Happy new year 2014-01-01 11: 03
Faith Washing - 2014-11-18 19:31
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| Faith Washing - 2014-11-18 19:31
Wash me with faith Lord Jesus, Both for now and for that day. Wash me with faith that all my sins Should stay where my body lay. Wash behind and in my ears, For I've heard what people say. And my tongue, my hands, my feet, and eyes, Are not innocent in your "Way". By His Grace Today's Spartans - 2014-11-19 09:52 "The Spartans", refers to a group of warriors from the Greek city of Sparta. Their vicious allegiance to their country has remained as near myth status even to this day. Around the year 900 BC, Sparta decided to make an entire nation of warriors. They would inspect each baby, as it was born, and decide if it was strong or weak. If it was found to be weak, the male child was thrown outside the city to die. If it was found worthy to live, the child was raised up until the age of 7, then it was taken and placed in a school of training. In the school the child was taught the art of war, of ethics, and the elegance of poetry. By this Sparta transformed its nation into a fearsome foe. Even one of the poets of that day took note that, Sparta had dropped its walls of brick and made a wall of men. Consider how many places the name of Sparta is used in sports. Yet I contend that sports is not the only place where the Spartan rearing is used. I have seen toys resembling cell phones and computers that are made for newborn babies. Before a child can understand, he is introduced to a life of technological advancement. Now please allow a leap of logic in the progress of this writing. When a man is born in Christ, he is introduced to the things of heaven before he can understand. He learns the songs of Christ, the words of Christ, the stories of God in Christ, and the behavior of the family of Christ. If Sparta is renowned to this day for having created a society of warriors, how much more indelible is the family of God? From the time of Christ to now, the people of God have been subjected to a myriad of humiliating attacks. At its inception, Christianity was a bloody spot on earth. Perhaps you have heard of how the Christians were treated in the first few decades. They were captured and killed, thrown into the arena with wild beasts who would devour them. They were ripped apart while alive. They were fastened to stakes then set on fire. Or all their possessions were forcibly taken from them. As history moved on, there were other means the world used to destroy Christianity. Even so Christianity has survived for over 2000 years ( and vibrantly at that). The power of God, in His people, will not be subdued. Yet the world keeps trying. Look at how you treat your children. Look at the things you teach them before they are old enough to understand. Look at how you pull them away from the Holy Name of God before their ears perceive the meaning of your sounds. Take a look at how you have been ransacked. Take a look at how the things of God have been ripped from you in the night. Go in search your place! Where is your prayer? Where are the holy words of God? Where is the power of the Holy Spirit in your house? Where is the wisdom of God in your children? Where is the wisdom of God in your elders? Where is the fearsome independence borne by trust in God? Where is your Holy faith? It's gone! The wisdom of Sparta, to raise child warriors, has not died. And you citizens of the world are not even aware. You think it great pleasure to introduce your children to the things that capture your attention. And so you fortify your nations, States, provinces and cities, against the Holy name of Christ Jesus. All the while God selects your corrupted children, without asking permission. He causes them to be his own. When you perceive that they have been corrupted by holy things, you cast them away from you that they may die. You have become valiant warriors. You have dressed yourself, from infancy, to war against the things of God. You are so indoctrinated with the things of this world, that you think it odd that anyone should stand against your unholy ways. Yet all men will be brought before the judgment of the Holy God. As Sparta was eventually thrown down, so will be the training of this world. Who has understanding to perceive these things? Who even desires to understand? This message is sent out among the people who do not care. Their eyes and ears are drowned in the work of their own hands. They are immersed in what is wicked and cannot see. They have made an entire society of a people who war against God. Yet if a man perceives what is written here, let him humble himself before God, that his understanding may be clearer. The salvation of Christ is far more powerful than all the illusions of this world. By His Grace The Grant - 2014-11-20 13:24 Let the man who perceives his poverty go to the rich man. Let the pauper ask for a grant. If the rich man is truly rich, he will accent. But let the pauper stay a while to gain wisdom in dispensing this wealth. For he did not know how to tend to his own. How will he now tend to that which is freely given? Won't he become a pauper again? Let regret stay a long distance from your door, O' Pauper. Stay and learn from he who knows how to retain. ______________ I have millions of regrets for things I've done. But I cannot allow a singular item to become an item of regret. I have received a luxurious grant from the Lord, through the wisdom and diligence of an elderly man. Many years ago, I became a Christian. When that happened, the Lord brought a wonderful example of Christianity to me. I learned volumes, regarding the diligence necessary to retain what I had been granted. Regret came decades later when I realized I left that wonderful man far too soon. I did end up squandering that wealth, to some degree.
