We have all had plans, and had them fail or change. Sometimes this is good, protecting us from shortcomings or seeming to divinely steer us down a better road, but other changes in plans are so unnecessary and frustrating - some even devastating. As people who believe in a loving, caring God who is omniscient and constant, many of us wrestle with making plans that are us "the will of God". Yet for most of us this Divine Will is fabricated from our own mind via our perception of religious instruction, how we see ourselves and the world, and how all of that best fits together in our estimation.
In spite of all of our conscious and our unaware striving, trying, hoping and ignoring we often manage to overlook the greatest aspect of true divinity; the epitome of what life is about. Being loved by God and loving likewise; being known by God, and knowing Him cause real light and color in our daily living. It is the difference between darkly stumbling through our plans and our pains, our losses or marking even gains as loss by knowing the full value of the relationship that can be held with God. No matter what our plans or how they work, this is Gods will: to be with us, to know us so well that it changes us to be like Him.
This is like discovering suddenly that your best and greatest dream for life is not good enough: the pinnacle achievement you could reach suddenly pales wantingly compared to the opportunity God destines for us. Sometimes time itself must be abandoned, and our own ceremony and celebration be fled desperately to join Him in a moment. Other times it is He who moves and stands beside us in our pomp and achievement. But we must put Him first - we must plan to be with Him. No matter the cost, no matter the fanfare, no matter what death or living stands ahead, we must plan to be with God. If this happens to change our plans we will be far better, and since our plans exist beyond our control, steady or changing, hold God in greatest regard. Seek His face always. His love is never changing - do not be denied it. The richest gain is loss without it, and the rightest richest life is valuable only through it. God's plan is His love. Meet Him there.
~JLB
20101017
My Rights || 2010.10.15
Love has been put upon me and salvation given to me far beyond my rights. There is no place remaining, no justice that I may hold. My destruction has been replaced by the same right the morning sun has to rise each dawn, my privileges I lay aside for a purpose and right far greater. I can live however I want, slave to my own ambition and whim, or accept what I was created for: the rights of God's will.
The identity of God moves me to salvation, the revelation of His heart halts my own decline. His glory is so abundant - what He sought is the salvation of those made low. His is life so magnificent that resurrection was His final death. What right do I have to enter into this? What talent or power do I possibly posses to endear me to this adoption? I cast myself aside to lift up the name of Jesus; this is His right to my life. It is just and fair but still inadequate, so great is the super-awesome beyond greatness of this Holy One. Like no other and incomparable to all else together and apart. Love is the embodiment of His touch and Jesus is the incorruptible face, the bodily enactment of my example. It is Him I will follow and to Him I will bow. Jesus is everything and Jesus us my Lord and King. May creation declare His eternal praise, and His undiminished Glory be proclaimed by Love.
~JLB
The identity of God moves me to salvation, the revelation of His heart halts my own decline. His glory is so abundant - what He sought is the salvation of those made low. His is life so magnificent that resurrection was His final death. What right do I have to enter into this? What talent or power do I possibly posses to endear me to this adoption? I cast myself aside to lift up the name of Jesus; this is His right to my life. It is just and fair but still inadequate, so great is the super-awesome beyond greatness of this Holy One. Like no other and incomparable to all else together and apart. Love is the embodiment of His touch and Jesus is the incorruptible face, the bodily enactment of my example. It is Him I will follow and to Him I will bow. Jesus is everything and Jesus us my Lord and King. May creation declare His eternal praise, and His undiminished Glory be proclaimed by Love.
~JLB
20101010
At the feet || 2010.10.08
If I am given to place something at the feet of greatness
I am worshiping at its foundation.
To study at the feet of a teacher
is to study the steps of instruction.
To leave something at someone's feet, and take it back up later
is to trust it with safekeeping.
To lay my burdens at the feet of Jesus
is not so uncommon a thing to say,
but what if we lay down our affections
and they sit at Jesus feet?
What then do I desire
if all of my desires now worship?
Who's way do I walk
when my desires all study His path?
What changes are forged by this
if I pick desire up from such safe-keeping?
~JLB
I am worshiping at its foundation.
To study at the feet of a teacher
is to study the steps of instruction.
To leave something at someone's feet, and take it back up later
is to trust it with safekeeping.
To lay my burdens at the feet of Jesus
is not so uncommon a thing to say,
but what if we lay down our affections
and they sit at Jesus feet?
What then do I desire
if all of my desires now worship?
Who's way do I walk
when my desires all study His path?
What changes are forged by this
if I pick desire up from such safe-keeping?
~JLB
Now is the Time || 2010.09.04
Now is the time. There is much which stands in prophecy. Much, so much which stands sentinel waiting. God's is watching, guarding over His word until the moment when he turns the hands of time. What marks then begin to resound? Woe to prophecy that comes from man's ear. No one is watching and guarding its oath. No one is watching its good demise or its fall because now is the time. You hear the echos of God's hands moving, do you hear His whisper? Those who look on Him and to Him witness Him moving, beginning action, going up. Look on Him, behold truth, behold love and be changed to be like Him! Behold His face and be pulled out of what you are saved from. Behold His glory and lift Him up, that all would be drawn to unyielding salvation.
