Sentimental Swill

I have done a fair bit of writing over the past several years. Regrettably, I have published here on blogger, some not-so-note-worthy sentimental swill. You know what I mean, don't you? The kind of stuff that once chewed, remains remnant like in the teeth and has to be scrapped off, toothpick-ed out because it was sticky and stuck-y.

I just read some of that kind of drivel; fortunately, it was not personally produced hog wash... some other character came up with it and I had the displeasure of reading it, all the way until the end. As the joke goes, I will never get that time back.

Searching for meaning
As I read, I was searching, hoping, picking my way through a poem with the desire to have it strike a resonant chord; I was literally, scanning for truth. I made my way to the end, or should I say the bottom, and it left me bereft of feeling. That is what song lyrics, poems, articles, print ads do, when there is nothing of substance and value contained therein: they leave us feeling nothing, nothing at all. Why though? I mean effort has gone into the writing, and somehow it leaves us flat. Other pieces of work have us elevated to heavenly heights, moved to tears and sometimes, weak in the knees: what is missing when we are not moved?

It could be me, it could be you, it could be the source or, it could be this:

Vulnerability the missing link
I have discovered that vulnerability is the missing link. When I peel back a layer and look under to the words blanketed there, intention is revealed. Writers of every ilk want to direct traffic, the people they hope to move with their words and work. What the reader and listener is waiting for is a reveal, something hidden in themselves that they had not words for: something they have been longing to express but could not feel into solo. We read and listen to be transported, taken somewhere, and perhaps, it is a desire to travel the inner and outer reaches of our own being and soul that has us open to reading and listening to others. Without the writer being vulnerable, giving intimate glimpses into their own being, the reader is left bereft, hungry still for solid soul food.

And now, there is this: Without vulnerability, there cannot be connection. You and I do not feel understood when the message conveyed has within it, a withholding, or worse yet, a manipulative feel and flavour.

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it (Isaiah 55:11).

Checking intention is vital to connection. If I write, it must be for the reader, not solely for the purpose of some grandiose plan I hope to realize for my own benefit. Why would anyone choose to read the work of selfishness; of mindless muttering; of sentimental swill?

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-2).

Intentionally on mission
Upon reflection, I see differently now. Vulnerability is the missing link when truth in love is absent. It is truth in love that brilliantly lights a fire in the hearts of men. Seeking and finding happens naturally, after we have become intentional in our mission to know, live and love, Truth.

God and Moses

And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow (Exodus 4:6)

One reluctant cat
I am laughing, after just having read Exodus 4:1-11. If you don't own a Bible, and you do have the internet, you can read this for yourself. God is giving Moses his work order, and Moses is one reluctant cat. When I think about having a direct conversation with God, how Moses had this type of relationship with God Almighty, I am astounded and amazed, that he would argue with His creator. Then I think about me, and how willing I am to do the same, each time I forget to remember that I am powerless, while God, is all powerful! 

Moses is afraid of public speaking, he is afraid people won't believe him, and he asks God to find another man to do His bidding, despite God turning a staff into a snake, a healthy hand turned leprous and back again, and a promise to turn water into blood.

The point here, is that we can do nothing by our own strength and everything with God working in and through us.

And the LORD said to him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Who makes him deaf or mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? (Exodus 4:11-12).

God empowered when we submit

I have to chuckle again, because Moses remains reluctant, and aren't we the same dear reader? I mean we get excellent instruction, we get our marching orders, we are equipped and then, we stutter start, doubting ourselves, our capabilities, our calling... and rightly so! We can do nothing powerful from our own strength:

I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me (Philippians 4:13)

It is our ego and pride, that prevent us from performing-and it is performance that is problematic! The self-consciousness that accompanies being centre stage, is about how we believe we will be perceived, rather than how we can glorify God, by doing what He asks of us: we are, after all, so very self-absorbed by nature.

And he said, O LORD, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send (Exodus 4:13)

Well this is not good dear one. Moses is so frightened, that he asks God for a replacement. No guts, no glory? Not really. God is merciful and gives us ways to complete the tasks He assigns. He will take our human frailty and obstinance, and get the job done regardless of our unbelieving attitudes; He does, however, get irritated with us:

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God. And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs (Exodus 4:14-17)

Gods anger burned against Moses. Have you ever gotten red-hot-burning-mad dear reader? Have you ever felt so hot under the collar, that you wanted to hurt someone because they went against all that you believe in, hold near and dear, and would die for even? What did you do with yourself in that state? Did you give yourself full permission to attack, vent, explode, retaliate? Look again at the above verses, at how God handled the situation.

God lets us know He is in charge
I like the fact that God asked Moses to put his hand inside his cloak and it came out leprous. I see in this one simple act, God letting us know who is in charge. Nothing and no one, is beyond His power, and He can and does, do with us what He wills. It is no consequence to Him, when we disregard or disobey, He will still, get the job done, even with unwilling participants. It is contentious to argue with Him, and we run the risk of His disapproval when we do.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction (Proverbs 1:7)

God offers
God makes us offers all the time. He knows what abilities we have, and do not have, and He tells us, you can do this, not because you are oh so astoundingly awesome, but because I AM. What He asks of us, He will equip us for, in the doing. You don't have to worry, wonder or doubt, He has every bit of the plan covered, with or without our willingness.

