Poems From God

A poem from God heard on 9-11-2001

2011-09-11T22:59:00.000-07:00

This poem was written on that awful day 10 years ago. I knew nothing of who was guilty. I heard this question from God. I now know much more about the danger of Islam. We face an economic abyss that could make the “Great Depression” of the 30's look like a minor bump. So this question from God seems even more timely. “Will you trust Me...?” Will we “find joy in midst of suffering.”?

Being a disciple isn't easy. Never has been. Never will. This strange gift. God inviting us to join Him in the fellowship of His suffering. Can you “drink My cup”. Knowing we can trust Him. Knowing He loves us, yet He offers this most strange gift. Why do you offer someone you love the gift of suffering? Yet this is exactly what Jesus did for us. He not only died for us, but more amazingly, He suffered with us.

Today's question. What does it mean to be a disciple?
The rest is exactly as it was written on that dark day 10 years ago. A question from God. A poem from God. I just take dictation.

Suffering, God’s Gift

I offer gift to you
suffering, pain & woe.
All stronger than you
can stand or endure.
Will you trust Me
when I offer this gift?
Will you still follow
as you bear your cross.

Cross too heavy
to carry on your own.
Will you join martyrs
ready to die for Me?
In midst of senseless death.
Death of innocents
death unexplained
pain to no purpose.

Will you seek My purpose?
Will you follow Me?
Will you drink My cup
offered James & John?
Will you find joy
in midst of suffering?
Feel My love
in midst of tears?

© Presbypoet, 1: 15 PM, September 11, 2001, still in shock at unknown, awful, pain and loss.
Loss that served no good purpose, yet death planned by unknown killers. Lord, help us see you in this pain.
Help us see you in such awful death.
Help us say, forgive them, they know not what they do.

Dangerous Certainty

2011-09-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Dangerous Certainty,.
We like certainty. I want to be certain of the truth. This seems a good thing:
“Is this who I'm to marry? I want certainty.”
“Is this the best investment for retirement? I want certainty.”
“Is this the right job? I want certainty.”
“Is this the right religion? I want certainty.”
“Is this the best place to put solar lights for my path? I must be certain.”
The list goes on, and on, as we seek certainty.

Certainty seems essential. When we decide, we want to be right.
But, certainty has a downside, expressed by the paradox:
The more certain I am, the harder it is to find the truth.

When I am certain of a political party, I can be blind to it's faults. Make excuses when it makes a mistake. Ignore a mistake, because my enemies made the accusation.

To hear God, and yet be both certain and uncertain, at the same time, is a hard paradox of being a disciple. Like a bad radio trying to pick up a station just at the outer limits of reception. What did He say? Did I hear correctly? How to confirm? A life of bewildered certainty.

Thus, certainty is both goal and temptation. Our goal to hear God, yet also verify. To know it's God we hear. Like that special forces soldier in enemy territory, ready to throw away assumptions. Always alert. Ready to discard certainties.

Do Cats go to heaven

2011-08-30T19:32:00.000-07:00

This question will not be answered until we get to Heaven, to be greeted by all who love us, including our dogs and cats. I do draw the line at rats, although i am prepared to listen to anyone who can make a special pleading or show why they should not be excluded. Since none of us can even begin to comprehend what Heaven will be like, my ignorance is no excuse to tell God, who He can't include.

This applies to people too. We will be surprised both by who we see, and who we don't see. I suspect that the most surprising thing when we get to Heaven will be the sheer joy of the place, joy beyond our comprehending. Although football fans who have rooted for a losing team for 20 years, when they finally win the Conference championship may have a slight edge on the rest of us.

Another poem about why we don't know joy.

Why You Don’t Have Joy

I offer you joy.
You want stuff.
You covet what isn’t yours.
Your greed buries My joy.
Your lust and jealousy
keep you from My joy.
Let Me strip all your stuff
that keeps you from My joy.

© Presbypoet, December 15, 2002

Finding peace in the midst of suffering

2011-08-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

An encounter with a pastor's daughter.

Sitting down to eat a hot dog, I didn't expect a divine appointment. I asked a 20 something woman, “Was this seat taken?” What ensued was a serious discussion about church, pastor's kids, divorce, unwed mothers, pain, pastors, forgiveness, being a real church family, and a very good hot dog.

As we talked, she reveled a horrifying story. Her married sister, is being threatened and stalked by her husband, who just served her with divorce papers. This sister has three close non-Christian friends. They say, “one thing they see in her is peace.” We saw how her sister's peace was an example of real peace available to Christians. Not peace in absence of pain, but peace in midst of pain. We pondered if pain is God's plan, or consequence of sin, and agreed it seemed a mixture of both. I told her how suffering I've gone through has refined. How God asked me. “What will you do when I allow it to rain.” Yet sin has consequences.

Then her story got even more interesting. It also included her. A reason her sister's looming divorce wasn't causing problems in their father's church, was the sister I spoke to, got pregnant when only 18. This horrified many in the church, who blamed her father for not keeping her from getting pregnant. As though being a pastor is a substitute for abstinence or contraception. She said, “I felt a need to rebel.” She estimated 250 people left the church over the issue. She thought the church was better for it. The church now was more of a family, where anything could be discussed, not a place people pretended to be nice. We agreed how dangerous it was, when people pretend they are nice.

I said, as a Calvinist, I was fully aware of the depravity of man, particularly men. How hard it was to forgive pastors. This story, an example how people look for perfect pastors. They will never find them.

She dismissed getting married. She didn't want to make another mistake, to hide the first one. It is interesting how her obvious “sin”, led to a more open church, no longer pretending perfection.

We seem to focus on visible sin. A guy gets away with it, (except for paternity suits). He can sit in church looking “innocent”, while she sits, exposed to all. Baby bulge impossible to ignore. We focus on visible sin, forgetting sins of omission are twice as bad. Easy to gossip about sin, indifferent to courage to keep a child, and not take the easy road of killing it to hide her sin. We all sin, it's just some are more visible.

Driving home, I thought how her getting pregnant, could be a consequence of her innocence. Not aware how passion's power hobbles women, she is tempted, then overwhelmed by feelings, her control center shut down. How can you know what it is like until you do it? It only takes one time to get pregnant. A lesson on sin's danger. So easy to be trapped by temptation.

Truth found with a hot dog. Another divine appointment,
and:
A question from Jesus
Why do you pretend to be perfect?
Refuse to admit that you sin.
Who do you seek to fool?

Don't you know I forgive sinners?
Don't you know I died to free you?
Confess your need. Let me heal you.
© Presbypoet August 23, 2011

To Be a Disciple

2011-08-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Jesus said “Follow Me.” to those He chose and Chooses. Follow Jesus. What does it mean? Simple answer? Just do what Jesus would do. The WWJD thing. Life as, ”Imitation of Christ”. Learn as much about Jesus as possible, and obey his teachings. The problem: This simple answer is wrong. This is why.

First, being a disciple doesn't flow from what you do, but from being intimate with Jesus. To walk with Him. Be filled With Him. When and IF you take communion, think...If I take Jesus within me, not as memorial for an amazing thing that happened around 1,981 years ago, but as a paradoxical blessing of power, Right Now, if it doesn't change me, calls into question if I truly took Him in.

It seems a paradox, if you don't believe you took him in, you don't. If you believe you took Him IN, then you do. So somehow, in the same way that an observer seems to effect what happens to electrons and slits or Schrodinger’s cat in quantum mechanics experiments, do we influence what happens in the mass? (as Catholics are fond of calling it).

I prefer to call it communion, because if lowly unworthy me somehow takes God within me, and this somehow transforms me, communion seems as close as we can to describe this amazing concept. I commune with God. Not in a master-servant thing that seems like getting scrapings from the table. Instead, this is the story of the Prodigal.

Son comes back. Father kills the fatted calf. I come to communion. I offer myself. Nothing more, nothing less. My best just filthy rags. Emptied, I can be filled. As Jesus promised, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, “Will Be Filled.” This is the amazing gift of the table. God invites me, an inconsequential being on the third planet from a mid-sized star, in a backwater galaxy, far from the center of said galaxy, TO BE FILLED. God threw a party for me. He killed the fatted calf for me. All I do is show up.

This is why following is misleading. You don't have to chase God. Seek to know “mysteries”. Study for 40 years to learn “All he commands.” All you do is show up. Offer to be emptied to be filled.

Ah, here is one major problem. We know we must surrender, but get it slightly wrong. We think it's about what we give up. We try to earn a gift. “Lord, look what I gave up for you.” As though that was of slightest importance. Remember pearl beyond price, or treasure in the field.

Or we tell God. “Look what I don't do.” I don't drink. I don't smoke. I don't dance. I don't go to parties. I don't swear. I don't.”..The “I don't” list is far too long to be contained in any book short of a Steven King opus, another don't... “I don't read Steven King.”

God is like the father, he doesn't care what you gave up, anymore than the father cares his son gave up feeding pigs. His son is present. Back from the dead. God offers to throw the most wonderful party for US, the amazing party is communion. Come celebrate. Come join the party. Be filled.

This is being a disciple. Just show up, to be filled. Hunger for righteousness. A disciple of Jesus, ready to embark with Him on a journey of intimacy. Learn to hear his voice. Learn to be still and listen, then learn to hear Him in the midst of chaos.

This journey is a lifetime commitment. An infinite trail of sanctification, suffering, refining and divine appointments. Like a special forces soldier dropped deep into enemy territory, totally alert to all around. Mindful. Seeking to join God in His plan, to Be a disciple of Jesus.

For those committed to communion as memorial service, ask yourself if the remembering might be to remember that you have taken Jesus within you. This is the memory to remember. Not just the amazing event of nearly 2K years ago, but that Jesus is present in you now.

Revelation 3:19 &20 points to Jesus telling us that He stands at the door and knocks. If we let Him in, He will sup with us. This is at the heart of discipleship. We take God within. We are His. We sup with him, or better still, we have a feast of joy with Him.

Three words sum up a journey with Jesus. Three words, all at the same time, in a triple paradox: Fearless, Joyful, Obedience. Simple words to meditate on and to live in a life of intimate discipleship. So simple. So hard. Each one an infinity. Together a trinity of infinity. So join with me and Jesus on a journey into infinity. The journey of joy that is true discipleship.

On Loss of a loved pet

2011-08-21T22:15:00.000-07:00

During the time I have been cut off from Poems From God, life has continued. That includes loss of two of our close companions. The following poem was written to a friend of mine who's pet had died.

In Time of Loss

I never knew your friend
companion for too few years.
Tis familiar pain you travel through
empty absence, hole in heart.

My friends had different names
but shared a common bond.
Gifts of love & blessing
in daily companionship.

There is strange joy hid
deep in time of loss.
The pain so real yet from
it's heart flows eternal love.

The greater blessing,
The greater loss for us
when they leave
for heaven's joy.

Presbypoet, June 30, 2010

I am convinced with total certainty, we will see those we love when we get to heaven. This includes our beloved pets.

When we had to end the pain for one of our companions, I wrote this poem, and read it to him as he fell asleep for the last time. The separation of life and death so thin, as I held him one last time.

Farewell Calvin

Carol's lap cat.
You are her's.
Her empty lap
will remind us
of your absence.

Calvin sized hole
missing from life.
No more nightly
thumps & crashes
to wake us.

Goodby Calvin.
End of 18 year journey.
Your gentle soul
will be missed
by those who love you.

Say hello to Ninja
when you meet
where pain is ended
& joy complete
to wait for us.

We will meet again
to share eternity.
Mysterious journey
of infinite love.
God's divine surprise.

© Presbypoet July 24, 2011

Another Paradox: Cynical Innocent

2011-08-20T17:25:00.001-07:00

Here is another mind hurting paradox. Learn to be cynical innocent. Fully aware of how evil, untrustworthy, selfish and dangerous all others in the world are. Another way of putting it: agree with Calvin we all are depraved with no hope.

At the same time, holding that dismal picture of humanity firmly in your head, be total trusting innocent. Fully able to forgive, able to reach out knowing you will get your hand scratched, bit, clawed and shredded. Not 50/50, but 100/100.

Full cynic. That's easy for me. Betrayed by brother who killed my father. Betrayed by God. Betrayed by unfaithful denomination, determined to commit abominations. Betrayed by banks. Betrayed by politicians,(no surprise). Mindful of evil. Yet in the midst of all this horror, to somehow be innocent. Not just a little, but to trust in full innocence, knowing i will be hurt.

My response to God on this one is: This is impossible. Flat out impossible. You want me to do what? Easy to trust, if i just pretend everything is FINE. Hard to trust, if i admit the true horrors that lie beneath the placid surface. True trust isn't easy.

Yet this is at the heart of being a disciple of Jesus. To somehow hang crucified in the midst of this painful paradox. Innocence and cynicism. Both together at the same time. I've no poem to share on this strange blessing. I expect one is coming when God has stretched my mind beyond its safe design limit. To hear His voice explaining the impossible, in a simple paradoxical answer.

I'm back?

2011-08-19T23:29:00.000-07:00

Google seems to have allowed me access to the account after months of being cut off. Not sure what happened, i prefer to think divine intervention. Thanks God.

A short poem, one of many not published, my fault.

Meek Not Weak

Power under control.
800 Horsepower
ready to be
turned into action.

Meekness is power
under control.
Ready to be
used by Me.

Special Forces
highly trained
knowing when
not to shoot.

Meekness isn't weakness.
Not wimpy door mat.
Divine Power to be
sent into the world.
(c) Presbypoet August 14, 2011, inspired by Dennis W.

Pain

2009-05-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Andrea asked in an earlier post why a good God allows so much suffering.

The simple answer is that suffering seems required. When Jesus died for us, the confessions include that He suffered for us. Not just died, but suffered. When the Disciples are flogged for preaching the word, they rejoice that they were counted worthy to suffer for Him,(Acts 6:41). This is not a simple topic.

First, some thoughts about pain. Pain should be our friend.

Pain, a Friend

Pain comes to you,
as a friend.
To warn you,
of danger.

A friend you,
don’t want.
A friend you’d,
like to leave.

When pain is silent,
not a good friend.
Awful disaster,
may overrun.

Like a good friend,
pain talks to us.
Warns us of danger,
keeps us from death.

©Presbypoet, March 21, 2001

So is pain a good thing? In the right place it clearly is good. When you break your arm, if it didn't hurt, you would try to do things that would do more damage if you didn't feel pain. Yet pain can come not as a friend, but as a jailer. Do we know what we suffer?

An important aspect of pain and suffering is how we respond. When the storms of life assail, what do we do? This next poem offers a suggestion.

In Your Suffering find Joy

I offer gift of suffering.
Gift of unending trials.
Wilderness journeys.
Pain, loss and sorrow.
Cup offered James & John.
Martyrdom’s blessing.
Sending you to valley
shadowed by death.

You think suffering evil.
You don’t understand.
You demand release.
Escape from torment.
You don’t trust Me
in your wilderness.
Like Peter you must
step into your storm.

See Me in your suffering.
Feel Me in your suffering.
Know Me in your suffering.
Understand My plan.
Know I came
to suffer for you.
Know I came
to die for you.

In your suffering
be transformed.
A grain of wheat must die.
Must die to produce life.
Learn to trust Me
in your suffering.
In your suffering
find My joyful life.
John 12:23-27)
©Presbypoet, September 8, 2002, revised May 25, 2003

I know this is a hard topic. Do these poems help you understand?

Hope

2009-03-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

We live in a world where hope seems endangered. Banks don't want to lend. The market is crashing. Greed seems endemic. Why should we hope?

There are two kinds of hope. The one we inflict on others is the wishful thinking kind of hope. "I hope you will be OK." No promises, no grasp of real danger, just whistling past the graveyard.

What we need is the other. Best expressed by this:

Hope

Real hope.
Not anemic
pseudo stuff
we’d settle for.
Real hope
foundation sure
when waves
crash against the rock.

Spirit comes
to fill us.
angel unexpected
we see.
When we have
no needs
we need
no hope.

It’s found in wilderness
parched desert
in rod poised high
to strike the rock.
In suffering
pain & uncertainty
listen to hidden wings
icon of invisible strength.
(Exodus 17:5-7)
© Presbypoet February 11, 2001

Gift of Hope

Give the world the greatest gift.
Not of money but of hope.
Gift of joy- the knowledge
I have come to save those
trapped in swamp of despair.
Trapped by sin and guilt.

Offer gift of hope.
Like Peter at the temple
who told the beggar:
Silver and gold have I none.
Instead I offer healing.
Gift of hope.
(Acts 3:1-10)
© Presbypoet, November 4, 2001

May you be blessed with true hope this dark day.

No poem just paradox What we don't know

2009-02-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

In addition to poetry, I enjoy paradox. We find the truth in paradox.
I collect paradoxes.
One important paradox:
Learn what you don't know.

The problem and paradox is; we don't know what we don't know. When we learn what we don't know, we think we know what we don't know, but still don't know what we don't know. So us finite mortals have been given an infinite task. To learn what we don't know.

This should keep us humble. Always open to learning what we don't know.

Suicide

2009-02-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

My son recently went to a funeral for a 27 year old. He had commited suicide. It is hard to cope with. Painful. Difficult to understand. Here is a poem written earler on the subject. Still painful.

Suicide

It’s not your fault,
you know.
You couldn’t comprehend the pain,
of guilt & shame,
& dark depression,
force driving her to end too short life.

Pain she couldn’t share,
made life unbearable.
Pain unconfessed,
festered inside.
She couldn’t confess,
to be healed.

She saw no way out,
guilt & shame & pain held her tight.
Blackness & depression,
Churchill’s black dog,
closed around.
Suicide seemed only way out.

Storms of Life too strong to endure.
Like Peter with waves too tall,
she started to sink.
Like Peter she lost sight of Me,
but she didn’t/couldn’t reach out,
In waves too tall.

They claim suicide’s unforgivable sin.
So what.
There’s nothing I can’t forgive.
Its wrong to try to control your life,
by choice of when you die,
rather than God’s will.

It’s no worse,
than any other sin,
where you seek control.
You all wander off,
going your own,
disobedient way.

Judas after his betrayal,
in dark guilt and grief,
Death seemed only choice,
alone in his bleak fatal field.
Death only choice,
to end dark sharp pain.

Peter the lucky one,
with brother,
who walked with him,
in time of sorrow.
Held him close and showed him love,
helped him go on.

Walk with those in their dark hour,
when pain seems oh so dark.
You cannot stop the awful pain,
but you can be a light.
Light of hope.
Light of joy & peace.

Like Andrew stay so close to them.
Let them know My love.
Love that reaches out to them.
Love that offers peace.
Hope in fiery furnace.
Joy in time of grief.

