God is my inheritance
His voice calls me
His love, it woos me
His mind pursues me
He makes His face to shine on me
Even in the first light of dawn He gazes
And His love within Him stirs Him
For He has chosen me to move Him
The desire for me to provoke His being
And I begin to see Him
to see His love in greatness
Touch the Vapor, the puzzling glory of salvation
There He meets me and there I learn my name
I learn the meaning of the name He calls me
The meaning of the name He gives me
And I lean onto it
Conform to the expression of His will
God begins to shape me, to teach me
Sometimes gently, sometimes briskly
As He discovers His secrets to my heart
He draws me closer, even nearer
That God and man might meet in fire
God and man, to know true purpose
His love reach out surrounding me
His love encircles, changing me
That I may stand before the King of All Glory
Redeemed for I am holy His
And He draws near, for He is mine
I rush to meet myself in Him
He stops all time to give Himself
In my gift He pleasures to inherit me
With all my longing I do inherit Him
Here I am to Him as He is to me
The inheritance of lovers:
Not gold of a soul that passed
But the yearning growing hearts of one another
~JLB
20091112
Mark of Rest || 2009.11.11
How easy it seems to traverse both ways
the mark between "good" and "best"
To be in a place of work
instead of the place of rest
Doing the things essential
Building down matters of need
But straying in focus
and lifting the heart away from His feet
Draw me Lord
unto your feet
Even when the motion of service
moves me about
Hold my eyes to you
like the living creatures' gaze
as they move around
Always upon You to gaze
In the midst of fire
in the middle of lightning
When the wind of the wings
roars up like waters
Fasten my gaze upon You
~JLB
the mark between "good" and "best"
To be in a place of work
instead of the place of rest
Doing the things essential
Building down matters of need
But straying in focus
and lifting the heart away from His feet
Draw me Lord
unto your feet
Even when the motion of service
moves me about
Hold my eyes to you
like the living creatures' gaze
as they move around
Always upon You to gaze
In the midst of fire
in the middle of lightning
When the wind of the wings
roars up like waters
Fasten my gaze upon You
~JLB
20091108
Holy Love || 2009.11.07
Love is meant to be holy
My gaze upon my lover
is meant to be without distraction
My longing to my lover
is meant to be unquenchable
Each moment with my lover
to never want an end
Every touch of my beloved
to stir me up within
How many have forgotten
the thought-consuming state
that sets a mind apart
and every thought becomes
the face of that one, the hand
their sound, their smell?
This love is that which sets apart
and fixes life upon another
consumes every moment and motivation
and after too long we ask -
How do I look to God?
How can I learn
to see this way?
and really -
Who can teach me to love?
When you find the perfect lover
you can start understanding love
In ourselves, we have only the beginnings
until by relationship we learn
from demonstration
God is the perfect lover
and I cannot tell you how to love
for I am still learning
I can tell you what I know
but really truly you must know Him
Relationship is how you love
How you learn
The key to relationship is time and choice
Choose to spend time with God's things
choose to find the good in the things that are hard
and bear the promises close to your heart
and the truth that you are witness to
as their support and strength
And when you dwell in the things of God
you will find at one moment
you are gazing at His face
The things begin to pale
for the Presence of God is real
Then you will find His love and truth
cannot be severed from you
and each moment will be consumed by Him
each thought will possess
His haunting in your mind
You will have begun to love
You will have begun to live
~JLB
My gaze upon my lover
is meant to be without distraction
My longing to my lover
is meant to be unquenchable
Each moment with my lover
to never want an end
Every touch of my beloved
to stir me up within
How many have forgotten
the thought-consuming state
that sets a mind apart
and every thought becomes
the face of that one, the hand
their sound, their smell?
This love is that which sets apart
and fixes life upon another
consumes every moment and motivation
and after too long we ask -
How do I look to God?
How can I learn
to see this way?
and really -
Who can teach me to love?
When you find the perfect lover
you can start understanding love
In ourselves, we have only the beginnings
until by relationship we learn
from demonstration
God is the perfect lover
and I cannot tell you how to love
for I am still learning
I can tell you what I know
but really truly you must know Him
Relationship is how you love
How you learn
The key to relationship is time and choice
Choose to spend time with God's things
choose to find the good in the things that are hard
and bear the promises close to your heart
and the truth that you are witness to
as their support and strength
And when you dwell in the things of God
you will find at one moment
you are gazing at His face
The things begin to pale
for the Presence of God is real
Then you will find His love and truth
cannot be severed from you
and each moment will be consumed by Him
each thought will possess
His haunting in your mind
You will have begun to love
You will have begun to live
~JLB
20091107
Stir up Your Spirit || 2009.11.05
Stir up Your Spirit Lord
as You walk among us
Flood out Your compassion
and let it move through us
a raging torrent
Pour out like light
from the sun after dawn
that sharpens the earth
and stirs it awake
And shines bright
in every dewdrop
every crystal of ice
And stirs the living to life
Stir up Your Spirit Lord
as You rise up among us
Reveal Your majesty
and the salvation by Your hands
Open the floodgates of Eternity
Where this moment melts away
And draw in those
whose friendship You hunger for
Return Your song to the silent
Your face before those
who have turned themselves away
Stir up Your Spirit Lord
Your Glory rise among us
that all would know Your hope
And not escape the Voice of Your Calling
The destiny that stands eternal
Even Seraph in their burning cannot fathom
the depth of desire
the drawing of God and each heart
fashioned to beat together
chosen to dwell with one another
that eternity would glow with fire
and fully erupt in light of glory
~JLB
as You walk among us
Flood out Your compassion
and let it move through us
a raging torrent
Pour out like light
from the sun after dawn
that sharpens the earth
and stirs it awake
And shines bright
in every dewdrop
every crystal of ice
And stirs the living to life
Stir up Your Spirit Lord
as You rise up among us
Reveal Your majesty
and the salvation by Your hands
Open the floodgates of Eternity
Where this moment melts away
And draw in those
whose friendship You hunger for
Return Your song to the silent
Your face before those
who have turned themselves away
Stir up Your Spirit Lord
Your Glory rise among us
that all would know Your hope
And not escape the Voice of Your Calling
The destiny that stands eternal
Even Seraph in their burning cannot fathom
the depth of desire
the drawing of God and each heart
fashioned to beat together
chosen to dwell with one another
that eternity would glow with fire
and fully erupt in light of glory
~JLB
20091106
Chains Drop Away || 2009.11.05
When the chains drop away and the rain from the sky is your own tears of happiness, it is then that we can choose to love our savior as our savior loves us. It is the ordered service of a soldier who died on the battlefield, but was resurrected by my king who did the same. It is now I choose to follow, to accompany His heart and His love though it may take me into the valley of death's shadow, and never back out. I choose to stand confident in His whisper whether in a calm meadow or on a burnt plain of battle with the fires of hell drawing their darts full at me. I choose to love, for in my God's face and in His heart I see nothing else. And nothing else matters. For in gazing on Him I take up His form, and His glory, and carry it to the valleys, to the meadows, and to the hearts of men.
~JLB
~JLB
20091101
Hallow || 2009.10.31
The choice of the organized church to preserve Halloween as a memorial is the primary reason it exists today. Its purpose seems to be to remind us of those who have gone: martyrs of the faith, & honored loved ones. At derision, commemoration ceased but observation remained - we abandoned heritage and were left with death.
Who now will save us from this death: this bondage of decay we are left to embrace? It is too long to wait for the sky to open, the God-King to return in Glory! His Glory is poured out openly, from the barring of the Garden, to the law that He gave, to the subjugation of the nations one upon another until finally in flesh God Himself was slain - to rise again!
Before the earth was created God chose to delight to save, and these hardships, this death imposed upon us was that the Delight of His Will might be fulfilled: that He might _save_. This is our heritage. This is the story we should tell our children at hallow's eve: That God Himself is who we Hallow, that no demon exists nor hell can stand before our King's glory. It is He who saved us, not we ourselves, and to Him our lives must honour, and every morning to Him our hearts should bow.
~JLB
Who now will save us from this death: this bondage of decay we are left to embrace? It is too long to wait for the sky to open, the God-King to return in Glory! His Glory is poured out openly, from the barring of the Garden, to the law that He gave, to the subjugation of the nations one upon another until finally in flesh God Himself was slain - to rise again!
Before the earth was created God chose to delight to save, and these hardships, this death imposed upon us was that the Delight of His Will might be fulfilled: that He might _save_. This is our heritage. This is the story we should tell our children at hallow's eve: That God Himself is who we Hallow, that no demon exists nor hell can stand before our King's glory. It is He who saved us, not we ourselves, and to Him our lives must honour, and every morning to Him our hearts should bow.
~JLB
20091017
Light - as a Garment || 2009.10.16
Light is wrapped around You as a garment, and so darkness flees before You
Look, God, at my heart
Gaze at my face and burn darkness from me
Wrap Your light upon me
Make me Holy as You are Holy
Blind my eyes to the darkness of this world
Behold me purely in Your light
Open my eyes and pour into them Your beauty
Pour Your Holiness into my soul and change me, Lord
Tear myself from me, and remake me by Your design
Touch every part of me, let me see Your heart's purpose in each moment
Let me see deeper, deeper into Your heart, Jesus, for You are Holy
Build into me the mystery, that through me You could begin to be revealed
Consume my heart, Lord, with Your fire, the flame of Your life
For I want completely to know You, with all that I am
Deeper, fuller, more completely to know You
~JLB
Look, God, at my heart
Gaze at my face and burn darkness from me
Wrap Your light upon me
Make me Holy as You are Holy
Blind my eyes to the darkness of this world
Behold me purely in Your light
Open my eyes and pour into them Your beauty
Pour Your Holiness into my soul and change me, Lord
Tear myself from me, and remake me by Your design
Touch every part of me, let me see Your heart's purpose in each moment
Let me see deeper, deeper into Your heart, Jesus, for You are Holy
Build into me the mystery, that through me You could begin to be revealed
Consume my heart, Lord, with Your fire, the flame of Your life
For I want completely to know You, with all that I am
Deeper, fuller, more completely to know You
~JLB
20091016
Take Jesus || 2009.10.16
Take Jesus in you and take Jesus with you. Abandon not a moment of your life to absence from His Glorious face. Fix fast your gaze to His, that your heart be never torn away, and your vision be etched with the reality of Him so that the shape and lines of His Glory would possess your vision and no counterfeit could stand in its lie before you. Capture each moment in the endurance of His love that it would change you. His Love's goodness would change you until the final day of our Lord for His glory and for His praise.
~JLB
~JLB
20091014
Hangin with my Jesus! || 2009.10.13
Having taken up the cross
Now hung between the earth and sky
Hanging with my Jesus
Righteously we are here
To receive what we are worth
Hanging with my Jesus
Seeing He indeed is just
In suffering witness to His death
Hanging with my Jesus
Now to enter into His glory
With Him who is now living
Hanging with my Jesus
To be not troubled
Or clouded with doubt in my heart
Hanging with my Jesus
Salvation is here
And He loves me - knows my name
Hanging with my Jesus
Glorious Jesus
Let me listen to you at your feet
Hanging with My Jesus
~JLB
Now hung between the earth and sky
Hanging with my Jesus
Righteously we are here
To receive what we are worth
Hanging with my Jesus
Seeing He indeed is just
In suffering witness to His death
Hanging with my Jesus
Now to enter into His glory
With Him who is now living
Hanging with my Jesus
To be not troubled
Or clouded with doubt in my heart
Hanging with my Jesus
Salvation is here
And He loves me - knows my name
Hanging with my Jesus
Glorious Jesus
Let me listen to you at your feet
Hanging with My Jesus
~JLB
20091009
What Do I Have || 2009.10.08
Jesus reign in all the earth.
High and lifted up in our hearts.
His name is to be praised forever.
Jesus King and Lord over all,
You come washing over me
with waves of Your love.
