
Faith is a gift we must live out.
Faith is a gift that is more than us.
Faith is a gift that makes it possible for us to please God.
Faith is a gift that holds fast to all of God's promises.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.
Faith is more than works yet it involves works.
Faith is active yet it rests.
Faith is bold yet it is gentle.
Faith is assured yet it wrestles.
Faith is powerful yet it is fully dependent.
Faith is loud yet it is respectful.
Faith is intangible yet it is real.
Faith is complete yet it is being perfected.
Faith is strong yet it has to be exercised.
Faith is a gift that we receive.
Faith is a gift we must live out.
Faith is a gift that is more than us.
Faith is a gift that makes it possible for us to please God.
Faith is a gift that holds fast to all of God's promises.
Hebrews 11:1
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for,
the conviction of things not seen.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
It's All You
Your perfect love casts out all of my fears.
Why did I live in my strength all these years?
Deceived myself that it was all in me,
that positive thoughts will help me live free.
I bought the "package" that promoted my efforts,
to experience life's best depends on my exerts.
But the cycle of bad habits remained,
I turned away dejected and ashamed.
Now I get it, only you can transform,
and that you did not call me to perform.
You call me to lay it all before you,
and repent of all that I've held on to.
Such sweet surrender breathes your life in me,
to live by your Spirit for your glory.
Why did I live in my strength all these years?
Deceived myself that it was all in me,
that positive thoughts will help me live free.
I bought the "package" that promoted my efforts,
to experience life's best depends on my exerts.
But the cycle of bad habits remained,
I turned away dejected and ashamed.
Now I get it, only you can transform,
and that you did not call me to perform.
You call me to lay it all before you,
and repent of all that I've held on to.
Such sweet surrender breathes your life in me,
to live by your Spirit for your glory.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Revived Hearts
The following is a prayer that seeks corporate revival. It can also be personalized.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us:
Dear Heavenly Father, help us:
Reader: To always remember you loved us first, always, and unconditionally
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To love you with our entire being as you commanded and fully deserve
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To love our neighbors as we love ourselves
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To surrender every area of our lives to you
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To lay down our rights for the sake of yours
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To deny ourselves and daily take up our cross
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To sing psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, and make melody to you
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To pray and make supplications with thanksgiving in everything
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To witness in words and actions your truths to others
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To take heart knowing that you have overcome the world and in you we have peace
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To hunger and thirst for your righteousness
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To find joy in the things in which you delight
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To love the things you love and hate the things you hate
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To be numb to this world but to be sensitive to your Spirit
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To see ourselves and others in the way you see us
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To proclaim your truths in love and without fear and comprise at all times
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To carry out the great commission as you commanded
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To always pray and to not faint
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To feel what you feel and make it ours
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To live awake and to no longer slumber or sleep
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To live attached to the true vine so that we bear more fruits
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To live out the hope, love, and peace by the grace you have given us
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To put on your whole armor every day
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Reader: To be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in your work
Responders: Revive our hearts dear God
Dear Father, we thank you for reviving our hearts, Amen.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
A bunch of nonsense
I used to be a poster boy until the posters were taken down.
I am trying to imagine what it would be like for my imagination to go on vacation.
My dreams got tired so they went to sleep.
Do not fall on the job whilst asleep or is it the other way (I wrote this whilst asleep).
My supervisor called me in for my misuse of the break room. Turns out the room was not for me to break stuff (how about that?).
My shadow is calling me a racist. Says I don't want to hold its hand or interact with it because of its color.
I have filed a restraining order against my shadow. It gets too close. Kinda stalker-ish.
My psychiatrist says there are too many voices in my head so I stopped being his client. One voice less.
My teeth and my lawn are on the same care schedule.
I have hearing aids - my friends.
The only time I read is when I play cards.
To show my friend what I thought of him I got him a deck of cards. Well, sort of, I replaced the normal deck with 52 joker cards. He laughed. Turns out I was the bigger joker for buying all those decks of cards in order to get 52 joker cards.
I was told to stand down but could not figure out the right posture.
I was also told to get over myself but give up after a year of trying to do so literally.
If the sun darkens a person's complexion, shouldn't the moon lighten it?
I am trying to imagine what it would be like for my imagination to go on vacation.