Be My hands and feet.
Hands to hold them close.
Feet to walk beside them,
in their valley of despair,
when dark shadows loom.
Threaten to overtake.

Minister to those,
trapped in guilt and shame.
Show them My love,
Joy & forgiveness.
Offer them healing.
Offer them Me.

© Presbypoet, January 25, 2002

Presbytery

2009-01-25T22:07:00.000-08:00

Saturday was Presbytery. No great issues discussed. No lines in the sand crossed. Just met with a hundred or so Presbyterian elders & ministers. No no votes. No one protested. You would think it would be boring for 6 hours. Yet time flashed past. We the people governing ourselves, inviting new ministers to join us.

One thing we do is have people pray during Presbytery. People volunteer to be a designated "pray-er" As a symbol, we have a stole we pass to the one praying. People just pray from where they are in the room, so it is truly prayer from the group, not someone outside. I got the chance to ask people to volunteer, then transfer the stole. A visible symbol of an invisible spiritual act. A "sacrament", even though we Presbyterians only have two official sacraments. I've thought we truly have more than two if we thought about it.

Marriage is one. You will find more long term marriages in the PCUSA than most places. 40, 50 years together. People for whom til death do us part is truly meant. Or death has not separated. The surviving spouse does not fear death, they know their beloved awaits. Marriage where God was part of the ceremony and the marriage. So even if we don't call it sacrament, it functions as one.

Today's poem was inspired by the question of what presbytery should be. What God intends it to be. What we fall far short of doing and being.

Presbytery

Are you a body
devoted to Me?
Serving together
rejoicing & grieving.

Or are you machine
chewing up people?
Concerned only with
process & rules.

Come together
in silence.
Hear Me - then
follow Me as one.
(inspired by...J)
© Presbypoet January 24, 2009

Expectations

2009-01-20T15:43:00.000-08:00

Today a new President is sworn in. So many people have expressed great expectations of what they expect him to do. Are they right? No one knows. It doesn't change their expectations of what will happen.

Don't we do the same with God. We expect him to do things. We expect him to answer our prayers the way we want. The problem is that God likes to surprise us. To do the unexpected. To answer our prayers in ways we weren't expecting.

Today's poem is about our expectations, and God's response.

Expectations
or God has Other Plans

You plant wheat.
You expect wheat.
I plant mustard.
A great tree springs up.

When the brook dried up
I sent Elijah to Zarephath.
Where a widow waited
with her last cake of bread.

My ways are not
your ways.
Your feeble plans
don't constrain Me.

Don't be limited by
your expectations.
Expect divine appointments
in your life.

Be a mustard seed.
I will surprise you.
Be prepared for
strange & wonderful things.

(Luke 13:18-19, 1st Kings 17:5-24)
© Presbypoet, September 15, 2007

I'm Back

2009-01-19T16:08:00.000-08:00

Or rather I finally went through the 5 hour headache of getting access back to the blog. There has been nothing wrong with either me, or the poems, just sloth, (or fear of Google).

To celebrate God's return, here is a poem from God, or in this case to God. For several years, I have been learning more about one of the most important stories in the Bible, Elijah at the brook of Kerith. As the brook dried up for Elijah, my work has dried up in the past year. So this poem comes from a perspective like his. I know I can trust you Lord, but what do I do? The brook has dried up. Has your brook dried up?

Journey to Zarephath

Lord I thirst
like Israelites at meribah.
Kerith has dried up.
The ravens no longer come.

You tell me go.
As you told Abram.
Go to a place
I've never been.

I hold to hope &
certainty of grace.
I know you love me
and you will provide.

I praise & thank You
as I journey to
Zarephath to eat
the widow's cake.

It is pure joy
to know Your love.
To know with absolute
certainty of Your hope.

In poverty with nothing
to rely on I feel
Your loving presence.
Thank you Lord.
(1st Kings 17:1-24)
© Presbypoet, February 24, 2008

Pentecost

2007-07-03T20:05:00.000-07:00

What is pentecost? What does it mean? What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Pentecost
Fire burning bright
is offered you.
More than mere
enthusiasm of emotion.

God in person offers to
fill you with power.
Open yourself to
the Holy Spirit.

This is an awesome
encounter with divine.
More than simple
sappy spirituality.

Let the paraclete
permeate your soul.
The Holy Spirit will
empower your life.

Open your heart.
Go serve your Lord.
Be hands and feet
to bless the world.

Inspired by Dennis S. Homily
© Presbypoet, May 27, 2007

Finding Holy Space

2007-07-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

You seek spiritual space.
Seek to find where I am.
A place I am present.
Where I answer prayer.
A place you offer sacrifice
to atone for your sin.
A place rules are followed
to serve a terrifying god.

Jesus came to rend the
veil that hid My presence.
I am not found only
in special places.
I am found wherever
you seek and ask Me.
Know Me intimately
and know I am.

(Matthew 27:51)
Inspired by Paul F sermon June 24, 2007
© Presbypoet, June 24, 2007

Piety & Purity.

2007-03-05T21:38:00.000-08:00

It looks like Blogger 2 now works. I guess this was another pop quiz I failed on patience.

I've found truth is often, (always?) found in paradox. We get in trouble when we focus on half a paradox. One such are; piety and purity. One focuses on spirituality. The other on following rules (creeds). The sisters Mary & Martha were one such couple. Mary happy to sit at Jesus feet, unconcerned about helping her sister. While Martha in the kitchen, gets madder by the moment, because Mary is just sprawled at Jesus feet doing nothing useful.

This message from God reminds us we somehow must do both. Not just the one we like, but the other we try to ignore.

Piety & Purity

I demand both
piety and purity.
Not mere acquiescence
to some written creed.

Not wild passion
unconnected to wisdom
but passion deep
rooted in (My) holy soil.

Knowing Me truly.
Secure in My presence.
With both intellect
and wild passion.

© Presbypoet, March 1, 2007

Lots of poems to post. Several inspired by a Steve Fry conference coming soon.

New Blogger is useless, all I can post is in the title. So Google is stupid. They changed something that wasn't broke, and broke it.

2007-03-04T23:56:00.000-08:00

New Blogger doesn't work

2007-03-04T23:48:00.001-08:00

Invitational Love

2007-02-25T23:28:00.000-08:00

Sin seems to be in our nature. Whether you believe in original sin, or simply are a student of history, sin seems imbedded in life. Even when we try to offer our best, our best is just filthy rags. We like Cain don't have anything that God could seem to admire.

This poem inspired by a sermon at a presbytery meeting may offer an answer, or at least some questions.

Invitational Love

You Sin.
You need rules
you can follow
to avoid sin.

But rules condemn.
There is no way
you can keep all
six hundred thirteen.

The answer is
so very simple.
Just love Me &
love the other.

I invite you
to love Me.
I invite you to
love the other.

Come join Me
on this path.
Walk in Love.
Learn Forgiveness.

Inspired by Chad R. sermon January 27, 2007
© Presbypoet January 27, 2007

Is this the answer, or is there more?
Do you love God?
Do you know He loves you?

Balance

2007-02-24T21:17:00.000-08:00

This poem was inspired by a sermon at Presbytery. The next time someone says that nothing good comes from a presbytery meeting read them this poem from ...

Balance

Your life is
out of balance.

Your focus is
on wrong things.

You let money
rule your life.

You make an idol
of being busy.

Make Me center
of your life.

I bring your life
into balance.

Do you know
who I am?

Inspired by Chad R. sermon January 27, 2007
© Presbypoet, January 27, 2007

Depend On God

2007-02-22T11:47:00.000-08:00

We tend to have it backward. We pray to God. "Provide for me, so I can trust You." God says: "Trust Me. I will provide." We want things so we can be in charge of our own life. We want to be able to provide for ourselves. If we have something we can trust in instead of Jesus, we think we don't need Him. If you have a boat in the midst of the flood, you rely on the boat to save.

A rich young ruler comes to Jesus. He asks if Jesus has any more rules for him to follow (Matt 19:16-25, Mark 10:17-30, Luke 18:18-30). Jesus simple demand: "Go sell all you have, and give it to the poor.", shakes this man. He can't do it. He loves money too much. He loves the power money gives him. He loves not having to depend on anyone else. That is why he likes the rules. All he has to do is follow the rules. He is in control. Jesus demand isn't a rule. It is personal. It directly addresses his individual addiction.

That is what makes it so hard for the rich to enter the Kingdom. They rely on their wealth. They don't think they need God. Perhaps this is why the poor are blessed, they know they can't rely on their power or wealth, all they can rely on is that God will provide, even though it seems impossible.

We all have things we rely on. What are yours? What do you depend on instead of Jesus?

This simple poem warns of what happens when we depend on the wrong thing.

Depend On God (Me)
Woe to you who
depend on your strength
depend on your wealth
depend on your beauty.

Blessed are you who
depend on Me no
matter circumstance
or condition.

Trust in Me like
Elijah at Zarephath.*
You are blessed with
peace in your sorrows.

Rely on Me.
Know I am real.
Know Me intimately.
Depend on Me.

Inspired by Mark R. February 11, 2007
*1st Kings 17:7-16,
Luke 6: 20-26, 1st Corinthians 15:12-20
© Presbypoet, February 11, 2007

Deep Roots

2007-02-21T23:50:00.000-08:00

When you read about the escape from Egypt by Israel, one thing that stands out is a lack of gratitude. God has just freed them from years of slavery, and rescued them from an Egyptian army, yet at the first sign of trouble, they start complaining, like spoiled teenagers who can't get their every demand answered. "What have you done for me lately?" Seems to be their "prayer" to God. Softies who can't handle adversity.

To survive hard times, we need to look at plants in the desert. To survive hard times, they send roots deep into the soil to find distant water. When drought comes, plants with deep roots survive. Jeremiah chapter seven verses 5-9 inspired this poem. Do you have deep roots?

Deep Roots

Be planted with roots
deep in My Holy soil.
Depend on Me to
provide all your needs.

My water of life
will sustain you.
Through life's droughts
be not afraid.

Don't depend on the
world to sustain you.
Trust in Me.
I will provide.

(Inspired by Mark R. February 11, 2007)
(Jeremiah 7: 5-9)
© Presbypoet (February 11, 2005)

True Peace

2007-02-21T00:09:00.000-08:00

If you want a mind expanding experience, read Job & Psalms at the same time. A true paradoxical experience. The psalms are all about how God will save me. Good triumphs. God is good. God rewards virtue. God saves us. Job is about how you can the most virtuous man on the face of the earth, and God for no apparent reason, can just decide to slam you & your family.

A strand of understanding comes with a realization; when we are in pain, we assume it is bad. We demand God get rid of pain. Perhaps we would benefit if we ask God not just why? Perhaps we need to be still and listen to God to hear what we should do. Read Roman's chapter five, and learn how we can be blessed with suffering.

Today's poem is an outflow of listening to a prayer for peace that demanded an end to war. It seems God's answer/question is: "Will you be at peace in the midst of Chaos?"
This poem came as the prayer demanded an end to war, so we could have peace. God's plan seems so much more difficult. Yet involves us much more in cocreation with Him.

True Peace

You seek an end
to war & terror
You pray for peace
that is absence of violence.

What I promise tis
much stranger gift.
I promise peace
in midst of chaos.

Learn to appreciate
this strange blessing,
True joy the world
will never understand.

Be united in the
Kingdom of God.
Be joined in My
Rule & Reign.

(Romans Ch. 5)
© Presbypoet, February 11, 2007

Are you AWOL?

2007-02-04T23:39:00.000-08:00

God's Army

You joined God's Army.
Why are you AWOL?
Real evil threatens.
I call you to battle.
Put on My armor.
Be prepared to stand.
© Presbypoet. February 4, 2007

Prayer

2007-02-03T21:30:00.000-08:00

Life has been tough. The following poem/prayer sums up my God relationship.

Help me Father

In deep pain
ache beyond enduring
please help me Lord.

Lord I lack strength.
Like the paralytic to
even reach out to you.

Like Peter walking thru
waves my power too
weak to succeed.

Life seems so overwhelming.
Waves of danger
obscure your face.

Lord come to me.
Be present here.
It's too much to endure.

I trust you will heal.
Fill me Lord with
your glorious strength.

In this time of trial
I embrace your hope
& invite you into my heart.

I know you will provide.
I rejoice knowing you
are present with me.

Thank you Lord for
this joyful hope.
I love you Lord.

© Presbypoet December 10, 2006

Yet walking this dark valley, I have true hope. I live both the 22nd and 23 psalms.

Forgiveness

2007-01-26T18:02:00.000-08:00

Forgiveness may be the hardest concept to understand, let alone practice. The Lord's Prayer tells us to ask God to: Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us, (or debts, or trespasses). How is this possible? It certainly isn't easy. Perhaps this poem will help develop understanding of what is meant.

Forgiveness

You cling to grudges.
You take offense.
You seek vengeance
and think it will satisfy.

You let the evil one
control your mind.
Learn to forgive to
escape his control.

Don't walk in unforgiveness.
Let…It…Go.
Don't let anger
seize your life.

Forgive them as I
forgive you.
On Golgotha I
forgave my killers.

As Judas left to betray
he was forgiven.
Nothing you do is
worse sin than his.

Accept My forgiveness.
Confess to be healed.
Let Me make you whole.
Become intimate with Me.

As I forgive you
forgive those who
wound* you.
Pass on My blessing.

You can't do it in
your own strength.
Let My healing come
so you can forgive.

(Matt 6:9-15, Luke 23:34, John 13:18-30)
Inspired by Dennis W., sermon January 21, 2007 (don't blame him for Judas, that is my interpretation)
© January 21, 2007, Presbypoet
*(debts, sins, or trespasses against you)

Warning from God?

2006-11-18T21:08:00.000-08:00

After the election, (the next night), some people from our church met with a charismatic congregation who tried to "teach" us to be more wild and crazy, (we are Presbyterians, God's frozen people). In the midst of the wildness, I heard a poem that had nothing to do with what was going on, yet had everything to do with what was going on. Part one was heard in the service, part two comes later.

Warning (part one)
You stood at a crossroad,
Offered a choice like
Israelites in Paran's desert.
You turned away in fear.

You fled from battle against evil
abandoning duty, running in retreat.
Choosing to take the "easy" road.
A path you think leads to peace.

You imagine evil will ignore you
if you hide and do nothing to provoke.
You fools - evil only strengthens
devil's jihad will return to your home.

The path you trod leads to death.
Fire soon to fall on your cities.
Your only peace will be the grave.
Fear now holds you captive slave.

You pitiful people seduced by lying leaders
no longer will your lampstand burn.
No longer will you command respect.
Your power useless against your foes.

If you abandon those who support you
to death and dhimmihood by failing to pay the cost
soon you will stand alone - stripped naked.
Death or slavery your only choice.

© Presbypoet (heard November 8th, in the midst of chaos service)

Is this poem true? Or is this just me expressing fears that come from my mind. Who is speaking? Is it me? Is it God? What do you think?

The fear of the Lord

2006-10-30T22:09:00.000-08:00

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Psalm 111:10.
"The fear of the Lord -- that is wisdom." Job 28:28.
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge." Proverbs 1:7.
…"We know what it is to fear the Lord…" 2 Corinthians 5:11.
What does this mean… to fear the Lord? It seems a very important concept. It seems at the heart of serving God. Awe comes to mind as a related word to this phrase. When you fully encounter God, how can you do anything but fall at his feet and worship?

We constantly hear that God is love. Yet love is not God. Perhaps to understand this awesome God, you must also fear Him. He asks a simple question:

Do You Fear Me?

You claim to fear Me.
To know My awesome power.
Do you truly fear Me?
Do you stand in awe of Me?

You are mere speck of cosmic dust
Insignificant and powerless.
Nothing you can do
is of slightest worth.

Is it that you know My love
and think you can betray.
Is it that you think I must forgive
but do not know My mercy and grace?

Are you prodigal come back
for the rest of the loot?
If you truly know Me
you’d know My awesome power.

My sheep hear My voice.
Do you hear Me?
If you did
you’d fear My awesome power.
© Presbypoet, November 16, 2003

Do you fear the Lord? Do you know Him?

2006-10-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

I heard from a friend suffering great pain. I told her I grieved with her. Pain should be our helper, to warn us of danger, yet it can be a harsh taskmaster. It seems a strange tool for a good God to use. I do have a poem from God about that, of course.

Pain
You wonder why
I allow pain.
Let you go
through suffering.
You ask for release
from pain.
Complain when prayer
isn’t answered.

Listen.
Hear Me.
Understand.
Obey.
In suffering
I refine you.
In pain
you feel Me.

Go into life’s furnace
Like Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego.*
Trust Me.
I Am.
I offer you cross.
Take it with joy.
Carry My burden
so light.

My pain
is a gift
to transform
& refine.
I burn off
your dross.
To make you
My light.
© Presbypoet, September 21, 2002

Are you in pain? Do you understand why?

This still seems a strange gift.
* Daniel 3:1-30

Five smooth Stones

2006-10-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

God is good. It has been an amazing year. My father has survived broken back and broken ribs, my son who was depressed beyond imagining is now "fully" recovered. He is now a paid author, as well as being a copy editor for a magazine. Work seems to be coming to me, in answer to God's promise. "Trust Me. I will provide".

That is the story of David. He trusted in God. Goliath trusted in his own strength. There is a strange paradox here. God gives us strength. Yet, He tells us not to rely on it. My strengths: Intellect, poetry, understanding, are but filthy rags, yet he wants me to use them to His Glory. My question in response to David and Goliath:
How do we use our strengths without relying on them? Living in the tension. Are you aware of God being with you? Mindful of His presence, so intimate you hear Him, in the midst of the chaos.

Here is a poem that applies.
Five Smooth Stones
You try to fight
with the wrong weapons.
Don’t rely
on your own strength.
Rely on Me.
Saul tried to get David
to wear Saul’s armor.
David picked up
five smooth stones.
Like David rely on Me.
Inspired by Adolpho Moreno (translated by John Bueno) October 8, 2003 at Coalition Gathering in Portland Ore.
© Presbypoet October 8, 2003

Being Present

2006-09-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

This past week, God has been teaching some interesting lessons. About 15 members of our church went to another church to hear a presentation.

The topic was worship. As Presbyterians, we work very hard on doing things decently and in order. Not get swept up with emotion, but stay in control. We like ministers with lots of education. To be a PCUSA minister, you need to go to Seminary and study. Get an advanced degree. Study the original languages. Pass tests on your knowledge of scripture. Knowing is important to us. We have a book of "Confessions" we profess to follow. You can find them at the PCUSA web site at:

http://www.pcusa.org/oga/constitution.htm

This class we attended was somewhat of a shock for us. Instead of sitting to have knowledge given to us, the speaker wanted to involve us. She was from a charismatic congregation. She claimed worship was about awe for God. She tried to show us how to let go and praise. As God's frozen people, standing up to do anything more than raise a hymnbook is difficult. She demanded we move forward to the front of the church, and dance and be crazy. Demanded we stop trying to think about what we were doing, and just let go.