You are enduring,
holy and pure.
Your breath is more beautiful
than the worlds greatest diamonds.
Your essence supreme
above all ever-given offerings.
You are greater than the seraph
for they bow before You.
The highest of angels
bow down in Your presence.
What is this?
That You call me to stand?
What do I posess
that You want me for Your own?
Oh, yes...
You formed me with your fingers
in the darkness of the womb.
You fashioned me from next to nothing
but hung on my cross bleeding,
and gave to me your all.
I gained your inheritance,
Your glory, Your Power, Your dominion.
But still I choose to bow,
cast any crown I am given
to Your feet.
You alone are exalted,
and still You gather me.
~JLB
High and lifted up in our hearts.
His name is to be praised forever.
Jesus King and Lord over all,
You come washing over me
with waves of Your love.
You are enduring,
holy and pure.
Your breath is more beautiful
than the worlds greatest diamonds.
Your essence supreme
above all ever-given offerings.
You are greater than the seraph
for they bow before You.
The highest of angels
bow down in Your presence.
What is this?
That You call me to stand?
What do I posess
that You want me for Your own?
Oh, yes...
You formed me with your fingers
in the darkness of the womb.
You fashioned me from next to nothing
but hung on my cross bleeding,
and gave to me your all.
I gained your inheritance,
Your glory, Your Power, Your dominion.
But still I choose to bow,
cast any crown I am given
to Your feet.
You alone are exalted,
and still You gather me.
~JLB
20091005
The Depths of His Love || 2009.10.05
God has no peer
God has no equal
No one is like Him
Holy is who He is
And He calls us
He beckons to us
To catch our eye
To capture our gaze
In His Holiness
He loves us
We have captured his heart
And He calls us to Himself
To descend from what I've made me
To rise from the place He was slain
Together to find His love
Raptured in His peace
No more living
in empty flattery
or aspiration
No more living
without true love
Living within His circle
Living in His embrace
Knowing lostness
in the depths of His love
~JLB
God has no equal
No one is like Him
Holy is who He is
And He calls us
He beckons to us
To catch our eye
To capture our gaze
In His Holiness
He loves us
We have captured his heart
And He calls us to Himself
To descend from what I've made me
To rise from the place He was slain
Together to find His love
Raptured in His peace
No more living
in empty flattery
or aspiration
No more living
without true love
Living within His circle
Living in His embrace
Knowing lostness
in the depths of His love
~JLB
20091004
He Is This || 2009.09.29
What is this consuming fire?
which burns away the "me"
I have surrounded myself with?
Who is this One
who answers by fire,
consuming wood, water, stone, and earth?
Who is this King of Glory?
Who is this king who consumes,
engulfing His enemies?
Who is this, whom the highest angels
burn to adore?
He is my King
He is to me
to wrap my heart around Him!
He is worthy!
He is faithful!
God, heal my eyes
my desires, my light!
Cleanse me whole
and pure before you!
Rain your Glory upon
like never felt before!
Lord, You are my King
You are to me
to wrap my heart around You!
You are unquestionably worthy!
You are unwaveringly faithful!
Jesus
By You I am righteous,
By Your blood I am cleansed,
By Your love am I forgiven.
It is in You that I am truly thankful.
~JLB
which burns away the "me"
I have surrounded myself with?
Who is this One
who answers by fire,
consuming wood, water, stone, and earth?
Who is this King of Glory?
Who is this king who consumes,
engulfing His enemies?
Who is this, whom the highest angels
burn to adore?
He is my King
He is to me
to wrap my heart around Him!
He is worthy!
He is faithful!
God, heal my eyes
my desires, my light!
Cleanse me whole
and pure before you!
Rain your Glory upon
like never felt before!
Lord, You are my King
You are to me
to wrap my heart around You!
You are unquestionably worthy!
You are unwaveringly faithful!
Jesus
By You I am righteous,
By Your blood I am cleansed,
By Your love am I forgiven.
It is in You that I am truly thankful.
~JLB
20090917
Nothing, and Everything || 200909
20090915
20090916
20090917
Nothing, and Everything
What if that which is central is not center, but more pervasively permeating and constant? And I wonder at the contrast of day, and light to night, to dark, to darkness, and to nothing. Have you ever looked and seen nothing, and within nothing, quantifiable darkness? Plain and measurable, yet complicatedly invisible, like the edge of a shadow on a bleakly dark-ashen day.
Now what of light? Does the former state have an opposite? Can there be a light that we know, and then a brilliance undepictable? Indescribable brilliance existing through and around the constrictiveness of dimension and time? Endlessly Everywhere, throughout everything, and diametrically opposed to the emptiness of Nothing? A nothing which cannot even retain light or darkness except in suspension?
Is it this contrast of Nothing and Everything to which our souls war and struggle? We know of requirements which must be met in varying measure to sustain us. We know of failures which can limit or constrain us. But what do we really know of Death, and of Life? Are there places of Nothing and Everything beyond the darkness and lightness of this world we know? Yes, there is Death Everlasting, and there is Life Eternal. We know this truth: God truly is central: truly by Him and for Him do all things exist. The heavens declare Him; by His artistry they were fashioned. It is by His breath and His will that we live and understand. It is in His splendor we find true worship, and in His Love we find salvation. We were made to love Him, to this end is the composition of all desire. When we pursue emptiness it kills us, but when we pursue Him, He can pour through us. And when we find ourselves before Him, and His greatness overwhelms, our separation from Him thins. We learn of His nature, and of His Love, and we are swept away. We were made for this: for eternity, and for Him. Nothing will never satisfy, and Everything is only found in Him.
Open, Lord, Your word to me. Pour out Your heart upon my own and heal my brokenness. Replace my shattered vision with Your gaze, and hold fast my course to You. Teach me Your friendship, and how the God of All Things is fully the Father, and the Husband of His bride. Lord, show me things I cannot fathom or hope to understand; show me who You are, and make me more like You. Change me every day, draw me closer, and closer still, until there is no mistaking Your light on my face or your mind in my heart. Touch the world by me, and lose myself in The Light. Change the world by Your sovereignty, and change all I am with the touch of Your breath, and Your hand. You are the way, You alone are Everything.
~JLB
20090916
20090917
Nothing, and Everything
What if that which is central is not center, but more pervasively permeating and constant? And I wonder at the contrast of day, and light to night, to dark, to darkness, and to nothing. Have you ever looked and seen nothing, and within nothing, quantifiable darkness? Plain and measurable, yet complicatedly invisible, like the edge of a shadow on a bleakly dark-ashen day.
Now what of light? Does the former state have an opposite? Can there be a light that we know, and then a brilliance undepictable? Indescribable brilliance existing through and around the constrictiveness of dimension and time? Endlessly Everywhere, throughout everything, and diametrically opposed to the emptiness of Nothing? A nothing which cannot even retain light or darkness except in suspension?
Is it this contrast of Nothing and Everything to which our souls war and struggle? We know of requirements which must be met in varying measure to sustain us. We know of failures which can limit or constrain us. But what do we really know of Death, and of Life? Are there places of Nothing and Everything beyond the darkness and lightness of this world we know? Yes, there is Death Everlasting, and there is Life Eternal. We know this truth: God truly is central: truly by Him and for Him do all things exist. The heavens declare Him; by His artistry they were fashioned. It is by His breath and His will that we live and understand. It is in His splendor we find true worship, and in His Love we find salvation. We were made to love Him, to this end is the composition of all desire. When we pursue emptiness it kills us, but when we pursue Him, He can pour through us. And when we find ourselves before Him, and His greatness overwhelms, our separation from Him thins. We learn of His nature, and of His Love, and we are swept away. We were made for this: for eternity, and for Him. Nothing will never satisfy, and Everything is only found in Him.
Open, Lord, Your word to me. Pour out Your heart upon my own and heal my brokenness. Replace my shattered vision with Your gaze, and hold fast my course to You. Teach me Your friendship, and how the God of All Things is fully the Father, and the Husband of His bride. Lord, show me things I cannot fathom or hope to understand; show me who You are, and make me more like You. Change me every day, draw me closer, and closer still, until there is no mistaking Your light on my face or your mind in my heart. Touch the world by me, and lose myself in The Light. Change the world by Your sovereignty, and change all I am with the touch of Your breath, and Your hand. You are the way, You alone are Everything.
~JLB
20090913
Pass Us Not By || 20090912
20090912
Pass us not by
God, don't let us let you pass us by again
According to Your word, our cry, and our faith
Move away the mountain and let Your glory flow
Stand us faithful in the deluge
And tear away from us what is not of You
Let our fear not blot out our longing
And our earnest know nothing of pacification
Deny us not Your Presence
Don't hold back your flood
Let us know your torrent
withing a mile of its start
And every turbulence be removed
Rush upon us Lord, but make us ready
When you pass this way clasp our hand in Yours
Slow as You did for the blind men who called
And followed You to receive their sight
Pour us out to spread Your fame
Move us by Your compassion
Speak from us by Your spirit
And grant us endurance
But pass us not by
Show us Your mercy
Show us Your face
~JLB
Pass us not by
God, don't let us let you pass us by again
According to Your word, our cry, and our faith
Move away the mountain and let Your glory flow
Stand us faithful in the deluge
And tear away from us what is not of You
Let our fear not blot out our longing
And our earnest know nothing of pacification
Deny us not Your Presence
Don't hold back your flood
Let us know your torrent
withing a mile of its start
And every turbulence be removed
Rush upon us Lord, but make us ready
When you pass this way clasp our hand in Yours
Slow as You did for the blind men who called
And followed You to receive their sight
Pour us out to spread Your fame
Move us by Your compassion
Speak from us by Your spirit
And grant us endurance
But pass us not by
Show us Your mercy
Show us Your face
~JLB
20090912
Fear of God || 20090908&12
20090908
Fear of God
I will die to look upon You
And I will die if I am denied
Lord show me Your glory
How can I possibly turn away?
But for Your salvation
would my soul itself be ended
You resurrected my brokenness
tying me to eternity
Show me Your face
let me tremble before you
Engage my spirit
captivate my inner heart
Teach me your paths
Discipline me to the way of your heart
All I am is set
determined to know You
~JLB
Fear of God
I will die to look upon You
And I will die if I am denied
Lord show me Your glory
How can I possibly turn away?
But for Your salvation
would my soul itself be ended
You resurrected my brokenness
tying me to eternity
Show me Your face
let me tremble before you
Engage my spirit
captivate my inner heart
Teach me your paths
Discipline me to the way of your heart
All I am is set
determined to know You
~JLB
20090911
Who can Stand || 2009.09.10
20090910
Who can stand
Who can stand
when faced with The One like no other
He is Holy
and righteous above all
Just in all truth
and worthy beyond all which can be given
All heaven bows down
the earth itself shakes
Who can stand in Your Holy place
Who can ascend
into Your glory
How tall
can this mountain go?
Don't hide me in the rock
let Your glory consume me
Show me your reason
let me feel what stirs You
Change the thing that I am
let it change all I here-on could be
Show me Your glory
that the rock cannot hide
Make into me the fear
of knowing You
Overwhelm me
until I cannot dare stand
Take from me any complacency
or ability to fall back
Light fire to the earth behind me
and drive me to You
Gloriously terrible
illuminate the way
Who can ascend
Your holy mountain
Who can seek out
Your awesome face
purify emptiness from my being
sear truth alone in my soul
Wash from my hands
the stain of the past
And let my heart undefiled
be for You alone
This is the time
to search into worship
This is the time
ordained for Your presence
Ready the outer entry
ready the inner gate
Let the King of all Glory move in
Who is this Glory King
He is force and power
His power none can stand
Through the outer entry
through the inner gate
Who is my King of Glory?
The God of the Hosts is Glory's King.