My dreams got tired so they went to sleep.
Do not fall on the job whilst asleep or is it the other way (I wrote this whilst asleep).
My supervisor called me in for my misuse of the break room. Turns out the room was not for me to break stuff (how about that?).
My shadow is calling me a racist. Says I don't want to hold its hand or interact with it because of its color.
I have filed a restraining order against my shadow. It gets too close. Kinda stalker-ish.
My psychiatrist says there are too many voices in my head so I stopped being his client. One voice less.
My teeth and my lawn are on the same care schedule.
I have hearing aids - my friends.
The only time I read is when I play cards.
To show my friend what I thought of him I got him a deck of cards. Well, sort of, I replaced the normal deck with 52 joker cards. He laughed. Turns out I was the bigger joker for buying all those decks of cards in order to get 52 joker cards.
I was told to stand down but could not figure out the right posture.
I was also told to get over myself but give up after a year of trying to do so literally.
If the sun darkens a person's complexion, shouldn't the moon lighten it?
Considerations
We don't need to be preoccupied with performing. Jesus did everything to God's pleasure so that we could live without the pressure to perform.
If we do know and understand what holiness really means we would always reverence God.
Many people walk away from or reject God's authority because He "failed" to please them. Don't make the same mistake.
God did not make the world evil, we did through our disobedience. Yet, in spite of this truth, God extends His mercy and grace to us until the appointed time.
Have you ever considered God's plans for us? Check them out and you'll be amazed!!!
God's love for us is more than we can fully understand. As we learn to gratefully accept it, we grasp more of it and are transformed by it.
Jesus lived a sinless life so that we who are sinful can be in and enjoy an intimate relationship with a Holy God.
God gave His best for us even though we did not deserve or could ever earn it. Yet we fail to give Him our best even though He truly and infinitely deserves it. How dare we?!
God answers our prayers not because of us but because of Jesus. Knowing this should keep us humble, grateful, and dependent on Jesus.
God does not want us to live in fear of Him but to love Him as He commanded.
When love is perfected fear is removed (1 John 4:18). God loves us perfectly so we don't need to live in fear but to love Him perfectly.
God cannot lie and that's no lie!
God did not happen. Neither did we. God always existed and he chose to bring us into existence for His purposes.
If we truly believe God is eternal then we would not live in worry. Nor would we question His sovereignty.
If we do know and understand what holiness really means we would always reverence God.
Many people walk away from or reject God's authority because He "failed" to please them. Don't make the same mistake.
God did not make the world evil, we did through our disobedience. Yet, in spite of this truth, God extends His mercy and grace to us until the appointed time.
Have you ever considered God's plans for us? Check them out and you'll be amazed!!!
God's love for us is more than we can fully understand. As we learn to gratefully accept it, we grasp more of it and are transformed by it.
Jesus lived a sinless life so that we who are sinful can be in and enjoy an intimate relationship with a Holy God.
God gave His best for us even though we did not deserve or could ever earn it. Yet we fail to give Him our best even though He truly and infinitely deserves it. How dare we?!
God answers our prayers not because of us but because of Jesus. Knowing this should keep us humble, grateful, and dependent on Jesus.
God does not want us to live in fear of Him but to love Him as He commanded.
When love is perfected fear is removed (1 John 4:18). God loves us perfectly so we don't need to live in fear but to love Him perfectly.
God cannot lie and that's no lie!
God did not happen. Neither did we. God always existed and he chose to bring us into existence for His purposes.
If we truly believe God is eternal then we would not live in worry. Nor would we question His sovereignty.
Teach us how to love
Teach us how to love you as you deserve
Teach us how to hold nothing in reserve
Teach us how to receive the love you give
Teach us how to freely in your love daily live
Teach us how to want you as we really ought
Teach us how to love you first not an after thought
Teach us how to adore you deep within
Teach us how to hold it never trade it in
Teach us how to need you even more than daily bread
Teach us how to embrace you fully not just in the head
Teach us how to spend it daily as you truly desire
Teach us how to pray that it sets our hearts on fire
Teach us how to love you with our entire being
Teach us how to let go for your love is freeing
Teach us how to bask in your love every day and night
Teach us how to love your love so we will live right
Teach us how to hold nothing in reserve
Teach us how to receive the love you give
Teach us how to freely in your love daily live
Teach us how to want you as we really ought
Teach us how to love you first not an after thought
Teach us how to adore you deep within
Teach us how to hold it never trade it in
Teach us how to need you even more than daily bread
Teach us how to embrace you fully not just in the head
Teach us how to spend it daily as you truly desire
Teach us how to pray that it sets our hearts on fire
Teach us how to love you with our entire being
Teach us how to let go for your love is freeing
Teach us how to bask in your love every day and night
Teach us how to love your love so we will live right
Friday, August 19, 2011
Fans of Jesus
Fans worship at the church but leave it there,
Fans give an appearance that seems to be sincere.
