If we Live

“If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.” Romans 14:8-9


To simplify our present conscious experience, we exist but for one purpose; to know God and to acknowledge our love for him. This is accomplished by a myriad of thoughts, emotions, and actions that when reduced to a simmer become our theologies and doctrines.

We all, by the grace of God through Jesus Christ, could have simply moved on from this world at the moment of our conversion and skipped happily into eternal heaven - yet for some reason we are still here, still breathing, still thinking, still consuming, still giving; our heart continues, our organs labor well, yet we know this physical life is not all there is; we know there is something more. The question then changes to why are we here, now?

For now, we are held in the palm of God’s own hand. We live at his pleasure and for his purpose. His will drives us forward. As creation we have no autonomy from the creator. Our next breath is by his command; not ours. Our next move in life, be it relational, vocational, or financial rests in the hands of the Almighty God.

We do have choice – free will – but with limits. For if God so desired, our last breath could arrive today, our last heartbeat of life giving blood could be moments away. We do not know our end, only that it will be a new beginning. When we transfer to the other side, I pray we do so gracefully and with Joy, but for today – we live.

Why?

“If we live, we live to the Lord.”

There is still something for us to do. The Author of Salvation has yet another use for us. Yes, us specifically. The Painter of skies, the Breather of stars, the Architect of nature, the Father of philosophy, the Comforter of the weary still has need of us within this world. He yields us as tools for his Glory and for his Honor. If there is breath within us, then the Lord has a purpose for us within this world.

As we enjoy the Love and Joy of salvation we must bring others into his Vine. We remain alive to scatter the seed of salvation for the design and plans of the Kingdom lie within our stewardship. We have but a few years to not only live as the salt of the earth, but also to act as the plowmen, as the sowers.

If we live, may we live to the Lord.

Think, It's OK.

When Jesus was asked, ‘which command is the most important?’ his answer was two fold: To love God and to love others. On these two truths all other commands hang in the balance. We find in three separate accounts this question posed. In all three variations the first command offers to:

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind' - Matthew 22:37, Mark 12:30, Luke 10:27 –

With this proclamation, we have been given the opportunity to love God. We should embrace the entirety of this gift.

The last tool listed in which to love God is the use our entire mind. For various reasons over the past number of years intellectualism which includes logic and rational thought has been frowned upon within the Church. I myself grasp the concept of heart and soul more aptly than I do the concept of strength or mind.

But, if one of these tools falls out of favor, out of use, then the whole of the gift falters. If we restrict our means of loving God, our love in fact suffers and is not whole. The love of the heart, if not accompanied by thoughts of the mind, is weakened causing the strength of the soul to fade. The apostle Paul concedes that knowledge puffs up; however he also advises to be mature in our thinking. Knowledge, thinking, logic, and the use of the mind is not the ends, but the means. The end is Love. The mind is simply a tool we can use to experience the Love of God.

We should not fear the mind. Thought is necessary for something greater – something fantastic – something unfathomable – Loving God and being Loved by Him.

What a great mystery connecting the heart and mind? How can we begin its exploration?

“Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind?” Job 38:36

“Test me, O LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind…” Psalm 26:2

The Psalmist calls out in 7:9 “O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts…”

The Lord advises to “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds…” Deut 11:18

This is echoed in Jeremiah 31 when God promises to place his law in the minds of his people; to write his law on their hearts. Again in Hebrews we are reminded of this testimony of the Spirit.

How are we to delve into the mighty ocean of thought while keeping our hearts pure?

Let’s look to Philippians 4 for advisement.

“…in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

So Think. Ponder. Question. Inquire. Do not be afraid. Christ Jesus will guard your heart as well as your mind. The end is Love. Use every tool offered.

“Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;

guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.” Psalms 25

It’s hard to let go sometimes. We all seem to have our agendas; our goals; our plans. We act as if they are inspired or divine in some way, but if we cut away all the pretense we really are just making things up as we go. I’m not sure we really have any more insight into our life-path than some bum waiting for the bus in Nebraska. What I mean is, who among us, if we happen to be traveling through that same bus stop in Nebraska, if approached by said bum and confronted with some profound question or offering of advice, would not at least contemplate or more than likely dwell upon his intention and/or our meeting’s purpose for at least the next few days. Our encounter with him may even lead us down a completely different path for years. This idea is simply part of our cultural conscious. We have Rick Warren for popularizing this response, but the thought has been a part of us from the beginning. We have always desired some sort of laid out path; some sort of purpose. What is our purpose? What path are we to walk? What path do we think leads home? If we where to be pushed slightly and our course altered could we right ourselves or would we even need to? Who knows the plan anyway?

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future…” Jeremiah 29

Samuel and I where heading back home one afternoon last week. I chose to take him down a different path than usual. Samuel advised that the way in which I traveled was indeed the wrong way and that I did not know where I was going. I laughed; a hardy deep bellow of a chuckle lasting quite a few minutes. How often have I been so confident in my own path that I not only advised my heavenly Father that his way was the wrong way but in fact told him he didn’t know where he was going.

God knows where he is taking us, he has plans for us, we simply need to walk his paths. I love the rest of the story found in the Jeremiah passage referenced above. God confirms his plans for us, then he concludes the matter with:

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29

If we seek him and pray to him; he will listen; he will be found; he will take us back home. He knows the way, even if we are not familiar with the path.

Fruit

“The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”
Galatians 5

I find this fruit abounding. I partake of its nourishment willingly. I allow the juices to cascade off my chin while sweet aroma fills my nostrils. I have no allergy. I consume and I digest. I feast upon the bounty.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
Galatians 5

Since I have found life within the Spirit and the evidence of Spirit within others, I am now allowed to bear fruit; not for personal consumption, but for the nourishment of another. As the body of Christ we must nourish one another and find nourishment within one another. There is no law concerning this; demanding our duty. Instead there is an orchard, a vineyard, a garden beckoning harvest; inviting participation.

Christ came that we may have life, and have it abundantly. Life begots life. Just as fruit contains the seed for the next generation so our love, our joy, our peace, our patience, our kindness, our goodness, our faithfulness, our gentleness, our self-control contains the direction, the instruction, and the nourishment for the next.

May we feast upon the Glory of God, found within Christ, found within creation, found within others, and found within our self. Then may we offer our fruit, while it’s in season.

Walk

As Samuel and I weave our way through the flak of dodge balls, runaway hula-hoops, and shrieking 8 year olds; seldom a word is spoken. It’s nearly impossible to hear anything within the echoing chaos of the YMCA. So why talk? Oh, he may leak out a brief word reflecting his school-day behavioral status, but not much else. He holds my hand and we walk.

As we walk into the parking lot leaving behind the excessive noise of overabundance our conversation begins. We are still timid with the details of our dialogue as our attention is split between male bonding and the necessary avoidance of moving vehicles.

However, not until we are alone within the confines of the car does the real communication commence.

Do you ever notice this phenomenon within your prayer life?

Do you begin a conversation with God surrounded by the chaos of life?

Finding, not until the noise quiets a bit can you establish real interaction.

Personally, I do, I may start out with a healthy sampling of self degradation or self praise for that matter, in a way reporting to my Father my recent behavioral status, as if that indeed mattered. As if his love for me changes in response to my daily struggle. As if he is going to relinquish my hand out of pure disgust.

As the day slows our conversation intensifies, but it is not until I find the time to be alone with him do we really begin to commune.

Understand; the walk through the chaos is required.

The intermittent discussions made possible by my expert juggling and evasion techniques honed by years of walking in the world are refreshing and appreciated.

However, it seems to me, deep connection and renewal doesn’t truly take place until I find myself alone with God. I can only conclude the same must be true for you.

So, may your next number of tomorrows be filled with times of personal peace and quiet, times of walking with your God hand in hand. May you find deep union within the loving embrace of your Father, and may you know that you do not walk alone.

In or Out

“You had better decide whether you’re hanging on the cross or banging in the nails…”

I heard this line echo through a capacity crowd in our local theater recently. The sentiment was uttered by “Hollywood” promoting an upcoming film, but the thought landed heavy on the audience as we pondered its meaning.

Odd thing about an either-or-ultimatum is that the question doesn’t dim simply because one has made a decision in the past. Jesus charges us similarly in the gospels.

"If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” - Mark 8 and Luke 9 -

It seems faith is a fluid response to our relationship with God. Christ continues his charge to us daily as we continue our answer. We are not finished simply because we once believed. We must stay within the dynamic of belief. We must struggle with the weighty meaning of his charge daily. It is within the struggle that we find life.