~JLB
Who can stand
Who can stand
when faced with The One like no other
He is Holy
and righteous above all
Just in all truth
and worthy beyond all which can be given
All heaven bows down
the earth itself shakes
Who can stand in Your Holy place
Who can ascend
into Your glory
How tall
can this mountain go?
Don't hide me in the rock
let Your glory consume me
Show me your reason
let me feel what stirs You
Change the thing that I am
let it change all I here-on could be
Show me Your glory
that the rock cannot hide
Make into me the fear
of knowing You
Overwhelm me
until I cannot dare stand
Take from me any complacency
or ability to fall back
Light fire to the earth behind me
and drive me to You
Gloriously terrible
illuminate the way
Who can ascend
Your holy mountain
Who can seek out
Your awesome face
purify emptiness from my being
sear truth alone in my soul
Wash from my hands
the stain of the past
And let my heart undefiled
be for You alone
This is the time
to search into worship
This is the time
ordained for Your presence
Ready the outer entry
ready the inner gate
Let the King of all Glory move in
Who is this Glory King
He is force and power
His power none can stand
Through the outer entry
through the inner gate
Who is my King of Glory?
The God of the Hosts is Glory's King.
~JLB
how great would it be...? || 2009.09.05&6
200909056
How great would it be...
...unto jealousy craves the breath who's inhabitation is appointed in us...
It would seem possible that we (humanity) inherited the God-capacity for jealousy. Not only is God jealous for us, but designed in us the solidarity of focus to fulfill singly His love. How we have fallen! We still crave and yearn to our purpose, but have neglected Him. So we brood malice and ill-will against all but our misaligned objects of supposed value; we hate our brethren for they are not as us.
How great would it be to focus our face again upon our purpose and the true God: for our jealousy to be lost in His love, and His jealousy to find no home?
How great would it be to know God the way originally intended, to walk with God always, to be consciously accustomed to His presence more greatly than our own?
How great would it be to be full of God so that God pours out of us, covering inside and out, so that ever our view of others is bathed in the purity of God as the pouring envelops, and even reaches to them.
How much more deeply are the lowly covered than the tall-standing proud, how much more fully immersed? And what of the broken, whose fragments easily lift up in the pouring?
How great would it be to know life as it is written, and touch the author's hand as His love scribes each moment?
Melt time away, its limits bound not love! By God Himself is our breath given! Any breath I lift in praise, all I can voice in Holy acclamation, all I can sing, is just a portion returned. So in life, voice is not enough: the heart must join. The heart must breathe His praises, the heart must love Him, and all must worship.
How great would it be when our spirit's craving does not rule us, but in Presence is longing surpassed.
~JLB
How great would it be...
...unto jealousy craves the breath who's inhabitation is appointed in us...
It would seem possible that we (humanity) inherited the God-capacity for jealousy. Not only is God jealous for us, but designed in us the solidarity of focus to fulfill singly His love. How we have fallen! We still crave and yearn to our purpose, but have neglected Him. So we brood malice and ill-will against all but our misaligned objects of supposed value; we hate our brethren for they are not as us.
How great would it be to focus our face again upon our purpose and the true God: for our jealousy to be lost in His love, and His jealousy to find no home?
How great would it be to know God the way originally intended, to walk with God always, to be consciously accustomed to His presence more greatly than our own?
How great would it be to be full of God so that God pours out of us, covering inside and out, so that ever our view of others is bathed in the purity of God as the pouring envelops, and even reaches to them.
How much more deeply are the lowly covered than the tall-standing proud, how much more fully immersed? And what of the broken, whose fragments easily lift up in the pouring?
How great would it be to know life as it is written, and touch the author's hand as His love scribes each moment?
Melt time away, its limits bound not love! By God Himself is our breath given! Any breath I lift in praise, all I can voice in Holy acclamation, all I can sing, is just a portion returned. So in life, voice is not enough: the heart must join. The heart must breathe His praises, the heart must love Him, and all must worship.
How great would it be when our spirit's craving does not rule us, but in Presence is longing surpassed.
~JLB
20090904
From the Sea || 2009.09.02
from the sea
20090902
Upside down,
What wall is up?
What course is to stay?
or ship to captain?
Do the dragons beneath
threaten above the waves?
God be my anchor,
to point the way through the rising
and falling of this journey.
If the water be flames
then carry me away. What lodging will He bear me?
What haven should berth my home?
My course is waves
but my Captain pilots the stars.
His path is always true, though tempest roar
and dragons pump the waves.
Even when the water towers into flames
and foam overtakes the decks.
His unwavering hand holds faithful.
His love fetches the lost from the seas.
~JLB
20090902
Upside down,
What wall is up?
What course is to stay?
or ship to captain?
Do the dragons beneath
threaten above the waves?
God be my anchor,
to point the way through the rising
and falling of this journey.
If the water be flames
then carry me away. What lodging will He bear me?
What haven should berth my home?
My course is waves
but my Captain pilots the stars.
His path is always true, though tempest roar
and dragons pump the waves.
Even when the water towers into flames
and foam overtakes the decks.
His unwavering hand holds faithful.
His love fetches the lost from the seas.
~JLB
Let me carry Love || 2009.09.01
Let me carry love
20090901
And now I shall wait
within the depths of raging tempest
beneath a sun darked orange with smoke.
And all that comes to mind is Your love...
I think of the things carefully fashioned and made
that we are holding to
and wonder at surrender:
What You have sculpted for us to cling to.
Not a reflection of us, but a focus of You,
A focus on You.
And I wonder at the times
when you want us to look but not touch
and how lonely that feels.
Because sometimes there is smoke
and sometimes there is fog
and often there is mud then suddenly desert,
with scorching and searing and longing
for a drop
of rain, of water
Of Your face again, the touch of Your breath,
the smell of your voice,
instead of the stink of the algae
and the gator before me
and the smoke in the sky
while the dragons roost for the night.
I know I have felt Your love,
now let me carry it!
I have seen Your face through lenses,
let me now gaze on You face to face!
I have felt the breeze, and even the wind.
Now breathe upon me with Your breath.
I must have You, must have it all
I must know You, I must come to You
Draw me to You, don't wait a single moment more.
My existence cannot sustain me
You alone are my source
You alone are my life
I open my hands, relinquish my creations and trinkets
Open my hands to find You, to dig for more
To never get enough. To seek You through night
To hear Your voice call up the dawn
Longing for You - Endlessly
Your love like a tempest enters my form
and from the holes of me stream to you melody.
Love, yes love
Flood Your Love through me
Teach me to love You the way You love me
Show Your love of others, and let this love burn in me
Move me by Your love ways I have never know
Move me by Your love, and stir me with compassion.
~JLB
20090901
And now I shall wait
within the depths of raging tempest
beneath a sun darked orange with smoke.
And all that comes to mind is Your love...
I think of the things carefully fashioned and made
that we are holding to
and wonder at surrender:
What You have sculpted for us to cling to.
Not a reflection of us, but a focus of You,
A focus on You.
And I wonder at the times
when you want us to look but not touch
and how lonely that feels.
Because sometimes there is smoke
and sometimes there is fog
and often there is mud then suddenly desert,
with scorching and searing and longing
for a drop
of rain, of water
Of Your face again, the touch of Your breath,
the smell of your voice,
instead of the stink of the algae
and the gator before me
and the smoke in the sky
while the dragons roost for the night.
I know I have felt Your love,
now let me carry it!
I have seen Your face through lenses,
let me now gaze on You face to face!
I have felt the breeze, and even the wind.
Now breathe upon me with Your breath.
I must have You, must have it all
I must know You, I must come to You
Draw me to You, don't wait a single moment more.
My existence cannot sustain me
You alone are my source
You alone are my life
I open my hands, relinquish my creations and trinkets
Open my hands to find You, to dig for more
To never get enough. To seek You through night
To hear Your voice call up the dawn
Longing for You - Endlessly
Your love like a tempest enters my form
and from the holes of me stream to you melody.
Love, yes love
Flood Your Love through me
Teach me to love You the way You love me
Show Your love of others, and let this love burn in me
Move me by Your love ways I have never know
Move me by Your love, and stir me with compassion.
~JLB
At the end of His love || 2009.08.29
200090829
at the end of His love
At the end of His love
there is the end of freedom.
At the end of His love
there is death for everyone.
At the end of His love
is hopelessness without bottom.
At the end of His love
all truth is gone.
For His love is truth
and all that is true.
With all that I am
I know He loves you.
Whatever comes,
His love never ends.
It is not to point at you
it's not to go _to_ you.
It is love to enfold you,
it is love to cover you.
To the layers that when you reach out,
the touch of your hand
is the touch of His love.
His love is perfect full freedom
His love is the power for life
His love is hope
that exceeds circumstances and bounds.
His love is life,
and life is his willingness.
His wrath is a moment,
but His love is forever.
Sorrow lives,
and makes night its warm home
but the sun rises faithfully
each day by His love.
The only love I possess
by Him it is authored,
So my love for Him
is His love through me.
And His love through me
is His love around me,
And His love around me
desires to enfold me,
so that when i reach out,
His love reaches out.
Let my life be His,
for His love is mine,
and mine is in Him.
Let His life be mine,
for i desire to take it to me.
Let me love Him
so strongly
that it is mine.
Let me hope in Him,
my life be lived that all can see
the salvation made free
by love poured out.
~JLB
at the end of His love
At the end of His love
there is the end of freedom.
At the end of His love
there is death for everyone.
At the end of His love
is hopelessness without bottom.
At the end of His love
all truth is gone.
For His love is truth
and all that is true.
With all that I am
I know He loves you.
Whatever comes,
His love never ends.
It is not to point at you
it's not to go _to_ you.
It is love to enfold you,
it is love to cover you.
To the layers that when you reach out,
the touch of your hand
is the touch of His love.
His love is perfect full freedom
His love is the power for life
His love is hope
that exceeds circumstances and bounds.
His love is life,
and life is his willingness.
His wrath is a moment,
but His love is forever.
Sorrow lives,
and makes night its warm home
but the sun rises faithfully
each day by His love.
The only love I possess
by Him it is authored,
So my love for Him
is His love through me.
And His love through me
is His love around me,
And His love around me
desires to enfold me,
so that when i reach out,
His love reaches out.
Let my life be His,
for His love is mine,
and mine is in Him.
Let His life be mine,
for i desire to take it to me.
Let me love Him
so strongly
that it is mine.
Let me hope in Him,
my life be lived that all can see
the salvation made free
by love poured out.
~JLB
20090830
At the end of His love || 2009.08.29
200090829
at the end of His love
At the end of His love
there is the end of freedom.
At the end of His love
there is death for everyone.
At the end of His love
is hopelessness without bottom.
At the end of His love
all truth is gone.
For His love is truth
and all that is true.
With all that I am
I know He loves you.
Whatever comes,
His love never ends.
It is not to point at you
it's not to go _to_ you.
It is love to enfold you,
it is love to cover you.
To the layers that when you reach out,
the touch of your hand
is the touch of His love.
His love is perfect full freedom
His love is the power for life
His love is hope
that exceeds circumstances and bounds.
His love is life,
and life is his willingness.
His wrath is a moment,
but His love is forever.
Sorrow lives,
and makes night its warm home
but the sun rises faithfully
each day by His love.
The only love I possess
by Him it is authored,
So my love for Him
is His love through me.
And His love through me
is His love around me,
And His love around me
desires to enfold me,
so that when i reach out,
His love reaches out.
Let my life be His,
for His love is mine,
and mine is in Him.
Let His life be mine,
for i desire to take it to me.
Let me love Him
so strongly
that it is mine.
Let me hope in Him,
my life be lived that all can see
the salvation made free
by love poured out.
~JLB
at the end of His love
At the end of His love
there is the end of freedom.
At the end of His love
there is death for everyone.
At the end of His love
is hopelessness without bottom.
At the end of His love
all truth is gone.
For His love is truth
and all that is true.
With all that I am
I know He loves you.
