Death and Rebirth

You never know what you might stumble across when walking out in the woods.  I wasn't sure whether it was one of the reindeer, or maybe the Devil that met his end right here before Christmas.  I'm not sure why, but it seemed like an appropriate post for Christmas Eve.  Perhaps it is that the birth of Jesus was the introduction of a New Covenant between God and His people.  The skull, in a way, represents the death of the old which leads to the birth of the new.

I've never really thought of Christmas in that way before, but when I think of the excitement on children's faces as they race to see what is under the tree I reflect on what our attitude should be upon discovering the true gift of Christmas, a Savior, sent to the world to open a pathway for those who believe.  Christmas isn't just a commemoration of the birth of Jesus, it represents the opportunity for all of us to be reborn -- to die to the old and live life for the new -- to die to our sinful nature and be born again into a life guided by love.

I was unable to post yesterday due to trying to cram too many things into a day.  I likely won't post anything tomorrow as it will be spent focusing on family and the reason we celebrate.  I hope that will be your focus as well.

"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." -- Luke 2:14

Salvation

As the day faded

I looked into the glassy surface

And saw there, within the growing darkness,

A light

Rising,

Defying the reflection

Of gnarled fingers

Clawing upward,

Grasping,

Yearning,

Reaching

For salvation.

"...for 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" -- Romans 10:13

That Which Dwells Within

Sometimes when I write,
The thing that is on my mind
Is wondering if
There is something I might say
That would make a positive impact
On one of my grandchildren
Who might read the words
At some point in the future.

I think,
Deep down,
What all of us really want
Is to know that what we did
Made a difference
For someone else.

There are other times when I write
That I think of those
In other parts of the world
Who might happen upon my words by chance
And read them,
Wondering who this person was
And why they think/thought the way they do
And just possibly
Find something positive there.

I think,
Deep down,
What all of us really want
Is to know that what we did
Made a difference
For someone else.

There are other times when I write
That those people
Who I came across at some point in time,
Whether classmates, or acquaintances,
Or friends through the years
Might read my words
And realize that who they knew
Wasn't all
Of who I am.

I think,
Deep down,
What all of us really want
Is to know that what we did
Made a difference
For someone else.

Ultimately,
I hope that somewhere in my words,
People who might read them
Will see that,
In spite of my flaws,
Jesus is firmly at the center
Of what I believe
And who I am.

That, I think,
Deep down,
Is what I should want most of all --
Knowing that what He did
Can make all the difference
For someone else.

"For God so loved the world, He gave his only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not die, but have eternal life." -- John 3:16

The Light You See

In pride I stand
With arms spread wide
Bathed in brilliant light.
The center of attention,
All eyes turned to me,
I feel it is my right.
Why not me?

Then I see
That blinding pulse
Has my soul laid bare.
Don't place me here,
Don't look at me,
It isn't really fair.
Why me?

The two of us
All wrapped as one
Fall to our knees in shame.
The outward me,
The inward me,
Are really all the same.
Who am I?

Then Jesus whispers
In my ear
"It isn't about you.
The light you see,
It shines on me,
And I am always true.
I AM.

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.'" -- John 14:6

Weeds and Empty Spaces

Have you ever noticed how weeds are a never-ending challenge?  Anywhere there is an open patch of ground, they will sprout.  Sometimes they sprout in places that you wouldn't even consider open, such as the crack in a sidewalk.  They exploit empty or, broken places.

There's a couple of ways to look at this: 1)  Nature abhors a vacuum.  Weeds are the pioneers that begin the process of filling empty places.  2)  The unwanted will always exploit the un-tended.

That exploitative view of weeds is what comes to mind this morning.  As I think on the historic events we commemorate on this Easter weekend, it occurs to me that we must constantly cultivate our relationship with Jesus and with others in order to keep the weeds out.  Weeds are the sin in our life that come into the empty places.  The best way to prevent their growth is to fill those spaces with the good which is Jesus.

Filling those spaces requires continuous attention -- not just once a year on Easter.  Feed the good; pluck the evil out by the roots.

The first way to look at weeds also applies; if we equate weeds to evil, it is easy to see that it quickly exploits empty spaces and expands to fill them until it crowds out whatever good may have been planted.  Evil will fill the emptiness that was designed by God for His presence.  Fill the empty places with Jesus.

