911 and Beyond.


World Trade Center aerial view March 2001

Image via Wikipedia

Americans are consumed with today.  And rightfully so.  It was a horrible loss of life for the sake of a false god.  Two things come to mind regarding America’s mourning for September 11, 2001:

God saw it all and has those souls placed in their proper place for eternity.

And there is no date on the calendar void of remembrance of horror.  All countries have their horror.  And there is a great more suffering yet to come. 

Though most will consider this day with a somber mind, will they turn to the One who places souls where they belong for eternity?  Will you allow the death of American citizens to provoke your understanding of eternity and the judgment to come?

Perhaps you think it crass of me to use this horrible day as an oportunity to speak about the Judgment to come.  Everyone who dies, dies as they are at that moment.  How many of those souls are wishing they could speak to you about where they are?  They were doing what you are doing now.  When it comes your turn will you wish you had listened?  And wouldn’t you want to tell others where you then find yourself? 

Death is absolutely necessary for every man, woman and child.  Don’t you find it interesting that we’re not allowed to speak of anything but consoling words when it is encountered?  Isn’t this the first place where the Gospel is challenged?  Challenged in that those who die, know without a doubt, that it is true.  And challenged by those who remain because it speaks of a greater horror than the death of flesh.

By His Grace.

Speak While You Can Speak With Freedom.


Who will allow the Lord’s word to be heard?  Shall we leave that speaking to those who are trained to speak?  Do you believe in the Word of God?  Speak what you believe.  Are you afraid to speak because you’re not sure you understand it all?  How much “all” are you waiting for?  And what will your lips speak when they are commanded to speak regarding the life He gave you?

By His Grace.

Provoked to Throw Away Garbage.


Trash rendered

Image via Wikipedia

I saw a young man’s blog post speaking of how he turned away from Christianity because he didn’t experience anything from the God of Christianity.  He was expecting something “other” as he searched out the Bible.  I will respond here with something that all God’s people come to realize.

When I pray, it’s like speaking to the wind.  I say words and wait for a reply.  Yet that reply often never comes in the form of a sound.  It rarely comes in the immediate understanding of my mind.  And sometimes I walk away from prayer feeling nothing at all. 

But God is not silent as we refer to silence.  And would we foolish men comprehend the thoughts of God if He gave them to us?  No.  But there is a way in which prayer never goes unanswered. 

A man walked up to a brick wall which was covered with gold.  As was the tradition of the people, he knelt down and spoke to what was said to be on the other side of the wall.  He asked to understand things so that he might do what is right.  He got up, searched his mind and heart, and walked away shrugging his shoulders.  He felt no change at all. 

Later on, he walked by a place on the sidewalk where there was a piece of paper which had not been thrown away.  Right next to the paper was a trash can.  Contrary to his normal tendency to just pass it by, he stooped, picked up the paper and threw it into the trash can.  Without noticing that he had just done what was right, he walked on sad that his prayer hadn’t been answered.

 By His Grace.

Beaten


Beaten!  His skin ripped open to show what’s beneath.

The shame of rotten lips assailed His ears.

They hung Him exposed.

Then they railed at inaction.

Silent of protest, the Lord endured.

Like a lamb He was led to the slaughter.

The understanding of His Father filled Him.

From the foundation of the world, was this Lamb accused.

For you He endured.

For you He obeyed.

For the Father’s wisdom reaches out into eternity,

And does not flinch from truth.

What is written is written, both scorn and love.

What will you say with your flesh blessed life?

Will you say you can add to this perfect torment?

Will you work to gain what Jesus offers?

What horrible beating will you invent that you might ascend?

Jesus paid the price in full.

“It is FINISHED!”

 

Glory is His Name!

He delivers what cannot be known.

The conscience is quickened.

The heart is reborn.

Good is seen against the bad.

And hope springs up from desperate thrashing.

What is the response from those touched by this hated One?

Shall we fight along side He who was considered too ugly to live?

Shall we washed hogs return to the mud?

Though the answer can be spoken here.

The answer remains in the actions and thoughts of those who receive.

He is Glory!

And He is allowed to judge all.

For He is WORTHY!

By His Grace.