Perserverance: Part 2

I knew this would come up again.
It had to.
For so long I've treaded on broken glass imagining that not one single shard will pierce my skin.
Well
    if it did...
It wouldn't be a major gash
Just a scratch
Something that could be fixed with a quick wipe of the hand
Maybe a bandaid
    at most.
So
inevitably I just keep walking
I walk on glass because I haven't experienced a sharp punishment
That's not to say though that I dont,
           at times,
walk along the concrete road instead
even the grassy meadow
because I know that would be more comfortable
I imagine that's what normal people would do
But then I find the glass pit again
I create the broken glass firstly
with photo frames,
with empty bottles,
with candle holders,
with light bulbs...
Light bulbs are the worst
I can't see anymore when I lay down the light bulbs.
It takes me a while to take my first step
I have hurdles along the way before I get there,
     they're called,
Love,
    Friends,
         Time,
             Passion,
                  Servanthood,
                       Will-power
Purity.
Maybe one day I'll make those hurdles higher,
I wonder if there are any more I can add?
Because eventually I find enough strength in my own body,
Bloody strength,
it makes me sweaty,
with red oozing out my very pores,
but only in a colour that the angels can perceive
not me
not men
not women.
I'm a victim of my own foolish might
I don't realise it,
but my body is completely broken and stained before
          my big toe
even touches the glass.
I can handle the glass,
I can't handle myself.
Lacking the perserverance, the willpower, the motivation,

the Self Control...
Where can I get that from?
My plus one...
But she can only hold firm as a rock for so long
before my gorey mess overcomes even her.

I push the bedsheets back after a sleep
I haven't been accompanied by anyone but shame,
and
for some reason my bedside lamp is still burning,
I'm sure I turned it off...
or was all I doing pulling the sheets over my eyes
to block the light?
He's still there,
His Word is too
It reads the same
   as when I was innocent
my self control can be... gained from... who?

... it can't be...
my form is marred
my soul inadequate.
the burning in my heart is toil not peace...
    right? what?
  wrong?
Ugh, I don't want to look,
please, I'm ashamed,
He doesn't deserve this
i am a part of Golgotha's curse.
  the world's blessing comes not from my bloody strength.
Of course not!!
It is however, from His bloody weakness
which most certainly was not weak at all.
I'm not worthy, yet He finds me so!
Yes of course I lov..
                Yes Lord I love y...
                       Why the quizzing Jesus, I love you!!
His grace has no bounds.
My sins felt like the blackest of black
but He came like bleach and made me clean.
Lucky I recognised Him eventually.
Oh God, please give me wisdom in this situation,
forgive me for you claimed it was possible
I won't be a Pharisee
                        gloating about the card I got for my 21st which says how great and wise I am
I won't be Judas Iscariot
                        and fall harder than you wanted me to.

Thank you Lord for eyes -
No, I can't see through others
I don't know what colour blindness is like
or 20/20 vision,
but
Yes, I can read others eyes
they said
'enough is enough'
So now I'm coming back to you
Please except me like your prodigal son,
like your only Son,
this is why my life can be better than the life of Adam.
Amen.

Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.

Confusius said that but I think it's deeper

Lord I glorify your name in knowing that I can still be perservering even when I fall miserably.

Guard me

It's early in the morning, and I haven't slept yet.
This is point of frustrutaion, tiredness and lack of concentration.
I am at my weakest, I feel drained.
You take control, and You fill my head with better throughts.
Take my life into your hands. Bless the wind which changes directions.
Let my mind change directions but let my hands work really quickly on this assignment Lord.
I love you

What suits me?

It's interesting that after reregistering my life just over a week ago now, I had to do it again at least another 2 times just recently. It's been good to have this blog as a reminder of the wonderful things that happen in every day life because we have a wonderful God who has treated us.