Fans have a head knowledge and do try to impress,
Fans give an appearance to seem what they profess.
Fans create a personalized idol of who God should be,
Fans give an appearance to seem in love with Him who's holy.
Fans may be outspoken the desire to be heard,
Fans give an appearance to seem truly anchored.
Fans attend most church activities and even participate,
Fans give an appearance to be about the gospel mandate.
Fans focus on rules to gain others' approval,
Fans give an appearance to seem sacrificial.
Fans may speak truth but it is not lived out,
Fans give an appearance to seem devout.
Fans find it easy to follow in the day but then comes night,
Fans give an appearance to seem faithful to the Son's light.
Fans do pray but it's routine not as the scripture pleads,
Fans give an appearance to digest what scripture feeds.
Fans may hear but do not make sense of it all,
Fans give an appearance to be standing tall.
Fans want knowledge but not the intimacy,
Fans give an appearance to seem worthy.
Fans are not what we were called to be,
Fans ultimately don't bring Him the glory.
Matthew 16:24; Mark 8: 34; Luke 9:23
"If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Fans give an appearance that seems to be sincere.
Fans have a head knowledge and do try to impress,
Fans give an appearance to seem what they profess.
Fans create a personalized idol of who God should be,
Fans give an appearance to seem in love with Him who's holy.
Fans may be outspoken the desire to be heard,
Fans give an appearance to seem truly anchored.
Fans attend most church activities and even participate,
Fans give an appearance to be about the gospel mandate.
Fans focus on rules to gain others' approval,
Fans give an appearance to seem sacrificial.
Fans may speak truth but it is not lived out,
Fans give an appearance to seem devout.
Fans find it easy to follow in the day but then comes night,
Fans give an appearance to seem faithful to the Son's light.
Fans do pray but it's routine not as the scripture pleads,
Fans give an appearance to digest what scripture feeds.
Fans may hear but do not make sense of it all,
Fans give an appearance to be standing tall.
Fans want knowledge but not the intimacy,
Fans give an appearance to seem worthy.
Fans are not what we were called to be,
Fans ultimately don't bring Him the glory.
Matthew 16:24; Mark 8: 34; Luke 9:23
"If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me."
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Why Do We?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, in every way, for every hour.
so why do we live as a defeated and lonely bride,
whose lover is weak and seldom by her side?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, He's our savior.
so why do we live as a bride to sin enslave?
isn't our lover the one who's mighty to save?!
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, He's our anchor.
so why do we live in fear of the storms daily?
isn't our lover the one who has all authority?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, He doesn't falter.
so why do we live as a bride unsure and mope?
hasn't our lover not given us an assured hope?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, He's our lover.
so why do we put ourselves in the way of harm,
instead of snuggling and staying in our lover's arm?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, for every hour.
now is the time to stand and wholly decide,
to surrender all so we can live as His bride.
in full, in everything, in every way, for every hour.
so why do we live as a defeated and lonely bride,
whose lover is weak and seldom by her side?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, He's our savior.
so why do we live as a bride to sin enslave?
isn't our lover the one who's mighty to save?!
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, He's our anchor.
so why do we live in fear of the storms daily?
isn't our lover the one who has all authority?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, He doesn't falter.
so why do we live as a bride unsure and mope?
hasn't our lover not given us an assured hope?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, He's our lover.
so why do we put ourselves in the way of harm,
instead of snuggling and staying in our lover's arm?
as Jesus' bride we have access to His power,
in full, in everything, every way, for every hour.
now is the time to stand and wholly decide,
to surrender all so we can live as His bride.
