"I am the color valor, the color vigilance and justice, the color innocence. I am called Old Glory, The Star Spangled Banner, The Stars and Stripes - The American Flag.
I have always marveled at why I'm carried; why men and women have bled and died for me, giving the last full measure of devotion, their life to keep me free.
I have been hoisted on the hilltop; tasted salt upon the seas; soared across the heavens; marched through foreign lands. I have been draped upon the bodies of the brave and noble band.
I am a symbol of our hope in the austere and lonely night; a beacon and a lighthouse and anchor proud and right.
I have sung the song of freedom of the blood of gallantry; I wake to wave these colors of this land that cries for me and I am blessed to stand beside you still those we honor here today."
May all of us who honor our veterans continue to raise the colors valor, vigilance, justice and innocence. May we never fail to forget that for which you have so ably toiled.
God Bless!
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Time Together
This morning i was asked, along with the study group i was a part of, to determine whether or not my faith was based on more of one or the other: fact or emotion.
Fact was defined as the rational; articulated word of God
Emotion defined as the visceral feeling of passion from the Spirit of God
Of all the answers that were contributed the one i clung to more than the others was that both fact and emotion work in unison. In this we can be sure, that the author and perfecter of our faith, has qualified his love for us through the sacrificing of his life that we might be with him in Heaven. The word became flesh, walked among us and is now provisioned in all of us who belong to Christ.
The Holy Spirit within us provides the unique experience unmatched and unparalled on earth in that we have both the word of God and the spirit of God manifesting guidance. Far beyond what i am able to comprehend, i am grateful and in love with the One that lives in me.
Paul spoke of the challenges he faced in Romans 7; the struggle to do things he did not want to do and those things he wanted to do he found he was often challenged to see them through. His will and God's Will warring within him were projected as a validation of his human quality and imperfection and his ability to clearly articulate that which we all battle with in our own life, stands as a testament to the great faith and discernment Paul had in Christ.
God does not call us into a relationship of comprehension; He invites us into a relationship of obedience.
The Spirit and Word bind us; we are put into chains for the sake of Christ; in our giving up we are provided freedom. The passion and joy we hold to is born directly from the Word of Life which is given freely to all that all should come.
No other discipline, philosophy or ideal promotes so great and virtuous a quality.
This morning I saw within a group of men, who it should be noted come from varying walks of life, denominations and are in differing spiritual seasons, a commonality of Spirit and Mind.
God implores us to "fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads" - Deut 11:18
I am grateful for the time i had this morning together with men bound in the will of God.
Fact was defined as the rational; articulated word of God
Emotion defined as the visceral feeling of passion from the Spirit of God
Of all the answers that were contributed the one i clung to more than the others was that both fact and emotion work in unison. In this we can be sure, that the author and perfecter of our faith, has qualified his love for us through the sacrificing of his life that we might be with him in Heaven. The word became flesh, walked among us and is now provisioned in all of us who belong to Christ.
The Holy Spirit within us provides the unique experience unmatched and unparalled on earth in that we have both the word of God and the spirit of God manifesting guidance. Far beyond what i am able to comprehend, i am grateful and in love with the One that lives in me.
Paul spoke of the challenges he faced in Romans 7; the struggle to do things he did not want to do and those things he wanted to do he found he was often challenged to see them through. His will and God's Will warring within him were projected as a validation of his human quality and imperfection and his ability to clearly articulate that which we all battle with in our own life, stands as a testament to the great faith and discernment Paul had in Christ.
God does not call us into a relationship of comprehension; He invites us into a relationship of obedience.
The Spirit and Word bind us; we are put into chains for the sake of Christ; in our giving up we are provided freedom. The passion and joy we hold to is born directly from the Word of Life which is given freely to all that all should come.
No other discipline, philosophy or ideal promotes so great and virtuous a quality.
This morning I saw within a group of men, who it should be noted come from varying walks of life, denominations and are in differing spiritual seasons, a commonality of Spirit and Mind.
God implores us to "fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads" - Deut 11:18
I am grateful for the time i had this morning together with men bound in the will of God.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Running on Empty
I haven't had my mountain dew this morning. It's early, too early. Who gets up at 8am? Nuts.
I am hard pressed to have the joy of the Lord in the morning, though i do enjoy smiling and i am usually up-beat when i wake up, today i only want a mountain dew and to have a productive work day.