________________ So let it be that a man who perceives his poverty should go to He who is rich beyond measure. Let him ask. He will receive. But let that beggar stay a while. Let him sit at the feet of a God sent mentor. Let come what may, secure diligence! Just Worthless Noise - 2014-11-21 08:29 Words that you will likely never hear from the HR staff of a company: "Let God come in here. Talk about him all you want. Because wherever God is, good things happen." You will not see a sign like that posted in a bar. There will be no places made along the highway, where people can pull over and pray. A secluded and beautiful little place, where quiet is the only regulation. And Christianity is the commanded focus. The government will never find funding for a public memorial, depicting the beautiful things that Christ has done for humanity. Certainly nothing similar to the memorial of the Vietnam War, Mount Rushmore, and the like. You will never hear the president give orders to the citizens of America to fast and pray to the living God in Christ Jesus, for the sake of some trouble. Never. But you will hear the glorification of man. From very early in the morning to deep into the night, Man babbles about with words for everything but God. All his celebrations have one purpose: "Make Man happy". The statistics are vague but they are consistent in variation. It is said that women speak about 20,000 words a day. While men use about 7000. How many of those words, do you think, relate to the glory of Christ? Let the reader do the math, but multiply those numbers times the population of the world. What is the volume of words used by Man everyday? How little is dedicated to the Holy One? Heaven is! And there, Christ is King and glorified. For the time being, the world is. But take note of how Christ is not glorified. Judge for yourself, should we really ask God to bless America? Does any nation really have the right to ask for the blessing of God? PS: How many words of yours glorify God's Holy Son all day long? By His Grace Broken Promise - 2014-11-21 16:03 Waiting with patience for the Kingdom of Heaven, Is to be content with what is given. Do we believe or don't we, That God will provide our every need. Anxiety lurks like a thief in the night; Looking for doors left wide open. Waiting to pounce by delivering lust; When greed says, "His promise is broken". By His Grace The Bridal Gown - 2014-11-21 16:32 Wisdom, please come and take me, Show me what I don't know. Come, Holy Spring Storm, and shake me, Expose me from head to toe. I must be dressed for a meeting. And there I shall wear no tatters. So, seamless a gown let's start making. Eternity's thread is what matters. By His Grace The Faith of Fullness - 2014-11-22 06:52 What are you doing here? Do you desire to desire? Is the Love of God for doing tasks? Or for drawing all men near?
We do and do but for what purpose, to spread the news or just perform? As I look back on my days of religion, I find a man with the tiniest of faith. My belief was not worth a mention, for if I tried to voice my faith, it would have amounted to nothing more than an inaudible peep. And the fruit of my faith was the same. A doing of things for the sake of the Gospel were done. But for what end? Where was the promise of the Holy One in what I did? Those doings are long gone now. They were done with good intention. But there was no power of God in them. I was like a trained monkey in a lab; doing as I was taught to gain that treat I desired. This was my personal experience in the organized Church. Where is the Fire borne Faith that Christ Jesus wondered about? ". . .when the Son of Man comes, will he find [the] faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:8) There is a vast difference between the faith of a man and The Faith from God. Atheists have faith that there is no God. What good is that to them? Christians may have faith that the words of God are true. But do those words give birth to that "new creation" He promised? I offer the concept for examination. Each man or woman provides the answer. Inspection of deeds, desire, and that certain becoming are necessary. No one can know the severity of lack within, for no one has seen what God has prepared for those who love Him. Comparing the two is necessary for clarity. God alone knows how far short we have attained. Yet who dares ask Him to show, lest they are provoked to do what they are not willing? On the other hand, if we are willing to be shown, what glories await? God and His Holy Christ are seamlessly woven together. Isn't that the desire of God for all His people? Don't tell me that isn't possible. Though I haven't attained such a thing, I refuse to believe in anything less. If I am fallen short of such a life, it is I who remain chained to unbelief. If seamless Christianity is not possible, why did Jesus say this: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." What does the word "full" mean? By our actions we display our interpretation of the definition. Any child can tell you what "full" means. Why can't adults?