So, what has He asked you to do, to say? Are you saying no to Him dear reader? Still? Are you sure you want to keep that up? He is, after all, God, you know! 

Cup your ears, have a good listen, get your work order and get the job done.

Go on now, don't leave His work for you, up to someone else:

For it is God which worketh in you to will and to do of his good pleasure (Philippians 2:13) 

Fire and Prayer

Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy  (Zephaniah 3:8)

Man made Paradise
I wonder, about a place called Paradise, in California. According to the latest early Sunday morning reports, 80-90% of homes in Paradise have been incinerated (my word): they have literally, gone up in smoke. The fire came quickly upon the city and the people living there, causing mass destruction. The mayor is quoted as saying "We do intend to rebuild; it's going to be a process--a lot of hard work, a lot of coming together" Paradise Mayor Jody Jones.

He alone is God,
The elements are Gods dear reader. I sit with the morning sun shining in on the lovely front room in my house, cozy and warm on the inside, crisp and cool, November air on the outside. Am I immune to the threat of fire? Yes, currently, I am. Have I prayed for weather to be abated, for Gods hand to cover my home, my city and surrounding area, my loved ones and community members, why yes I have, many a time. Do I believe God has protected me and my own. Yes, yes again, I know He has. 

What I also know is this: He alone is God. He is in charge of rain, driving wind, fire, and the earth that we live on top of quite comfortably most of the time, and rather petrified some of the time, as in running for your life from a fire that licks at your heels...

Dismantled in a matter of seconds
When it comes to be subjected, being subjects of the Sovereign, it would be wise to admit dear reader, that what we build with our own arrogant and tiny minds and hands, He can dismantle in a matter of seconds. What it takes us years to accumulate, to create our own Paradise, He demolishes in a matter of hours. Rebuild, recommit, re, what?

Mother Nature, mean and kind witch
Is God mean? Are we little ants? Does He come with a wicked grin, and with one swish of His mighty hand, wipe out the little man made mansions and self appointed King and Queen castles we have built? Or is it Mother Nature, that mean spirited and often kind hearted witch, that just randomly does as she pleases, while we scramble to reclaim what she so cruelly flattened within our clear and helpless sight?

Prayers of the righteous
Warnings dear reader, there are warnings in The Bible, one after another after another after another: it is getting worse. "It" will continue to get worse: because man has this crazy idea that they can create a Paradise on earth, and reject the one who created them to worship Him, and Him alone. None of us are immune. I heard a mom whose son was murdered say: I don't want prayer or good thoughts, I want gun control. This is my point, dear one. You and me, we have perceived control, and nothing more. It is the prayers of the righteous that are powerful and effective:

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (James 5:16)

This woman has it all wrong dear one, and my question is, do you too? In her devastated emotional state, she angrily insisted that prayers and good thoughts would not help her. She was correct on this front, if the point is that the prayers and thoughts will not resurrect her dead son, or save her from the fact that she feels helpless in the battle, and could not save him herself. The problem is her grasping for man to make it right, protect her, prevent atrocities: it is man that is the threat, with charred and blackened unrepentant hearts. She is turning in the wrong direction, she turns toward the fire instead of rushing away.

Prayer heals

Be consumed by the fire of faith

... for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (I spliced these verses together).

God is not mean. God is just. He wants you to be consumed and consecrated. He wants each of us to be on fire in faith. We will see much more destruction dear one, it is prophesied and, God is no liar.

Open your Bible, buy one if you don't have one. Attend church. Join a Bible study. Do something for yourself and your family, that leads you to God, to Truth. It is our souls, not our physical bodies, that are in jeopardy.

If you haven't yet, thank God today for all of your blessings. They come from Him and He sees you, from His heavenly Paradise. Secondly, do pray, for those in need, their homes and lives changed forever by fire, and murder. It is our prayers, offered up to God, that are fragrant, powerful and effective. One day soon, it will be me, it will be you, that needs the prayers of many.

Let us never forget, on this Remembrance Day, who Sovereignly rules, jealously. 

Low Hanging Fruit

Delectable
I love the image of low hanging fruit. It is luscious to think of pickable pears, appealing apples, scintillating citrus, all within reach. I recall picking plums in Italy: my mouth waters at the thought of those ripe yellow flavour packed plums. That tree was planted for me. That is how I treated the fruit of its labour: I ate with abandon. The tree dripped its prize and I drank deeply

Personifying fruit
I think of the health of a tree. How a healthy tree, will produce healthy and abundant fruit. A sick tree simply cannot do this, and the resultant fruit can grow, but in a distorted and abnormal fashion, a semblance of itself: something short of what it could be, but somehow not looking like its fully potentialize(d) fruit brothers and sisters, cousins, uncles and aunts, and ultimately, its great great grandparents. Of course, we, you and I, both know that I am personifying fruit, dear reader: I am not the first to do this, I follow in mighty leader footsteps.