For me it was a strange experience. While I am a charismatic Presbyterian, hearing God, and willing to listen, when someone tries to make me do something, I am like Thomas. I don't just go along with the crowd. I'm not going to pretend something I don't really feel. So, I sat and listened to God. The following poem came.

True Worship

They ask you to pretend.
Seek the real joy.
Find true Awe.

Not just pretend.
Truly rejoice not
empty exuberance.

© Presbypoet, September 13, 2006

One reason I sat still, was what had happened at a Presbytery Task Force that afternoon. We talked about being still and listening, in order to hear God. We were wondering how to help people at Presbytery hear God. Since I didn't want to pretend to do something, to just fake it, instead, I was still, and tried to listen to God.

I later thought of the contrast. Being still, and being wild and crazy. They seemed such wild opposites. Yet both seemed essential. Both are scriptural. Both are equally hard for Presbyterians. If you don't think so, ask a Presbyterian minister to stop his sermon 10 minutes early, and ask the congregation to be still for 10 minutes and listen to God instead of him. See what he says about what the congregation's response will be.

A couple of days later as I drove to a distant presbytery meeting by myself, an insight came about how being still and being wild and crazy might not be so distant after all. I was searching the radio for anything worth listening during the long passage. I flipped to what turned out to be a golf show, just as the speaker said you needed to be present. It sounded vaguely spiritual. Since every other choice seemed worse, I paused. He said to stop trying to think about hitting a gold ball. Just relax and be present. It hit me. This had some major implications for what had looked like a contradiction. Maybe being still and wild and crazy, were closer than I had thought. Each was trying to get me to stop thinking, and be present with God. In each case, let go the intellect, and simply experience God. So the contrast was with intellectually trying to understand what was going on, and letting go. Letting go so as to be present with God.

God has spoken to me before about being present with him.

Why You Hear Me

Your wisdom
is foolishness.
You don’t impress Me
with what you know.

You think you
understand Me.
You have no way
to comprehend My plan.

Yet the simplest of fools
with nothing to offer
can hear Me
and obey Me.

Don’t be so proud
I speak to you.
I speak to all.
Only a few listen.
Isaiah 29:14, Matthew 11:25, Luke 10:21, First Corinthians 1:18-25
© Presbypoet, November 29, 2003, Heard at 5:45 AM

How Do You Know It’s Me you Hear

How do you know
It’s Me you hear?
The voice that Mohammed
and Joseph Smith heard
was dark angel.
Not Me.

To know it’s Me you hear.
Read My word.
Get to know Me.
Be still.
Then listen.
Hear Me in the silence.

© Presbypoet, November 29, 2003, heard at 6:45 AM

So this seems to be God's lesson for me this week. Learn to let go and be present with Him.

I Judas

2006-04-15T15:59:00.001-07:00

Sometime between the time he betrayed Jesus, and before Jesus rose from the dead, Judas killed himself. The poem, written from his perspective, and posted April 13th, gives what I think are some very good reasons why he killed himself. The following uses the previous poem.

Yesterday, at 2AM, the following came to me. Anyone who wants to use it for an Easter Altar call, is welcome to it. I offered to read it at our Easter service.

Easter Altar Call

God asked me
to offer a choice
to you this Easter.

A choice of life or death.

A life of Joy.
A life of Hope.
A life full of Grace.

Or death alone.
A death of painful
eternal anguish.

That joyful Easter morning
a man went off to seek death.
He chose death -

Judas was his name.
He headed to the
potters field - alone.

In anguish death seemed
the only answer.
Death would ease the pain.

(Read I Judas)

Today I offer
you a choice.
Will you choose life?

Will you accept the
gift of a Joyful life
offered by Jesus?

Will you invite Him in?
If anyone wants a
life of Joy step forward.

I will pray with you
and invite you to
a life of Joy.

I know the choices.
My son thought death
the only release from his pain.

I know true hope.
Hope in midst of despair.
Rejoicing when all seems bleak.

Let me offer you Hope.
Let me offer you a life
of purpose and fulfillment.

Let me offer you Jesus.
The cross and
empty tomb.

For you who would note we do not know if or when Judas actually killed himself, you are correct. Think of this as a myth that contrasts our choices. Eternal life, or death. By placing them at the same time, the choice stands out in sharp relief. A choice we each must make. A choice of life or death. How will/did you choose?

Judas

2006-04-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

The "new" "gospel" of "Judas" reminds me of some of my poems by and about Judas. Judas may have been doing the will of God in betraying Jesus, the only problem is Judas chose to betray. No one made him do it. This poem written from Judas perspective sums up why death seemed Judas only choice; Why the gnostic "gospel" isn't good news.

I Judas
Take back your silver
I betrayed him.

I was wrong
He was Messiah, I thought.

Come to rescue
from Pagan Romans.

I didn’t understand
I didn’t know him.

Guilt Gnaws
Acid corrodes….Inside.

I thought I knew him
I heard his message.

I saw him heal
I felt his grace.

I didn’t understand
I didn’t know him.

Nailed to his cross
Nails driven so deep.

I couldn’t bear to watch
Goodness hung on a tree.

Arms outstretched
Dying between two thieves.

I didn’t understand
I didn’t know him.

Wound so deep
So final.

No penance possible.
I chose DEATH.

Death the only payment
for my sin

I didn’t understand
I didn’t know him.

Death, payment for sin
Both our destinies.

But for me
The potter’s field.

For Him
The empty tomb.

I didn’t know Him.
DO YOU?

© Presbypoet April 22, 2000

Like Judas, we need to learn if we truly know Jesus.

A firmer foundation

2006-04-11T13:45:00.000-07:00

I have discovered a longer version of my favorite hymn.

Two verses that add some more perspective ( #2 & #6).

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in His excellent Word!
What more can He say than to you He hath said,
To you, who to Jesus for refuge have fled?

In every condition, in sickness, in health;
In poverty’s vale, or abounding in wealth;
At home and abroad, on the land, on the sea,
As thy days may demand, shall thy strength ever be.

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid;
I’ll strengthen and help thee, and cause thee to stand
Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathways shall lie,
My grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not harm thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Even down to old age all My people shall prove
My sovereign, eternal, unchangeable love;
And when hoary hairs shall their temples adorn,
Like lambs they shall still in My bosom be borne.

The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.

A simple song.
A very important lesson to learn.

At church, when I offered praise last sunday that I knew God was with me in the midst of my trials, I sang the third and last verses to better express knowing they were true.

Do you know they are true?

Masks

2006-03-31T22:57:00.000-08:00

It's masks. We pretend. Like Clinton saying "it was wrong", not I was wrong. "I didn't have..." Sometimes we lie to ourselves the most. "I'm a good boss." "I work hard." We can't handle the truth. So many build strong walls to keep anyone from knowing who they really are. My father is such a one. Friendly, never seems to be angry. Always in control. Yet that wall keeps him from intimate relations, keeps him from admitting he needs help. He wears a mask to hide his weakness. He is in the hospital, one of the reasons posting has been lax. Death has been close these past few months.

We must become whole. Be so permeated with the Holy Spirit our joy is obvious to all who see us. The amazing thing I've learned is how God has a purpose in everything we do. It isn't being a puppet, but a co-conspirator with God. Hearing Him constantly, to know you aren't alone, but walk, what can be a very dangerous road; with Him.

When we wear masks, pretending it's OK, it kills us. We live lies.
"How are you?"
"Fine."(When your heart is breaking, and the pain is too much to endure.)

In the impossible times lately, it is only knowing I am not alone, keeps me sane. Knowing; no matter how dark, no matter how impossible, I can choose joy. To be able to walk with Jesus so close all I have to do is reach out and know He is there. The world doesn't know that. For the world, there is no purpose except the mindless pursuit of more. More that is never enough.

That is the difference. A Christian can know true peace. The world only knows the fake peace of a "drug" that numbs mindfulness and makes you think it's alright. A Christian knows there is purpose. The world only knows the rat race that leads to death.

"How firm a foundation" is one of my favorite hymns. It sums up this attitude, and Jesus speaks to us from its words.

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in his excellent word!
What more can he say than to you he hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus hath fled?

"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,
for I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

"When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow.
For I will be with thee, thy troubles to bless,
and sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

"When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The fire shall not hurt thee; I only design
thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine."

"The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I will not desert to its foes.
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake!"

(1787)

I keep a copy of that hymn with me always. I hear the voice of Jesus. As we walk together through deep waters, (It took two hours to drive to the hospital today), and fiery trials, to know his joy is wonderful. True peace.

The Letter Kills but the Spirit Gives Life

2006-02-26T23:57:00.000-08:00

What is worship? Do you know?
Does your worship please God? Do you care?
Do you want to know how to truly worship?
Do you feel empty at church?
Bored?
Is it time wasted?
Is God distant?
Here is a message from God.
Does it apply?

The Letter Kills

I abhor your empty rituals.
You say the "right" things.
You do the "right" things.
Your fast means nothing.

Your hollow sacrifices
like Cain's offering
like older brother's acts
done in duty not love.

O adulterous one
when will you return
to your beloved and
share intimacy with Me?

You claim to join Me
in your celebration.
Yet show no sign
it transforms you.

I love you.
Do you love Me?
Show your love for Me
in how you love the other.

In worship know Me fully.
Take Me deep within.
Take up your cross
then follow Me.
Genesis 4:5, Hosea 2:14-22, 2 Corinthians 3:1-6, Mark 2:18-21, Luke 15:28-30
Inspired by Dennis P., February 26, 2006
© Presbypoet, February 26, 2006

Have you ever known God's true presence in worship?

Choose Joy

2006-02-24T00:36:00.000-08:00

Joy is a mystery, most don't even know is possible. They pursue happiness, and wonder why it fails to satisfy. Into our lives suffering comes. Happiness is impossible. Yet in the midst of the flame, pure joy still lives. This strange mystery from God. Joy in the midst of sorrow. Joy found in sorrow. This poem sums it up. This strange mystery. A further mystery. How can we choose Joy?
Choose Joy

In midst of
sorrow - choose Joy.

In the refiners
fire - choose Joy.

Mere happiness
consumed - by the flame

Choose eternal Joy.
Gold - gift from Me.

Galatians 5:22
Inspired by Lynn V.
© Presbypoet, January 28, 2006

When suffering comes, know you can choose joy. Know you are not alone. Know there is hope.
I know because I live it. Rejoice. Be not afraid.

The Narrow Way

2005-12-24T22:51:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I think we get the wrong ideas from Christmas and the baby. Like we think Jesus is this cute baby, cuddly, come to make everything right, make everything easy. Instead, this baby has teeth.

I have a friend with a new baby. Teething. Those teeth are sharp. Jesus in coming comes with an agenda. We are called to a purpose. Not to just have Him do what we want, but rather that He sends us to impossible places. Then demands we trust Him.

That is more the message of Christmas. "I have come, so you may have life. Life abundant". But a life spent in hard places. Things demanded, impossible to do on our own. Like the disciples left behind when Jesus ascends the mount of transfiguration. Sent to do more than we know is possible.

This Christmas, know the baby comes. He comes to send you to some very hard places. Places you can go only when you walk with Him. A strange Christmas message. Perhaps the real one. An invitation to the narrow way. Here is a poem about The Way He invites us to walk.

Walking the Narrow Impossible Path

Danger from any misstep.
This path like walking the ridge
leading to Mt. Everest
a slip each way leads to death.

You demand I walk
this treacherous path.
You do not force me
yet I must obey You.

You call to me. “Relax.
Trust Me. Be not afraid.”
I look down.
I do not see you.

Terror seeks to seize my soul.
Terror seeks to freeze my will.
Terror seeks to keep me from you.
Terror seeks to keep me prisoner.

Like Peter on the water
I take my eyes from you.
Disaster strikes, I start to slip.
I cannot do this on my own.

You reach out your hand to me.
I cannot see you, but I trust you.
We walk this impossible path together.
I relax and give myself to you.

© Presbypoet, 1999, revised January 18, 2004

Merry Christmas. Welcome to The Narrow Way.

Jesus, the I Am

2005-12-23T23:35:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, here are some poems about Jesus. Not the sappy wimp we often see. The "meek" mild inoffensive guy. But Jesus the wild man. The one with the wild heart. A heart of passion.

It is easy to write poetry about scary stuff. The same way it is easy to preach about hell, and try to scare people into heaven. It is hard to understand and express the quality of mercy, the love, compassion God has for us. Not the wimpy love of Jesus the "nice guy", the one his disciples would never have recognized. Instead, a fierce love, like a mother bear for her cubs, or a father who has learned a boy has hurt his daughter. This is Jesus, who cares for us, who wants the best for us, and isn't afraid of pushing the envelope.

Jesus first miracle, is one his mom precipitates. He tells her, it's not time yet, yet he has compassion on an idiot who forgot to get enough wine. Not only that, but the stuff Jesus makes out of water turns out to be the good stuff. Ever hear a sermon on that? Real wine. Not grape juice. The hard stuff. Not just a gallon or so, but filling huge storage jars. I wonder at what it would have been like to be there? Yet how many of us would have been as generous as Jesus. Would we have been so quick to provide the miracle? Are you sure you wouldn't have thought, why should this fool get a miracle. No body ever gave me so much blessing.

I will try to turn it into a poem.
One on outrageous mercy & grace.

Outrageous Mercy & Grace.
On turning water into wine.

When you turned
water into wine.
What were you doing?
Why waste your time
on an idiot who forgets
to order enough wine.
Why does he get
your compassion?
What did he do
to deserve such grace?

You don't make sense.
We can't understand.
Why change water
to wine?
Not only that, it's
better than he deserved.
We would have
taught him a lesson.
We'd make him
suffer for his sins.

Why do you cover
for this guys mistake?
Why do you let him
get off so easy?
Is it that we need
to learn to enjoy?
We need to learn
to celebrate?
Are we too much
like the elder brother?
Unable to rejoice with
brother returned from the grave.

Lord help us to appreciate
the grace you give.
As you pour out outrageous
amounts of blessing.
May we rejoice when
our brother gets more
than we know he deserves.
Help us to learn to join the party
to drink from your wine
of new birth.
(John 2:1-11)
© September 27, 2005, Presbypoet
inspired by "anybudee"

Will you join the party?

Forgiveness

2005-12-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

The latest theme seems to be forgiveness. Leslie at the Insomniac:
http://theinsomniac.blogs.com/the_insomniac/
Has a post on forgiveness.
http://theinsomniac.blogs.com/the_insomniac/2005/12/forgiveness.html
Last night, I had a long conversation with a woman who knows someone who was molested. She can't forgive the man who did it, and it poisons her relationship with God.

We seem to have a hard time with forgiveness, both doing it, and even understanding it. A book that is very helpful in understanding forgiveness is by Debbie Morris. She was a victim of the man who was the central focus of dead man walking. Robert Willie (the man portrayed in the movie by Sean Penn), raped her, and killed her boyfriend. She testified against him. Willie threatened that if he ever got out, he would kill her. On the night he was executed, Morris forgave him. In her book, on page 173, she writes about forgiving the killer on his execution night.

"With that prayer pronouncing my forgiveness of Robert Willie, I gained an
emotional release, a sense of freedom I don't know how to describe. Somehow
it cut me loose from the control Robert Willie had over me for all those
years.".

For Morris, forgiveness isn't some abstract concept. She realizes and explains in her book, that forgiveness is essential to be healed from what happened. If you can find the book, read it. At 251 pages, it is helpful in understanding the power of forgiveness. The last line in her book says "Justice didn't do a thing to heal me. Forgiveness did.

A poem on forgiveness.
Taking Offense
You take offense.
Refuse to forgive.
You’re seduced by,
the Devil’s bait.
How can I forgive,
if you refuse to forgive?
So sanctimonious,
you refuse to admit,
you sin by failing,
to forgive.
Offended,
you turn from Me.

Your soul hates,
stores up anger.
Anger corrodes,
spiritual connection.
Forgive those,
who don’t know,
they’ve caused pain,
so you can be healed.
Don’t seek revenge.
Forgive & be healed.
Forgive & let,
My grace flow.
(Ephesians 4: 1-8)
© Presbypoet, February 17, 2002

Is there someone you need to forgive? Do you need to ask for forgiveness?

Making Things New

2005-12-09T23:33:00.000-08:00

One thing that I have noticed is that people come to church because they are broken. Like those who came to Jesus. Hopeless. In need of healing. Lepers. Sinners. Jesus invites them to come.
This poem was written in 2001, the message is still current. Jesus invites the broken to come and be healed.

Making Things New

You come to Me
broken.
hopeless.
At end of your rope.
I offer hope
mercy
redemption.
Making things new.

I love you.
You’re important.
You have value
I see within.
I chose to love you.
To care for you.
I reach out to you
to heal.

Transformation
offered you.
Hope, real stuff
to be born again.
Love given
freely without price.
Offered you
to change your life.

I loved you so much
I died on a tree.
Sacrificed for you.
To set you free.
Now pass it on to others
I send you to give hope.
To the broken, hopeless
at end of their rope.
© Presbypoet, May 13, 2001

Are you at the end of your rope? Do you know Jesus offers true hope?

A message from GOD?

2005-12-06T19:01:00.000-08:00

The choice of readings at Presbytery last week, was strange. (Presbytery is an assembly of representatives from various churches in the Presbytery, we meet five times a year in various churches, to vote on issues of importance, and be given information).

When we had our customary worship service, complete with readings, to start the meeting. The book of Amos was one of the readings. This portion of the readings, from chapter 5 of Amos seem a strange choice to start a religious gathering.

21 "I hate, I despise your religious feasts;
I cannot stand your assemblies.

22 Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, [b]
I will have no regard for them.

23 Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
(NIV)
Perhaps, given the efforts to use the denomination for political purposes, this reading may have been a word from God. Did we listen to what God wanted us to do? Or were we simply an empty vessel unwilling to be filled? Is this how God feels about the PCUSA? Was this a message from God?

Joy To the World

2005-12-06T00:04:00.000-08:00

Joy to the world, we hear the words. Do we know what they mean?
Do you understand why it is joy? Listen to Jesus.

Joy to the world.
that is My decree.
Freedom from bondage.
Freedom to come to Me.
Not mere happiness
found at end of suffering.
But true joy in midst of storm.
Relax and let go in your storm.