A Light by Which to See

Some mornings as I sit and wonder what to write
I let my mind begin to drift.
Words begin to flow upon the page in front of me
And I hope that they will uplift
The spirits of those who might stumble across them
Someday when they're in need.
We search blindly for the answers to struggles that may come
Never knowing where the search might lead
But, when the answers aren't forthcoming,
Never there before our sight,
There is one place we can always turn and see;
The Word of God says Jesus is the light.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son
That we might live with Him eternally
If only we acknowledge He is Lord of all in life
And came to earth to save you and me.

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." -- John 3:16

Super Bowl Motivation

It's Super Bowl Sunday and I don't care.  I know that a lot of people get excited about the "big game" but, it really doesn't interest me.  I suppose if the Dallas Cowboys had made it, I might make some effort to watch at least part of it, but it is just "noise" to me.

I saw that tickets for the game were around $3,000 apiece and higher.  I can't imagine paying that kind of money to be "entertained" -- especially when I can watch it on television for free (I'll pay the cable bill whether the game is on or not so, there is no extra charge incurred for watching the game.)  How can people afford the tickets let alone the outrageous prices that will be charged by hotels in Atlanta for the big night?  I'm sure that rates which normally would be in the $120 to $150 range will soar to the $300 to $500 range or even higher.  Of course there are also travel and meal expenses to include.

For those who stay home and make a party of watching the game, at least there is the value of fellowship with friends.  That would make it redeemable.  Often such events are something of a potluck type of affair.  I'm not a particularly "social" person so they don't hold much appeal to me, but it is a good excuse for many to have a party.

The outcome of the game this year is controversial even before it begins.  A particularly widely questioned call in one of the playoff games has caused many to protest quite loudly that the system is rigged.  I don't know.  It looked like a bad call to me, but we all face "bad calls" in life.  It happens.  Get over it.

It's too bad people don't get as excited about things that really matter as they do about the Super Bowl.  There are plenty of issues facing this country and the rest of the world that need attention of "super bowl" intensity, but are ignored.  It's probably because of the general affluence of the majority of people.  When you have plenty to eat, a warm bed, a closet full of clothes, a $1000 cell phone, a $30,000 car to drive -- you know, the necessities in life -- why get excited about the problems around you?

We are "wired" to be passionate about something.  I think too often that passion is misdirected to things that allow us to "escape" the realities around us -- the need for caring about others.  We are so self-focused, we don't see the suffering of people both here and around the world.  Jesus saw the hurting around Him and ministered to those in need.  He asked us to do the same.

Many verses come to mind as I write this:

"Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." -- Psalm 37:4

"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness amon the people." -- Matthew 4:22

"When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." -- Matthew 9:36

"For 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, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sik and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." -- Matthew 25:35-36

...and many more.  The theme of caring for the poor and needy is common both in the old and new testaments.  It was emphasized as expected of God's people, but clearly not the means of salvation.  Jesus alone is the means of salvation.  "For God so loved the world He gave his only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but, have eternal life." -- John 3:16

"I am the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father except through me." -- John 14:6

That is something about which we should truly get excited.  Let it be our passion to share The Truth to others.

Certainty in an Uncertain World

In what might appear to be a contradictory approach to remaining positive and uplifting in my posts, I have decided to declare this year as the Year of Uncertainty.  Yes, I know that doesn't sound particularly positive, but I have my reasons.

I think there is a lot of political uncertainty right now.  Part of that is a function of the way our current President operates.  It is something of a trick in which you create turmoil that disguises primary intent.  It's the old magician's sleight of hand in which one hand is drawing the eye while the other is manipulating an object.  Part of it though, is in the hatred of the career politicians for that style -- or, lack of style.  They see themselves as the informed, the urbane, the "leaders" of our country rather than the servants of the people.  President Trump is so self-assured that he doesn't care how others see him.  He is focused on getting the job done.  Other politicians don't like that because they are all about appearances while lining their own pockets.  It's all about the vote.