God treats us far more than we could ever treat anyone else.
Last night I had a discussion about the necessity to treat my own children when the time comes. This would be by being generous with all things including money. However, money is not an easy thing for me to part with. When I share moments with my girlfriend - yes I'm able to plunge into my wallet. And when I think like that maybe, the same love for my kids would give me that desire too. But really is that healthy or even the best/right thing to do? Maybe it would be better to humble myself (potentially humbling my kin as well) to say that God can provide so much more for me and my children. I don't need to show my love by treating them myself - but instead my treat should be to introduce them to my Lord and Saviour... and everything I model and share should point to Him.

Call me stingey. Whatever you want to call me.
I've got a long way to go till then, I'd like to hear many arguments and wise advice on this topic before I get there.

For now, I'll keep acknowledging the bliss of God's treats and blessings.
This week, the challenge from my home group leader has been to recognise the things that suit our spirit. Things that God has specifically created us to enjoy and grow from.
Watch this space...

Listening

Lesson:

Listen and then do,
Rather than...
Speak and refuse.

My church

I'm realising recently that I take great pride in my church. Being a part of my church, plays more than a significant role in my Christian walk.

It's when others complain, or express their disinterest in my church that I get relatively upset, and go inward - although I have pride, my peacemaker instincts are more prevalent in my character.

Last night at home group, certain persons were complaining about the generic nature of worship song lyrics, the 'put-on' friendliness that doesn't go further than a Sunday morning, and their lack of interest in inappropriate sermons. They suggested - why don't they do this, they need to do that etc.

I didn't want to step in - I care for them, but don't want to clumsily tread on their brittle bones pushing them away from the church and God altogether. However, if I was to chime in, I would have suggested: Hey why don't you come and help out down at kids church. We need helpers, and I worship God most when I'm acting in faith through service.

I guess the deal with church is that you're not there to receive and to be entertained. In fact you're there to give and that is worship.

The church, is not a building, it's a people. It's a people that are your family. And a healthy family care, share, serve and pray for one another. I've been finding out recently that a family breaks down if those things aren't taken up by each member. The church family is just as or even more important than our biological family. I don't know if Jesus was talking about the church or not in this passage following, but to me it sounds like it.
Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”

Matthew 12v 46-50.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that to really feel a part of a church, you yourself have to be committed to it. You have to care, and share, and serve and pray for others (rather simply expecting others to do that for you).

When you see people in the church who are slaving away over things that seem so menial week in, week out, you start to get an appreciation for your church family. It gets hard to say - oh church was boring on Sunday, when you know that Ole' Nevil has put out 60 Bibles into the rows, and has done that for the past year, and 'Sally Gooden' has been doing harvest work and bringing new families into the church who have broken backgrounds, and 'Sam Tito' has been occupying the old peoples group once a week even when he has distressing things happening at home.

When you are just another one of those people serving, and getting close to God through your church you realise what goes into the SUNDAY SERVICE. Church is more than a Sunday. But don't expect to get things from the church outside of Sunday, if you're not prepared to put in the work either. Churches, just like families involve commitments from all its members.

Re-registering

Yesterday I re-registered my car. I've only had my car for a short while, however, it only came with about a month or less left on it's registration (better than nothing I guess). To be precise, it's registration expired on the 29th of October.
29th = same day of the month as my dating anniversaries,
29th = same day as I started this blog up with purpose.

I decided prior to going to the post office to re-register that I would only get 6 months of registration - simply because that would be relatively affordable. From there, however, I did not plan a thing... I just went to the post office. It was only when I walked through the door that I thought, hmm I wonder if I'm supposed to supply some paper work?

Even with this question in my head, I decided to press on. What could be the worst response to me asking what I needed to have prepared to re-register my car?
Well, in fact, they just gave me a form to fill out right there and then. The hardest question being what my registration number was (I took two attempts to answer it correctly). But it was so SIMPLE.

Right now, I'm going to do something even SIMPLER I believe. I've decided while I'm in the mood, that I should also re-register my life, my thoughts, decisions and actions to God once again.