“For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” - 2 Corinthians 2 -

Notice there seems to be a process. Not the saved and lost. Not yet. Those who are being saved, those who are perishing.

The more we reflect upon the triune God, allowing his power to flow through us, the more we come into unity with Christ. The more we unite to Christ, the stronger the reality of his eternal suffering. We must suffer with him in order to rise again.

Are we with him or against him?

Limited Freedom?

Art is limitation; the essence of every picture is the frame. If you draw a giraffe you must draw him with a long neck. If in your bold creative way you hold yourself free to draw a giraffe with a short neck you will really find that you are not free to draw a giraffe.

G.K. Chesterton (Orthodoxy, 71)

There is freedom in Christ. There is mercy and grace and complete confidence of salvation and acceptance in Christ. But why do we sometimes view freedom as a license to throw out guidance and instruction. I wish to be free in Christ. Not free from Christ. To be free from Christ is to accept the shackles of sin. To be free in Christ is to submit to his authority.

I want to be free to draw a giraffe and marvel at its brilliance.

I want to be free to draw a short necked impersonation of a giraffe and gawk at its awkwardness to the point of returning to the creative beauty of Christ.

In all things I wish to see Christ. This helps me to stay framed.

Jesus does the impossible: He travels to enemy territory and converses with the enemy as if he loves them. In fact, he does love them. In fact, he heals and liberates his enemies. He is bold and provocative, and he expects his followers to do as he does; he wants them to risk their lives, to reconcile everyone, and so radiate the truth of nonviolence. He urges them to go “to the other side,” to meet their culture’s enemies and to carry forth the good news of God’s reconciling love. He believes they will do greater works than he…. Have we ever traveled to enemy territory? Have we ever faced the fear of entering a war zone and conversing with the enemy about peace? Have we ever been invited to walk the stormy waters of reconciliation?

John Dear "Jesus the Rebel"

Wow

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:

"I dwell in the high and holy place,
and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
and to revive the heart of the contrite."

Isaiah 57:15

Laugh at horse and rider

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Aaron Shust


Job 39 - Consider the stork.

She lays her eggs on the ground
and lets them warm in the sand,

unmindful that a foot may crush them,
that some wild animal may trample them.

She treats her young harshly, as if they were not hers;
she cares not that her labor was in vain,

for God did not endow her with wisdom
or give her a share of good sense.

Yet when she spreads her feathers to run,
she laughs at horse and rider.


I am not skilled to understand
What God has willed, what God has planned
I only know at His right hand
Stands one who is my Savior...

My Savior loves, My Savior lives
My Savior's always there for me
My God: He was, my God; He is
My God is always gonna be

Aaron Shust


Isaiah 40:31

but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.


Sometimes you just have to place your hope in the LORD and run: Laughing at horse and rider.

Gracious Love

"The more a true saint loves God with a gracious love, the more he desires to love him, and the more uneasy is he at his want of love to him: the more he hates sin, the more he desires to hate it, and laments that he has so much remaining love to it: the more he mourns for sin, the more he longs to mourn for sin: the more his heart is broke, the more he desires it should be broke: the more he thirsts and longs after God and holiness, the more he longs to long, and breathe out his very soul in longings after God: the kindling and raising of gracious affections is like kindling a flame; the higher it is raised, the more ardent it is; and the more it burns, the more vehemently does it tend and seek to burn…

Jonathan Edwards

Blessed is the man who, having nothing to say, refrains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.

George Eliot

Faith

Faith walks by light
Bidding us come

Faith walks in dark
Fearing not

Faith guides all right
Leading through the night

Promising of sweet, sweet home

Take me by the hand
Lead me

Help me make it through

Do not allow me to run too fast
Lest I forget and leave you

Daniel Lyles

Give me strength to resist, patience to endure, consistency to persevere...

- Thomas Kempis

Innumerable times a whole Christian community has broken down because it had sprung from a wish dream. The serious Christian, set down for the first time in a Christian community, is likely to bring with him a very definite idea of what Christian life together should be and to try to realize it. But God’s grace speedily shatters such dreams. Just as surely as God desires to lead us to a knowledge of genuine Christian fellowship, so surely must we be overwhelmed by a great disillusionment with others, with Christians in general, and, if we are fortunate, with ourselves.

- Dietrich Bonhoeffer

What a chimera, then, is man! What a novelty, what a monster, what a chaos, what a subject of contradiction, what a prodigy! Judge of all things, feeble worm of the earth, depository of truth, sewer of uncertainty and error, the glory and shame of the universe!

-Blaise Pascal

Smelly God?

Does God speak through a smelly security guard ranting about Mexicans?

Can one take floating words and mingle them into desired context –
so that the perspective of the receiver is altered?

Is this allowed?

“Stay right hear until I let you out.” –
“I’ll open the door for you when it’s time for you to leave.” –
“I am the one that opens and closes the gate.” –
“There are others who said I would open the gate, but they do not have the authority to speak for me.” –

Are these words?

God?

Security Man?

Do you believe in fate or chance?

Do they embrace?

[ John 3:16-21

“There's a kind of asymmetry to Jesus' words in this text—those who don't believe have themselves to blame, but for those who do believe, the credit goes to God, not to themselves.

Jesus did not come to a neutral world. He didn't come to make neutral people positive, but he came to those already dead and guilty to make some alive and free.

Those who don't come to Jesus in faith magnify his justice, while those who do come magnify his grace.”

David Mathis ]


Are you of science?

Are you of faith?

Do they mingle?

Hallelujah

There was a time you let me know
What's real and going on below
but now you never show it to me, do you?
And remember when I moved in you
the holy dove was moving too
And every breath we drew was Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah
Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Leonard Cohen


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“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

John 3:8


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And why'd you sing Hallelujah
If it means nothing to you
Why'd you sing with me at all?

Damien Rice


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You have to stand
and wait
[on the Spirit]: He’ll come round again

Sing...
And you will be heard

Breath..
And you will taste fullness

Keep silent.
And you hear the voice of God

Hallelujah


Daniel Lyles

Thanksgiving

“Many follow Jesus unto the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the cup of his passion.”

Thomas Kempis



There are those who preach light words of vain glory; those who look for blessing through formulation.

“Read this book – Say this prayer – Perform this deed – Give this alm…and you too will taste of the glory bestowed upon my brow”…

Sounds a mite pinch too close to, “…when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:5

Jesus does indeed invite us all to the table, but there must first be death before there is life; pain before alleviation of pain, sorrow before compassion. We must run after God, but never esteem ourselves worthy of equality with God. Jesus does not even aspire to such. (Philippians 2)

Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning-bug”…

The word of God compared with mere words concerning a systemology of faith are vastly different. A word of Christ or a word about Christ? A word of love or a word about love? A word of blessing or a word of seeking possessions?

If we are looking for vain glory – for gifts or blessing, with no concern for the giver – with no concern for the blessor; then there is one who will oblige – but we must take note: For he prowls around like a roaring lion looking for whom he may devour.

If we equate possession with blessing, we must jot down one last note:

The only thing able to be possessed outside of God’s grace is our sin and the punishment owed to it.

We must acknowledge all as the mercy of God and give thanks or we will find all we own is the shadow of death; the wages of our sin.

We must gladly lay our possessions down at the cross and join within the passion, the pain, the sorrow – Our ego must want of nothing – We must count ourselves nothing – All experience is graced upon us - Given freely so that we may give in return. Give in kind – give in worship – give in release – We must hope in the peace that passes all understanding and know that even this hope is a gift from God.

Days

On a beach vacation when you wake up ever so slowly; stretching…one leg out from under the covers; partial back peaking out…a slight breeze from the ceiling fan mingled with a soft cozy touch of a blanket…just warm enough to give care but not so much as to break a sweat…those days…the ones when time stops…

When the window shade opens mysteriously by a shadowed figure in the corner…that you later recognize as one of your children…frazzled hair…bad breath…maybe some sand brushing your feet…those days…the kind that compel smiles…

A good long stretch…a yawn…a screech…“Morning” creeps out; under toned by more yawning…

Coffee on the deck…donuts covered in powder and oozing with cream…

Calm water…endless horizons…sea gulls calling

Those days…

Thanks

The most thrilling moments of fullness that I have experienced over the past few days have been the witness of Glory found when gazing upon the rising sun, the stunning glimmer of pinpoint lights piercing the night sky, and the warmth of Joy found within my daughter's smile and giggle - the comfort of Love wrapped around me within the embrace of my son.

None of these things would increase or decrease with the size of my purse. They are eternal. They are not bought or sold. They are mine by the Grace of God.

Usage

How did you use your eyes yesterday?
How did you use your mouth?
Your ears?
Your nose?

