Something Rather Odd.


I had heard and believed that it was the man who chose to be saved by professing a faith in Jesus.  And I cannot dismiss the power of that confession.  The modern church teaches that this profession is all that is necessary for salvation.  And even the Lord said that “All those who call on the Name of the Lord will be saved”.  But I find something a bit odd about that.

As I’ve walked a few years and encountered many different facets of salvation, I’ve come (rather continually) face to face with the source of that confession.  It is the Lord who raises a man’s soul to reach out to Him.   As it was the Lord who gave life to the soul who now calls His name.  In all things, it is the Lord who IS.

Why does this prompt an entry in this blog?  Because I think I hear a different story coming from the mainstream churches:  Some how, they profess, there is a way a man can save himself by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus.  Though there might be some merit to this “calling out” in regard to the Lord’s ears, I have some issue with using man’s will as a basis of salvation. 

I find that regardless where I stand before the Lord, it is the Lord who is the end all game decider in my salvation.  And it is to Him that every appeal and item of “The Faith” belongs.  In all things, it is Jesus Alone who saves (and this to the Glory of the Father in Heaven).

Consider what I’ve entered here with trembling thoughts.  If you think differently on this issue, the Lord will make it plain enough in time.

By His Grace.

New Blog


Though this blog is finished, it is impossible to remain silent regarding the Lord and all His ways.  Therefore I have started a new blog.  Though the new blog is not designed as this one was (by the Lord’s direction and direct blessing), I hope you will find inspiration and direction in the new blog.

hiwaychristian.wordpress.com is the new blog. 

May God bless every soul who reads either this blog or the new one.

By His Grace.

In Death there is No Vibration of Life.


I sit in the shade.  My arm is receiving the sun light.  I notice that my watch is leaving a reflection of the sun on a surface in shade.  Noticing how, regardless how still I try to make my arm, the reflection vibrates with movement.  And I am reminded that there is a place where that arm will never move again on its own.  There is a place where nothing of this body will move on its own.  Thus I am reminded that death is given to man as an obligation.  I will yet see the face of He who redeems and He who is able to provide life to those who trust and obey.

PS:  Please forgive the use of so many references to myself.  I couldn’t figure out how to tell the story without me in it.

By His Grace.

Why is Our Leader Such a Liar?


Official presidential portrait of Barack Obama...

Image via Wikipedia

Have you asked yourself why we need to confirm everything President Obama says?  Have you found yourself noticing that almost everything he says is a lie, or at minimum a partial truth?  And have you asked yourself why America has such a marginally capable leader? 

If you’ve asked these questions or pondered the current plight of our nation, you’ve likely entertained many possible answers.  Let’s be frank:  America wanted freedom to do what they wanted to do.  America wanted a nation without God.  And they sought someone who would lead them away from truth.  I could go into detail about why this is true.  But I’ll leave it up to you to consider.  America has a leader who is a perfect reflection of the direction the majority is headed. 

If you want truth, turn to God.  If you want lies, turn to the President.

By His Grace.

Any Beating is better Than Death.


After sleep comes the bowed head.  No tears threaten to well up.  The sorrow is felt in the soul.  Yet the heart hears a different tone.  The Lord of Perfect Beauty is calling.  And He calls to one who has sinned before Him.  I knew better.  Was it stubbornness?  Was it simple weakness?  Was it a lust for things past?  What do any of those questions matter now?  I sit here afraid yet not afraid.  It is the eyes of He who sees which gaze at me and softly scan my heart.  I have transgressed His demands of me.  And I am not misguided in my assessment of the situation.  There will be punishment to endure for the acts done.

After reflection and thanks for the simple things He whispers something odd.  “Yes, there will be punishment to endure.  But you will gladly accept My judgment when you see the alternative.” 

   47 “The servant who knows the master’s will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. 48 But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12)

Jesus sits enthroned in Heaven.  The oil of joy is poured upon Him by the Father in Heaven.  He rules all eternity and is willing to share His joy.  For those of us who are being humbled by a collision with Holy and foolish sinful tendencies:  Consider yourself for a moment.  If you had a million dollars and were standing in a great place of poverty, would you help those around you?  Of course you would.  And would you judge those around you while you gave them food and clothing?  Of course you wouldn’t.  If that is how you who are full of sin would handle riches, how much more will the Lord of Glory share all good things with those who call out to Him for help?

Let your back be bent and your head be bowed for a time.  It is good to ponder the seriousness of your offences before the Most High God.  Allow yourself to really listen to Jesus’ calling, however.  Listen to what He is saying.  He knows your plight.  But He also knows where He is now enthroned.  He calls to all men to humble themselves before Him that in due time He might lift them up.  Only submit to the Lord of Love and consider yourself dead before the foot stool of the consuming fire that is God.

By His Grace.