More Thoughts
If God has provided abundantly for the salvation of our souls. Will he not also provide for our day-to-day needs? Be encouraged.
How the kingdom of God is built: God over us + God in us + God through us.
The kind of relationship we have with God determines the kind of fruits we produce.
To love God as he commanded leads us in the right way to serve Him.
The devil lies to us but he speaks the truth before God. He knows that God cannot lie and as such lies are exposed in his presence.
As Christians, because we major on minors and minor on majors it dulls our witness to and our impact in the world.
It is sad that we often live out our Christianity similar to a job we consider average and not as a privilege. Is it any wonder that we take regular "sick", "no-pay" and "vacation" days or just show up?
Whether we love or hate or don't believe in God we cannot escape him.
It is baffling how we as intelligent people could believe in an unintelligent creation of life and the universe.
Jesus did not die to bargain with death, hell, and the grave but to demonstrate His authority over them.
The best we can do in our own strength and skill is infinitely less than what God can do through us.
Hard work and proper teaching are necessary to learn and master a skill, but wisdom is necessary for its proper application.
A hatred of the dark makes us hungry for the light.
God wants us to be full of Him not of ourselves.
Instead of focusing on asking God: "Why did this or that happened?" Let us ask instead: "God, what are you saying to me or what are you teaching me about you?"
To take a step of faith as God asks impacts our fate as God purposed.
How the kingdom of God is built: God over us + God in us + God through us.
The kind of relationship we have with God determines the kind of fruits we produce.
To love God as he commanded leads us in the right way to serve Him.
The devil lies to us but he speaks the truth before God. He knows that God cannot lie and as such lies are exposed in his presence.
As Christians, because we major on minors and minor on majors it dulls our witness to and our impact in the world.
It is sad that we often live out our Christianity similar to a job we consider average and not as a privilege. Is it any wonder that we take regular "sick", "no-pay" and "vacation" days or just show up?
Whether we love or hate or don't believe in God we cannot escape him.
It is baffling how we as intelligent people could believe in an unintelligent creation of life and the universe.
Jesus did not die to bargain with death, hell, and the grave but to demonstrate His authority over them.
The best we can do in our own strength and skill is infinitely less than what God can do through us.
Hard work and proper teaching are necessary to learn and master a skill, but wisdom is necessary for its proper application.
A hatred of the dark makes us hungry for the light.
God wants us to be full of Him not of ourselves.
Instead of focusing on asking God: "Why did this or that happened?" Let us ask instead: "God, what are you saying to me or what are you teaching me about you?"
To take a step of faith as God asks impacts our fate as God purposed.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Sin and Salvation
The smile was slowly erased from my face
my tear-stained pillow was my only embrace
I was being cut to pieces without a chase
heading to a disastrous end in disgrace
The breath was slowly fading from my nose
my collapsed lung was my only enclose
Suffocating to death and unable to disclose
the deathblows I'd receive from sin's arrows
The spirit was slowly leaving my soul
my weakened body was my only console
I was trapped and dying without parole
void of hope, abandoned in a hellhole
The hope was slowly going out of me
my life was already running on empty
in a downward spiral without remedy
a life once bright was about to end darkly
To turn this around I could not do
tried as I did sin I fell further into
sin was sweet but it turned bitter
then realized I was feasting on litter
The stench of sin was destroying me
even with eyes open I could not see
my ears were plugged my heart infected
my mind polluted strongholds erected
Sin's destructive influence kept me buried
under its weight with no hope to be freed
but I heard the news that Jesus can save
and through him God my sins forgave
God opened my eyes my ears he unplugged
my heart now revived no longer drugged
my mind renew in His word alone
his Spirit in me my heart his throne.
Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
my tear-stained pillow was my only embrace
I was being cut to pieces without a chase
heading to a disastrous end in disgrace
The breath was slowly fading from my nose
my collapsed lung was my only enclose
Suffocating to death and unable to disclose
the deathblows I'd receive from sin's arrows
The spirit was slowly leaving my soul
my weakened body was my only console
I was trapped and dying without parole
void of hope, abandoned in a hellhole
The hope was slowly going out of me
my life was already running on empty
in a downward spiral without remedy
a life once bright was about to end darkly
To turn this around I could not do
tried as I did sin I fell further into
sin was sweet but it turned bitter
then realized I was feasting on litter
The stench of sin was destroying me
even with eyes open I could not see
my ears were plugged my heart infected
my mind polluted strongholds erected
Sin's destructive influence kept me buried
under its weight with no hope to be freed
but I heard the news that Jesus can save
and through him God my sins forgave
God opened my eyes my ears he unplugged
my heart now revived no longer drugged
my mind renew in His word alone
his Spirit in me my heart his throne.