~JLB
~JLB
20100930
Why Clouds can Fly || 2010.09.29
Why do we struggle sometimes with our roles and duties as leaders and as servants to God's house and to each other? We should constantly communicate with God about the Kingdom impact of each aspect of our serving. In the listening and the serving, even living out of our lives, there are eternal and momentary ramifications in heaven's kingdom, in those around us (in our sphere of influence), and within ourselves. If we lose grasp on the value of our tasks, our role begins to task us and take it's toll from what we have to give. It doesn't deprive us of our identity, but strips away the grandeur of our journey up the mountain by slipping rocks into our shoes, dust upon our faces, fatigue into our heart, and mud into our canteen. God has monumental purpose in each step, assigning even certain footsteps so that we will not stumble. By turning our eyes constantly and always to Him, not only will we see where to rest and pull the pebbles from our shoes, we will feel the spirit whisper around us like wind refreshing us, fresh rain cleansing our faces, and clean water to revive our hearts. Our calling is to fellowship with our great Lord and King, and also with those who fellowship alike: to make great His name in this earth by our lives lived out as His, in the consideration of us. Let us serve and worship together, considering each other in fellowship, in function, in communication, and in example, putting first the dominion of our great God. Live each moment touching eternity and each breath bringing God's praise to another's lips as well as our own. Let the reign of heaven rain through you, and let us find how clouds can fly.
~JLB
~JLB
20100917
Hurling Worship || 2010.09.14
It hinges that all pours out into you every great esteem, every value of worth, every greatness of power. This is why you made everything, why in your desire everything was created. By your breath the universe exists. By your decree the water goes to its places. By your hand you have formed us, and when creation cries out truth and thanks, we have left only to hurl down the signs of ourselves and flatly worship.
Desperate in our exaltation our crowns we hurl down, our voices raise to encompass your heaven. Let the sound resonate this earth! Let the Lamb be revealed in the fulfillment of our lives! Glorify the one whom the angels accolade! For the Lamb is worthy: let the mouths of all creation sing, and us again and still now worship.
~JLB
Desperate in our exaltation our crowns we hurl down, our voices raise to encompass your heaven. Let the sound resonate this earth! Let the Lamb be revealed in the fulfillment of our lives! Glorify the one whom the angels accolade! For the Lamb is worthy: let the mouths of all creation sing, and us again and still now worship.
~JLB
20100831
Joy in the Cross || 2010.08.28
Take up my cross to follow Jesus...
Is it coincidence that "cross" is synonym
for a convergence of paths
- a choice of roads.
There is a way that is the worthy choice:
Apathy of choice is loss, a wasted day, a wasted life.
Take up this choice daily - follow the Lord,
deny all burden except Jesus.
The purpose of a lamp is to bear the flame;
The purpose of a life is to bear The Name.
His teachings are the lamp, doing them the light.
Joy is stirring as purpose is found,
Life gained far greater than everything lain down.
The memory of my past shadows, now eclipsed by light
previously unimagined. Questions stand dumbfounded,
and my heart - it stands amazed.
There is joy in my cross,
no cross of suffering -
although rods and pain may mark this path.
My portion is my savior's
my inheritance His home.
It was a cross that brought Him down,
but by my cross I see His throne.
~JLB
Is it coincidence that "cross" is synonym
for a convergence of paths
- a choice of roads.
There is a way that is the worthy choice:
Apathy of choice is loss, a wasted day, a wasted life.
Take up this choice daily - follow the Lord,
deny all burden except Jesus.
The purpose of a lamp is to bear the flame;
The purpose of a life is to bear The Name.
His teachings are the lamp, doing them the light.
Joy is stirring as purpose is found,
Life gained far greater than everything lain down.
The memory of my past shadows, now eclipsed by light
previously unimagined. Questions stand dumbfounded,
and my heart - it stands amazed.
There is joy in my cross,
no cross of suffering -
although rods and pain may mark this path.
My portion is my savior's
my inheritance His home.
It was a cross that brought Him down,
but by my cross I see His throne.
~JLB
20100826
Troop || 2010.08.25
Lord, let me seek you like King David
and know you like you know yourself.
May my feebleness be made like the might of David
and my strength be the might of your right arm.
Your right arm, Lord, is never too short.
Your voice never leaves us in silence.
Just as the grave does not praise you,
you will not leave us to Death.
Stir those who slumber,
rise up those who let Death fast hold them!
Revive, oh Lord, by the breath of your face.
By your command, flesh strength to their bones.
Stand up your troop,
and with voice breathe upon them.
Raise their voice in your praise
and let their knee bow in worship!
