Some may find it easy, this life. I do not, in fact though not surprised by the fact, I often see impossible circumstances repeatedly threatening to get the better of the insecure man that this world has counseled me to be. It is with great imagination that people are able to deny the impact and pain that this life causes when trying to face these situations and consequences alone. My only comfort is that each time I feel the well of pain beckon me spiral downward, I find the hope, power and comfort that comes in prayer for all those within the impossible situation or circumstance.

I am no longer prisoner to the walls of the self-constructed cell of my own sin nor am I a party to the worldly limitations of my ability to react or not react to difficulty. The Bible says what it says and the Lord means it. Those who have been set free by Christ Jesus are Free indeed and must choose to remain within the unproductive confines of worldly/psychological prisons placed upon us by our agreement with sin, hell and death. I for one and I pray for those of my Christian Family will not fall prey to the false emotional attempts to capture me to the cells that have been broken by Grace.

I welcome your choices and am thankful that each of us must choose to work out our own salvation in fear and trembling. I will not offer condolence, colloquialism or spiritual absent sentiment in non-prayerfully offering to seek your blessings. Everything that Christ Jesus promised is there for your pursuit and receipt. I am also thankful that He calls us to obedience and achievement beyond the possible, for in that calling we are committed to a faithful search of the power, promise and provision outside of our own abilities to cope.

If He says do it, I am thankful when Christians simply seek its completion rather than interpreting, revising or avoiding the impossible tasks before them through faith rather than personal power, financial or talent based achievement. In fact, I often must admit that the things He directs me conquer are displeasing, daunting and doubtful in my own analysis, but that is why we are called to walk by faith and not by sight. Equally, I will not apologize for pursuing those things that God bid us confront together for they were never within my own capacity to bring to reality. If He directs it is He who will make them happen.

No, this life is neither easy nor hard for those are personal judgments it is either possible or impossible based upon our talents, treasures, experiences and expectations. The skinny path is narrow by definition because most would never consider choosing its difficulties. We are called to do something greater than that which simply is a feel-good exercise of faith and reason. We are called to overcome, implying directly that the things before us are by nature beyond our capacity to individually deliver. That is why we needed Christ, why we needed salvation, forgiveness, rebirth, seal and power. For it has never been within my power to overcome but through my belief, surrender and reliance upon Him to get to where I never could. His Glory, Honor and Praise and His Will be done in this world, the Heavens in my heart. In Jesus’ name.

For Joy I give thanks. May the Spirit of inadequacy be given its moment of painful recognition, not in failures achieved but in attempts made. Then, may it be ordered to leave my soul and never return leaving it cleaned and refreshed by the continued love of Christ Jesus. I know He bids healthy, communicative relationships baring fruit as evidence of Sovereign presence in the promise of His indwelling, comforting, teaching Spirit. The mastery evades me, but in each sanctified opportunity I joyfully embrace patience that it left to do its perfect work will make me perfect wanton for nothing. Not if but when, that is the surge from relief in promise.

If none avails let this pain that I have been given be adequate to my sanctification by Spirit. May I never utilize the ineffective aspects of the previous man instead seeking to drink of new wine, being remade for the asking. What I have done is gone away and may not be recovered as the past always present an unchangeable set of occurrence, would haves and regret. It must remain in its perfect capacity to educate the new man. For it is a master at pointing out the objects for transformation, confession and improvement. Perhaps this is why forgiveness is such pivotal component in long-term success of marriage, as we must be willing to leave behind the ineffective and embrace that which promises.

It is grand to know that God will never leave, regardless of quirk, mistake or learning opportunity, especially in the midst of overwhelming trial. I pray that I may reflect this component of God, never leaving in upset, disapproval, lack of forgiveness or due to my reluctance to face the impossible with Partner and Spirit. That is the winning bias of vow to God, for it admittedly and knowingly transcends the admission of impossibility invariably endemic to life by promise to overcome all together. What God as ordained let no man put asunder. Where there is a will, God’s Will there will always be a way.

Lord let my obedience include those impossible circumstances, never avoiding, forsaking or evading the arduous, but rather facing them in the same joy as I face the bountiful days of blessings. Let me love and be a good man to whoever you send into my covering. That they find encouragement, hope, food, fuel and strength to find smile in the midst of despair. May we pray together against the dark of night, standing in Your reflected light upon our shared heart. For the reflection of courage found in the difficulties of shared pursuit may be the greatest glory we could ever bring upon Your Name.