For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes (Luke 6:43-44)

Rotten or edible?

Unresolved issues
This theme of low hanging fruit came to me as I thought about unresolved issues, the kinds we all have as individuals. These unaddressed soul wounds, are a lot like heavy hanging rotten fruit, over ripe and no longer palatable, let alone nutritiously fulfilling. 

Can you see this too, dear reader, people sagging with the weight of a past, their own or that of a fellow fruit, I mean relative, rotting them from the inside out? I don't know about you, but I will be damned, yes, this devoted Christian woman referenced damning, if I ever become the type of person that does not process my pain, so that I never become rotten

A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh (Luke 6:45)

Look at your heart
So here is the challenge and the work:

• You look at your heart, right here, right now, and ask yourself, what is in there? Once you have done this, ask yourself:
• What comes from my mouth? 
• Is what comes from me alive and affirming, or is it rotten and unworthy of consumption? 

If what you say edifies another, gives them hope and reason to keep going, living, loving, trying, then you are a tree of life to others dear one. Dare I say what you are to others when the opposite is true? Must I fill in the blanks here? 

Unresolved family tree issues, problems, habits, rituals, modes of being that are unhealthy, unsavoury, repulsive, and death inducing, must be addressed, so that the fruit of your labour can produce life affirming deliciousness, that all can see and experience in your loving presence. 

We cannot hide
We are known dear one. We cannot hide from the many eyes that follow us to and fro. We each get to decide: every day, in every way. 

Are you yummy, or just plain old rotten? 

Relationship Repellant

There is a modern day expression that I find less than appealing when I hear it: It is what it is...

You must purposefully decide
On the surface, it would appear that this is a reality check way of saying, if I can't change it, I must accept it. While this may be true about grass being green and the rain falling when you plan on going to the beach, I find it to be an appalling form of checking out of responsibility and accountability when applied to human choices, behaviours, attitudes, mindsets, and the real life results that manifest from purported choices, behaviours, attitudes and mindsets. While you and I can do nothing about the grass or the rain, we certainly can be held to account for our behaviour, and the intentions that underlie our actions. We are, after all, more than capable as human beings to think, process, choose, and even predict plausible and probable outcomes when we purposely decide what we will think, then say, and then do.

Go to sleep

Talk to the hand, not my heart

Now, let us get crystal clear. You may be drugged dear reader! I am dead serious... I mean you are dead, seriously. You may be in a perpetual fugue state of unconsciousness, numbed by your own lack of accountability. You may be living, it is what it is, on the inside. You may also believe and live into the philosophy of I am who I am and I am never going to change, not for anyone; you remain the same in a homeostatic state of status quo. This is clearly a shame, for you and for everyone that lives within your gravitational pull. Your mode of being becomes relationship repellant because if you are what you are, you is what you is, while you stay the same and never move from your tiny spot on the map, everyone who is growing, learning, changing, advancing, will pass you by... this is a sad state, at first for the ones moving ahead and leaving you behind... but it becomes a perpetual purgatory for you, if you refuse to grasp the concept of true love in relationship. And here is the concept: You've got to give a little to get a lot. You've got to flex and meld and mold and shape yourself into something alive, awake, aware... you and I, we are what we are until God gets a hold of us and then, and only then, can we become someone spectacular to behold.

Wicked hearted
God asks for our participation in becoming more like him by stirring in us a desire to reach for heavenly heights by feeling, thinking, processing, searching, researching, asking, finding, course correcting, choosing, to be like Jesus. You have, heard of Jesus, right? That guy/god that never sinned, the one that lived perfectly as an example for wicked hearted people like you, and me? You read that correctly, you have a wicked heart. Look at yourself... what part of your life do you have bragging rights to? Isn't it time you woke up from your slumber and decide that today is the day you no longer accept your own sorry story of status quo?

Seeds sown in our yesterdays
Being accountable and responsible in relationship is all that matters in life. Here is our only reality-we all must pay the piper. Our intentions invariably show up in our words and actions and each day, we are rewarded for the seeds we have sown in our yesterdays... the choices are always ours, awake or asleep, alive or dead, heaven or hell.

It is what it is... or is it?

Fearlessness

There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth not is made perfect in love (1 John 4:18)

Fear and love are incompatible. Fear is torment-think of a bully harassing you endlessly. Love is perfect-think of love grabbing a hold of that bully by the scruff of the neck and tossing it out the door, on your behalf!

Fearless in Christ Tattoo
My son has a tattoo on his shoulder. It is Jesus' crowned with thorns head, hanging low, eyes closed. The portrait is his final It is finished statement of sacrificial love for an undeserving world of sinners, an unpopular term, since no one wants to admit to their own very dark and dastardly ways. There is an inscription in Hebrew under Jesus' head that reads Fearless in Christ. And my son is. This is what he sent me this morning, as a reminder of who he has become:

He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved (Psalm 62:6)

Contentment

Sacrifice made beautiful

This verse gives me a sense of the purest contentment dear reader. I am a mom and I love my manchild like crazy! When he was a little boy, excited to run to class when the school bell rang, I had to accept the facts: I am not going to be with him every minute of the day, keeping him safe and warm, dry and comfortable. I am not going to be able to defend him against the pain of loss, disappointment, hurt or even physical injury: in fact, he injured himself many a time under my watch! As parent, it is my job to watch and encourage him to learn and grow, get stronger from life lessons as an accountable young man and sometimes, watch him walk away... because he is not mine, he belongs to another.