Victorious in Loss - 2014-11-22 10:41 Among people, who are those who suffer well? It is those who own nothing of what they own. These are prepared to lose everything, even while they have it all. It is the one who is determined, while in wealth and health, to die penniless and miserable. This one cannot be held hostage to expectations full of error. If prosperity of possessions continues to a peaceful death in his own bed, such a one will have lived his life without fear of loss. Though all he has is taken. Though sickness viciously tears at his body. Though the wicked greed of man rips his belongings from his control. This one will prosper. Yet is it enough to be stoic in our life? Is it necessary to pass by the loaf of bread while you have money and hunger? Is it right to purchase the rust bucket chariot so that you will suffer the pains of upkeep? Is it required of us to live under a pile of leaves in a part of the forest we don't, and can't own? Such people are not being responsible with what has been given them. What provokes the Responsible life? Is it the desire of a man to become completely humble among all men? That mind-set is produced from the pride of life. Pride can't, by its very nature, produce humility. Such a man might feel pretty proud of himself, after all, he has forsaken what other people crave. But his humility is crushed by a whisper of pride. Jesus provokes the true strength of life. His strength in a man is beyond ALL the things of this world. Because His teaching and "in dwelling" comes from Heaven; a place which has never entertained the temporary wealth of this place. And NEVER will. If we want to be strong. If we want to endure with stellar conviction. If we want to live that "over coming" life, we will have to appropriate the teaching and character of the Lord Jesus. While we live in relative peace, it is best to be prepared for the worst. Let us not compile "things" so that we will be able to endure hardship. Let us prepare our heart to be God's champion, even if the entire world comes after us. How does cancer become a trophy to be desired? How does molestation become a crown of joy? How does losing our job, or place in the family, become a stepping stone to eternally born victory? All these things, and the myriad of things that can happen to a person, become glory when we embrace failure. We love our weakness, because it gives us an opportunity to overcome! Even our own sins can become trophies of Grace. Such things can produce a certain kind of humility that cannot be manufactured by the desire of a man. Nor can it be purchased by any of our possessions. We encounter hardship for the sake of Christ. We encounter hardship for the sake of testifying that God's love and promise are vastly more, and true, than anything the world can provide. We testify that life can be lived, even while this world has strapped us to a post in the middle of a raging fire. We can clap our charred hands, even while the skin of our bodies walks toward becoming a lump of coal. Thus, we encourage others to love the God who bestows such incredible strength. Let us testify that God in us, is greater than all things. Prosperity, health, wealth, sickness, persecution, joy, poverty, alienation, or fame, cannot take away the riches of Christ in any man! It is the man who counts any of these things as more valuable or stronger than the promise of God. This is the one who will likely lose it ALL. Blown Away Like Dust - 2014-11-24 03:44 Wonderous, Magnificent, Holy and Righteous is God Most High! He, alone, has set Life in its place. All of Heaven praises His Holy Name continually. And those being transformed, on earth, praise His Holy Law. Together, Heaven and earth sing that song of Praise. As in unison, the mouths of all God's creatures return thanks. They are fed, according to the Holy will of the Most High God. For God has chosen His Righteous One to stand in the Gap. No sin, nothing unsure, no lack of faith will ever stand alive on the Holy floor of the Throne Room of the Living God. Yet, He has raised up His own right hand to intercede. There is a messenger from the Living God, who will never fail to deliver Life. His Holy name is Jesus, the Christ of God! All of Heaven bows at this Holy name. It is only the putrid and ungodly men of this world who refuse to bow. But God has allowed their rebellion. Let them remain: That they may be a test for those of faith. Let them remain: That they may have opportunity to learn. Let them remain: That the Glory of Christ, the Holy Son of God, may prosper. Let them remain: That the harvest of righteous be fruitfully tested. Let them remain: That the abundance of bounty from this "Place of Testing" be equal to the Glory that is God Most High. Let them remain: Until the "moment of ending". Let them remain: Until the transformation of those who have loved He who is Love. Then, then, let them be blown away like dust. Then, then, the Holy Name of the Living God will be praised with a unified and explosive sound of praise. Then, then, heaven will vibrate and shake with shout of joyful noise: "Salvation belongs to our God and to the Lamb! Holy is He who has promised! Great is the Living God! For He alone speaks Life! May His Holy Will be done forever and ever! Glory to Christ Jesus; The One whose Holy name never ceases, Whose faithfulness has become the Living Water of Life!" And the "Amen" will never cease to be heard. Afraid to DEATH - 2014-11-25 08:55 Afraid to testify. "Oh my!"
Afraid to be rejected. (Afraid to be included, By the only One who matters; Afraid to be singled out, Afraid of the label of Christian, Afraid to be introduced to what is Holy, lasting, pristine. Afraid to take part with Christ In this Holy war of will.) Afraid to lose. Afraid to win. Afraid of hell. Yet afraid to enter in.