Whatever comes,
His love never ends.
It is not to point at you
it's not to go _to_ you.
It is love to enfold you,
it is love to cover you.
To the layers that when you reach out,
the touch of your hand
is the touch of His love.
His love is perfect full freedom
His love is the power for life
His love is hope
that exceeds circumstances and bounds.
His love is life,
and life is his willingness.
His wrath is a moment,
but His love is forever.
Sorrow lives,
and makes night its warm home
but the sun rises faithfully
each day by His love.
The only love I possess
by Him it is authored,
So my love for Him
is His love through me.
And His love through me
is His love around me,
And His love around me
desires to enfold me,
so that when i reach out,
His love reaches out.
Let my life be His,
for His love is mine,
and mine is in Him.
Let His life be mine,
for i desire to take it to me.
Let me love Him
so strongly
that it is mine.
Let me hope in Him,
my life be lived that all can see
the salvation made free
by love poured out.
~JLB
deux ex mechina || 20090826
3:47 AM 8/26/2009
-deux ex mechina-
who will bow down
to the god that we made
an image as gold
[but not really gold,
as we quit that before]
towering too high
will it be found in the morning
facedown on the floor
laid down and broken
with head and hands at the door
unable to save
so who won't bow down
to the god that we made
the hour grows near
and the flames reach new heights
should we find ourselves
in the midst of the flames
we will walk in the fire
and praise God
and bless the Lord
whose name is worthy
to be praised and glorified
for evermore
for You, God are righteous in all things
true in all works
right in all ways
and all Your judgments are truth
[dan3v28+ apocryphitic kjv]
(3:28) In all the things that thou hast brought upon
us, and upon the holy city of our fathers, even
Jerusalem, thou hast executed true judgment: for
according to truth and judgment didst thou bring all
these things upon us because of our sins.
(3:29) For we have sinned and committed iniquity,
departing from thee.
(3:30) In all things have we trespassed, and not
obeyed thy commandments, nor kept them, neither done
as thou hast commanded us, that it might go well with
us.
(3:31) Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us,
and every thing that thou hast done to us, thou hast
done in true judgment.
(3:32) And thou didst deliver us into the hands of
lawless enemies, most hateful forsakers of God, and
to an unjust king, and the most wicked in all the
world.
(3:33) And now we cannot open our mouths, we are
become a shame and reproach to thy servants; and to
them that worship thee.
(3:34) Yet deliver us not up wholly, for thy name's
sake, neither disannul thou thy covenant:
(3:35) And cause not thy mercy to depart from us, for
thy beloved Abraham's sake, for thy servant Issac's
sake, and for thy holy Israel's sake;
(3:36) To whom thou hast spoken and promised, that
thou wouldest multiply their seed as the stars of
heaven, and as the sand that lieth upon the seashore.
(3:37) For we, O Lord, are become less than any
nation, and be kept under this day in all the world
because of our sins.
(3:38) Neither is there at this time prince, or
prophet, or leader, or burnt offering, or sacrifice,
or oblation, or incense, or place to sacrifice before
thee, and to find mercy.
(3:39) Nevertheless in a contrite heart and an humble
spirit let us be accepted.
(3:40) Like as in the burnt offerings of rams and
bullocks, and like as in ten thousands of fat lambs:
so let our sacrifice be in thy sight this day, and
grant that we may wholly go after thee: for they
shall not be confounded that put their trust in thee.
(3:41) And now we follow thee with all our heart, we
fear thee, and seek thy face.
(3:42) Put us not to shame: but deal with us after
thy lovingkindness, and according to the multitude of
thy mercies.
(3:43) Deliver us also according to thy marvellous
works, and give glory to thy name, O Lord: and let
all them that do thy servants hurt be ashamed;
(3:44) And let them be confounded in all their power
and might, and let their strength be broken;
(3:45) And let them know that thou art God, the only
God, and glorious over the whole world.
(3:46) And the king's servants, that put them in,
ceased not to make the oven hot with rosin, pitch,
tow, and small wood;
(3:47) So that the flame streamed forth above the
furnace forty and nine cubits.
(3:48) And it passed through, and burned those
Chaldeans it found about the furnace.
(3:49) But the angel of the Lord came down into the
oven together with Azarias and his fellows, and smote
the flame of the fire out of the oven;
(3:50) And made the midst of the furnace as it had
been a moist whistling wind, so that the fire touched
them not at all, neither hurt nor troubled them.
(3:51) Then the three, as out of one mouth, praised,
glorified, and blessed, God in the furnace, saying,
(3:52) Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers:
and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
(3:53) And blessed is thy glorious and holy name: and
to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
(3:54) Blessed art thou in the temple of thine holy
glory: and to be praised and glorified above all for
ever.
(3:55) Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths,
and sittest upon the cherubims: and to be praised and
exalted above all for ever.
(3:56) Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy
kingdom: and to be praised and glorified above all
for ever.
(3:57) Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven:
and above all to be praised and glorified for ever.
(3:58) O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord
: praise and exalt him above all for ever,
(3:59) O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord : praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
(3:60) O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:61) O all ye waters that be above the heaven,
bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for
ever.
(3:62) O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:63) O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:64) O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:65) O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:66) O all ye winds, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever,
(3:67) O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:68) O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:69) O ye dews and storms of snow, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:70) O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord: bless
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:71) O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:72) O ye ice and cold, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:73) O ye frost and snow, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:74) O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:75) O let the earth bless the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
(3:76) O ye mountains and little hills, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:77) O all ye things that grow in the earth, bless
ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:78) O ye mountains, bless ye the Lord: Praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
(3:79) O ye seas and rivers, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:80) O ye whales, and all that move in the waters,
bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for
ever.
(3:81) O all ye fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:82) O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:83) O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:84) O Israel, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt
him above all for ever.
(3:85) O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:86) O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:87) O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless
ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:88) O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye
the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:89) O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever: far he
hath delivered us from hell, and saved us from the
hand of death, and delivered us out of the midst of
the furnace and burning flame: even out of the midst
of the fire hath he delivered us.
(3:90) O give thanks unto the Lord, because he is
gracious: for his mercy endureth for ever.
(3:91) O all ye that worship the Lord, bless the God
of gods, praise him, and give him thanks: for his
mercy endureth for ever.
Dan 3:24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied,
and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his
counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the
midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the
king, True, O king.
Dan 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men
loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they
have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the
Son of God.
-deux ex mechina-
who will bow down
to the god that we made
an image as gold
[but not really gold,
as we quit that before]
towering too high
will it be found in the morning
facedown on the floor
laid down and broken
with head and hands at the door
unable to save
so who won't bow down
to the god that we made
the hour grows near
and the flames reach new heights
should we find ourselves
in the midst of the flames
we will walk in the fire
and praise God
and bless the Lord
whose name is worthy
to be praised and glorified
for evermore
for You, God are righteous in all things
true in all works
right in all ways
and all Your judgments are truth
[dan3v28+ apocryphitic kjv]
(3:28) In all the things that thou hast brought upon
us, and upon the holy city of our fathers, even
Jerusalem, thou hast executed true judgment: for
according to truth and judgment didst thou bring all
these things upon us because of our sins.
(3:29) For we have sinned and committed iniquity,
departing from thee.
(3:30) In all things have we trespassed, and not
obeyed thy commandments, nor kept them, neither done
as thou hast commanded us, that it might go well with
us.
(3:31) Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us,
and every thing that thou hast done to us, thou hast
done in true judgment.
(3:32) And thou didst deliver us into the hands of
lawless enemies, most hateful forsakers of God, and
to an unjust king, and the most wicked in all the
world.
(3:33) And now we cannot open our mouths, we are
become a shame and reproach to thy servants; and to
them that worship thee.
(3:34) Yet deliver us not up wholly, for thy name's
sake, neither disannul thou thy covenant:
(3:35) And cause not thy mercy to depart from us, for
thy beloved Abraham's sake, for thy servant Issac's
sake, and for thy holy Israel's sake;
(3:36) To whom thou hast spoken and promised, that
thou wouldest multiply their seed as the stars of
heaven, and as the sand that lieth upon the seashore.
(3:37) For we, O Lord, are become less than any
nation, and be kept under this day in all the world
because of our sins.
(3:38) Neither is there at this time prince, or
prophet, or leader, or burnt offering, or sacrifice,
or oblation, or incense, or place to sacrifice before
thee, and to find mercy.
(3:39) Nevertheless in a contrite heart and an humble
spirit let us be accepted.
(3:40) Like as in the burnt offerings of rams and
bullocks, and like as in ten thousands of fat lambs:
so let our sacrifice be in thy sight this day, and
grant that we may wholly go after thee: for they
shall not be confounded that put their trust in thee.
(3:41) And now we follow thee with all our heart, we
fear thee, and seek thy face.
(3:42) Put us not to shame: but deal with us after
thy lovingkindness, and according to the multitude of
thy mercies.
(3:43) Deliver us also according to thy marvellous
works, and give glory to thy name, O Lord: and let
all them that do thy servants hurt be ashamed;
(3:44) And let them be confounded in all their power
and might, and let their strength be broken;
(3:45) And let them know that thou art God, the only
God, and glorious over the whole world.
(3:46) And the king's servants, that put them in,
ceased not to make the oven hot with rosin, pitch,
tow, and small wood;
(3:47) So that the flame streamed forth above the
furnace forty and nine cubits.
(3:48) And it passed through, and burned those
Chaldeans it found about the furnace.
(3:49) But the angel of the Lord came down into the
oven together with Azarias and his fellows, and smote
the flame of the fire out of the oven;
(3:50) And made the midst of the furnace as it had
been a moist whistling wind, so that the fire touched
them not at all, neither hurt nor troubled them.
(3:51) Then the three, as out of one mouth, praised,
glorified, and blessed, God in the furnace, saying,
(3:52) Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers:
and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
(3:53) And blessed is thy glorious and holy name: and
to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
(3:54) Blessed art thou in the temple of thine holy
glory: and to be praised and glorified above all for
ever.
(3:55) Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths,
and sittest upon the cherubims: and to be praised and
exalted above all for ever.
(3:56) Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy
kingdom: and to be praised and glorified above all
for ever.
(3:57) Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven:
and above all to be praised and glorified for ever.
(3:58) O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord
: praise and exalt him above all for ever,
(3:59) O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord : praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
(3:60) O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:61) O all ye waters that be above the heaven,
bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for
ever.
(3:62) O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:63) O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:64) O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:65) O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:66) O all ye winds, bless ye the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever,
(3:67) O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:68) O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:69) O ye dews and storms of snow, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:70) O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord: bless
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:71) O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:72) O ye ice and cold, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:73) O ye frost and snow, bless ye the Lord: praise
and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:74) O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:75) O let the earth bless the Lord: praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
(3:76) O ye mountains and little hills, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:77) O all ye things that grow in the earth, bless
ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:78) O ye mountains, bless ye the Lord: Praise and
exalt him above all for ever.
(3:79) O ye seas and rivers, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:80) O ye whales, and all that move in the waters,
bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for
ever.
(3:81) O all ye fowls of the air, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:82) O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:83) O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:84) O Israel, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt
him above all for ever.
(3:85) O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:86) O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord:
praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:87) O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless
ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:88) O ye holy and humble men of heart, bless ye
the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
(3:89) O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the
Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever: far he
hath delivered us from hell, and saved us from the
hand of death, and delivered us out of the midst of
the furnace and burning flame: even out of the midst
of the fire hath he delivered us.
(3:90) O give thanks unto the Lord, because he is
gracious: for his mercy endureth for ever.
(3:91) O all ye that worship the Lord, bless the God
of gods, praise him, and give him thanks: for his
mercy endureth for ever.
Dan 3:24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied,
and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his
counsellors, Did not we cast three men bound into the
midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the
king, True, O king.
