Ode to a Friend #3

money, what is it?  

lands, houses, possessions, what of these?  

jobs, positions, achievement, prestige what I attained, dust in the wind. 

 recognition, ego driven conclusions, time, what are these?

chaff to be burned on the rubbish heap of self deluded and self motivated ambitions.  

oh, to trade it all now for the eternal, the lasting, 

the God given priorities that would have changed the present.  

 it would have changed the past so that the present would not be smothering me now.  suffocating under this guilt robbing me of life to face another day. 

it is what it is.

 it cannot be undone, shattered by my anger, 

or changed just by my will of thought.  

no, but......it can be redeemed.  forgiven

Christ the example, the one who was bruised, broken, bled, 

and obeyed His Father and took my sin upon Him.  

on that day it was black, electricity filled the air, 

even the minutest of molecules were charged and reacted to the day of execution.  but......redemption drew near.  

He rose, gloriously rose even though the past has overwhelmed me 

with revelations of darkness, sin, and danger, 

and the present seems to threaten to undo me, 

the future is filled with the God who says He will give back what the locust has eaten, 

He will redeem.    

Hope.....there is always hope....

Ode to a Friend #2-Thirsty

If when all around you the sky is not just cloudy, 

but the darkness looms in the day

 and you look up to the heavens seeing the glory of God......  

If when you can stand in the pouring rain with the wind whipping your hair,

 and tearing at your clothes 

and yet you see the majesty of God.......

If when the noon day heat has caused you to stumble, 

and lose your footing, 

when your mouth is parched 

and your tongue feels so desperate for water, 

and yet you praise Him who is the living water.......  

If when the night has surrounded you so entirely 

that it seems your eyes are only accustomed to the blackness, 

and yet you see His light,

 and in that light you rejoice with all your heart........

If your friends have all turned against you

 throwing stones instead of flowers,

 causing them to be enemies that drive you to your knees, 

and you look up to see the only  friend that will never, ever forsake you.......

 

If when your goals, plans, and gifts are no longer needed, 

and you are seemingly insignificant 

not useful except for the most menial of tasks, 

and you thank Him who said to do all for the glory of God......

 

If when those you love the most no longer give you the time of day, 

 nor care lovingly for you, 

but you continue to give them water to drink, 

love to take, 

and shelter when their storms are surrounding them, 

and you worship Him who suffered,

 bled,

 and died a shameful death, 

all for you.  

Then you will be content

 as a child resting, 

 with the joy of knowing 

that you belong to Him.

Lynn Cross

The Constitution vs The Planks of the Communist Manifesto

If you haven't read this in a while it would be good to read it again now.  I do not have the room to copy the entire Constitution on my blog, but go to The Heritage Foundation and they will send it to you free, or go to a website that has the whole thing.  Read it again.  Then at the bottom of this blog post read the planks of the Communist Manifesto by Marx and Engels.   

Preamble to the Constitution:


We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The Bill of Rights:

Amendment I

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Amendment II

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Amendment III

No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.

Amendment IV

The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.

Amendment V

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Amendment VII

In Suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise re-examined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.

Amendment VIII

Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.

Amendment IX

The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.

Amendment X

The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.

The Ten Planks of the Communist Manifesto:

1. Abolition of property in land and application of all rents of land to public purposes.

2. A heavy progressive or graduated income tax.

3. Abolition of all rights of inheritance.

4. Confiscation of the property of all emigrants and rebels.

5. Centralization of credit in the banks of the state, by means of a national bank with state capital and an exclusive monopoly.

6. Centralization of the means of communication and transport in the hands of the state.

7. Extension of factories and instruments of production owned by the state; the bringing into cultivation of waste lands, and the improvement of the soil generally in accordance with a common plan.

8. Equal obligation of all to work. Establishment of industrial armies, especially for agriculture.

9. Combination of agriculture with manufacturing industries; gradual abolition of all the distinction between town and country by a more equable distribution of the populace over the country.

