I was very moved by something the avowed atheist, Christopher Hitchens, said during a live debate that I witnessed. Mr. Hitchens had initially challenged the audience to find one thing that christians do, that he, as an unbeliever, did not or could not, also do. When no one seemed willing to give an answer, he provided the answer, himself. Mr. Hitchens was incensed by Jesus' plea to God, while on the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." It seemed that Mr. Hitchens thought forgiveness, without penalty, was wrong.
I believe Mr. Hitchens was right on target as to the difference between those who believe and those who don't. Jesus said, "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:15) When experiencing anger, it is easy to mistake our power to extract justice. Our grasp of the wisdom of God, of humility and gentleness, disappears. Our trust in God's goodness and absolute power goes with it. Forgiveness is a test of our belief.
We can choose to believe the lie of our circumstances or we can set a purpose as a guard over our heart and will, to follow our God and to do His will. Either this pain and trauma, as an agency of evil, will rule over us, or God will. We can hold onto the debts owed us, or choose to be healed and restored. We can choose to invest ourselves, our hearts, and our thoughts, into the One who banishes our brokenness. In the cherishing of grudges, we are not plugged into the power of the Almighty. If it's only excuses for why we don't trust Him, then we reject His greatest gifts. And the satisfaction gained from Him is so much more gratifying than anything else.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Here is Freedom
No one can hold my past over me.
I've been given a new identity.
In the ugliness of pride, I couldn't see,
I was working against God, as His enemy.
My true nature, when revealed,
Was the extremity of the battlefield.
He uses even my mess, when I yield.
By His fiery Spirit, I now am sealed.
His call is for the weary and worn.
The veil to the holy of holies, has been torn
to rejoice in His presence, as one reborn
So His children will, no longer mourn.
The joy is real, not pretend.
With my shame, I no longer contend.
My death, it no more portends.
He holds onto me, without end.
With the surety He provides,
I can only glory, to be at His side.
There is nothing now, that can divide
me from the security of where I reside.
Forever you will find me here
extolling what I find most dear.
I'm hoping I can make it clear
Why He is the only Worthy One, whom I revere!
I've been given a new identity.
In the ugliness of pride, I couldn't see,
I was working against God, as His enemy.
My true nature, when revealed,
Was the extremity of the battlefield.
He uses even my mess, when I yield.
By His fiery Spirit, I now am sealed.
His call is for the weary and worn.
The veil to the holy of holies, has been torn
to rejoice in His presence, as one reborn
So His children will, no longer mourn.
The joy is real, not pretend.
With my shame, I no longer contend.
My death, it no more portends.
He holds onto me, without end.
With the surety He provides,
I can only glory, to be at His side.
There is nothing now, that can divide
me from the security of where I reside.
Forever you will find me here
extolling what I find most dear.
I'm hoping I can make it clear
Why He is the only Worthy One, whom I revere!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
The Chains That Bind
Isn't this where freedom's found?
Where my heart roams the open road?
What is wrong with having it my way?
When uncertainty of circumstance explodes?
A proud spirit cannot surrender,
Is unbending till the end,
Subsuming the feeling of kindness,
Regardless of what life sends.
When contemplating rules for life,
I thought to fly in an endless sky,
Permit no limits in my universe.
Satisfaction is my reason why.
The harder I run, the less I achieve.
I have found my goal elusive.
Freedom has no name in the void.
Tight is the fabric of what I give.
That leaden sky is only my anger,
Reflected beck at me.
When I am the god of all I survey,
The fruitation of selfishness is slavery.
So of my own crafting
are these chains that bind.
In the effort to become, what I admire,
Blessed freedom is left far behind.
Where my heart roams the open road?
What is wrong with having it my way?
When uncertainty of circumstance explodes?
A proud spirit cannot surrender,
Is unbending till the end,
Subsuming the feeling of kindness,
Regardless of what life sends.
When contemplating rules for life,
I thought to fly in an endless sky,
Permit no limits in my universe.
Satisfaction is my reason why.
The harder I run, the less I achieve.
I have found my goal elusive.
Freedom has no name in the void.
Tight is the fabric of what I give.
That leaden sky is only my anger,
Reflected beck at me.
When I am the god of all I survey,
The fruitation of selfishness is slavery.
So of my own crafting
are these chains that bind.
In the effort to become, what I admire,
Blessed freedom is left far behind.
Saturday, September 15, 2012
The Ingathering
Don't wish for me home. Here is far better than dreams.
The world could never satisfy, substantive though it seemed.
What will you do, now that you're so far behind?
I have prayed for you always, safety in His love, to find.
