Happy new year 2014-01-01 11: 03
Prepare - 2014-12-01 10:46
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| Prepare - 2014-12-01 10:46
HEAVEN: You aint get in unless you're in from here. By His Grace Well, Yeah! - 2014-12-01 10:53 It was true and I wrote it. Believe it or not, it's still true. The Immeasurable Difference - 2014-12-02 11:26 I tried to write of the difference between man and the Majesty of God. A pile of waded up thoughts fill the trash can of my mind. And what is provided below, lacks sufficient power to explain. I found it very easy to point to the limited nature of man. But when it came to writing what God has shown me in regard to His Holiness, I found myself unable. Even the tiny things of Christ, that I can perceive, are unstable in my mind. Man is not permitted, by the very nature of our being, to speak of the Glory of God. Water does not know what it's like to be dirt, which restrains it. And it is pressed about by the air, that it may retain its place. And the dirt, from which we are cast, knows nothing of the nature of water or air, yet it is subject to erosion by both. As quickly as it is exposed, demise greets it. Air does not know what it is like to be water or dirt. Yet it can suspend both, and is subject to their enforced places of limit. And what shall be said of the nature of fire? It is as if a being of its own. Intensity is the only restriction it knows among the three. How great is the Majesty of He who has done these things? How utterly unlike us is the Holy One and his Christ? How much devotion and praise is due to His Holy name? For He has created us for the purpose of salvation. And this by His own Holy Blood. How pathetic is man? Not only is he unable to understand the nature of God, but his rebellion compounds the difference. For he refuses to even give HIM consideration.Man is caught up in his own things. Man spends his days consumed with worshipping what he can make with what God has provided. But what will the state of their affairs be (those who refuse his loving counsel), when the Holy One rises to reveal Himself? By His Grace The Strong Onslaught - 2014-12-02 11:59 My apologies. I know my writings often only amount to ramblings. I know they are often hard to follow. One comes away as if having received a stiff upper hook to the jaw. But they are product of a driving hurricane of inspiration. As if a relentless storm forces its power filled wind through a constricting tunnel. By this, it's amazing that anything coherent comes out at all. May the mercy of God attend those who dare to read the writings of hiwaychristian. Yet, inspite my limit, may He grant understanding; raising up salvation in the fearless. By His Grace Wordless Wonder - 2014-12-02 13:08 Wordlessly my little dog speaks to me of volumes. The rock on which I stubbed my toe proclaims to me, "I am here!" Such is the marvelous conversation of creation. How should we be surprised, that the Living God speaks to us by what is? By His Grace Successful Christianity - 2014-12-03 16:29 What characterizes a successful Christian? He has something that's rather rare. Something that many, apparently, never even know exists. And it must be rare because all the Christians are still trying to find it. That in itself, makes this a worthwhile post. He's a detriment to the Christian publishing business. He's simply not that interested in mainline Christianity. He doesn't need "how to" books, he's already doing it. He doesn't need someone to provoke inspiration, he can't shut it off. But this in itself doesn't make him a successful Christian. It's highly likely he does not have a lot of friends. Though he is the one steady enough to confide in. People rarely seek him out. He just doesn't play well with others. He hates no one. But he also trust no one. And over time that becomes rather obvious. Still, no "pin the tail on the donkey" here. The successful Christian knows where his Bible is at all times. He may or may not be able to quote you chapter and verse. But you'll find him busy doing it. Yet this isn't what sets him apart from the rest. Many fall into legalistic adherence to the Word. Many! What is it that has cut him away from the larger portion of the flock? Why is this one successful, while the others flounder about? If he has no interest in the things of mainline Christianity, how can he be called successful? And if the successful Christian can't memorize chapter and verse, what was the use of their notation? Two really good questions. But I'll let the reader answer for himself. When you finally realize the answers, you'll be amazed. The successful Christian understands the meaning of the name "Christ". And he realizes, with stark nakedness, that he does not own this understanding, because he studied. He realizes that Christ knows him, and he knows Christ because of the merciful introduction from the Father. In the successful Christian's mind, he has only one thing that he can call his own. To whatever extent a person owns this, he is a blowout success. (watch for caveat.) A successful Christian is always looking for opportunity to obey (bingo!). This is the only item of Christianity we