Keep your eyes on Me.
See Me in your journey.
Know joy on your cross.
Know I’m in control.
No matter what happens.
Appreciate gifts I give you.
Rejoice in My presence.
Rejoice. You belong to Me.

Be Not Afraid for I am with you.
(Luke 2:18-25, Isaiah 43:1-2)
©Presbypoet, December 16, 2001

Christmas Joy

2005-12-05T23:57:00.000-08:00

More advent poems

I give you news of great joy.
I have come to be born.
Rejoice and know why I came.
Rejoice and know I am with you.

Rejoice and know I have overcome.
Rejoice at My death and resurrection.
Rejoice for my redemption and salvation.
Listen to My news of great JOY.

©Presbypoet, December 15, 2002

The Myths of Genesis part 2

2005-12-04T01:34:00.000-08:00

Myth has a bad rap. We think it means fake. I have a friend who told me of someone who calls fiction, lies. Often in fiction, truths that are difficult to write in non-fiction, can be understood more clearly. Fiction may be truer than non-fiction. Yet if my friend's friend, who thinks fiction is lies, doesn't read it, she is the loser, because she misses the truths available in fiction's "lies".

Myth is the same way. A fable, like the fox and the "sour" grapes, can show a simple truth. Jesus' parables, like one about a rich man and poor man (Luke 16:19-31), tell a deep story that illustrates truth in a more compact way than any philosophy text. Myth is like that. The important issue in Cain and Able, isn't their existence, it isn't if they lived, or who did Cain marry? It is the meaning of the story that is important. If you get stuck on how old Adam was when Cain was born, and focused on trying to prove every word is "true", then you miss the most important part. You lose the beautiful idea of relationship with God that is a focus of the story. These stories are rich in truth. The problem is that unless you focus on the two threads, myth and historic, you can miss the deeper meaning.

Another way we get stuck on these stories is trying to figure out who wrote them. Moses? J? P? Q? A redactor? As though if we can label the writer, we have proved anything. The truth in the words is independent of an author. If we are trying to decide if something is true, and we are looking at a written "fact", knowing something about the author may make sense. When CBS tried to throw the election to Kerry by publishing lies about Bush, (supposedly by his old commander), the "author" of the "documents" was critical, since if it was written by anyone else, they lost all credibility.

Myth isn't like that. The stories in the first eleven chapters are not dependent on who wrote them. Moses doesn't claim to have heard them direct from God. It doesn't even matter if Moses wrote them, or they are the result of a series of writers polishing them for thousands of years until the words gleamed. The myths in the stories speak for themselves.

Noah's story is rich with meaning. The writers took what had to be one of the best known stories of the past, and loaded it with ideas about men and our relationship with God. The first myth is that God cares about what we do. The story is full of the idea that people have gotten so bad that the only thing to do is to wipe them out. Just start over. This is a theme that recurs in the Bible, and is at the heart of Revelation, where God is going to finish the job. The day of the Lord, is not a day you should be looking forward to. It will be a day of terror. The readings at our Presbytery meeting today were about this subject. Amos 5:18-21 is scary.
The Day of the LORD

18 Woe to you who long
for the day of the LORD!
Why do you long for the day of the LORD ?
That day will be darkness, not light.

19 It will be as though a man fled from a lion
only to meet a bear,
as though he entered his house
and rested his hand on the wall
only to have a snake bite him.

20 Will not the day of the LORD be darkness, not light—
pitch-dark, without a ray of brightness?

God is not just some disinterested watchmaker who kicked off the universe, and is letting it wind down, but a clearly interested participant. It is the difference between a parent, who just hands over his wallet, and the car keys without any questions, versus the watchful parent, who questions, and perhaps even snoops at the right time. A parent who cares. A God who cares. Perhaps this is a strange way to discover God cares, as He starts to destroy, starts to discipline. Perhaps the only way?

Do you know God cares for you enough to discipline you?.
The following poem is about how God disciplines us.

Go Into the Furnace

Go into the furnace.
Too hot to endure.
Like Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego.
Trust Me.
I am with you.
Go forward.
Thru midst of trouble
on My way.

Sometimes the burning’
just what you need.
Trouble brings wisdom.
Trials refine.
When death strikes near.
Illness strips strength.
Learn I’m in control.
I prepare you with suffering.

Don’t fear the furnace.
Your life part of My plan.
Step from boat’s safety
into the storm.
In wilderness
I mold you to My will.
Be not afraid.
Trust Me in life’s furnace.

(Daniel 3:1-28)
Thanks to Michael W for the inspiration
© Presbypoet, December 30, 2001, & January 6, 2002

These few words don't even start to explore the truth hidden in this first myth packaged in Noah's story. Now you can go on your own journey, seeking truth and joy.

Presbytery

2005-12-03T21:47:00.000-08:00

Today was Presbytery. An hour drive one way. Our moderator is a pastor who is a reserve chaplain called up to serve in Iraq. He was back in the U.S. and flew in for the day to moderate the Presbytery meeting. Now that is dedication. He isn't even staying to preach at his church. He flies back tonight.

He told us what it was like in Iraq. The docket had him scheduled for ten minutes. He spoke for forty. He served with the Marines. He told of leading a Marine to the Lord in a lonely watchtower. Of being bombarded with rockets. Of leading memorial services. Of another pastor who had conducted memorial services for 48 soldiers in his unit, then went home to Ohio with them, to minister to loved ones, and tell relatives of their sacrifice. Of flying on helicopters, never knowing if they might be shot down. He took us with him to Iraq, and made it real.

We welcomed a new church to our Presbytery. Is this a sign of real growth, or simply the last gasp of a dying denomination? Pray for the PCUSA. It isn't dead yet. I meet so many dedicated Christians at Presbytery meetings. I organize prayer during presbytery meetings, so the work is covered in prayer. We need to pray more. We try to do it in our own strength. Then wonder why we fail.

Got home to discover Sears had called about our replacement washer. The one that died 2 days after we got it new from the factory. They were sending another. It would be delivered December 14th. I called. Politely informed them that was not acceptable. It only took an hour to get it changed to the 6th. Then took the wash out for a drive. Not much time for the internet. No time for part two of Genesis. It will take me longer to write about it than for God to create it.

Tired. A good tired. Made it to the Church Christmas dinner only five minutes late. Missed the Carol service completely. Laundry can be more important than church. Important lesson; learning when to say no to the church.

Told a friend I should change my name to joyful Job, in honor of all the bad things happening. He thought the name fit. What does that tell you?

Now to rest. To be still. To hear God? We Presbyterians need to listen more.

The Myths of Genesis.

2005-12-02T23:20:00.000-08:00

I realize I tread on very thin ice here. To even consider the first eleven chapters of Genesis might not be an exact literal history, is heresy to some.

Since my role model is Thomas, always willing to check things out himself, I will venture to seek wisdom. A quest trying to understand, or at least asking questions. Realizing there is so much I can never know. I seek a chance to converse with others who seek God. Who seek to know. Who seek Joy.

There are two strands of truth in the Genesis stories. The first is historic truth that shows itself in places, bits of actual events and people. It can reveal some of what life was like thousands of years ago.

The second is religious truth, described as myth. Myth told in the form of a story. Like the invention of the "Teddy Bear", when Teddy Roosevelt chose not to kill a bear, there may be historic truth in a story, yet the mere naked historic facts may not be the most important part of the story. A recent myth is that Bush knew there were no WMD, so he lied. For those who believe the myth, actual facts are not important. The true power is in what the story expresses. "Bush lied. People died." Is a religious/political myth that has the power to kill. The power to change lives. Just as we have myths today, the Bible is filled with myths. Stories designed to show a truth. Designed to make us think.

We start with Noah. That drunkard. Hero. Is he Gilgamesh? Who wrote the story? When? All questions we may never know the full answer. Yet there are interesting clues.
Noah's story is interesting in many ways. One of the most striking is how it shows oral tradition can transmit accurate information for thousands of years.

We now know almost the exact year the ocean broke into the Black Sea. The
description of the gates of the deep breaking, (Genesis 7:11) I had always thought had to be false. How could water flow uphill? Yet, after I learned of the Black Sea flood, I realized; before the ocean broke through, an old stream bed that led from the sea to the ocean, a place 400 feet above the lake level would have been "the gate to the deep", (ocean). Also, before it broke through, there would have been springs of saltwater, so it truly is a magnificent description of something not seen for over 4,000 years.

A description of the flood is found at:
http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1511/is_1_20/ai_53501812

When the "gates" finally broke, it must have been an incredible sight from
below. Imagine going back 7600 years. You look out over a lake separated from the ocean. This lake, one of the world's largest bodies of fresh water. Good for irrigation. A land with higher air pressure due to the 400 feet of additional air. Better for plants, better for people. A rich land. A fertile land. Yet there is a hidden menace to this Eden. At the southwest edge of the lake is a pass high up in the hills. A narrow gap that leads to the "deep". A former river valley when the lake was hundreds of feet higher, the valley consists of soft sediments, easily eroded should water ever have the chance. At its mouth, salt springs, produced by seepage from the ocean a few miles to the south.

There would already be two small streams in the valley. One draining to the lake, the other to the deep. Let it rain. Heavily. A time when water turns tiny placid streams into raging torrents. Torrents that cut into the last dam holding back an ocean of water.

Look up 400 feet in the air, and see a waterfall burst forth, larger than Niagara, where before were only the springs of the deep. The sound must have been incredible. The story would have been told, and passed on for generations. Then finally written down with the birth of writing.

Was the story exactly as written? Did God speak to Noah? I know He speaks to me. He seems to intervene for His purposes. Was there an ark? Was it exactly 300 cubits? "What's a cubit? There certainly seems to have been a man and a boat. Perhaps more important than we realize. The first divine encounter? The first obedient man? Like Abram who was told. "Go". Noah who was told. "Build Me an ark." So Noah sails out into the flood. With his family, flora and fauna.
Then Noah lands near Ararat, (near where we find the Garden of Eden).

The stories of early Genesis, may trace the path of a people from the Black Sea, to Abraham and Ur. The early stories of Genesis only show us fragments of the story,
all that survived. They even included contradictions, trying to be faithful to the story.

But Genesis real importance, is in what the myths truly say. They speak of
God's relationship to us. Try to explain why we are a fallen race. Show
God's wrath at our pride. The importance of rest. Sin and its consequences. Forgiveness. A most amazing 11 chapters.
An idea for a book, "The myths of Genesis." Or a sermon series. Or a blog
series. More to follow: Noah's myth.

Today's poem:
Myth
You call My story
myth
you think you can
ignore.
Yet myth contains
more truth
than simple facts can ever
communicate.

The truth of if I am Son
of God
is not found in fact of
virgin birth.
The truth of
original sin
is never spoken by
real snake.

If you fall into facts
seductive trap
you miss myth’s
deeper meaning.
Listen for the
parabolic truth
oft found in
paradoxical myth.

© Presbypoet, September 3, 2003

How To Be A Christian

2005-12-01T21:23:00.000-08:00

This question is answered by a poem shorter than the title.

How to live as a Christian

Be silent
Listen
Obey
Rejoice.
© Presbypoet, March 2002

It is simple. Just follow these instructions. Only 25 letters contain all you need to know.

Joy taught by a Rabbit

2005-11-30T23:37:00.000-08:00

I would like to thank a rabbit for teaching me about joy. Alice was that rabbit. She lived a life of joy. She lived life with zest. The best expression of joy I have ever seen was to watch her leap into the air and twirl. So full of joy that all her body expressed it. She taught me much. But joy is the way I remember her. Her too short life was full of joy.

She gave me the first poem in her death. She taught me how life is to be lived. Fully. With exuberance.

Advent of Joy

2005-11-29T23:30:00.000-08:00

We sing of Christmas Joy. The baby is come. We ignore an important part of the message. Why did the baby come? The baby came to die for us. God came as a baby. He came to suffer for us. In that suffering and death is joy. So the story is also one of joy. This poem responds to this paradox.

Advent of Joy
I came to Earth to die.
To suffer torment.
In that deep anguish
there was/is joy.
Peace & contentment
obedience flowed.
There is joy in the cup
offered to you.

© Presbypoet, December 17, 2000

Do you know Jesus came to die for you?

Do you know why?

Will you accept the gift He offers you?

Do you know what His gift is?

Do You Know Joy?

2005-11-28T23:39:00.000-08:00

How do you define Joy?
How does it differ from happiness?
How does it differ from being glad?
What is Joy?

Why does the Bible keep demanding we be joyful?
Why?
Do you know Joy?

Advent Myth

2005-11-28T23:24:00.000-08:00

Advent.
We mark the start of this season.
Why?
Is it for shopping?
Is it to mark some birth 2,000 years ago?
Why?
What is important about Christmas?
Are we paying attention?
Are you paying attention?
Why?
Does it matter?
Is it important?
Why?

This poem explains why.

A most astonishing myth
Let me tell you
a most amazing story.
The most astonishing myth.
A myth of awesome power.

That God so loved us
He was born as man.
Born as simple baby
all bloody and messy.

Such astonishing story.
Such amazing myth.
Foundation of life’s meaning
that God so loved you and me.

Love so amazing.
He was born as a baby.
Born to give us life
and free us from sin’s bondage.
© Presbypoet, December 25, 2003

Do you understand this myth?
Do you believe this myth is true?

Be still and listen.
Hear the Angel choirs.
Rejoice.
Let Joy fill you.

Advent. Do you Look Forward

2005-11-27T23:32:00.000-08:00

Today is the first day of advent. The first Sunday. What do we make of advent. What does it mean. Today, a theme was looking forward. Strange. Isn't this something that happened 2,000 years ago? How can we look forward to something that has already happened?

This is the poem heard in a homily today.

Look Forward

To what do you
look forward to today?
Do you look forward
to My return?

Do you look forward
to Christmas?
Do you look forward
to seeing Me today?

Do you eagerly
await My presence?
Do you earnestly
seek My face?

I am coming.
Will you watch
with eager expectation
to be present with Me?

Be alert.
Look for Me.
Look forward
to My coming.
(Isaiah 63:16-64:8Mark 13:31-38, 1st Corinthians 1:3-9)
Inspired by homily by Dennis S.
© Presbypoet, November 27, 2005)

I Will Provide

2005-11-26T23:43:00.000-08:00

Started reading Osteen's book. I don't hear an important word. That word is obedience. Where is the idea that God has a plan for us, not we have a plan, and will He bless our plan. These words came a few years ago, from God. I know He will provide. He keeps doing it. I trust Him.

I will provide
You ask Me
to provide.
Trust Me.

You ask Me
to provide.
Do My will.

You ask Me
to provide.
Serve Me.

You ask Me
to provide.
Be Obedient.

Hear Me.
Go forth.
I will provide.

Listen to Me.
Trust Me.
I will provide.

Step out
in faith.
I will provide.

See Me at work.
Join Me.
I will provide.

© Presbypoet, March 6, 2002

Advent

2005-11-25T23:47:00.000-08:00

Now that thanksgiving is over, we start the season of advent.

Here is an advent poem.

Advent

I am coming
How will you respond?
Christmas is coming.
How will you respond?

Do you hear John?
His repentance call.
Do you fear?
My return.

Prepare to hear
Me this Christmas.
Prepare to open
yourself to Me.

Remove the obstructions.
Smooth the path.
Make ready,
Hear Me today.

Take time to reflect,
To hear My demand.
To know why I came,
My purpose on Earth.

Why did/do I come.
See My death,
& Resurrection.
At this natal time.

Find Me in your valleys,
not just the peaks.
Bring your justice.
Bring your peace.

1. © December 10, 2000 Presbypoet

How will you respond?

Ten things I am thankful for

2005-11-24T11:25:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving

Today is a day to give thanks.

Here are 10 things I am thankful for.

That I have the most wonderful wife in the world.
That I know God, and He knows me.
That my son still lives, despite the depression.
That I have a chance to help him.
That my father didn't harm his spinal cord when he broke his back.
That I have a chance to help him.
That my sons have jobs, and they are able to work/
That I belong to a faithful church in the PCUSA.
That our pastor is a faithful teacher who hears God.
That I can go to Presbytery, to hear and serve God.

That God speaks to me.
What are you thankful for?
What 10 things are you thankful for?

Joy and Suffering

2005-11-23T15:49:00.000-08:00

Joy and suffering. One reason we find Joy in suffering, is that Joy and happiness seem the same. So if you are happy and Joyful, you can't tell the difference. When you are suffering, you can't be happy, so what is left is pure Joy. So we find Joy in suffering. The suffering doesn't produce the joy. It simply acts like a refiners fire that burns away the mere dross of happiness.

Realize this isn't a definition of Joy, but simply a description of where you find it, at its purest. The more I try to understand Joy, the more I become aware of its infinite quality. It is an attribute of God. It is some quality of infinity, I dimly perceive as I suffer, and am aware of something so wonderful, words fail completely. I may as well be my pet cat, trying to describe quantum mechanics.

Joy may simply be intimacy with God. Knowing the world/universe makes sense at a level far deeper than language is capable of describing. Of knowing God. Not knowing about Him, but a direct experience of the divine.

Why is Joy important? In the Bible, there are many verses that call us to be joyful. If joy is mere ultimate happiness, then we can find Joy by becoming more and more happy. If Joy is an entirely different category of thing, not mere emotion, but direct connection to the divine, then we need to learn to seek it in a very different way than simply chasing happiness. I can't define Joy, but I know it exists, and seek it in my life.

Heaven may simply be full direct immersion in Joy. Joy so amazing, so wonderful that it is beyond our understanding. As Paul said, "now I see through a glass darkly, but then face to face". I wonder; could we stand full bore Joy. Or would it be too overwhelming for us to endure. Is that why Moses' face glowed as he came down from the mountain? Is God's refining process designed to burn away the dross, leaving us prepared to encounter Joy at its most radiant?

Today has been a day of intimacy with God, yet not an easy day. It started with our washing machine breaking down, and included a $50 parking ticket. As well as meetings with various officials that promised no easy answers, but only the challenge of hard work, and no guarantee of success. Yet this day was one filled with life. Filled with intimacy with God. Knowing He is with me. Knowing His presence. Feeling a touch of true Joy.

While words fail, perhaps this poem gives a faint glimmer of True Joy.

In God’s Presence
When you come
to church,
do you come
to My presence?
Do you hear Me?
Do you feel Me?
Do you see Me?
Do I touch you?

By your acts
praise Me.
Not just by words.
Talk is cheap.
Actions are dear.
Do you love Me?
Know how I care?

Do you know
both awe & intimacy?
Will you give up control?
I won’t give you answer.
I won’t give you certainty.
Trust in Me.
Feel My presence
deep in your heart.
© Presbypoet, January 14, 2001

Do you feel His joyful presence in your heart?

Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T10:25:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow, we travel to Berkeley to celebrate Thanksgiving with my father. It will be a small gathering, but we will meet.
For the past month, blogging has been reduced because I've been driving to Berkeley to help my 89 year old father, who broke three bones in his back.

I'm a responsible elder brother/son, the one who lives only one to two hours away (depending on how traffic on 880 is). My father lives in the same house he has lived in for 55 years. If he gets his wish, he will die in that house.

He puts on slide shows at retirement homes. He says he would live in one over his dead body. To transplant him would kill him. He would lose his reason to live, if he lost his freedom. He is fiercely independent. His mind is still sharp,(from doing crossword puzzles). Yet he needs help. How do we balance the two needs? How do we let them live dangerously, yet freely? This is the question we live lately.
So this Thanksgiving, we are thankful for much. Both joy and pain that refines, but most important, knowing God. Knowing He is with us. To see Him present with us in thanksgiving. The following is a poem that reminds us, God is present at the table.

Thanksgiving
As you gather
round this table
full of My blessings.
Will you thank Me?
As you count
your blessings
& think of all you have.
Will you praise Me?

As November’s days fade.
As winter’s darkness looms
& summer’s hope flees.
Will you hear Me?
In time of trouble
or time of plenty
when I seem silent & distant.
Will you obey Me?

As you stumble
on life’s path
without direction.
Will you follow Me?
In midst of affliction
pain, grief & testing.
In your time of refining.
Will you thank Me?

Rejoice on this day
of thanksgiving.
See Me
in your blessings.
See Me
in your pain.
See Me
at this table.
© Presbypoet, November 18, 2001

Have a joyful Thanksgiving.

Finding Joy

2005-11-22T22:58:00.000-08:00

Joy and suffering. One reason we find Joy in suffering, is that Joy and happiness seem the same. So if you are happy and Joyful, you can't tell the difference. When you are suffering, you can't be happy, so what is left is pure Joy. So we find Joy in suffering. The suffering doesn't produce the joy. It simply acts like a refiners fire that burns away the mere dross of happiness.

Realize this isn't a definition of Joy, but simply a description of where you find it, at its purest. The more I try to understand Joy, the more I become aware of its infinite quality. It is an attribute of God. It is some quality of infinity, I dimly perceive as I suffer, and am aware of something so wonderful, words fail completely. I may as well be my pet cat, trying to describe quantum mechanics.

Joy may simply be intimacy with God. Knowing the world/universe makes sense at a level far deeper than language is capable of describing. Of knowing God. Not knowing about Him, but a direct experience of the divine.

Why is Joy important? In the Bible, there are many verses that call us to be joyful. If joy is mere ultimate happiness, then we can find Joy by becoming more and more happy. If Joy is an entirely different category of thing, not mere emotion, but direct connection to the divine, then we need to learn to seek it in a very different way than simply chasing happiness. I can't define Joy, but I know it exists, and seek it in my life.

Heaven may simply be full direct immersion in Joy. Joy so amazing, so wonderful that it is beyond our understanding. As Paul said, "now I see through a glass darkly, but then face to face". I wonder; could we stand full bore Joy. Or would it be too overwhelming for us to endure. Is that why Moses' face glowed as he came down from the mountain? Is God's refining process designed to burn away the dross, leaving us prepared to encounter Joy at its most radiant?

Today has been a day of intimacy with God, yet not an easy day. It started with our washing machine breaking down, and included a $50 parking ticket, as well as meetings with various officials that promised no easy answers, but only the challenge of hard work, and no guarantee of success. Yet this day was one filled with life. Filled with intimacy with God. Knowing He is with me. Knowing His presence. Feeling a touch of true Joy.

While words fail, perhaps this poem gives a faint glimmer of True Joy.

In God’s Presence
When you come
to church,
do you come
to My presence?
Do you hear Me?
Do you feel Me?
Do you see Me?
Do I touch you?

By your acts
praise Me.
Not just by words.
Talk is cheap.
Actions are dear.
Do you love Me?
Know how I care?

Do you know
both awe & intimacy?
Will you give up control?
I won’t give you answer.
I won’t give you certainty.
Trust in Me.
Feel My presence
deep in your heart.
© Presbypoet, January 14, 2001

Do you feel His joyful presence in your heart?

Give Thanks

2005-11-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

As we near thanksgiving, it is time to give thanks.
Here is a poem on the subject.
Give Thanks

Gather together
Rejoice - for
and in all things.
Be thankful.

Learn to
give thanks
Be blessed
& bless others.

Your thanksgiving
pleases Me, (gives Me joy).
It is a fragrant
offering to Me.

When you give thanks
it blesses you.
You learn to
be grateful.

If you are grateful
it helps strengthen.
Helps you endure.
Helps you persevere.

Being thankful
blesses others.
It can melt cold hearts
& encourage others.
(Psalm 100, 1st Thessalonians. 5:16-18)
(inspired by Allen R., November 20, 2005).
© Presbypoet, November 20, 2005

Finding Joy in the Midst of Suffering

2005-11-19T23:14:00.000-08:00

In this time of pain, a time that seems so hard, God reminds us what the truth is, in suffering find joy. The greatest secret in the world. Joy is offered in the midst of suffering.

This poem expresses a faint glimpse of what we are offered.
In Your Suffering find Joy

I offer gift –
suffering.
Gift of trial.
Wilderness.
Pain.
Sending you to
valley of the shadow
of death.

You think suffering evil.
You ask for release
from pain.
Escape from Life’s
torment.
You don’t trust Me
in your wilderness.

See Me in your suffering.
Feel Me in your suffering.
Know Me in your suffering.
Understand My plan.
Know How I came
to suffer for you.
Know I came
to die for you.

In your suffering
be transformed.
A grain of wheat must die.
Must die to produce life.
In your suffering
find joy.
Learn to trust Me
in your suffering.
(John 12:23-27)
© Presbypoet, September 8, 2002

Do you understand?

Suffering a Gift from God?

2005-11-18T20:05:00.000-08:00

The bible says Jesus was made perfect through suffering. Paul in Romans says Rejoice when you suffer, (5:3) because it trains us to endure. So should we ask for suffering? Should we be like Luther, who beat himself? Do we go off into the desert? Go sell everything? Get rid of anything that makes us comfortable. Get rid of things we do for fun? What does this pain thing mean?

On September 11th, 2001 the same day as the attack, I heard this poem.

Suffering, God’s Gift

I offer gift to you,
suffering, pain & woe.
All stronger than you,
can stand or endure.
Will you trust Me,
when I offer this gift?
Will you still follow,
as you bear your cross.

Cross too heavy,
to carry on your own.
Will you join martyrs,
ready to die for Me?
In midst of senseless death.
Death of innocents,
death unexplained,
pain to no purpose.

Will you seek My purpose?
Will you follow Me?
Will you drink My cup,
offered James & John?
Will you find joy,
in midst of suffering?
Feel My love,
in midst of tears?

© Presbypoet, 1: 15 PM, September 11, 2001, still in shock at unknown, awful, pain and loss.
Loss that served no good purpose, yet death planned by unknown killers. Lord, help us see you in this pain.
Help us see you in such awful death.
Help us say, forgive them, they know not what they do.

More on Pain

2005-11-16T20:27:00.000-08:00

To continue on this painful posting, this poem expands on the theme of pain as your friend; what it can teach us, and how it can help us. I don't ask for pain. I know God gives it as a gift. It isn't the pain, but what we learn, in the same way a good teacher will give a student a pop quiz to teach them what they don't know.

Often men refuse to listen to pain, choosing instead to ignore, or pretend. My father after he fell, and broke his back, sat at home for an entire day, refusing to call for help, pretending he didn't hurt enough to require going to the hospital, refusing to listen to his pain.
Do you ever ignore your friend pain?

Pain, your close friend
Listen to my message.
Heed my call.
I come to help you.
I came to warn you.
I’m your friend
& ally.
Yet one you
want to ignore.

My warning hurts.
You don’t want it at all.
If you disregard
perhaps I’ll go away.
I’m your friend.
Listen to my warning.
I tell you what
you don’t want to hear.

Your body’s language
comes from me.
Pay close attention.
Hear what I say.
I warn you of danger.
I warn you of harm.
I give you escape
from your deep peril.

I offer you healing.
I offer you hope.
But you must listen.
You must obey.
Yield to my warning.
Slow down & stop.
Listen to your body.
Listen to your pain.

© Presbypoet, April 30, 2001

Finding God in Pain

2005-11-15T23:36:00.000-08:00

Romans, Chapter five, says we are to rejoice in suffering.
Most Christians find this hard. Didn't we become Christians to be protected?
We want God to heal us. We want him to get rid of our addictions. Like the disciples in the boat, we want Him to calm the storm. The following poem is a message to me about how we find him in pain. Not to be saved from the pain, but purified in the pain. This message came when I was betrayed by someone in church. The temptation was strong to leave, and find a "better" church. In my pain, Jesus spoke.

As I study the PUP report, this poem also reminds me of the pain caused by "others" in the PCUSA. Pain that makes us want to leave. Pain that we think will go away if we just can change them. The answer isn't simple.
Listen to Jesus.
Learn to forgive.
Learn to hear God speak.
Learn God is using both of us.
I pray I will hear God's message and accurately write God's words. I know He loves me.

Finding God in Pain

You think you’re a shepherd.
You’re a sheep.
Wrapped in My loving arms
I love you dear sheep.
Share your pain with Me.
Now you know what I felt
when My own rejected My embrace.
What will you do My dear sheep?

What will you do when all reject you?
Tell you it’s demon you follow.
Will you be discouraged?
Will you give up?
Will you abandon My course?
Will you be obedient?
Will you march through My pain?
Pain of betrayal by one you trust.

Hurt to your core, pain overwhelming.
What will you do My dear sheep?
Sorrow for rejection and treachery.
Suffering too appalling to endure.
Will you go forth in your suffering?
Will you go on through the pain,?
Will you hang in agony?
Nailed by ones you trust.

Why do you follow Me?
Through a life fulfilled in sorrow.
Through a life completed in pain.
See what I came to endure.
See what I came to fulfill.
Brother & mother & dearest disciple
rejected Me, told Me “hold back”.
Abandoned me at the cross.

Forgive the one who hurts you.
You can’t hear Me in him otherwise.
Know I love him also.
I'm using all your imperfections,
to build up a body for Me.
I’m working on him in other ways.
Learn to listen together.
Hear Me together as brothers.

I’m your Lord and your Master.
Serve Me in all that’s important.
I send you places I chose.
Not just ones safe in your mind.
Let Me cleanse all of your stain.
Pain’s burning to purify.
To include you in My design
dear sheep in My arms.

Never will I abandon or forsake you.
I love you too much My dear sheep.
Justice and peace do I give you
all according to My plan.
Freedom from pain isn’t offered
nor freedom from sorrow.
I’ll snatch anything from you
that keeps you far from My name.

Hold your church very lightly
always ready to let go.
No church ever perfect
not even one tied to My name.
Let Me teach you a lesson.
You won’t find Me in church.
You find Me in loving relationship
held close to My bosom in Love.

© May 16, 2000, Presbypoet

Hearing Jesus

2005-11-15T19:05:00.000-08:00

I see I am not the only one who hears from God.
Leslie over at the insomniac has a post with a message from Jesus. She tells me she heard it at 3 in the morning, so she is living up to her name.
http://theinsomniac.blogs.com/the_insomniac/2005/11/christs_holy_pa.html
Read it. You will hear the voice of Jesus speak.

Pain, a Friend?

2005-11-14T10:52:00.000-08:00

The insomniac is posting on pain.
http://theinsomniac.blogs.com/the_insomniac/2005/11/providence.html
We don't like pain. We want to get rid of it.
Yet pain should be our friend.
Sound strange?
Listen to this poem.
Pain, a Friend

Pain comes to you
as a friend.
To warn you
of danger.

A friend you
don’t want.
A friend you’d
like to leave.

When pain is silent
not a good friend.
Awful disaster
may overrun.

Like a good friend
pain talks to us.
Warns us of danger
keeps us from death.

© Presbypoet, March 21, 2001

What do you think?

Take My Hand

2005-11-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

When trouble comes. Pain, death, sorrow, suffering..., (the list so long).
We know we need help.
We tend to be drawn closer to God in our need.
Yet for many, they don't know they can reach out.
He is so close. Yet He waits,
patient like the prodigal's father,
waiting for us to reach out.
The blessing of these poems,
so many not yet posted,
is being able to read messages from God,
both in time of sorrow, and in time of joy.

What amazes me is how things written years ago seem so fresh.
He calls to me in this time of woe, stress so strong,
that seems more than I can handle.
Yet He has already given me His words.
Such a simple answer.

Reach out.
Take My hand.

All I have to do is remember.
All I have to do is reach out.
He is there.

This poem so appropriate:

Take My Hand
Step out in faith.
Know I’m with you.
In darkness
see My light.
When life’s woes
press around you
reach out your hand.
Know I’m with you.

As we walk
along the path
hear Me speak
in the silence.
Listen to Me
as you rush
far too busy
to stop & pray.

Turn aside
hear My voice
in wounded man
beside your path.
In your pain
take My hand.
Climb into My lap.
Rest in My peace.

© June 6, 2001, Presbypoet

I rest.
Secure.
Knowing He is present.
He fills me.
I am at peace.
Now to go take up my cross.
Presbypoet, November 14, 2005

November

2005-11-13T23:27:00.000-08:00

Here in California, the weather still is nice. Yet there are signs of winter. My life has been filled with thoughts of death & pain, with my father recovering from his broken back, my son still thinking of suicide, and my wife with a painful back. We all will die. So why should we rejoice?

This poem from God about November may answer that question.

Days shorten.
Sun sinks low.
Hope fades.
Trees abandon life.
Winter’s death strides.
Life’s little deaths
remind you
of your end.

In your gloomy
November.
Will you trust Me?
Will you hear Me?
Will your actions
show you trust Me?
Will your actions
show you hear Me?

Know I walk
close beside.
As winter’s
gloom looms.
Know I’m God
of the living.
Reach out.
Take My hand.

Sacrifice all.
Live in integrity.
Remain true.
Do you really believe?
Act on My plan.
Be not afraid.
Rejoice as winter’s shadow
gently brushes.
2 Timothy 4: 1-9
© Presbypoet, November 18, 2001

I have been reaching out quite frequently lately. I need His strength.

Hear Me in the Other's voice

2005-11-12T23:22:00.000-08:00

As I prepare to attempt to explain, and criticize the report from the Peace Unity and Purity Task Force of the PCUSA, it came, that the other, the one I disagree with, may be the one to teach me. This exercise in humility, is necessary. This poem came in 2003, I try to remember it. I am not perfect. Here is the poem.

Hear Me in the Other’s Voice
You want the heretic
to admit he’s wrong.
You want the fundamentalist
to admit he’s wrong.
You want everyone
to agree with you.
You are so sure
you know the truth.

In your religious battles
learn to hear Me
with the ears of the other.
See Me in the eyes of the other.
The more certain you are
of My truth
the greater danger
you’ll become Pharisee.

Is your faith so fragile
you fear to hear the other?
Is your faith so weak
you fear to examine it?
Don’t be afraid to hear Me
in the other’s voice.
Don’t be afraid to see Me
through the eyes of the other.
© Presbypoet, July 17th, 2003

Choosing Not to Heal

2005-11-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

Laer, on Cheat Seeking Missiles, points to the death of a pastor in Waco during a church service.
http://cheatseekingmissiles.blogspot.com/2005/11/kyle-lakes-last-sermon.html

He asks: " When something like this happens, it reminds us that we cannot understand the plans of God. Why a pastor, husband and father of two died in such a horrible circumstance. Why Esau ended up in Waco that day. Why."
We seem to think being a Christian will protect us from problems. When my brother died of cancer, he had thousands of people around the world praying for healing. God chose not to heal him. Here are some thoughts, and a poem about that topic.

True intimate relationship with God may send us to our version of the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus wrestled with God over the need to go through the whole betrayal/suffering/crucifixion thing. Jesus keeps reminding his disciples, and us, that they killed the prophets. When you read Paul's description of what he went through, in 2nd Corinthians 11:23-33, we have little to complain about. It would be hard for anyone to claim they have come close to Paul's suffering.
In the Old Testament, we have the story of Job, and the story of Elijah in 1st Kings 17:7-24, where he runs out of food, and God sends him to the widow of Zarephath. No matter what our problems, I doubt many would willingly trade places with either Elijah or the widow.

What seems like unanswered prayer, either for healing, or for material help, may make some doubt. It is a hard question. In this poem I ask Jesus about those He chooses not to heal.

Choosing Not to Heal

How do You know
Who not to heal?
A much easier answer:
Just heal all.
No questions.
No pain.

So much harder
to say No.
How do we know
we can trust You?
If You heal only
part of the time.

How did You know in Galilee
when Your “father” died.
Not to heal.
Not heal one
who was obedient
raised you as his own.

Lord help us understand
why You don’t heal.
Why You allow
misery & pain.
Help us see You
when You say No.

© Presbypoet, August 29, 2001

I asked this question two weeks before 9-11. I had no idea what was coming. The question certainly was timely. It always is.

Prayer Request For Soldier going to Iraq

2005-11-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

Pray for Rebecca.

She is going to Iraq. She is an only daughter. Her mother understands. She not only wants to go, but sees it as her duty.

Our duty is to pray for her. Well, pray for both of them. Protection for Rebecca, and peace for her mother.

As a veteran, who served during Vietnam, it is important that we serve. We live in a country that is free only because men, and now women are willing to put their lives on the line for us. Many of them died, so we may live.

A Prayer for Rebecca
We live in freedom.
Blessed with much.
Lord, may we remember
Rebecca and her comrades.

They go for us.
We bless their names.
Those we know and
those unknown.
(c) Presbypoet 11-05-05
Thank you Rebecca, for your service.

November 11th is a holiday. Do you remember why?

On that day remember all who served to keep our country alive.

Deep Water, Paradox Part 2

2005-11-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

Leslie,at the insomniac, is also talking about paradox.
http://theinsomniac.blogs.com/the_insomniac/2005/11/abundant_life.html
Paradox, where the truth is hid. I love paradox, it stretches my mind beyond the breaking point. Leslie talks about the paradox of "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it".*

This is not a simple paradox, in fact, it includes some internal paradoxes. We need to surrender our lives to Him. Like Jesus in the garden. (Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42).