Two Truths: The absolute Truth that is God and the absolute truth that all men will face deception whether armed with God’s Truth or entirely vulnerable by choice to the overwhelming powers of deception. Deceptive is impartial and seeks the captivity of both those who fail to recognize its power and those who are aware of its dangers yet venture in against this overwhelming force without sufficient protective cover.

For the purpose of this period of discussion it matters not whether you are believer in Christ for we all are in these same two crafts: Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty and the salvation provided through Christ Jesus or failing to acknowledge that Sovereign Truth and operating through our own vain failure to recognize the absolute Truth of God’s Position as Creator.

We are equal in this review as all whether they agree upon Christ or God will certainly agree that ALL men are equal in that they face deception in this life. Whatever tool set you adopt or adapt to confront deception in this world there are none who will venture to say that each man, regardless of talent, defense or supernatural discernment will face deception and either be lure or controlled by it or identify it and steer clear of its power and effectiveness.

Many, who do not acknowledge the Sovereign Truth will have you believe that intelligence or experience may act as adequate defense against deception that somehow the component of awareness mandates sufficiency in this battle for hearts and minds. The do however acknowledge that inadequacy in their own admission of the dangers of deception in the following, “fooled me once shame on you, fooled me twice shame on me”.

Some may argue that the original sin was not sin but most regard that it began in deception. Then was made far worse by the aware acceptance of the sinful choice to join in the rebellious actions. In fact Adam participated in childlike denial or self-deception by claiming that he had been forced by the woman God had given him into the choice of disobedience to the direct command of God. It appears that once captive to deception it becomes a jail from which further offenses gather and contort reason and righteousness.

Let us mention however briefly the abject deception perpetrated in worldly power that any of us may be self-protected against the deception and its overwhelming power. Having agreed that all men whether saved or disobedient to God will face deception in this world. And that the negative impacts of that confrontation are severe for either party. This is both made embarrassing and of greater potential danger by believers somehow believing themselves adequate to overcome this overwhelming force. Adam is original example of this deception upon deception and Cain on down the line of the Sons of Seth illuminate this reality.

Job perhaps is one of the primary examples of this mistakenly ideology within faithful living, believing himself so righteous that all the punishments he received via the enemy of God were somehow unfair as his righteousness should have delivered him from the inherent dangers. Not only did he lose everything but also was given a factor of two restoration after receiving the recognition of his vulnerability without God’s protection.

The pride and or arrogance displayed by believers in somehow being deceived into believing the deceptive falsehood that they can stand against the overwhelming powers of the fallen is perhaps akin to the original deception. Whatever you call it, it is an abomination and perhaps even blaspheming the Holy Spirit the only power sufficient to defend against deception. Today we are going to undertake the essential study/understanding of the responsibilities sown into the Body of Christ are that defense against deception to which God calls us. Roman’s 1 lays out the dilemma and the book of Ephesians, especially Books: 1, 4 and 6 define the supernatural battle against deception and the evil that perpetrates it.

We face a common dilemma for all men. As believers we need pursue supernatural warfare in the only armor that gives adequate protection from the wiles of enemy, the Spiritual Armour of God Almighty found in the powers of His Holy Spirit. Then we learn how the Body of Christ is placed above the footstool with Christ through Faith and action in preparing for, armouring against and standing in Good Courage against the Evils of this world and the heavenly realms.

Equally as American’s we have a unique battle for which we are inadequately prepared without these understandings. We face not only historic deception but those who have been deceived without adequate Godly protection now being the agents of the masters of captivity. While we rejoice in the fact that Christ took captivity captive and gave us gifts to overcome the bulk of the world has fallen to deception and are now slaves to unrighteousness as we are slaves to Christ Jesus. We have been bought back from captivity and therefore should have special compassion for those who remain enslaved taking to the field of battle that they may find the same salvation for all men within belief upon Jesus Christ the King. In His name we stand in Good Courage this and every day until His return.

 In the heart we start

all of us to stand apart

Akin to something born anew

Bringing dimension into view

What then of love we proclaim

No abject failure we may blame

For game’s afoot as feet pass bye

Escaping nothing in Eternal Eye

Restraining naught all brought to bear

The Heaven’s, Earth and even air

To dime a roll my fingers spin

Losses gain and a win’s a win

What world’s are built in disrepair

Freedom found in lost despair

Don’t sulk my love it’s in His hand

Every choice seems as if planned

The flowers of will found in choice

To Him I give resounding voice

That the King my heart may overcome

Until revelation and Kingdom Come

In the birth of brightness, flowers new. I seldom stopped to sniff a few. In all the dangers I review. Found none guaranteed for blessings due.

A tribute to the forming hands. As the man of wisdom understands. When freedom fails where mercy stands. It never cedes to wroth demands.