can own. Everything else comes from God. Obedience comes from mastery of the will. (Slow down please. Caveat ahead.) Though it must be said that no man masters the will, without the direct guidance of Christ Jesus. The successful Christian has made up his mind to dedicate himself to mastery. The mutual work of Christ Jesus and man comes to a head in the man's will. You know the really sad part about this entire writing, is that I felt it necessary. By His Grace Mental Fog - 2014-12-03 20:36 When something really bad happens to us, there's always a few moments of disbelief. It's like our brain goes into fog mode. Depending on the severity of the problem, that fog mode can last a couple of seconds, or up to a couple of weeks. Some people never return to normality. There are millions of people depending on Jesus to save them. But they do nothing in return. I guess they figure they'll just walk through unscathed. It's impossible for me to come away with that kind of response to the gospel in the Bible. There so many warnings to the faithless, the fearful, and the thankless. One warning that stands out, really tall, is: "Cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers". How can you read that and have no response? How can you read that and have no fear; the kind of fear that motivates? I don't claim to know what happens after death. But I wonder if that mental fog will fall on those who don't get what they think they're going to receive. Will there be a moment of incoherent oblivion, as the angels come and snatch him up? Coherent thought returns just as he falls down into the pit. If you won't serve the Lord out of love, at least let fear motivate you. We are told that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. It would be wise to begin somewhere. You won't serve Him in fear long. He told us, and I testify it's true, My Father will honor the one who honors me". By His Grace Philippians 2: 15 - 2014-12-03 21:19 [. . .] "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation." What does the Apostle Paul mean by this, in his letter to the Philippians? Is it possible to read into this, "It's okay to toy with sin, after all there's grace"? You gotta be a blithering idiot to read that in there. I mean no particular offense to blithering idiots. But I have met some people in the past who say there is no such thing as sin. and these folks consider themselves Christians. Really? And I know there are hundreds and thousands of people who think all they have to do is roll back their lust a little bit. Don't sin as often, or don't enjoy it as much as you used to. Really? Heaven is not a fast burger joint. No one will say to you there, "Have it your way". What will be expected in heaven is expected now. Look, just get busy chipping away at your sins. If you have to be caught doing something get caught trying! Either way, you will be caught! Don't think you're going to get rid of them for a day, week, month or a year. Get rid of them for eternity. If you find something you can't whoop, take it to God in earnest prayer. If it doesn't go away, keep taking it to God in prayer! Judge for yourself: which is better, to die in your sins, or to die in earnest prayer? This ain't no dress rehearsal! By His Grace The Proper Use of Greed and Jealousy - 2014-12-04 09:18 "You do not know me or my Father,” Jesus replied. “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” (John 8: 19) God's people speak of heavenly things. And when they speak so, they speak of things the world is not able to understand. Just before the Lord spoke the words cited above, he said this: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” Therefore as you follow the living God in Christ, do not be surprised that you are not received or understood. But as we speak what is true and faultless, let their lack of understanding be a source of joy. We strive to interpret for their benefit. But understanding must come from the Holy Father. If anyone wants to understand, let him humble himself before the Living God and ask for wisdom. We are adopted into a foreign land. But they remain natives of this place of testing. We speak the language of the land into which we are adopted. Let us boldly speak according to the will of God. Allow God's power to be displayed in our speech. We were once native of this place also. In this, to some extent, we are bilingual. But our allegiance must be first to the One who calls us home. It is not profitable to rejoin the rebellious that we may draw them out. They speak in the vulgarities of rebellion, and to this alone they understand. But remember we are cautioned that "it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret". (Ephesians 5: 12) Display the beauty that you have received. Let greed and jealousy do its proper work. By His Grace Amazing Thanks! - 2014-12-04 10:43 Let the family stand on a warm July night. Let them coo and moan at those "special lights". Let the young man dress enticingly. Let him snap his neck to see, The beautiful girl who passes by; Yet fades away to nothing. Let the rich man yearn for gold. Let the fool demand his drink. Let the young man chase what cannot