The political uncertainty leads us to market uncertainty.  Volatility in the stock market is extremely high and will remain so since it is so closely tied to the psychological state of  investors.  That psychological state is one in which many feel they have lost the ability to guess when and where the next "bombshell" announcement will fall that will affect their investments.  Will it be a deal with China?  What about Russia?  What's happening with oil and the price of gasoline?  It is closely tied to the political uncertainty.

I think there is a lot of uncertainty about the weather.  Whether you are a believer in climate change due to man's activities or, not, doesn't matter.  Enough people do that it has become a factor in global uncertainty.  It adds to the destabilization of governments, of economies and of attitudes.  It will impact your life whether you believe it is true or not.  It will result in new taxes and new regulations that will impact every person.

In spite of the growing number of jobs and the demand for labor, I believe there is a lot of uncertainty in the job market.  There will be a lot of businesses that fail due to many of the reasons listed above, but also because our economy is changing rapidly.  The types of businesses that will succeed in the coming years will look very different from those that have succeeded in the past.  If you are employed by a failed or, failing business, your job is in jeopardy.  That creates uncertainty.

We can add to the above uncertainties that of health.  Who of us knows when our health might fail?

I could go on and on about uncertainty, but I won't.  Instead, I think we need to remember what is certain.  God is certain.  He reaches out to us in His unfailing love by calling us to follow Jesus.  What happens here on earth is temporary.  It is eternity that is filled with certainty.  "For God so loved the world He gave his only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life."  (John 3:16)

The Road to Resolution

Once again we start a new year filled with the resolve to do better, be better, to improve.  Some make lists and place them in a prominent place as a reminder of the commitment; others merely list things in their head of ways they need to improve.

Resolutions are a good thing.  The desire to improve is something rooted deep within us.  We want to change those things we see as being less than what our desires inform us are not up to standard.

Perhaps the best thing we can do is to examine why we feel the way we do.  What puts the desire to improve in our hearts and minds?  I believe it is God.  I believe he plants those desires in order to help us recognize our failures.  They remind us that we can never measure up to the standard of perfection which we inherently recognize.  They cause us to recognize our imperfections.

This recognition of our imperfection is the root of a change that causes all other things to fade.  It is the recognition that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."  It is a point of challenge to those who would lift up man as the standard and say that all things are achievable by our own effort.  It is a point of decision in which we can say, "I will choose God's way and not my own for I know that I am imperfect; my decisions are imperfect; I fail."

I pray this is the year in which you would choose the One who never fails.  If you do not know Jesus as Savior, choose Him.  It isn't an easy road.  YOU will still fail, but HE will be there to pick you back up and keep you pointed on the road to redemption.

Resolve this new year to follow Jesus on whatever path He leads.

Tote the Load

Sometimes inspiration hits us in a flash;
We know the very thing that we should do.
But, other times we search for it and nothing comes our way
Until we sink into a fruitless mental stew.

I think that God is teaching us the way that we should go
And it starts with how we must depend on Him,
But, part of how we trust Him is in knowing He is there
In fact and not a feeling or a whim.

When we are in His footsteps we must simply move ahead
And trust that He will always guide our way;
It's not a sense of nearness or, of Him so far away,
It's faith that He is with us every day.

So, when we have those moments when we don't know what to do
We must simply place a foot upon the road
For we have His assurance that He's always by our side
To help us carry many heavy load.

Reasons for the Busy-ness

The month of December always seems to be one of the busiest of the year. Work goes on as always, but added to that are additional items in preparation for the end of a year, plans for a new one (business) and the inevitable Christmas parties and shopping.  If you still have young children, or grandchildren there are programs to attend.  Church Christmas programs also mean extra rehearsals for those involved.

I like the busy-ness of the season, but it often adds to the level of stress for many.  Fortunately, I'm not usually especially stressed.  I realized long ago that I can't do it all and therefore I don't worry so much about what doesn't get done; I know it will all work out.

The stress of the season is not a good thing.  It takes away from the meaning of Christmas.  We should be focused on family and friends and most of all, the reason we celebrate in the first place -- Jesus.  In spite of what the world would try and push on us otherwise, Christmas should be all about the gift of Jesus.

As you go about your busy-ness this year, remember the reason we celebrate.

Shed a Little Light

On the shelf beside my desk sits a small framed plaque inscribed, "One heart dedicated to God can bring Light to the world."  It is a reminder that what I do -- what each of us does -- has impact on others with whom we come in contact.