10. Free education for all children in public schools. Abolition of children's factory labor in its present form. Combination of education with industrial production, etc.

Letters to Malcolm; Chiefly on Prayer by CS Lewis

One of my favorite authors is CS Lewis.  I have read almost everything that he has published with the exception of Letters to Malcolm.  Recently,  my friend Sondie had posted on her blog that she was in the midst of reading it.  Well, I looked up on my shelf and there it sat just waiting for me to read it as well.  I pulled it down and engulfed it within hours.  Lewis is having a series of dialogues with a friend named Malcolm.  This book is a little bit different from your normal pick up at a Christian Bookstore Book on prayer.  It is more of a philosophical, metaphysical discussion that is peppered with profound statements on prayer.  On page 21 he says, 

"We have unveiled.  Not that any veil could have baffled this sight.  The change is in us.  The passive changes to the active.  Instead of merely being known, we show, we tell, we offer ourselves to view.  To put ourselves on a personal footing with God could in itself and without warrant, be nothing but presumption and illusion.  But we are taught that it is not; that it is God that gives us that footing.  For it is by the Holy Spirit that we cry "Father."  By unveiling, by confessing our sins and 'making known' our requests , we assume the high rank of persons before Him.  And He, descending, becomes a Person to us.  But I should not say 'becomes.'  In Him there is no becoming.  He reveals Himself as Person:  or reveals that in Him which is Person."  

Lewis is a master at taking the philosophical underpinnings of a concept and masterly

crafting the metaphysical with the here and now, the application, the practical. Have you ever

thought of yourself as being "unveiled" in prayer? It brings to mind the wedding ceremony where

the groom pulls back the veil of his beloved to reveal her face. Isn't that always a poignant moment?

Then Lewis says that God is the God of the personal. He is a person. He is not a concept, fate, or

destiny. He is a personal God who personally unveiled Himself to us in the person of Christ the

incarnate one. God became man. Therefore we can approach the throne, unveil ourselves and have

no fear. God cares about us personally, because He is a person. God the Father, God the Son, and

God the Holy Spirit have been having personal communion throughout eternity past and present.

This is the Theological perspective that gives us the assurance that the God of the Bible is not

just an "emanation" of a god, He is not just an impersonal "force," He is not us! If any of these

things were true He could not be a God who personally tends, loves, and delights in His

children.

Lewis has insights like this one throughout the book. Read it and chew on it, digest it, and

meditate on it. Not only all of those things, but then...Pray.

Great Quote

Democracy and socialism have nothing in common but one word, equality. But notice the difference: while democracy seeks equality in liberty, socialism seeks equality in restraint and servitude. 

Alexis de Tocqueville

Morning Praises It's Creator

I love the morning noises.  The crickets, and insects seem to be singing a song of praise to You.  The blue Heron squawks a good morning beckoning the dawn to awaken Your world.  The frogs croak as they make the rhythm of praise to an expectant world.  You have given the earth new dew, fresh water from a cistern that continually tells of Your new mercies.  The rustle of the invisible breeze is shaking the leaves and gently tells them to greet the new morning with hope.  

Hope, You alone gives us hope.  Nothing else is able to give us hope, except You.  You are the God of history.  Your plan ends sometime in the future with hope.  

Someday I will Meet Jeremiah, and he will still be speaking of You and Your great plan that has come to pass.  

Praise You this morning.  Praise You.  

Why would You even condescend to man?  We don't wake up praising You like the Heron does.  We don't trust You easily like the birds do for everything they need,  

And yet You not only condescend to us You died upon a cross with the Father's wrath upon You, for us.  

Please Lord, may I live today with every part of my being for You.  

Awaiting You and Praising You............Lynn

Just For a Laugh

October 18, 2008

Sesame Street's Count von Count Disappointed in Biden

SESAME STREET (TSO) - Count von Count, the beloved purple vampire, today expressed extreme disappointment over Democratic vice presidential candidate Joe Biden's inability to count to 4.