be. I have joy I cannot speak. For in this life I've come to know, The God who made my very soul. This wonderful, fearful sack I own; This knit together bag of bones, Contains the promise of his throne: "I will yet His face"! They pine away for what passes away. Completely content, this place to stay. But now I lean into the Wind, "Lead me home, my Holy Friend". In This Life--Collin Raye with lyrics: http://youtu.be/pOKqidAsRTs By His Grace The People of Restraint - 2014-12-04 11:44 It is flesh who cannot see. It is this place relegated to obscurity. All of heaven is open space free and blessed to be. Constrained, that is we. By His Grace Secret Christians - 2014-12-04 13:40 You heckle from the sidelines. What shame belongs to you! The one who is blameless, and purified, Has willingly died for you. And you! You keep it secret, That faith you say you have. While he endured the scourging; That bloody nail pierced bath! What shame belongs to you who hide, And hope it goes away. You live with joy because you think He'll save you on that day. You laugh and dine without a care. You dress yourself in the finest fare! All the while your fearful stare, Identifies who you are. By His Grace To What End? - 2014-12-05 06:57 I can play the guitar and sing songs that praise God. But to what end? With the simple flick of a switch, men can listen to much better quality of music than I can produce. The simple days are gone. The days when a man might sit near the fire and entertain his loved ones with the music he can make, are gone. They won't come back in my life time. If, indeed, they ever come back among men. I could stand on a street corner and preach the word of God, in what variety of means might come to my heart. But to what end? Shall the steel of the passing cars hear my words and repent? Not many read lips. And their passing is far too quick to gain more than a simple word, as they speed by. The simple days of inclusion are gone. Now is the day of isolation. And just think what this isolation is breeding. Those in control of mass media hold the attention of the general public. Gone is the day when a man might affect the passing public with the Gospel. It's gone. And it's not likely to return in my life time. I could sing. I could preach. I could dance for them. But to what end? And I can write (as some might call these works). But to what end? Every article I post, stands in direct competition with a million others. Every post I post falls into the pile of "interesting things". But there is something I can do that is viable. There is something I can do that never fails to produce. I can worship the Living God in Christ Jesus. These simple things will never fade, not in this life or the life to come. God alone knows the slices between men that penetrate to understanding. He alone can penetrate the steel of a car. He alone can whisper over the loudest stereo, and be clearly heard. He alone can dance before them with entrancing creation. He alone can write on our hearts! He alone knows how to obliterate the noise of man. He alone can drive a man to his knees in convulsive sobbing at the wickedness of the man's heart. And when He appears, then comes Life! Prayer, direction of the will, that certain "listening" to what is, and obedience to what I know is holy, these things I can do. And they will never fail to produce that bounty that God deserves to have for the Life He has promised and delivered to those who love Him.
Filthy Putrid Tares! - 2014-12-05 12:47 Are you a "Tare"? It's highly unlikely that you'd be reading this if that were so. Tares don't go looking to better themselves in Christ. And they don't go snooping around in holy oriented writings. They might be able to mingle among the wheat. But they do that for identity purposes. It's not that they admire the wheat. They're not "wannabe" Christians. They're socialites that like being identified with the "glamorous" lifestyle of dedicated Christianity. How pathetically lacking in insight. There's nothing glamorous about Christianity. Dying to self, serving with no thanks, being hated for the way we think, and being outcast (often) from even those who seek to serve the Lord. There is nothing glamorous about such a life. How pathetic then are those who desire to be identified with such, yet make no attempt to "become" on their own. No, if you're a tare, you're not likely to sit at home and read such an article as this. So that begs the question: "Why did you write this then?" Because I wanted to write something about the problem of the wheat and tares among us. Because there are so many articles already written by a myriad of authors. Because the problem still persists, and little can be done about it. Because the wheat often suffer at the infiltration of filthy hearts. Because I despise such a soul's disregard for what is holy. Because I wanted to poke fun at their obvious lack of respect for the Living God. And because I hate what such people have done to the beautiful assembly of dedicated hearts. Wherever they appear, there is a putrid stench of "self" floating through out the body of Christ! And this comes to us courtesy of Christ's enemy.
