Future"tense"?
Time is a consumable possession invented by men with limited amounts of it left. Constraints to it are limited by our knowledge and understanding of it. A lifetime, is our invented measure for the space we occupy. We can no more imagine what an eternity is than we can imagine what it means to "be" God.
From limited amounts of scripture, Men build a picture of the place where we will spend an eterninty. Then we take those scriptures and conform Heaven to our world. Trying to limit it to our knowledge of past and present. Even the very senses we have, (sight, sound, smell, touch etc..) may be mere reflections of a totally unknown set of senses we may yet have to come.
Be wary of expecting to use Heaven to complete anything we started here on this Earth. Our only thing left for completion when we leave will be our perfection in Christ and that will be done for us. Do not try to limit the mind of God over such matters. Those expecting to sit on clouds while playing harps have yet to fathom even a hint at what God has in store. Do you not have the word of God to convince you of what great things will surely come? Are you so wrapped up in this present world that even Heaven must conform to it? Would you really limit such blessing to what you know of life here? Is the flesh so desirable that you really want to continue in it?
What must we seek in order to be perfected in Christ? Then how much more should we anticipate our pleasure when it is found for an eternity? Ahh, the Blessed Hope is not Elusive. Searching eagerly and consitently we will find it. Knocking, seeking and asking is our instruction. Eternity with God is our expectation. Don't limit what will come, and don't require more than being with God.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Monday, June 30, 2008
Lifesong
I stepped outside onto the porch, and sat down on the steps which lead out into my backyard. Although my hearing is limited, I instantly key'ed in on the sound of several birds singing in the surrounding trees. Each different type of bird having only one or two songs that it sings, we rarely realize that their songs are voiced perfection. Unlike the songs we sing, theirs are truly given from God. Each Melody pleasing for their mates and to their creator. I am not sure exactly what they are singing, but it must be good if it is the only song that they need. I too would sing it if I knew all the words.
With all we create, our songs and voices should ring louder and more true. Especially if they come from an abundance of the Heart.
Psalm 71:8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
I stepped outside onto the porch, and sat down on the steps which lead out into my backyard. Although my hearing is limited, I instantly key'ed in on the sound of several birds singing in the surrounding trees. Each different type of bird having only one or two songs that it sings, we rarely realize that their songs are voiced perfection. Unlike the songs we sing, theirs are truly given from God. Each Melody pleasing for their mates and to their creator. I am not sure exactly what they are singing, but it must be good if it is the only song that they need. I too would sing it if I knew all the words.
With all we create, our songs and voices should ring louder and more true. Especially if they come from an abundance of the Heart.
Psalm 71:8 Let my mouth be filled with thy praise and with thy honour all the day.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Although the majority of this was written over a year ago, it holds a special place in my writings because of later circumstances that greatly affected my life. The original version of this verse was printed on numerous memorial prints for the friends and family of Jason Williams since it was a verse that he enjoyed, and was written with him on my mind.
I still have a flood of emotion from his death which was a year ago today, but I find that on top of the loss and regret there is also a deep sense of joy and gratefullness. Since Jason's death the Lord used those circumstances to work in my life more than most will ever know, but could never deny.
With Jason in mind, I revisited the verse below and have changed it to reflect the changes in my own life that were sparked from his death. As I mentioned earlier, this verse was originally written with him in mind, and it seems prolific in nature that I change portions now with him on my mind again.
Retrospect Revisited
On the rocky shores of youths barren wasteland, I found myself dreaming in the vast space of time and reality that lies between my ears. In retrospect I view the past as a moment in time with nothing but the future ahead and the wind at my back. I can hear the memories as they blow past and smell the carnage of the wasted days and nearly insufferable nights.
Although clearly I know how it all should have went, it can no more be changed than this that I have become. It was the path of fate and the desire of my Lord that led me here and it is the same path I must continue to follow. Is it of my own accord? Did I seek to destroy everything that I feel so that I may feel nothing? No, that was not my fate. Only the illusion of facing the future makes the path seem traveled. This path has never been tread, but I don't walk it alone. My Lord is with me. Many roads will I cross, which I take towards my destiny. It could be no other way.
Cling not to this life, for it is merely an audition for an eternity. Do not forget the path you travel lest you circle around to it again. Live for Lord and tommorow but not for the day you hope it will be, for tomorrow can not be known till it becomes yesterday. Only know that it is part of the Lord's plan and it's outcome has been designed for his Glory.
