Waves of golden brown
continually spiraling around
circling the heart
of strength, when cut apart
supplicant arms uplifted
when with foliage gifted.
Aspire to reflected light
crystal colors bright
shape granted in the fire
molded as required
cold and heavy circumstance
through which pure hues dance.
An iridescent, buried deep
barrier to liquid keep
exotic form of skin
creatures safe within
open armour reveals to light
what's hid inside, to calloused sight.
Can you name three favorite things
that to arts and crafts, I bring?
Analogies of character,
inner life, strong, and pure.
Simple beauty personified
when selfish ambition is denied.
Living image of the Son
when the world is overcome!
Friday, April 30, 2010
A "Cardboard Testimony"
When I saw the subject this week, I realized that I didn't have a transcendent, poignant, concise message of the mighty, transforming power of God working in my life. I had nothing encouraging to offer. These brief communications require a conviction of positive results, an abundance of physical evidence to give as empirical proof of God's presence.
What I had was my grief. My health struggles have left me physically weak and emotionally numb and isolated. My past history of being treated violently, in addition to making some ugly choices of my own, has kept my conviction of, being undeserving of grace, in the forefront of my mind.
But this is not about me, is it? It's about God's (insert all-powerful, consummate, positive, attribute here!) Throughout my life struggles, my most profound joy has been to exalt and glorify Him! There is no one else who is worthy! No one else can do what He does! None can bring good out of even evil itself as He does! He is the only one who can bring perfect life out of death! This One even used murderous hate to frame and emphasize His greatest act of love!
Why is my soul rejoicing after all the protestations of despair? I will tell you how He has given (because that's all He does) what I needed, when I needed it, right where I was!
I have realized that there is a price to be paid when we speak out, from our hearts, for the Savior. Unless we "give it up" when we give to Him, it is not a worthy gift to give to Him who has everything. Also, If I am to be able to teach others with integrity and conviction, I must have wrestled with the issues already, and be brought through to truth! Else, how will they believe unless I have been where they are now?
My change of heart today is from the most profound "point of grace" yet. Jesus did His greatest work when He was in the most agony of physical pain and despair! Redemption and reconciliation was accomplished because of His suffering. When He cried out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Jesus was as the very center of His father's will for Him! This is significant because suffering is not always a sign of God's displeasure, but instead will be used to further His great purpose!
So what is my message today of God's work in my life? The challenges are "violent rejection, alienation, depression, and despair"! God's answer? "He satisfies all my needs with Himself!"
What I had was my grief. My health struggles have left me physically weak and emotionally numb and isolated. My past history of being treated violently, in addition to making some ugly choices of my own, has kept my conviction of, being undeserving of grace, in the forefront of my mind.
But this is not about me, is it? It's about God's (insert all-powerful, consummate, positive, attribute here!) Throughout my life struggles, my most profound joy has been to exalt and glorify Him! There is no one else who is worthy! No one else can do what He does! None can bring good out of even evil itself as He does! He is the only one who can bring perfect life out of death! This One even used murderous hate to frame and emphasize His greatest act of love!
Why is my soul rejoicing after all the protestations of despair? I will tell you how He has given (because that's all He does) what I needed, when I needed it, right where I was!
I have realized that there is a price to be paid when we speak out, from our hearts, for the Savior. Unless we "give it up" when we give to Him, it is not a worthy gift to give to Him who has everything. Also, If I am to be able to teach others with integrity and conviction, I must have wrestled with the issues already, and be brought through to truth! Else, how will they believe unless I have been where they are now?
My change of heart today is from the most profound "point of grace" yet. Jesus did His greatest work when He was in the most agony of physical pain and despair! Redemption and reconciliation was accomplished because of His suffering. When He cried out "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" Jesus was as the very center of His father's will for Him! This is significant because suffering is not always a sign of God's displeasure, but instead will be used to further His great purpose!
So what is my message today of God's work in my life? The challenges are "violent rejection, alienation, depression, and despair"! God's answer? "He satisfies all my needs with Himself!"
Thursday, April 22, 2010
It's None of Your Business!
I wholeheartedly concur with a novel definition of "fanatic" that I came across yesterday. The term has been known to be used in a blatant attempt to stigmatize those gentle and humble believers who have an "unhealthy" attachment to the Savior. The new definition says that fanatics are those who have not internalized the message of the Gospel (that we are saved by grace) and who's confessed "belief" is actually a way for them to control others. Another word for them is hypocrite.
Do you remember where Jesus said "You will know them by their fruits"? We all know someone so "zealous" for their religion that they are harsh, overbearing, and opinionated. Similar to the Pharisees of Jesus' day, they delight in being powerful and respected while they oppress and abuse others. They are confident God will accept them based on their "good" behavior, while feeling superior and self righteous.
In any encounter with such individuals, it is best to be on your guard. This is where it helps to be "as wise as serpents, but harmless as doves." Don't be "casting your pearls before swine" by being open and vulnerable. Don't play their games and let yourself be manipulated. No need to be drawn into stern lectures with you as their disciple. Instead, you can employ a refreshing technique as a defense mechanism. Just tell them to "mind your own business!"