I thank the Lord increasingly much, as He helped me through a month - it has been a successful time, and I've been able to see the change in my attitudes towards life as He honoured my commitments made clear on this blog.
Lord right now I want to recommit/re-register these commitments so that I don't get complacent, so that You will be right by my side for another month ahead. As my friends and I celebrate the end of a study year and the end of study altogether. We will celebrate new employments. Megan and I will be celebrating a whole year of commitment to each other. A lot of exciting things will be happening this month, and that's why I pray that You will be my guide that keeps me on the straight and narrow, withdrawing me from self-righteous and misguided folly.
I want to thank You, that unlike a car registration, you will accept my repentance freely and without new sacrifice. It's astounding that the most important and fulfilling aspect of life - our connection with God through the Spirit - has been accounted for without any of my own doing. I think it's so awesome to have a car, and that I worked for, and I continually going to be paying for. But Jesus' grace payed for my whole life in one go. Thank You Jesus.
Amen
Amen.

Outreach with BK at the beach

I'd love to spend some time with God, in the most chilled out way ever. I've got myself into a little swing of buying BK at the drive through recently (since I got myself some roller kicks and a chassis) and taking it down to Bucklands Beach.

I'm not going to waste that time anymore. I'm going to use it as a way to do 'nothing much' with God - except there won't be any L&P (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X64DZr7MPwU).

At home group tonight, I got a better perspective on it though. I'm not going to do it so that I can be uber Christian or to even get closer to God that way. The point is, I already have a relationship, and a great one at that (it's not possible to have a bum relationship with Him), so it'll just be a time for growth... and allowing Him to enter for a least little bit more time of my week.

So while I'm eating my Outlaw, I'll be deliberating with the Rebel in a bid to expand my capabilities for growing the Kingdom through Him.

Man, the argument between faith, rest, works and character about reaching success as a Christian (and what that even means?) is my biggest struggle with God. I'm content with my answers to how He created the world? And what about evolution? And is there a heaven? How do I get there? But when it comes to faith... I'm so inspired by others that talk about it - and stories from the Bible - take this one for example:

The Faith of the Centurion

When Jesus had entered Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking for help. "Lord," he said, "my servant lies at home paralyzed and in terrible suffering."
Jesus said to him, "I will go and heal him."
The centurion replied, "Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."
When Jesus heard this, he was astonished and said to those following him, "I tell you the truth, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. I say to you that many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
Then Jesus said to the centurion, "Go! It will be done just as you believed it would." And his servant was healed at that very hour.

Matthew 8:5 - 13

But still it concerns me so much that maybe I don't have the right faith. Merely saying I have or haven't got faith isn't enough for it to be true.

And how about works. What counts as works of our own doing. And when does it become Christ-centred?

This is what I hope to find out through lifes experience, others testimony to it, the Bible and through prayer. I'm just going to keep growing, and work towards the goal. And one day I'll finish strong.

Lord, thank you for our relationship. I thank You in advance for anything You make me capable of doing. Lord, help me to remember Your magnificence when I get praised or complemented for anything. Let my life point back to Your life that lives within me.

Amen

Hot times

Thank you Lord for the simple pleasures that Spring/Summer bring with it. Help me to marvel at natural beauty on wonderful days.
I want to fulfill Your purposes righteously and not take shortcuts Lord.
Speak to me through Your Word, and through nature.
Amen

Come Play in Sin City

com·pla·cen·cy  /kəmˈpleɪsənsi [kuhm-pley-suhn-see]
–noun, plural -cies.

1. a feeling of quiet pleasure or security, often while unaware of some potential danger, defect, or the like; self-satisfaction or smug satisfaction with an existing situation, condition, etc.

(I find that pronunciation awkward, I'm more inclined to say it as: COM-play-sin-see similar to Come Play in Sin City, maybe due to my New Zealander accent).

Thank you Lord for getting me through 3 weeks!! Lord, I know this pursuit is so do-able with your lead, considering I was able to make a 5 month dash only a year and half ago now. The key ingredient is: your lead.