Let them come read. Let them come and be ashamed. Let them come and consider that they have no part in the promises of Christ to His people. Let them come and realize that they will be gathered before us! Let them come and understand that the Consuming Fire awaits their "first plucking". Let them repent of their selfish ways! Let them realize that God desires none to perish, but for all to come to the full knowledge of salvation. Let them REPENT and LIVE! The Useful Singer of Truth - 2014-12-05 15:36 The one who constantly quotes the Bible to others is not likely to be well received. If this is the thrust of his "ministry" to God and His people, he is likely to become a rather burdensome companion. Consider how the Bible is treated in most households. This one will be given the same honor. But the one who does what the Bible says, this one is prone to be somewhat accepted. But doing what the Bible says doesn't mean that man's testimony will be heard everywhere he goes. Such a one might just selectively pronounce the Gospel, according to his own faith. He might be accepted. But he might also be rather a useless "Singer of Truth". Yet there is the one who does what the Bible says, listens to the timely and focused prompting from the Holy Spirit, and delivers a "living word". This one is acceptable. This one sings the song of Truth with power and usefulness. This one will find legitimate persecution. This one is useful to both man and God. Such a one won't have to wait long for the world to hate him. They already hate the One who drives him onward. And, beyond description, this one will encounter hard resistance from the majority of the family of God. Not because he is an irritation, but because he speaks what is true to the moment. Not because he is quoting what is past, but because he brings the written, and blood honored, Word to the present. The Wisdom of the Living God drives his willing heart. Let the resounding gong and the clanging cymbal think this through.
Bring Out the Will - 2014-12-06 03:18 Where is the astounding fruit of the Most High God among us? It is hidden in our unwillingness to obey. It is as if we have secreted His Holy Words into the thicket of our rebellion. Too many have hidden His treasure away, as if a thief might come and steal their riches. As a result, many stand guard at their doorway; judging others as they perceive from their own darkness. Where is the freely flowing Gospel of Peace and Joy? Where is their vial of Living Water? Who will go retrieve the Holy things he contains? Who will reach into his thorny will and bring his obedience out of hiding? Who will bloody his own hands to retrieve what is best for all? Who dares "become", that he might lead his siblings in Christ to what is best? What is the will of a man in Christ Jesus? What power does it receive if it is brought out of hiding? What blessings are the Holy Lord of Life willing to bestow on the man who diligently gives Him what is rightfully His? As obedience comes, so the prosperity of God appears. In case my words are not clear enough to provoke specific action, let us read what the Lord has spoken to all who desire to serve Him. Let us remember: the generation that serves the Lord with faithfulness, is the generation that passes down what is good and valuable before His Holy Face. It is the blessing of their "children" to inhabit the better land. “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." (Deuteronomy 5) Re-member the Glory - 2014-12-06 04:47 I lay two pieces of wood into the stove. The fire has gone out during the night. All that is left is a small bed of lightly glowing coals. I sit before the glass and wait for the flame to appear. While I knelt before the stove waiting, I pondered the will of man to produce obedience. All the while I watched for the flame to appear. Then it struck me. If I allow the power of God within me to dwindle to warm coals, it will take some time to rekindle the flame. But if I am not lazy, I will get up in the night and add what is necessary to keep the fire burning hot on cold nights. I do not need to lay shivering under the slim covers of a warm room. How shall I continue the flame? Do not be lazy. Get up and pray. Go to the Word, that you might Re-member the glory which fades with neglect. Get your will assembled before the Lord and consider His desire. Refine dedication to godliness. Be diligent in the things that stoke the raging flame of the Gospel within. Time steals what is useful by consuming what is provided. Recapture, then, what is useful. Add fuel to the holy fire that brings life.
