Tim Linhart


Has he found a doorway?

By rationale, they say, “We can perceive the eternal things by the work of our own hands. We don’t need Christ Jesus to see God.”

Really now.

Then what is the use of Christ’s sacrifice?   What is the use of God the father elevating his Holy Son to first of all creation?  Why has he said to us, “I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to God but through me.”

If a man can save himself by the work of his own hands why did God bother to suffer for our sake?  If the work of our hands can bring us near to God, then we don’t need Christ!  SUCCESS!  Right?

Tim Linhart is famous for his ice music. A friend of mine says we should go and see this.  So I looked it up.  

I will not go and see it.  The what he has done is interesting and wonderful.  But in his explanation he attributes spiritual aspects he has no right to attribute.  He says that since we are made with melted water we find a connection to spiritual things through the music of ice.  Really?

Is there a door to eternity that a man may pass through by the work of his own hands?  Or is the spiritual emphasis only found in the imagination of a man with some talent to wield sharp objects against ice?  And, if self-salvation can be achieved through ice, why not cow pies too?

Read the Gospel. You determine for yourself what is true and what is imagination.  The entirety of eternity is at stake in such presumably small details.  Either Christ is King or he is of no value.  

Frustrating Epitome 


The words of Christ are so beautiful, perfect and pristine, they rise immeasurably above the things of Man.  

How frustrating to see the beauty and not be able to paint the picture with my life.  


Add to that frustration the compelling urge to share His words in the world that talks about everything but what belongs to God.  


Encourage one another to Leap, while no one can do much more than crawl. Encourage one another to fly, while no one can do much more than look up.  


It takes the Spirit of God to do the things of Christ. It takes the Spirit of God to speak of the things of God. As often as we look at his beautiful face, our lips will betray the frightful (yet willful) silence of Man.  


Frustration will abound, that’s inevitable. Which gives me reason to remember and be in awe at the patience of the Living God.  

Reality 


Side with one political group, you’ll be happy for a little while.  

Gather certain friends around you, they’ll give you comfort for a little while.  

Bank on staying young all your life, you’ll be delusional for a few years.  

Things change.  Disappointments come.  The next guy gets his chance to be happy for a little while.  

Happiness in this world is like a crazy Bluejay.  He flies from one branch to another, blessing the place he stays for a little while.  But then he gets hungry for something “other”.  The branch where he was, springs back to its original position; empty and waiting for another bird.  

But in Jesus, you’ll find the potential to be at peace forever.  The winds of change can’t destroy his faithfulness.   And those who place their full trust in him are never put to shame or brought to ruin.  

It all depends on what you want, doesn’t it.  You want all the temporary chaos?  Graced by occasional happiness, like icing on a muffin.    Or are you looking for something endlessly permanent.  

Don’t just, “try Jesus”.  Put all your trust in him and you’ll see that what I’m saying is true.  

You always have the option to fail and be miserable; you can always go back to living a useless life.    You will not always have the option to take the beautiful life he offers so freely.  

Think about it.  


God The Father. Jesus His Righteous Son.  

Faithful, glorious, beautiful, Good, first, last, and every good word.  


Nothing, nothing matters more.  


Those who speak on his behalf are not to be admired. They have done nothing more than is right to expect from every man.  


He moves. And who sees Him do his doings? He sustains His own Holy Name. He causes the dead to praise Him. He causes the unrighteous to love Him. He causes rotted trees to rise and walk.    


He brings Life to be as He desires, and no one gives Him counsel in His Holy work. The dead cannot perceive the life around them.  


None, of this world’s rabble will love His people, whom Himself has raised up. As they hate the Lord’s commands, so they will despise His work among them.  


Let such things be. It has been so from the beginning, it is so now, it will even be so when God gathers all souls together in the valley of judgment. As a man is, so he is sealed at death. So be it.  


Popularity belongs to God alone, but see how Man usurps God’s right to judge importance and honor.   


Love belongs to God alone. See how twisted, dishonorable, and wicked is the tongue of Man to associate every wicked lust with Love.  


Righteousness belongs to God alone. See them praise the work of slaves as if they should rule nations by their charitable deeds. They did their master’s bidding with the wealth of their master. Even their very lives belong to someone else. Why praise a flea for leaving your body?


May your Holy will be done forever, O Blessed and Faithful One! Even the shadows honor You by their rebellious ways.  


By His Grace in Christ Jesus.  

Amen.  

What Kind of Legacy


We all want to leave a good legacy for our children. There is no better legacy to leave them than that our land should be filled with godly love.  

But godly love comes from God alone.  


What better work could we do than to seek God’s face with earnest boldness, willing to receive and sacrifice for his great glory? To purify ourselves by the reading of Scripture and diligent prayer. God will inhabit such people. Godly love will sprout like a healthy crop in spring. And the best legacy possible will be left to our children.  


Could there possibly be a better time?

The Good Ritual


I said to the Lord, “I am a liar and a fool. The only good I have is imagined honor. Imagination is not food.  

But you Holy Father, in Christ your Holy Son, are righteousness and purity forever. In your wisdom you created mercy. In your Holiness you created justice.”


Then I said, “Let me own my sins. Let justice rain on my soul. Let the condemnation of my doings come and cast me to the ground. Let me see the damage I do so easily. Let me understand the murder I inflict.  


It is then that I will seek mercy. It is then that I will cry out to you. It is then that you will offer your gracious hand of love. It is then that you will forgive my sins, allowing no punishment to come to anyone else because of me.  


Let the matter be finished in the blood of your Holy Son. Let my legs find strength to stand. Let my folly be replaced with wisdom and restraint. Let me bring you honor by believing your Holy Word; your promise to bring life through forgiveness of sins.”


And so begins another day. And so the next morning will hear these words again.  


By His Grace.