Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Beautiful Collaboration
It is a beautiful thing when the girl you love can lead you into a deeper understanding and appreciation for the gifts of God (herself included) and, in so doing, cause you to fall into a deeper and more meaningful love with her. It's just amazing when God gives you this amazing person who makes you better in every way possible, and also causes you to love Him more. I am so blessed to be in this exact situation at present. All I can say is "wow" and "thank-you Lord". I don't deserve Him and I don't deserve her, but I greatly love'em both!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Judges
If you so desire, take a step back and believe yourself to be separate from the human experience...
Pretend that you are the epitome of reason and flawlessly paced progression in every stage of life, and that everything you do is accompanied by careful calculation and reasoning...that you are flawless in every aspect of the game of life, and an experienced player suited to critique others style.
Done?
Good.
From this sanctimonious sphere of reference observe me.
My proclivity to reach a decided conclusion at a faster rate than most, you take as a hurried existence. The intensity with which I love, you take for infatuation. My random outburst of joyous noises and actions you take for immaturity. And my attempts at benevolence you consider to have ulterior motives...
From your elevated and perfect perch, you look upon my life of pitiful mistakes and make the accurate observation that I am something entirely different from you...a sinner.
You view me as an impulsive creature of whim, and little contemplation. One possessing tunnel vision regardless of the circumstances surrounding the object in focus.
I will not bother to refute or argue with you as to the reasons behind my at times frantic way of life. I will simply live it, and upon attaining those things for which I strive, I will be vindicated by One greater than myself and a life lived for Him.
Meanwhile...
You have built yourself a throne on the foundation of your own merit...
You have chosen to use yourself as the bar by which to evaluate all others and in doing so have engineered your own destruction.
For by assuming ourselves to be perfect or already immaculate, we overlook the glaring inconsistencies betwixt our life, and God's law. We forget the fact that we have at times past fallen victim to the universal ailment of the flesh, and come short of glory.
Only the hand of God fashions the structures that endure all eternity.
Only He is Perfect and worthy to judge all creatures in existence.
So judge if you must, but know that in so doing you are condemning yourself.
Pretend that you are the epitome of reason and flawlessly paced progression in every stage of life, and that everything you do is accompanied by careful calculation and reasoning...that you are flawless in every aspect of the game of life, and an experienced player suited to critique others style.
Done?
Good.
From this sanctimonious sphere of reference observe me.
My proclivity to reach a decided conclusion at a faster rate than most, you take as a hurried existence. The intensity with which I love, you take for infatuation. My random outburst of joyous noises and actions you take for immaturity. And my attempts at benevolence you consider to have ulterior motives...
From your elevated and perfect perch, you look upon my life of pitiful mistakes and make the accurate observation that I am something entirely different from you...a sinner.
You view me as an impulsive creature of whim, and little contemplation. One possessing tunnel vision regardless of the circumstances surrounding the object in focus.
I will not bother to refute or argue with you as to the reasons behind my at times frantic way of life. I will simply live it, and upon attaining those things for which I strive, I will be vindicated by One greater than myself and a life lived for Him.
Meanwhile...
You have built yourself a throne on the foundation of your own merit...
You have chosen to use yourself as the bar by which to evaluate all others and in doing so have engineered your own destruction.
For by assuming ourselves to be perfect or already immaculate, we overlook the glaring inconsistencies betwixt our life, and God's law. We forget the fact that we have at times past fallen victim to the universal ailment of the flesh, and come short of glory.
Only the hand of God fashions the structures that endure all eternity.
Only He is Perfect and worthy to judge all creatures in existence.
So judge if you must, but know that in so doing you are condemning yourself.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Plight of the Pace-car
Every day he watches the others race by at blinding speeds. Some ending in disastrous crashes and ruin, but others in glory and satisfaction of the most fulfilling kind. They gun their engines to the limit of their revolutions. They burn fuel in baffling quantities. Their lover is speed, and risks their many concubines.
He is summoned only when the voice of reason need be heard. He subdues the burning spirits, and holds at bay the wave of sweltering metal, pounding pistons, and burning rubber that is the race cars.
He is the pace car.
Never has he tasted the sweet and intoxicating nectar of sheer unrestrained speed. Oh to leave behind the role of regulator and join the rebellious onslaught of the accelerated!