Clasp each hand white-knuckled to your word,
with each breath to raise you as the standard,
with each shout advance the kingdom
in the hearts of this Earth.
~JLB
and know you like you know yourself.
May my feebleness be made like the might of David
and my strength be the might of your right arm.
Your right arm, Lord, is never too short.
Your voice never leaves us in silence.
Just as the grave does not praise you,
you will not leave us to Death.
Stir those who slumber,
rise up those who let Death fast hold them!
Revive, oh Lord, by the breath of your face.
By your command, flesh strength to their bones.
Stand up your troop,
and with voice breathe upon them.
Raise their voice in your praise
and let their knee bow in worship!
Clasp each hand white-knuckled to your word,
with each breath to raise you as the standard,
with each shout advance the kingdom
in the hearts of this Earth.
~JLB
20100822
Wonder of His Love || 2010.08.21
If i understood a drop and threw it in the ocean
still i could not fathom the wonder of God's love
Simplicity of sunshine and rain on a cloudless day
impossibly overwhelming, the wonder of God's love
The voices of a crowd all raised in a single call
the yearning of His heart, can you grasp His love?
Peace in a morning breeze carrying light across the leaves
gentle revealing, a lifetime could be spent learning
the wonder of God's love
Look so close - fog: water hanging in the air
witness the seeming impossible, the wonder of His love
Feel the darkness in the depths of a lightless cave
to hold the hand who knows the way,
limitless wonder of the Savior's love
See other worlds dimly undenied
and know my king stands loving
Knowing death, bringing life again
The wonder of His love
~JLB
still i could not fathom the wonder of God's love
Simplicity of sunshine and rain on a cloudless day
impossibly overwhelming, the wonder of God's love
The voices of a crowd all raised in a single call
the yearning of His heart, can you grasp His love?
Peace in a morning breeze carrying light across the leaves
gentle revealing, a lifetime could be spent learning
the wonder of God's love
Look so close - fog: water hanging in the air
witness the seeming impossible, the wonder of His love
Feel the darkness in the depths of a lightless cave
to hold the hand who knows the way,
limitless wonder of the Savior's love
See other worlds dimly undenied
and know my king stands loving
Knowing death, bringing life again
The wonder of His love
~JLB
Neh.13v31 || 2010.08.20
Oh my God, remember me for good.
Cleanse us in our business,
chasing from our heart what is strange to you.
Teach us to remember you house in all of our tasks,
To care for your servants,
even as you power your compassion to move us
into the dark world for times of exalting you.
Let our hearts covet only your face,
And rest in the times you appoint.
Teach this to us Lord,
To teach in our children, that you would grow
greater in each generation. Rise up oh God, in us
that we would stand as memorials
of your love, your power, and your greatness.
Let all our afflictions draw men to you,
and all our sorrows transform into your joys.
~JLB
Cleanse us in our business,
chasing from our heart what is strange to you.
Teach us to remember you house in all of our tasks,
To care for your servants,
even as you power your compassion to move us
into the dark world for times of exalting you.
Let our hearts covet only your face,
And rest in the times you appoint.
Teach this to us Lord,
To teach in our children, that you would grow
greater in each generation. Rise up oh God, in us
that we would stand as memorials
of your love, your power, and your greatness.
Let all our afflictions draw men to you,
and all our sorrows transform into your joys.
~JLB
20100815
To Encounter His Face || 2010.08.15
Do you see the face of God?
Do you live for each encounter?
Or do we run when His voice echoes through us?
Do I try to hide as He calls out my name?
Even though my heart within me burns,
My eyes, to witness the fire of His eyes.
Lord! Undo me!
Ruin the fortresses that stand between us!
The fortresses designed by my own mind,
and constructed with my own hands,
and the investment that is my blood.
Change my heart within me
Change my blood for yours, Messiah.
Raise the hue of my face to a picture of You,
Raise up my hands to raise Your name.
Be lifted up on all that I am,
Be exalted on the throne above greatness,
and be exalted to me on the throne of my heart.
Teach me to choose Love,
to walk in all Your ways.
Give to me the beat of Your heart
that it alone will keep my time.
Eternity is too short
Yet always still Your Love.
All my life cannot contain it.
So as You pour Love in, it breaks me down.
The foundations of myself are crumbled.
In all my weakness, to You I hold on
Immersed in Love I cannot drown.
See the world through Love,
As it flows in, its reach goes out.
So my heartfire burns in those fire eyes.
Fortresses ruined, but not my heart.
My whole world changed.
~JLB
Do you live for each encounter?
Or do we run when His voice echoes through us?
Do I try to hide as He calls out my name?
Even though my heart within me burns,
My eyes, to witness the fire of His eyes.
Lord! Undo me!
Ruin the fortresses that stand between us!
The fortresses designed by my own mind,
and constructed with my own hands,
and the investment that is my blood.