Do you think you'll go unnoticed, When you stand with all the rest; When God throws away the useless, And blesses what is best?
How much fear do you think you will own, When your name is not found in the book? For now you fear their perception. Don't you fear God's contemptuous look? If fear has held you hostage, What will that moment be? For now you fear what Man can do; Who can only harm your body.
Dishonor strives to keep what is his; Not considering the honor of Christ. Honorable love fears the One who IS. Understanding that Holy, paid price.
Honorable love honors He who IS. It says, "I will stop my cowering. I will give myself to what is His". "SO BE IT!" Weeping and gnashing of teeth belong To the weak and faithless many. Who hid among the rebellious throng, Trying to save " life",As if pennies. By His Grace The Aberrant Me - 2014-11-25 13:20 The wisdom of God, now attends my days. If someone must place a percentage, I confess that the Lord Jesus rules, well over, 90% of my thoughts. Personally I think that is a conservative percentage. But the opinion of man cannot be trusted. He has done all this! The entirety of the gospel belongs to him. And from the message of the gospel the ascension from sin has become. I am not saying I am sinless. Rather I am saying there is placed a brutal guard over all my thoughts and actions. And if one escapes, he is captured and brought back for examination. Execution belongs to the culprit. Yet more credit belongs to the power of God to transform. For God instructs, moment by moment, according to His perfect righteous ways. According to my willing ability to obey. These things are marvelous, and a very welcome life! But something "other", even more amazing, comes to visit from time to time. And this "other", is the provocation for this writing. I am often reminded, by some familiarity, of the man I used to be. And with stunning clarity,, and regularity, I find no righteousness in my past. The word "no" has a definitive meaning. Let any memory come to mind, and my response is shocking revulsion. At first I am shocked that I would do such things for such reasons. And then quickly comes the shocking revelation that I am not dead. We have all heard it said, in one fashion or another, "If it were not for Christ Jesus I would have no life at all". If confession were made, most Christians would confess, their nod is without full understanding. By what they know of Christianity, that saying must be true. Though they embrace it, spiritual fruit in their life displays their lack. In this the saying of the Lord is true, he who is forgiven much loves much. Conversely, he who finds little need for forgiveness, is likely to rely on his own ability. This one's love is likely to be split between the Sovereign God and himself. I do not mean to say this with judgment. It is simply a fact of life. But the longer and farther I walk with Jesus, the more alien and repulsive my past becomes. It can be likened to a virus, which has attached itself to every memory; this lack which provokes amazement. I pray this has some value to my brothers and sisters, and to those who desire to become Christians. May every child of God come to abhor who he was. It occurs to me, that there may be an oddball or two out there like me. A few who actually desire this place the Lord has brought me to stand. How can such a one hope to arrive? The answer is rather simple. However the journey is anything but. Give yourself permission to examine every action and every motive you have ever had. Hold it up as one would a transparency into the light. Examine it before the righteousness of God. The comparison will be stunning. Such a life is not for the faint of heart. But wasn't it said, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of Heaven is forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it"? By His Grace The Family of Seeds - 2014-11-26 04:05 The Majesty of God is first. And there are endless reasons why. There is not one seed man has, that he has not received from the generations past. From before Adam, God created. And what we have today has been sustained by the Holy Lord Jesus. He has brought with us, to "today", all the things necessary to survive. And here we find ourselves living in a time that is "today". Glory belongs to the One who has brought us here. Let a man stop and consider. What is placed on his table at dinner time comes from seeds that passed through the hands of billions. Countless men and women have planted, and you receive their benefit. When spring comes again, and the garden is planted, let a man take a close look at the seed he puts in the ground. Try to imagine where this seed's family has been. Did Noah touch its ancestor? Did Cain plant what you now hold? How far back, in the time of man, does this "passing down" of that little seed go? As it is with the food we eat, so it is with the Holy Word of God. Yet even more so! For God created all these things we have from what was not. But his Holy Word is delivered to us from eternity; more than trillions of centuries before the creation of anything. Let us marvel at the things we can hold in our hand. But let us allow ourselves to be stunned by the age of the Word of God that comes to us. No man can pronounce the years that God has been. There is even great debate over how long man has been on this planet. What is the generation of the seed you hold? What is the generation of the day you hear God's Word? What year of God does man live in now? Yet, this Holy One, in his great wisdom, has made this place that does not know his beginning. How can man know? He rarely thinks of the lineage of the seed he holds. It is to his shame, he does not think of the lineage of the Word of God. If we do not appreciate the creation in which we live, how can we appreciate the vastness of God? Yet the opposite is also true: What shall be said of the man who looks to see these things? By His Grace Skittish, No More! - 2014-11-26 04:47 The food is prepared. Properly portioned; Abundant in flavor and appeal. _____