Dan 3:25 He answered and said, Lo, I see four men
loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they
have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the
Son of God.
20090820
His Mark Remains || 2009.08.19
20090819
His mark remains
If we were each but a mote of dust
in the fingerprint of the Almighty's hand,
how glorious would that be?
But we're not.
Look around -
we are the fingerprint of God.
To this world we are His mark,
the sign of His love among us.
We are the touch that lingers,
that smudges in the shape
of Love's next clasp.
Do you see He loves you?
His touch marked everywhere!
The lines of your face,
the step of your gait,
His presence, can you feel it?
He loves you,
Can't you see it?
Let Him be your identity,
your remembrance.
Like a fire to be taken,
whose place will not die out
but spreads.
And each mark stands on:
His mark remains,
we live.
~JLB
His mark remains
If we were each but a mote of dust
in the fingerprint of the Almighty's hand,
how glorious would that be?
But we're not.
Look around -
we are the fingerprint of God.
To this world we are His mark,
the sign of His love among us.
We are the touch that lingers,
that smudges in the shape
of Love's next clasp.
Do you see He loves you?
His touch marked everywhere!
The lines of your face,
the step of your gait,
His presence, can you feel it?
He loves you,
Can't you see it?
Let Him be your identity,
your remembrance.
Like a fire to be taken,
whose place will not die out
but spreads.
And each mark stands on:
His mark remains,
we live.
~JLB
20090819
Voice Cry Out || 2009.08.18
20090818
voice cry out
Upon what fearsome note
does the voice of a stone call forth?
And how unjust
the iniquity of blood and of soul
to convoke such an a-respired cry?
Stop not your voice,
let none hold their peace!
What praises come from death?
and what silence opposes it?
Who stands as the champion of the dead?
There is nothing, no place
and no-one with the way to overwhelm us!
Let God rise up, and lift up His right hand!
Cry out your voice in praise!
Cry out for the rocks and the trees,
cry out for all creation who was fashioned without voice!
Let all breath praise Him,
and let all that is resound!
Let the stars of heaven shiver,
let the earth beneath us quake,
let creation swallow awe,
let morning be woken in its home
and the doors of heaven shake!
For I know the One
who wove the stars of the sky,
I have touched the hand
who laid the cornerstone of this earth.
I feel the One by whose way light is parted
and wind scatters over the earth.
I know His heart, who makes the rain,
and numbers clouds by His wisdom.
Praise be to Him
who can silence the earth before Him,
and hearts be poured out in worship.
For He is...
And He is our King.
There is none other,
and none can take His place.
~JLB
voice cry out
Upon what fearsome note
does the voice of a stone call forth?
And how unjust
the iniquity of blood and of soul
to convoke such an a-respired cry?
Stop not your voice,
let none hold their peace!
What praises come from death?
and what silence opposes it?
Who stands as the champion of the dead?
There is nothing, no place
and no-one with the way to overwhelm us!
Let God rise up, and lift up His right hand!
Cry out your voice in praise!
Cry out for the rocks and the trees,
cry out for all creation who was fashioned without voice!
Let all breath praise Him,
and let all that is resound!
Let the stars of heaven shiver,
let the earth beneath us quake,
let creation swallow awe,
let morning be woken in its home
and the doors of heaven shake!
For I know the One
who wove the stars of the sky,
I have touched the hand
who laid the cornerstone of this earth.
I feel the One by whose way light is parted
and wind scatters over the earth.
I know His heart, who makes the rain,
and numbers clouds by His wisdom.
Praise be to Him
who can silence the earth before Him,
and hearts be poured out in worship.
For He is...
And He is our King.
There is none other,
and none can take His place.
~JLB
20090811
I cannot gain enough || 2009.08.09
20090809
i cannot gain enough
You can't be satisfied with where you are - God deserves way more than that. Just like athletes who continue to train will always break a record, always surpass the mark that was highest, God draws us so we must press in. Eternally we were made to be more than this. If the relationship we know with God has reached the maximum apex of human experience, remember you were created for more. The bible tells of dreams, of visions, of visitations by angels, even of men who have seen God with their own eyes, all recognizably within the scope of human experience; but the Bible also tells of more. It records a one man who walked with God and was not. What human experience is this? To go with, to know and not to be? This is beyond limitation, outside of human experience. It is the abandonment of reason, exchanged for the grasp of purpose: the embrace of unending encounter chosen above experience that is gone in a moment.
I want to know God, but knowing can not be enough. I want to see God, but how long can I look if I dare not blink? I want to feel God's heart, even though its depth would end me. And how much of His voice can I take before its thundering will drown me? God, pull me up from my humanity and draw me into you. Teach me how to walk with you, constantly and completely. That you would be my point, and that even at distraction all of my existence would formulate thoughts which haunt of you. Let all my turning, my rising and my falling, my needs, my gains and my growing - let even my passing from this life be in the steps of you. Let me stand still, for surely let me speak, let my thoughts possess no secrets and my words encompass all. Let me be more than your friend - make me to be your constant companion, and your traveller on every step. God make me yours, for I cannot gain enough.
~JLB
i cannot gain enough
You can't be satisfied with where you are - God deserves way more than that. Just like athletes who continue to train will always break a record, always surpass the mark that was highest, God draws us so we must press in. Eternally we were made to be more than this. If the relationship we know with God has reached the maximum apex of human experience, remember you were created for more. The bible tells of dreams, of visions, of visitations by angels, even of men who have seen God with their own eyes, all recognizably within the scope of human experience; but the Bible also tells of more. It records a one man who walked with God and was not. What human experience is this? To go with, to know and not to be? This is beyond limitation, outside of human experience. It is the abandonment of reason, exchanged for the grasp of purpose: the embrace of unending encounter chosen above experience that is gone in a moment.
I want to know God, but knowing can not be enough. I want to see God, but how long can I look if I dare not blink? I want to feel God's heart, even though its depth would end me. And how much of His voice can I take before its thundering will drown me? God, pull me up from my humanity and draw me into you. Teach me how to walk with you, constantly and completely. That you would be my point, and that even at distraction all of my existence would formulate thoughts which haunt of you. Let all my turning, my rising and my falling, my needs, my gains and my growing - let even my passing from this life be in the steps of you. Let me stand still, for surely let me speak, let my thoughts possess no secrets and my words encompass all. Let me be more than your friend - make me to be your constant companion, and your traveller on every step. God make me yours, for I cannot gain enough.
~JLB
20090806
Mark me Yours || 2009.08.06
20090806
mark me yours
God, mark me as yours -
let me be known by your name.
Associate my appearance to you
that there could be no mistake
for whose breath I live.
Let my heart rise
and fall by your emotion.
Open my eyes to see
what your heart feels,
and tune my ears to your praise
that the earth deeply burns to offer.
Let light illuminate and darkness dispel
and chaos evaporate
and let all heaven tell of your wonders
Stand the universe up in awe
and at every response let the elders bow down
May all thrones be emptied
all crowns strewn to your feet
the atmosphere cries Worthy as all voices join
My King, mark me
to be yours, mark me yours
and let all creation see.
~JLB
mark me yours
God, mark me as yours -
let me be known by your name.
Associate my appearance to you
that there could be no mistake
for whose breath I live.
Let my heart rise
and fall by your emotion.
Open my eyes to see
what your heart feels,
and tune my ears to your praise
that the earth deeply burns to offer.
Let light illuminate and darkness dispel
and chaos evaporate
and let all heaven tell of your wonders
Stand the universe up in awe
and at every response let the elders bow down
May all thrones be emptied
all crowns strewn to your feet
the atmosphere cries Worthy as all voices join
My King, mark me
to be yours, mark me yours
and let all creation see.
~JLB
20090802
Broken Gathered || 2009.08.01
20090801
He was broken beyond recognition
and He still recognized me.
And now I see His presence
and His pieces move toward together.
They catch things,
and turn them to Him.
I am also captured.
I start to see His face
as part of Him draws me.
Then more of Him draws me.
His hands pull me
as wonder captivates me.
I run now, faster than His pull.
I have escaped His grasp
to fly forward in His love.
His pieces are no compulsion
for I must have Him all.
I cannot find Him fast enough
by my earnest lightning surrounds me!
I hear His voice!
It is a storm above my own.
There exists no bounds
our tempest may contain
Beyond myself I desire Him,
zealous is His desire toward me.
Fervor beckons and won't be denied:
I do find Him. By love's triumph is He to me
more than the greatest passion
of all I can offer of life -
mine to Him.
~JLB
He was broken beyond recognition
and He still recognized me.
And now I see His presence
and His pieces move toward together.
They catch things,
and turn them to Him.
I am also captured.
I start to see His face
as part of Him draws me.
Then more of Him draws me.
His hands pull me
as wonder captivates me.
I run now, faster than His pull.
I have escaped His grasp
to fly forward in His love.
His pieces are no compulsion
for I must have Him all.
I cannot find Him fast enough
by my earnest lightning surrounds me!
I hear His voice!
It is a storm above my own.
There exists no bounds
our tempest may contain
Beyond myself I desire Him,
zealous is His desire toward me.
Fervor beckons and won't be denied:
I do find Him. By love's triumph is He to me
more than the greatest passion
of all I can offer of life -
mine to Him.
~JLB
20090719
Stare at The Son || 2009.07.19
20090719
Stare at The Son
When you stare into the sun
-all earth becomes shadows.
As so it is when your face is changed
by staring into The Son.
Your eyes see different,
your heart sees more clearly
and your life desires Him.
When you look around to the shadows,
His form is burned into your vision.
His face is before me,
His eyes to never be forgotten,
and Glory breathes.
It catches me, and when I burn
it flows.
And it burns also...
~JLB
Stare at The Son
When you stare into the sun
-all earth becomes shadows.
As so it is when your face is changed
by staring into The Son.
Your eyes see different,
your heart sees more clearly
and your life desires Him.
When you look around to the shadows,
His form is burned into your vision.
His face is before me,
His eyes to never be forgotten,
and Glory breathes.
It catches me, and when I burn
it flows.
And it burns also...
~JLB
20090712
God Has Chosen || 20090711
20090711
God Has Chosen
God loves you as though he has no choice: so completely has He chosen you. It is He Himself who mandates your next breath, and he who makes your heart to a cadence beat. He binds your atoms together, and reconstructs into you your food each day. It is by His breath each mind exists.
It is His will which causes you life, it is His hand which formed you to birth. Think with caution to all matter which is temporal, for we are born for more than this: we were born for eternal encounter.
Why do you think we crave relationship, yet are drawn to the beauty of expansive solitude as is seen from a mountaintop? This paradox illustrates the signature of God upon us. For others the ink is different, but the feeling still the same. We were carved from the earth and made for the void of choice, and in this choice God has chosen. Each one individually God Himself has chosen. His presence exists against you undeniably and unavoidably: He has chosen you!
It is His breath that you first breathed when the fluid drained from your lungs at birth, and it is He who sustained you each moment to this day. God has chosen and waits for you. Eternity is paused while you decide... Chose Love, chose Life. Chose to love Him as though there is no choice - relentlessly love Him, and excel toward His face. Completely chose to breathe His breath, so close to Him to live. You has God chosen, like no other could exist! Desire His encounter!
~JLB
God Has Chosen
God loves you as though he has no choice: so completely has He chosen you. It is He Himself who mandates your next breath, and he who makes your heart to a cadence beat. He binds your atoms together, and reconstructs into you your food each day. It is by His breath each mind exists.
It is His will which causes you life, it is His hand which formed you to birth. Think with caution to all matter which is temporal, for we are born for more than this: we were born for eternal encounter.
Why do you think we crave relationship, yet are drawn to the beauty of expansive solitude as is seen from a mountaintop? This paradox illustrates the signature of God upon us. For others the ink is different, but the feeling still the same. We were carved from the earth and made for the void of choice, and in this choice God has chosen. Each one individually God Himself has chosen. His presence exists against you undeniably and unavoidably: He has chosen you!