Change my heart within me
Change my blood for yours, Messiah.
Raise the hue of my face to a picture of You,
Raise up my hands to raise Your name.
Be lifted up on all that I am,
Be exalted on the throne above greatness,
and be exalted to me on the throne of my heart.
Teach me to choose Love,
to walk in all Your ways.
Give to me the beat of Your heart
that it alone will keep my time.
Eternity is too short
Yet always still Your Love.
All my life cannot contain it.
So as You pour Love in, it breaks me down.
The foundations of myself are crumbled.
In all my weakness, to You I hold on
Immersed in Love I cannot drown.
See the world through Love,
As it flows in, its reach goes out.
So my heartfire burns in those fire eyes.
Fortresses ruined, but not my heart.
My whole world changed.
~JLB
20100810
Throne || 2010.08.09
Sing out, cry out,
fill the earth with praise.
In awesome greatness unveil His face.
The great king of heaven
and king over all the earth
stands sovereign, righteous,
true, and so worthy.
My voice cannot praise too much,
my heart trembles overwhelmed.
No speech can fully acclaim you, God.
The universe us not enough to contain your glory.
Mountains bow down before you,
the heavens tremble at your voice,
and the heart of man you have chosen -
you have created for your throne.
~JLB
fill the earth with praise.
In awesome greatness unveil His face.
The great king of heaven
and king over all the earth
stands sovereign, righteous,
true, and so worthy.
My voice cannot praise too much,
my heart trembles overwhelmed.
No speech can fully acclaim you, God.
The universe us not enough to contain your glory.
Mountains bow down before you,
the heavens tremble at your voice,
and the heart of man you have chosen -
you have created for your throne.
~JLB
God of Moving || 2010.08.09
God is a God of moving. The dead praise Him not, and the grave does not exalt Him. Love compels His actions and compassion is drawn of His mercy. Praise Him for His salvation, and for the greatness of His strength. He takes us from the dust, He sees and He notices. He is moved and stirs light to shine upon us.
Thank you Lord for your love and for your magnified greatness. Thank you that you created each moment as an opportunity to make you great. Thank you that you have not left us the way we were, but train our hearts and hands for your glory.
Exalt yourself through us, Lord. Awaken the sleeping to your praise. Burn our lives to you as incense, our hearts as the signature of your face. Write your pattern upon our faces, ever changing as we run closer to you. Litter the earth with your handiwork - let us touch your world in waves.To make your name great, Lord, let the living praise you. Let each household exalt your name, let each heart know true worship.
~JLB
Thank you Lord for your love and for your magnified greatness. Thank you that you created each moment as an opportunity to make you great. Thank you that you have not left us the way we were, but train our hearts and hands for your glory.
Exalt yourself through us, Lord. Awaken the sleeping to your praise. Burn our lives to you as incense, our hearts as the signature of your face. Write your pattern upon our faces, ever changing as we run closer to you. Litter the earth with your handiwork - let us touch your world in waves.To make your name great, Lord, let the living praise you. Let each household exalt your name, let each heart know true worship.
~JLB
Psalm 21 || 2010.08.07
God you have appointed Jesus, for all to bow under authority to. You have created salvation, for it is your strength and power, and our joy - our delight. From the first moment of creation, love moved you to save. In you love you demanded it. Each action - with each word, you step toward this one thing and this happiness above any other: salvation. You embodied this to us as Jesus; for us to touch, see, and know a moment of your heart, of your greatness, of your rising up. You exalt yourself to save your people. You bring close your face, and we will sing and praise.
~JLB
--
And the sequence of notes leading from the exact text of the first and last verses of Psalm 21 to the verse above:
God of all,
Earthly kings, sovereigns and rulers, find joy in your strength, and reason to be happy in salvation.
Be raised up, Lord, in your strength
We will sing and praise your power
Jesus-> word
creator of earth (by His [God's] word created)
strength-> right arm
-> not too short, weak, incapable
Jesus = salvation
happy
Happy in salvation:: sing and praise your power
~JLB
--
And the sequence of notes leading from the exact text of the first and last verses of Psalm 21 to the verse above:
God of all,
Earthly kings, sovereigns and rulers, find joy in your strength, and reason to be happy in salvation.
Be raised up, Lord, in your strength
We will sing and praise your power
Jesus-> word
creator of earth (by His [God's] word created)
strength-> right arm
-> not too short, weak, incapable
Jesus = salvation
happy
Happy in salvation:: sing and praise your power
20100804
|| 2010.08.03
Each miracle a battle; each battle a miracle
Your love Lord, our sword
Our strength, your word of power
Your host of heaven set to our guard
Your goodness and faithfulness our clothing
Your righteousness our armor
Unity to stand as one
Quickly move as your will and your breath
To rise up and nothing hold back
Grow, build, by your hand Lord, create
Witness your power, Lord, as on the days of creation
~JLB
Your love Lord, our sword
Our strength, your word of power
Your host of heaven set to our guard
Your goodness and faithfulness our clothing
Your righteousness our armor
Unity to stand as one
Quickly move as your will and your breath
To rise up and nothing hold back
Grow, build, by your hand Lord, create
Witness your power, Lord, as on the days of creation
~JLB
20100803
The Coming || 2010.08.01
There's a joy set before you which has nothing to do with the next revival phenomenon - Its got everything to do with Jesus returning. If all you are waiting for is the next revival, you've already made the assumption you are about to die. You don't need reviving unless you're dead. ~Mal Fletcher
What deadness lurks to be turned away?