You still have the time, to change the outcome,
Lay hold of the promises, given to some.
The ones that He knew, before they were born,
Who'll have no one but Him: Treated with scorn.
In the departure, I've been called up to heaven,
To the foot of the throne, with the rest of the seven.
Where I experience His glory, with the great, joyful throng.
Our voices are lifted in a thunderous victory song.
The assembly is gathered to receive recompense
For the seeds that we've scattered, and tended since
The first time we knelt, bankrupt, at His feet.
We will now share, the authority of His seat.
It would give me great joy if you would join our company
In the gaze of the great Redeemer, finally, true love to see.
The world could never satisfy, substantive though it seemed.
What will you do, now that you're so far behind?
I have prayed for you always, safety in His love, to find.
You still have the time, to change the outcome,
Lay hold of the promises, given to some.
The ones that He knew, before they were born,
Who'll have no one but Him: Treated with scorn.
In the departure, I've been called up to heaven,
To the foot of the throne, with the rest of the seven.
Where I experience His glory, with the great, joyful throng.
Our voices are lifted in a thunderous victory song.
The assembly is gathered to receive recompense
For the seeds that we've scattered, and tended since
The first time we knelt, bankrupt, at His feet.
We will now share, the authority of His seat.
It would give me great joy if you would join our company
In the gaze of the great Redeemer, finally, true love to see.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Here's What I See
Trust me, please. This is not what you want. Have you seen the horrors happening in the world today? It's going to get far worse, and very soon, too.
The muslims are working themselves into a rage. All out war will soon break out. America will be a casualty of this violence. The new attack will make 9-11 look like a Sunday school picnic.
It's really crazy how everywhere in the world, people are just going on as if everything is normal. Very few seem to care. They seem strangely blind. They are only into superstition. So many earthquakes, violent storms, volcanoes, rivers turning red, huge numbers of animals dying for no reason, will not be enough to warn them. Now is the time to escape, before God's judgement descends on this earth. The cup of iniquity is almost full. Lack of repentance and unbelief are the sins which God will judge.
Islam is the great whore who rides the beast. The wine of her adulteries is the petroleum oil of her wealth. The Assyrian who comes from the area of Turkey and Iraq will be the beast. Once God removes His church, the beast will make a 7 year treaty with Israel. All hell will break loose.
The muslims are working themselves into a rage. All out war will soon break out. America will be a casualty of this violence. The new attack will make 9-11 look like a Sunday school picnic.
It's really crazy how everywhere in the world, people are just going on as if everything is normal. Very few seem to care. They seem strangely blind. They are only into superstition. So many earthquakes, violent storms, volcanoes, rivers turning red, huge numbers of animals dying for no reason, will not be enough to warn them. Now is the time to escape, before God's judgement descends on this earth. The cup of iniquity is almost full. Lack of repentance and unbelief are the sins which God will judge.
Islam is the great whore who rides the beast. The wine of her adulteries is the petroleum oil of her wealth. The Assyrian who comes from the area of Turkey and Iraq will be the beast. Once God removes His church, the beast will make a 7 year treaty with Israel. All hell will break loose.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Ask the Question
James 1 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.
When the demons of questions are harassing me, I need answers. I know that the Lord brings me to the crisis point on purpose, because He wants me to ask Him for the gift He has for me, his gift of understanding. You can be sure, that when I ask, I am expecting answers on a level so profound, that it will hit like a payload of rocks. By rocks, I mean rocks like Him. He is THE Rock: Bedrock: Security: Peace. Direct your questions to Him and wait. The answers will come, for it is not really answers that we need, but the proof of His presence.
The two questions I had recently were two sides of the same coin. First, what would be the purpose of allowing a believer to sin? To experience great distress because of that sin? The Lord allows a believer to sin so he can learn what is and is not expedient. He allows them failings so they can experience grace more deeply. This leaves no room for pride. The realization comes of how inadequate are our own efforts on our own behalf. Only HIS mercy saves us. One who has failed cannot look down on another who has also failed. Sympathy and support come naturally. The good news of deliverance is shared in humbleness. It brings awareness of just how unlimited is God's power in compassion, that He could bring all who trust in Him, home. A humbled brother cannot assist satan in accusing the other brethren. On what base could he stand but on Christ?
The other question is, why would any believer want to use the Word of God as a weapon against his spiritual kin? As a cudgel to bludgeon them to the point of shame? What could be the motivation of he who feels called to condemn those who have been forever justified? It stems from pride, a defense mechanism! Their prison is the anger of unforgiveness, these powerful people (in the flesh) who have been hurt. They have lost sight of the fact that the only merit that they possess is God's mercy! A freed slave has no grounds from which to feel superior or judge another's freedom. He has lost sight of the fact that what God has freed, no one else can condemn again.