For some reason that framed placard caught my attention this morning.  I am one who prefers to avoid contact with other people beyond what is necessary.  I am most content alone walking through the woods or, across the pasture.  I find peace in solitude.

Yesterday, we went to Rockwall to do some Christmas shopping.  Normally, I would have begged out of the trip and spent the time doing something else, but I needed a haircut and so felt compelled to accomplish that feat.  The pile of silvery wool that fell to the floor was a testament to how long I had put off the task.  The young lady who cut it looked somewhat askance when I told her how short I wanted it, but when I explained that it had been awhile, she accepted that I actually knew what I was asking.

Afterward, I walked across to a store on the other side of the parking lot where my better half was shopping for items on her list.  It was a pleasant walk and the weather was nearly perfect in the low 70's.  I had to use a good deal of caution due to the high volume of traffic craziness that seems to be normal this time of year, but made the trek unscathed.

I caught up with her in the farthest corner of the large store and assumed my post as escort and "basket pusher" -- although, come to think of it, I didn't push the basket although that would be normal since it gives me something constructive to do as she shops.  I don't recall speaking to anyone other than her in that huge store.

We later went to lunch at a restaurant we prefer and had some interaction with the waiter who seemed a nice young man.  We both told him he was doing a good job and it was the first smile I had seen on his face since we sat down in the busy restaurant.

The next stop, I remained in the vehicle and read.  It was warm with a very light breeze that made it pleasant.  We then made a final stop at a small specialty store that held some interest for me and I went inside where I spent a good deal of time visiting with one of the clerks who was attempting to sell me on an item that was far above the price range we were willing to consider.  I repeatedly told him so, but he kept trying to redirect us that direction.  I have to admire his persistence, but he completely missed a sale by failing to listen to our wishes and directing us appropriately and instead insisted that the higher priced item was right for us.

My point in this commentary of my day, is that I doubt seriously that, other than the brief words to the waiter, I brought much light to the world yesterday.  I don't think I contributed to the darkness, but I also didn't exploit every opportunity to share the Light, which is Jesus, to those with whom I came in contact.  Instead, I mostly chose to minimize my interaction with others in spite of the myriad opportunities.  I need to do better.  We all need to do better.  We are called to be the Light.

Matthew 5:16 -- "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."

Where Was Jesus Yesterday?

Yesterday, on the day in which we exercised our privilege and right to vote, I saw a meme on Facebook that said, "If Jesus was alive on this earth, where would he be; at a Trump rally or with the immigrant caravan?"  I didn't respond, although I really wanted to do so.

The meme was posted by someone of my acquaintance who has strong Liberal leanings and it was a jab at Christians.  This person appears (based on their posts) to believe Christians are right-wing extremists who tote Bibles and guns and think everyone should believe as they do.  It was intended to be provocative.  It is great that we live in a nation where free speech is still, for the most part, acceptable -- except of course on many college campuses.

 The reality is that Jesus IS alive and on this earth and He was/is in both of those places.  He is in the hearts and minds -- and hopefully the actions -- of Christians everywhere.  The problem is that many Christians don't act the way non-believers think they should.  In fact, many don't act the way believers think they should.  I am first to admit that I don't always act the way I should!

I have seen outcry from Christians at the Red Cross providing food and water to those in the immigrant caravans.  Hmmm....isn't that what the Red Cross is supposed to do? -- help those in a crisis situation?  It should be Christians doing those things, not some NGO.

Should Christians be at a MAGA rally?  Absolutely!  Christians need to be engaged and involved in every aspect of the political process, humanitarian aid, caring for our own homeless, meeting the needs of the poor and downtrodden, in the halls of businesses both large and small, in the classroom as teachers and professors, in elected office and every other aspect of life on this planet.

We sometimes confuse Christianity and patriotism.  I get a lump in my throat every time I see the flag of our country flying and the Star Spangled Banner being played -- and nothing does it faster than the colors flying from horseback at a rodeo.  I have the deepest respect for our Veterans and both their service and sacrifice for our freedoms.  I believe that we do not have a sovereign country unless we control our borders.  Illegal immigration is still illegal.  There are those who call for open borders.  Such a policy would be the end of our country.  The long term result would be the loss of freedom for all -- both those already living here and the newly arrived.  Evil flows to and attacks weakness.  (Don't be confused by the strength that comes from Jesus in our own personal weakness -- that is strength.)