But alas, his is a role, not of choice, but of obligation for in releasing the thunderous cries of his own bolstered engine, he forfeits the one thing for which he desires to race. It is through this lethargic progression that he draws closer to the finish line which he seeks.
There is no other speed at which he can approach the checkered flag, so he goes on as he knows best; at the speed of a pace car, with the heart of a race car.
He is summoned only when the voice of reason need be heard. He subdues the burning spirits, and holds at bay the wave of sweltering metal, pounding pistons, and burning rubber that is the race cars.
He is the pace car.
Never has he tasted the sweet and intoxicating nectar of sheer unrestrained speed. Oh to leave behind the role of regulator and join the rebellious onslaught of the accelerated!
But alas, his is a role, not of choice, but of obligation for in releasing the thunderous cries of his own bolstered engine, he forfeits the one thing for which he desires to race. It is through this lethargic progression that he draws closer to the finish line which he seeks.
There is no other speed at which he can approach the checkered flag, so he goes on as he knows best; at the speed of a pace car, with the heart of a race car.
Greco-Roman Construction
Watch his motions closely..
Though apparently impulsive, intense, and unguided, the observant spectator will notice that every act is done to ensure the fruition of a beautiful existence.
His conceptualized paradise exists, at present, only within the convoluted passages, and corners of his mind.
His thoughts have ventured the endless realm of possibility even more than the critics have critiqued his lack of contemplation.
Where the most commonly traveled roads now lay, there was once nothing but a vast expanse of nature and wilderness.
Until they who saw the potential for the sprawling metropolises of today blazed the trail through the apparently unfit, there was noting of value there.
His venture is reminiscent of their intrepid expeditions into the unknown.
Though far less substantial in the scope of its impact, it is important to him.
Do not be hasty to pass negative judgement on him for knowing what it is he wants and his willingness to build it.
The bold thrive on adversity, though oft they waver at its initial opposition to their journey.
His intention is to prove by success. Let the fires of skepticism lick at what it is he builds and having been of none effect die to the deafening cry of its durability.
Let the ages proclaim and echo the vindicating song, sung from the highest level of this emotional edifice he know lays hammer and nail to.
Though apparently impulsive, intense, and unguided, the observant spectator will notice that every act is done to ensure the fruition of a beautiful existence.
His conceptualized paradise exists, at present, only within the convoluted passages, and corners of his mind.
His thoughts have ventured the endless realm of possibility even more than the critics have critiqued his lack of contemplation.
Where the most commonly traveled roads now lay, there was once nothing but a vast expanse of nature and wilderness.
Until they who saw the potential for the sprawling metropolises of today blazed the trail through the apparently unfit, there was noting of value there.
His venture is reminiscent of their intrepid expeditions into the unknown.
Though far less substantial in the scope of its impact, it is important to him.
Do not be hasty to pass negative judgement on him for knowing what it is he wants and his willingness to build it.
The bold thrive on adversity, though oft they waver at its initial opposition to their journey.
His intention is to prove by success. Let the fires of skepticism lick at what it is he builds and having been of none effect die to the deafening cry of its durability.
Let the ages proclaim and echo the vindicating song, sung from the highest level of this emotional edifice he know lays hammer and nail to.
A Modern Parable
As you enter your home you notice that nothing is where you left it and everything appears rummaged through. While you survey the situation thoughts flash through your mind as to who could have done this, and then you are summoned to a frantic level of awareness by the thought that they might still be there. You call the police but don't know how long it will be before they arrive. Your present dilemma is whether to wait for the authorities, or take matters into your own hands and "clear the house"...
Though untrained, ignorant, and unprepared for the unknown you decide to venture deeper into a once familiar dwelling which now seems as foreign to you as a forest at midnight. While you creep through corridors, and hallways, you see that nothing has been taken. As you round a corner and catch sight of your room, a shadow vanishes as soon as your gaze hits the half-open door. Your heartbeat instantly rises, and begins a forceful rhythm, pounding on the inside of your chest. Rather than leave the house, now knowing of the intruders presence, you slowly make your way to the door. You reach the doorway. As you reach out your hand to fully open the door, it is quickly flung open. On the other side you are surprised to see familiar eyes starring back at you...
The eyes are your own; the intruder bears striking resemblance to the resident...