Did you use your hands wisely?
Were your legs useful?

What did you do with the energy given to you as you ate of the bounty of the Earth?

As you absorbed the Joy of creation - did you allow any to flow through you - outward - back from where it came - yet altered - altered through you... I hope you did not consume all of it!

What does this day hold? How about tomorrow? Next Tuesday?

Will the Glory of time and space be for the better because of you?

Straddle

"Only the creators of the sidewalk cast disapproving eyes on your use of the grass."

• Unknown

I'm lost:

I have walked down the sidewalk.

And I have traversed great distances on the grass.

But now I find myself trapped. Walking with one foot on the sidewalk and on foot on the grass. Knowing the pros and cons of both but not able to commit to either.

Please push me.

Compassion is our purpose

It is a kind of love, is it not?
How the cup holds the tea,
How the chair stands sturdy and foursquare,
How the floor receives the bottoms of shoes
Or toes. How soles of feet know
Where they’re supposed to be.
I’ve been thinking about the patience
Of ordinary things, how clothes
Wait respectfully in closets
And soap dries quietly in the dish,
And towels drink the wet
From the skin of the back.
And the lovely repetition of stairs.
And what is more generous than a window?

Pat Schneider


I was given Mattie this morning. Her mother woke her from sleep and placed her within my arms. She lay still, quiet, and warm – her small hands resting in mine. What a wonderful gift to be given. What a fantastic thing to simply hold another in your arms.

Last evening I was quite ill with the world and the evil that places itself within me on occasion leaked out upon my most treasured gifts. My wife, my son, and my daughter where exposed to evil simply because of my lack of patience, my lack of love.

And yet, the compassion of family arose afresh this morning.


Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3: 22-23


My children again love – My wife again loves – and I am weakened by this, yielding to Love. The wonder of the story of GOD is that his Glory shines within his righteous Wrath (not that my said wrath is righteous, it in fact is hell) as much as in his compassionate Love. But the Love triumphs over Wrath and Jesus in all his being disarms the grasp of hell so that compassion rules in the hearts of man.

It is our purpose - Our ordinary patience that completes the action of Love.

May we all be broken – May we all be supplied compassion – May we all give the same.

Created for His Glory

It is the Sabbath of the soul when we heed the call to cease creating and remember that we are created.

Dark Night of the Soul: St. John of the Cross


To stand under a massive Oak looking skyward is one of many humbling experience in life. Looking beyond the girth and medley of branches to the illumination of the stars, one seems small. To internally hear the rush of great waters being pumped up and down the trunk supplying life and existence to all the extremities. To know that this tree – this organism that exists within creation is much more experienced in age as well as in quality of life. You see, this tree is under the rule of God as well, only this tree simply lives – this tree lives to the Glory of God. This tree performs exactly as it was created. There is no rebellion within its bark. This tree simply stands and proclaims God. As do the stars twinkling down.

Do I proclaim God? Do I give Glory? Allow Glory? At least point to Glory? Am I living as I was created? Or am I rebelling with every breath?

Let the music play -

“The more genuine and the deeper our community becomes, the more will everything else between us recede, the more clearly and purely will Jesus Christ and his work become the one and only thing that is vital between us. We have one another only through Christ, but through Christ we do have one another, wholly, and for all eternity.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer – “Life Together”

Profoundly simple words drip from Bonhoeffer’s pen that seem to bleed outward from the page to the reality in which he found himself. His views will forever assist the soul of the Church I find myself a part of: and for this reason I come into communion with him. Not for his written eloquence, but for his love of and for Jesus Christ. His union with Jesus connects my union with the same and together we experience community. We become the "Body" of Christ, in Christ, and through Christ.

This same experience of union through Jesus Christ alone is evident within all communities of Christ. No matter the form in which the participants partake: Prayer, Fasting, Study, Fellowship, or Singing. However, it seems that in the act of singing we are at the most vulnerable for union within Christ, at least in the form of purely spiritual emotions. Song just seems to invoke the mystery of Christ more than rational debate or community fellowship. I dare say prayer and fasting would have the same effect if entered into with devout intention. But, for the modern day corporate group as a whole it seems praise and worship have no substitution.

To use a couple stanzas from the 1983 Pop song “Let the Music Play” by Shannon.

We started dancing
And love put us into a groove
As soon as we started to move
The music played
While our bodies
Displayed through the dance

Then love picked us out for romance
I thought it was clear
The plan was we would share
This feeling just between ourselves
But when the music changed
The plan was re-arranged
He went to dance with someone else

Simply replace “dance” with “song” or a rendering thereof and we have quite an insightful ditty. Love – Jesus – Spirit - puts us into a mood that allows connection between individuals. The danger here is if the music changes – the plan then re-arranges and the two or multiples become unconnected. There is only one form of song - that is the unity of Christ.

I pray we don’t change this song, but we keep the music. Jesus Christ is enough. Enough to put us into a groove. Enough for us to commune together through Jesus Christ.

"Take eat, this is My Body"
Matt. 26:26

The community is vital for our nourishment.

Faith "in" or Faith "of "

Matthew 15:21-28

Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. A Canaanite woman from that vicinity came to him, crying out, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me! My daughter is suffering terribly from demon-possession."

Jesus did not answer a word. So his disciples came to him and urged him, "Send her away, for she keeps crying out after us."

He answered, "I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel."

The woman came and knelt before him. "Lord, help me!" she said.

He replied, "It is not right to take the children's bread and toss it to their dogs."

"Yes, Lord," she said, "but even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

Then Jesus answered, "Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted." And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

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A Canaanite woman, a gentile, expelled from the salvation of the Jewish God crawled before Jesus, a man, a rabbi whom had of late walked the earth healing and teaching.

This woman was not born into Judaism. This woman was unaware of the Law – both liturgically as well as practically. She also, at least at this point, seems to be an outsider to the new followers of Christ. Gentiles where not yet accepted, but the point is she does not hold any common or orthodox views of Christianity either. She is a heathen. A near perfect heathen.

But she had faith and her request was granted.

How can she have faith? She has not lived a life of devout ritual. She’s a heathen. She doesn’t even know the steps of salvation. Faith? Are we sure?

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pistis Christou

Apparently there are two schools of thought concerning the above mentioned Greek phraseology found throughout the Pauline epistles. (Rom 3:22, 26; Gal 2:16; 3:22; Phil 3:9) As I do not study Greek I must take upon the authority of the experts here and simply state that the traditional interpretation has been that of “faith in Christ” whereas in modern history there has been a more accurate reading of “faithfulness of Christ”

Mere semantics? I don’t know. Look closer. It may not be our faith in Christ that matters but our complete acceptance of Jesus, whom possesses a perfect faith in God and what God can do. In other words, the strength of my faith may be and is lesser in importance that the faith the Jesus possesses. Somehow we have to come into his faith, not ours.

Elementary?

Do we not sometimes get caught up in our own works; our own process? We say things like, “Well, if my faith was stronger.” or maybe the notion of, “I don’t pray, read, help, or love enough. If I could just do better.” Sometimes we may even project this thought onto each other, “He or She is just not “there” yet.” We think, maybe if there was a way to build their faith.

Possibly it is not our faith that saves, but the faith of Jesus. We simply need to align ourselves with Jesus.

Notice.

In the above story concerning Jesus and the gentile woman, we see that there is no way this woman had somehow walked through a lengthy orientation process into either Judaism or, although not yet completely formed, Christianity. She simply was at the mercy of God, at the mercy of this man named Jesus.

“Please save my daughter.”

If your daughter was in trouble, would you have a list of rituals to complete in order to activate your God? Would you rely on your own righteousness to turn the face of God? Or would you, in broken tears, melt into a puddle of humility grasping at any assistance that God may through your way.

Actualize

I was confronted this week with an option.

1. To offer comfort

or

2. To seek comfort.

I chose to seek comfort. I failed.

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Paul offers a charge to the churches of Galatia,

“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” 6:2

Christ, “the power of God and the wisdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:24)

In failing Christ, I lost a taste of holy wisdom for the sake of bodily comfort.

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Although, more than likely there was no quote unquote “Actual Sin” involved, which in context may be what Paul is referring to in Galatians. However, there was a moment when, if even in small quantity, a brother was reaching out for comfort. Sure, he has other avenues of comfort, mainly Christ’s Spirit that dwells within him. But, I was there. I was the physical representation of Christ --- or was I? Apparently not.