Taking a break from counting bats in his suburban castle to comment on Biden's recent remarks in which he claimed the word "jobs" contained only 3 leters, The Count explained, "I do not vant to be seen as political, but it is very disappointing that a vice presidential candidate cannot count beyond the number 3." "Of course, I love to count and I don't expect everyone to share my love of counting." "However, for a candidate touting a complicated tax policy, it certainly gives me pause because any such policy will naturally include numbers larger than 3."

The Count later contacted Biden's campaign manager and provided a program schedule for upcoming episodes in which The Count teaches counting up to the number 10, as well as offering private tutoring. Additionally, The Count stated that every episode in the history of Sesame Street also includes instruction on counting beyond the number 3 and are available on DVD.

This comes from a blog of satire from the "right" about the "left."  Just thought you would get a kick out of it.  Go to The Spotted Owl.

Coming Soon

I have been out of town, and have not had the time to post like I want to.  I have finished several books, not counting the three in the previous post, and when I get back I will write book reviews of them; Letters to Malcolm by CS Lewis, Religious Reflections by Jonathan Edwards, Lone Survivor by Luttrell, and Paradise Lost by John Milton.  

Are We Ready?

It always amazes me when God works in the same kinds of ways to impress the same truth on different Christians in different stages of life, locale, completely unbeknownst to the others.  There have been quite a few times in my life that God has been working in my life showing me a particular spiritual truth and that truth shows up in magazine articles, books, blogs etc....Now is one of those times.  Last week I read Revelation, then I ordered a book by Verne Poythress on the lessons of Revelation called The Returning King  It was not a commentary, I ordered that as well, it just hasn't come to my door yet.  After I finished Poythress and the Apostle John's visions, I picked up a book I haven't looked at in years; The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  I am half way through and it dove tails with Revelation and Poythress.  At the Christian Bookstore downtown, I picked up the latest book by John Piper; Spectacular Sins.  Writing with a pastor's heart in order to prepare people for the coming disasters, calamities, and persecutions (his words not mine).  This is definitely an encapsulation of what I have been reading. Piper says that the church in the West is a "coddled people.  On page 16 he says, "Coddled people will not be good listeners when their world collapses.  They will be numb with confusion and rage at the God who wasn't supposed to allow this."  

The Book of Revelation is warning us of the same thing.  In every generation Satan is raising up His forces of destruction to try to defeat the Church.  Do not fear what you are about to suffer.  Behold, the devil is about to throw some of of you in prison, that you may be tested and for ten days you will have tribulation.  Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).   Piper also says that the time is coming.  As I read the book of Revelation, which I have avoided for years, I learned that every generation has it's Anti-Christ's, and that all of it is for the Glory of God and His Son.  Nothing can come upon us, that is not from His hand.  

This is exactly what Bonhoeffer says in The Cost of Discipleship.  In the introduction to this book on page sixteen he states, "that the National Socialism was a brutal attempt to make history without God and to found it on the strength of man alone."  This is the attempt of every Anti-Christ in every generation.  On page twenty-four he says, " the Christian must be ready for martyrdom and death, it is only in this way that man learns faith.  When a man really gives up trying to make something out of himself-saint, or a converted sinner, or a churchman (a so-called clerical somebody), a righteous or unrighteous man....when in the fullness of task, questions, success or ill-hap, experiences and perplexities, a man throws himself in the arms of God....then he wakes with Christ in Gethsemane.  This is faith, that is metanoia and it is thus that he becomes a man and a Christian. How can a man wax arrogant if in a this-sided life he shares the suffering of God?"  On page twenty-nine and thirty the introduction says, "Bonhoeffer was firmly and rightly convinced that it its not only a Christian right but a Christian duty towards God to oppose tyranny, that is government which is no longer based on natural law and the law of God. Thus all kinds of secular totalitarianism which force man to cast aside his religious and moral objections to God and subordinate the laws of justice and morality to the State are incompatible with his (Bonhoeffer)  conception of life."