Hope of head in heart it thrives. Keeping pure once awful lives. Face first to waves in which he dives. Shall reward be found where rebirth revives.

To mysteries long and words so sweet. Oft better than sacrificial meat. Before revelation signals their defeat. The false are found in rash retreat.

Full circle come to round the bend. Never anticipating so swift untimely end. No wounds to succor, no heart to mend. Winds so roar no reed to bend.

In pride we flutter, spark and fume. Seeking plans yet to resume. Never dark the opening of once sealed tomb. No flesh to rot in death’s perfume.

For life it lives not breath, blood and bone. Everything we once thought to own. The cards are read the secret shown. Leaving us presumably alone.

Salvation stand and judgment kneel. We never thought we’d forget that deal. Not about what we think or feel. What we once believed was not even real.

Each of us child newly come. Princely sons and Earthly bum. Not born of numbers or equation’s sum. We march to Heaven by the fife and drum.

 Into my dream I interjected

Until this day Words disrespected

Most frequently found within a hope

With which despair would never cope

So bright the sands of time and change

The dampened dark must rearrange

The light cast off a shadow deep

Reflecting fields we all soon reap

Resisting dream I stood awake

So joyous none had been mistake

Elated heart and mind alt clear

Courage grand in absent fear

I stood for what seemed an hour

In rekindled grace and present power

The fires of wrath had passed me by

To rest acquaint my thankful cry

Escaping dream and finding fate

My love forever escaping hate

That you for the swift and silent retirement to rest. Entitlements gone, with hope to watch a waking the coming of a dawn renewed. Results when unanticipated are always easier to navigate then the expectation of outcomes defined. Hands held, laughs shared these are good things. Who is to say these were not the moons of seasons coming, twinkling, setting among the constellations acceptable to God.

What is born of nights and calls unanswered? Musings torn from the pages of poets lost in hopeless yearning for the rose of their contentment. And dreams, not the dance that we’d once remembered. Steps outside in dust filled streets of freshened sage and wormwood. Benched to watch for nothing. Learning in the view of understanding beyond the outreach of marbled hands. Into the lasso of daydream.

I’ve got nothing nor inclination to pay the ferryman. For alight the gentle touch of wind and trumpet’s cry leave wake entranced by the troops in broad formation. These are not the figureheads of mourning, but the gale and light of battles raged for things lost long ago. And into this brittle morn, the taste of blood and sadness will prompt regret upon each bosom. In delight we had forgotten to adjust the knots that bore us.

Yellowed by the saturating sun. Blanched and beached to drift again and again to the sandy shores of moonstruck meadow. Overhanging the branch and whispered fruit of crops yet planted in due memory. Refined by the peace and punch of faithful reason. Toughened by the bale against our backs, weighed down by nothing but the mass of our indifference. Once again we saw a vision of things lost to time and chaos.

These are not the simple antes in for access and good measure. They are the deposits upon treasures yet vested in our chambers. That things reflect the absence of pure chance. In this day of hope upon tomorrow, seeds we shall plant for harvest beyond summer. And in the fall we shall dust off our caps from chaff and field’s footprint. To once again forget to fear the cold of night or plummeting imagination, to rest easy at the footstool in prayer.

However short, always too long in the moments forgetting that it is ALL and ALWAYS about bearing fruits that associate me with Him. I am not everlasting, I am not the Father, Son or Ghost, I am the man who follows and waits to look and shine His Light. For my penultimate successes are when people see His Fruits in my life, heart and smile. For there is no failure of man held tightly in God’s Embrace of Faith. As the Fruits of the Spirit will begin to show themselves in the bounty of a life well lived for God.

I do not grow, I plant and wait for God to bring the increases. Therefore I have glorious stories to regale the onlookers, but rather the testimonies of how God has used me each day to do the miracles that only He may do. I am a vine sent forth to bear the fruits endemic to my rebirth in Spirit. To show this world that which has always been available, possible and treasured for everlasting. What you see you see and what you do not is not there.

I appreciate my inability to convince anyone of my righteousness, for that was never within my power to deliver. If you see Christ within me His fruit will be measurable, palpable and undeniable. The sweetness, kindness and value of that bounty will be self evident, no need for discussion or apology. It will have grown, rich and true through everything that I do, say and tend. The flock I shepherd will see the Power of God’s Spirit in the care given. No need to write a book, sing a song or paint myself among the beloved of God for they shall know.