Missing ya brother,
I still have a flood of emotion from his death which was a year ago today, but I find that on top of the loss and regret there is also a deep sense of joy and gratefullness. Since Jason's death the Lord used those circumstances to work in my life more than most will ever know, but could never deny.
With Jason in mind, I revisited the verse below and have changed it to reflect the changes in my own life that were sparked from his death. As I mentioned earlier, this verse was originally written with him in mind, and it seems prolific in nature that I change portions now with him on my mind again.
Retrospect Revisited
On the rocky shores of youths barren wasteland, I found myself dreaming in the vast space of time and reality that lies between my ears. In retrospect I view the past as a moment in time with nothing but the future ahead and the wind at my back. I can hear the memories as they blow past and smell the carnage of the wasted days and nearly insufferable nights.
Although clearly I know how it all should have went, it can no more be changed than this that I have become. It was the path of fate and the desire of my Lord that led me here and it is the same path I must continue to follow. Is it of my own accord? Did I seek to destroy everything that I feel so that I may feel nothing? No, that was not my fate. Only the illusion of facing the future makes the path seem traveled. This path has never been tread, but I don't walk it alone. My Lord is with me. Many roads will I cross, which I take towards my destiny. It could be no other way.
Cling not to this life, for it is merely an audition for an eternity. Do not forget the path you travel lest you circle around to it again. Live for Lord and tommorow but not for the day you hope it will be, for tomorrow can not be known till it becomes yesterday. Only know that it is part of the Lord's plan and it's outcome has been designed for his Glory.
Missing ya brother,
Friday, April 18, 2008
I stand amazed as I look outside. Spring has sprung and this time of year God's visible majesty is rarely more radiant. In everything I see, the Artist's signature is always there. Always evident, and always comforting. Within us all, there is an appreciation for the beauty that surrounds us.
To the obedient, it is God's presence that comforts us. Like standing in the sun on a spring morning, the brilliance warms us on the outside and the peace within gives usa hint of the blessed hope that we so diligently seek.
But as a sinner there are those times when sin, like a cloud that passes between us and the sun, seperates us from that brilliance. As the light is blocked from the cloud, so is the sin seperating us from our creator. When you are used to that warmth and peace, the lack of it is unbearable.
Little do those that are lost realize but hope, no matter how small is within them. They recieve it from the same source as I do. They just fail to accept more of it and bow to it's majesty. That hope keeps them going, it is there in there deepest dispair. If only they would seek out it's source.
There will be a day when we all will stand before the source, the blessed hope filling them. The comfort abounding. The peace overwhelming. The perfect good that is our God. Few will continue to dwell in what can only be described as nirvana or bliss in our blessed hope, but sadly there are masses more that will not. In the Divine Comedy, Dante wrote about the Hell. Over the gates, he wrote that there is a sign that says "Abandon all hope, you who pass!". I have to say however that when you stand with in the presence of God you know what that blessed hope is and how perfect love could never be more true, you will not need a sign to tell that you have lost it. The moment you sent out of God's presence and you no longer feel him, you will have already abandoned all hope.
To be seperated from God for a moment is hard. To be seperated for an eternity, would be an unbearable burden beyond my grasp. Within us all there is atleast that glimmer of hope. Within the expanse of the universe there is a majesty that we can see. And when we stand in the Son our blessed hope will abound. Seek the source, go find that blessed hope. Like the still small voice that Elija heard from God, you will never hear it over the wind unless you get close.
To the obedient, it is God's presence that comforts us. Like standing in the sun on a spring morning, the brilliance warms us on the outside and the peace within gives usa hint of the blessed hope that we so diligently seek.
But as a sinner there are those times when sin, like a cloud that passes between us and the sun, seperates us from that brilliance. As the light is blocked from the cloud, so is the sin seperating us from our creator. When you are used to that warmth and peace, the lack of it is unbearable.
Little do those that are lost realize but hope, no matter how small is within them. They recieve it from the same source as I do. They just fail to accept more of it and bow to it's majesty. That hope keeps them going, it is there in there deepest dispair. If only they would seek out it's source.