The Perplexing Question - 2014-12-06 05:46 My God, you are so sweet. You bring me a perplexing question, to which I have no answer. But now I strive to provide an accounting to your tender truth. "Why do you pay attention to these things of the flesh, and come to Me for wisdom?" You do not ask without expectation of answer. Draw up my will to answer. Summon my soul to answer. Seek what is faultless and true. Condemnation is perceived. But growth is offered. Why do I listen with my eyes of flesh? Why do I allow perception to appear from my fleshly ears? Why do I allow division to exist, when fullness is offered so freely? For surely, there is a place where I do not allow these things to divide. There is a place where Your wisdom abides, as freely as it is offered. Shall I blame the condition of limit, in which man is forced to live? That is no answer to Your earnest question. That is to seek an excuse. I shall ponder this with willing heart. For You call me to "All". And there is "All" for the taking. Holiness beckons. The fullness of Stephen awaits. I stand between fullness and want. I stand at the door of "becoming". Why hesitate? For now, I can't answer. What a shame to me that I should not be able to give an immediate answer. What a shame to me that You should have to ask. Yet what possibilities for Your Glory are present! What service remains undone. What rekindling of flame demands too much time. What a raging story is yet to be written. By Your Grace we prosper, and that for Your Glory's sake. Direct my mind. Direct my will to hear. Regardless the surroundings, Your people should endure with great vigor. This is so. This is true! Show me how to endure, according to the power of You, O Christ of God. Flying Free - 2014-12-06 06:50 There can be no shame within me, to expose my lack before the Living God. For by such exposition, both I and His people are strengthened to what is "more". I cannot boast in my weakness. But I can address openly, the things the Lord exposes. And how His Holy expectation deserves an answer. He is just and righteous among us all. His patience is for an accounting. He teaches with diligent intent. His desire is cast abroad. If we listen, He is rewarded for His excellent Love. Yet if we balk, His desire is subjected to frustration. Now we look to His patient love. With open heart, and eyes of the Holy Spirit, we turn to face Him. Approach with confidence, for this is the promise which He wrote in His Holy Blood. What is His Holy Covenant, what value is it to us? The answer is dictated from our willingness to obey. What provokes our lack? Isn't it our unwillingness to believe? Is it not, then, our tiny faith that keeps us bound? Come with me. Let us enter into His Covenant. Let us fan the flames of gifting, so that our faith might prosper. Race on before me, if you can! Then call back to speak of the beauties you perceive. Let us drive one another as far as we can. By our limit, we have tested the Lord. If we have found Him to be Good, why not break another link that our faith might fly free? Thus there is no shame in exposing what lacks. For as one we enter in to He who is One.
The Hopeful One Endures - 2014-12-07 07:44 "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him." (John 3:36) If the Lord's eternal word says that a man shall die for his sins and rebellious soul, that man shall surely die. Likewise, if a man turns his will to obey the Living God's commands, that man will find himself living. And this life is eternal life. For what cannot be shaken remains forever. What produces the man who enters into an eternal living here, in this place of testing? Isn't it the fear of the Living God? Isn't it that the man believes what the Word of God has proclaimed regarding life and death? But shall the man who finds himself living the eternal life here remain in fear? Doesn't it depend on his willingness to be diligent in the things he learns? Doesn't a man's love follow the things he desires? If he desires the kiss of God, then he will desire to love Him. The scripture above is fear to those who perceive with a weakened will. But it is a proclamation of love to those who willingly train themselves to obey what they learn. For they have come to live inside trust. They have come to desire a love for God's Holy Son. The trust God's people have comes from a living faith that cannot be shaken. Even if they are "injured" by a Holy Blast of Condemnation from the Living God, they survive into a holy hope. For such people perceive that purity is the desire of their God, Christ Jesus. How can they be shaken then, by the threats of this world, or even their own faults? For they have come to adhere to the following hope: “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12: 5, 6) Their fear is transformed, over time, to a love for He who rebukes toward the health of their soul. By this, the wrath of God is endured before the Judgment Day, that they might become like His Holy Son. What condemnation can be given to he who has willingly obeyed the Lord's commands to purify himself? And won't the Son of God direct his commands toward what the man can accomplish? Like His Holy Father, the Son does not EVER ask too much. Lust and love - 2014-12-07 10:35 Where there is lust there is sin. But as much as a man has love sin is taken down. To love is best. But if a man lacks the fullness of love, let him at least employ a restraint for the sake of love. By His Grace Trust - 2014-12-08 09:42 Of the things of Heaven, I