A trek is made down the mountain, To the edge of the woods; Where the spacious plains abide. That place where, Trees of potential wander about; Without meaningful knowledge. _____ With stealth before the dawn, Loving hands deliver the gift. Then quietly, invisibly, I slink back to my place Among the trees that Are. _____ Watch and wait. Wait and watch. Will the fearful ones come to eat? The breeze of the day Comes down from the mountain, Sending the scent their way. How careful they are, For they perceive; This is not a natural food. But hunger and curiosity win; Shaky legs bring them near. _____
This whisper finds no voice. _____ Taste and see that the Lord is good. Rise up and come join me. Together we will Live, On the mountain of His Hope. There, we will, with unity, prepare: Meals of Great delight. We will, together, come; To the place of "delivery". _____
Unspeakable joy shall be ours. For the Giver, Himself, Takes unspeakable joy at providing. Let us provide then! _____ Let Him add to His Number of joyous cooks. By His Grace Bill Cosby - 2014-11-26 06:17 Who is this one man who has shaken the expectations of America? Why has he been elevated to a place of hope? Now that questions arise regarding integrity, how is it that America has allowed itself to worship a man? Look, see how it pains you to hear the news. Look how your loss abounds. Your faith was placed in error. And now, both he and you suffer a silent vengeance. Your faith rightfully belonged in God alone. Have you learned anything? Likely not. For even as you murder the man's heart, you busy yourselves with seeking his successor. Woe to you, America, for you live without godly wisdom. Woe to his successor. For he too will fail your stubborn and foolish expectations. Your unholy lack exposes your shameful parts. You worship the created, yet pay no attention to The Living God in The Majesty of His Christ. Woe to you and the children you teach. By His Grace What If, What Then? - 2014-11-26 09:34 Is it possible? What is the probability? Does the Church lack fruit and devotion simply due to human ability to process information? If mentors are placed. If vision is clearly promoted. Do the people lack, simply because they are not able to "think it through"? Is it a situation of inability? Or is it a lack of willingness, that causes unfruitfulness in the Body of Christ? And, it can't be ignored, what is the impact of "rotten apples" among them? If this is so. If there is no remedy, for the sake of the human mind, then how much more need we rely on the Grace of God? If the people are not quite able to grasp the fullness of the Gospel they are offered, then how powerful is the Majesty of Christ to save? How great is the Grace of God! There is the least among us, yes. There is the greatest among us, yes. And a myriad in between. But to what extent are we valuable by continually promoting the epitome of Christianity? Are souls ruined by a consistent deluge of "Get it Right"? Are our brothers and sisters encouraged to try harder? Or are they damaged by expectations they'll never be able to attain? Well, now. What a dilemma to rake over the coals. And I don't want to waste too many words doing it. After thinking it through, I fall on the idea that I am not qualified to determine the answer. But it's crucial to remember two things. 1. The Church belongs to Christ Jesus. 2. He has seen fit, by Holy Wisdom, to leave the leadership of His people in the hands of men. What say you?
Continue - 2014-11-28 05:50 “He allowed no one to oppress them; for their sake he rebuked kings: Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm.” (1 Chronicles 16: 22) The Glory of the Lord has gone out as a testimony through His people. But who, among the world, has listened? Who, among his people, has believed? The world does not perceive the Holy power of God among men. And so they continue in their way. They hate God, for they perceive he interrupts their joy and ambition. They cannot touch him so they reach out to his people. In the past God has reached out to such men. First to warn them. Then to restrain them. Finally to destroy them. The promises of God are sure. And all his judgments are righteous and lasting. The Holy One is the same yesterday, today and forever. While patient endurance escapes those who hate the Lord, they are brought back to sanity by the power of His Holy hand. As it was in centuries past so it shall be forever. But who among men is wise to perceive what is? They attribute misfortune to the chaotic ways of this world. They do not perceive what is, as it might come from the Living God. This is of their willing blindness. This is of their stubborn rebellion. They are blinded in their unholy desire. Come then, and continue on with what you will not cease. Despise, ridicule and litigate against the Lord's people. He is strong enough to cause all men endurance; the evil endure in their evil ways. While the righteous endure with holy perseverance. His promise is true for those who diligently seek His face. His promise is also true against those who hate him and despise his rule over them. Come then, and continue on with what you will not cease. If you love him, then continue. If you hate him, then by all means, continue. Both groups will see the end of God's Just response. By His Grace Quench or Stoke - 2014-11-28 06:34 The fireman does not offer the fire the things it loves. Gasoline, kerosene, synthetics ,wood and cloth are kept away from the battlefield. But water, or a smothering foam annihilate his enemy. The greed of destruction is brought to nothing. There is a raging fire of expectation among the world. How desperately they want to see God's people fail. Look what glee they display as they devour even their own. Salivating to destroy, they welcome the rumor of failing. They do not seek out faltering. They are looking for raging sins. The Christian's refusal to obey is like gasoline to a fire. Even the liberties God has allowed us, are flammable in the eyes of the world. What are we teaching? What are we doing? Do we wear a sash of compromise on the clothing God has given us? Do we often forget what is holy? Do we forget who we used to be? Do we forget our calling? Does our testimony fuel the fires of hell? Or does it quench, and restrain by living water? Do we smother the world's ambition by a display of holy behavior?
