Monthly Archives: March 2012

The Fog of Clarity

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English: Fog in Wayanad

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There is pride of man.  Do not mistake to think you can be rid of it here in this place of testing.  It lays just at the door step of even prayer.  Hideous in nature, it waits for opportune moments to rise up and cloud your judgment before the Most High God.

But there is a confidence born of faith in the Son of Man.  We rise up to become what we are designed to be as we come to the Lord in prayer.  This confidence presents itself as an abiding joy.  What man can know the difference as long as pride hides in the shadows?

The Lord knows the difference.  And He alone is able to show a man what is true in this matter.  Confidence against pride, we present ourselves to the Lord.  And walking away from our time of prayer we somehow know that there are two who vie for our attention.  May God shed light on this to all His people.  It is not His will that we grovel in our prayer, but that we stand with a great confidence before Him.  It is also not His will that we abide in the pride of man; that we should know the knowledge of what He has given us to know and consider ourselves above one another.

In this matter there is a fog of clarity in those who worship the Lord through the power of Jesus.  We know, yet we are not sure.  Again, may God present understanding to our hearts.  May we learn that subtle difference between pride of man and The Pride of God.

Amen.

“They’re Junk! Let’s Go Get Em!” Rah! Rah!

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English: Barack Obama delivers a speech at the...

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I am noticing something interesting.  There is a tool the political and religious liberals often use that goes a bit undetected.  Let me offer an illustration first.

Just before a game three of the players boasted loudly that their team would surely beat the opposition.  Because the other players were involved with them, and because of their apparent bravado, the bid from the three players incited the others to great joy.  Later, after the game, there was sorrow among all that team.  They had lost.

What is curious about that is how readily that kind of talk is support, encouraged, and demonstrated.  What’s even more curious is that in the political and religious arena the opposition is God.  Though they refer to Him under different terms: conservative, christian, etc..

Now we saw in the example that the players went out right away to face their opposition.  But in the political and religious arena, a man might make boasts all his life and never come to face his opponent, God.  People eat that kind of talk up because God remains silent for now.  However, the wise among us will remember that there is a place where God will speak.  Where will the bravado be then?

Government Molevolent

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English: Poverty Русский: Нищенство

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A government unchained from the will of the people becomes a government malevolent.  Debate is now swarming around this concept.  In the end we will see a people crushed while the “elite” dine in joy.

Beware.  It approaches even as you breathe.

Do any realize that this statement reflects the end result of satan’s rebellion against God?  Do any understand that this is why God created what we now live?

We are the answer from God to an accusation from the corrupt one.  Jesus was prepared and issued from God’s throne to answer, once and for all, a certain question.  “You ask too much of us.  Who can bear what You command?”

God answered when He spoke creation into being.  From the foundation of the world Christ Jesus was set apart to redeem a people to His Father who would obey regardless the cost.  No one has to understand what Jesus has done to make these things true.  Yet His promise is absolute to all who put their trust in Him.

Countdown to 666, One

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Fol.5. Beginning of the Book of Genesis

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1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.

3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (Genesis)

It was God who created.  We understand through the Gospel that this God is Jesus.  It was not another creature who made what we know as creation.  In us it is God who compels us from faith to faith.  It is not any other creature who causes us to grow from glory to glory.

Many believe that they will affect a godly life by sheer will power.  This concept does not come from God.  “There is a way which seems right to a man.  But the end thereof is death.”  “Unless the Lord builds the house the builder builds in vain.”  Let us put away all hope that we contain what is necessary to please the Holy Father in Heaven.  Let us humble ourselves before the Most High and receive.  We were created to receive that which we cannot perceive; the Glory of God made complete in man.

And let us remember this:

5 “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2)

Through the power of Jesus we become one with the Father in heaven.  Is that saying too much?  Is that not the power He has given us?  20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 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. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” (John 17)

Rise up then, as children of the Most High God.  Take your place which He offers.  Shall a man build the frame of a house, it is not enough.  Let God build the house for you.  Let Him direct and guide you into all truths for the sake of His Glory.

There is a teaching afoot which tells us we have no right to claim the power of God within and through us.  But, to this, we remember another scripture which bears consideration:   1 “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”

Come apart from the world and allow God to build that which you can only hear.  Let Him prove Himself in you.

Amen

Folly Goes to Church

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English: Church of Holy Wisdom, Thessaloniki

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Folly goes to the church building dressed in fine clothes.  He attends the service provided.  He even takes part in the pageantry; making nice to all that is expected of him.  He dresses himself in humility for a time so that all men might understand that folly is acceptable.  Then he retires from that “holy place” sure that he has accomplished his duty to a “holy practice of men”.