I missed opportunities yesterday. I got selfish, wasn't paying attention. My motives weren't sincere, my mind seemed to wander more than even I would find satisfactory. To that extent, it seems to me the subtle torments of my life sway me so easily from the mark i wish to hit; i tire from the battle my heart and mind seem to engage in even as i am unattentive to the process. I was running on empty.
Christ is the fulfillment and the embodiment of hope, the sustainer of our spirit and the well spring of joy overpouring in our life. Christ is so much more than mountain dew (doesn't that go without saying).
Mountain dew and I'm running on empty.
My Prayer:
God, i pray that you imbibe me with your Spirit, that i am strengthened through your word and emboldened to speak Christ today to someone. I pray that i will wake up more and more to be filled with your fortifying presence.
Fill me oh Lord with the wisdom of your word, help me to be more like you in all i do. Give me your strength teach me your song and shelter me in the shadow of your wing.
I am mine no more; i long for you.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; for they will be filled.
I am hard pressed to have the joy of the Lord in the morning, though i do enjoy smiling and i am usually up-beat when i wake up, today i only want a mountain dew and to have a productive work day.
I missed opportunities yesterday. I got selfish, wasn't paying attention. My motives weren't sincere, my mind seemed to wander more than even I would find satisfactory. To that extent, it seems to me the subtle torments of my life sway me so easily from the mark i wish to hit; i tire from the battle my heart and mind seem to engage in even as i am unattentive to the process. I was running on empty.
Christ is the fulfillment and the embodiment of hope, the sustainer of our spirit and the well spring of joy overpouring in our life. Christ is so much more than mountain dew (doesn't that go without saying).
Mountain dew and I'm running on empty.
My Prayer:
God, i pray that you imbibe me with your Spirit, that i am strengthened through your word and emboldened to speak Christ today to someone. I pray that i will wake up more and more to be filled with your fortifying presence.
Fill me oh Lord with the wisdom of your word, help me to be more like you in all i do. Give me your strength teach me your song and shelter me in the shadow of your wing.
I am mine no more; i long for you.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness; for they will be filled.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Polling People
I can't help but think how i wish i didn't have to vote today; to try in some way to justify the outcome as being what it is that a vote either way won't matter; in the end I am going to be with God in Heaven. My personal behavior as a Christian should not be affected by the outcome that occurs.
In that regard i am greatful for the time i spent today with a mentor. I am longing to journey in the fruit of the spirit; to be inspired by those around me and to act in the will of God more and more each day.
I feel a calling and my spirit yearns that i might dive into the well of hope without regard, without fear to drown in the waters this life. In the sacrifice i am revealed; in the offering i am accountable.
It doesn't so much matter that people are voting; they are voting for a man; Christ alone is God and i long to be with him.
This world is corrupt, broken, crippled. Christ will come again and restore all that is good to its rightful place. I will follow him; my vote has been cast and i am forever willing to journey the straight and narrow road before me - when persecution comes, and it is coming...I hope and pray that i might be able to stand in the gap and proclaim that God alone reigns in me. My hope comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth.
In that regard i am greatful for the time i spent today with a mentor. I am longing to journey in the fruit of the spirit; to be inspired by those around me and to act in the will of God more and more each day.
I feel a calling and my spirit yearns that i might dive into the well of hope without regard, without fear to drown in the waters this life. In the sacrifice i am revealed; in the offering i am accountable.
It doesn't so much matter that people are voting; they are voting for a man; Christ alone is God and i long to be with him.
This world is corrupt, broken, crippled. Christ will come again and restore all that is good to its rightful place. I will follow him; my vote has been cast and i am forever willing to journey the straight and narrow road before me - when persecution comes, and it is coming...I hope and pray that i might be able to stand in the gap and proclaim that God alone reigns in me. My hope comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Placing Blame
I sometimes find myself, rather unintentionally though no less rightly, placing people into “categories” based on my perception of their character and the moral value they display.
I find myself looking on them with pity and regret wishing they were more like me, less like themselves and more willing to be moral, to be less apathetic to be more considerate and kind, to have clean speech and unselfish motive.
I have prayed to be set apart from the people I feel aren’t living a righteous life, as if who they are in some way infringes upon my ability to be the best me I can be. And yet I am no better and no worse than anyone.
I find myself looking on them with pity and regret wishing they were more like me, less like themselves and more willing to be moral, to be less apathetic to be more considerate and kind, to have clean speech and unselfish motive.
I have prayed to be set apart from the people I feel aren’t living a righteous life, as if who they are in some way infringes upon my ability to be the best me I can be. And yet I am no better and no worse than anyone.
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