Life is full of activities – schedules to keep – others to care for…but when an occasion arises for one to take a pause and ache with a brother…when a chance to dive into the practical wisdom of God shows its face…Do not take my advice but look to Christ and then join with Christ in offering comfort to all those in need. These moments when the fire of the Holy God wells up within us are not meant to be experienced in solitude alone. They are meant to be shared in community, shared with a brother, shared with a sister. There is a deep connection found in the unity of Christ. Don’t let these depths be found only in theory – live them – break down the walls of division and unite…with others…in Christ…in God –

Experience the Power.

For what it is worth, my heart cried in passionate anguish for the need of this brother and for all related to the issue at hand, even though I have no idea to this day what the issue is or was. If there is unity to be found in Spirit – I savored this in full, but I wonder what sort of power would have been unleashed if I would have found unity in practice, in person, in simply offering my presence.

We need more efforts in actualizing the Kingdom, not simply conceptualizing it.

The Sign

Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:28-29

Do you believe? Not just that Jesus was a rabbi that revolutionized the world. But that he is the incarnate GOD.

Read through John 6:25-70. There are many fantastic insights to be found. I dare say if you read this passage anew every week for the next year you would find something new, something fresh, something fantastic every time. But for today. Do you believe?

Have you taken the time to play with the concept of doubt thoroughly enough to solidify the faith of truth you proclaim?

The followers in this story demanded a sign. They even suggested the type of sign they where looking for. Referring back to “The Bread from Heaven”; the manna their forefathers ate in the desert.

Jesus then declares, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.”… “I am the bread of life”…

Now, there are many truths to ponder here, but for today –

Is Jesus the sign that is to confirm the belief of the followers? They wanted a sign of bread (very literal) and he says he is the bread.

There must be a proof, a reason, a sign for belief to grow. Jesus says he is that proof. Again, not just an ancient teacher – the incarnate GOD.

Further into the text we see in verse 45 another throwback, this time to Isaiah. “Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me.”

Possibly – if we are having trouble listening and learning from the Father – maybe we haven’t yet believed in the one he has sent, Jesus. Maybe we are continuing to look for signs, for proof, for confirmation, when in fact he is the sign, the proof, the confirmation.

Are we sure this is how this whole life thing works? Take some time to contemplate, to in fact doubt, just for analysis. Then get back to the “Bread from Heaven”, for he is not only the sign, but our salvation.

“Then the LORD said to Moses, "I will rain down bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions.” Exodus 16:4

Just enough for today. There will be more bread tomorrow.

Have Faith. Walk.

Fullness

I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16-19)

Fill us Lord. Make us overflow. So that all may be filled. So that your name is glorified. And all will be complete. Amen

Seat of Mockers

Blessed is the man
who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked
or stand in the way of sinners
or sit in the seat of mockers.
Psalms 1:1

I sat in the seat of mockers this week and I must say my faith has wavered ever since.

For the most part, just prior to this experience, the “Everlasting Joy” found in Christ was graciously forming within me. Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control where all growing. I could nearly taste the great bounty to come. I was, “in a good place”. The approaching holidays added fuel to my refreshing demeanor.

But, I sat with mockers. They even hinted of,

“Breaking my chains; throwing off my fetters." Psalms 2:3

I’m sure the one enthroned laughed. I’m sure God rebuked and advised that he has already installed his King on Zion, his holy hill. Psalms 2:4-6

But I didn’t. I didn’t take a stand. Rationalizing that there is a time for everything. Rationalizing that jest and amicable conversation is always the best policy. But why? Why didn’t I forcefully oppose the flippant words?

Did I contribute to the shame of Glory? To the delusions and false gods? Psalms 4:2

My soul has experienced anguish. Psalms 6:3

Betrayal, pains the traitor greatly.

Away from me, all you who do evil,
for the LORD has heard my weeping.
The LORD has heard my cry for mercy;
the LORD accepts my prayer
Psalms 6:8-9

O LORD my God, I take refuge in you;
save and deliver me from all who pursue me
Psalms 7:1

My shield is God Most High,
who saves the upright in heart
Psalms 7:10

Heed the instruction of God. Do not run from his wrath. But, run toward his love.

If for some reason there is a lack of confidence that comes over you, a lack of faith that places you with the wicked, with the sinner, with the mocker; find strength in the freely offered grace of God and know that Jesus the Christ is with you.

As Brennan Manning wrote in “The Ragamuffin Gospel”,

“I am with you, I am for you, I am in you. I expect more failure from you than you expect from yourself.” Christ.

Hand of God

While wandering the shore of a local lake this morning an unusual form of wood drifted my direction. Not a major occurrence, however in light of my yesterday, quite a moment.

Please allow a brief drift backwards for clarification.

It was the day before today that two prophets, in trash, entered my personal peripheral. One struck me as quiet and reclusive while the other seemed slightly more aware of the world’s ways. One more rotund; the other appeared lean. One simple in knowledge; the other “educated”. But both where singing their song to the world. By chance - by grace - their parts' came into harmony with mine for the slightest lapse of time.

The first encounter must be a story for another day, for it was the later prophet that tended to find his passion in drifts of wood. He, in practice as well as theory, is a compilational sculptor. He reconciles former energies found in trash, takes old forgotten pieces of creation, and transforms them into visual stimuli. He’s folk - with a fine art feel. (This fellow was in town conducting an art exhibition at the University of North Alabama)

So – needless to say, I had been influenced in my “crazy” as I noticed sopping dead wood floating across the surface of the water this morning.

The specific portion of wood that sang out this morning was small, not too interesting; until the reflection of water, sunlight, and limb in crescendos formed the miraculous. The “Hand of God”. (To slide back to our first prophet, he questioned, Do you believe in miracles?) To be precise the stick appeared to resemble a human hand nailed to a cross. A figurative “Hand of God” was before me. Why was it separated from his Body I wondered? What would cause the “Hand of God” to be severed from his “Body”?

In full “crazy” I began to figure in retrieving our Lord’s hand. Now, I was on my way to work, so wading into the frigid waters did not seem to be a valid plan. So I began to comb the shore for the perfect utensil to fish out Christ’s hand. As I approached, I began to laugh. How appropriate – a portion of the “Cross” was just down stream. I leaned in and returned back to Jesus. But the cross was not long enough for the job. Interesting. I clogged back into the wood and found a quite long and sturdy stick. A very ordinary stick. One of no real importance. It did the job. Yes, I am currently in possession of the “Hand of God” as well as a piece of the “Cross”. The old stick was disposed of as soon as his purpose was fulfilled. But the “Cross and the Hand” remain with me.

Has the hand of God been removed from his body?
Are we as his body carrying out his will or are we without hands?
Are we in line with his will?
Do we know his will or at least pursue the process?
Although, the “Cross” is our salvation – does God need the use of an ordinary stick to bring things back together?

Sing your Song – Harmonize with God – Harmonize with Man – Live your Purpose – Not for self but for the union of Christ’s body, hands, and cross – All created by God…

Delicacy

“I want to have my keel deep and stable in the once-for-all biblical revelation of God, yet I also want to have my sails unfurled to every movement of God's Spirit upon the deeps.” John Piper

Great quote…

Lord, steep our souls in your word. Direct us in the path of contemplation and reflection. Help us to digest your word so that it is written in our hearts. So that we taste it, not just as sustenance – but as delicacy to be savored. Do not allow a simple academic study of a book, but grace us with a touch so deep that the ground shakes.

Lord, as your Spirit guides, let us have faith to follow. Let us be irrational in our love for you and our love for your sons and daughters. Let us be sustained by your power and your glory. When we fall, Lord, lift us up by the light of your face found within the Word.

True Security

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men; the testimony given in its proper time...I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
1 Timothy 2

Trust in the LORD.

Many are asking, "Who can show us any good?"
Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD.
You have filled my heart with greater joy
than when their grain and new wine abound.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalms 4

Now that this race is over - Let's get back to the one that offers - True Deliverance - True Salvation

From the LORD comes deliverance.
May your blessing be on your people.
Psalms 3

Community

Below is a great illustration I read recently in an article written by John Ortberg. Just thought I’d share.

"Years ago, while on vacation, I was going to fix something on the grill. I made a pile of charcoal, I poured a few gallons of lighter fluid over them, and I started the fire. My son was just fascinated by fire, as most young boys are. He asked what I was doing, and I told him.

"There's something about the way these little briquettes are constructed that when you put them together, the fire glows and they get real hot. And if you isolate one it cools off quickly. It loses the fire. But when they stick together, there's fire, because they feed off each other. God designed them to work that way."

This fits what Dallas Willard has said about the Christian life: "Personalities united can contain more of God and sustain the force of his greater presence better than scattered individuals." Think about that. Personalities united—people in community—contain more of God and his transforming power than isolated individuals. We should not be surprised that transformation requires community; it's how God designed us."