It is His breath that you first breathed when the fluid drained from your lungs at birth, and it is He who sustained you each moment to this day. God has chosen and waits for you. Eternity is paused while you decide... Chose Love, chose Life. Chose to love Him as though there is no choice - relentlessly love Him, and excel toward His face. Completely chose to breathe His breath, so close to Him to live. You has God chosen, like no other could exist! Desire His encounter!
~JLB
20090701
Extracted || 20090701
20090701
Extracted
Chosen, called out,
set apart, extracted.
The One we lifted up,
borne up to glory
to draw us up:
salvation.
Lifted Peter
when he stopped walking on water.
Pulled from the waves
to Glory's King.
By whom was this King extracted;
lifted up to death?
By whose force did He hang before us?
Extracted from our midst?
Of us, our detriment,
sin withholding us;
Of God, unremitting righteousness,
The hand of God Himself.
We pushed up, and God reached down.
The savior died, but which way won?
The savior came /down/
so which force won?
Heaven pushed down.
Down and stirred hell itself.
With its return extracted me,
And pulled me close to Glory's King.
The waves no longer matter
for He extracted me.
His arms, they full sustain me,
and His breath, it dries my face.
Glory all be
to the worthy, blessed One,
in majesty He redeems us,
and wraps us tight to Glory's King.
~JLB
Extracted
Chosen, called out,
set apart, extracted.
The One we lifted up,
borne up to glory
to draw us up:
salvation.
Lifted Peter
when he stopped walking on water.
Pulled from the waves
to Glory's King.
By whom was this King extracted;
lifted up to death?
By whose force did He hang before us?
Extracted from our midst?
Of us, our detriment,
sin withholding us;
Of God, unremitting righteousness,
The hand of God Himself.
We pushed up, and God reached down.
The savior died, but which way won?
The savior came /down/
so which force won?
Heaven pushed down.
Down and stirred hell itself.
With its return extracted me,
And pulled me close to Glory's King.
The waves no longer matter
for He extracted me.
His arms, they full sustain me,
and His breath, it dries my face.
Glory all be
to the worthy, blessed One,
in majesty He redeems us,
and wraps us tight to Glory's King.
~JLB
20090628
Betrothed || 2009.06.27
20090627
Betrothed
The Woman is betrothed
to her King
Called apart from her place of birth
trying to live until the appointed day
But struggling sometimes to retain
the focus of Love
It is easy in The Presence
feeling the touch,
or reading His words
to remember Love
to stir it up
There is no shadows in her vision
When she wakes
with her mind full of Him
She is not yet wed to His tasks fully,
but to labor in His course
writes her memory full of Him
And with memories vibrant
love glows hotly
Until His work is passion
because it lights her heart
And her life (as her own) grows dim
for at a wedding she chooses
to end herself on Him
For passion grows
with each breath, each touch
until she cries out
"Lord! come quickly
I run, I wait, I cry, and I sing:
Lord! Come!
I cannot wait,
Bring me to your Presence,
Let me feel your breath!
Touch my hands again
Raise my arms up in your strength!
Bring me to your eyes
Hold me in embrace!
Don't withhold from me encounter...
Lord, my Lord! Come
Here, I long.
~JLB
Betrothed
The Woman is betrothed
to her King
Called apart from her place of birth
trying to live until the appointed day
But struggling sometimes to retain
the focus of Love
It is easy in The Presence
feeling the touch,
or reading His words
to remember Love
to stir it up
There is no shadows in her vision
When she wakes
with her mind full of Him
She is not yet wed to His tasks fully,
but to labor in His course
writes her memory full of Him
And with memories vibrant
love glows hotly
Until His work is passion
because it lights her heart
And her life (as her own) grows dim
for at a wedding she chooses
to end herself on Him
For passion grows
with each breath, each touch
until she cries out
"Lord! come quickly
I run, I wait, I cry, and I sing:
Lord! Come!
I cannot wait,
Bring me to your Presence,
Let me feel your breath!
Touch my hands again
Raise my arms up in your strength!
Bring me to your eyes
Hold me in embrace!
Don't withhold from me encounter...
Lord, my Lord! Come
Here, I long.
~JLB
20090621
Lost in a Fog || 2009.06.21
Lost in a Fog
20090621
To be lost in the fog
... impedes visual navigation,
but in the intimacy of a moment of Love,
enveloped in the closeness and love's warmth,
fog brightens the colours, obscures the world.
If you are with the one you love,
fog is a shade pulled over a window,
except just pulling the world smaller, closer,
more beautiful, instead of closing it out.
If you're stood on a mountain and clearly see for miles-
it takes your breath away,
but to stand on a mountain held thick in fog,
it stops your mind. For you are there
and hidden around you - Nothing begins.
The air itself becomes tangible because it is seen.
And so the fog is like Love
- in a way.
~JLB
20090621
To be lost in the fog
... impedes visual navigation,
but in the intimacy of a moment of Love,
enveloped in the closeness and love's warmth,
fog brightens the colours, obscures the world.
If you are with the one you love,
fog is a shade pulled over a window,
except just pulling the world smaller, closer,
more beautiful, instead of closing it out.
If you're stood on a mountain and clearly see for miles-
it takes your breath away,
but to stand on a mountain held thick in fog,
it stops your mind. For you are there
and hidden around you - Nothing begins.
The air itself becomes tangible because it is seen.
And so the fog is like Love
- in a way.
~JLB
A Better Life || 2009.06.20
A Better Life
20090620
A better life...
where bodies are burned, and terror tears.
And living is worth it,
and death holds no emptiness.
And yet no power at all.
Life that holds passion.
Passion that permits no dancer hold.
Until waves like water
onto our faces we bow
Heaven opens
and rains come down.
The worship rises:
Holy are you Lord
Worthy are you Lord
Mighty are you Lord
Holy is the Lord
. Holy are you Lord
Holy is the Lord
Faithful is the Lord
Lovely is the Lord
Mighty is the Lord
~JLB
[last bit was the song singing in the service i was at when writing]
20090620
A better life...
where bodies are burned, and terror tears.
And living is worth it,
and death holds no emptiness.
And yet no power at all.
Life that holds passion.
Passion that permits no dancer hold.
Until waves like water
onto our faces we bow
Heaven opens
and rains come down.
The worship rises:
Holy are you Lord
Worthy are you Lord
Mighty are you Lord
Holy is the Lord
. Holy are you Lord
Holy is the Lord
Faithful is the Lord
Lovely is the Lord
Mighty is the Lord
~JLB
[last bit was the song singing in the service i was at when writing]
20090617
Let Eternity Begin || 2009.06.16
Let Eternity Begin
20090616
It is night no more when dawn breathes dark away.
Who wakes the sleeping when no one calls their name?
What sign stands mark, if day begins at dusk?
An ease to tell: a time for restful peace
or charge light-bent away to leap.
And how these bend, as dawn finds all
telling the tales of a night full spent.
But how often is that leap of worship...
with dawn then finding you lost on your face?
And how is the light, after the music all fades?
Can continuing song still sing in your head?
Will dimming be barred while the sun burns down the day?
Let worship be rapture
Let the songs never end
Let the music continue
Let eternity begin.
~JLB
20090616
It is night no more when dawn breathes dark away.
Who wakes the sleeping when no one calls their name?
What sign stands mark, if day begins at dusk?
An ease to tell: a time for restful peace
or charge light-bent away to leap.
And how these bend, as dawn finds all
telling the tales of a night full spent.
But how often is that leap of worship...
with dawn then finding you lost on your face?
And how is the light, after the music all fades?
Can continuing song still sing in your head?
Will dimming be barred while the sun burns down the day?
Let worship be rapture
Let the songs never end
Let the music continue
Let eternity begin.
~JLB
20090614
Time of Love || 2009.06.13
Time of Love
20090613
The presence of Jesus is infinitely more relevant and desirable.
But in love there lives no wonder of why or how,
but only the moment when living floats
and this world of shadows fades away.
In the embrace there is still longing...
it holds together, transfixed...
because we know against time
there lives still more.
You can feel it.
Life can't contain it,
else Death would ever cease.
So our heart knows there is more.
When Love swallows your tears,
and its happiness leaves wet tracks down your face...
and you touch immortality...
know there is more.
When you are enveloped in song...
and you can't stop but dance...
and your feet float above the floor,
know that there is more.
When you stand in God's hand,
when His palm is your cradle...
and your peace is His lullaby...
there comes a time to know time no more...
And dance with the One
who once formed your birth,
who captured your heart
and began teaching your worth,
Who blessed you with breath
to be taken away...
when the sky grows too thin
and lets you push it away...
And look on His face,
the colours in His eyes...
and His smile... at you.
~JLB
20090613
The presence of Jesus is infinitely more relevant and desirable.
But in love there lives no wonder of why or how,
but only the moment when living floats
and this world of shadows fades away.
In the embrace there is still longing...
it holds together, transfixed...
because we know against time
there lives still more.
You can feel it.
Life can't contain it,
else Death would ever cease.
So our heart knows there is more.
When Love swallows your tears,
and its happiness leaves wet tracks down your face...
and you touch immortality...
know there is more.
When you are enveloped in song...
and you can't stop but dance...
and your feet float above the floor,
know that there is more.
When you stand in God's hand,
when His palm is your cradle...
and your peace is His lullaby...
there comes a time to know time no more...
And dance with the One
who once formed your birth,
who captured your heart
and began teaching your worth,
Who blessed you with breath
to be taken away...
when the sky grows too thin
and lets you push it away...
And look on His face,
the colours in His eyes...
and His smile... at you.
~JLB
20090527
Light Curtains || 2009.05.26
20090526
Light Curtains
The light hung like curtains in the sky,
wind I didn't feel billowing the rays.
And left, from a mountain peak,
a path of the clouds switch-backed upward.
It brings foggy memories of fantasies dreamed
and brilliant moments lived...
The embrace of my Liege,
to draw me from despair's dark dungeon
The Choir of two voices
when worship melted else away
Visions of His castle
and the sound when He sings my name
And lands of emotions
crafted of the breath in my mind
Today, life is a reminder
for across the sky is memory written.
~JLB
Light Curtains
The light hung like curtains in the sky,
wind I didn't feel billowing the rays.
And left, from a mountain peak,
a path of the clouds switch-backed upward.
It brings foggy memories of fantasies dreamed
and brilliant moments lived...
The embrace of my Liege,
to draw me from despair's dark dungeon
The Choir of two voices
when worship melted else away
Visions of His castle
and the sound when He sings my name
And lands of emotions
crafted of the breath in my mind
Today, life is a reminder
for across the sky is memory written.
~JLB
20090519
Crushed at the Foot || 2009.04.21
20090421
Crushed at the Foot
When you find you've been crushed
at the foot of the cross
And away from you crumbled
the shell of armor you made
of your pride and your fears
Left your hands holding nothing,
Save the Redeemer's blood that drips down
And melt the charred
from the wreck of your form
and forms you to life divine
It is then where you can raise above
the death of where you were born
It is there that you may
wear the King's own Glory
For you are His and His alone
~JLB
Crushed at the Foot
When you find you've been crushed
at the foot of the cross
And away from you crumbled
the shell of armor you made
of your pride and your fears
Left your hands holding nothing,
Save the Redeemer's blood that drips down
And melt the charred
from the wreck of your form
and forms you to life divine
It is then where you can raise above
the death of where you were born
It is there that you may
wear the King's own Glory
For you are His and His alone
~JLB
20090416
Wonder, Dance and Spirit || 2009.04.13
20090413
-wonder, dance and spirit-
And sit in darkness to wonder
as light creeps in
making colours deep,
how the heart stands warm
when peace within it flows.
When presentation fades
and rush of thought subsides
and music gently pulls
the spirit from its cradle
within my soul
and beckons it to fly.