Romans 6:23
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Jericho
Jericho was shut up inside and out
no one entered none came out.
Jericho became filled with fear
as the children of God drew near.
Jericho heard stories of Israel's God
his fame was already spread abroad.
Jericho heard about His powerful hand
nothing & no one against him could stand.
Joshua was told to be bold & courageous
to trust in God and he will be victorious.
Joshua was given an unlikely plan
that would not be approved by man.
Joshua knew enemies God had previously stayed
and so he did not question he just promptly obeyed.
Joshua was assured that God would do the combat
and with their obedience the walls would fall flat.
In our lives, we will face a "Jericho" once or twice,
and when we do, where would we go for advice?
will we trust in Joshua's God, whom we say believe?
or will we live in despair and then choose to grieve?
will we take him at his word that we need not fear?
or will we perceive this challenge as too severe?
Just as for Joshua and Israel Jericho did fall,
ours will too, for God is the greatest above all.
Joshua 1: 9
"For this is my command to you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be dismayed. For I the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
no one entered none came out.
Jericho became filled with fear
as the children of God drew near.
Jericho heard stories of Israel's God
his fame was already spread abroad.
Jericho heard about His powerful hand
nothing & no one against him could stand.
Joshua was told to be bold & courageous
to trust in God and he will be victorious.
Joshua was given an unlikely plan
that would not be approved by man.
Joshua knew enemies God had previously stayed
and so he did not question he just promptly obeyed.
Joshua was assured that God would do the combat
and with their obedience the walls would fall flat.
In our lives, we will face a "Jericho" once or twice,
and when we do, where would we go for advice?
will we trust in Joshua's God, whom we say believe?
or will we live in despair and then choose to grieve?
will we take him at his word that we need not fear?
or will we perceive this challenge as too severe?
Just as for Joshua and Israel Jericho did fall,
ours will too, for God is the greatest above all.
Joshua 1: 9
"For this is my command to you. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be dismayed. For I the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
To Trust
You call us to trust you and we often say we do,
but when you asks us to we make excuses not to.
Sometimes your requests seem ridiculous,
irrational, and to be honest, outrageous.
How could you seriously ask us to do this or that
when there is no proof that it won't fall flat?
You are asking us to take a leap without a safety net,
if you don't catch us we're the ones to live with regret.
In the smaller tests we kinda trust in you,
because in those we have some control too.
We have a backup plan so we won't fail,
in case there is a need to get out of "jail".
Your word says you are trustworthy,
and we will quickly say that we agree.
However, to trust in you alone is weird,
if you don't come through we'll be jeered.
But we want to trust you,
so please show us how to.
Our pride continues to get in the way,
so teach us how to surrender everyday.
Moment by moment help us to trust,
there is no other, so in you we must.
As you asks us to trust you more,
help us to, for you are our Savior.
but when you asks us to we make excuses not to.
Sometimes your requests seem ridiculous,
irrational, and to be honest, outrageous.
How could you seriously ask us to do this or that
when there is no proof that it won't fall flat?
You are asking us to take a leap without a safety net,
if you don't catch us we're the ones to live with regret.
In the smaller tests we kinda trust in you,
because in those we have some control too.
We have a backup plan so we won't fail,
in case there is a need to get out of "jail".
Your word says you are trustworthy,
and we will quickly say that we agree.
However, to trust in you alone is weird,
if you don't come through we'll be jeered.
But we want to trust you,
so please show us how to.
Our pride continues to get in the way,
so teach us how to surrender everyday.
Moment by moment help us to trust,
there is no other, so in you we must.
As you asks us to trust you more,
help us to, for you are our Savior.
