Perpetual Daven

To think about: Why do the hots and colds of life always seem to pull us closer to God than when we are satisfied with the temp. outside?

 

Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?...Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. ~Romans 7:21-24, 8:1-2

Default Blue

(I Know Nothing Of And Likely Do Not Support The Music)

What a perfect time to bring up the subject of Sin! Because Jesus presented the idea, and ultimately destroyed it, like, 2TYA! (Of course, it was not the actual sin he abolished, but the lasting grip it could have on sinners.) Even today, the world cannot accept the thought of everyone being sinners by default! (or if they do, they love it).

Default blue references an example Pastor Andy gave of a time he wanted to change his desktop background. The default color was blue, and to change that would have been to make it his own and be free of the control of the machine. We can do the same by letting go of the sin we were born with and giving it to Christ for him to take to the cross.

In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels when even one sinner repents.”  ~Luke 15:10

Got String?

Do not be wise in your own eyes. ~Proverbs 3:7

Here is a WARNING: It is easier to be a two-faced Christian than most Christians are willing to admit. We might try to get the best of our situation when with different crowds, and it is only natural. 

We are cons, we have all the right answers, but when we play life like that, it becomes all social and what others think of us. We take what God has given and we soar beyond what He planned. We rule the world we live in because we don't look to God, pray to Him, converse with Him along the way like it was meant to be.

People ruin their lives by their own foolishness and then are angry at the Lord.

~Proverbs 19:3

This is how it should be: We need to be kites. Our power is limited to the string that allows us to fly, but without it we would not last long before reaching the ground again, back to where we started. Trust in the One who holds us down.

Check out this link for the story!: Kite String

Check out this link for the fun!: Kite Master

But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it. ~Luke 7:35

Disaster Invite! ...

Anyone who trusts in high walls invites disaster.

~Proverbs 17:19

When we build walls around our lives, our hearts, in an attempt at blocking out our troubles, we only harm ourselves further. Walls are made to crumble, but God's foundation is firm and never-ending.

“Showing a lack of self-control is in the same vein granting authority to others: 'Perhaps I need someone else to control me.” ~Criss Jami, Venus in Arms

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, "You are my God." ~Psalm 31:14

Mercy Ad Infinitum

"I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice." ~Abraham Lincoln

Do you think that God has the same view? There is not a doubt that He punishes us, but if we were punished as we deserve, then mercy would be irrelevant. Mercy can be seen in the smallest ways, especially when there is an absence of something we may not initially realize.

Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. ~James 2:13

King Lear

Zephyrean Calling

Everybody is different, no?

We all have a different calling, but not all of us can hear it, see it, or experience it the same way.

Even the stars differ from each other in their glory. ~1Corinthians 15:41

Although everyone has a "calling", a path that God would have for their lives, most people go for most if not all their lives without realizing it; without even asking for it to be revealed.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest. He is a shield to those who walk with integrity. ~Proverbs 2:7

Notice that God guides and shields those who can first step out and allow him. You must be able to reach the point that lies beyond your zone of immediate comfort and do so knowing that God will help you in what you are doing once you make it there. We must "put to feet what we believe".

Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD. ~Proverbs 2:5

And so "brand your word on my lips", oh LORD. Let it follow me wherever I go.

The Umber Heart

The following letter is a "Prayer for Welcoming Discipline and Life-Giving Reproofs", by Scotty Smith.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. ~Proverbs 12:1

Dear heavenly Father, I’ll never tire of thanking you for the privilege of calling you Father—Abba, Father. There’s no greater joy or safer refuge—there’s no better address to call my home than your heart.

Once I was separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in the true Israel, a foreigner to your promise-filled covenants, without hope and without you in the world. But through the work of Jesus, you brought me near—you made me one of your beloved children (Eph. 2:12-13). I worship, praise, and adore you for such a rich and firm standing in grace. I begin and end every day with this loud declaration ringing in the chambers of my heart, “No condemnation!”

And now, it’s only because you love us as your children that you discipline us as you do (Heb. 12:4-11). All of your rebukes are “life-giving” and all your corrections are heart-freeing. None of them are meant to be guilt inducing, shame producing, or contempt fueling. You humble your children, but you don’t humiliate us. You’re firm but never harsh. You have our eternal glorification in view, when we’re, too often, only thinking about instant gratification.

On the cross Jesus exhausted the punishment we deserve. Now you delight in us, even when you confront our immaturity and irresponsibility. That’s why I’m a foolish man to play dodge ball with the convicting work of your Holy Spirit. You only purpose our freedom through the gospel.

No Excuses With God!

I’m a foolish man, indeed, when I get defensive and try to make excuses for myself. What’s there to defend? Indeed, being “stupid” (Prov. 12:1) has nothing to do with my IQ, my SAT score, or my GPA from various schools. Stupid is what we are when we hate correction, despise your discipline, or run from your admonitions.

I want to be at home among the wise, Father, so whether you speak to me from your Word—by the voice of your Spirit, or even through my spouse, colleagues, children, or friends—I’ll trust you for a humble heart and submissive spirit. By the grace, truth, and power of the gospel, free me to welcome your every correction. So every Amen I pray in Jesus’ life-giving name.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Oh, Lord Jesus,

I'm still trying,

Wait for me.

I stay today,

And I'll run tomorrow,

But I know you wait for me."

The song is called "Tomorrows" and is done by the group Falling Up. It's a long song with not a lot of lyrics, but it's simple and true and something I felt like sharing.

Let us not keep the hearts of darkness and shadow and umber-colored stains that make up such human default, but allow for correction and endorse the awaiting healing to begin.

You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said. ~Luke 1:45

Because we have faith.