What blessing that stones be traded for iron,
or better- flesh for stone?
Iron by fire can be refined,
but flesh, to God's fire a throne is kindling.
What day is this, to mark the Son of God rising?
Moment of dawn this face turn to mine!
He is the king of glory!
His eyes make shadow the brightest midday sun,
His names:
still in the end yet unknown;
Word of God;
Metre of all measures and master of sovereignty.
Each attribute, a name-
each name eternal!
To this king our expectation stands:
Our sovereign hope; the glorious promise!
Rise up, the King comes!
Stand in eager earnest!
Shake the earth to hear His footsteps approach,
Call out in testimony, and glad boisterous witness!
The King is coming! The King, He comes!!!
~JLB
2cor 3:3
eze 36:26
These 2 scriptures are directly referenced. The rest you would have had to follow the inside of my mind for the last 5 days or so to have all of the references/pieces. Part is also a loose adaptation of Rev 19.
What deadness lurks to be turned away?
What blessing that stones be traded for iron,
or better- flesh for stone?
Iron by fire can be refined,
but flesh, to God's fire a throne is kindling.
What day is this, to mark the Son of God rising?
Moment of dawn this face turn to mine!
He is the king of glory!
His eyes make shadow the brightest midday sun,
His names:
still in the end yet unknown;
Word of God;
Metre of all measures and master of sovereignty.
Each attribute, a name-
each name eternal!
To this king our expectation stands:
Our sovereign hope; the glorious promise!
Rise up, the King comes!
Stand in eager earnest!
Shake the earth to hear His footsteps approach,
Call out in testimony, and glad boisterous witness!
The King is coming! The King, He comes!!!
~JLB
2cor 3:3
eze 36:26
These 2 scriptures are directly referenced. The rest you would have had to follow the inside of my mind for the last 5 days or so to have all of the references/pieces. Part is also a loose adaptation of Rev 19.
20100711
Rain from the Son || 2010.07.10
Desist from the dichotomy of sun and rain and persist for the kingdom of The Son and His reign. Now the errors of the ages stand to be reversed: the blinding and boundaries begin to be removed. Once again we begin to learn full Love, and the torment of fear gives slowly way to a just and righteous confidence.
In storms, rain has fallen to us; in our deserts, streams have flowed. We have tasted of life's water, and now the sun begins to shine. The Son and all glorious brightness coming. We have seen rain fall on a sunny day, maybe even from a cloudless sky, but with this light, this brightness and glory - rain falls from The Son. From The Son it begins to rain.
The Son, whose very hands moved back the waters from land at the beginning of the world; whose arms filled the treasure-houses of heaven with snow in its stores, and hail into its chambers - reserving them for times of trouble and days of battle and war. The Son, who tied the waters into clouds unrending, and encircled the seas in bounds, now begins to rain.
Open our hearts, shake our depths and let all water flood. Rend the heavens and break storehouses in pieces! Pour your rain down, and your flood up! Write your record upon us: your breath, the water, and blood! And from The Son, Lord, Let it rain!
~JLB
In storms, rain has fallen to us; in our deserts, streams have flowed. We have tasted of life's water, and now the sun begins to shine. The Son and all glorious brightness coming. We have seen rain fall on a sunny day, maybe even from a cloudless sky, but with this light, this brightness and glory - rain falls from The Son. From The Son it begins to rain.
The Son, whose very hands moved back the waters from land at the beginning of the world; whose arms filled the treasure-houses of heaven with snow in its stores, and hail into its chambers - reserving them for times of trouble and days of battle and war. The Son, who tied the waters into clouds unrending, and encircled the seas in bounds, now begins to rain.
Open our hearts, shake our depths and let all water flood. Rend the heavens and break storehouses in pieces! Pour your rain down, and your flood up! Write your record upon us: your breath, the water, and blood! And from The Son, Lord, Let it rain!
~JLB
20100627
Confide in Me
Confide in me your honor, confide in me your glory
Grace my life in Jesus, stand me to the keeping of your word.
Teach me the confidence of your love,
the shamelessness to pour out your mercy.
Connect your heart to the paths of my being,
Your light to my very ambition.
By your breath bring wind, forge my deeds of Truth.
Build my heart of Love, and my wisdom of your will.
In all my understanding be honored fully.