Not moved
What I have learned is that God loves my son far more than I ever can or will, and thats a whole lot of love. What I have learned is that he is in far more capable hands when I entrust him to God. What I know, is that my son knows, from whence  he hails, and he knows that in this life, God is his rock, salvation, and defence: he is committed to not be moved from this foundational faith in God, on which he firmly stands.

Now, let us turn our eyes to you dear one:

• Is fear your tormentor?
• Is it wreaking havoc in your life? 
• Are you tired of feeling afraid? 
• Lastly, are you willing to give up this vestige, this old worn out coat of lies, and trust in love? 

The two, love and fear, which is torment, are incompatible

Why not try love, dear one? Love casts out all fear... God is love, to know him is to be made, perfect

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (1 John 4:16).

Someone

 Never feel alone

Do you know someone who is this to you, dear reader?

A salve, a balm, a hand that holds, a voice that soothes… 

Is someone this to you, dear one?

A reminder, a call to greatness, a gentle push in the right direction...

How about?

A call to arms, an inspiration, a revelation...

Lastly, is there someone who?

Lights the path, salts your soul, undeniably, irrevocably, faithfully, stands sentinel, never leaving your side...

The me that is supposed to be

I know Someone like this, and because I know Him, He has placed many someones just like Him, in my life. 

     

     When I am hurt, they are a salve and balm, healing agents to my wounded brokenness. They hold my hand and speak soothingly, comforting me when I need a kind touch and sweet words.

     When I need to recall who I am and why I am here, they remind me, calling me to my greatness, the me that is supposed to be. With a gentle push, I again travel in the right direction.

     When it is time to fight the good fight, I am called to arms, to equipping. Inspired words of revealed truth have me clothing myself: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit. I become battle ready.

Lastly dear one, lastly... we need light, don't we, to see the path we are on? We need salt too, so that we do not lose our strength, or our flavour for life? And God knows, we, you and I, need this more than ever, Someone to stand sentinel, guarding us, lovingly by our side, forever and always, come what may? 

Someone watching, loving, waiting

I know Someone just like this, and you can too. I know many someones just like this, and you can too. We are never alone, even when we choose to be. There is always Someone watching, loving, waiting for you and for me, to see and accept their glorious gift of grace. 

Jesus is Someone, the Someone. You can know Him, like I do, and never feel alone again. 

     

HIStory

I AM

HIStory
In Christian circles, the word history is used thusly: HIStory. Speaking plainly, history is a reference to Gods story

Pick this idea up, here and now
When I think of Jesus' words, that he is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last (Revelation 22:13), I see that God, also known as The Author of Life You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this (Acts 3:15), created words that quite charmingly, and cleverly, point to Him in every way imaginable. Pick this idea up, here and now: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1)

It is impossible for you to not understand me
This, all of this, points us to a mind boggling revelatory concept... God is in the mix, in our midst, in the fray, in our day, in our genes, in our thoughts, in our essence, in our... everything. I speak to you as though you might very well understand what I am going on about. I am presuming and assuming, supposing and suggesting, that it is impossible for you to not understand me: not just my words, my meaning. Why oh why would God be called the Word, the Author of life, the First and Last unless of course, He has some kind of master plan, some coded come find me, and yet I'm not hiding, mysterious ways that only the hungry and thirsty for Him, discover? 

There is a blueprint dear reader, it is The Bible. All of the answers are in there, outside of you and me, waiting for us to trip upon the truth in astounding ways.

This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and in their minds will I write them (Hebrews 10:16).

Embarrassing inordinate self-absorption 
Right: his laws are put in our hearts, written on our minds. So here is the reason for this writing, in case you were wondering? I am all too human. I spend an embarrassing, inordinate amount of time thinking about myself. I can get preoccupied pretty easily with my here-and-now daily reality, and this is when my emotions take me for a rollercoaster ride. And then I remember to honour God, with my thoughts, with my attention, with my questions: how would you like me to serve you today Father? How can I make you proud this minute, Daddy? This is when the sun shines brightly in on me, heating my skin and warming my heart. 

You see dear reader, it is all about Him, loving us, knowing us, wanting us to be love in His world, making HIStory something worthy of who He is. If God loves you and I this much, it means it is about you, about me, about that guy or girl sitting across from you in the bus, in the coffee shop, or idling in rush hour traffic in the car next to you.

Let us make HIStory, together
HIStory, is about Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was all about us. Think on this a moment. God is love (1 John 4:8). Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8). When you and I remain in love, remain in God If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you (John 15:7) we can never, ever fail!

Now, I have a proposal for you. Let us make history together. Let us make our lives about Him, the one and only true God of the universe. Let us make HIStory our story, today, shall we?

Are you in?