One hour or a lengthy two are given as payment for the activity of the week.  He has bought forgiveness and given thanks.  In his eyes he is a rich man.  And people speak well of him because he presents himself for what is right.

Through the next 6 days he does as his heart seems best to do.  He is a religious man.  And he perceives that his religion will keep him well before the eyes of the Most High God.  What he does is based entirely in his understanding of what he heard, what he saw others do, and the praise of his friends.  All is well in folly’s world.  He is free to raise a family as best he can, for he has interpreted Scripture through his own understanding.  Indeed, on earth all is well for folly.

Wisdom goes to the church building dressed in knowledge he does not own.  He attends the service with great joy, as one might feel when coming home from an extended trip.  He is part of the pageantry, for he understands that it is for the good of all that he brings his soul to be accountable for what God has done within him. And “to the building up of others”, wisdom applies his worship.  His clothes of humility are his shining skin, and is never removed.  Then, when the service is over, he presents himself to the God he loves that he, by all means, might serve eternity in this land of shadows.

One hour or two are to him but time spent serving the God who never sleeps.  And payment cannot be given for what he has received.  He has accepted the forgiveness offered him with a contrite heart; knowing all too well that God is the riches of all things.  Whether people speak well of him or beat him about the head, it makes no difference.  For he obeys what he is ordered to accomplish for the glory of He who calls him heavenward.

Through the next 6 days he listens intently to hear what must be done.  And he perceives that he has entrusted his mind, heart, body, and soul, to He who is able to keep him until the day appointed.  What he does is based entirely on the “wisdom he has received”, and those four words are the fullness of his name.  All is well in wisdom’s world, for he is a citizen of a distant country whose language he is learning to speak.  He raises his family as the Lord of Life prescribes.  For the Scriptures have laid out clearly what is good and pure.  Indeed, on earth and heaven, all is well in Wisdom’s life.

Folly Plays a Game of Chess

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Folly?

Folly? (Photo credit: Bobbytee)

Wisdom and Folly sat down on the lawn; a great green carpet for a great white house.  They had come together to play a game of chess in the warm spring air.  Greetings were exchanged and pleasant words were spoken.  The sun warmed, so very gently, while they sat through the first game.  Folly had won and was pleased with himself.  Wisdom had lost that game.  Yet, joy was the noise that attended them both just the same.

Another round played and wisdom had lost.  Now folly thought well of himself.  Afternoon drifted by with cheering speech loft.  The sun watched intently, both of them having a grand old time on the lawn of that grand old white house.

Six games in all rattled pieces of marble, as they cordially spent a fine day.  “How beautiful it is when good friends gather”, said folly.  And wisdom, with cheer, could to agree.  Six games had been played and folly had bested his new friend every one.  Though some games were close and tension teased folly, the wins made his spirit stand tall.

Evening drew near and it became very clear that the sun was about to retire.  Wisdom thanked his new friend and spoke well of a joy to have played such a worthy opponent of fire.  Folly grinned broadly with eyes sparkling glee;  “I have had such a wonderful day!”  While gladness embraced them, folly rose up to leave, while wisdom remained to put the sun to bed.

Sweet to the heart is a beautiful sunset.  How lovely to do what is good.  Like flight to a Condor, effort not taken.  And height provides a safe rest.

Folly’s steps home danced upon feet without weight.  He had proved himself a man of great mind. In his heart folly gave thanks that his parents had raised such a good man.  There is marvelous joy in accomplishing a good name.  He would surely pass on a grand legacy.  And he would sleep well tonight, for his children would prosper in the way of their father!

Wisdom arose when the sun’s eyes finally shut.  His heart held a firm knowledgeable joy.  He had done what was right and allowed loss to win; knowing the game was a front for the better of both.  He had bested his friend in love’s ways.

As he entered the great white house he passed a small table.  Upon which lay trophies for the game played in the sun.  The trophies appeared to wisdom in the corner of his eye as he passed.  And a smile imperceptible was there, then was gone.

All next day was the ranting great cheer, which folly’s delight held so dear.  Great praise was addressed, and openly taken in ear.  Boast and praise went up like a song all through the day.  All among them performing what was good and expected for such friends so dearly bonded, and wise with gentle cordiality.  Counsel was given and heads nodded “yes”.  Oh how bright the eyes of students can be when they are hungry for what is offered.

Yet wisdom perceived no memory of loss.  Not one flea of sorrow pestered him. Never alone, his two feet took him, “there”.   What is good has just got to be done.  And the new day demands the tender work, heart and hand.  About and about.  Another labor of love to be found, lest the sun sleep in peace all alone.