I believe all across this country God is raising up, teaching, getting Christians ready for, and waking us up to what could lie a head, for our generation or the ones behind us.  This has caused me to ask myself some very difficult questions; has Christ so permeated my heart, soul, and mind that the comforts of this world, do not have a strangle hold on me, if I lost everything would I continue to stand, how much do I love the lost around me, can I say that my faith depends on Christ or does it blow with every circumstance, am I aware of the spiritual battle in the heavenlies surrounding the current events is our country?  God will continue to put me, and you in situations, circumstances, and suffering seasons that force us to exercise faith.  When all falls, all is torn, "I am held."  Song by Natalie Grant.....

Two months is too little.

They let him go.

They had no sudden healing.

To think that providence would

Take a child from his mother while she prays

Is appalling.

Who told us we'd be rescued?

What has changed and why should we be saved from nightmares?

We're asking why this happens

To us who have died to live?

It's unfair.

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved.

And to know that the promise was 

When everything fell we'd be held.

This hand is bitterness.

We want to taste it, let the hatred know our sorrow.

The wise hands opens slowly to lilies of the valley and tomorrow.

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved.

And to know that the promise was

When everything fell we'd be held.

If hope is born of suffering.

If this is only the beginning.

Can we not wait for one hour watching for our Savior?

This is what it means to be held.

How it feels when the sacred is torn from your life

And you survive.

This is what it is to be loved.

And to know that the promise was

When everything fell we'd be held. 

Even so, Come Quickly, Lord Jesus..............Waiting with you, Lynn

Ode to a Friend

Lost was I in a dark, dark wood. 

Chasing after fireflies that lit up the night. 

I discovered I was all alone 

facing dangers from without and from within. 

Some signs illuminated by the small slit of the moon said, 

"Walk this way." 

Taking small unsure steps I went and did as I was told. 

As the living shadows pulled all around me 

I ended up wondering if the way I chose had been the right one. Hearing noises, 

voices that surrounded my mind with echos of the past,

I guessed that death was slowly, creeping, enveloping my heart. 

How did I get here in this forest of negativity, doubt, despair, and longing? 

I cannot get the shouts of pain from bouncing off the cave that I call my brain. 

Some shout my name, 

some shout others names who I know so well. 

They tell me to listen 

to become this or that, 

in order to get from behind the dark curtain. 

Something deep within, whispers my real name. 

At first it is faint enough only for me to guess what it speaks. 

As I am completely sheltered by darkness, 

the whisperings begin to gain strength. 

I hear a voice struggling to be heard. 

A voice I haven't heard before. 

It gently, caressingly says my name over and over. 

I could not hear it before the agony of death was upon me. 

As I begin in that place of death, 

where before I was surrounded by darkness, 

darkness that I was a part of, 

a melding of me and the darkness, 

no separation. 

The louder I hear the voice and walk towards its music, 

I begin to Be. 

I begin to be separate, 

where death became the beginning of new life. 

Oh how odd real life felt to me. 

I wanted often to run back, 

and often did, 

run back to the old, familiar, dark, dreary woods. 

Comfortable in my misery, I would sit among the ashes, 

reveling in the feeling of old familiarity. 

Once again I would hear a voice whisper my name 

and the ashes would no longer satisfy with their grey, black tones. 

It was the singing I longed for. 

The joyous songs of melody shouting my name, 

delighting in my broken spirit. 

In that darkness I found the true light. 

In the ashes I found life eternal. 

In the broken self I found the God of the Universe delighting in my name, and my being, 

giving Him glory and honor and praise, 

I belong to Him, 

His creation. 

He brought beauty from ashes, 

and from death resurrected life. 

All in the whispering of a name. 

Jesus name above all names. 

"To the one who conquers I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, with a new name written on the stone that no one knows except the one who receives it.

Revelations 2:17

I love Books

Lynn's book montage

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