So far, of the 3 weeks, two and a half of those have been gruelling. My mind constantly drifts and forces me to come on here and write another post. However, in the last couple of days, besides a few shifty eye moments, I have found freedom living to be one that just comes naturally.

This is exceptional news.

My fear now, is complacency. Lord, keep me in check about the dangers that constantly lurk just on the other side of the path, and keep me well clear of it. I want to hold firm to your statutes so that You will provide me with the best life.

I get complacent about all sorts of things concerning You Lord. It's too easy to take Your power and Your love for granted on the day-to-day - and that's what quickly leads me to folly in sin city.
Lord, I thank You for Your forgiveness and the promises that You have made and kept with us. Continue to shape me and grow me Lord. I will aspire to learn Your Ways.
Amen

I'm going on a job hunt

Yesterday I had a couple of interviews. The first serious, career involved interviews of my life.



Needless to say I was nervous. It was like going on a lion hunt. I continually told myself that I wasn't scared, I told myself to be confident and sit straight and rehearse responses. And for the most part I was doing fine, even doing well at times.



But there were times when I got a tough question. And all of a sudden I got a big mind block. And I would feel like this block was getting between me and my lion - the teaching job.



As I've heard when we're met with challenge, we shouldn't run away from it - God didn't give us a heart of fear. And I've also heard that we can't go over it, and we can't under it so we have to go through it. There's no avoiding some tricky situations and we have to live through them. Even with my mental blocks, I completed the interviews with a slight smile on my face.



That's because I prayed before I went in.

It's also because I had several others praying for me as well.

I couldn't have done it without God's interlocking arms, pulling me through it.



I have confidence that God will help me reach an end goal, that satisfies His purpose for my life. And because of that I'm also pretty sure that I'll be able to handle the goal as well, and won't just run away from the scary lion.

Train

'I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...'
The Little Engine that could
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoVRV_xGEqc

This is what I have to say to myself sometimes. I think of that train, and tell myself I can do it.

Unfortunately, even if I'm innocently 'working' away on facebook there are things that make me lose my train of thought. Stupid little ads, that for a second (actually probably more than that) make me think, oh interesting, I wonder what that's about, I wonder if I look - just quickly.

But no, even though I nearly fell into the trap, I nearly buckled, I realise there is still a Long, long way to climb.

Lord, it's more than positive thinking and stamina that will get me this victory. Please be my strength!
Amen.

Points to the back door

Thank you Lord for another day gone by :)

Sometimes I feel like giving up on this project. Like it's too tough. Like I'm going to get something more out of it by being distracted from the righteous path that is the goal.
It's like Satan is pointing me to the back door, saying 'hey, you can always sneak out there, no one's guarding the BACK door. There's a whole world to explore out there. You're fooling yourself thinking God's big house can offer the best life'.

I'm well aware there are hungry snakes outside that back door. So right now, I'm keen to breathe in waffles for breakfast, and lie on a feather pillow over night - that God offers as a service to me in His mansion.

The back door of my car has been broken for a while anyway. It had a faulty mechanism, meaning nothing could get in or out by it - even with a key. However, today my Dad and I set about fixing it and finished the job, so it's all back to normal - better than normal.

Knowing God, I'd say He'd do the same in His mansion. Everything has got to be working just the way it was built. The back door is a choice we can make. It hurts God to hear that some people escape through that door and quickly get entrapped by a multiple of other things. Yet God is just and allows that freedom of choice.

I for now, am choosing to stay inside as I already mentioned. That means that I will rest on God for comfort, for refuge, for guidance, for confidence, for inspiration, for everything.

You remember my car... the one I fixed. Well I learnt on Sunday that I need to put it in drive. So that when I rest on God I'm not pulling the handbrake up (becoming comfortable with my position, doing nothing to increase God's kingdom), I'm not putting it into reverse (looking at my past, neglecting to forgive myself and giving up on all hope for the future) or putting it in neutral (anxious about the future, need to control as much I can to ensure my security) but I'm putting in drive.