have not a clue. By force of hope, I am thrust to trust you. Not by sounds or syllables, Are my ears confused. But by the very truth, You are forced to use. You are our eternity, Blessed and always to be. While we are of the tiny things; Death is all we see. Cataracts born of temporary, Obscure your Glory from me. Yet I will dare to hope. For what You say will be! By His Grace Spurned Beauty - 2014-12-08 09:52 All men love the truth, for a moment or two or three. Whisper in their ear, and their eyes alight with glee. But speak of their obligation, and their lamps quickly grow dim. For they desire glorious reception. Certainly not to obey Him. By His Grace "Scare Me Daddy!" - 2014-12-08 10:33 If it were a game (This war between heaven and hell that resides in the soul), the startled response of men would touch the humorous bone. Their reaction to the truth of God in Christ Jesus (The rejection of the gospel among men), would be funny. The fearful look on their faces is often a caricature of humor. As if the game that fathers and children love to play, "I want you to scare me daddy, so I can laugh at fear". What delight there is in giving. What solace there is in receiving. A game of loving kindness dressed in terror. But this is no game my friend, and I am not enheartened by their fear. This is no joke. This is no game: "The one who sins will die". The terror on a soldier's face, as the sounds of battle approach, is not funny. This Father, The Holy One, will not allow the fear of death to be swept aside. His Holy demands stand strong, and eternally serious. There is acceptance, yes. But there is also a rejection at His Holy Throne! Just as they are enthralled with his Beauty, that very moment of His unveiling, the fear of death shakes their soul to blackness. There will be no laughter at failure. Rejection is void of humor. Though we are children, He addresses us as men and women; fully grown and able to comprehend. When we were children, we played such games to prepare for this very war! As you laid aside your toys, now let us take seriously the truth God offers. Let us perform the old saying, "Grow up". As you entered into adulthood, now let us enter into sobriety. It is certainly the natural progression of things.The game of "Scare me daddy" is long gone. May the fear of God assail our frail hearts. The game prepared you to trust, despite your fear. Now employ your learning. By His Grace Listen to Your Soul - 2014-12-08 12:27 A message from your soul to your will: He stands in eternity. The judgment? He is already there. It is you, who walks In flesh and disrepair. The faith you have, He does not need. For he hears the Spirit's calling, With high fidelity. He'll stand one day, And face the truth; What you've done in the body Will go with you. Listen to him! Help him along! Become his strength To sing the new song! As sure as your dependence is, On what you used to be, So your soul looks to you now, To provide what you both need. By His Grace The Beast at My Door - 2014-12-09 05:31 Humility is a fleeting beauty For the sake of the beast within. She comes to kiss with eternal lips. And thus, for a moment, The beast is subdued. But soon he finds a bobble, That others do not have; A rock, a leaf, a twig, or sand, And he rises once again.
At the threshold of our door. He desires to have us, That he may have "what's more". This horrible, putrid way of man; This pride of life says, "Yes I can, Be more than my brothers or sisters can be"! To be equal with satan's sin, you see. The Apostle Paul had mentioned with three, Prayerful attempts to be rid of thee. But God in His Wisdom knows His design: "My Grace is sufficient, Humility's mine". It's given to man to endure and subdue, That hideous beast that is me, that is you. The deadliest animal ever to live, Can be muzzled and chained By the Glory that's His. By His Grace Gifts of the Spirit - 2014-12-09 07:00 The one who makes a personal art of the things he knows he can do, can be referred to as an artisan. ~ There are men who make worthy pots and pans. Men who paint, and men who "stand" and speak of what is true. There are gifts that are inherent from the teachings we endure. They come to us by virtue of our parents, peers and more. But a singular gift is sent from above to everyone the Lord will love. For the Glory of His Majesty, His Christ; the Worthy One and Free.
No one saw those early writings. I don't know what became of them. And perhaps it doesn't matter. For, little by little, I became because of them. He had gifted me to become a scribe; to write down the things I encountered that belong to Him. Not that I am above my brothers, for my writings are ramblings and small. I have read the things that belong to masters of the same gift. This is an awareness of my own journey. But every child of God receives something uniquely special. The Apostle Paul said this to his spiritual son Timothy:
Had men laid their hands on me, and spoke of the gift that is in me, I would have known to fan it into flame. But no mention was made, for no one knew. Decades later, I began to perceive a gift to relate the things of God. His wisdom is given freely to anyone who asks and believes. There is nothing special about this man. There is nothing special about you. But the Lord of life has seen fit to give such gifts to every one of his children. The purposes of his giving are hidden and woven into the fabric which spans the boundary between heaven and earth. Your gift is exclusively for His Majesty.
