What We Pass On

Young days drift though my mind again.

Adventure, terror, and boredom mix and muddle.

A child's eye catches it all.

A child's ear hears down the hall.

In our Father's grace we forget what's past.

Somethings we should forget.

Some memories just haunt.

Some memories...

At the cross, Christ met our memories.

At the cross, Christ met our foes.

Only at the cross can we forget what is past and press on to what is ahead.

Only by the cross, do we pass on anything of value.

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3: 12-14 NIV

The Key to Treasure

The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high;
he will fill Zion with his justice and righteousness.
He will be the sure foundation for your times,
a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge;
the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

Isaiah 33:5-6 NIV

Where is our trust?

Is our hope in a new president?

Is our hope in a future economic boom?

May be we hope for higher home prices, to make moving worth while? Or perhaps lower home prices to make buying less expensive?

Adjusted economics, up or down, never makes for a sure foundation. Wealth is a fleeting vapor. It goes even faster than the years of this life. Reading Ecclesiastes this week reminded me life under the sun can distract us from life through the Son. So, remember your foundation. Jesus is my foundation and that of my families. He is salvation. Jesus brings both the future hope of heaven and the everyday usefulness of a salvation endowed with His “wisdom and knowledge.”

The word of God is for use in everyday life. It teaches the godly, practical ways to deal with people and the affairs of life. (And, you would be surprised how often tough circumstances require a judgment call.) It shows us how to prove out loving God and people. I fail more often than I want to ever admit. But, were it not for God's instruction book on life, I would get it all wrong. I like the way Isaiah said it best: Stop trusting in mere humans, who have but a breath in their nostrils. Why hold them in esteem? Isaiah 2:22 NIV

In the end fear the LORD and trust that Jesus is our salvation. It is the key to treasure.

Is there a Positive Side to Pride?

When I remember what is important, I know that family and friends are high on anyone's list. We value them, simply because they love us. Unique expressions of that love come in living gestures. A smile, a look, or phone-call are just everyday things. But, if they come from our intimate loved ones—nothing's as special.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8 NIV

My daughter had the honor of singing the national anthem tonight at a minor league baseball game. I couldn't have more proud. I know the word pride or proud sets off alarms in my word of God soaked brain. It brings sh-reeks and brakes and everything comes to a halt. I have to judge what is meant by that. However, even in the bible I've seen few, but just a few positive uses or connotations of pride. Believe me there are plenty of evil mentions of pride through out the word, so hope I don't confuse anybody. And, don't forget it's the original sin, before the garden sin. Yet, for a moment explore the positive side of pride, as mentioned in the bible.

Here they are:

I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.
 Romans 11:13-14 NIV

We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.
2 Corinthians 5:2 NIV

I have spoken to you with great frankness; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.
2 Corinthians 7:4 NIV

Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else,
Galatians 6:4 NIV

Well, I could go on, there are more. But, hopefully, I made my point.

Here is a definition out of a bible dictionary.

“Pride.

A reasonable or justifiable self-respect: The apostle Paul expresses a positive kind of pride when speaking of confidence in Christians (2 Cor 7:4) or of strength in the Lord (2 Cor 12:5, 9).

This is not the whole definition of pride as defined, just it's positive side.

Its negative side is all over God's word, and sweeps across and harms everything and everyone in it's sinful negative uses.

But, tonight friends and family gathered around to support one of their own. She is a young sister in Christ that loves to sing. And, tonight, she honored our county, and gave God glory by using her God-given talent for something good.

Thinking on the purity of a humble heart serving, is a lovely thing. She served, and we were blessed. ... whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.


She exhibited these qualities tonight.

If your family does something praiseworthy—encourage them in their service or gift. Service is a blessing from God, and remember showing honor to those doing so is kindness. And, kindness is an evidence of bearing fruit in the Spirit. Read Galatians 5 to find out more.

And, thanks you for reading. I've used this medium for an outlet, I pray it is never for vanity. And, it is a love-labor. It's joyous to do, but watching reader numbers go up and down is like riding a roller coaster --the one at the kiddie park, not the big ones. My grammar skills are lacking, and my editing eye misses things. So, forgive my mistakes. But, most of all, give glory to God in everything.