And then my spirit rises
dance gently floating
as dim light temporal drowns
by light eternal
as spirit burns bright to worship
at the whisper of my king.
At His touch is lightning kindled
the way it dances near His throne
and i am now before Him
as His rest becomes my Heart.
"...His rest becomes my heart"
His relaxation is made into my heart?
or His remainder is suitable to my heart?
I choose the second, and my heart will be His throne...
~JLB
-wonder, dance and spirit-
And sit in darkness to wonder
as light creeps in
making colours deep,
how the heart stands warm
when peace within it flows.
When presentation fades
and rush of thought subsides
and music gently pulls
the spirit from its cradle
within my soul
and beckons it to fly.
And then my spirit rises
dance gently floating
as dim light temporal drowns
by light eternal
as spirit burns bright to worship
at the whisper of my king.
At His touch is lightning kindled
the way it dances near His throne
and i am now before Him
as His rest becomes my Heart.
"...His rest becomes my heart"
His relaxation is made into my heart?
or His remainder is suitable to my heart?
I choose the second, and my heart will be His throne...
~JLB
20090412
I in Him || 2009.04.11
7:28 PM 4/11/2009
I In Him
How often is Death celebrated in greatness
for the magnitude of his defeat?
Or life torn away
that Love could lose restraint?
What is love
that its writ was ordained
to burn back from beyond
and reign immortal again?
And what star am I?
That my king pluck _me_
from heaven's glittering carpet
and embrace me to His heart.
His breath brings resurrection
his touch, warmth within my frame
He gathers my bones together
and fastens me to them
And breathes in me
to make me alive
and I open my eyes
and see His whole face smile
It makes worth-while
the pain and struggles,
the fight to simply live.
The death beneath my skin
is only a shadow when my life is Him.
Dawn could freeze cold,
the warm sun never shine again,
but He would sustain
for His love will remain
And I would be in Him.
~JLB
I In Him
How often is Death celebrated in greatness
for the magnitude of his defeat?
Or life torn away
that Love could lose restraint?
What is love
that its writ was ordained
to burn back from beyond
and reign immortal again?
And what star am I?
That my king pluck _me_
from heaven's glittering carpet
and embrace me to His heart.
His breath brings resurrection
his touch, warmth within my frame
He gathers my bones together
and fastens me to them
And breathes in me
to make me alive
and I open my eyes
and see His whole face smile
It makes worth-while
the pain and struggles,
the fight to simply live.
The death beneath my skin
is only a shadow when my life is Him.
Dawn could freeze cold,
the warm sun never shine again,
but He would sustain
for His love will remain
And I would be in Him.
~JLB
20090330
Glory Calls Your Name || 2009.03.27
Glory Calls Your Name
20090327
All creation is drawn
carving paths through eternity
every route turning
deepening toward the King
All focus grows steady
Toward His face
Turn not away!
Shade not His Glory!
It calls you, echoes your name
Don't jolt your course from the paths of eternity
and jerk across the focuses of creation's time
Don't be offended in His person
See your love is created for His
And He is for you
His glory calls your name
~JLB
20090327
All creation is drawn
carving paths through eternity
every route turning
deepening toward the King
All focus grows steady
Toward His face
Turn not away!
Shade not His Glory!
It calls you, echoes your name
Don't jolt your course from the paths of eternity
and jerk across the focuses of creation's time
Don't be offended in His person
See your love is created for His
And He is for you
His glory calls your name
~JLB
A Waking song || 2009.03.27
20090327
Woke up this morning with the first few lines of this singing in my head. Kind of a quarternote march rhythm to the first 2 lines, and similar rhythm but accented second syllable of each of the next few phrases. If you can convert it (or part of it) into music, be my guest. If you can base it into a song, feel free -just please let me know-send an email or post a comment with a recording/link/sample.
(Music floats in and out of my consciousness but words seem to be more prevalent than the tune. Some of what i write starts as songs playing in my head, then when i write the words down the melody has vanished but the feeling that it isn't complete remains so i keep writing, probably ruining the semblance of song that i started with. But the song sounded good when it was playing in my head.)
~JLB
?140[backbeat]
i will dwell/ in the secret place/ of the most/ high/ god
i will dwell/ in the shadow of/ His wings
for i am His/ and He is mine
lift thanks and praises/ all the time
He saved me/ and gave me
a new life to live/ a new life thats his
[normal]
so i (we) join all creation/ in yearning for Him
every moment hanging/ eternity's touch His breath
in His life we live/ in His strength we praise
in His Glory cry out/ worthy is the King
created for eternity/ created for endless glory
only he is wor-thy/ i will sing and praise His name
exalt his name/ above any(every) other name
bring his glory/ carry through creation / sing
-JLB
Woke up this morning with the first few lines of this singing in my head. Kind of a quarternote march rhythm to the first 2 lines, and similar rhythm but accented second syllable of each of the next few phrases. If you can convert it (or part of it) into music, be my guest. If you can base it into a song, feel free -just please let me know-send an email or post a comment with a recording/link/sample.
(Music floats in and out of my consciousness but words seem to be more prevalent than the tune. Some of what i write starts as songs playing in my head, then when i write the words down the melody has vanished but the feeling that it isn't complete remains so i keep writing, probably ruining the semblance of song that i started with. But the song sounded good when it was playing in my head.)
~JLB
?140[backbeat]
i will dwell/ in the secret place/ of the most/ high/ god
i will dwell/ in the shadow of/ His wings
for i am His/ and He is mine
lift thanks and praises/ all the time
He saved me/ and gave me
a new life to live/ a new life thats his
[normal]
so i (we) join all creation/ in yearning for Him
every moment hanging/ eternity's touch His breath
in His life we live/ in His strength we praise
in His Glory cry out/ worthy is the King
created for eternity/ created for endless glory
only he is wor-thy/ i will sing and praise His name
exalt his name/ above any(every) other name
bring his glory/ carry through creation / sing
-JLB
Fire River Rising || 2009.02.28
20090228
fire river rising
River rising
Inside earthen vessels
Fire river, spawned of glory
Glory touches life
And liquid fire is born
Heaven bears is
It pours out through gateways
Portals in praise
Glorious doors
Bigger than they used to be
Igniting life
Until fire overflows
And fills around
Flood rising
Out from earthen vessels
Glory covers
The fire thins the veil
And love flows through in faithfulness
For the king reigns eternal
And his power is moving
Rising
Flooding worship from up
Flooding love through us
~JLB
fire river rising
River rising
Inside earthen vessels
Fire river, spawned of glory
Glory touches life
And liquid fire is born
Heaven bears is
It pours out through gateways
Portals in praise
Glorious doors
Bigger than they used to be
Igniting life
Until fire overflows
And fills around
Flood rising
Out from earthen vessels
Glory covers
The fire thins the veil
And love flows through in faithfulness
For the king reigns eternal
And his power is moving
Rising
Flooding worship from up
Flooding love through us
~JLB
20090325
Music of the Heart || 2009.03.01
As I was mixing recorded audio tracks together the other day,
it dawned on me how a perfectly unmelodious voice can sound
good to God (this was not an issue I was dealing with, just something that occurred to me).
When we praise, no matter how good or bad
our physical voice is, the music made by our spirit
during times of worship is a perfect structured construct
of music as God created it. Our own voice lifts up with this,
but in the perfection of worship, our heart all but drowns out
the temporal sequences of notes and silence
that we can physically create.
So don't let unimposed, bad, or great vocals bother you
- worship along, using the vocals if you need to,
but worship with your spirit and your heart. Let not
perception at your ears interfere with hearing heaven tear
open and our King come down, glory rolling out and around
in floods, and wonder blowing like moist wind in from a shoreline
after you have hiked for hours across sand rock and cactus
until you come up the last hill and see the ocean before you
and feel its kiss in the breeze at your skin.
~JLB
it dawned on me how a perfectly unmelodious voice can sound
good to God (this was not an issue I was dealing with, just something that occurred to me).
When we praise, no matter how good or bad
our physical voice is, the music made by our spirit
during times of worship is a perfect structured construct
of music as God created it. Our own voice lifts up with this,
but in the perfection of worship, our heart all but drowns out
the temporal sequences of notes and silence
that we can physically create.
So don't let unimposed, bad, or great vocals bother you
- worship along, using the vocals if you need to,
but worship with your spirit and your heart. Let not
perception at your ears interfere with hearing heaven tear
open and our King come down, glory rolling out and around
in floods, and wonder blowing like moist wind in from a shoreline
after you have hiked for hours across sand rock and cactus
until you come up the last hill and see the ocean before you
and feel its kiss in the breeze at your skin.
~JLB
20090227
Next Best Thing || 2009.02.24
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090224
next best thing
a chance at life
and the next best thing is death
a choice to love
or the next best thing
death is no siren
and has no song
but life, but love
my savior sings
now brings love
and so brings life
believe his song
he has done
the next best thing
best is perfect
my savior sings
his love no contagion
but infecting me
death has no hold
no claim to remain
there is no more
any next best thing
my savior sings triumph
sings life
sings love
my savior sings
and brings
the next best thing
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090224
next best thing
a chance at life
and the next best thing is death
a choice to love
or the next best thing
death is no siren
and has no song
but life, but love
my savior sings
now brings love
and so brings life
believe his song
he has done
the next best thing
best is perfect
my savior sings
his love no contagion
but infecting me
death has no hold
no claim to remain
there is no more
any next best thing
my savior sings triumph
sings life
sings love
my savior sings
and brings
the next best thing
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090221
desire,desperation,temptation || 2009.02.21
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
1:39 AM 2/21/2009
desire,desperation,temptation
I will craft destiny
I will desire my Lord
I will bear no desperation
I will tempt no apart
My service will be my honour
And His Glory my reward
My yield to lay unto His feet
All my greatness present
Let all realms cry out
And behold the preeminent King
Let all greatness note
For He sings desire for me
Song it's like no other
Shake sound, light resonate
It stirs through all of me
For desire is through destiny
All worlds bow down
All realms they yield
Time kneels still
Touch with me eternity
My King for me
All I for my King
To learn the one song
Desire to find in one voice
And sky peel away
Earth be rolled up
Eternity tremble
Desire has found home
In two hearts: one
Hold nothing away
I will desire my Lord
I will feel for no other
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
1:39 AM 2/21/2009
desire,desperation,temptation
I will craft destiny
I will desire my Lord
I will bear no desperation
I will tempt no apart
My service will be my honour
And His Glory my reward
My yield to lay unto His feet
All my greatness present
Let all realms cry out
And behold the preeminent King
Let all greatness note
For He sings desire for me
Song it's like no other
Shake sound, light resonate
It stirs through all of me
For desire is through destiny
All worlds bow down
All realms they yield
Time kneels still
Touch with me eternity
My King for me
All I for my King
To learn the one song
Desire to find in one voice
And sky peel away
Earth be rolled up
Eternity tremble
Desire has found home
In two hearts: one
Hold nothing away
I will desire my Lord
I will feel for no other
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090215
Thoughts on Assent || 2009.02.13
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090213
Thoughts on Assent
grant up in your praise
assent to the Lord
climbing in worship
acknowledge in praise
bow your mind before Him
raising praise from your lips
humbly seek His face
reaching glorious praise
beauty of ashes
life in flame
complexity of mere blink makes think
what power is in His name
to call on His name
to sing it in praise
in reverence to worship
and glory fill this place
can one stand fallen down
or raise up when slain
can Death haunt a living
or chorus voices sound the same
for what do you breathe
who holds your heart's desire
wasted time is an enemy
the Lord awaits your praise
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090213
Thoughts on Assent
grant up in your praise
assent to the Lord
climbing in worship
acknowledge in praise
bow your mind before Him
raising praise from your lips
humbly seek His face
reaching glorious praise
beauty of ashes
life in flame
complexity of mere blink makes think
what power is in His name
to call on His name
to sing it in praise
in reverence to worship
and glory fill this place
can one stand fallen down
or raise up when slain
can Death haunt a living
or chorus voices sound the same
for what do you breathe
who holds your heart's desire
wasted time is an enemy
the Lord awaits your praise
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090208
Loyalty of Heart || 2009.02.08
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090208
Loyalty of Heart
If you have been given a standard to live by,
through the training of life
or of divine intervention,
do not change it
unless God Himself asks you to.