In all of my heart reveal your own,
that my life be glory to your praise,
and every breath be witness of living worship.
May the amazing wonder of the creatures who cannot turn away
spur my heart to seek your face,
through famine, flame, sword, and driving storm.
May the elders who fall bowing stand up my heart
to bear the mark of Heaven's kingdom.
And may the King be honored by my service
so all love not burn in vain.
His hands to hold me, my heart to sing -
Confide in me, Lord willing, confide in me God's heart.
~JLB
Grace my life in Jesus, stand me to the keeping of your word.
Teach me the confidence of your love,
the shamelessness to pour out your mercy.
Connect your heart to the paths of my being,
Your light to my very ambition.
By your breath bring wind, forge my deeds of Truth.
Build my heart of Love, and my wisdom of your will.
In all my understanding be honored fully.
In all of my heart reveal your own,
that my life be glory to your praise,
and every breath be witness of living worship.
May the amazing wonder of the creatures who cannot turn away
spur my heart to seek your face,
through famine, flame, sword, and driving storm.
May the elders who fall bowing stand up my heart
to bear the mark of Heaven's kingdom.
And may the King be honored by my service
so all love not burn in vain.
His hands to hold me, my heart to sing -
Confide in me, Lord willing, confide in me God's heart.
~JLB
20100625
my heart: a responce
"Build a fence around ur heart, not a wall. Allow others to see but not readily touch. Let them approach & behold, to consider its beauty, & then decide if they can answer the invitation... Should they walk away, remember the value of the property Has Not decreased!"~LC J. Flowers
1:56 PM 6/25/2010
Let my heart merely point to the heart of Love itself,
my own value the full value of my King and maker.
May my bounds be the limits of His armor,
and my beauty the face of God himself.
Let the world approach!
Let all consider His glory!
Let the heart of Love invite
and rise, oh strength, to beckon those who walk away!
~JLB
1:56 PM 6/25/2010
Let my heart merely point to the heart of Love itself,
my own value the full value of my King and maker.
May my bounds be the limits of His armor,
and my beauty the face of God himself.
Let the world approach!
Let all consider His glory!
Let the heart of Love invite
and rise, oh strength, to beckon those who walk away!
~JLB
20100616
a breeze || 2010jun16
I feel a breeze, and the slightest smell carried upon it.
I feel spirit, life stirring around me bearing the smell of a banquet.
I feel moving in the stillness of the air, and a smell kindling hunger.
I feel hunger now burning, the wind brings only thirst, and my King prepares: the banquet beckons.
I feel the footsteps, my King comes! Lightning goes before Him, touches the mountaintops, and with His whisper it begins to rain.
And I stand, my face toward heaven, drink the rain, and hunger more.
Though fire rise against me, rain floods a torrent up.
I stand in tempest, earth tremble beneath me, fire rage, water roar, wind stand.
Armour glows brighter, and my hunger strengthens. My soul cries, the King's word and arm sustain me.
His very face surrounds me as a shield - Glory is my fellowship! The willing of the King my only satisfaction!
I feel spirit, life stirring around me bearing the smell of a banquet.
I feel moving in the stillness of the air, and a smell kindling hunger.
I feel hunger now burning, the wind brings only thirst, and my King prepares: the banquet beckons.
I feel the footsteps, my King comes! Lightning goes before Him, touches the mountaintops, and with His whisper it begins to rain.
And I stand, my face toward heaven, drink the rain, and hunger more.
Though fire rise against me, rain floods a torrent up.
I stand in tempest, earth tremble beneath me, fire rage, water roar, wind stand.
Armour glows brighter, and my hunger strengthens. My soul cries, the King's word and arm sustain me.
His very face surrounds me as a shield - Glory is my fellowship! The willing of the King my only satisfaction!
20100601
Justice and Living
A bible study, primarily from 1 john.
There is much undeveloped in this document right now. I believe that conceptually it seems correct, but it is not fully self-validating in its present form. Completing the points through their validation should establish full validity or disapproval of the ideas individually and as a collective concept.
10:32 PM 5/30/2010
The satisfaction of justice does not make one "deserving"; sins have been atoned by the christ upon his cross of execution. All sin, iniquities, and transgressions have allowed their payment, conclusion and removal at the advocation of Jesus. Not only our sins, but the sins of all the world. Justice is complete.
What is left for us then? If not our sin, then what keeps us from God, from truth, from righteousness? What constitutes us worthy for the reward of righteousness or the punishment of the unjust? Is it exactly that? To live "unjust" would be to live without regard to justice; Without the impartial enforcement of law; without fairness to all for their legitimate due with no more and no less; without giving gifts, and without respect for any-one above another; guided by what is pitiful and seemingly merciful. Is this the pattern of living unjust?