People Things

Broken people do broken things
Fallen people do fallen things
Gracious people do gracious things
Loving people do loving things
Forgiven people do forgiving things
Jesus people do Jesus things
Which things do you do?

Idle Words

My screws are loose and I'm feeling up tight.

I'm wondering, my Lord, if I'll ever get it right.

My words are wild and I'm acting like a child.

I speak bristly; I hate speaking like the fool!

In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,
but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Proverbs 10:19 NKJV

The words of the reckless pierce like swords,
but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 12:18 NIV

The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint,
and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

Proverbs 17:27 NIV

The more the words,
the less the meaning,
and how does that profit anyone?

Ecclesiastes 6:11

Communication

Disclaimer: I often jumble words; my thoughts ramble and mix. I don't know what to do with them, so I write them here. Mathew 7 states prayer is a private thing before God, so I don't know what I'm doing putting them here. So, I lost any reward for it I'm sure. Yet, I am compelled to write. Why? God only  knows. If its for a fleshly, prideful reasons, someone please rebuke me! Otherwise, I pray it blesses someone else.
-------------------------

Scrambled words and toasted thoughts are stirred through my mind. I am the root of my worst problems. I can't fix me. Sure I can quit this or that. I pull one large weed here or there, only to see a dozen smaller ones all around me. I guess to say it best Lord, I still need You. And, I'll keep pulling weeds; Round-up might be easier? Jesus, help me; self-help and self-improvement isn't enough to fix me. I need Your divine power, Your Holy Spirit moving in and through me.

Keep my feet walking on Your path. Help me set my mind on You in all I do. Help me keep my eyes on You, not me. Help me to see and tear down any idols that try to dethrone You in my life. Help me not to be so selfish. Forgive me Lord!

Father, I guess most of all, aside from loving You, help me to love those around me. Especially help me to love my family, Your kids. Protect my daughter in her first job. Give her Your wisdom and grace dealing with the children that need to know You. Give her a heart to share You with them. Help my son to cope with life and to give his stresses to You. Renew my wife on her vacation. Give her the rest and healing she needs. Also, help me to communicate to them in ways they understand. Help me to know their individual bent's in life and not force my own on them, for You know them and have created them to be a certain way. Mature us all and grow us in both faith and knowledge about Jesus; You know we need it.

Thanks for a hot beautiful day. The sun's radiance speaks of You! Keep burning in me, and burn off the chaff. Thanks Father! In Jesus name. Amen.

1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.

Psalm 19:1-6 NIV

David definitely knows how to worship!

Our Brothers Keeper

He's whispering in vague ambiguity and clouded sighs. The tortured soul now turns and hides.

The shell once cracked, now lets in flies.

His words are too many. His words make-not-sense.?..

Twisted inside, the blooming heart turns and dies.

Could anyone help him? Would anyone care?

Or, would they look right past, or only stare?

His clothes are torn and tattered.  Searing years look through his face.

Would you help the “least of these?” Or, would you walk and make haste and pick up the pace?

What if he were a brother? Are we his keeper?

Or, what if perhaps they were a prodigal, maybe your prodigal?

LORD of mercy, forgive us when we turn and judge an unknown story. Soften our hearts of stone; make them flesh again and make them beat. Give us eye to see Your broken, hurting children. Give us comforting hands. Give us Your insight. Give us Your grace.

³⁵ I was hungry. And you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty. And you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger. And you invited me in. ³⁶ I needed clothes. And you gave them to me. I was sick. And you took care of me. I was in prison. And you came to visit me.'

 ³⁷ "Then the people who have done what is right will answer him. 'Lord,' they will ask, 'when did we see you hungry and feed you? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you as a stranger and invite you in? When did we see you needing clothes and give them to you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

 ⁴⁰ "The King will reply, 'What I'm about to tell you is true. Anything you did for one of the least important of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:35-40 NIRV

Sharpen our Sword

Mortality and frailty weigh down our hearts.

Death and atrocities fill the daily news, both now and throughout history.

Our computers, Ipads, phones, and televisions flood our souls. Is our electronic connection killing our spiritual one with God?

Everything imaginable comes in, hoping to drag us down.