Bonfires and Water Pistols

Bonfires 
I have this amazing image of a blazing bonfire burned into my memory. It is warm and inviting and many gather around it, enjoying the heat, the glow, and the sparks that fly skyward and disappear before they get anywhere near the heavens. Bonfires are hot, and getting too close can singe clothes and exposed hair and or attached flesh.

Water Pistol
Now picture someone coming along with a water pistol in hand. The one holding the pistol has potential power. They could turn the gun on you, and squirt you in the eye. Annoying, but harmless, depending on the fluid. They could turn the gun toward the fire, shooting in an attempt to dampen the wood and extinguish the flames. That would be annoying, for them, because our bonfire would require buckets of water to be turned down... if putting the fire out is the goal, and the fluid is H2O, this method will not do. This same someone could be armed with something quite different, an unexpected liquid in that pistol. Let us suppose they take aim and shoot at our bonfire again, and once the fluid hits the flames, they suddenly leap to fabulous unexpected heights, surprising gawking fire gazers. Ahhh yes, you are thinking correctly dear reader, there is Fire Starter in that tiny, innocent looking gun.

Armed, but dangerous?

1. Shooter number one: armed but not dangerous, kind of a Jester that can be tolerated only for so long. He doesn't appreciate the beauty and majesty of fire; how did he enter onto the scene?

2. Shooter number two: armed but Dangerously Dull, attempting to put out the flames because he can't take the heat; he can't stand the brightness, the glow and light fire casts. This guy snuck into our circle somehow.

3. Shooter number three: armed, almost dangerously, Fire Starter understands the nature of fire, what fire needs to build and become. This guy is in the right place: he will not sacrifice the beauty of the flames and encourages them to continue to burn red hot and brilliantly, lighting up the darkness.

Fire burning brightly
lights the darkness

Burning brightly 
Now, picture you as the flame... burning brightly. Imagine those that surround you, the ones that love your kind of fire. Next, select a shooter. Which one do you prefer? Of course, I am directing you dear one, leading you to Fire Starter. I am playing at metaphors and grinning as I go.

Never to be dampened
Flames and Fire Starters, they are a wonderful, cheery match, aren't they? Don't let anyone put out your flame dear one. Next, there is this: always be a source of heat and light for others. You can start a fire, fuel a fire, but never ever dampen or put one out in another: that, is sacrilege.  

Trade Off

What I tell you in the darkness, that speak ye in the light; and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops (Matthew 10:27)

Well now, this is rather... uncomfortable, isn't it? God isn't asking, he is telling us to take action, to speak. In this two-part verse, we learn that God is speaking to us in the darkness and that He whispers in our ear. Has he spoken to you? Have you heard his whisper? If so, are you speaking in the daylight, are you proclaiming from the housetops?

For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10)

This verse comes from Paul, who is making it plain to his listeners that he speaks what God has asked him to speak. It would have been much easier for him to continue in his humanly glorified position of official Christian Hunter/Killer, than it was for him to proclaim Christ as Saviour. He had it good, dear reader, before he became an apostle, at least, by mans standards. Tradition has it that he was killed for preaching the gospel, by hanging upside down on a cross or a beheading. Paul was compelled, not crazy. He was in the dark when God whispered in his ear: in obedience, Paul became a Proclaimer in broad daylight. 

The competing voice, it shames us into silence 
The competing voice is the one that says, you don't have to repeat what you hear; you don't have to share what you know. Stay off that housetop and keep your "religion" to yourself. You don't want to be seen as a crazy big mouth, do you? pushing your Christian crack on people! What are you anyway, some kind of nut job? Leave people alone, let them believe what is right for them, after all, who made you the smart one? What makes you think you are right and they are wrong: that is arrogant!

Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God (John 12:42-43)

A matter of conscience

Glorifying God Gives Off Light

 

Proclaiming Christ is not about bravery, it is about conscience. I could not deny Him, not for the life of me, and I mean this in the most literal sense. He laid down his life for me and my question has been: would I do the same for others, for Him? Would I do what Paul famously did: pouring out his life in pure love and devotion for the glory of God, in the name of his Saviour?

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you (John 15:13-14)

Love and loyalty go hand in hand, don't they dear one? When was the last time someone stuck up for you? When was the last time you spoke and acted on behalf of another, selflessly, without the promise of praise or reward? Is Jesus your friend and at this point in the writing, are you a friend to Him?

And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Romans 12:2)

You might lose some friends when you declare Him your number one. You might be considered crazy and weird, one of those Jesus freaks. Shrug, I think the trade off is worth it, don't you? 

Now picture me grinning dear one... The trade off is worth it!

Moral Mind

I had a friend who spoke truth to me and then, sadly, became a liar. While the truth remains, she has not. Our friendship dissolved many years ago, and more recently, she died suddenly.

Clandestine meeting
I am pondering, who the liar really is? Was she the one, or was it me? She was an interesting person, full of life, excitement, stories and drama. It was the drama part that was the undoing of our friendship. I couldn't keep up with her and when she introduced me to her boyfriend, that was the final straw that broke the friendship back. 