When I'm in drive - I'm ready to grow. When I'm in drive - I'm looking for success. When I'm in drive - I never look for 'good enough', I'm searching for excellence. When I'm in drive - I'm advancing on my goals, on God's goals of righteousness - on God's goals through the work of Jesus Christ's life in me. When I'm in drive - I'm yearning for the best life in Christ's righteousness.

So I fixed the boot. With oil I made it efficient. But I'm not going back there to play around with the door, I know what it does now. I'll sit in the drivers seat instead, and I'll put it into auto-pilot drive and endure, perserve with determination to live strong and finish strong the race that's ahead of me in Christ Jesus who saves.

[Check Phillipians Ch3 + 4]

King Richard III

I remember back at high school I joined up to a drama class. For one of our performances we had to learn a short exert from a play by Shakespeare. My group, of 3 girls and 2 guys, chose a scene from King Richard III where these ghosts come and speak in the both the King's and this fellow Richmond's dreams and shift their confidences.

I feel like it was an awful scene, by us, which was over dramatised - really the girls had far too much influence on the piece. This was maybe why the two of us guys would muck around in rehearsals, have pretend sword fights and hassle each other by calling the one Dick and the other Dickmond. It was a hoot.

After last night though, I found I don't like being called a dick. In a dream of my own my girlfriend, acknowledging a silly mistake I'd made - I said I had no vouchers for food before the others bought, but when it was my turn to buy, I found this massive voucher for McD's in my pocket - she straight out called me a dick in front of my best mate.
Now to clarify... she would NEVER call me that in real life (I don't think), and so the dream is a bit absurd. But I realised how deeply it affected me, and therefore I resolve that I should never call others that either. I say it so much, but really I am the dick sometimes and I don't like others pointing it out.

I'm now King RICHARD (not Dick) the III because I'm within the third week. And I'm absolutely confident I can win this battle. And starting this week I have a new goal as well. To contemplate the language I use with people. What names do I call them - and consider the implications if they were to turn it on me.

Lord surely you have sovereignty of the semi-conscious state of dreams. If I can so vividly remember this dream, it must have been planted there for good reason. I will learn from it. I will love others like Jesus. This week and further I will catch my tongue and make a difference in my language. Help me to stand firm to this. In Jesus' name,
Amen.

Perserverance

So I'd say that if I'm already making a post titled perserverance two weeks in, the same post may appear several times this year :).

Wow it feels good to say that. To think a year is possible. A year is the goal. And anything is possible on God's strength so why not. I'm going to achieve a year.

But my word, Lord You'll need to gift me with perserverance.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. - Hebrews 12v1

OK right now, I'd be lucky to have one witness to this message, but this is live on the internet, and therefore I say to the world, that I will endeavour to run this race with all perserverance that God allows me.

Man, I stubbed my toe yesterday (metaphorically), I know what that's like because it happened (literally) to me only two weeks ago. It doesn't hurt to much, but it sets you back a bit. And I certainly wouldn't want to be stubbing my same toe every day for... even two days. That's sadism which is very similar to the masochism of stumbling metaphorically.

Man, that's awful, it's no wonder I want to move away from that life.

It makes me sick thinking about it.

Lord, once again, I ask for perserverance,

Amen

Pizza

I was fighting myself today. But thought of consequence, and the gifting of just a little self-control given freely was enough to come out victorious with my relationships all in tact.

Man, I've been told a few times that the very moment we give ourselves over God and live in his ways we witness heaven on Earth. The more we rely on God to live in righteousness and faith, the more God reveals Himself and the beauty of His Holy place...
We're so fortunate to have simple admission to His throne room through prayer.

