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.

What is the evidence of a changed heart? What actions act as solid proof that someone has been moved to the point of transformation? Is there a documented list of those things to look for in a man or woman to determine that some emotional impact or cognitive figuring have produced the impetus for a true adjusted set of behavior or character modification?

Is it optimism or lack of depression and seemingly perpetual sadness to reveal a prevalence of laughter, self-esteem and general happy outlook of the world? Is it a retreat from discussion revealing a desire to change the scope and length of unwanted or ineffective conversation? Or is the evidence the desire to emulate model behaviors?

Where does a man find his reward? In what category of social expectation or profile does he hold things dear regarding the accumulated improvements to character, outlook and social credit? Is there some measure of a society’s greatness that comes from a good character as Alexis De Tocqueville claimed about America in the 1830’s? Is it that simple that we must be aligned with the goodness of God to be seen and perceived changed, healthy and righteous?

This is not simple religious discussion, but the true conversation of men who want to walk right in this world and have every opportunity to be found in the one that follows. As Americans we have looked upon faith as a meek undertaking, when to those who study our history we find that our faith is what made U.S. overcomer’s, those somehow capable of achieving or receiving miracles precisely when needed.

If and when necessary I will be that burr beneath your saddle. For in the history of this once Great Nation everything good happened through the active, healthy and participative pursuit of God by our people. And conversely everything bad occurred as departure to our own vain thinking believing ourselves the origin of righteous change and not the Love and protection of our God.

The elements that prove change are simple, but they require a belief upon the Lord Jesus Christ and the intervention of God’s Holy Spirit. The proof of a man’s transformation may only be found in his Imago Dei, or likeness to God. Therefore the evidence of my real change is not emotive or qualitative as with perception, not found in self-actualization but in the presence of the Fruits of God’s Holy Spirit: Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Goodness, Kindness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.

Until I have exhibited these fruits as evidence of my connection to God then all my other efforts at self mastery are works not gifts. So, my proof is what God shows you He has done in my life, not my own list of my better qualities or the achievements of self. This is freeing, for it is no longer what I say that I am that matters but the fruit each of you see God producing in me.

Therefore, I take as small council the things that I believe deficient within except as I confess to Almighty. For the changes that are based upon objective Truth are the transforming aspects of my character and behavior that reflect His presence and action upon my heart and mind. If you want change then walk with me, remind me, pray for me to begin to look like Jesus for all else are the works of our own vain and hopeless appeals of fleshly authority.

What is the nature of my making that I have natural resistance to the flow of God’s Will through me as a created being? In essence, why do I chomp at the bit or kick against the goads/pricks? Why face this potential loss of warmth in this energetic loss? Because the electromagnetic force that is summarily created serves obvious and nuanced purpose.

Why must I venture out from solid advice or command to discover that things are hot, dangerous, prohibitive and just plain not good for the soul of man? What is the nature of a child, referencing self, that they must always test the boundaries of obedience to good faith and conscience. I am reminded of Paul’s dilemma in knowing that which is right but being incapable of maintaining the wisdom of action contained in that understanding.

There is some complexity to my creation to which I must place prayer and wisdom. Although, I am the seed of Adam in that I am a handful of dust/dirt with the animation through the breath of God’s Spirit, I possess the seeds of heavenly eventuality. I tend to believe myself base, simple and easy to predict, however in the nature of my innate, childish nature to test my Father I find that complexity or nuanced curiosity that has me somewhat perplexed.

Is this the rub, the pervasive sand paper of the soul that forces man to work out his own salvation in fear and trembling? What else may I perceive knowing that I am determined to touch that which God forbids or know that which God prohibits or pursue that which God has made sacrosanct? God’s plan is greater than I have the capacity to imagine therefore it defies logic why any man would look outside of God’s will for the answers that endemic to His Mind.

Why then reside in the unknowing of simple temporal understanding or better described as vain imagination? When the complexity of things beyond self lay waiting in the adherence and respect of simple following God? Especially when the power to overcome the world and the wisdom of this reflection are given freely for our use and resolution? I know that the nature of God’s design includes this principle of reluctance within my machinery. Am I allowed to rid myself of this wrinkle can it be voluntarily surrendered to the point where each of us may escape the tension of two opposites?

I do not wish to test God in any manner, yet I do. I do not wish to disobey at any opportunity, yet I continue to pursue this folly. I do not wish to pollute, poison or taint the blessed plantings of God’s Grace within my destiny, yet I sow putridity in the midst of that provision. This must be a natural occurrence akin to the pain that prompts transformation. I must see my flux inhibited, my power misdirected and my own will prostituted in order to see the pain and danger of doing the same within my relationship with Almighty.

Lord, I pray that there is an answer presented. I pray that I am aligned with your will such that the deceptive nature of my own pursuits, desires, expectations are overcome and may no longer overcome the will of my desire to serve without question or resistance. It may be the intrinsic nature of this design and conflict created to produce the potential for transformative victory, but it just feels wrong and looks even worse. Please let me succeed in Your Power for my own in obvious observance is less than the course demands. In Jesus’ name.