Brings a whole new light to the relentless doctrine of – “Don’t forsake the assembly”

Stay together – in mind, in heart, in spirit. We are made for this. There are many things to be done. It is going to take everyone.

Ask to be filled with Light

Darkness interrupts the Light at any chance allowed.

“Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God." John 3:20

John Piper refers to sin as “Spiritual Leprosy”. “It deadens your senses so you rip your soul to shreds and don't even feel it.”

Jesus lays bare our leprosy – Christ brings us into the light.

I personally, have many sores that need light theropy. I must continue in the Light as treatment for my condition. One such treatment for me has been this blog. I find a certain amount of renewal when pecking out a few thoughts of encouragement – both for my soul as well as yours.

So as apology – I regret the lull in postings. I do, however, lay hold to the hope that Christ will continue our relationship made manifest in part, through specific disciplines - which include, at least at current, this blog.

If you too are experiencing darkness in any form I suggest a simple inquisition to your Father.

“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:13

Simply ask.

Pray.

Request the Spirit.

He will give. He will renew. He desires you in the Light more than you yourself do.

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Leaving home this morning my wife calls from the adjacent room, “I Love You”.

Sweet drops of joy are found in such a proclamation.

But, I thought – How can love be received only in word. Where is the deed? I need touch. I need hugs. I need kisses. Something. Not passive rhetoric; aggressive passion.

To give her props, Kaisha did indeed grace me with a hug and kiss.

The thought, however lingered. As I was driving to the office, the airwaves, to which I was tuned, offered a brief syndicated remark from Mr. Chuck Swindoll. Now, I can’t quite give an exact quote, but the idea was this:

- Are you reading the word of God? Or are you simply feeding upon pre-digested scripture? Are you placing your understanding of God into the hands of your pastor? Or on the latest Christian book? Are you leaving the searching to others? -

Old Mr. Chuck, with a tone of rebuke, offered:

- “If you are, you are being spoon fed. You are babes in Christ”. -

Wow! Sharp rebuke, but, fantastic truth.

A conversation I had recently was somewhat liken to this truth. The word choice was not focused solely on time with the Word but more broadly – Time with God (whichever discipline you wish to apply here; prayer, meditation, fasting, worship, study, etc…). The idea was that the responsibility is on the individual. One has to personally go to the Mountain of God. We can not thrive on stories of others going to the Mountain; we must experience the Joy ourselves internally.

All this brings me to Walt Whitman’s final declaration in his rambling poem,

“Faces”:

“The melodious character of the earth, The finish beyond which philosophy cannot go and does not wish to go, The justified mother of men.”

This is his subtle praise to the “Old face of the mother of many children”

He most eloquently succumbs to the truth or power of observance and proclaims the great honor to be found in “Action”. He admires and feasts hardily upon the countenance of this specific woman, but surrenders to the fact the he will never be able to comprehend her experience.

Oh, “The melodious character of the earth,”

We all have our own experience. We all have relationship known only by God.

Taste your food fresh from the giver.

Trek to the peak of the Mountain, alone.

Allow God to touch you personally.

The Beauty of Time

To plagiarise absolute – A thought thick like taffy has been stuck in my teeth of late.

The beauty of time –

This taffy of which I ponder, originated in saltwater form, as my bride and I strolled hand in hand along the coast of the Mexican Gulf this past week. The immense beauty of the elongated surf, gently stroking the abrasive sands, took breath from me and captured it there, in that exact spot, forever. Funny thing is; that exact spot, previously confiscated breath from my lung. It’s offence of robbery is not new. Kaisha and I have frequented these shores many times before. Our spirit seems to ride along the waves.

One such visit took place more than 15 years prior, different in color as well as savor.

When we where yet mates, fate guided us down this same sandy path. That occasion, sewn together within the labyrinth of my mind and the horizon of the moonlit seas, was not befriended by the same circumstance of current.

“We where young…heartache to heartache…” Our lives not yet properly kneaded. We had different dreams – different desires. One of which was obvious on that night. As one of my dreams or desires was to somehow come into contact with her and allow our being to bond. Anything. Any form. Hand to hand. Lip to lip. Anything. How could I leap across the chasm of separation into the arms of unity? It would be safe to say, she was not on the same page that evening.

Funny – how things change. We now have two children and over ten years of breath stealing moments to ponder – but I guess – to tell the truth I still lust after the union of two separate travelers. In any form. Hand to Hand. Lip to Lip. Anything.

Great thing is; I now have the mystery and beauty of time to throw into the mix. We have had many breathless moments, in many forms, in many places – but now - we also have time, which strings these moments together into a tapestry resembling the mosaic of our union. I warm myself under this tapestry as we hold one another together – Others crawl in from time to time cuddling under the warmth.

I say the more the merrier. As long as we walk within the covering of time we need all the help we can get.

So - Response requested -

Do you ever marvel at time? Do you drink from the pitcher that strings together moments, creating a beauty nearly tangible?

Tell me your stories?

"You mean Mrs. Brazelton does't know God?"

I love stories that creep into our lives and move us into closer communion with the body of Christ.

I received an email today from an old friend forwarded through my wife. I then called to approve the use of this story. As we conversed the blessing of God continued to grow. This old friend of mine and I apparently share a mutual friend, Jesus the Christ. We exchanged briefly our faith and for a moment saw this Jesus in one another.

The following is a guest post from my friend Kari.

I wonder how much is riding on this little story? How many souls will be touched? God has purpose and it will be fulfilled.

So - From a child to a mom, from a mom to a friend, from a wife to a husband, from a blog to a…?

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I just had to share a "special moment" with you.

Sometimes I wonder why the Good Lord blessed me with two little innocent angels to care for. I know he gave them to me so that they can teach me, for one. Oh, the questions these little ones can ask.

Tonight Josie and I were watching the Olympics. In case you don't know, Josie is a little gymnast in training. She loves it so much. But tonight we watched Michael Phelps win his seventh gold by the tip of a nail. When they sang the National Anthem during the medal ceremony, she asked, "Mommy, why don't we sing that in Guntersville?"

I didn't really understand what she meant. Maybe, our past military life made her ask. We were always in "military cities", and when on base, you'd hear these things. I'm just not sure what she meant. Then later, lying in bed, she went on to say, "You know, we don't pray at school."

In total amazement, I tried to explain that in the past she's gone to Christian schools and now she is in a public school. Prayer isn't allowed because some people aren't Christian.

She continued on to say, "We don't even sing songs about Jesus in school." Then, I saw in her little eyes and heard in her voice the genuine concern, "You mean Mrs. Brazelton doesn't know God?"

"Yes, she knows God." I said.

I just learned something from my five-year old child...

Where is my concern for others? I'm so caught up in other things I don't even wonder if someone might not know God.

Today I know why God gave me the privilege of being a mommy.

May God bless our sweet, innocent, pure children.

Kari

Jesus, walk with me.

A number of years ago I requested repetitively within the sphere of my prayer life the following sentiment.

“Lord, please don’t leave me. No matter how far away I roam, no matter how far into darkness I trek, please don’t leave me. Allow me one last chance. Bring me back home.”

The admission to God that I will attempt to hide, that I will run away, that I will fail morally and be ashamed to return I repeated often, but in retrospect the statement seems rather childish. My admission, a type of constant confession. My request, a type of maintained path to repentance. They seem confused. I am not saying that I will not hide or run or fail in the future, but to think that somehow these things separate me from God seems wrong.

I pray now for continued compassion, continued touch, continued teaching.

“Jesus, walk with me. Wrap your arm around me. Take me and lead me. Be so present that you not only are there, that you are not only an option or a safety net, but Jesus, be so present as to touch me continually. Stay with me constantly, no matter where I hide, where I run, no matter what kind of failure I venture into, be with me and teach me your way.”

In John 15 Jesus proclaims,

“I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.” vs15

“Jesus, my friend, teach me your command. Allow me your guidance. Please never take your arm from around me. Never lose contact. Stay with me.”

Stitches of Life

An older fellow came by my office this morning to sit for spell. We of coursed discussed the pressing business of the day but then moved further. We dove into a more personal banter. As we spoke, he enlightened me concerning a few of his wife’s ailments. He further explained his own pains and sufferings. Rehab. Medications. Therapies.

History of his vocation dropped by for a visit as well. Apparently, he worked for GM in the past where he grew quite fond of the GM product. He walked me through some of the different vehicles on the market and how they perform; their mechanical intricacies as well as inserted opinion as to how their designs benefit or hinder their performance.

He had personal testimony concerning each vehicle that he had driven or even family members had driven in the past.