Do you remember where Jesus said "You will know them by their fruits"? We all know someone so "zealous" for their religion that they are harsh, overbearing, and opinionated. Similar to the Pharisees of Jesus' day, they delight in being powerful and respected while they oppress and abuse others. They are confident God will accept them based on their "good" behavior, while feeling superior and self righteous.
In any encounter with such individuals, it is best to be on your guard. This is where it helps to be "as wise as serpents, but harmless as doves." Don't be "casting your pearls before swine" by being open and vulnerable. Don't play their games and let yourself be manipulated. No need to be drawn into stern lectures with you as their disciple. Instead, you can employ a refreshing technique as a defense mechanism. Just tell them to "mind your own business!"
Monday, April 19, 2010
Joyful Living
I made a rediscovery recently. I'll have to explain the circumstances before I can make my point. Christians are a peculiar people bound to a peculiar destiny. We know the end of the story. We know God's victory is a foregone conclusion. So therefore, most of us assume we've got no business with thinking on anything negative, even going so far as to not acknowledge reality in certain areas.
My recent experience has taught me that there is nothing like chronic, debilitating pain to "shake loose" any misconceptions we harbor. When you're in pain, you don't worry about esoteric concepts like self esteem, success strategies, or even courtesy. In fact, you're unable to control your self and your emotions at all. Your whole being becomes focused on the one thing, the pain. All pretense of happiness fades away..........(but wait! There's more!)
When it is too hard to bear, God has given us permission to grieve! (Read the book of Job.) If we cannot grieve, then our hearts will turn to stone. If we try to keep our hearts free of fear and anger, rigid and unyielding, then we actually get stuck there, instead.
My point is, if you cannot surrender, then you cannot be delivered. If you cannot give up your life, then you cannot truly live life. If you will not allow yourself to feel terror, then you cannot acknowledge hope. True meaning will not be found in the absence of suffering, but because of it.
In the strength of Christ, who overcame the world, we too will win! That is the ultimate reality! In the same way that we commit ourselves to participate when He allows us to suffer, we will also share in His joy, and the victory is so much sweeter for the price that was paid! Only in Him, is it possible to confess our pain and His victory at the same time, and live joyfully in anticipation with expectations of grace.
My recent experience has taught me that there is nothing like chronic, debilitating pain to "shake loose" any misconceptions we harbor. When you're in pain, you don't worry about esoteric concepts like self esteem, success strategies, or even courtesy. In fact, you're unable to control your self and your emotions at all. Your whole being becomes focused on the one thing, the pain. All pretense of happiness fades away..........(but wait! There's more!)
When it is too hard to bear, God has given us permission to grieve! (Read the book of Job.) If we cannot grieve, then our hearts will turn to stone. If we try to keep our hearts free of fear and anger, rigid and unyielding, then we actually get stuck there, instead.
My point is, if you cannot surrender, then you cannot be delivered. If you cannot give up your life, then you cannot truly live life. If you will not allow yourself to feel terror, then you cannot acknowledge hope. True meaning will not be found in the absence of suffering, but because of it.
In the strength of Christ, who overcame the world, we too will win! That is the ultimate reality! In the same way that we commit ourselves to participate when He allows us to suffer, we will also share in His joy, and the victory is so much sweeter for the price that was paid! Only in Him, is it possible to confess our pain and His victory at the same time, and live joyfully in anticipation with expectations of grace.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Breaking Through
When I am so weary that my body aches,
I want to give up: I haven't got what it takes.
Voices beat against my brain
telling me that I'm insane.
That my reasoning is compromised.
These spirits of hell in disguise,
use suffering to impress on me,
The "reality" of the "truth" they see.
That God is unable to forgive my sin.
That there really is no hope in the end
because after all everyone dies.
Are you really sure you will ascend to the skies?
Beating my will against the wall
of my understanding, to take it all,
to a higher level of love and joy,
to defeat satan in his morbid ploy.
Reality is what I have in my hand,
the Word of the Lord, His love and His plan.
The reality is that I've made my choice,
a conscious decision to lift up my voice,
To acknowledge Jesus, who's delivered me,
rejoicing in what He says will be,
This One who's strength is greater than all,
has told me clearly that when I answer His call,
That no one can pluck me out of His hand.
On His firm promise I can choose to stand.
I'm deciding to give up death and dispair.
In the midst of my circumstance, I'm praising Him there.
Spending my strength in expressing my gratitude,
so while I wait on Him, I exude
the joy all His children are supposed to be feeling!
Besides, confessing His victory is far more appealing
to Him, to me, and unbelievers around!
All will know His grace does abound!
I want to give up: I haven't got what it takes.
Voices beat against my brain
telling me that I'm insane.
That my reasoning is compromised.
These spirits of hell in disguise,
use suffering to impress on me,
The "reality" of the "truth" they see.
That God is unable to forgive my sin.
That there really is no hope in the end
because after all everyone dies.
Are you really sure you will ascend to the skies?
Beating my will against the wall
of my understanding, to take it all,
to a higher level of love and joy,
to defeat satan in his morbid ploy.