A video, a thought, and a prayer
http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=F9E0JJNU&utm_source=GodTube%20Must-See%20Video&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=08/08/2011
A Thought
This video is accurate for most of us. It easy to say we trust Jesus but hard to actually trust him. When we are required to trust Jesus we try to bargain, we question, we rationalize etc, and then we may do as he required. We allow ourselves to fall and then he catches us. "Level 1".
Then we get excited and think we really trust Jesus but then comes another test. At the first level even though we had questions etc we know there was a chance he would catch us. After all he is standing behind us. However, now we are facing him and he tells us to fall backwards. He is no longer behind us. "Level 2".
Our rationalizing kicks into another gear. Fear floods our minds. Our heart rate increases dramatically. We may insist for Jesus to stand behind us. We may insist that he change his mind and tell us to fall forward instead. We may get mad that he does not change his mind. We may get angry that he is asking us to do something we consider ridiculous, stupid, irrational, and unsafe. We may do as the lady did and just say, "I won't!" Then we walk away.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
all through out your word you asks us to trust you. King Solomon admonished us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to "trust in you with all of our heart and not to lean on our own understanding. To acknowledge you in all our ways and you will make our paths straight." Jesus we need your help to trust you wholeheartedly even more so as the tests get harder. As you require more of our trusts help us to give it. Even if we argue, question, sulk, etc may we not walk away. If we walk away bring us back to that exact place of trust. In all these case when we don't want or fail to trust you move us to try. Move us to trust in you a little more as the tests increase and become more difficult. Bring us back to your word and show us the many who also had to trust you and how you proved yourself trustworthy.
Jesus, you won't leave us hanging. Your word says that are faithful and cannot deny yourself. Help us to move past how foolish your requests seem and how foolish we will look. Help us to move past our pride and stubbornness to be in control. Help us to trust you and to learn how to do so daily.
Amen!
A Thought
This video is accurate for most of us. It easy to say we trust Jesus but hard to actually trust him. When we are required to trust Jesus we try to bargain, we question, we rationalize etc, and then we may do as he required. We allow ourselves to fall and then he catches us. "Level 1".
Then we get excited and think we really trust Jesus but then comes another test. At the first level even though we had questions etc we know there was a chance he would catch us. After all he is standing behind us. However, now we are facing him and he tells us to fall backwards. He is no longer behind us. "Level 2".
Our rationalizing kicks into another gear. Fear floods our minds. Our heart rate increases dramatically. We may insist for Jesus to stand behind us. We may insist that he change his mind and tell us to fall forward instead. We may get mad that he does not change his mind. We may get angry that he is asking us to do something we consider ridiculous, stupid, irrational, and unsafe. We may do as the lady did and just say, "I won't!" Then we walk away.
Prayer
Dear Jesus,
all through out your word you asks us to trust you. King Solomon admonished us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to "trust in you with all of our heart and not to lean on our own understanding. To acknowledge you in all our ways and you will make our paths straight." Jesus we need your help to trust you wholeheartedly even more so as the tests get harder. As you require more of our trusts help us to give it. Even if we argue, question, sulk, etc may we not walk away. If we walk away bring us back to that exact place of trust. In all these case when we don't want or fail to trust you move us to try. Move us to trust in you a little more as the tests increase and become more difficult. Bring us back to your word and show us the many who also had to trust you and how you proved yourself trustworthy.
Jesus, you won't leave us hanging. Your word says that are faithful and cannot deny yourself. Help us to move past how foolish your requests seem and how foolish we will look. Help us to move past our pride and stubbornness to be in control. Help us to trust you and to learn how to do so daily.
Amen!
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sharing
I had a cool experience yesterday after church that involved two toddlers. We usually talk about toddlers and their tendency to hold onto things. Simply, their unwillingness to share. However, they can also teach us how to share.
After church yesterday I joined a few of the kids on the playground. One toddler was at the top of a slide with a car that he sent down the slide after which he followed. There was another toddler in a sandbox close to the slide who grabbed the car after it came down the slide. The car had enough motion to take it close (about 3 feet) to the sandbox so this toddler got out and took hold of the car. He began playing with it in the sandbox. The other toddler, after he came down the slide, saw the other toddler playing with the car and walked over to get the car back. The other toddler continued to play with the car, which brought the first toddler to tears.