What is righteousness then, if justice is so easily quantified? The text of First John seems to indicate the following:
Sin is a problem, but no longer relevant
Fellowship is crucial
Love is imperative
the real contrast is the love of the world against the will of God
there is action, result as a culmination of the previous points
The will of God seems to be the work-action of love [God is love]; the manifestation of righteousness is the works of God's love (or the will and desire of love - the love-desire). In a flow-viewpoint it would look like this: Fellowship brings the familiarity of knowing and /understanding/ the love-desire of God, through fellowship with God and fellowship with others of the same goal; through the exposure of living with the love-desire, the knowing shapes world-view and self-view into the perspective of God's love-desire; When we inhabit the love-desire view, the love of world (desire of body, desire of eyes, and pride of living) is super-ceded [the helmet of our life cannot accept 2 visors - we become blinded by the added effect of both and either worthless or detrimental in our actions], and we are left with the love-desire of God; Our actions are controlled by the strongest will [desire] we allow to possess us. By this motivation, our actions (our deeds and the end-result of all our existence) moves us to do the admonitions of Jesus: the caring for the poor and needy (not of pity, but of love and compassion), the contribution of our time and energy into ministering and serving, working in whatever task is assigned in the strength of God's love with excellence, improvement, and growth. And because it is all done as the product of God's love-desire through us, it is God's love tangibly changing the world itself by changing the life of me as an individual to becoming the express image and shape and form of God Himself.
This all sounds simple, but doesn't answer the frightening question we last asked ourself. What constitutes us worthy for the reward of righteousness or the punishment of the unjust? We know now unjust, and we have an example of righteous, but both are measured at so universal a level that it is so subtle, so completely capable of looking the same! I can do good things from God telling me, but I can do the exact same things just to be proud of my living charitably - the exact same action, from the exact opposite source! It is in sovereignty that God judges the heart, and God alone who can do so. This is justice, poured into compassion, grace and mercy. We are not measured by what we do, we are measured by the Heart of God.
There is much undeveloped in this document right now. I believe that conceptually it seems correct, but it is not fully self-validating in its present form. Completing the points through their validation should establish full validity or disapproval of the ideas individually and as a collective concept.
10:32 PM 5/30/2010
The satisfaction of justice does not make one "deserving"; sins have been atoned by the christ upon his cross of execution. All sin, iniquities, and transgressions have allowed their payment, conclusion and removal at the advocation of Jesus. Not only our sins, but the sins of all the world. Justice is complete.
What is left for us then? If not our sin, then what keeps us from God, from truth, from righteousness? What constitutes us worthy for the reward of righteousness or the punishment of the unjust? Is it exactly that? To live "unjust" would be to live without regard to justice; Without the impartial enforcement of law; without fairness to all for their legitimate due with no more and no less; without giving gifts, and without respect for any-one above another; guided by what is pitiful and seemingly merciful. Is this the pattern of living unjust?
What is righteousness then, if justice is so easily quantified? The text of First John seems to indicate the following:
Sin is a problem, but no longer relevant
Fellowship is crucial
Love is imperative
the real contrast is the love of the world against the will of God
there is action, result as a culmination of the previous points
The will of God seems to be the work-action of love [God is love]; the manifestation of righteousness is the works of God's love (or the will and desire of love - the love-desire). In a flow-viewpoint it would look like this: Fellowship brings the familiarity of knowing and /understanding/ the love-desire of God, through fellowship with God and fellowship with others of the same goal; through the exposure of living with the love-desire, the knowing shapes world-view and self-view into the perspective of God's love-desire; When we inhabit the love-desire view, the love of world (desire of body, desire of eyes, and pride of living) is super-ceded [the helmet of our life cannot accept 2 visors - we become blinded by the added effect of both and either worthless or detrimental in our actions], and we are left with the love-desire of God; Our actions are controlled by the strongest will [desire] we allow to possess us. By this motivation, our actions (our deeds and the end-result of all our existence) moves us to do the admonitions of Jesus: the caring for the poor and needy (not of pity, but of love and compassion), the contribution of our time and energy into ministering and serving, working in whatever task is assigned in the strength of God's love with excellence, improvement, and growth. And because it is all done as the product of God's love-desire through us, it is God's love tangibly changing the world itself by changing the life of me as an individual to becoming the express image and shape and form of God Himself.
This all sounds simple, but doesn't answer the frightening question we last asked ourself. What constitutes us worthy for the reward of righteousness or the punishment of the unjust? We know now unjust, and we have an example of righteous, but both are measured at so universal a level that it is so subtle, so completely capable of looking the same! I can do good things from God telling me, but I can do the exact same things just to be proud of my living charitably - the exact same action, from the exact opposite source! It is in sovereignty that God judges the heart, and God alone who can do so. This is justice, poured into compassion, grace and mercy. We are not measured by what we do, we are measured by the Heart of God.