There is no painting to render, no works to impress or bounty to grow of my own hand in sweat and braggadocio. I abhor my boasts. I do not care what achievements you would have me produce to qualify as leader. For I am the simple thing that God uses to confound those who know I never could do what they’ve seen in the blessings God has rendered. I am what He makes me and do what He does through me, I repent of the brief musings where I told you any different. I was that man now I am this member of the Body of Christ.

Some common joy found in belief and resultant faith from the establishment of His Word in our Hearts. Have we ever been one body? Not that I have seen, but my perspective matters only as one appendage, organ or sinew. For I am not the body nor the directive head but a working member of the living vessel of Christ Jesus. I long to see you sure, filled with hope, waiting upon the outcome of God’s Faithful Promise.

Let it not remain what I want for you but what the Word prescribes that all should see and know. For the invisible things of God are seen by the entire world. Our failure as the beloved to acknowledge the Sovereign Hand upon our hearts and lives is greater abomination that for those of the disobedient to look away. We have known Grace, forgiveness and the mercies of Life Everlasting following this brief set of trials.

Yes, the spirit of disobedience grows in this world as few respond to the call of God upon hearts and minds. Most crave, most lust, most desire and conspire for their greatest contentment found in the realization of personal dreams. Oh, that we would see God’s Plan and know in our core that all the blessings He has planned for each of us amount to the greatest things that may ever happen to man or wife.

Seek not the pleasure of watching as voyeur those who disobey God for this is compounding personal sin in the infection of the world around. Do not profess yourself wise but humble yourself before the Truth, Honor and Power of God Almighty. Bow before the Judgment Seat of Christ Jesus. Know in your hearts that all your actions for everlasting are found in the duty, gifts and service to the coming Kingdom of God.

In denial of self we hope together for hearts that neither stray, wander or falter before the tasks and trials of this world, but yearn for the fulfillment in everlasting. Lord let our hearts be quicken in the long-suffering and enduring forbearance that lead to repentance, forgiveness and cleansing in righteousness. The great day of our ascension is found in being presented spotless, untainted before the King of Glory.

What does conviction give to man that makes him obey? Does the law remind, make clear or forbid pursuit of sin? No, the Law shows us our reflection against God’s commands. We are imbued with the choice to comprehend the severity of our dilemma and seek succor in Christ Jesus or turn away in our own desire to remain the same. That choice made wisely leads to further faith in knowing how to love God through obedient and reasonable service.

May we rejoice now in nuanced clarity of understanding that we may be presented before Jesus in faith, hope and blamelessness, spotless before our smiling King. How does our lineage to the failed faith of our Fathers accomplish any of this task if we are not yet ready to commit our lives to Christ Jesus? Taking a walk in the direction of Spirit, leading us to the place of our Divine Service for the King. Then and only then do we find the Truth in belief. Time for me and you to rejoice in the Doing of all that God has promised.

Thank you Father for using the pain of changed minds and hearts to reconstruct my own foundation. I always talk about embracing the pains of: loss, betrayal, health and relationship, but often find the sour taste a bit too acrid for my joyful acceptance. It is evident that Your Hand is upon me and would only be perceived too heavy for me to withstand if I didn’t know that You Alone know the Man I am to become. Please forgive me for asking to limit, take away or spare me the burden of this prompting and cleansing pain for I know that it is my reluctance/resistance to change that sponsored its use. I love you and thank you for what You are doing in my Soul and Spirit.

Now comes the wonderful part the healing of those wounds freshly opened. Now comes the truly beneficial avenue of transformation and remaking into something that greater reflects Your Image upon this man. Lord thank you for taking away that which I was incapable of defending, supporting and encouraging in my previous state of growth and maturity. Let me look forward to the next Divine Opportunity You are building even now as I write these lines. I am overjoyed to see Your Hand of conviction, reconstruction and pray that the clay of my surrender is perfectly pliable for Your Will to be observed in all that I do, say, pray and think.

I am truly blessed to see Your Presence as the evidence of my continued Hope and use for Your Coming Kingdom. Please stay close to me and rapidly call me home when I mistakenly venture even several footfalls from Your Intentioned Path for this Life. I truly rejoice at the opportunities that are being presented in these days leading up to the Return of the King, The Lord Jesus Christ. Make me like Him Lord. Make of me a good vessel, a new wine-skin ready to carry forth the fruits of Your Life Giving Waters and Everlasting Love.

There is no where else for me Lord but with You. I pray for discernment in only participating in quests directed by Your Holy Spirit, eating with those who have been sealed by Your Spirit, Loving all as You Love them even those yet to make a determination regarding Salvation and finding peace, Hope and Joy in each trial, temptation and Divine Opportunity to spread Your Gospel message. In Jesus’ name.