1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawfulfor me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.
Monday, September 10, 2012
A Personal Plea
Tears form a pressure inside of my chest,
The sorrow of my sin, and all the rest.
Why do my failings plague me so?
Any pride I possessed, has been brought low.
In humbleness, may I seek your face?
To find the peace of which, now, there is no trace?
The joyful calm of your elect?
Soul's security, in effect?
Release me, please, from my chains.
Consider me kindly, do not disdain,
The total misery of a broken soul,
Because, without Your mercy, I will never be whole.
Why must there be such awful fear?
The weight of guilt, which drives me here?
Understanding comes from the burden of pain.
Only through You, is redemption gained.
Lord, have compassion on my weakness!
I pursue You, and nothing less!
Instead, enfold me, in Your gentleness.
Assurances of, Your love, will bless!
Proclamations of my gratitude,
Will follow this, my redemption interlude.
Enable me to leave my past behind!
The way, of Your praise and glory, find!
This struggle, is what has me, fully persuaded
Of the truth and the love, of all that You said.
Enjoying Your glory, forever my portion!
The greatest victory, possible, to be won!
“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
The sorrow of my sin, and all the rest.
Why do my failings plague me so?
Any pride I possessed, has been brought low.
In humbleness, may I seek your face?
To find the peace of which, now, there is no trace?
The joyful calm of your elect?
Soul's security, in effect?
Release me, please, from my chains.
Consider me kindly, do not disdain,
The total misery of a broken soul,
Because, without Your mercy, I will never be whole.
Why must there be such awful fear?
The weight of guilt, which drives me here?
Understanding comes from the burden of pain.
Only through You, is redemption gained.
Lord, have compassion on my weakness!
I pursue You, and nothing less!
Instead, enfold me, in Your gentleness.
Assurances of, Your love, will bless!
Proclamations of my gratitude,
Will follow this, my redemption interlude.
Enable me to leave my past behind!
The way, of Your praise and glory, find!
This struggle, is what has me, fully persuaded
Of the truth and the love, of all that You said.
Enjoying Your glory, forever my portion!
The greatest victory, possible, to be won!
“By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Proverbs 16:6
Sunday, September 9, 2012
We are commanded to bear fruit!
Do you call yourself a Christian? If you have true faith, then you know it goes beyond just knowledge. It's not just information. Faith changes us, inside. It reconfigures our outward behavior to reflect the trade of death and fear for life and love. As James said, "I will show you my faith by my works."
Jesus said we must "bear fruits meet for repentance." Salvation and works cannot be separated! Jesus said that the tree which does not bear fruit will be "cut down and cast into the fire."!
So what is fruit, exactly? It is a mechanism of reproduction. The Lord wishes the faith to spread, to be duplicated, in others. So the fruits of the spirit , in us, will be a witness, for us. We are to be an example of God's love so others will desire it. We are to be always ready with the reasons for our hope. We must be "that faithful and wise servant" who gives, to others, "food in due season.".
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? " Matt 24:45
Jesus said we must "bear fruits meet for repentance." Salvation and works cannot be separated! Jesus said that the tree which does not bear fruit will be "cut down and cast into the fire."!
So what is fruit, exactly? It is a mechanism of reproduction. The Lord wishes the faith to spread, to be duplicated, in others. So the fruits of the spirit , in us, will be a witness, for us. We are to be an example of God's love so others will desire it. We are to be always ready with the reasons for our hope. We must be "that faithful and wise servant" who gives, to others, "food in due season.".
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? " Matt 24:45
Friday, September 7, 2012
Love vs Law (1 Corinthians 13)
In the lyrically titled "love chapter" of the Bible, some references seem obscure. What is "that which is perfect"? God is the one who is perfect, so that is who, but since this chapter is about love, then it must be referring to the love of God, His specific presence, as He IS love. What is Paul comparing it to, here? What is it that will be "done away with", in a similar manner to prophesy and knowledge?
When Yeshuah arrives, in person, "we will know as we are known." Our knowledge will be complete, so there will be no more teachings. When we dwell with Him in the new Jerusalem, there will be no more prophesy, for He was it's goal. He is the Logos, the full revelation of the Father.
There is another reference in this section that will help us find what the identity of the "partial" is. There is mention of "childish things". This same child scenario is mentioned in Galatians where the law is said to be a teacher. Children are always under tutors, learning how to act like adults.