So I'm willing to accept this theory for two reasons.
The first one is most obvious, and it is based on the contrast to the opposite.
Take Hell's pizza for example. The creative idea and extended metaphor of the franchise is the labelling of pizza with the '7 deadly sins' and more. Hmm, I'd say they're right, the 'gnashing of teeth' in eternal Hell is most likely full of this evil and more. But yet these things happen right here on Earth - the lies, the lust, the hatred, the stealing, the murder, the jealousy - they're like a part of daily living on this physical world. These things take no effort, they are mindless, self-centred but controlled by Satan no less.
But, there is another Way. God, by sending us His Spirit has empowered our spirit to live a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control - Galations 5v22.
My argument is that if the deadly sins bring Hell on Earth, so too can the gifts of the Spirit bring Heaven to Earth. Living in this way frees others from inhibitions, frees us from guilt, rids us of fear, gives us new worth, hope and peace, and frees us from pain. Doesn't sound like a week on Earth, but eternity in Heaven. Bring it on!!

The second reason is what God's Way has done in my life. My passions have completely flipped, and I have definite day-to-day purpose. By choosing to love and forgive even when others don't return the favour, I have a sense of belonging and peace that God is with me.

It's like having a slice of heavenly pizza...
and so that's how I know.

Lord, thank you for letting me take a bite today. Thank You that Your Ways overcome all tensions and You offer them freely to those who are willing.
Amen

Freedom

Thank you Lord for giving us true freedom. I don't feel trapped by pain or pleasure.
I'm on edge but I know I'm free. Help me to have faith that You can keep me safe forever.

Lord, thank you for showing me that freedom is far more than having a new car, and being able to drive whenever I like. It's interesting to see what I do with that freedom however. As the saying goes: What matters is not what we believe, but the choices we make.
With that in mind, I find it funny that I was really excited that I would be getting a whole lot done this morning because I had the freedom to do that with my car - belief. But the reality is, I slept in, had breakfast, did some research on the computer, had a long shower and still have not left.

So what do I do with the freedom that You offer me Lord. I'm I also refusing to fully use that either. I mean, surely I could do a lot worse with a car now - I could use the freedom to go to more parties, or just to go for a speed joy ride. But at the same time, I'm not using it for it's positive potential either. I've decided to keep to my old way - for now anyway. But I'll never grow up like that, that's how life will become stagnant.

Lord, I don't want my spiritual life to become stagnant either. So show me how I can make the most of the positive potential that Your freedom offers.
Amen.

Better Things

These are some really cool things:
frisbees,
melons (not only cool but also refreshing),
jandals,
paddle pop thickshakes,
ice sledding,
helicopters.

Lately I've developed a new obsession for which I'm becoming quite concerned about Lord. But just putting it out there - I find everything that I do wrong at the moment is due to tiredness.
On that note, I firstly pray Lord Jesus to praise you for an exciting/remarkable world which we live in. From the wondrous changing colours on a drakes head, to the explosive shapes of colossal stars many many light years away. You care about the big picture down to it's intricities, and that is amazing.

Lord, give me good rest and take away evil of which You have defeated for me and continue to do.

And Lord, I love the sights of this universe so much yet refer back to the jewels of mans creation which doesn't compare, yet is favoured. Lord, let me be content with what You give me and what life has to offer me. I do not want to be envious of others possessions - of their watches, their shoes, their sweaters, their jeans, or their motorbikes. Lord, help me to focus on better things so that I can continue to live out Your greater purpose and be an effective servant of Yours, a great friend to others, and a wonderful partner to my Bunches.

Thank You Lord, You've saved me for yet another day. Help me to stay strung, and keep in your shelter from the hail :)
Amen

Live in Relationship

Lord, thank you for blessing me with amazing friends. Just like me they need your help and guidance and I hope that, like I am trying to do now, they continue to look to You in times of need.
I know that I can understand Your character through my relationships with others, so protect my best relationships and show me how to show love that honours You in these.

I praise you now because I know when I am weak You are so strong. I actually don't care at all that I lost poison pole this week because human strength is nothing but feeble.

Help me to succeed and to glorify You in response.
Amen.

A week gone by

Praise God for another awesome week!!

Lord at the end of an era for Kids Camping, I pray that I can continue helping to build your kingdom in other areas in my life.