But then, nearly agitated, he recalled one particular brand of vehicle that seemed to raise a rash from under his skin. I will not disclose which brand for fear of stepping on toes of those whom are currently riding the same. But, the finality of his perturbed explicative was the following.

“You know when you drive a car and you can just feel it? It’s ride nearly becomes a part of you? It feels alive? This car ain’t got it. It’s dead. A car has to be alive.”



Well said my friend. Total agreement. Death gets me agitated as well. Life enhances the ride.

“For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:22

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20

"I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." John 10:10

Do you get confused as to the origin of Life sometimes? Many times we have a decent design for our life. We have a great design team that even guides us along the way, but are we walking in death or are we walking in LIFE?

Life is found in Christ and him alone. He holds all things together for us.



The older fellow continued relieving the stress upon his chest, from all these experiences in his life, by allowing me yet another story concerning shopping and the outrageous prices at some of our well known establishments.

To be cordial, I offered audience to his rather lofty ascension. However, once his summit to the proverbial soap box was complete he turned to proclaim truth from the hills.

“You’ve got to look at how things are made. How they are stitched together. If the stitching is right then that $10 dress will do you better than a $100 dollar dress any day.”



I must have dosed off a bit as I’m not sure why he was shopping for dresses but again I say, what truth.

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” Colossians 1:17 - Concerning Christ

You have got to look at the stitches. Is your life held together in Christ? Is your church held together in Christ? $100 dollar dresses are fine, but let’s make sure we are not swayed by fashion and glamour, what brand is in style or not.

Make sure you are clothed with a dress stitched together with Christ.

Simple words come into our lives every day. Are we remembering Christ within their framework? We must die to ourselves so that he can live within us. Constant communion with Christ. Life eternal.

Crisp August Sky

“The Spirit of God puts the people of God into the presence of God.”
Henry Blackaby

If you are not listening to the Spirit, the sword will be pulled (which is the WORD of God) Ephesians 6:17 to direct you back to the holy presence of God.

"Is not my word like fire," declares the LORD
Jeremiah 23:29

"I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!”
Luke 12:49

May you be pierced with the Sword of the Spirit and drenched with the Fire of God.

Bath yourself in the word – and the Spirit will take you to God. Your day will be crisp with Joy and Beauty will fill the air you breath. Wonderful how a little Word will put you where you need to be.

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…The Word became flesh” John 1

I love God, in all his spectacular trinity and within the communion of unity found in his followers.

"The word is very near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart so you may obey it" Deut. 30:14 also reclaimed by Paul to the Romans (Chap 10)

Our GOD lives. Can you shout it?

Express Faith

-This is a partial and unedited entry - the logic and communication of ideas are lacking - however I felt the need to publish - I will revise at a later date -


Outward expression of ones inward faith is vital to the continued growth of the Kingdom of God in the current micro culture we find ourselves apart. There are cultures fed by many influences that we simply are not privy to and this has and will be the case throughout time in all directions. The intense complexity of the unity of Christ shown within the brotherhood has and will ever change. There is a fluid nature to life that will always bring new experience and need for change. I do not say that GOD is not the same today as he was in the past and will be in the future for He is outside of time; he is the originator. I simply suggest that our digestion of this sameness may not be fully in tune with the true vine of Christ. Are our practices fully alive?

One such expression in recent years has been popularized, at least in our current culture, by the Pentecostal or Charismatic movement. The act of raising hands while in praise or prayer.

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and praise the LORD.
Psalms 134.2

I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.
Psalms 63.4

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
1 Tim. 2:8

There are many scriptural references concerning this act as well as condemnations from God when ones participation in this act is hypocritical or superficial. (Isaiah 1:15) Always, with any action, it is the heart that God views.

The idea to ponder within this discussion is not the validity or acceptance of this ritual but the power that it may possibly have within the community of Christ.

Personally I pray. Personally I fast. Personally I read. Personally I sing. Personally I worship. Personally I confess. Personally I have unity with God through Christ guided by Spirit.


BUT – I also practice all these things in community – At church.

How can one see my heart? Only in Christ through the Spirit can one unite with my heart. But, how does one know that I need their unity? There are many answers, but one that may be simple enough to digest and use regularly is the Lifting of Holy Hands. If you can so connect with God as to block out circumstance then through this action there may be unity found among believers.

Here is my testimony of the same.

I was at worship in the midst of thousands of others this past weekend. We where gathered at a church that regularly holds 10-15 thousand souls. If I where to be apart of this service regularly I would struggle to connect. How can one build relationship while congregating with a group so large? Well, the passage when Jesus commands us to love one another came to a new light in this setting.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13: 34-35

Now keep your mind within the concept of unity. When we bond with God through Jesus by the Spirit we are united. If there are others within this same unity then we in fact have bonded with them as well. So, when I look around a group of 15,000 men praising God I know that they are disciples because of their love. Their love - that I can physically see within the act of praise and lifting of hands.

I realize this is semantics at best and the argument will not stand intellectually so here is a further testimony of the same.

This past Sunday morning the Shekinah Glory of God fell upon the group I meet with regularly after all the rationalization and after all the corporate praise in the form of confession and testimony. From my personal participation I can confirm the love found in another when they are connected to God. I was moved to respond as well as to continue in the testimony when I saw the outward expression of inward faith. In my cultural paradigm we always end a session of community with a invitation to the alter of God. A song is sung and the wrestling begins. Within my own battleground I was faltering until I saw the hands of my fellow brothers in arms raised in unison to God the Farther. I then was redirected, realized I was not alone, I was loved by the others and I knew they where disciples of the true and mighty God. So I allowed myself sacrificed and the Spirit lead me from there to the alter of God. My ego there was slain and the blood of Christ was poured out.

A portion of this love, this fire that Christ came to our world to ignite (Luke 12:49), was sparked by the outward expression of others faith. They lifted their hands. My soul died. The Spirit led. And Christ poured out.

Express your faith! There are many ways to express. But Express.

Naked

Naked, Samuel sat in the playroom last night. With anguish he cried. He had previously been given direction. He was instructed to put all the crayons back in their box before he could go to bed. What misery he struggled with. The thought of this service was to much. How could his Father allow such injustice in his life?

I approached, kneeled down and said, “Listen to me. I want you to start picking up these crayons and I want you to notice what happens. Just start and see what happens.”

With heavy arms he slowly dredged his way through the pain and began to place a few lone Crayolas back to there original state. First an Orange, then a Green, maybe a Black, half of a Pink. Slowly the process began.

I then began to assist him with his purpose. Large fist full’s at a time where falling from my hands into the box.

I asked, “See what is happening? What is happening Samuel?”

Silence. (ok, maybe a whimper or two)

“Open your eyes, son. Can you see? Can you see what is happening? Look. See?”

I’m not sure he understood completely, but we reviewed.

When he began the task at hand his Father began to help. When he started. When he submitted to the calling, Daddy did most of the work. I drilled these ideas until he recited back, “You helped me.”

“Why did I help?”

“Because I started and because you love me.”

If there is something that has been assigned for you to do, I simply want to remind you GOD will help. He will do most of the work, but only if you start and only because he loves you and he wishes to teach you a lesson.

Judgment

During conversation last week the question over the imagery of “Judgment” raised its frightful head. Specifically, the inquiry was concerning Luke 12:57-59 which can be read as a figurative story concerning the immediacy and reality of “Judgment”. As the discussion evolved a number of folks volunteered their own imaginings of this unknown scene.

- Large movie screens playing the good and bad of one’s life while family and friends look on: roped off entry ways into a quasi courtroom setting: position in a single file line ranging from a specified third to standing behind countless millions of souls awaiting their turn with God: and even one description of Jesus as a 6 foot 2 inch 190 pound presence sporting a large white robe and sandals - All scenes tangible to the one speaking their image -

There are many images that, at least for the individual, assist in the digestion of such thoughts as judgment, pending eternal fire, and loss of the influence of God.

So, to add to the mix here is a thought I had just yesterday concerning the “Judgment”:


The Father – Son metaphor seems to touch me the most:

Samuel had been commissioned to clean up the playroom. And by clean up, I mean he was given three specific tasks that he possessed the ability to perform, nothing more, as I being his father am well aware that he is not up to the cleansing of the entire room.

Samuel was to pick up his crayons, his cars, as well as his puzzles. They where to be replaced to their assigned position. A task he is well equipped to handle. Occasionally, Samuel would come running up to me and announce that he had completed the task.

