What is the Measure?


He moved into his new apartment. Of all the things he enjoyed, there was one new thing that intrigued him the most.  The kitchen faucet was different.

The first time he went for a glass of water, the faucet dispensed but a few drops.  Pulling his glass away, he turned it off then on again. A flow came out that would’ve filled his glass.  “How curious.”

He put his glass under the spigot again. Turning it on, he got one third glass of water.  

Over the next few weeks it was like that for him. He asked no one for help, simply enjoying the intrigue.

We approach God in prayer, asking for many things. By our faith we expect a response. And surely enough, we get one.

Sometimes it’s but a dribble.  Sometimes we ask, with the weakest of faith. We walk away from prayer missing the overflow he intended to give. Without possibility of explanation, we know what we missed.  So our intent to gain faith strengthens.

But the giving seems random, doesn’t it.

Here is the understanding I reach tonight. The sum of his giving to us is not found in the small experiences we receive. The sum is found where the sum belongs; at the end of our life.  

How many people give up because they are not satisfied with the small things he gives? Rather than remaining faithful, they turn away in disgust and futility. But the faithful remain, fully believing that God will accomplish those things he promised at the start.  

Of course I want you to ponder these things. Of course I wrote this so that we all might benefit for the sake of God’s glory in Jesus. But doesn’t it break down to this, it is up to each of us to develop the faithfulness required 

There is a wedding to attend. No wedding is complete without gifts.  And no gift will be accepted but those things which have come from God; The profitability of his Spirit at work in those who remain faithful.  Amass a mountain, or a mole hill if you will. But by all means and desire, bring him something.

Utter Love of Poverty


How needlessly the people suffer under an endless variety of oppressions.  How uselessly they cry out for release.  How hopeless are the cures offered by Man.  They are no cures at all.  They are simply pain killers.

How unspeakably lovely is the release of Christ’s strength!  There are no words among men to describe the wonderous release He offers.

They want freedom.  But see how they love the shadows.  They want riches.  But see how they desire those things that do not last.  They want to be well fed and clothed with security.  All the while they feed the body and purchase what protection the flesh can provide.

How long will they wait?  How much more violence must the soul endure?  Is there a limit to “want”?  Where is the place of submission?  Where is the place of receiving?

Purposefully Single!


The choir sings, while one sings alone.

The preacher preaches to hundreds,  while one bows in the dust alone.

So many are witness to each others worshiping soul.

While the single one grapples with truth before the master of it all.

“16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen”  (2nd Timothy 4)

By His Grace

Answer to Prayer


When the Lord shall give you answer,

To a question you have had.

Sear it in your memory,

As the receiving child is glad.

Play with it and own it.

Toss all it around.

Look at it, with joy’s intent.

Study from the upside and down.

Take it apart as far as it will.

Examine its inner part.

Then let your soul decide to be still.

Understanding with grateful heart.

By His Grace

Respite not Despite


I have a dear friend who has gone on a cruise today.  She gets tan while I get cold.  But I am very happy for her.

She carries a lot of weight on her shoulders, in her normal routine.  There seems to be no respite from the burden.  But she carries on despite the great troubles.

But when she is offered this few days of respite from the war, she comes back an entirely different person.

In Christ, when we are offered forgiveness, is it sure, and given by the one who is able to give.  He gives this forgiveness of sins for the sake of comfort and increased faith. 

Before it comes (This powerful expression of his love) we hold to our faith, but we are in the midst of a war.  When it comes there is joy.

But here the forgiveness of sins is like the cruise to my friend.  If she went on the cruise and did not enjoy herself, rather worried about the time when she returns, her respite from trouble would be worthless.

Is the forgiveness of Christ worthless in our trouble?

It is meant to build us up and to give us health and joy.  But many, including myself, have reserved their joy for heaven.  They have carried on serving Christ Jesus despite their gloom.  This is not the intent of our Lord.

When you get a warm day in winter, rejoice.  When you get a cool day in summer, likewise rejoice.  When forgiveness comes, with power, rejoice!

Among men it is truly better to give than to receive.  Before Christ we are the receivers only.  Humility breeds joy.

By His Grace

Waiting


God IS.

Everything that He desires to give to man, IS.

Sorrow “IS” from “waiting”.

Everything that we fail to desire, from the things He is willing to give, remains “waiting”.

And so, the Holy Will of God among men, remains “waiting”.

Who is “waiting” to receive?

Who is busy “waiting”?

The former are a well spring of “Pure rain”.

The latter stop the “Pure rain” from reaching the crop.

His desire withers in the field.

All the while, the withered consider their condition “life”.

Who will fill their container with Living Water that they might water God’s crop?