The simplisity of camps is amazing though, and I'm so grateful for a full cycle of believers coming to you for the first time in faith could happen right before my very eyes.

Your love is astounding and never ending. Never let me get complacent about your love!!
Amen.

Making it secondary

Growing up is all about responsibility/making wise decisions while prioritising our time.

I'm really bad at prioritising and that's most likely why I get easily distracted by small things.

I thank the Lord, who is undeniably patient, for spending time on me. Somehow I've been growing up. Along with my height the blessings in my life continue to grow - and obviously with more at stake comes more responsibility. Something like that.

I had a afternoon nap today.

I have soooo much more that I should have been doing instead.

But you know what, I think God's going to keep me in line, for his great purpose for my life anyway.
They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat upon them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.
- Isaiah 49v10.

Another day, I've found another way.

It's small steps/ multiple growing points that make a faith real. I'm not waiting for a big explosion. This is 2 days of the rest of my life. I have so much to look forward to.
Praise God.
Amen.

Beginning

Thank you Lord!! That's my praise.

Jesus is so cool, it's right there in Psalm 110v1:

The LORD says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."

Knowing that Jesus' life is within us, I'm very excited about this verse.
Shame to you enemies of the saint.

My Bible reading today had me begin Matthew once again.
I'm still trying to figure out how Jesus is in the line of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5), when he's not in the geneology list... yet I can see the parallels to a king and priest combo man.

My fave verse of the day though is Matthew 5v6 (the whole of Matt 5 + 6 had me dumbstruck to be honest):

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Please Lord I'm hungry, and I'm definately thirsty. Please keep me in your hand.

Amen.

Day half

OK here we go.

It's for you that I pray with hope for a brighter day
And so I say your deliverance is coming! ...
And I can see we've strayed so far
A king born under that morning star
As a crown of thorns was placed to erase each tear that's touched your face
And his palms and sides were pierced with spears He hung in love just to draw you near...

- Mat Kearney

We need sweet deliverance. A peace of mind that what God offers us is amazing freedom.
Please Lord grow us into frontmen, that not only serve when it suits us, but fight the hard battles when they come against us.

Be our refuge and be our King.

Multiply righteousness and let it flow from us delivering the Good News of a God who saves and who loves infinately.

We know Lord that we need moulding. So we're not throwing ourselves away... we already did that in the baptism pool. But we're here to grow, and to learn and to be the best we possibly can for you.

Today is day half, in a year it COULD be 365.5 days but only you know that. Hold us firm, watch over us, and let us trample snakes under our feet knowing that Life is found in the perfect and Holy One.

Amen.

Refreshing

How refreshing is it to start a new good book? - A rhetorical question. I already know it's like the crispness of freshly cleaned/softened bed spread; similar to a cold shower after a arduous run; a sip of sweet tea... possibly.
I began reading Mike Wells Heavenly Discipleship (2006). From only the first two chapters I knew I had immersed myself into something worthwhile. His writing is intelligent yet simple. He takes both biblical truth and self experience and describes what God has revealed to him about disclipleship - the importance of dependancy in God.

Other ways of living drag us down.

Bringing glory to God is what we should aim for.

Notice the use of the word 'I' in my blog today. Used 4 times. That's pretty good for me I (5) must admit, usually it would have an overpowering dominance in my rhetoric, however, the plan is to eliminate it.
Questions are asked, as in Job, who brought man to life and gave him mentionable existence? who created the seas as far as the horizon? who made the planets and infinite universe full of stars? The answer, obviously, is God. Yet as impure and imperfect beings, we take as much credit as we can for works we have not done. This is pride.

PrIde - sIn. hmm, what's at the centre of both of those words.

Let me end with a passage from Heavenly Discipleship:

'... the suitable emphasis is not to be the peace of God, but hearing the God of peace. Not expressing the word of God, but exuding the God of the word. Not attaining the holiness of God, but embracing the God of holiness. Not preaching God to the people, but preaching God before the people! Heavenly discipleship is the fruit, not the peel.' (p6)