A strange piece of this surrendered life is to rejoice when we are given the gift of suffering. To rejoice when God sends us into the storm, the same way He sent the disciples off into a storm alone, after feeding thousands (Matthew 14, Mark 6, John 15). Then when they struggle in the storm, He comes, but not to them, instead, it says "He was about to pass by them." (Mark 6:48). The disciples trusted Jesus to keep them safe, yet He intentionally sends them away. (Matthew 14:22) It says; "...Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of Him..."
Either Jesus didn't know there was a storm, or He is deliberately placing them in peril.
Then he waits.
All night.
As His disciples struggle against the wind.
Alone.
Wondering again, "Don't you care if we drown?"(Mark 4:38).

For us followers of The Way, this seems to be what losing your life to gain it means. Trusting, when He has sent us off.
Alone.
He seems so distant.
The pain so great.
The task impossible.
We ask; "Don't you care if we drown?"
We are in water way over our head.
Alone.
This is the abundant life? How can it be?

Leslie is on to something with this, "what is life?" question. This simple paradox, that as it unfolds/we unfold it, the amazing awesome presence of God starts to be known. How he is always with us, yet sends us off alone, (another paradox).

Sends us into water way over our heads.

Deep Water.

I send you
into deep water.
Water over your head
you cannot stand.
Waves too menacing
threaten to engulf.
So powerful
they’d overwhelm you.

On your own
nothing you can do.
Keep your eyes on Me.
Come to Me on the water.
I promise you
no easy path.
Evil will assail you
threaten to undo you.

I am with you
to the ends of the earth.
In your peril
you will find Me.

© May 28, 2000, Presbypoet

Has He sent you into deep water?
Do you know He is with you?

Go Into the Furnace

2005-11-02T21:02:00.000-08:00

The blessing of hearing poetry, is that it can be so wonderful to read it years later and see how it speaks to me. This poem was written almost four years ago, but is so fresh to me now, as I try to help my father with his broken back, my son and his afflictions, and my other worries. Now my wife's back is hurting. What next? So God's "suggestions" to me seem very applicable. Pray I will remember to trust.
We all need to keep being reminded.

On to the poem.

Go into the furnace.
Too hot to endure.
Like Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego.
Trust Me.
I am with you.
Go forward.
Thru midst of trouble
on My way.

Sometimes the burning’
just what you need.
Trouble brings wisdom.
Trials refine.
When death strikes near.
Illness strips strength.
Learn I’m in control.
I prepare you with suffering.

Don’t fear the furnace.
Your life part of My plan.
Step from boat’s safety
into the storm.
In wilderness
I mold you to My will.
Be not afraid.
Trust Me in life’s furnace.

(Daniel 3:1-28)
Thanks to Michael W. for the inspiration
© Presbypoet, December 30, 2001, & January 6, 2002

After reading Peggy Noonan's weekly column October 27th, perhaps I should send her a copy. She seems down.
http://www.opinionjournal.com/columnists/pnoonan/?id=110007460

Be not afraid.

Peace, Unity, Purity

2005-10-28T20:44:00.000-07:00

We learn from those who see differently than we do. Right now I'm reading an important Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) document called "Peace, Unity and Purity." The PCUSA has been going through its own version of the civil war, now going on in all the mainline churches. This report is an four year effort by a formal group of 20 people appointed from both sides to sit down and talk to each other, and try to see if there is a way for us to stay together. A message for all of us caught in the culture wars.

One of the important strands of being an American comes from Presbyterians. We have a saying: "Do things decently and in order." Not steamrollering over your opposition, but letting the minority speak, going through the process. The American form of government is modeled after the presbyterian form of government.

In case you wonder at my perspective, this is a poem written in 2001, about the PCUSA (written prior to the vote at a presbytery meeting to send delegates to General Assembly).
Harlot, or Faithful?

You tell me you are faithful
you claim to love me true.
You are but painted harlot.
unfaithful in adulterous views.
You call yourself my bride
Yet heed the Devil’s call.
You listen to seductive voice
that tempts you to your fall.
You claim to hear my voice
yet never do you listen.
My burning wind will come upon you
to sweep away your rot.
Babylon’s army stands at crossroad.
Following My path.
Repent of your deep evil
or death comes from My wrath.

You claim to be so tolerant.
To preach only of My love.
But you’re only idolaters
worshipping tolerance of evil.
You lie of universal forgiveness
despite your words that claim
that on that tree, true God died
to free you from your sin.
You stand at time of choosing.
Which path will you go down?
Is it the straight and narrow?
Or the broad and wide?
I’ve given you My warning.
You chose Bill Clinton’s lies.
Instead of protecting marriage
you offer sin reward.

You vote for death.
You vote for lies.
You hypocrites, I despise.
I spew you from my mouth.
You claim to care for children
Yet listen to teachers union lies
who care not for children trapped in awful schools
but only members dues, rather than offer choice.
Your leaders speak of Justice
but Mine will you not hear.
It’s only deceitful rhetoric
disguising whitewashed tomb.
You vote for death
you’d 486 the innocent.
Free evil killers
while you disarm the weak.

You lead the church astray
You send the sheep away.
You drive away the prophets
who speak of apostasy.
You don’t believe the words you said
when you promised to obey.
You obey your own beliefs
not what the Word would say.
You wonder why your flocks
leave for greener pastures.
They leave your lies
and seek my truth.
You try to hide your lies
in words that sound like truth.
House divided, jagged chasm cracks
covered over, pretending all is right.

I offer you chance for repentance.
Abandon unfaithfulness.
Read not the book of order
but My true book of confession.
Confess your sins.
Confess your error.
Admit your wrong.
Admit your doubt.
Confess and be healed.
Confess and be whole.
I offer forgiveness
real, not just pretend.
There is nothing I cannot forgive
from all your harlot ways.
But you must truly repent
turn back from destruction’s path.

My faithful remnant
who’ve never bowed down.
I call you to speak honestly
with Love for those who lie.
Yes speak my truth.
No matter how painful
hated by those
who seek death’s broad easy way.
Your tolerance will kill you
kill your adulterous church.
Like Judah’s unfaithful harlot.
Babylon comes for you.
At your Ohio meeting
you will have to choose.
Will you follow heaven?
Or pay the devil’s dues?

This is last chance offered.
There are many of mine present here
but some will suffer awful pain
small faithful remnant left.
Who will you send?
Whose voice will speak?
On distant fateful shore
to make your church’s choice.
(Jeremiah 4:1-31 helped inspire)
January 26,2001 ©Presbypoet

No Longer Hidden

2005-10-27T22:24:00.000-07:00

Sitting alone one October morning, this is what i saw.

Such a peaceful park.
Grass carefully mowed.
Trees carefully pruned.
So green, so alive.
Hidden in the grass
flat rectangular slabs
color of dead concrete
artfully hide death.

Death and decay
hidden from view.
Frail father so helpless.
In pain from broken bones.
Paper thin skin easily torn.
Will he see next year?
We try to pretend
death's not real.

Son in severe pain.
Depression oppresses.
He threatens suicide.
We wrestle with death.
Death so final.
Decay the result.
Hope seems distant.
Hidden from view.

The end?

I see death
no longer hidden.
So close.
So real.
Yet death hides
a secret within.
Unwed girl, heavy & hot
a child hides within.

Ballooning body
no longer hidden.
Gossips whisper.
Men pick up stones.
A simple babe born
hidden in Egypt.
Sent here to earth
to suffer and die.

Nails driven so deep.
Death no longer hidden.
His body broken.
Death truly real.
Yet hid in his death
is life everlasting.
No longer hidden.
He promises life.
© Presbypoet, October 21 & 27, 2005

As I sat in a cemetery to pray, I saw we pretend death isn't real. We hide it, as though we could hide from it. This place of death, tried to hide death. Yet for me, death is so real. I can't pretend. I know death's face. It stalks my father, and my son.

But after describing death's reality, I realized death wasn't the end. There was hope hidden within. Jesus had come to die for me, so hidden within death was hope. Real death, and real hope. So it comes full circle; from life, to death, to life. The secret no longer hidden.

Anne Rice has a Jesus Book

2005-10-25T23:21:00.000-07:00

I see bookworm has noted Anne Rice (The vampire lady) has become a Christian and written a "Christian" novel about Jesus. You can read more at her blog here. http://bookwormroom.blogspot.com/2005/10/there-are-no-atheists-in-foxholes.
I'm not into vampires, but I have read some of Rice's books. The big question is; does she think being a Christian, she has to write "nice". You ought to be able to hear real truth from us Christians. We should be willing to admit there is both great evil and pain, and great hope and joy. I've gone to some "Christian" writers conferences, and had people say that my writing isn't Christian enough. Apparently "Christian" writers have to write about people who don't swear, never have any troubles that Jesus can't solve easily, and can't have any doubts.
It is easy to write about evil and pain, everyone knows them. Writing "my" poems, writing of:
pain, persecution, suffering, sorrow, evil, oppression, hopelessness, depression, death, doubt and fear is easy. I have a page with all the synonyms. I know them too well. From reading Rice, she had a good fix on horror, hope was a little lacking.
It is hard to write about true joy. Joy that knows pain. Joy that offers true hope, not the saccharine substitute that whines; "I hope you'll be OK.", with no real evidence to offer, as opposed to real rock solid faith, that knows. It is hard is to write the truth of real hope, joy, peace, compassion, faith, love, wisdom, courage and truly knowing God. Those words come hard. I've come to know each of those words contains so much more than I can ever hope to understand, let alone find words to express, all I can say is:
"Lord, I am not worthy." Yet, this is the greatest gift to offer, to somehow show a tiny part of God's magnificent Joy & Peace. How He loved us so much, He came to truly suffer and die for me & you. To offer real hope.
The greatness of Tolkien and Lewis is rooted in their reality. Not, "They lived happily ever-after.", but, in the midst of evil's apparent triumph, there is hope. Real hope. Not an easy road, but a narrow road that leads to life. I wonder if Rice will stay connected to the horror, the reality of life, and be able to add the joy of knowing Jesus? This is my "hope" for Rice. That she not fear to write the truth. To show us true joy in midst of suffering. May she truly show us Jesus. May she truly show us life. I've reserved a copy from my local library, (no buying any more new books, until we sell a few of the thousands we already have).

Hope 2

2005-10-25T00:54:00.000-07:00

We live in a world where often the more we know, the less hope there is. We see danger. We see the awful possiblities. WMD, atomic bombs set lose in American Cities. Economic disaster. Losing the cultural war. I see more clearly than most all the possible disasters. Looking at the past hurricane season, we should give thanks. With the mistakes made, had things turned out slightly differently, more than 100,000 could lie dead from this not unexpected season. So I give thanks that so many were spared.

Hope is a strange thing. For one thing, there are two kinds of hope. The first is the wimpy hope, kind of a I see disaster looming, "I hope you will be OK". A "hope" that promises nothing, just a close your eyes and wish it would all go away. A "hope" built on sand, easily washed away with the first blast of the storm. The second type is stronger. It doesn't promise sucess, but promises it is possible. This is the voice heard by one trapped in a gloomy swamp, up to their ears in alligators, that promises:
"It is possible to get out." When the sharp retort asks; "How do you know?". It clearly promises; "Because I was where you are, and there is a way out." That is true hope. The thing with multi-colored feathers, seen in the dead of winter, a vision of the possible. Not a promise that it will be easy. No guarantee of sucess. Simply that it is possible, be of good cheer. Elisha's servant, who saw the enemy army all around, lost hope. He didn't see God's angel army all around (2nd Kings 6:17) When Elisha prayed, he was given eyes to see.

This poem is simply titled "Hope". The real kind.

Hope

Real hope.
Not anemic
pseudo stuff
we’d settle for.
Real hope
foundation sure
when waves
crash against the rock.

Spirit comes
to fill us.
angel unexpected
we see.
When we have
no needs
we need
no hope.

It’s found in wilderness
parched desert
in rod poised high
to strike the rock.
In suffering
pain & uncertainty
listen to hidden wings
icon of invisible strength.
(Exodus 17:5-7)
© Presbypoet, February 11, 2001

I've known hope for a long time.
I've needed it.

Why the PCUSA is in trouble 2

2005-10-21T15:40:00.000-07:00

The PCUSA is in trouble. Part of the problem is we elevate pastors. The PCUSA talks about the priesthood of all believers, then limits ministers to those who have survived ceminary, a place to kill your faith. The temptation is to fall into the Catholic trap of: "If you are religious, you should become a religious." Instead, we should realize God has sent each of us to be part of a body, where we should listen to each other, to hear what God would have us do.

Being a smart, well educated elder (who is humble too), who Knows God, who hears Him, I see what is missing in so many 's faith. They may have heard about Jesus, and as pastors know a great deal about Him, but they don't know Him (going to presbytery meetings will either kill your faith, or make it stronger).

I am going through a very hard time. My father is in the hospital, after breaking three vertebrae in his spinal cord. I have a son threatening suicide. I face impossible financial problems. Without God, it would be impossible. I know He is with me. I am not alone. It makes a world of difference. Being part of a body, where I can go to my pastor; be anointed with oil and prayed for, to share the pain, to know others pray with me, is essential. But my faith is not just knowing God provides for me, but learning what He teaches in this pain. To marvel at how the refiners fire burns away the dross of life, that keeps me from being totally present in Him. As He empties me, I can be filled.

Knowing the Word is crucial. One of my favorite stories is Elijah going to Zarephath, (1st Kings 17:7-24) where the widow awaits with her last flour and oil. Compared to Elijah, I am so well off, I have nothing to complain about. If I didn't know the Word, I would miss this story's blessing. How many lay people truly know the Word? How many have it in their hearts, where God can speak to them through His Word? No matter how big or small the church, are all being discipled for service?

I found a copy of the PCUSA Bible test for ordination online on Steve Whitney's blog
http://www.whitneyhq.com/biblecontent/
Without studying, took the 2004 & 2005 tests, scored 82%, I'm weak on the Psalms and wisdom writings. Now I know what I need to read. How many elders would pass? How many know what they don't know? The greatest blessing for all of us. To know what we don't know. The blessing Jesus gave the rich young ruler, who didn't appreciate it at the time, but may have later.

Should we test elders on Biblical knowledge, to make sure they at least know if Job is in the old or new testament?

Yet it isn't just book knowledge, how do we know if elders know God? We can ask them, but how do we know? How do they know? God asks: "Do you know?"

Do You Know?

Do you know
I love you?
Do you know
I care?
Do you know
I seek
your greatest
joy?

Do you see Me?
Do you hear Me?
Do you feel My
tender touch?
Don’t think
to find Me
in rules
or commandments.

You don’t find Me
with your intellect.
You don’t find Me
in your feelings.
You find Me
when you know
My great love
for you.

You find Me
when you open
yourself
to Me.
You find Me
when you come
as prodigal
to share My joyful feast
©Presbypoet, October 20, 2002

More PCUSA insanity

2005-10-20T23:52:00.000-07:00

If you want both more understanding about the insanity in the PCUSA, and another chance to be horrified, there will be a tri-Presbytery event, November 12, 2005 in Oakland, California called:
Presbyterians in Conversation
On the Middle East
Transforming Fear to Love:

More details are at
http://www.sfpby.org/mearticle.htm

I suspect it should be called: "Presbyterians who think Israel is the problem, feeding you propaganda to confirm your prejudices."

Again, I abjectly apologize for the "useful idiots" in "my" demonination.

Thoughts on Joel Osteen

2005-10-18T22:56:00.000-07:00

Some people in church are listening to Joel Osteen, the latest, "Name it and claim it" preacher. I worry about this. Perhaps it is best to understand this as serving milk to infant Christians. He promises God will give you what you pray for. The problem; God isn't some cosmic vending machine that always gives you what you want. It sounds wonderful, and in some part is true. God does say. "Trust Me. I will provide." Except that is just the start

The problem is best expressed by a song sung at our last Presbytery meeting, "Shelter Us Under Your Wings". We want to be safe and comfortable, have God shelter us. We are like the disciples in the boat, who woke Jesus to do something about the storm. We want to take our troubles to Jesus, and let him take are of them. This is true, but it's only the start. The disciples woke Jesus to take care of their problem. They were terrified when He asked why they hadn't done anything about it, as if He expected they could calm this raging storm. At the transfiguration, Peter wants to pitch a tent, and stay in this wonderful place. Jesus sends them down into the valley, where the disciples Jesus has left alone to be responsible can't heal, and Jesus calmly explains. "This one requires prayer and fasting. " As though they should have known it, and why did they not understand. He was equipping them to deal with it, but at the time it had to be terribly uncomfortable. God delights in giving us pop quizzes to show us what we don't know, so we can learn.

We tend to go to church for what it can give us, and leave if we aren't being fed. Instead, we should ask God where He would have us go, so we can serve Him. When you read the gospels, you see the 12 are being equipped to be of service, not just to be fed (that lesson of the loaves and fishes). Jesus heals Peter's Mother In Law, and immediately she gets up to serve. So much of our discipling comes from hard lessons. Painful lessons. Perhaps the only ones we remember are the painful ones. Crisis either drives us away from God, or closer to Him.

As we can see from the disciples, who Jesus sent, or left alone. Jesus sends us to uncomfortable places, places we never would have gone on our own.
To a smoke shop in a small town in Iowa to speak to those abandoned by the church.
To minister to a nurse, as you lie helpless in a bed bleeding internally.
To sacrifice your life for a son.
To be willing to strive with your last ounce of courage to speak the truth in love, and bite your tongue when tempted to speak the wrong words.
To Presbytery, knowing the fix is in, and it is all badly done farce.
To Africa, when you told God that was the one place you never wanted to go.

This ministry of poetry comes from pain, not from a life of ease. The first poem I wrote was at the death of Alice, when pain produced a poem:
http://poemsfromgod.blogspot.com/2005/08/death-of-alice.html
It taught: If you love, you will be hurt. If you truly love, you must let them go so they can come to you. As you do this, there is danger in freedom, that cannot be removed any more than you can get rid of one side of a coin.

Here is a short poem that sums it up:
Go Through the Pain

You ask to escape from pain.
Pray for protection
from life’s storms.
Shelter from suffering.
Escape from wilderness.
My answer is hard.

I send you
into suffering.
I send you
into wilderness.
I sent My disciples alone
into that dark Galilee storm.

Trust Me.
I send you alone
to uncomfortable
impossible places.
Step out into your storm
Come.(to Me)
(Matthew 14:22-31, Peter walking on water)
© Presbypoet, September 15, 2002

How many come to church to serve, not be served? (we also need to learn when to say no to the church, and not serve out of guilt. Too many elders burn out serving on session)

Thoughts on Iraq

2005-10-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

They voted.

We haven't won. But we are further down the road.
We will win. We have three years. You don't win guerrilla wars quickly. You need to be patient. I lived through the sixties. If those bombers had been as willing to kill, just as many people would have died. The reason they didn't was that it is a stupid tactic. In Iraq, all the terrorists are doing is generating anger against them. Apparently AQ agrees with that.