Examine what you do (if you do not yet know what gift is yours). Look at what you love to accomplish, those things that bring the Lord praise. Try to forget for a moment those things which you see others accomplish. Though your gift may be similar, it will be unique. And be careful as you listen to those who may advise you. As it was for me, the decades between, it may not be for all. But I suspicion that if man can manipulated it, or direct another along his way, the result is too close to man's hands. Read all the "how-to" books you want. In sum, they will say no more than this. You will find yourself still requiring an answer. Many assume that the wisdom of man can direct them in the wisdom of God. If you search far enough you will find this fallacy a lie. Yet many embrace the traditions of society. There they remain, the rest of their life, lacking. What can be faned into flame, that already rages among men? How is the richly variegated wisdom of God glorified, if everyone is the same? And how many of His gifts have fallen to the dust unused and unnoticed. Ask yourself: "Should that case belong to me?" By His Grace Amazing Wisdom of God - 2014-12-09 07:12 Wisely, God has established that the gift of language should come to us long after our birth. Lest angry words of frustration and anxiety begin the journal of our testimony. Rather, we are blessed with noises obscure, until we learn to ask questions. Does this wisdom really change with our years? Or does man perceive himself more than he can possibly be? By His Grace High Fashion - 2014-12-09 21:18 What are you doing over there? You're dressed in clothes that say, "I don't care"! Just look around, see how they're dressed the same. Why would you do that to your high dollar name? Fashion boy, fashion! Step it up; get on board! Fly to the designer, let him make you his ward. Will teach you how to walk and how to hold your head, From the moment you get up to the time you go to bed. You can't be sweet in those drab old threads. Shake it up! Run to Jesus! By His Grace The Shill of Man's Joy - 2014-12-10 07:03 He was born in obscurity. He readied himself with quiet humility. He taught with words few understood. He was condemned in private. He was beaten in seclusion. Then he was murdered in public. The greatest of his joys is talked about the least; the moment when his feet left the ground. At the end of his perfect ministry to man, he was taken up to be with his Father forever. In this season, we talk about the baby. In this season, we talk about his humiliation. Though people marvel at the child. But let us inject His glory to the story of our Lord. For that tiny obscure child will return with explosive Holiness. The world loves the innocent and helpless child. But they have no regard for the glorious Lord he became. The baby speaks no words of condemnation. He is innocent and beautiful in their eyes. But make no mistake, at that time in his ministry, he was so treated by those who lived in his day. Those same people who passed by with a smile, also screamed out the words, "Crucify him". Christmas leads to three bloody nails. Do not let the joy of the world confuse you. They do not love The Christ, they love pageantry. By His Grace Hypocritical Honor - 2014-12-10 08:18 If I speak to receive the praise of men, can those words be words of God? Yet if I am to speak words of any value, they must belong to the One who is eternally valuable. I have seen how men praise one another for gallant and faithful action. As if what is good can be borne among men. If I join them in this praise where is my allegiance? For anything that is truly good is born and borne of God. Let the world praise their heroes. I will honor, with worship, God's hero: Jesus The Christ. I say the following, knowing there will be misunderstanding: 'I have come to despise the honor of men". Men honor the ones who do good to and for them. As a man may lay down his life (to whatever portion) for his fellow brother, he is honored.All the while, it is easy for them to despise the One who made them. The One who truly loves them. The One whom they have murdered. The One who is shunned among them, even to this day. Such honor of man is important among men, but only if it teaches us to treat The Living God with severe honor. But this is not the definition used by men. Men are paid to do what is good. They are paid with money or fame; a type of immortality is placed on the mantle. By this, men purchase honor. Is it then truly honor? Or does man hold one another hostage for the sake of reward? But there is one who came, that he may do the will of the One who is forever Good. Laying aside all possible human reward, he gave of himself without quarter. What honor of man can compare? Yet what distinct lack of honor men give him. Every man knows this! It is willing ignorance which keeps it hidden. Willfully they are led to the pageantry of honor for those who are less than He. They gladly stand at parades and wave their national flag. Even a tear or two may be seen. But mention the Living God's Christ in a crowd of men and you will see them quietly disperse. So man's definition of Honor is defined. This will not change until the Holy One is revealed. But I am allowed to despise this hypocrisy of man. By His Grace C.J. Penn (2014-12-11 11:55:29) We are sad creatures, aren't we. hiwaychristian (2014-12-11 11:56:13) But for the grace of God. . . C.J. Penn (2014-12-11 12:02:01) Yep. Without Jesus, I'm nothing. And I'm so grateful for that fact. hiwaychristian (2014-12-11 12:08:26) The longer I walk with Him the more wicked I see I was. " as a charred stick rescued from the flames". Wicked to the Core - 2014-12-10 09:19 I believed, long before I started writing, that man is wicked to the