"Things" - 2014-11-28 07:15 The day is fast approaching when I will leave this place. Every material item in my charge will remain here. You are welcome to take it. Use it as you please. Only the ones who live in this place of testing, desire such things. I have used them but I don't desire them. What I desire cannot be perceived by any of our senses. You will have these things and you will think about them. The moment I leave this place they will be forgotten forever. What do I care who gets them or what they do with them? The one who is held hostage, remains so, because he desires the things that can be taken away. The one who desires the things men cannot touch or perceive, this one is free! By His Grace Ruse-amentary Experiments - 2014-11-28 22:01 One plus one is two. Unless of course you're talking about 2 cups of water joined together. Now you no longer have two cups of water. In this case you have one plus one is one. Sure, the end result is bigger. But the first to volumes have multiplied themselves into a single volume. It's a ruse isn't it? The only thing that experiment uses, is the vocabulary to name the different parts. There are millions of experiments one might perform which use vocabulary as the singular value. Without a change in vocabulary the value of things does not change at all. But a change in vocabulary is a change in perspective. "Aha!" Men say. "This has far more value than one might think." And now he strokes his chin in deep thought until a smile appears. This manipulation of vocabulary is what man has done with the things of God. Man has combined this and combined that, and given it a different name. Regardless the vocabulary used, it still belongs to God. But perspective has been shifted to man! "YES!"This is the first science to develop in humanity. "Let's figure out a way to rid ourselves of the Holy One." Men still need law. But the crafty little dudes found different words to say the same thing as God. With that, they can only their own law! They did it in the days of Cain. And they're still doing it today. The hilarious part of all of this, however, should be obvious. Man hasn't done any damage to God whatsoever. He simply strives to get rid of one single word, HOLY.By His Grace Chaotic Building Materials - 2014-11-29 10:44 He who would save his life will lose it. Yes, the Lord said that. But did you know there's an absolutely logical reason for it? The saying is not a threat from God. Nothing man can build, in the way of a life, can last. The only items he has in his hand to build with, come from chaos. He gathers and digs, and scrapes together items that form his life. Where did he get these things? He got them from the mass of chaos that is this world. It can be compared to a man trying to build a house out of rotten and twisted lumber, rusty nails and screws, and a tape measure that was drawn by a child. He tries to build a straight house on a foundation that is crooked and rough. To top it all off he builds in a place prone to storms. Chaos is chaos, it can't be anything else. Such a life is bound to explode into futility, and horrible frustration. The one who desires to save this life, will find himself busy in repair forever. So yes, he who desires to save his life will certainly lose it. But the life that God offers is not built on chaos. God offers a man the things that are built on eternal life. By their very nature, they are perfectly unshakable. Here's the rub my friends. All we have ever known is a life of constant repair. We have been duped into believing this is life. Pathetically, we are secure in this belief. When the offer of life from God arrives, it is perceived as another form of chaos. It threatens to tear down the sweat and blood house we have built. Since a man is already busy, beyond his ability, repairing what he has, there is an automatic rejection of more demands. Only those people who recognize the futility of their life, receive God's gift readily. But God is insistent. "I'm trying to give you life. Let go of what you have and you will live a joyous and full life." So a struggle unto death becomes. The resulting war is no joke at all. A God born faith is required, as if a man stares down a hungry lion. But the battle will not relent. The only closure to this war, is the grave itself. Sadly, many millions have gone to the grave, embroiled in this battle but never receiving God's grace. Not every man perceives these things. Most often the battle is rejected without consideration. Look at it this way, you will fight a war with something until the day you die. Why not wisely pick your battle? The Apostle Peter addressed this: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you." (1 Peter 4: 12) Give up and live. Strive to retain what you have and you will die. Chaos cannot give birth to life. Life cannot give birth to chaos. The two are forever opposing. Chaos will destroy itself. Life lives forever. Christ Jesus offers life. But who will take it? By His Grace The Hardest of Things - 2014-11-29 19:07 What is the hardest aspect of Christianity? Contrary to popular belief, the hardest