The Torah is a shadow of His righteousness, a picture of His behavior. It talks of love, but cannot impart it. That is why the law cannot save us. It cannot instill anything in us but fear, because it was given down to condemn unlawfull behavior. That is why "the fear of the Lord" is only the beginning of wisdom, "because fear has to do with punishment."
When love has come, His love, it lights a fire of devotion far more compelling than simple fear. His love is the perfect. Our gratitude makes us helpless against it and willingly so. We love, because He first loved us. All those actions required by law, now come naturally to those who have the spirit, the love of God, in us. He wants us properly and correctly motivated, so we will be totally dedicated to His good purposes. True Christians are, by definition, obeying the Torah, and observing the feasts and the Sabbath. For example, the Sabbath is His completed work on the cross! (What part of "it is
finished!" don't you understand?)
When Yeshuah arrives, in person, "we will know as we are known." Our knowledge will be complete, so there will be no more teachings. When we dwell with Him in the new Jerusalem, there will be no more prophesy, for He was it's goal. He is the Logos, the full revelation of the Father.
There is another reference in this section that will help us find what the identity of the "partial" is. There is mention of "childish things". This same child scenario is mentioned in Galatians where the law is said to be a teacher. Children are always under tutors, learning how to act like adults.
The Torah is a shadow of His righteousness, a picture of His behavior. It talks of love, but cannot impart it. That is why the law cannot save us. It cannot instill anything in us but fear, because it was given down to condemn unlawfull behavior. That is why "the fear of the Lord" is only the beginning of wisdom, "because fear has to do with punishment."
When love has come, His love, it lights a fire of devotion far more compelling than simple fear. His love is the perfect. Our gratitude makes us helpless against it and willingly so. We love, because He first loved us. All those actions required by law, now come naturally to those who have the spirit, the love of God, in us. He wants us properly and correctly motivated, so we will be totally dedicated to His good purposes. True Christians are, by definition, obeying the Torah, and observing the feasts and the Sabbath. For example, the Sabbath is His completed work on the cross! (What part of "it is
finished!" don't you understand?)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Just Before the Trumpet Sounds
A sudden flash of lighting, and ominous thunder roll,
Speaks the mighty voice of God, from ancient, dusty scroll!
Wake up, oh sleeper! Before the storm is here!
Looms on the horizon, the grip of crushing fear!
So self satisfied, is your dreaming slumber!
To be with, the transgressors, numbered!
Don't turn your face away!
If you take up the watch, you may
Stand before the Son of man,
Delivered! From the judgement which is at hand!
How broken is the tender heart!
Which contemplates the part
Contributed by the sinful soul
When he pays the toll,
Of his own destruction,
When the cure is, quite simply, the Son!
Destitute, by your own pride!
It keeps you from the Savior's side!
You can't see your nakedness.
It's willful ignorance, I guess.
How will you, the Unprepared
Be able to face, God's strong arm bared?
When strains free His grief and rage?
Tears of the saints, the sinner's wage?
A terrible mercy, is His judgement!
If it will open your heart, to the one he sent!
Soon will come the shofar blast!
The time is set! Soon will be past!
Afterwards comes that dark day!
The earth will convulse, it's moorings sway!
Don't stay here to meet the beast!
Instead, slip away, to the wedding feast!
The appointment made for hypocrites,
Can be avoided, if you humble yourself to Him, and submit!
Speaks the mighty voice of God, from ancient, dusty scroll!
Wake up, oh sleeper! Before the storm is here!
Looms on the horizon, the grip of crushing fear!
So self satisfied, is your dreaming slumber!
To be with, the transgressors, numbered!
Don't turn your face away!
If you take up the watch, you may
Stand before the Son of man,
Delivered! From the judgement which is at hand!
How broken is the tender heart!
Which contemplates the part
Contributed by the sinful soul
When he pays the toll,
Of his own destruction,
When the cure is, quite simply, the Son!
Destitute, by your own pride!
It keeps you from the Savior's side!
You can't see your nakedness.
It's willful ignorance, I guess.
How will you, the Unprepared
Be able to face, God's strong arm bared?
When strains free His grief and rage?
Tears of the saints, the sinner's wage?
A terrible mercy, is His judgement!
If it will open your heart, to the one he sent!
Soon will come the shofar blast!
The time is set! Soon will be past!
Afterwards comes that dark day!
The earth will convulse, it's moorings sway!
Don't stay here to meet the beast!
Instead, slip away, to the wedding feast!
The appointment made for hypocrites,
Can be avoided, if you humble yourself to Him, and submit!
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