When we pull back to secure bases to prepare for Iran, local forces will finish the job. We need more time for training, the bombings do slow down recovery. It isn't easy, but compared to where I expected us to be after two years, we are on track. I expected a five year program. We are after all building up a democracy from scratch. When did our occupation forces leave Japan and Germany? Read some of the writings about the low expectations about Japan after WWII. We underestimate the attraction of freedom. I welcome a democratic Iraq to the UN.

I give Saddam credit for preparing a defense in depth, and not surrendering. It has made it harder. It was something we didn't expect, although it is a scorched earth plan like the Russians used to defeat Napoleon. It is hard to imagine your opponent will destroy his own country. Since we had almost no human agents in Iraq, it isn't surprising we had some surprises. He didn't surrender. The Sunni still have illusions of empire. At some point they will realize democracy is the last best hope they have of survival. It is suicide to fight a civil war outnumbered 3 to 1. If we cut and ran, the Sunni in Iraq would be the ones who would suffer. The Kurds have been restrained. There have been few revenge killings. We haven't given the Kurds any credit for their restraint. Although, our promises of justice may have been believed by the Kurds. Without our restraining presence, blood would have flowed, to revenge Saddam's horrors. It would have made 20,000 to 40,000 deaths since the war a drop in a very bloody bucket.

My main reason for optimism is that Bush has guts. He will not give up. That is all we need to know. The MSM can and will do damage. They are making it harder, and killing Americans by encouraging the enemy. At some point we will experience a terrorist horror in this country much worse than most can imagine. This war isn't over. It will not be over, until those who think they can impose Islam by force are completely defeated. It happened in 732, it happened in 1683. It didn't happen in 1453, and that cost the world. It also led to Columbus.

I am a realistic optimist. History helps me understand where we are going. Be not afraid. We can win. It may not be easy.

Thoughts about Paradox

2005-10-15T23:28:00.000-07:00

Paradox !

Paradox is a strange word. It seems to mean two opposites at the same time. Like being a Republican and Democrat at the same time, Liberal and Conservative. A cultured redneck. It doesn't mean irony, it doesn't mean equivocation, (a wishy-washy I can't decide, so I'll just split the middle, maybe the music is good, maybe it isn't). No. Paradox is an in your face kind of word. A word that makes us think. If we let it. A good paradox makes us uncomfortable. It shakes our sense we know how the world is made. Schrodinger's Cat, the dead/alive cat, that is the essence of paradox. That is not an equivocal cat, it is just both fully dead, and fully live. Ready to come drag a mouse onto our bed, or demand to be fed in its best regal manner. Yet it's also partly dead? How is this possible?

Paradox, like that cat dragging in a dead rat, brings in things that upset our comfortable existence. It points to things better ignored, left unsaid, things we hope will go away. The dictionary shows this same schizoid relationship. Webster's New World Dictionary (1970 version) has two opposing definitions of paradox. The first says: "A statement that seems contradictory, absurd, etc. but may be true in fact." The second, "a statement that is self-contradictory in face and, hence false." How can both of these be true at the same time? It's a paradox.

Paradox is at the heart of many of our theologic problems. I have a simple example of how we can get stuck on half the paradox. I asked God; how frequently to have communion? Catholics have it every day, many Protestants once a month. What was the true number? I asked.

God gave me a simple paradoxical answer. "Just do both." My response was immediate. "I can't do both. If I do one, I can't do the other." My human limitations make it impossible for me to both have communion every day, and once a month. It isn't that one is right and the other wrong, but both are right.

It is like the collapse of the wave function in quantum mechanics. The electron is both particle and wave, 100% of both, yet we can only verify one or the other. Our actions collapse the wave function to one or the other. Paradox is like that, some examples:

God is fully in charge, yet every act of mine has cosmic significance.
God cannot stand my sin, yet He loves me.
Our best theologic imaginings are only blind groping in the dark. Yet it is so simple that all we have to do is become as little children. A four year old may have the best chance to understand. He hasn't learned not to trust.

I heard this early one morning.
Prime Paradox

To know I am unknowable
and know you can know Me.
This is the heart of…
the essence of… Truth.

Not to know of My great love.
But to know My great love for you.
Such great love that gifts you with pain
to burn away all illusion.

To know without question
in the dark night of your soul.
There is pattern in chaos.
There is true hope for you.

In midst of uncertainty.
In the waves of life’s storms.
Hear Me and know Me
in the silence of doubt.
© Presbypoet, November 16, 2003,
heard at 6:30 AM

That is what this is all about. To know Him. So I like to hear what others see about Him from other perspectives. They help us know Him.

Spiritual Food

2005-10-15T00:40:00.000-07:00

Become mature
Don’t stop growing
in your faith.
Know Me.

Take the meat,
tough to chew.
Stop just
drinking milk.

Become mature.
Don’t be
a baby
in your spirit.

© Presbypoet, June 16, 2002
Ephesians 4:13-14, 1st Corinthians 3: 1-3, Hebrews 5:11-14
inspired by Dennis W sermon of June 16th.

Are you still drinking milk? Do You know what meat is?

Being Corrected

2005-10-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

This poem seems so appropriate today with so many criticizing for things they think are wrong. We resist correction, yet it can be the greatest blessing, when I learn I was wrong. We should thank those who teach us what we don't know.

Being Corrected
Thank you for ripping out my heart.
Leaving it bleeding cut to ribbons.
Thank you for teaching
how little I know.
Thank you for showing
what I was too blind to see.

© Presbypoet, March 24, 2002

Thoughts on being "Nice"

2005-10-06T01:41:00.000-07:00

Did you check out my "mild" comments about Hollywood Pres? You should have seen what I wrote as a first draft.

Remember my poem on Loving your Enemies from November 5th
http://poemsfromgod.blogspot.com/2004/11/al-fallujah-on-loving-our-enemy.html

We must learn when to throw tables. One weakness/strength of PCUSA is we do everything decently and in order, so we try to make everything look nice. Now that worked for Mr. Rogers, but men need to learn to be dangerous, ie PK, wild at heart. If we are going to make church interesting enough for men to want to come, we need to make it dangerous.

Ah, the new template, no more emerging church (I always get this image of some white pasty guy emerging from 10 years in the catacombs). But now the dangerous church. Challenging you to hear God. Challenging you to actually live your life as if you really had taken Jesus into you. (That is one place, Catholics don't go far enough, its not just taking His body in ,but taking Him IN). I've had some interesting experiences with God. It does get frustrating to see what so many don't see.

Found a copy of the PCUSA Bible test for ordination online on Steve Whitney's blog at
http://www.whitneyhq.com/biblecontent/
Without studying took the 2004 & 2005 tests, scored 82%, I'm weak on the Psalms and wisdom writings. Now I know what I need to read. How many elders would pass? How many know what they don't know? The greatest blessing for all of us. To know what we don't know. The blessing Jesus gave the rich young ruler, who didn't appreciate it at the time, but may have later.

But it isn't book knowledge. It is knowing Truth, the person of God, His Joy, His Love. For that a four year old will do. That was when I accepted Jesus in my Grandmother's kitchen.

If you want full contact Christianity, just let me know, we need it. Full truth, with full Love. Instead we have way too much of Jesus the nice guy, meek, mild, inoffensive, who would never send his disciples away into a storm like the real one did, then came to walk past them. We don't understand this guy, we want Jesus the nice guy.

So here he is:

Jesus a Nice Guy
You want Me
to be nice.
Just love you.
Just forgive you.
Accept you are broken.
Admit your sin.
Observe My commandments
they are My demand.

In awe & terror
flee from My face.
You can’t make
slightest demand.
You oppress the poor.
Your alliance robs the needy.
Your leaders lie.
You tolerate evil.

You want Me
to be soft.
To make you comfortable.
To make no demands.
Because I love you
I refine you.
I let Shishak (2 Chron 12:7)
Pillage your temple.

I drove the merchants
from your temple.
I strip you of all
that keeps you from Me.

© Presbypoet, March 26, 2000

Do you know this Jesus?

Outrageous Mercy and Grace

2005-10-04T23:38:00.000-07:00

It is easy to write poetry about scary stuff. The same way it is easy to preach about hell, and try to scare people into heaven. It is hard to understand and express the quality of mercy, the love, compassion God has for us. Not the wimpy love of Jesus the "nice guy", the one his disciples would never have recognized. Instead, a fierce love, like a mother bear for her cubs, or a father who has learned a boy has hurt his daughter. This is Jesus, who cares for us, who wants the best for us, and isn't afraid of pushing the envelope.

Jesus first miracle, is one his mom precipitates. He tells her, it's not time yet, yet he has compassion on an idiot who forgot to get enough wine. Not only that, but the stuff Jesus makes out of water turns out to be the good stuff. Ever hear a sermon on that? Real wine. Not grape juice. The hard stuff. Not just a gallon or so, but filling huge storage jars. I wonder what it would have been like to be there? Yet how many of us would have been as generous as Jesus. Would we have been so quick to provide the miracle? Are you sure you wouldn't have thought, why should this fool get a miracle. No one ever gave me so much blessing.

I will try to turn it into a poem.
One on outrageous mercy & grace.

Outrageous Mercy & Grace.
On turning water into wine.

When you turned
water into wine.
What were you doing?
Why waste your time
on an idiot who forgets
to order enough wine.
Why does he get
your compassion?
What did he do
to deserve such grace?

You don't make sense.
We can't understand.
Why change water
to wine?
Not only that, it's
better than he deserved.
We would have
taught him a lesson.
We'd make him
suffer for his sins.

Why do you cover
for this guys mistake?
Why do you let him
get off so easy?
Is it that we need
to learn to enjoy?
We need to learn
to celebrate?
Are we too much
like the elder brother?
Unable to rejoice with
brother returned from the grave.

Lord help us to appreciate
the grace you give.
As you pour out outrageous
amounts of blessing.
May we rejoice when
our brother gets more
than we know he deserves.
May we join your party
to drink from your wine
of new birth.
(John 2:1-11)
© September 27, 2005, Presbypoet
inspired by "anybudee"

Temptations

2005-10-03T23:33:00.000-07:00

We each have different temptations. If you put me in a room with every known narcotic, it would be no temptation. I would sit there, bored, with no real temptation. So for me to resist "temptation" is no big deal. I do have real temptations. Why do you think I killed free cell and solitaire on my computer?

Each of us has their own sexual attractions. I see it as similar to the way baby ducks imprint on the first thing they see, as their mother. It is likely our sexuality is crafted in a similar but much more complex way. Since attraction of the forbidden also comes into play here, nature and nurture are mixed in a way difficult to untangle. It is like depression that can have a physical, emotional, or spiritual cause.

Being familiar with OCD(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, the thing Howard Hughes had), it has some interesting implications for "urges". In OCD, someone can have an obsession that is not real. Like thinking; if they go for a ride, there will be a crash, or their clothes have become "contaminated" from dropping to the ground, or they are not clean, and must shower for hours, because they don't "feel" clean.

With behavior modification training, it is possible to actually change the way the brain works about these things, (proved by PET scans). While we are messing about with things we only know dimly, & are far from having any kind of true understanding, it may be possible to manipulate our "urges". Our simplistic ideas need to change.

If/when we do understand how to manipulate these basic urges, great care will need to be taken. Like with medications for depression and ADD, often the temptation will be to try to fix the inconvenient, rather than pathological. We may lose part of what makes us human.

Knowing all are fallen, no one is immune to temptation, means it isn't just a matter of finding "safe" people, who won't be tempted. I have always found it interesting Billy Graham refuses to be alone with a woman. Is that being hyper-vigilant? Or is it knowing your weakness, and not putting temptation in front of you?

The Catholic decision about Gays and ordination, can be seen as removing temptation, but is likely to be too broad a brush, akin to the Moslem practice of hiding women from view, so no man can be tempted. When we impose limits on who can serve God, we must be very careful we don't tell God; "You can't work that way.", and miss a leading of the Spirit. God seems quite fond of using broken pottery. Just read the Bible. This has major implications for the PCUSA, if we are truly to hear God in this, liberals will need to understand there is no right to ordination, and evangelicals will need to understand God may be working in unusual places, and for each of us to truly listen to God.

Jesus was tempted as we are, but his great temptation would have been to just skip the suffering. Not to become fully human. Here is a poem on the subject.

I Became Man

The devil tempted Me
not to be truly human.
Tempted Me to just
skip the suffering.

When I was tempted.
The offer was real.
I became fully man
and suffered with you.

Because I love you
I came to suffer.
I truly suffered for you.
Endured pain for you.

On that cross I hung
bearing full weight of sin.
The nails were real
driven into real flesh.

I died on that cross.
To free you from sin.
Then rose in three days.
With vic'tory over death.
(Matthew 4:1-11)
Inspired by homily by Fr. Michael M.
©Presbypoet, February 13, 2005

Is this one of our temptations, to resist God when he calls us through suffering to be refined and transformed?

Thoughts on Judas

2005-10-03T22:32:00.000-07:00

Why did Jesus allow Judas to betray him? Since Jesus knew, why permit Judas to do something Jesus clearly knew?

What if Judas had gone to the tomb? What if Judas had come to know he was forgiven? Would this not be such an extraordinary sign of God's amazing, wonderful, overflowing forgiveness. It would have been such a magnificent moment. A moment of such amazing grace, a prodigal son moment.

Every time I think of that, I am taken back to a strange "Sunday" morning in an occupied territory, where God intervened in human affairs. I know why Judas killed himself. The pain was too great. He had thought he knew, yet like all of us, he tried to act in his own strength.

There is no one God cannot forgive. Yet there is free will. Judas did choose. So did Peter. The only difference is Peter had the opportunity to learn he was forgiven. That is why we have "John's" extra chapter.

That is "all" evangelism is, helping people learn they are forgiven.

My reason for thinking Judas' sin is the "worst" possible, is that he killed God. Hard to come up with a worse sin.
What are your thoughts on Judas?

Why did Jesus allow Judas to betray?

What follows is a Poem from Judas, written as he prepares to die.

I Judas
Take back your silver
I betrayed him.

I was wrong
He was Messiah, I thought.

Come to rescue
from Pagan Romans.

I didn’t understand
I didn’t know him.

Guilt Gnaws
Acid corrodes….Inside.

I thought I knew him
I heard his message.

I saw him heal
I felt his grace.

I didn’t understand
I didn’t know him.

Nailed to his cross
Nails driven so deep.

I couldn’t bear to watch
Goodness hung on a tree.

Arms outstretched
Dying between two thieves.

I didn’t understand
I didn’t know him.

Wound so deep
So final.

No penance possible.
I choose DEATH.

Death the only payment
for my sin

I didn’t understand
I didn’t know him.

Death, payment for sin
Both our destinies.

But for me
The potter’s field.

For Him
The empty tomb.

I didn’t know Him.
DO YOU?

©Presbypoet, April 22, 2000

The End of Hollywood Presbyterian?

2005-09-30T23:52:00.000-07:00

This statement was issued by "the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood" Sept. 30, 2005.

"We, the Session of First Presbyterian Church of Hollywood, met with Rev. Dr. Meenan and Rev. Dr. Manock. We made the very difficult decision that returning the pastors is not in the best interest of the church, or the pastors. Therefore we asked for their resignations.
Our Session has called a Congregational Meeting on October 9th after services in the Sanctuary at 12:30 PM, for the purpose of at which time the A.C. will share it's research findings."

This statement shows the evil in the PCUSA. After a secret process, a predetermined decision by the "A.C.",(Administrative Commission) has been played out. This whole action by the Los Angeles, Presbytery of the Pacific stinks, a stench worthy of hell. Rather than honesty, this entire process has shown the worst of the leadership of the PCUSA. A secret predetermined decision that pretends to follow the BOO. This is just one more decision that shows the morally corrupt state of the PCUSA.

There has been manipulation of process to create a predetermined result. Supposedly the session voted to kick out the pastors, but a stacked deck was dealt. A small group of Hollywood Presbyterian members went to the Presbytery Committee on Ministry, to complain. Without providing the ministers and session a chance to respond, the Presbytery Committee on Ministry ordered the ministers to resign. When they refused, the committee on ministry went to the full Presbytery to have them removed. When the full Presbytery voted not to remove, but to establish an Administrative Commission to work for reconciliation; just after the presbytery meeting, at midnight, a lawyer for the "commission" ordered the ministers to clean out their offices and have no contact with anyone from the church. Clearly the commission had no authority to meet, or make any decisions until after the presbytery meeting. To have already retained a lawyer, and prepared any documents is clear evidence of a pre-determined result.

Since then, additional questionable actions have taken place. Evidence that the commission was not working for reconciliation, but simply to go through the motions in order to produce the desired result of removal of the ministers is shown by statements from elders who have resigned in protest of the commission's actions.

There has been a clear failure to follow the Book of Order. The clerk of the Presbytery, and Synod refused to accept an appeal of the actions of the commission, and the Presbytery delayed giving a list of those attending a presbytery meeting.

This is decision making in secret. This is the evil action of a dictatorship. Two wonderful men's lives are being destroyed. I suspect the PCUSA will lose two passionate pastors, men who have preached the Word. Their betrayers must know God is not mocked. They may think they have won. The devil thought he won on Golgatha, when our savior died. Remember what happened to Judas.

If the two pastors were so evil, why no trial? Why no evidence? If they have done wrong, why not reveal it in public. What this looks like is character assassination of the worst kind. A whispering campaign to discredit. A "meeting" of the session and pastors to make it look like it was the sessions' decision, and not a carefully orchestrated farce. Presbytery is the one that makes decisions about pastors. Not sessions. This "vote", is only a whitewashed tomb.

When I asked the moderator about Hollywood last Tuesday, he claimed not to know anything. He did go on at length trying to justify his Torrance "visit". Either he LIED, or a process that will cost Hollywood Presbyterian thousands of members hasn't been important enough to bother with. Neither alternative is acceptable. For a moderator who claims to care, this shows a callous disregard for the pain of the sheep in Hollywood's flock, who have been thrown to the wolves.

There is a war in the PCUSA. It has been a silent one, where forces of death who run this denomination, have been able to do their work ruining what should be a pillar of righteousness. I have not given up. I will continue to speak out against the evil being done in our name. To borrow a quote from some I don't normally support.

NOT IN MY NAME.

I call on all confessing churches, and others who still desire to call Jesus Lord, to withhold all per-capita, until the leadership of this demonination is replaced with those who actually know what the essentials of the Christian Faith are, and follow them. This will not be easy. The entire Synod of the Northeast is so corrupt, Abraham would not be able to find enough faithful churches to meet his bargain with God about Sodom and Gomorrah. Given the brazen election in Hudson River Presbytery, the rot, like a mold infected house in New Orleans, appears to require demolition.