20100523
Signs of Revival
Three Signs of Revival are Hunger for God, Fire of God, and God's Rain. These are signs of God's spirit to bring indissoluble closeness with Jesus, the word. Hunger comes from the smell of what is needed, wanted, carried on the breath of God; breath that is blowing on the coals, kindling fire within our hearts, our passions; breath bearing the voice like many waters, which come bringing rain, nourishing and growing. Rain that continues, grows, and becomes a flood. A flood that carries us where it will - where God wills.
The voice of many waters, the voice of God directing unstoppably. a journey beginning that is eternal - even in Revelation this is the journey which continues. The seraphim themselves are only at its beginning, staring at God; the elders also, eternally falling in each newness of
revelation; the casting down of crowns (recognition, identity,
authority, power) to the foot of the throne are /only the beginning/! The
hunger, the fire, and the rain are the beginning; the flood is just
beginning.
The voice of many waters, the voice of God directing unstoppably. a journey beginning that is eternal - even in Revelation this is the journey which continues. The seraphim themselves are only at its beginning, staring at God; the elders also, eternally falling in each newness of
revelation; the casting down of crowns (recognition, identity,
authority, power) to the foot of the throne are /only the beginning/! The
hunger, the fire, and the rain are the beginning; the flood is just
beginning.
20100121
Redemption Soul || 2009.01.20
Redemption completely buries my soul
My mistakes all plundered, leaving smoke for what I thought was gold
I stand left in nothing as ashes blow away
Absolutely lost as my King approaches.
Humbled I kneel
Myself all I've left to give
Again emptied of myself
and the things I thought so great.
Doomed to mercy
Justice pours out
It washes over me
And stands me up redeemed.
~JLB
My mistakes all plundered, leaving smoke for what I thought was gold
I stand left in nothing as ashes blow away
Absolutely lost as my King approaches.
Humbled I kneel
Myself all I've left to give
Again emptied of myself
and the things I thought so great.
Doomed to mercy
Justice pours out
It washes over me
And stands me up redeemed.
~JLB
20100119
Love Quoted || 2010.11.17
I can look to God... and if i see, it is a thing of fear. Only by looking at the world around me with His eyes, His heart, and His compassion do I begin to know His heart. It stirs me with respect to the world, but draws me first more closely to Him. I am compelled to gaze into His face, for I feel His heart; how He stands up inside for the yearning and hoping to be with each soul, how each glance He gives raises Him, how each breath they draw He feels.
When I press close to Him I feel each time His heart skips a beat, each joy at a moment turned to Him. I feel heaven open where worship burns, I hear Glory as it begins to fall...
I also begin to know the depth of God's own prayers. Redemption pours out from God's right hand, while He looks so intently at everyone and loves. Intercession comes up eternally in rhythm - words, sound, movement. It is with love and longing that God sees the world, and draws me close to teach. It is by love that glory rains down, that life exists, and by love we can worship and in Him live, move and be.
~JLB
When I press close to Him I feel each time His heart skips a beat, each joy at a moment turned to Him. I feel heaven open where worship burns, I hear Glory as it begins to fall...
I also begin to know the depth of God's own prayers. Redemption pours out from God's right hand, while He looks so intently at everyone and loves. Intercession comes up eternally in rhythm - words, sound, movement. It is with love and longing that God sees the world, and draws me close to teach. It is by love that glory rains down, that life exists, and by love we can worship and in Him live, move and be.
~JLB
20100104
My Loss || 2010.01.01
I asked God to teach me
and He took down my walls
I asked God to build me
and He tore away my foundations
I asked God what
and He said, "Follow me!"
He began to walk, humming
began to work clapping
began to move, dancing
and I looked with remorse
That's not building
You took all I had
But I watched still
first fascinated,
then stirred
and finally moving.
closer, to touch His hand
and it moved to His rhythm
enticing me to dance
I could not catch
but to move in time
to find myself dancing
If flames could envy they might
but their only place is worship
I: I dance with The King
He whispers to me,
"What was this you lost,
what were you living for?
"I am your rock forever solid
I am your shelter and your tower
"I who made you: my breath
breathed in your face breath of life
"You posses my soul"
And my ruins melted
and still though they clamored
my wars found peace
So I lost myself
I lost my world
And His Kingdom stands now before me
~JLB
and He took down my walls
I asked God to build me
and He tore away my foundations
I asked God what
and He said, "Follow me!"
He began to walk, humming
began to work clapping
began to move, dancing
and I looked with remorse
That's not building
You took all I had
But I watched still
first fascinated,
then stirred
and finally moving.
closer, to touch His hand
and it moved to His rhythm
enticing me to dance
I could not catch
but to move in time
to find myself dancing
If flames could envy they might
but their only place is worship
I: I dance with The King
He whispers to me,
"What was this you lost,
what were you living for?
"I am your rock forever solid
I am your shelter and your tower
"I who made you: my breath
breathed in your face breath of life
"You posses my soul"
And my ruins melted
and still though they clamored
my wars found peace
So I lost myself
I lost my world
And His Kingdom stands now before me
~JLB
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