core. This hope of a man-made utopia is a pipe dream that will never come true. And those who put their trust in men to design it, and bring it to be, will find themselves disappointed. I write this because it just occurred to me that over the years, my writings have given proof for my belief. Before I begin to write, I was often in debate over this issue. In my heart I knew it, but I lacked the longevity of proof. Since I could not substantiate, with examples, what I proposed to be, they simply referred to me as cynical. I was relegated to a room in the hotel called "Pessimism". Before this, I relied on my own perception; the proof that man supplied by driving me to a dark corner of society. But it is impossible for me to stand alone as a witness with my own perception. What good is it if I point the finger at them? It is simply my finger; the weakend finger of an unhappy camper. And so the proclamation required many examples. Let them point their fingers at themselves. But there is proof in the volume of this place. And isn't that the very reason why this is not an amazingly popular blog? I used to think it was the name of Christ that drove people away. And I was perplexed, for millions attend church every Sunday. Where were my brothers who believe the same as I? Why was I shunned by those who profess the name of Christ? But there is one item in these writings that sides with Christ very strongly; all of our righteous deeds are as filthy rags. For this the masses have been driven away. (no pun intended) By His Grace Two Lions - 2014-12-11 07:19 The forgiveness of Christ is the ultimate power for life. If a man's sins are forgiven, his conscience is cleaned. Where then is regret? Where then is fear? Where then is strength to live? What kind of joy should this one own? What kind of man should he be able to become? Are you willing to dissect this truth with me? Are you willing to be free of regret? Are you willing to become fearless? Are you willing to become endlessly strong? Are you willing to be full of joy? Are you willing to become a child of the Living God? It may be that you have said yes to all these. But if these are not a part of your life, have you asked why? And if you asked, were you able to endure the answer? These things are true for the one who is forgiven. Why then are they not true for you? I don't mean to attack you or to judge. I simply asked the question that everyone in Christ is asking. "If the forgiveness of Christ is real, then why do I struggle so?" You believe the things of the gospel. But the problem is application to you. At your best moment, and full of generosity, you perceive that forgiveness is available to every man. But in your personal practice, that application comes and goes. It gives you strength and leaves. Why does it leave? If it leaves, have you pondered why it even comes at all? If Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever, why not you? Why can't you have that familiar strength all the time? The answer, whether we like it or not, is diligence. When we are strong in Christ, by His forgiveness, it is because we have taken time to assess our situation. It is because we fail to sit quietly and make assessment, that we falter and lose our strength. Isn't this so? Then it takes a strong man to receive the things of Christ. It takes one who is dedicated purely to living the truth. As a man is lazy in the things of Christ, so his faith will lack. We could call such a soul, a sluggard. Couldn't we? Proverbs 26 addresses this very clearly.
a fierce lion roaming the streets!” Yes there's a lion roaming the streets. And for this the sluggard keeps his door shut. But hear this truth! There is also a lion in your own house. The Lion of Judah roams the streets seeking earnest hearts. While the lion who devours, lives among your things. The One is fearsome and free. The other is domesticated and emaciated. As you can understand, let me say this: Get off your couch, open the door, and walk in the streets. If you have faith, prove it to yourself. Become diligent. The domesticated one will not go with you, he will remain emaciated and sleeping on the couch. But you! Go out into the street and call for Him. The Lion of Judah is free and full of fire. Yet you know you do not fear him. You fear your own weakness. You know he can take away your weakness and give you strength. You know he can decimate your regret. You know he can make you fearless. You know he can give you the fullness of life. Then the choice is yours. Remain with your pet domesticated and emaciated lion, or go out in the street and live. If I say to you, "I live in the street", I would be a liar. For I wake in my house just like you. But he teaches me to walk past the couch and go outside. As honestly as I can, I tell you, this takes great strength. But my brothers and sisters, it is so sincerely worth it! In my past, laziness has destroyed me. But as I listen to him, I retain diligence. This truth he teaches me, is the same for all men. By His Grace In Pursuit of Blasphemy - 2014-12-11 08:31 No one testifies of Christ because he loves to testify. And the ones, whose motive is to testify alone, will fail and fall away. Those who remain, testify because they are driven. The power of Christ's love is that compelling. The power of the Holy Spirit gives no quarter. They testify with vigorous soul. They are not concerned with the popularity of their testimony. Though no one reads their words, they are convinced that what the Lord has done will not return to Him void. You cannot make them stop. They themselves cannot affect a ceasing. For the Lord has come to dwell within them. 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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