thing in Christianity is not found in the do's and don'ts. Even the ridicule and shunning of society is a trifle compared to the hardest thing in Christianity. If one can master this most difficult aspect, Christianity is a lovely place to live. No matter what comes against us, either from within or from without, mastery of this aspect makes us invulnerable. Making the decision to follow Christ comes after the most difficult choice. And this choice does not fade over time. It remains the most difficult of all Christian things. What is the most difficult aspect of Christianity? "Believing."By His Grace The Well Worn Door - 2014-11-30 09:39 The more prominently they are exposed, the more likely their fall. And the noise of their fall turns heads for miles. Necks snap in the direction of the noise. Eyes widened with joy. Legs that were poised to spring, explode into action. Not for the weakness of righteousness, but because the weakness of man. So is the imminent crash of greedy desire. Better to live in a cave in the deepest of woods. Better to live in the shadow of obscurity. Better to thrash about with wild animals than to contend among the pride of man. But who can convince the young and gifted, when so many rise to fame? The desire to be somebody outweighs common sense and wisdom. Their attention is fixed on their own name. And when the one is thrown down from his position, because of some common sin, those who desire his place are the first to attack his throat. "Devour" waits for the hungry. He lurks in the grass of the hunting field. Unseen and crafty, powerful and deftly agile, with eyes that see weakness before it develops. Mercy lives in obscurity. As the blessing of God is given to the prayer uttered in a secret place, the mercy of God finds its best deployment among the humble. "Devour" does not desire the gaunt. There is no fat in their skin. The meat on their bones is sparse and tough. Diligence has spared them great anguish. Humiliation and humility are brother and sister of the same God. But one is a servant while the other is of the family. One goes out to take, the other lives to embrace. Each man makes his choice of friend at the door of opportunity. There is no lock on either door. Enter as you will. Those who desire wisdom desire the family of God. Those who desire precarious folly desire His servant. So it has been written since the day of Adam. So it has been established from eternity. So it will not be removed until the last day of this place of testing. How can a man tell the difference between the door of humiliation and the door of humility? On the one, the knob is dented and loose. On the one, the wood at the edge is severely worn. So many have passed through here that the door shows exceedingly great wear. Care for the things of others is dismissed among those rush to humiliation. But the door of humility is pristine. It is polished to a shine and greatly cared for. Those who have entered in have used careful fingers. You would not think it is used at all. At the door of humiliation is glee and celebration. The great noise of joy can be heard on the other side. The door of humility is entered into by those who are unnoticed. And once inside there is no noise to be heard. Through the one door is a flat open space. Through the other, are a myriad of staircase. It would be better to resign from your place, and walk among the humble, than to climb the stairs of profitability and fame. But what good are these words to those whose hands are greedy? It is an easier task to tear loose the prey of a lion, then to rip greed from the hands of the proud. By His Grace The Sulking Slave - 2014-11-30 10:39 My skin and flesh, My brain, heart and home. 0' meager, insufficient friend, Where are you going With your head hung so low? What displaces your joy with trouble? Is it I? You pout with the tears Of a teenage girl. Yet I only ask you in taunting; It is not as if I care, or dare, To lift up your expectations. You will serve me well, Long past your desire. You will rise to retrieve: What gives my feet wings. You do not provide me food or water, Though I feed you and quench your thirst. Your place you cannot accept. There is no abandon in your chores. There is no spring as you drag your feet. For I will not give you What you think is yours. So then, where are you going, My desperate, lonely friend? To work with you, And then the grave, That is your mortal end. You are not worthy to clothe me; You are not prime for His Glory. I've shown you your place, I'll demand your attendance. Until your replacement is found. By His Grace The Son and the Moon - 2014-11-30 10:58 Man cannot look at the Son without wincing. But delight is found in the early morning moon. For He was born in the fires of summer. While the moon reflects His Glory forever. Let the world find its place of shade. Let His people bask in His majesty. They can tear at reflection from their darkness of sleep. But He they will never touch again! By His Grace Happy Hunting - 2014-11-30 16:58 A shotgun or rifle, the choice is yours. What are you trying to do? Bundle a number of