I walked over to them to help them address the situation. The toddler who was crying said that he had the car first and wanted it back. I told them that they should both share the car. The solution was for each to take a few moments playing with the car and then hand it over to the other. They agreed and so the toddler who was currently playing with the car played some more then took it to the other who was waiting for it at the foot of the slide. The toddler who had it first then took it up the slide and do as he did before. Then he give it to the other toddler to play with for a while. They did this for a while before the second toddler went off to play other games. It was cool to see how they honored the agreement and had fun in the process.
Sometimes as adults we also cling to things and are unwilling to share or surrender. We feel a level of entitlement for different reasons. Sometimes the things we hold onto are meant to be shared. Sometimes there are things both good and bad that we should surrender. Sometimes the things we cling to are trivial and should not be held with a "clenched fist". If toddlers, whom we say have a hard time sharing, can share something important to them and their enjoyment, can't we as adults also share? Can't we be more intentional to share the things we ought to?
The health of a church and any relationship needs sharing. The growth and development of others and our communities requires sharing. The prosperity of businesses is facilitated by sharing. The success of students is helped by sharing. The salvation of our lives and all the blessings we enjoy and are promised are as a result of God sharing himself with us.
What are we holding on to today that should be shared? What are we holding on to today that we ought to surrender? Let us ask God to reveal to us those things that we need to share and surrender. Then, trust him to direct how we surrender and share those things.
After church yesterday I joined a few of the kids on the playground. One toddler was at the top of a slide with a car that he sent down the slide after which he followed. There was another toddler in a sandbox close to the slide who grabbed the car after it came down the slide. The car had enough motion to take it close (about 3 feet) to the sandbox so this toddler got out and took hold of the car. He began playing with it in the sandbox. The other toddler, after he came down the slide, saw the other toddler playing with the car and walked over to get the car back. The other toddler continued to play with the car, which brought the first toddler to tears.
I walked over to them to help them address the situation. The toddler who was crying said that he had the car first and wanted it back. I told them that they should both share the car. The solution was for each to take a few moments playing with the car and then hand it over to the other. They agreed and so the toddler who was currently playing with the car played some more then took it to the other who was waiting for it at the foot of the slide. The toddler who had it first then took it up the slide and do as he did before. Then he give it to the other toddler to play with for a while. They did this for a while before the second toddler went off to play other games. It was cool to see how they honored the agreement and had fun in the process.
Sometimes as adults we also cling to things and are unwilling to share or surrender. We feel a level of entitlement for different reasons. Sometimes the things we hold onto are meant to be shared. Sometimes there are things both good and bad that we should surrender. Sometimes the things we cling to are trivial and should not be held with a "clenched fist". If toddlers, whom we say have a hard time sharing, can share something important to them and their enjoyment, can't we as adults also share? Can't we be more intentional to share the things we ought to?
The health of a church and any relationship needs sharing. The growth and development of others and our communities requires sharing. The prosperity of businesses is facilitated by sharing. The success of students is helped by sharing. The salvation of our lives and all the blessings we enjoy and are promised are as a result of God sharing himself with us.
What are we holding on to today that should be shared? What are we holding on to today that we ought to surrender? Let us ask God to reveal to us those things that we need to share and surrender. Then, trust him to direct how we surrender and share those things.
Repetition
Repetition is very important to bring about learning. Another result is that it usually forms a habit. Whatever we repeat, we learn, which then becomes a habit. The devil knows that as fallen, disobedient, and rebellious people we are easy prey. He goes about his work with skillful deception that not even the most intelligent human being can outsmart him.
Sin, we must remember, is first conceived in our minds before we put it into action. The devil is very happy to put this knowledge to satisfy his own end, which is to destroy us. During sin's incubation stage we, unintentionally and intentionally, continue to feed those thoughts until they are birthed. We may try to distance ourselves from what we gave birth to but the truth never lies. It is we who have helped the incubation stage by repetition.
How is the incubation stage helped by repetition? It is helped when we invest time in a sinful train of thought. We then test it by acting with a little caution, similar to what we do before we cross a busy street where there isn't a pedestrian crossing. We are quick to make excuses and rationalizations if someone catches us in the act of saying or doing or not doing. We shrug it off and move on instead of honestly dealing with it then and there. Instead of letting the light of God's grace and truth address the sin, we cover it. Repetition that produces a habit is a result of time investment. Foolish time investment results in destructive patterns of attitudes and behaviors. Then we face another situation. What is this situation?.