Our country has changed and the pace of change is accelerating.  We are seeing many young voters who hold radically different values from their parents and grandparents.  They will accelerate change.

One thing that stands out to me as I view the election results is the difference between rural and urban voters.  Rural America leaned strongly Republican while Urban and Suburban America leaned strongly Democrat (with the exception of Iowa corn and soybean farmers who have been affected by the trade war with China).  Why is that?  There are poor in the country as well as in the city.  There is racial diversity in the country as well as in the city.  One pundit last night kept referring to women voters in the suburbs.  I wonder if he realizes there are women voters in the country and the city too?

Many in the cities believe that rural voters are ignorant, backward, uneducated Christians (in this sense they use it as a derogatory word.)  Many in rural areas see people in the cities as ignorant, arrogant and rude.  We need to figure out the root of our differences and find ways to overcome them.  Until we do, we face the danger of further division.

The answer though, is to make certain that Jesus is in all of those places - both in the cities, in the suburbs and in rural America -- and not in name only, it must be in the actions of those who claim to follow Him.  He is the answer -- and He is marching with the immigrants and He is at the Trump MAGA rallies and He is even in the deserts of the Middle East reaching out to the hearts of terrorists.

Sorting Time

Not too far off there'll come a day
When there will be life's bill to pay
And some will find that theirs is overdue.

The measure might be what we did
Or, even all the things we hid
And maybe if our word was false or, true.

But, my belief is that's not right
For when I read the Word of Light
It's simpler than the works of our own hand.

The price was paid for one and all
If they but answer to the call
And with their life to boldly take a stand

For the One whose Word is true
Who came to earth for me and you
To bring us life with Him eternally.

Yes, we must answer for our life;
Was it of peace, or one of strife,
and lived of love for Him for all to see?

Our selfish hearts must e'er be turned,
For heaven isn't to be earned,
Our life should point to the One above.

How we live should show the light
To all who dwell beneath His sight
And what we do should always be for love.

We must ourselves deny each day
For Jesus is the only way
That we will ever win the race.

And when we stand before His throne
We know we will not stand alone
When we meet our Savior face to face.

Matthew 13:47-48
John 14:6

Endless Repetition

Have you noticed how life is often a series of endless repetition?  The daily routine of getting out of bed, getting dressed, eating, going to work, etc. is an endless repetition of sameness.  Oh, we try to vary the routine somewhat by eating different foods, wearing different clothes, etc., but all-in-all, it is the same thing over and over again.

Mowing the yard is another one of those tasks as is feeding the cattle, feeding the dogs, filling the pickup and car with fuel and on and on.  Why is life so repetitive?

Repetition occurs on a much larger scale than just our daily routines.  The moon goes repetitively around the earth, the earth around the sun and the galaxy itself spirals in endless motion.  The seasons repeat, the weather repeats, long-term climate cycles repeat.  The entirety of the universe is cyclical in nature with repetition built into everything.

It is no wonder that some religions believe in a life/death cycle in which the dead come back as someone, or something else.  Everything is cyclical so why not an eternal existence as various beings?  I don't buy it, but some do.

The same type of thinking leads to a theory of balance -- that it is a "zero sum" game.  For every good there is a corresponding evil.  I don't subscribe to that theory either.  I see good and evil as antagonistic, not balancing complementary states.  Ultimately, I believe good will overcome and in fact, I believe it has already occurred through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, but from a temporal perspective, the fulfillment is not observable yet.

Some day we all will see that there is more to life than endless repetition.  The first step is to recognize the salvation from this life that rests in Jesus alone.  -- John 14:6

When It All Comes Undone

Another shooting incident today.  Another crazy makes the headlines.  More people died.  I am not insensitive to the tragedy.  People are hurting.  But, in reality, we are all going to die someday.

Why do we react the way we do to such senseless acts of violence?  We go into outrage.  We call for retribution.  We call for prayers.  We don't address the root problem.  It is a fallen world.