pens together, to write each word red to blue. Infect all men with urgent notice, or to great strength save but a few. If the former fits your hunting skills, by all means give it a whirl. If the latter is more your liking, then be careful with every swirl. A writer for Christ is he who attempts, to add to the number of men. It is not his duty to be in the trench, where His soldiers pray loud amens. There is room for the net, the spear, and the hook. But let God's wordsmiths use careful look: At where he is sent, and what purpose may be. As he serves the Christ Jesus, "Eternal Majesty". By His Grace 2014 - 12 The Lion - 2014-12-01 09:27 I dreamed a dream fit for no weak heart. Yet I woke with no fear or trembling. Sobriety was in my cup as one may sip his coffee in the morning. I drank the wisdom of God to understand. This is the dream: A lion was loose among men. In his devouring of men he was noticed. The marks of his attack were properly identified. All men were called up to be on the watch and report. As if by some means the lion could be captured and killed. In the dream I had no fear. I decided to hunt him down myself to see what all the ruckus was about. Men die everyday, why such an uproar now? I spied him running from room to room down a long and extensive hallway. And so I followed as fast as I could. Finally, in the open space, I found him resting. With greeting from my mouth, I went over to speak to him. I asked him why men despised him so, for he seemed such an amiable creature. He willingly befriended me and took me to his lair. There we sat, and talked of things. He even offered me a cup of delightful drink, as we sat and mused together.
A woman lay on the bed roasted, so that the meat of her body was tender for consuming. His companion, another lion, gingerly split the skin and ate. Noticing the revulsion in my eyes, the lion explained to me that it is a delicacy and very delicious. But I heard moaning, as if from a deliriously insane person. I looked and saw that the woman was still alive. Even though only her eyes could be seen moving. They were wide open and quickly glancing about, as if one may be afraid for lack of knowledge. After a while the Lions left, having satiated their hunger. It was then that I awoke. No fear attended me, and I did not consider it a nightmare. Instead I have sought the Lord to understand. It seemed to me that such a dream cannot have its source in the imagination of man. In the process striving to understand, certain items of Holy Word have come to mind: define the lion, define devouring, define the amiable one who destroys men. Yet I am perplexed by the uproar among men. Devouring has been a part of man's experience from the beginning. Why should they notice now? The following scripture has fallen into my hand. Let those who are wise in the Living God's Christ understand. Isaiah 59: 11 "We all growl like bears; we moan mournfully like doves. We look for justice, but find none; for deliverance, but it is far away. 12 For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offenses are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: 13 rebellion and treachery against the Lord, turning our backs on our God, inciting revolt and oppression, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. 14 So justice is driven back, and righteousness stands at a distance; truth has stumbled in the streets, honesty cannot enter. 15 Truth is nowhere to be found, and whoever shuns evil becomes a prey." I will relate no more understanding than this. For what I have perceived may not be the full. Yet what I have perceived is too the voluminous to write. May God show his people what is true and faultless. May he wake the sleeping. May He protect and receive the righteous. Beyond all things of man, may the will of the Living God be done forever. In Christ Jesus he has secured his salvation. Though the body is devoured, hope remains. Yet, let all men worship Him, especially those of The Faith. Let my brothers and sisters renew the urgent calling within them. Christianity is not just religious habit. It is a vicious and vibrant struggle between life and death. Let sobriety speak! Those who count the things of Christ as if they are of this world, will not stand well on the coming day. But God is first. As is the Father, so is the Son. For the sake of His Holy name, may His will forever be done. Even so, Lord Jesus come! By His Grace Directory: 2014 2014 -> For want of a nail 2014 -> The Global Warming that Wasn’t 2014 -> Assembly, No. 3901 state of new jersey 216th legislature 2014 -> Stop Militarizing Law Enforcement Act of 2014 2014 -> Ihbb asian Championships 2014 middle school bowl Round 4 First Quarter 2014 -> Unit: Automotive and Auto Body 2014 -> Ihbb european Championships 2014 Bowl Round 4 First Quarter 2014 -> International History Bee and Bowl 2013-14 Asian Division Question Set Bowl Round Six 2014 -> United states patent and trademark office 2014 -> Walnut creek, ca branch executive committee meeting minutes Download 2.54 Mb. Share with your friends:
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