The King we serve is worthy
of every life,
and loyalty between the individual
and this King is worth
far more than feelings,
heartbreak, desire,
death, torture,
or any height or depth of emotion.
The King chooses His children,
and as His chosen,
no one of us should bear any regret
to maintain an ordinance
He has drawn upon our heart.
It is fidelity of mettle
which bears clarity in its resound.
The face reflected is that of whom you serve,
not a visage of your own.
Bear in yourself no shame to carry
the King's face in your heart,
and His sign upon your life.
Seek no honour but His alone,
stand in no respect,
save to the glory of His throne.
Carry His standard without relent,
and desire no pact with any
who would work to its disgrace.
Bear in your chest a heart set on Him,
Your Father is my King.
If any hold no homage to my liege-
then let them begone from me.
Draw no encouragement from these words,
unless you know by fact of mind,
and by fact of heart
that these words are Truth Eternal.
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090208
Loyalty of Heart
If you have been given a standard to live by,
through the training of life
or of divine intervention,
do not change it
unless God Himself asks you to.
The King we serve is worthy
of every life,
and loyalty between the individual
and this King is worth
far more than feelings,
heartbreak, desire,
death, torture,
or any height or depth of emotion.
The King chooses His children,
and as His chosen,
no one of us should bear any regret
to maintain an ordinance
He has drawn upon our heart.
It is fidelity of mettle
which bears clarity in its resound.
The face reflected is that of whom you serve,
not a visage of your own.
Bear in yourself no shame to carry
the King's face in your heart,
and His sign upon your life.
Seek no honour but His alone,
stand in no respect,
save to the glory of His throne.
Carry His standard without relent,
and desire no pact with any
who would work to its disgrace.
Bear in your chest a heart set on Him,
Your Father is my King.
If any hold no homage to my liege-
then let them begone from me.
Draw no encouragement from these words,
unless you know by fact of mind,
and by fact of heart
that these words are Truth Eternal.
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
2009.02.04
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
2009 feb 04
I find great solace in worship
and I find great strength in praise
My Great King is worthy
His Name is above all things
If you waken, deep in the night
with songs of praise or worship
burning from within your soul
then let the angels sing along
Lead their chorus
when your heart is captured
sing out His praise
when you are overwhelmed
worship near His face
Let redemption be your memorial
and praise your declaration
Let your voice be the angel's foundation
as your praise to Him
reaches the next generation
May all of your being
awaken in worship
And all of your hopes
be fulfilled in His praise
May your desire be solely for Him
and your deepest yearnings: to seek His Face
As He is immortal, may your heart be the same
May you worship forever
seeking strictly His fame
May your heart burn in pleasure
As your songs touch His heart
And may your worship treasure
your eternity's part
May your worship rise unbroken,
the same from ashes or fertile plain
May your wholeness come together
when you seek His Face again
Rise in solitude, before the dawn's grey sun
and let your heart thrive in worship
My King is My Holy One
Seek Him by the morning
as rises up your soul
Seek Him at last in evening
when day has all been told
Eternity beckons
Generations draw close
Praise, it reckons
The heart, it hopes
Live to worship
Desire in praise
My King is Worthy
Seek wholly His face
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
2009 feb 04
I find great solace in worship
and I find great strength in praise
My Great King is worthy
His Name is above all things
If you waken, deep in the night
with songs of praise or worship
burning from within your soul
then let the angels sing along
Lead their chorus
when your heart is captured
sing out His praise
when you are overwhelmed
worship near His face
Let redemption be your memorial
and praise your declaration
Let your voice be the angel's foundation
as your praise to Him
reaches the next generation
May all of your being
awaken in worship
And all of your hopes
be fulfilled in His praise
May your desire be solely for Him
and your deepest yearnings: to seek His Face
As He is immortal, may your heart be the same
May you worship forever
seeking strictly His fame
May your heart burn in pleasure
As your songs touch His heart
And may your worship treasure
your eternity's part
May your worship rise unbroken,
the same from ashes or fertile plain
May your wholeness come together
when you seek His Face again
Rise in solitude, before the dawn's grey sun
and let your heart thrive in worship
My King is My Holy One
Seek Him by the morning
as rises up your soul
Seek Him at last in evening
when day has all been told
Eternity beckons
Generations draw close
Praise, it reckons
The heart, it hopes
Live to worship
Desire in praise
My King is Worthy
Seek wholly His face
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090202
Fix Our Eyes || 2009.01.30
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
2009jan30
Fix Our Eyes
Fix our eyes
Fix our heart
Fix our gaze
Remedy cure for our broken state
Fix our eyes on Him
Fix the empty gaze of a shattered soul
Fix my course on Him
Eternity blows its breath on me
Builds howling gale
Fix my eyes on Him
Fix my course fast
Chord the wind through the lines of the sails
My heart sings along
And my tongue finds the words to match
Fix our eyes on Him
Match kindles flame
And eyes fixed, passion leaps out
Fix my heart on Him
My soul sings eternal
I fix my eyes on Him
Fix our eyes on Him
Fix our eyes on Him
Fix our eyes on Him
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
2009jan30
Fix Our Eyes
Fix our eyes
Fix our heart
Fix our gaze
Remedy cure for our broken state
Fix our eyes on Him
Fix the empty gaze of a shattered soul
Fix my course on Him
Eternity blows its breath on me
Builds howling gale
Fix my eyes on Him
Fix my course fast
Chord the wind through the lines of the sails
My heart sings along
And my tongue finds the words to match
Fix our eyes on Him
Match kindles flame
And eyes fixed, passion leaps out
Fix my heart on Him
My soul sings eternal
I fix my eyes on Him
Fix our eyes on Him
Fix our eyes on Him
Fix our eyes on Him
~JLB
---original work-obtain permission before using elsewhere---
20090128
He Alone is God || 2009.01.28
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
12:55 AM 1/28/2009
He Alone is God
Why can't we have forever
instead of pain today?
Because to each day is a choice,
to bless or curse.
To drag our fingers through the pain
to worship anyway.
Clutching our sword in the fog of battle
even against hope
standing with praise
for the King.
Each day is set of moments
to again serve loyalty.
To find strength and character
to live forever.
And if it ends with my next breath,
my King Himself will be my ensign.
His hands my only memory,
and His face the intent of all my praise.
To Him I will live:
to Him I and my heart will bow,
through what brokenness I am
and with what wholeness
He grants to me.
To Him be all Glory,
to Him be all Power.
All majesty raise its voice,
and all righteousness shout His name!
He alone is Worthy,
He alone is Holy!
He indeed,
He alone is God.
~JLB
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
12:55 AM 1/28/2009
He Alone is God
Why can't we have forever
instead of pain today?
Because to each day is a choice,
to bless or curse.
To drag our fingers through the pain
to worship anyway.
Clutching our sword in the fog of battle
even against hope
standing with praise
for the King.
Each day is set of moments
to again serve loyalty.
To find strength and character
to live forever.
And if it ends with my next breath,
my King Himself will be my ensign.
His hands my only memory,
and His face the intent of all my praise.
To Him I will live:
to Him I and my heart will bow,
through what brokenness I am
and with what wholeness
He grants to me.
To Him be all Glory,
to Him be all Power.
All majesty raise its voice,
and all righteousness shout His name!
He alone is Worthy,
He alone is Holy!
He indeed,
He alone is God.
~JLB
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
20090126
Final Page || 2009.01.17
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
2009 01 17
Final Page
I read the last page of the book.
Stones and gates that were a pearl apiece,
and gold like glass,
and light - the light of Glory.
Then over and over: I come.
And the angel said to Worship God,
And everyone said, "come."
Take freely the water of life.
In grace, come worship.
The end of the book leaves us to Worship at His face
After describing Physical Glory and His grace.
Can the River be worship: the water of His Life,
Washing away the curse, flowing from the Throne?
And His throne is in the tree.
Is He enthoned on the praises of His people?
I didn't imagine this, it stands for the reading.
It speaks of salvation.
it speaks of eternity.
~JLB
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
2009 01 17
Final Page
I read the last page of the book.
Stones and gates that were a pearl apiece,
and gold like glass,
and light - the light of Glory.
Then over and over: I come.
And the angel said to Worship God,
And everyone said, "come."
Take freely the water of life.
In grace, come worship.
The end of the book leaves us to Worship at His face
After describing Physical Glory and His grace.
Can the River be worship: the water of His Life,
Washing away the curse, flowing from the Throne?
And His throne is in the tree.
Is He enthoned on the praises of His people?
I didn't imagine this, it stands for the reading.
It speaks of salvation.
it speaks of eternity.
~JLB
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
20090113
Worship Rising || 2009.01.12
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
20090112
Worship Rising
and let me rise in worship
to touch the songs
that fade our pains away
and let me bow my face
before the God I serve
so freedom can breathe through me
carry my purpose
revive my frame
at long last let me worship
and whisper my King's name
withstand all earth's tempest
suffer all it's pain
I will live only if I can worship
and endlessly sing again
if my voice fades
and my strength dies
Death himself can bring only lies
if the wind carries worship
and the trees clap to song
for life itself clamors in purpose
and sustenance exists not by breath or by bread
but by the connection of heart
and but by worship
eternity holds this
all else must end
so rise with me in worship
touching songs that melt pains away
falling face down to whisper His Name
~JLB
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
20090112
Worship Rising
and let me rise in worship
to touch the songs
that fade our pains away
and let me bow my face
before the God I serve
so freedom can breathe through me
carry my purpose
revive my frame
at long last let me worship
and whisper my King's name
withstand all earth's tempest
suffer all it's pain
I will live only if I can worship
and endlessly sing again
if my voice fades
and my strength dies
Death himself can bring only lies
if the wind carries worship
and the trees clap to song
for life itself clamors in purpose
and sustenance exists not by breath or by bread
but by the connection of heart
and but by worship
eternity holds this
all else must end
so rise with me in worship
touching songs that melt pains away
falling face down to whisper His Name
~JLB
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
20090109
Grace Left me Scarred || 2009.01.06
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
2009.01.06
Grace Left me Scarred
Grace left me scarred.
But what did we expect after grace found me
so dead I was no longer bleeding.
I was raised in resurrection,
and the hurt began to heal,
the cleansing kind of burned, the infection
was pretty deep and still bites back sometimes,
but grace still leads me on.
There is sensitivity to things I did not know exist,
the voice of God, the sound of His breath...
and things that ultimately injured me,
even their thought is pain.
So it feels like even in brokenness
there is perfection.
A kind of reminder of what has past,
a sign of what is built to come.
So there is a scar reminding me of death,
showing me I'll one day be whole,
telling me of the grace-brought redemption,
and slowly healing
in the touch of my Lord.
~JLB
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
2009.01.06
Grace Left me Scarred
Grace left me scarred.
But what did we expect after grace found me
so dead I was no longer bleeding.
I was raised in resurrection,
and the hurt began to heal,
the cleansing kind of burned, the infection
was pretty deep and still bites back sometimes,
but grace still leads me on.
There is sensitivity to things I did not know exist,
the voice of God, the sound of His breath...
and things that ultimately injured me,
even their thought is pain.
So it feels like even in brokenness
there is perfection.
A kind of reminder of what has past,
a sign of what is built to come.
So there is a scar reminding me of death,
showing me I'll one day be whole,
telling me of the grace-brought redemption,
and slowly healing
in the touch of my Lord.
~JLB
---original work-get permission before using elsewhere---
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