Provocation


From the beginning of this blog until now, I have always spoken of things much higher then are easily attained.  Many would look at me and say, “He is surely a hypocrite.  No one can attain to these things he writes.”

I have written that Christians have a command to judge rightly.  So I cannot fault my brothers for such an assessment.  It is right that we should test every spirit, and not be willing to embrace every man who comes along and says he is in the name of Christ.

But I will say two things in this regard.  I do not search to defend myself, there is one who knows.  But I desire to enhance our Christian walk for the glory of the one who knows.  I perceive that the family of God has squandered many things for far too long.

1.  I ask you not to judge me as a man.  That would be of no benefit for anyone.  For you will surely find fault.  I am still in flesh and I am among you even as you are.  Rather I ask you to judge what is here by its content. 

Does it prod and provoke faithfulness to the Holy One of God?  Does it compromise and equivocate to the things of this world?  Or does it point at man and say he is shameful, while standing in the shadow of the Holy One?

2.  Yes I have been a hypocrite against the things I have written.  There are times when such things have been too high for me to reach.

But should this place represent the things that are easily grasped?  Would that not be to be as others who write only of the sweet things?

I have been cut to the heart many times by the things the Lord has provoked me to write.  And thus this place is tested, even by the one who has written it.
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I have been severely challenged by the Holy One in all these things and more.  I, like you, am in the process of becoming.  I have in my mind to overcome.  I do not think it proper to honor him with anything less.  And in the same way, I present these things to my brothers.

If there are five of us left, should we be less than his desire?  And if there are 10 million of us left should this be true?

The earth is not shaken by mediocrity.  It is less by the sin that covers its surface.  If God’s people will aspire to what is best, what can be accomplished?

And so I pray and live and write toward the things that are best.  I refuse to back down!  I purpose to strive for the very best.  He is honorable in all things!  And it is right to bring him what is best.

Let the judgment of man be pointed toward me, I am not hindered.  I will aspire to rise, by His Holy Grace!

The Holy One holds in his hand such magnificent gifts.  Not only is his promise true for the place we are promised to inhabit,  but he has spoken his desire that we should have the fullness of His glory, to man, even now.

It is written “To perfection there is a limit.”  Yet which one of us can say he has attained?  I refuse to believe that the perfection God grants, in his holy wisdom to men, cannot be reached.  He does not ask too much of us, and he provides all that is necessary to attain!  And I have every intention of seeing how high, on his holy mountain, a man is allowed to climb.

May God have glory through all his people and this through Christ Jesus His holy and Righteous Son!  Let us say “enough” to mediocrity!  Why should we not rise to the things of Stephan, Enoch, Abraham, Moses, Gideon, the Apostle John and the like?

Thrice Holy is the Soverign Lord who bought us!  How should we linger and languish as only religious men?

Stocking the shelves


“Go out there and stock the shelves.  People are buying stuff and we gotta know what it is so we can replace it!”  The wild eyed store manager was beside himself.  He barked his order to his only employee and the little guy scurried off.

The store manager was busily  pouring over marketing programs when the little dude returned.  “Sir, I looked through everything and found nothing missing.  Everything on the shelves is messed up!  They, like, rummage through it but they take nothing!”  Slowly it dawned on the little guy that’s his job may be in jeopardy.

It seemed like it took a long time for the manager’s eyes to come up out of his work.  When they met eye to eye, the little employee couldn’t understand what kind of message his boss’ eyes were telling him.  Fear, astonishment, peace, and even a hint of joy, all gathered in those tiny pupils.

The managers lips opened like he was going to say something.  But they just drifted back together.  He let his eyes drift back to the papers.

“What are we going to do sir?”  The little guy heard his voice crack.  A tear formed at the edge of the managers eye.  But when he looked up the little employee saw a big smile.  “He’s finally gone mad”, the little buddy thought to himself.

The managers lips opened finally.  But then they would slam shut.  This went on for a little while in rapid succession.  The little guy stepped back a couple of paces from the desk.

“We’re gonna sell selling!”  The words came out rather loud.  “Sounds good sir.  Um, just what does that mean?”  “We’re not going to charge the people.  They don’t buy anything anyway.  Instead will charge the producer for advertising his product.”

“All we have to do is keep track of how many people come and go.  You take notes of what kind of people they are and what they go look through.  I know this is useful to the producer.  Just keep straightening the shelves.”

So it is with my blog.  I don’t sell anything.  Its all free to come and peruse.  What is here is valuable to the One who provides.  He determines what to display.  And the hearts of men are tested.  I just keep restacking the piles of paper

By His Grace

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Thank you, to all who have subscribed to this blog.

If this blog has been a help or inspiration please don’t forget to pass on the url.  Millions haven’t even heard the Gospel yet.  Perhaps your sharing will lead to one less.  All I want in this life is to share the Gospel.  But gaining a voice in the world requires some serious help.  I’m hoping we can enter the minds of those not yet infected with the Truth.

Again, thank you.