I would then question if he was sure he was ready for the inspection or for the case of comparison, was he ready for the “Judgment”. After confirmation that a spanking would be the result of failure, he would run back to his business at hand. (I realize this tactic is for an entirely different entry, however, I do threaten punishment and recourse does follow if I am not pleased)
So after a number of false alarms by Samuel – we begin the walk. Hand in hand I escorted him through the house, down the hall, and into the playroom. Samuel walked cautiously and with a silence that is not of his true character. (I believe he feared punishment)

As we approached the crayons, they where indeed placed in the appropriate box and snapped shut.

Approved.

As we approached Samuel’s collection of cars, they where also placed within the basket where they typically reside.

Approved.

But as we walked to the shelf where the puzzles should have been there was a shortage of quantity. A few puzzles had made it, however a number of other pieces lie docile on the floor. I questioned Samuel concerning his incomplete job. Allowed him to respond. Then reached down to raise him into an embrace.

“I love you, good job.” Approved.


I realize this illustration is incomplete at best as I have omitted the “Substitutionary Atonement” of Jesus Christ leaving a “Just God” as well as a merciful one, but my point here is the mercy, my point here is the love.

I love my son, he performed his assigned task well, although incomplete. And although he and I both knew the “Spanking” was real - mercy was given and love was received.

This may reflect at least a partial glimpse of “Judgment”. With painful awareness of all our evils, we will present our goods and realize quite profoundly they are not anywhere near enough. We may even feel horrible guilt and remorse. But once tested our increased elation found when Jesus steps up and takes our Hell will be phenomenal.

When Jesus reaches down to raise us up into his embrace we will at last be within his unity of love. Mear audible words of “I love you, good job.” will pale in comparison to his glory.

I cannot wait. I run toward the call of God in Christ Jesus. I yearn for the divine embrace. I know my pain and inadequacy will be tested with fire; but how sweet will be the precious gift of grace. How wonderful to be in the arms of Love.

Perichoresis

Inexplicably the above boldened word has approached me more than once over the last few days. “Choresis” serves as source for our well known expletory: “choreograph”. Where “Peri” translates: “around or about”; leaving the Greek literal to mean, “Dancing Around” or “Dancing About”.

So who is dancing?

Apparently God – in trinitarian form – along with us so that the world may believe.

From our early church fathers the theology of “Perichoresis” attempted the furtherance of, or deeper consideration for the mystery of the unity found in John 17.

“that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” verse 21

Obviously, the complexity of this “unity” may never be fully understood while abiding within time and space, but I do quite enjoy the metaphor of dancing.

So, from two unlikely sources let us allow the “Dance” to continue:

"Then come the lights shining on you from above. You are a performer. You forget all you learned, the process of technique, the fear, the pain, you even forget who you are, you become one with the music, the lights, indeed one with the dance." Shirley McClain

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” Friedrich Nietzsche

Prayer:

Choreograph our movements, oh God, so that others will believe, so that others may hear the music you offer, so that we all may melt into the unity of dance and find joy within your Glory.

Wash with Water - Purify with Fire

"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” Matt. 3:11

“I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:1-4

“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! But I have a baptism to undergo, and how distressed I am until it is completed! Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division.” Luke 12:49-51



There is an ancient thought of paradise based on the dynamic harmony between water and fire that invades your heart and clarifies your mind when manifested in the above scriptures.

The suggestion has been made that these two opposites actually encourage unity, that they share a form of symbiotic relationship.

So are you a follower of Water or Fire? Truth or Spirit?

Beautifully, the two hold hands more often than one might expect.

What's your story?

Controversy surrounds the idea, however most scholars believe that the Book of Job predates all other books of the bible. Written as a poem framed in prose God first introduces himself to humanity in the form of a story. The personal relationship we find between God and Job - began the conversation.

With all due respect to the ordination of the Law, the remainder of the sacred scripture is a collection of stories that resonate the ideas of the first. They show the struggles of humanity along with the triumphs framed within the will of God to the ultimate Glory of God.

Even when God became flesh he walked around telling stories.
So I ask, what is your story? Or more aptly, what is your song?
We exist for two things: to witness God and to celebrate his Glory.
How do you witness God? How do you celebrate his Glory?

The greatest command which balances all others is to: Love God and Love Others.

Eternity has been placed in our hearts – Ecclesiastes 3:11

Now, express in words your heart, your love, your eternity, your God.

How?

There must be story – There must be Christ.

I pray you take your story of grace, your story of devotion, your story of worship, your story of peace and tell others. Love others the only way you know how. Share with them your story. Share with them your God.

You that have ears; hear. You that have tounges; sing.

With the eternity of our hearts we sing. We sing the song immortal.

We sing

the only song

we know

We sing to be heard

We sing to harmonize

with God

We sing;

and we listen

hoping others sing

eager for chorus

longing for unity

we desire fellowship, for in fellowship we find story, and in story we

find song

and we sing

inspiring dance

we wash in the waterfall of Gods melodious voice and we sing

Soar

When a pelican rides the warm air plums rising from the sea; he soars. He glides effortlessly, his nature harmonious with his environment. His will surrendered to the invisible authority of the winds. His connection to the higher reality that governs life is strengthen by each thermal rise of air. He has no need of self propulsion. He simply tunes himself to the frequency of the sea breeze and finds peace in the releasing of self.

This same release has been offered to us but for some reason we struggle to accept the invisible authority. We exhaustively flap our wings. Afraid to rely on what we cannot fully comprehend. Even when we attempt to accept the Spirit as guide and council we struggle to relax into his glory. We drudge through rationality and rely on logic. Why?

When our spirit soars within the unity of God’s glory, the gospel is proclaimed. It can not help, but to be seen. Our joy is found in God and his glory is declared to the world. Our purpose complete, we experience life abundant and Jesus smiles.

Hope

If you cut the neck off a sun warmed squash you will find the most delightful little ring of beaded sweat, oozing out into the world, as if glistening or glimmering its story of hope. Hope of what I am not sure, but hope is the right word.

You see, from a seed a plant grows. Then magically, squash fills the void formed in each blossom. Rain from heaven falls and nourishes the swelling fruit under a canopy of giant green sails.

Then a man with a blade decapitates the purity of creation to fuel himself.

But – hope’s song continues - as the juice that originated from the heavens springs forth. These little droplets of translucent fluid whisper a mystery that although we sometimes overlook - yells, screams, even dies to be noticed.

When you are cut, when your soul and spirit divide, I pray the fountains of living water that flow within you spring forth, for there is great mystery in your story.

Your story of hope that originates from the heavens.

Melodies

“Adventure in the pursuit of the obvious.” G. K. Chesterton - “Orthodoxy”

This thought details my ramblings more than any I’ve seen recently. The above sentiment concludes a quite eloquent dialog concerning discovery of truth through reason; along with the natural urgings to elaborate extraordinary truths to the point of fantasy or the unreal. In his book "Orthodoxy" Chesterton takes his audience to the practical beauty found in the discovery of everyday truths. He suggests, “Discover that the rhinoceros does exist and then take pleasure in the fact that he looks as if he didn’t.” G.K. Chesterton.

Chesterton’s sentiments echo, or more correctly, proceed the thoughts of Annie Dillard in her book, “Pilgrim at Tinker Creek”.

Summing up the reflections offered concerning a couple wonderfully told stories of life Dillard leaves the reader with, “The answer must be, I think, that beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will or sense them. The least we can do is try to be there.”

The above authors confer that life in its simplicity is a marvelous gift from God. Why search for the fantastic when the tangible offers such wonder. Indulge in common pleasures and then laugh at the fact so many fail to see the irony.

Nature inspires me and I find blessing in the fact that the creator orchestrates moments just for my personal digestion. I say personal because I am alone when these things occur. If no one else is there and beauty abounds it must logically be concluded that the beauty was indeed created for me. What an awesome thing to realize personal interaction with God himself.

A few days back, I was privileged to be witness to a bird’s first flight. I was taking in all the flavors of the morning horizon when a little bird came fluttering down into my view. The canopy of oaks above me must have been his nursery of security but for today he had made the choice to jump out into the world. After a frightful free fall the small bird hovered over the surface of the water, briefly, then plunged his feet and at least one third of his body into the wet. At this moment was when I realized the awkwardness of a maiden voyage. I was about to be privy to this birds struggle and triumph.

The bird feverishly flapped his wings attempting a maneuver that appeared to be virgin at best. But at last, he was able to recover and begin his ascent into the morning sky. His little wings paddling the breeze at film flicker speed. A most magnificent sight.

Then punctuation, applause, celebration, filled the air by the belch of a blow horn from down stream. A large barge had let go of an impressive amount of sound at the precise moment the little bird gained confidence into flight as if God was confirming life with an "Amen". Emotion welled up within me as I had been a part.