She was married with two children. She was also going to couples counselling to fix her husband, but was unwilling to give up her boyfriend at the same time. One day, on my birthday, she introduced me to the man she was seeing, on the side as the saying goes. I still recall the clandestine meeting, and my massive discomfort, following our coffee shop encounter, as I drove away. I knew she set up this meeting so I that I would collude with her illicit activities. She had many reasons for justifying her behaviours, and wanted a close friend to be "in on it" with her.

Morally corrupt story
There were signs along the way of degeneration in her thinking, and corresponding secretive and sinful activities. She had wiley ways of sharing information, that leaned in the direction of justification for her decisions. I recall her attempts to make her husband really wrong. She would enrage him, wanting him to assault her, so that she could have him removed from their home. 

Funny how far she was willing to go to ensure she got her own way. Funny how badly she wanted me to agree with her, and buy into her make believe self-imposed morally corrupt story. 

As the lies accumulated over time, their weight pressed down on me, and contact with her felt like exposure to the worst toxins. I had to question my own integrity, and wonder about how much of our eleven year friendship was based on lies? 

• Was I covering for her? Did I encourage her? 
• Was I accountable in any, in many, in countless ways, for her choices and wayward wanderings? The resounding question became:
• What role did I play in this woman's downfall? 

I could not be her friend

On the heals of these disturbing musings, came a decision based on a sick feeling: I could not collude. I could not be a contributor to her rantings, her rationalizing, her cheating and self-indulgent ways. I could not be her friend any longer.

Why am I telling you this, dear reader? It is to share this wisdom:

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend (Proverbs 27:17)

I did not sit by
I confronted my friend. I pointed out to her that she was engaging in immoral, and reprehensible behaviours. I challenged her thinking and her dangerous activities (these go unmentioned here; suffice it to say she endangered many as she allowed an escalation of emotions to take over her reasoning). 

I did not sit by, saying nothing. This would not be commensurate with the type of friendship I value. As she walked away from truth, I did not hold her hand. I did not commend her to evil ways. I did not: friends do not stand by while people they care about self-destruct, making choices that negatively, long term and often permanently, impact, and or destroy, relationships.

Gratitude
I am grateful. I have so many friends, and not a one of them leaves me the way I am! When I am a dull knife, they become iron and without hesitation, begin sharpening me. Because of my excellent reasoning skills, I have the ability to know what is good for me, and I snap out of stupid mode quickly, when one of my life partners says STOP IT! Wise people heed excellent advice, and I have many a wise whisper in my life. 

I am truly blessed.

A challenge for you

Pinky swear to honesty

Dear one, let us turn our gaze in your direction:

• Do you have a friend that is self destructing, while you stand by and encourage them to feel good about themselves and their choices? 
• Are they fooling around, or neglecting the important people in their life, while you listen and nod your head, buying into their bull crap, about how hard-done-by they are?
• Are you a contributor to the breakdown of a family, because you want to maintain friendship, over challenging your friend to be an accountable and honest person? 
• Are you colluding with another, because to challenge them requires more effort than you, are willing to make? 

Dear reader, make believe stories destroy families and relationships. Recall, my friendship started in truth, and ended with the stench of lies. That is not all that ended. My former friend, her death was sudden and from what I have learned, she was a very lonely, and disturbed person prior to her leaving this world. I couldn't change her mind, or the outcome of her life choices, but I sure did try.

Be iron for someone
Maybe, just maybe, you can be iron for someone? Maybe you can say stop it and they will listen. Maybe you are the only one that they will be able to hear because they trust you, and know that you believe in them still? 

Do something dear one. Take a stand, speak your moral mind, stop the tragedy of doing nothing at all...

We are our brothers and sisters keeper, that is what true friendship is all about 

I Swear To Lie

Master manipulator

I swear to tell a lie, a whole lie, and nothing but a lie, so help me Satan. I swear, on the holy grail of my mirror, to honour my own self worth, my own esteem, my own glorious shiny reflection: to this I commit my energies and interests (to the exclusion of the rather selfish interests of others). 

I hereby swear, to give way to my natural inclinations toward self preservation, and my personalized brand of entertainment. 

It behooves me to recognize that I will only come this way once, that life is fleeting and rudely short and I must, of necessity, grab for the gusto. I expect nothing less for myself.

Dated this day, in my own history:  __________________

Signed:  _________________

Approved by the master manipulator of the universe:  Lucifer

(This plan condemns the party that agrees to the terms and conditions ascribed to the selection of a life lived for personal gain to the exclusion of all other parties who may be entitled to indemnity otherwise pronounced and stated clearly in any and all previously agreed upon and signed contracts. There are many guarantees discoverable upon signing of this agreement, to be realized in the near and too far to be seen distant future. Signing now, permits the bearer of this contract the right to do whatever they please at any given moment for the sake of their own pleasure and to give way to their desires, without regard to impact or consequences. You will find that you are amongst many by signing this commitment to self).

Committed upon application
of pen to paper

NOTE: Full disclosure of future crippling and disablement is not to be discussed prior to the signing of the above. An immediate decision is required to active this plan and you have no time to waste since the clock is running down and you are approaching the cliff of death with every breath and step you take. You are a being unto death, never forget this delightful truth.