Reality is what I have in my hand,
the Word of the Lord, His love and His plan.
The reality is that I've made my choice,
a conscious decision to lift up my voice,
To acknowledge Jesus, who's delivered me,
rejoicing in what He says will be,
This One who's strength is greater than all,
has told me clearly that when I answer His call,
That no one can pluck me out of His hand.
On His firm promise I can choose to stand.
I'm deciding to give up death and dispair.
In the midst of my circumstance, I'm praising Him there.
Spending my strength in expressing my gratitude,
so while I wait on Him, I exude
the joy all His children are supposed to be feeling!
Besides, confessing His victory is far more appealing
to Him, to me, and unbelievers around!
All will know His grace does abound!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
God's Progressive Lesson Plan
In the economy of God's kingdom, difficult concepts are best "laid hold of" by our heart and intellect through the generous application of life difficulties. God will, in His kindness, lead us through dark valleys with overcast skies. Yet even there He can and does deliver His messages in the wind driven rain. Temporary grief is a catalyst towards greater understanding and increasing love of Him. (And for His children, all grief is temporary!) Our insight is built up, by the Savior, into an edifice of righteousness in consecutive stages. He turns our tear streaked countenance in His direction with a gentle hand. That way we will see the reality that our mourning is what begins the radical blessings from Him! As glory is placed upon glory, we become more like Him! We can be "confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil. 1:6) So all the honor will go to Him for the excellent things He has done!
In Romans, Paul gives a basic outline of the way our God builds us up into His glorious likeness. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Rom 5:1-5)
In my own journey, I started with a believing faith, through which God granted me His grace and the peace that comes with it. The first thing I realized, after my conversion at the tender age of nine, was that christians have to live like,....... well........Christians! The name says it all, in that we are to be a reflection of the character of our Lord. (Phil 1:27) Sounds great, right? We're supposed to make a decision to keep our "body under subjection". Right? (1 Cor 9:27) In reality, an incredible amount of anger will build up if we just "keep a lid on it"! That's where patience comes in, (The lifetime achievement award!) for it's difficult to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:16) when "truth" and "love" just don't want to work together!
Consistent application of self discipline (read patience) is what eventually allowed me to see God's hand working through the turmoil. Seeing God's hand at work and hearing His voice proves to us in a very visceral way that He is real, He is faithful and just, and that HIS will is what WILL prevail. We EXPERIENCE Him! That is the hope God has given me that no one can take away! I have SEEN His love at work in me and through me so that I KNOW He is with me and that all He has told me is true!
Now if I can just manage to communicate this love to others..............?
In Romans, Paul gives a basic outline of the way our God builds us up into His glorious likeness. "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us." (Rom 5:1-5)
In my own journey, I started with a believing faith, through which God granted me His grace and the peace that comes with it. The first thing I realized, after my conversion at the tender age of nine, was that christians have to live like,....... well........Christians! The name says it all, in that we are to be a reflection of the character of our Lord. (Phil 1:27) Sounds great, right? We're supposed to make a decision to keep our "body under subjection". Right? (1 Cor 9:27) In reality, an incredible amount of anger will build up if we just "keep a lid on it"! That's where patience comes in, (The lifetime achievement award!) for it's difficult to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:16) when "truth" and "love" just don't want to work together!
Consistent application of self discipline (read patience) is what eventually allowed me to see God's hand working through the turmoil. Seeing God's hand at work and hearing His voice proves to us in a very visceral way that He is real, He is faithful and just, and that HIS will is what WILL prevail. We EXPERIENCE Him! That is the hope God has given me that no one can take away! I have SEEN His love at work in me and through me so that I KNOW He is with me and that all He has told me is true!
Now if I can just manage to communicate this love to others..............?
Saturday, March 27, 2010
What Work is Worth Doing?
This question put me in mind of a song. "When Nothing's Sacred" by Billy Sprague (http://new.music.yahoo.com/billy-sprague/tracks/when-nothings-sacred--217703094) is an expose' on the state of our souls, absorbed as they are in superficial things. One of the stanzas states that "People need a destiny, but settle for careers."
Whatever has captured our heart is where we invest our time, and time is one of God's more democratic of gifts. Everyone has their alloted time. We choose where it is to be invested by what is most important to us. If we choose not to trust God, where we spend our time will be a waste of this precious resource. Our efforts will not carry over into eternity.
One of the most superficial and unrewarding of activities that can engage our time is worry, usually for inconsequential or unlikely things. Sooner or later, everyone will attempt to make a career of it. We try to cover every contingency, so we ourselves control the outcome. We're telling God to move over, that we want His job. We want it done our way. This is arrogance on our part. Just who is supposed to be in charge here, anyway? Jesus said, "But don't be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy (time) seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you." (John 6:27 NLT)
There are far better and more eternally rewarding uses for our time. Our true employment and final destiny is best expressed by what we do when we "do it all for the glory of God" (I Cor 10:31) We do our best work when we have an attitude of faith and gratitude. No matter what our task, we do work worthy of a being created in the image of God when we do it to give honor to Him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)