God allowed me to commune but for a time with him, the bird, and the excitement of first steps - or flight for this matter - successful accomplishment that when appreciated became a melody to whistle when mind-set worsens. When life darkens I will hold on to these tunes I learned and know that “God Is” whether or not I am aware or present enough to know his love.

This morning Mattie climbed into my lap and asked me to read her a book. We sat at the feet of her closet and found joy with each other as we read through a prayer book about all the beauty God has made; all the wonder that he allows us to participate in. I love my daughter and I melt into puddles when she leans in tenderly to give her daddy a kiss. Precious love found in one another that bonds us together - but at the same time bringing us into unity with our Father God.

My family never fails to inspire me and bless me with their “quite common” breaths of life.

I find that God’s Love is all around us, we simply have to open our eyes, ears, hearts and allow his grace to infiltrate our story so that we may become a part of his.

There are folks that attempt to bridge the waters of the Divine as if to answer questions larger that the bridge itself and there are those who simply enjoy to float on the surface, enjoy the sea air, the sun, the breeze, the call of the seagull. - Take time to taste the feast that has been offered. Take time to enjoy the simple truths. The answers to the big ones will come when the "Big One" himself decides, no earlier.

Water

The imagery of water flows throughout the scriptures. In Isaiah 55, “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters,” we find God inviting us into the refreshment of life which echoes in Jesus’ calling, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." (John 7:37-38) also in John 4:14) “Indeed, the water I give will become a spring of water welling up to eternal life”.

This allegory involving water cools the lips that burn for spiritual insight. You see, God – Jesus – Spirit is offering us water…

Have you ever noticed water?

Have you ever played with a water hose on a sizzling summer day? Have you ever pressed your thumb firmly down spewing droplets of refreshment high into the air that sparkle the sun and glisten newly birthed foliage? Have you ever allowed the cylinder shaped current of fluid to pour over your skin – your hair – your body? Have you ever witnessed saturation plunge from your fingertips piercing the wind only to explode upon impact into thousands of wee lakes?

Have you ever fallen to your knees, lifted your hands, and allowed torrential sheets of glory to wipe the mud from your face?

Have you ever split the silken surface of a lake as you dive immersed – your body warmth plummeting – your swim smooth and crisp?

Have you ever enjoyed the sensation of near frozen water flow over your tongue down your throat and around the lining of your belly?

Have you ever noticed water?

It’s everywhere – in everything – and vital to life abundant. It is full of beauty. It is full of God.

I pray we all swim in -

The river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb… (Revelation 22:1)

Journey

“Take up your cross and follow me.” - Jesus

“Faith runs on tiptoe to keep pace with the advancing light. Until we know the program of our risen Lord for all the years to come we can never know everything He meant when He invited us to follow Him.” - A. W. Tozer

Faith is a fluid response to our relationship with God. He continues his calling as we continue our answer. The more we reflect the triune God in our life, the more the triune God shines back his love upon us. Not as reward, but as unity. He sees his Son, he sees Spirit, he allows unity.

Time demands process. Follow and the process continues. Love grows.

Feelings

A few days ago I crawled into Mattie’s bed just as she was in the fresh stretch of waking from a nap. I had but a moment to savor her soft calm. It was great. I love those brief moments in life that call back to the past and laugh as if to arrogantly taunt trouble.

In those times I look at my children and I see beauty. I see peace. I see Joy. The peace and joy that can only grow within innocence. Joy that invites the hand of God. And the two dance.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” We have to become as little children in order to inherit the Kingdom of God. One of the qualities he saw in children must be the joy that infiltrates their activity. The grace that takes perch upon their heads.

As I reflected on Mattie’s temperament I was reminded of Joan Osborne’s hit, “What if God Was One of Us” and was struck with the candid truth revealed through the then controversial pop lyrics of the nineties. Mattie’s golden blonde curls didn’t help the matter any.

What if God is one of us? What if he’s Mattie? Not to take deity lightly, but he did send his son to walk around as a homeless rabbi. He also introduced the whole “Holy Spirit” and “Indwelling” concepts which Christ intertwines himself with personally in John 17 as he prays for unity. I’m just saying. I know from our worldview this sounds Buddhist or New Age, but take a look back through the B.I.B.L.E and you might find hints of the same. Granted – The Almighty Power of God - as well as the distinct entities of Jesus and The Spirit are nothing to mess with, but to understand deeply the mystery of unity I believe this to be a good illustration at worst.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…Love your neighbor as yourself”.

In some way this represents Christ as he states, “If you have done it to the least of these, then you have done it to me”.

So, I guess in an inexplicable way, not in person but in theory and illustration, Mattie is God. Or at the least I should treat her that way.

I should love her beyond all else, I should respect and assist her in all things. She should be my main purpose.

What about Samuel? What about Kaisha? That’s my point…

We are to put other’s needs way ahead of our own, just as we would put God’s needs way ahead of our own. So in becoming less selfish and more enlightened to the needs of others; we do in deed model Christ. And as we interpret others lives as some representation of God then we in fact become servants to all men.

We become the body of Christ and must act toward others as he did.

Later that night, Mattie came running into the room, where I was reclining, with her brother on her heals. I was somewhat distracted and snapped at them both. I told them to leave me alone and go to the playroom. I know, not very Fatherly. But here’s the point. Later, as I tucked Mattie into bed she said, “You hurt my feelings, Daddy.”

It was as if God himself told me that I hurt his feelings.

I am sure I hurt God’s feelings everyday.

I pray to see him everyday in everybody I relate with, so that I can cull this habit of hurting his feelings as well as the feelings of others.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

…You might very well be messing with the feelings of GOD.

Name

I went to an athletic awards ceremony recently and noticed a certain boy as he was called to the front. His name was called to denote his identity as well as to draw attention to the honor he was to receive. However, I saw a much higher honor denoted by the announcement of his name. You see, the boy of whom I refer is adopted.

He now bears the name of his adopted family. He now proceeds through life with a new identity. His name does not simply represent the identity of his self only, but also allows insight into the heart of his new family. His name represents his adoption into a family that willingly opened their arms with love to allow him a place. He has been accepted for who he is, however now grows under the influence of who he will become. His name represents so much more than his self alone.

I wonder. Has my name changed? Have I taken on the name of Jesus? When there is an announcement in the heavens do the angels here my name and cringe? Or does the resounding glory of Christ Jesus so echo through eternity that the entirety of my identity is encompassed within his name?

Paul reminds the Ephesians –

“In love he (God) predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will - to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves” Ephesians 1:5-6

Christ has made known to us the name of his Father in Heaven. So that we may come to know the Father just as Christ knows the Father and that we may love Jesus just as God loves Jesus. So that Jesus may dwell in us, so that we may dwell in him, so that we all can be one.

Have I fully taken on the name of Christ? Do I savor the relationship his name denotes?

Have I truly ceased to exist as individual? Do I find abundant life in Jesus? Does his acceptance of me absolutely complete all my desires?

I pray for the grace of God to so surround us that we no longer see each other; but Christ only.

Love

Jesus prays.

“I made known to them your name, and I will continue to make it known, that the love with which you have loved me may be in them, and I in them.".” John 17:26

Devine love requested for us, by the fulfillment of Love itself, Jesus.

So powerful is the work of creation, so passionate the growth of relationship, so intense the need for communication; and yet it has been offered to us, through Jesus.

Lord, through the mystery of the Holy Spirit teach us your Love.

We also pray, “Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us”. Matthew 6

Lord, grant us your heart so that we can freely give your heart to others. Perfect our ability to forgive so that we can share in the forgiveness offered by your Son.

Patience

Driving the kids to school this morning was particularly quiet. No screaming, no whining, no singing, no giggling: simply wonderful appreciated silence. In addition to the norm a slight mist of rain brushing the windshield coxed me into a sleepy trance. Peaceful calm.

Then, out of nowhere my son, Samuel, announces,

“You’ve got to be patient, Daddy.”

“You know, when teacher is giving out food and drink, you’ve got to be patient.”

What truth pouring out of a four year old’s mouth. “You’ve got to be patient.”

Amen. Good talk.

I am often not patient with my Teacher. The Lord promises that he will never leave me nor forsake me. He also shows me the lilies of the field and the birds of the air and asks of their worry? If the Lord takes care of the world and will never leave me, then why am I so impatient? My food and my drink are on the way. The Lord has provided.

Lord, I pray you allow me peace in knowing that you will always be there and all you have planned will fruit in its own season. Lord, help me to be still and know that you are God. Teach me patience. Teach me faith. Teach me love. Amen.