Father! Lift up a standard against our technology that brings "the course of this world" to vex our souls.

Protect our hearts and minds with Your Spirit and our sword--the word of God. Help us keep it sharpened and ready to slice through works of the enemy.

Help us use the word in: “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;” 2 Cor 10:5 KJV

Gadget are fine, just remember they are tools to use or misuse.

A Wife: Gifted From God

 Our motley family presses on. Time flies, it seemed just yesterday our niece was spilling milk all over the table and saying, “sorry,” again. It happened at every meal. Now, she is in her twenties and about to be married.

To get a wife is a gift from God. I wish my wife knew how much I lover her. Words don't suffice. I tell her, but she likes actions more than words. The only problem is this: I don't know what to do most of the time. Ephesians tells us: 
"In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself." Eph 5:28 TNIV

I guess the thing is, I know how to love me.  Yet, loving her is different than loving me, quite different. I mean it requires knowing her nuances. I know plenty, but I get just as many wrong. Even after 28 year of marriage I haven't figured out what makes her click, at least not all the time. So, I'll just keep on with the daily duties and perhaps she shall see my love, instead of just hearing the words.

God help me do the things that assist or make happy my wife. She is Your gift to me. Grow us up in Your word and give me guidance in leading. After You, she is the joy of my life. Thank You, for her!

Soon we'll be off to the wedding, Thank God for a change on scenery! Jesus, be in my nieces' marriage and bless their wedding ceremony. Thanks!

Love Like That

*

There is peace even in perplexity.

God of wisdom and grace,
I fall before Your face.


“Answer me quickly, O Lord, my spirit falls!” David cried out.


Father, my emotions swirl about and are something of a fright.
Like David "My spirit falls" too, but You are firm.
Hold me tight in Christs' love and light: You are my only answer.
Where else could I go? There is no where else to go.


So, I worship You LORD.
Please take me as  I am and use it for Your glory.
With successes, sins, failures, and all I come and bow my heart.
I'll always thank You for Your exceeding grace.
Ripe out my cold heart and give me Yours.
Take out the stone one and give me Yours.

    *                        *                        *


(I was reading , "Tortured For Christ," by Richard Wurmbrand at this time.)
I've read of those tortured for You today. They stood firm. Even in the greatest struggle, these Christians loved even those that brought their pain. In the midst of atrocities everyday, they loved their tormentors.  Father, help me to love like that. They mirrored Jesus as He cried out while hung on the cross. I hear them saying, “Father, forgive them...”


Help me love like that, Father! In simple matters or great, give me a love like that.
Who is the Lord we worship? He is love made manifest. Move me past emotion, but don't take them away and bring me into the joy of Your love, O Jesus.

Help me love like that, and help me live to love like this:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Suppose I speak in the languages of human beings and of angels. If I don't have love, I am only a loud gong or a noisy cymbal. Suppose I have the gift of prophecy. Suppose I can understand all the secret things of God and know everything about him. And suppose I have enough faith to move mountains. If I don't have love, I am nothing at all. Suppose I give everything I have to poor people. And suppose I give my body to be burned. If I don't have love, I get nothing at all.

Love is patient. Love is kind. It does not want what belongs to others. It does not brag. It is not proud. It is not rude. It does not look out for its own interests. It does not easily become angry. It does not keep track of other people's wrongs.

Love is not happy with evil. But it is full of joy when the truth is spoken. It always protects. It always trusts. It always hopes. It never gives up.

Love never fails. But prophecy will pass away. Speaking in languages that had not been known before will end. And knowledge will pass away.

What we know now is not complete. What we prophesy now is not perfect. But when what is perfect comes, the things that are not perfect will pass away.

When I was a child, I talked like a child. I thought like a child. I had the understanding of a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Now we see only a dim likeness of things. It is as if we were seeing them in a mirror. But someday we will see clearly. We will see face to face. What I know now is not complete. But someday I will know completely, just as God knows me completely.

The three most important things to have are faith, hope and love. But the greatest of them is love."                 1 Corinthians 13 NIRV
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Love like this endures anything:
Death cannot conquer it.
Pain cannot stop it.
Monotony cannot kill it.




*image via Google image search