It is this: the devil amps up his deceptions by having us think we can be free by our own efforts. We may then make popular rationalizations and excuses to justify or appease ourselves. If we continue this way over time we will eventually end up being enslaved. If as Christians we are enslaved to sinful habits we are living in contradiction to our identity. We are free but in our enslavement we are not accessing the power available. It is like sitting in the dark knowing there is a light switch and where it is but refusing to get up and switch it on.
Don't be fooled, the devil knows how to keep us deceived. He targets certain emotions and/or thoughts that encourages us to indulge in a particular sin or sins and to indulge therein repeatedly. There is hope and it comes through the renewing of our mind (i.e., transformation). Renewal is aided by repetition. By repetition I do not mean mindless chanting or anything of that nature. What it is is the habit of spending time with God in prayer and in meditating upon his word. It is not just memorization, which is also important, but the commitment to knowing and understanding God. It calls for time investment in those things which are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praise worthy (Phil 4:8). Repeatedly spending time meditating on God's words helps us to know and understand God. In the process we experience transformation. We need to, however, repeatedly receive God's grace, accept his truth, and depend on him to help us live in the light of his grace and truth. Then the victories promised and that are ours will be experienced repeatedly. Then transformation that comes by his grace and truth will result.
So today, what are we repeating? If what we are repeating is sinful then watch out! We will be plagued by the guilt and shame. We will live defeated lives and, if not treated, will be destroyed by what it produces. If our repetitions are filled with God's grace and truth then our lives will produce good fruits. We will live victoriously as God purposed and it will draw others to him. Let us therefore be mindful of the things we are repeating.
Sin, we must remember, is first conceived in our minds before we put it into action. The devil is very happy to put this knowledge to satisfy his own end, which is to destroy us. During sin's incubation stage we, unintentionally and intentionally, continue to feed those thoughts until they are birthed. We may try to distance ourselves from what we gave birth to but the truth never lies. It is we who have helped the incubation stage by repetition.
How is the incubation stage helped by repetition? It is helped when we invest time in a sinful train of thought. We then test it by acting with a little caution, similar to what we do before we cross a busy street where there isn't a pedestrian crossing. We are quick to make excuses and rationalizations if someone catches us in the act of saying or doing or not doing. We shrug it off and move on instead of honestly dealing with it then and there. Instead of letting the light of God's grace and truth address the sin, we cover it. Repetition that produces a habit is a result of time investment. Foolish time investment results in destructive patterns of attitudes and behaviors. Then we face another situation. What is this situation?.
It is this: the devil amps up his deceptions by having us think we can be free by our own efforts. We may then make popular rationalizations and excuses to justify or appease ourselves. If we continue this way over time we will eventually end up being enslaved. If as Christians we are enslaved to sinful habits we are living in contradiction to our identity. We are free but in our enslavement we are not accessing the power available. It is like sitting in the dark knowing there is a light switch and where it is but refusing to get up and switch it on.
Don't be fooled, the devil knows how to keep us deceived. He targets certain emotions and/or thoughts that encourages us to indulge in a particular sin or sins and to indulge therein repeatedly. There is hope and it comes through the renewing of our mind (i.e., transformation). Renewal is aided by repetition. By repetition I do not mean mindless chanting or anything of that nature. What it is is the habit of spending time with God in prayer and in meditating upon his word. It is not just memorization, which is also important, but the commitment to knowing and understanding God. It calls for time investment in those things which are true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and praise worthy (Phil 4:8). Repeatedly spending time meditating on God's words helps us to know and understand God. In the process we experience transformation. We need to, however, repeatedly receive God's grace, accept his truth, and depend on him to help us live in the light of his grace and truth. Then the victories promised and that are ours will be experienced repeatedly. Then transformation that comes by his grace and truth will result.
So today, what are we repeating? If what we are repeating is sinful then watch out! We will be plagued by the guilt and shame. We will live defeated lives and, if not treated, will be destroyed by what it produces. If our repetitions are filled with God's grace and truth then our lives will produce good fruits. We will live victoriously as God purposed and it will draw others to him. Let us therefore be mindful of the things we are repeating.
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