What the hell are you waiting for, sign the damned contract. Do it NOW!

Gollum and modern man

Dear reader, I can hear conversations in my head. I have not been diagnosed with schizophrenia, nor am I delusional. I am observing what is happening in this world of ours and it is disturbing. 

You may not like what you see and hear. You too, may be baffled and soul sickened, from the real world experience of The Lord of the Rings. I see Gollum, the one seeking his precious, as modern man clinging to his own life at all costs, to the exclusion of living and loving for and with others. I see the battle between good and evil, truth and alternatively, tolerance of deception. There is the pull of selfish ambition verses conquering this, with gravity defying faith in what is righteous and worthy for the greater good of the many. It is an age old battle, and we are players, you and I. We get to choose who we serve and forgive me, but I simply must be this bold. You and I are always choosing, the devil or God; hell or Heaven.

My prayer is this, from the Our Father:

Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven ...

We cannot have this dear one, if we choose to put ourselves first over others. Love is always sacrificial, and comes from a desire to serve, be Christ like, love to the point of being willing to give our lives for another. 

Your life, it is a summer flower, in bloom for a very short time, and withered and browned far too quickly. Only onlookers can appreciate your beauty: we never bloom for our own pleasure, it is always and forever for others, and in particular, for The One who first gave us life.

• What can you do for someone today, without reward or recompense? 
• What would going out of your way for another look like this day in mankind's history? 
• How can you give of yourself sacrificially, today? 

It really isn't about you, it is about, Him.

How can you be more like Jesus, right NOW? 

Milk

Perpetually rejected
Do you perpetually put yourself in a position to be rejected? Do you find you want relationship with someone that may, hopefully, possibly, it-is-not-for-certain-but-might-happen-someday, come to discover, you are exactly what they want and need in life to be fulfilled? This sounds like pure misery to me dear one, and I ask you, how can you stand it?

Behaviour doesn't lie
I love the line, behaviour doesn't lie. Inherent in this statement is that how I behave, how you behave, indicates our intentions. Here is a simple example: I go to the grocery store, pick up milk and take it to the check-out, where I wait in line. What are my intentions? One would assume, from an observational point of view, that I intend to purchase the milk. You and I have seen this a thousand times before, and to change the story would be adventurous and perhaps, imaginative... and quite clearly, misguided. Me, the bag of milk, the check-out counter and a line-up should really only mean one thing: I am buying the milk for goodness sakes! Now, let us go deep or go home, without the milk, so to speak.

The grocery store of life
You have told someone you love them. They say it back. You both behave in ways that seem to indicate that you want milk. You approach the check-out counter together, waiting in line for your turn with the cashier: there will be an exchange of money for milk. This is the point in the transaction where there may be some dicey, insecure moments of doubt. Did we get skim, whole, 2%? Was the three bagger the right choice or should we have gotten a carton? What about the chocolate milk, did we consider that? Lactose free or plain old regular right from the cow without tampering? Oh dear, there was buttermilk, goats milk, camel milk, bat milk... did we make the right choice? Wait wait, I don't recall being involved in the decision and there was no discussion! I don't even like milk and eeeeeckkkkkk, we drove here together and now I am stuck with milk and this guy or girl I find myself at the check-out with! How did this happen and where is the exit? Oh my gosh, I swore I would never buy milk with this person again and here I am, panicking in line and wondering what the heck I am doing here?

Snickers bar
Now let us pretend that you are the one trying to pay for the milk, and you suddenly notice your partner. They seem to be making their way to the exit, sans the milk and... you. You call out, hey, wait, wait up, I'm still paying! Hey, um, do you want a chocolate bar? I know you like chocolate, Snickers? You see them hesitate, considering the candy, the temptation to maybe get something delicious. There is a pause, a moment where it would appear there is a weighing of the options. To stay means candy and yucky milk. To go means no candy and no milk and the exit, away from you. 

You are on tender hooks because you have been hoping, wanting, wishing, pleading with your eyes and your heart for them to really want to share in your delight of milk, on cereal, in coffee, cold and hot, or with chocolate mixed in there and some of those melty mini marshmallows! You wait, wondering if they will rejoin you at the check-out. A seed of painful doubt has been planted in your heart and there, an ache of rejection begins. In a flash, you realize, this may be the last time you go to the grocery store together. In a moment of clarity, you see that the object of your affections, the one you had hoped and dreamed about, really doesn't like, well, really doesn't like... ummm, really doesn't love...

Feet pointed for the exit
Dear reader, rejection can be a chronic state of being. Are you investing your time, energy, and emotional well being in someone who clearly, will never reciprocate? Since behaviour does not lie, and you are an intelligent observant person, what do you know to be true? When someone lingers close by but has their feet pointed toward the exit, what does this indicate to you about their intentions? Do you want to be chronically rejected, or can you decide, for yourself, that you want a partner that likes what you like, chooses what you choose, and will stand next to you for the duration of the transaction, no matter what the purchase, no matter what the circumstances, no matter what?

Gone starts with thoughts

Holding on or pulling away?