The choice is clear. Who is on the Lord's side?

Strange Easter thoughts

2005-09-29T00:36:00.000-07:00

So many come to church for what it can give them. They like the nice people. They like the socials. They like someone telling them they are good.

The truth, much sharper. The 25th chapter of Matthew is frightening. If we don't see ourselves standing there naked before God, without excuse, after all the times we failed to do what He wanted, we are fooling ourselves. Yet it is important to include with this all God's love, forgiveness, joy, and not act out of duty like the older brother, who couldn't come to the party.

Here is a strange Easter poem from 2001.

Easter Finery

You come
dressed so fine.
So clean
so neat.
Impressive
looking so perfect
so fine
trying to impress.

Just who
do you think
to fool?
Man or Me?
You can’t
fool Me.
I see within.
I see your heart.

Black heart
stained by sin.
Infected
dying of sin.
You think you
must be perfect.
You must be good
to come to Me.

Come as sinner.
Come broken.
Confess your sin
to be healed.
Don’t lie
claim nothings wrong
as you stand
dressed so fine.

You try to
impress Me.
Nothing you do
on your own
is slightest good.
Nothing you do
on your own
will impress Me.

Admit you’re a thief
on your cross
humbly asking to
be remembered.
Accept My gift
redemption
die on My cross
to sin.
Luke 23: 39-43
© Presbypoet, May 15, 2001

What if you heard that preached as an Easter sermon?

We see the surface. We are impressed by the way people look.
God sees within.
What does God see within you?

Do you need to admit you're a thief
on your cross?

Why the PCUSA is in trouble

2005-09-28T15:39:00.000-07:00

The problem is theological. Liberals who control the power in much of the demonination, are more concerned with using the power of the demoniations to support political causes than work for evangelism. Actually the difference between a liberal Christian and a Moslem is less than you would think. Both do not see Jesus as divine, Moslems treat Him as a prophet, liberals as a good man who taught some good things like pacifism, love everyone, tolerate everyone (except for those who are intolerant, which is everyone you disagree with), so you can see how the real split is between those of us who take the Bible seriously, and those using the demonination as a tool.

I find it fascinating liberals accuse "conservative, fundamentalist" Christians of perverting the gospel for political purposes, when they have been doing it for decades. Meeting with our demonination's moderator, it was interesting how most of his focus was on political issues, not spiritual. For example:
Opposition to Israel's occupation of the West Bank.
Helping illegal immigrants sneak into the U.S.
Opposition to Iraq war. He admitted that probably a majority of members disagreed with the churches position.
So it's not that they are opposed to using the church for politics, just for conservatives using it for political purposes.

The main theological question was how to change the church to meet the needs of the postmodern generation, which he described as doers, not joiners. Not so much a theological perception, but practical.

A good way to understand the situation in the Presbyterian church is that the church buildings are owned by the demonination. If you try to leave, you may have to start over with no resources, or pay a big ransom. In Virginia in 2003, Rivermont Church left, but the presbytery demanded payment of 30% of the churches building's appraised value.

Other churches when they wanted to leave, had their pastors removed. In Findley Ohio, Maumee Presbyery appointed an administrative commission, which changed the locks, and forced the pastors to leave, even though the congregation voted 217 to 19 to leave. The Presbytery now runs a church with only 68 members, (up from less than 40). The old congregation is now over 700, with an ambitious building plan. (According to the local paper in 2004):
http://www.thecourier.com/issues/2004/jul/070904.htm#story10

Money and power are why the liberal leadership doesn't want churches to leave. We are a colony they have exploited. We pay $24 per member each year, so it is a lot of money. The colonialists have permitted local evangelical churches to go about their work of saving souls, as long as they don't threaten to upset things. So is the smart thing to just keep your head down, and don't get involved? Or does Niemoeller's saying in the 30's apply.
"First they came for the communists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a communist;
Then they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a socialist;
Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a trade unionist;
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
because I was not a Jew;
Then they came for me--
and there was no one left to speak out for me."

What would God have us do?

I suspect the message to Laodicea may apply here.

Message to Laodicea

So sure your wealth
will protect you.
You are wretched, pitiful
poor, blind & naked.

Come buy My gold
refined in the fire.
Wear My robe
to cover your nakedness.

Those I love I rebuke
& discipline.
I stand & knock.
Open the door.
(Revelation 3:14-22)
© Presbypoet, July 31, 2005

What will we do?

Meeting the Moderator of the PCUSA

2005-09-27T23:45:00.000-07:00

One of the strangest things to every other denomination, must be our Presbyterian Polity. We have no leader. Well not exactly, we elect a "moderator". He has almost no power. His main job is to moderate (act as chairperson) the General Assembly when it meets, then until the next General Assembly, just wander around the world, being the public face of the denomination. No moderator ever gets reelected, he can do little to influence decisions at the GA. All in all, a very strange way to pick a leader. But very Presbyterian, (we are Calvinists, we know the utter depravity of "man", we are reluctant to give much power to one person).

Tonight, the moderator came to our neck of the woods, not that there are too many woods in Sunnyvale. About a hundred people, all Presbyterians, sat down, ate dinner, then spent about one and a half hours listening to the moderator speak, & ask him questions. Not too many soft balls. We live in a demonination that is seriously dysfunctional.

The moderator is a liberal. He still pines for the virtues of the Sandanistas in Nicaragua. He has been very active in efforts to smuggle illegal undocumented workers, & very concerned about the welfare of said human beings as they die in the desert. He spoke well of every hot button political issue of the left. He offers no credit to Bush for freeing 20,000,000 people, he is still sure the war was wrong. He defended the stupid anti-israel policy of the last GA, trying to sound conciliatory, but clearly happy at being awarded a prize from a Moslem group for "peace".

He is a good speaker. He handled himself well. He read from Exodus about the Israelites bickering. I could see he emphasizes with Moses, when the Israelites complained. This inspired the following poem, which also speaks to us today.
The question:
How do we know God's will?
We Ask:
Which Rock

Lord how do we
find the rock
you call us
to strike?

Which rock?
How do we know?
How do we hear
your command?
(Exodus 17:1-7)
Inspired by Rick Ufford-Chase, Moderator, PCUSA, September 27, 2005
© Presbypoet, September 27, 2005

God Responds:
Go Strike the Rock

Be not afraid.
I am with you.
Lead the elders
into the desert.
Trust Me.
I will provide.
Listen to Me.
Go to the rock
I will show you.
I will lead you
where I need you.
Go forth.
Inspired by Rick Ufford-Chase, Moderator, PCUSA, September 27, 2005
©Presbypoet, September 27, 2005

While he and I agree on little politically, we share the same deep roots in the PCUSA. For either of us to leave, would be painful. We represent the two main branches of this dysfunctional demonination. He calls for vision. He wants to lead us into the future. He talked about reaching the next generation. How painful it will be to change.

The real questions:
Is God speaking to both of us?
To one of us?
To none of us?
Going into the desert, it seems awfuly dry.
Where is that rock?

I know God is present.
Will we listen?

Hope

2005-09-26T16:35:00.000-07:00

It can be so hard to keep up hope.
Time magazine's headline. "Is it still possible to win this war?" Is a perfect example. The true headline should be "is it still possible to lose this war?" Iraq may have come far enough that even if we were to leave now, democracy has actually take root, and the Iraqi people may stay free.

The danger of looking with negative eyes is that soon you no longer see. Katrina could have killed more than 100,000 given the incompetence of the Louisiana authorities response. Not using those buses left sitting under water might easily have led to the death of most of the over 100,000 who remained in the City. Instead, many were spared. People look at the 1,000 dead, and not the thousands saved, so it seems hopeless. The more I look at Katrina, how it moved so swiftly, how just before landfall it was a 5, ready to smash New Orleans, and see how many escaped, how many did get away. When you see how Houston with three more days to prepare than New Orleans, still had people stuck on the freeway, some of the anger I have felt at the authorities in Louisiana has gone away, when I realize just how difficult a job they had.

Living in the Bay Area, a member of an apostate denomination, I have learned to seek the truth outside normal channels. So when I hear the lies, I say what else is new?

Hope is essential.

Hope is simple. It is the knowledge it is possible.
Not that it is easy.
Not that it is guaranteed.
Not that you don't have to work hard.
Just knowing it is possible. The San Francisco Giants play San Diego tonight, four games back, seven to play. There still is hope. That is all we can ask in life. Hope.

Having a special needs son has taught me life is a marathon. Keep up hope. That is what we face. If in WWII, we had known all the horrors, some would have lost hope. But taking it one day at a time, not losing hope, we can persevere.

One thing that helps me, is to keep things in perspective. This morning, I heard two killed at a bus stop in Iraq. I said, if this is the best they can do, bomb at a bus stop, this is cause for celebration. Not for the bombing, but that what the enemy is able to do has been so reduced.

In WWII, the Japanese used suicide bombers, willing to die to sink American ships. This was not a sign of strength. This was a sign of weakness.

When we invaded Iraq, I told my wife it would take 5 years. We still have another 3 years to finish. We are ahead of my estimate.

Good things:
No Iraq civil war.
Free elections.
Free press.
No burning of oil wells.
Turkey didn't intervene in Northern Iraq.
Saddam is in jail and his sons dead.
Syria has withdrawn from Lebanon.
George Bush has guts & patience.
By November 2006, Iraq will be strong enough to defend itself.
No terrorist attacks in U.S. since 911.

We still have a long way to go.
Rejoice.

Here is a poem of hope:

The last Chapter

Don’t be afraid
I know how it ends.
Read the last chapter
I win in the end.

Inspired by Adolpho Moreno (translated by John Bueno) October 8, 2003 at Coalition Gathering in Portland Ore.
© Presbypoet, October 8, 2003

God is in Charge

2005-09-24T22:49:00.000-07:00

I am a confirmed Calvinist, utterly convinced it is nothing of mine that saves me. We must be very careful not to assume we know if someone is saved. We also have to be careful when those who we think lost, are simply going off in order to come back.

The story of Abram comes here. Isaac is the best thing Abraham has ever had happen. His firstborn son, miracle promised by God. The most important thing in his life. This is what God demands Abram be willing to sacrifice. It is "easy" to sacrifice our weaknesses. "Easy" to come to God and say, I can't do it on my own, I am in bondage to bondage, I look with lust in my heart. I have been known to get angry from time to time Lord, so could you help me deal with it. Billy Graham and his not being alone with women. Not allowing temptation. Those blind Pharisees who smashed into walls, so they would not look at a woman.

What is hard is to sacrifice like Abram, your strength. That thing you do better than anyone. The one thing you think God might be proud of you for. Your ability to comfort those in pain. Your ability to reach those no one else can reach. All those things we think are our greatest gifts....Gifts, you note, gifts given to us for a reason, all these threads all tie back in the parable of the prodigal. The father gives up his most prized possession, his son. His son to come back, must come back crawling on his belly, giving up his pride.

Where this all leads is that he lets us go, so we can come to him. Alice taught me a great deal in her life, and dying. One of the most important was that in order for someone to come to me, they must be free to go.
Free to go, to give up our strengths.

My most recent teacher on this subject is a crusty old cat named Ninja, so named because if anything does not suit him, his claws slash swifter than eye can see. This opinionated creature has learned to trust me, or rather, i have learned how to show him i am trustworthy. When Ninja comes and curls up next to me(never on my lap, he would have to trust too much), it is a wonderful sign of how we have developed a relationship. He even sticks his head around the corner of my office and meows "Mello (hello)." The other English word he says is "Mo,(No)." I see my relationship with God in this pattern. God ever so patient, waits for me to come curl up next to Him, and trust Him. He waits for all of us. In this patient waiting, God is fully in charge. He knows the start and end, for God, time is not linear.

For me, this crusty old Presbyterian, grieving for a demonination that seems headed for schism, I've learned I can trust Him, and curl up next to Him. Glad my salvation is up to Him, not up to me. Glad I don't have to rely on my church to save me. Glad that occasionally I hear his voice.

Here is a poem from 2002,
about how to live.

Be Whole and Holy

Be at peace
wherever I send.
Be humble
able to do My will.
Earnestly desire
to be My servant.
Don’t just know
but do My will.

Know Me.
Know My will.
Apply it
in your life.
Be holy.
Whole.
At peace.
Doing My will.
(Ephesians 4:20-28)
© Presbypoet, September 15, 2002

Thoughts on Free Will

2005-09-23T13:11:00.000-07:00

The question of free will seems one of the most difficult for Christians to understand. Is God in charge? Is it grace? How does my action fit in?

"Be careful what you pray for. Your prayer will be answered." What would you think if you heard that from God? Who is in charge? Is it me? Is it God? Or is it more like God's answer to the Israelites when they asked for a king. I'll give you what you ask for, but there are consequences. (1 Samuel 8:4-22)

The whole God is fully in charge/free will thing is a paradox. Both are true, but whatever your perspective, it is crucial to see the other perspective at the same time. Knowing God is in charge, He asks me to be obedient. Obedient, knowing I cannot know all I need to know.

There are two stories that help understand. When you understand their myth, you can understand the paradox of free will. The first is Peter in the boat. Jesus says: "Come." Peter steps from the boat into the storm. Peter on his own has no chance of walking on water, it is only when he keeps his eyes on Jesus he is able to perform this miracle. God is fully in charge. (Matthew 14:22-33)

God tells me: "Come." I step out into the storm, knowing it is not in my own strength. When my son calls at 3AM, talking of suicide, I listen to God, as I speak to my son, so God's power flows through me.

The second is the story of the prodigal. His father chose to give him the money, knowing full well the terrible danger he lets his son face alone. He lets him go. Yet he waits, searching, waiting. When the prodigal returns, he has nothing to offer his father. All he can think is to return as slave, but before he can speak, he is embraced. His father orders the fatted calf slaughtered, and they party. (Luke 15:11-32)

Like the prodigal, I have nothing to offer. My best, just filthy rags. Yet my Father embraces me, offers me the royal robe. All I have to do is accept. It is utter and complete grace.

God lets us go so we can come to Him. My first poem in December 1996, came from this understanding, when Alice died. The poem is posted August 10th, 2005 in the blog.

Here is another poem on what God demands;
related to walking on water.
Related to obedience.
Related to God being in charge.
Related to loaves and fishes.
The Loaves & Fish
You want bread.
You want healing
physical kind.
You come:
In pain.
In loss.
In confusion.
Asking for help.

You don’t understand.
You’re like My disciples
blind to what I said.
You don’t know
what the loaves & fish meant.
When I come to you
over the water.
You pull back in terror.

Like Herod & John
you’re interested
but puzzled.
You don’t understand
what the loaves & fish mean.
I didn’t come
for mere healing
or to answer your prayers.

My demand so much stronger
more dangerous
more impossible…
I demand you give up your life.
Like Peter step out
from seeming safe boat.
Join me
walking on water.
(Matthew 14:22-31, Mark 8:1-21)
© May 17th, 2001, Presbypoet

Understanding the PCUSA

2005-09-22T21:53:00.000-07:00

We live in interesting times.
My church is a member of a demonination that is a set of Siamese twins, one that is alive, connected to one who is dead. That may be the best way to understand our situation. We cannot live on our own, we are a tiny finger on the living body, will separation come in time for life? All we can do is pray, and work to keep the living body alive.
There are over 1300 confessing churches in the PCUSA. Enough to make a strong living denomination, a place where essentials would be followed, not buried.

The most important issue in understanding most mainline denominations is property. In the PCUSA, the local church does not own its property, or so the story goes. Section G-8.0201 of our Book of Order, says:
"All property held by a particular church…is held in trust nevertheless for the use and benefit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)." Most people, and the demonination leadership, has taken this to mean you can't leave the demonination with your property, it belongs to the demonination. There are some court cases coming up that indicate that California and other States courts may not agree. This is very important. If churches can leave with property intact, the PCUSA may soon implode.

Our Presbytery wants a copy of our Articles of Incorporation. When I asked the Presbytery Stated Clerk why, he indicated they wanted to prepare should anyone try to leave. When I asked the church secretary, she had no idea if we even had a copy. San Gabriel Presbytery has appointed a "task force" to go to each church and get copies. I wonder if that is the next step here?

Is this schism?

We live in interesting times.

Pray for those Hurricane Rita is about to visit.
As a Calvinist, I know God is in charge. Maybe the question should be: Is he trying to get our attention?

Read Judges 2:14-15.

There are about 40 major U.S. cities vulnerable to various "acts of God".

What Will You Do When the Storm Hits?

2005-09-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

There has been a lot of news about the high crime rate in New Orleans by those familiar with it. Louisiana corruption is well known, (that is what helped wreck the San Francisco 49'rs when Eddie fell afoul of the plot to get the ex Louisiana gov).

I wonder if the New Orleans police had an attitude of:
Don't get involved.
Don't go after gangs.
Don't go after corruption.
Maybe anyone who worked "too hard", got canned. So you have a department that was selected for inaction, and looking away. I don't know enough to know if this is true, but I wonder if it had an effect. If you have developed a pattern of not noticing, not being involved, it is hard to change.

It is something I see in the PCUSA. Local evangelical churches pretend not to notice what is going on in the wider church, so they don't have to fight it. When the storm comes, they may just run away like some New Orleans police.

In our Presbytery, those who get appointed to leadership are those who "don't notice", the apostasy. Those who are "tolerant". Those who are willing to go along. When the storm comes...

A Message From God

2005-09-21T09:41:00.000-07:00

In your trials you search for Me.
You seek subtle signs of my will.
As though I was some idol
who answers thru rotting entrails.

When will you learn to trust Me?
Be not afraid, know I will provide.
Remember Elijah headed for Zarephath.
The woman awaited with her jar of oil.

I note the sparrow's fall.
Are you not of more value?
You keep trying to provide
for yourself and not rely on Me.

Come to Me in your poverty.
Come to Me naked.
Let Me wrap you
in My purple robe.

(1st Kings 17:7-12)
© Presbypoet, May 7, 2005

I love the story of Elijah at Zarephath. He has run out of food and water, and God sends him to this little town. Elijah has been told by God to look for this woman he has never met, and tell her to bake him a cake. All this woman has is enough oil and flour for one last meal. Talk about relying on God.

What would you do if you were down to your last meal, and some wild eyed guy knocks on your door, and says God sent him? Would you trust him? How do you know it's God you hear? How do we learn to trust Him? How do we develop faith?

If you are interested in answers; many of these poems are about;
learning to trust God.
Learning He loves you.
Learning He will provide.
Learning He wants to use you.
Getting to know Him.

Now if I can just learn how to live these poems.
Discernment is easy, its obedience that is hard.
I think that's why they call it "The Way".
Presbypoet