While you stand there shocked at what you behold, they lunge forward with a yell knocking you to the ground. This attack, though unexpected, informs you of the fact that this person is not there for your possessions, but your life. You struggle to loose yourself of their grip, but they fight as though they knew your intentions, and movements in advance.
You momentarily break free of their hold, and throw them to your side. You bury a firm blow in their ribs, and scramble for the door. To your surprise they are not slowed by your strikes. They swipe at your foot, and trip you before you can escape. You panic, wishing you had awaited the arrival of the authorities. You realize that your assailant now holds brandishes a knife with the words "Old Man of Flesh" engraved on the blade.
You are now fully aware of the gravity of this fight. From this struggle, only one may emerge alive.
Your attacker takes a purposed swipe at you with the blade. You barely avoid it by side stepping. You contemplate leaving the house to escape your assailant, but shake the though from your mind, convincing yourself of your ability to handle the situation.
The next attack leaves you cut, but only mildly. You are wearying, but sense no such signs of fatigue in your opponent. Desperation is setting in and now you are realizing you weren't prepared for this. This revelation comes to late however.
Your aggressor swipes at you once again, and while you avoid being cut, you are put off balance. In this instant, they hurl their shoulder to your chest and you are flung to the ground. You see them circling you with an unsettling air of confidence about them. They make a fatally intended decent, blade in hand and aimed at your heart, and you close your eyes bracing for the sharp and precise impact...
When you open your eyes, you are standing in the foyer of the house. You see the same disorderly scene as before. You have full memory of the instances which just occurred...and you proceed yet again.
Faith is never so foolishly spent as when it is wasted on one's own ability and merit. We can not fight this battle against our flesh on our own, for by doing so we seal our own fate. We will fall victim to our own sinful nature time and time again.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
In plain language, wait for Those who are prepared to subdue the intruder.
Though untrained, ignorant, and unprepared for the unknown you decide to venture deeper into a once familiar dwelling which now seems as foreign to you as a forest at midnight. While you creep through corridors, and hallways, you see that nothing has been taken. As you round a corner and catch sight of your room, a shadow vanishes as soon as your gaze hits the half-open door. Your heartbeat instantly rises, and begins a forceful rhythm, pounding on the inside of your chest. Rather than leave the house, now knowing of the intruders presence, you slowly make your way to the door. You reach the doorway. As you reach out your hand to fully open the door, it is quickly flung open. On the other side you are surprised to see familiar eyes starring back at you...
The eyes are your own; the intruder bears striking resemblance to the resident...
While you stand there shocked at what you behold, they lunge forward with a yell knocking you to the ground. This attack, though unexpected, informs you of the fact that this person is not there for your possessions, but your life. You struggle to loose yourself of their grip, but they fight as though they knew your intentions, and movements in advance.
You momentarily break free of their hold, and throw them to your side. You bury a firm blow in their ribs, and scramble for the door. To your surprise they are not slowed by your strikes. They swipe at your foot, and trip you before you can escape. You panic, wishing you had awaited the arrival of the authorities. You realize that your assailant now holds brandishes a knife with the words "Old Man of Flesh" engraved on the blade.
You are now fully aware of the gravity of this fight. From this struggle, only one may emerge alive.
Your attacker takes a purposed swipe at you with the blade. You barely avoid it by side stepping. You contemplate leaving the house to escape your assailant, but shake the though from your mind, convincing yourself of your ability to handle the situation.
The next attack leaves you cut, but only mildly. You are wearying, but sense no such signs of fatigue in your opponent. Desperation is setting in and now you are realizing you weren't prepared for this. This revelation comes to late however.
Your aggressor swipes at you once again, and while you avoid being cut, you are put off balance. In this instant, they hurl their shoulder to your chest and you are flung to the ground. You see them circling you with an unsettling air of confidence about them. They make a fatally intended decent, blade in hand and aimed at your heart, and you close your eyes bracing for the sharp and precise impact...
When you open your eyes, you are standing in the foyer of the house. You see the same disorderly scene as before. You have full memory of the instances which just occurred...and you proceed yet again.
Faith is never so foolishly spent as when it is wasted on one's own ability and merit. We can not fight this battle against our flesh on our own, for by doing so we seal our own fate. We will fall victim to our own sinful nature time and time again.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
In plain language, wait for Those who are prepared to subdue the intruder.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)