I return now to an age old reality. We are naturally, truth detectors. When in doubt, meaning if you are not sure about someones intentions, don't trust their words, trust their actions, their behaviours. While we are truth detectors, we can also smile at one another and lie right through our teeth. Admit it, you are more than capable of lying, aren't you dear reader? If you are, so is that non-milk-drinking-chocolate-bar-loving-heading-for-the-exit-wanna-be-out-of-your-life-psuedo-partner-of-yours. Gone starts with thoughts, then shows up in behaviours. Hope will not bring back a partner if the partner is already halfway out the door.

You get to decide, with your rational mind, whether or not you want to continue fantasying about what will never be. Move on, dear one. There is a someone out there, mooing and waiting for their perfect milky match, in you.  

Moral Lobotomy

Dear reader:

Relativism: their is no absolute truth
Secularism: an ideology that places all emphasis on the here and now
Humanism: a rationalist outlook or system of thought attaching prime importance to human rather than divine or supernatural matters

Dispiritedness

Is this what we are agreeing to?

Cursed are the rich in materials,
 for theirs is the kingdom of
   earth.
Cursed are those who celebrate,
 for they will be mindless and numb.
Cursed are the proud and arrogant,
 for they will injure on the earth.
Cursed are the merciless,
 for they will be shown brutality.
Cursed are the black hearted,
 for they will see Satan.
Cursed are the hate mongers,
 for they will be called sons of
  the devil.
Cursed are those who are exalted,
  because of their selfishness,
 theirs is the empty eternity of
  separation from God.

Changing the wording
Relativism, secularism, humanism: These are destroying the fabric of our society. In the above writing, I have taken the Beatitudes from the gospel of Matthew 5:3-10 and changed the wording. If you have mourned and begged for the answer to the question of why humans have become vile murderous monsters, please please consider the prevailing attitudes of our modern uncivilized world:

If I want what I want when I want it, why not take it? If I hate and feel like killing someone because life is worthless and I believe what I believe and no one can tell me I am wrong, then why not murder, why not rape, why not? Don't judge me, this is my truth. I'm entitled. People are no better than the slime we crawled out of.

Dear reader, I beseech you to consider the words of Jesus:

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:11-12)

Christian: I ask you to stand up faithfully and count yourself among those who serve God fearlessly, knowing that if you don't, you will banally blend into the background. There will be no one to compare the godless to dear reader. Living the Beatitudes is not for your sake, it is for the sake of those who have yet to know the saving grace of a merciful sin forgiving God. Please, please consider being bold in your faith... we are called to be disciples.

The Great Commission
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20).

Truth is not relative. Moral truth cannot be compromised. Absolute truth unarguably exists. You and I matter and no human or devil, can take this truth from us. God help us each time we turn away from The Truth.

Let us say no, to hell. 

Addressing Bad Behaviour

Southern belle accent

I love accents. It just so happens that my southern belle accent is delightful, at least, to my ears. I like the drawl, the etiquette rich verbal approach, and the none too subtle subtle messages that speak volumes, minus vulgarity. When you read what I have written, do try to image the accent. If you know me, chances are good you will be able to hear the accent as you read. 

Disclaimer

WARNING: You might be a cheater who does not appreciate being outed this way. My hope is that God convicts you, that you feel the heaviness of a guilty conscience. If you are a female reading this, my hope for you is that you know how precious and valuable you are in Gods sight, and that you deserve to be treated like the daughter of The King. Gentlemen do exist, and they deserve to be rewarded with our appreciation. The dogs  they need to be turned out. 

Let us not accept bad behaviour dear ones, for the sake of our children, the ones that follow closely in our footsteps. 

Addressing behaviour

Sir, you have taken a liberty unbecoming of a gentleman. I ask you politely, do take your hands off of me. Now your eyes, they are travelling to places unchartered. You have not been invited to the road map of my body. I ask you again, take your hands and eyes off of me, or I will have no choice but to scream 

Allow me to explain. I am a God fearin', Jesus Christ lovin' passion fueled red blooded woman. The Holy Ghost, He is my constant companion! When you are with me, we are never alone. In fact, the Lord has His eyes on you, and those hands of yours. I am not sure if you know this yet, but He can read your mind. That's right, He knows exactly what you are thinking. He knows what you would like to do to me and He does not approve, nor do I!

Guilty as charged? 

Now, let us begin again, shall we? I understand you are married? You have a momma and she is still alive? Oh, you have daughters too? And a son? My oh my, you are blessed aren't you? How lovely, how very lovely for all of you! I am sure they are very proud to have such a fine, gentle and strong man like you, leadin' the family?

We had a bit of an unpleasant ruff start, you and I. Oh no no, I pronounced ruff correctly! But I am ever so pleased we had this conversation... Now you go on with your bad self. Get yourself home to that wife and those precious children of yours, before they send out a search party lookin' for you! Go on now.

Oh, just one more thing before you go, so we are very clear? Don't you ever show your face round here again, do we understand each other? My God, He is mighty, and He doesn't take kindly to men like you sniffing around woman like me. 

You have a nice day now, ya hear?