There will be a day when we all will stand before the source, the blessed hope filling them. The comfort abounding. The peace overwhelming. The perfect good that is our God. Few will continue to dwell in what can only be described as nirvana or bliss in our blessed hope, but sadly there are masses more that will not. In the Divine Comedy, Dante wrote about the Hell. Over the gates, he wrote that there is a sign that says "Abandon all hope, you who pass!". I have to say however that when you stand with in the presence of God you know what that blessed hope is and how perfect love could never be more true, you will not need a sign to tell that you have lost it. The moment you sent out of God's presence and you no longer feel him, you will have already abandoned all hope.
To be seperated from God for a moment is hard. To be seperated for an eternity, would be an unbearable burden beyond my grasp. Within us all there is atleast that glimmer of hope. Within the expanse of the universe there is a majesty that we can see. And when we stand in the Son our blessed hope will abound. Seek the source, go find that blessed hope. Like the still small voice that Elija heard from God, you will never hear it over the wind unless you get close.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Fruit Trees
Genesis 2:15-17 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Back in the Garden, Adam and Eve were set up to live out life in paradise. They had the perfect relationship with God. The only restriction they had, was not to eat of the fruit of the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". Then in comes the serpent into the picture. "Eat of the fruit" he says "You surely won't die." God is just trying to hold you back from being as wise as he is." So she took the fruit and ate it and then after, so did Adam. Original sin.... We were poisoned.
History repeats itself. We find ourselves today standing in front of another tree. This time, the fruit that was hanging from that tree was our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To be free of that original sin, we need to eat of his fruit. (John 6:53) .Now, in comes the serpent again and asks "Do you really think you will have eternal life?" "Surely you will not live forever?" "Knowledge is good." "Live for the moment, go enjoy the world." This time, it's not only acceptable to reach for the fruit and eat it, it is necessary.
Knowledge of Good and Evil.... From that moment in the garden, mankind knew the difference between right and wrong. It is something embedded into our hearts. When we fail to do the right thing, it is sin. The punishment for it, is an eternity seperated from God. There is still a paradise at stake. We were poisoned to keep us out, but Jesus is our antidote. Then only antidote, for there is no other way to the Father except through him.
Genesis 2:15-17 And the LORD God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.
Back in the Garden, Adam and Eve were set up to live out life in paradise. They had the perfect relationship with God. The only restriction they had, was not to eat of the fruit of the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil". Then in comes the serpent into the picture. "Eat of the fruit" he says "You surely won't die." God is just trying to hold you back from being as wise as he is." So she took the fruit and ate it and then after, so did Adam. Original sin.... We were poisoned.
History repeats itself. We find ourselves today standing in front of another tree. This time, the fruit that was hanging from that tree was our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. To be free of that original sin, we need to eat of his fruit. (John 6:53) .Now, in comes the serpent again and asks "Do you really think you will have eternal life?" "Surely you will not live forever?" "Knowledge is good." "Live for the moment, go enjoy the world." This time, it's not only acceptable to reach for the fruit and eat it, it is necessary.
Knowledge of Good and Evil.... From that moment in the garden, mankind knew the difference between right and wrong. It is something embedded into our hearts. When we fail to do the right thing, it is sin. The punishment for it, is an eternity seperated from God. There is still a paradise at stake. We were poisoned to keep us out, but Jesus is our antidote. Then only antidote, for there is no other way to the Father except through him.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
X marks the spot.
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
When Jesus was still with us here on Earth, he woke us up to a many number of things. Throughout time, some things have never changed. The search for power, glory, domination and money are timeless. With our sinful nature, these things will always be in the true nature of our being. Jesus taught us that all of the things of this world will pass. Nothing will remain behind not even the Heavens and the old Earth. Seems kinda pointless to worry about wealth here on Earth. We can however build up treasures in Heaven.
Apryl has a Great Grandmother (Alva) that is still living. She has lived a wonderously full life, and walked with God through out it. There are times when I look at her, and watch her moving around. I see the pain of her arthritis, the frustrations of requiring others to help her to simply walk but most importantly, I see the love she has for everyone around her. In John 13:34, Jesus says "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." When I look at Alva, it is obvious that she lives by this.
I truly try to love everyone that I know. Sometimes it is more difficult to show that love and interact with them, but I can honestly say that I do love them and want to be with them for all eternity. I truly abhor the thought of not having even one of them for all Eternity. (I pointed out the scripture so they couldn't deny me...) Although it has taken me some time to see things for how they really are, I now know what my true treasures are. It is the Friends and Family that I have, and love. THEY are my treasure!