Well, the straight news is that we can't fix the world.  I know there are those who call for world peace.  There are those who think we should all just come together and respect each other's differences and "love one another right now" in a world of harmony and peace.  Ummm....I will just say it like it is; those people are clueless.  They have not read or don't understand history.  They do not observe nor understand human behavior.  They do not see the disparities between the "haves" and "have nots" and they do not recognize the frailty of the human nature that succumbs to power, to desires, and to the selfish nature that is inherent to all of us.

The Bible is very clear that the troubles of this earth are due to the fallen nature of man.  That fallen nature is due purely to man's tendency to think that he is equal to God.  It is the belief that he knows best.  If you don't think so, read the story of Adam and Eve.  It isn't about the temptation, it is about man thinking he knew better than God.

We will continue to have such incidents until it is "all rolled up like a scroll" and God takes His own home.  Just like we have seen such incidents throughout history, such will repeat until Jesus returns.

Fullness

Sometimes I just get in one of those pensive moods.  I dive into my head and think about things a little bit farther toward the deep end of the pool.  You know, where you can barely touch the bottom if you're standing on the tips of your toes.

Today, I posted the following on Facebook.

"If Jesus came to give us life -- and not only that, He wants us to experience it in all its fullness -- why do we settle for mediocrity??"

Yeah, it seems a little strange to quote yourself, but, in the interest of accuracy, I am quoting my "status" on Facebook from earlier today.

Do you ever wonder what He meant  by experiencing life in all its fullness?  I do.

I think sometimes that it was a reference to the purely Spiritual.  At other times, I think He was referring to experiencing a small piece of the Kingdom of God while still on this earth.  Then, at times, I wonder if He meant something else altogether.

I guess that's where I was today when I posted that.  OK, I guess that's still where I am.  I think He meant something that has been lost in the jumbled thinking of today.

Perhaps it is that same jumbled thinking that makes me wonder about the concept of the fullness of life.  Maybe I'm pulling a little science fiction/fantasy into my thinking.  Or, maybe science fiction/fantasy, in one of its many manifestations, is drawing from a reality that we are only sometimes vaguely aware.

The Matrix, for example.  Does it touch on a reality that we somehow sense?  I don't mean literally that there is a world of machines that controls the human race -- what we think, do, say -- but, does it touch on the Spiritual aspect of our being?  Is there a duality to our nature?  Is there a Spiritual realm to which we are attached and yet only occasionally vaguely aware?

What if we could learn to more deeply touch the Spiritual?  I don't mean seances or talking to ghosts or something like that.  I mean truly getting in touch with LIFE -- that aspect of living to which Jesus referred.  Life Everlasting.  Eternity.  Our Spiritual being.

We are so trapped and therefore blinded by our physical self that we fail to nurture the Spiritual aspect of our being.  Only when we begin to feed the Spiritual self do we grow in that area.  Just thinking....

But, there is more to us than just the physical and the Spiritual.  There is also the mental and the emotional.  We are made up of four aspects to our nature.  Rare is the individual who is truly rounded in all of those aspects -- the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.  What if we truly nurtured and fed all of those aspects of our being?  Could that be the "fullness of LIFE" that we should be experiencing but, don't?

Hmmmm....too far into the deep end for me.  I'd better return to the shallower water.  I might find something important if I keep going.....

Into the Deep Water

Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where only by faith we can go;

Where held in the warmth
Of supporting embrace
The strength of our God we will know.

Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where love and forgiveness shall reign;

Where cleansing begins
To take out the stains
So only the light will remain.

Walk with me now
Into the deep water;
A place we are never alone.

Where hope lights the fire
Of life in our hearts
Reflecting the power of God's throne.

Walk with me now
Into the deep water
Where Jesus has traveled before

To draw us into
His presence so pure
And dwell with Him there evermore.

Enough Said

John 14:12-14

¹² Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.

It's a Process

What I am
Is not what I was.
It is not what I will be.

Inside I'm still
What I've always been.
But, there's been change in me.

Why am I
Dissatisfied?
There must be something more.

Or, why would I
Keep seeking
What I haven't sought before?

Is something deep
Inside of me
Desiring the unknown?

It must have started
As a kernel
And with time became full grown.

I think that we
Are wired
To rise above our self;

To seek a thing
Much greater
That draws us to Himself.

Matthew 11:28-29

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ²⁹ Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."