Think about those that you count as your treasures, and pray for them. Pray that they too will be drawn to God and recieve eternal salvation. Then when we, like Alva, get old and gray with most of our friends and family having passed on, we may truly understand Matthew 6:21. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
When Jesus was still with us here on Earth, he woke us up to a many number of things. Throughout time, some things have never changed. The search for power, glory, domination and money are timeless. With our sinful nature, these things will always be in the true nature of our being. Jesus taught us that all of the things of this world will pass. Nothing will remain behind not even the Heavens and the old Earth. Seems kinda pointless to worry about wealth here on Earth. We can however build up treasures in Heaven.
Apryl has a Great Grandmother (Alva) that is still living. She has lived a wonderously full life, and walked with God through out it. There are times when I look at her, and watch her moving around. I see the pain of her arthritis, the frustrations of requiring others to help her to simply walk but most importantly, I see the love she has for everyone around her. In John 13:34, Jesus says "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." When I look at Alva, it is obvious that she lives by this.
I truly try to love everyone that I know. Sometimes it is more difficult to show that love and interact with them, but I can honestly say that I do love them and want to be with them for all eternity. I truly abhor the thought of not having even one of them for all Eternity. (I pointed out the scripture so they couldn't deny me...) Although it has taken me some time to see things for how they really are, I now know what my true treasures are. It is the Friends and Family that I have, and love. THEY are my treasure!
Think about those that you count as your treasures, and pray for them. Pray that they too will be drawn to God and recieve eternal salvation. Then when we, like Alva, get old and gray with most of our friends and family having passed on, we may truly understand Matthew 6:21. "For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Monday, March 3, 2008
Eternal Hunger
In all four of the Gospels in the New Testament,is the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-15)
The multitude, having heard about the works that Jesus had done, sought him in the Desert. Jesus had come to this place with his disciples for some rest but the multitude followed him. When Jesus saw this multitude of people, (about 5000 men, perhaps with their families), we read that he was moved with compassion and healed thier sick and preached to them of the kingdom of God. Once this was done, Jesus took 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and distributed them out to the men to feed them. Once the men had eaten, Jesus told the disciples to pick up everything that was left over. There were leftovers, about 12 baskets full.
Although this was truly a miracle worth repeating, there is more to the story. Jesus did more that day than offer them bread and fish to fill their stomachs, he offered them the Bread of Life. After being "Moved by compassion" our Lord and Savior was there healing the sick, and preaching to them about the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:11). Feeding them, was only something that he did afterwards.
What a lesson for life that is. We have people begging for our help all the time. Being Christians, we should follow the example that Jesus gave us. If someone comes to us hungry, we should not only feed them but show them how they can seek the Bread of Life. If they come to us Thirsty, we should not only give them something to drink but also show them how they can seek out a Fountain springing up within them that is the Living Water. If they need clothing, we should not only give them something to wear, but show them how they can seek to be clothed in Rightousness. If they come to you poor, give them money but also show them how to seek the their own treasures in Heaven. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus made it pretty clear. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
In all four of the Gospels in the New Testament,is the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. (Matthew 14:13-21, Mark 6:30-44, Luke 9:10-17 and John 6:1-15)
The multitude, having heard about the works that Jesus had done, sought him in the Desert. Jesus had come to this place with his disciples for some rest but the multitude followed him. When Jesus saw this multitude of people, (about 5000 men, perhaps with their families), we read that he was moved with compassion and healed thier sick and preached to them of the kingdom of God. Once this was done, Jesus took 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and distributed them out to the men to feed them. Once the men had eaten, Jesus told the disciples to pick up everything that was left over. There were leftovers, about 12 baskets full.
Although this was truly a miracle worth repeating, there is more to the story. Jesus did more that day than offer them bread and fish to fill their stomachs, he offered them the Bread of Life. After being "Moved by compassion" our Lord and Savior was there healing the sick, and preaching to them about the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:11). Feeding them, was only something that he did afterwards.
What a lesson for life that is. We have people begging for our help all the time. Being Christians, we should follow the example that Jesus gave us. If someone comes to us hungry, we should not only feed them but show them how they can seek the Bread of Life. If they come to us Thirsty, we should not only give them something to drink but also show them how they can seek out a Fountain springing up within them that is the Living Water. If they need clothing, we should not only give them something to wear, but show them how they can seek to be clothed in Rightousness. If they come to you poor, give them money but also show them how to seek the their own treasures in Heaven. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus made it pretty clear. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
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