The sky lightens. There is music in the air. The trees quiver in anticipation and the woman raises her face to the eastern sky in silent prayer. It is good to meditate on what has come and it is good to look forward to that which shall be. Even so all the more, it is good to with trepidation step across the grass towards the dunes that rise. The woman trembles at the slight chill she feels this early morning. Soon enough, the sun shall dispel the cold and she will shed her jacket to feel the warmth upon her skin. But for now? She hugs herself and continues to think on the blessings that are hers. What a gift this morning is!
No sound but the song of gulls and gentle crash of waves. No duties but gratitude and singing the lines her heart aches to say. No fear but that holy awe which thrills her bones as she considers the love which overwhelms her frame. She now sits upon the sand with her knees drawn up to her face and she over and over again whispers praises to the Name. Glory be to God the Father, glory be to God the Son, glory be to God the Spirit, praises praises to God the Three in One. What a joy it is to worship this day in this cathedral divinely made. Yes no better place to worship than this plot of holy ground, floors of rich sand and ever moving waters and arched ceilings of whirled oranges and purples, pillars of cloud and flame. It is good to be here in this place. The woman sings the doxology once more. Her face glows with holy fire.
Tag: worship
The Man Who Had Died Came Forth
Oh how glorious a time it was this morning at church, surrounded by hundreds who lifted up their voices and sang to our God on high. We sang his praises and lifted up our hands to the one who saves us and offers us eternal life with him. And indeed as our final words rang out ascribing glory to our Lord, I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be one day when surrounded not by hundreds but by thousands (and many myriads of thousands more) when we sing with faces blazing in the light that is shining from the face of God. One day this will be true in the kind of sense that our slow and creeping minds cannot now quite comprehend. One day for true our lives will flicker to the rhythm of a new song, indeed a song that will never end. Our voices will sing holy holy holy to the one who was and the one who is and the one who is to come. And we will see the Lamb of God with our own eyes and our new scribed bodies quiver with the bliss that is only right for those who are called true sons. Oh how glorious a day that will be and now I meditate on that moment when the kingdom is finally fully here in a way it can never be right now. For sure this kingdom is partially now but still not yet culminated is the final resurrection and the moment when the angels cry glory as they see the glory that has been won. But think now on these thoughts that fill my mind and I muse in uplifted wonder that even now in this quiet moment on my quiet couch I write in the presence of very God. His Spirit fills me even as he has sealed me and peace floods my soul. Now my voice whispers glory glory oh glorify your name. And in a small still voice printed on these pages I see written that he has and that he will. And so forever do I cherish the indisputable fact that I now reside in shocking sonship of the very God to whom my soul longs to forever cling. Ever confident in the blood that Jesus shed for me I can now only cry glory glory glory glory to my King.
Expressly Yours
I’m listening to my Enfield playlist as I sit here in Starbucks and I have to say – I forgot how amazing these songs are!!! Oh how I love so many of these classic hymns. There is a Fountain, And Can It Be?, Jesus I My Cross Have Taken, O The Deep Deep Love of Jesus…etc, etc, etc. Gorgeousness. I’m tempted to write ALL THE VERSES from one of my very favourites – Jesus, I my Cross Have Taken…but I shall spare you this time. I’m pretty sure I’ve done that sometime in the past. And I’m pretty sure I will do it again sometime in the future.
It is good to remember the mercies of the Lord.
And while I’m in a pondering mood, thought I’d write some thoughts I was thinking last night. Was wearing one of my favourite shirts – a nice bright blue shirt with the words “HONOUR”, “LOYALTY”, “VALOUR” superimposed over a lion rampant. It’s interesting that these words are (apparently) held in such high esteem and I was wondering – what do those words really signify to people today? According to the Oxford English, honour means “high respect” or “great esteem” or “the quality of knowing and doing what is morally right”. In the same, loyalty means “the quality of being loyal” or “a strong feeling of support or allegiance”. As for valour…”great courage in the face of danger, especially battle”. Do those words truly mean anything to most of us these days though…or are they just empty concepts that make us feel better about ourselves? What do we have high respect or great esteem for? Or do we just crave that esteem for ourselves? What are we truly loyal to? Or whom? And when do we show great courage these days? Is it in day-to-day life or just in the contrived fantasies of our mind?
I think we like to think more highly of ourselves than we ought and it is self-flattering to think that we exhibit these qualities of honour, loyalty and valour in our everyday lives. But do we truly? Is there a higher calling that beckons us to live in such a way? I would say there is. But it is not in the way most would commonly think. We ought to live in such a way that every action of our life brings great honour and glory to our God. We ought to live in such a way that everything we do proves our loyalty and faithfulness to our God. And we ought to live our lives coloured by valour and courage in the face of trials and tribulations and all that stands against us as we strive to please our God. Do these things come easy? Of course not. And we are frail creatures and oft exhibit the opposite virtues…we feel shamed, unfaithful and craven as we disobey our God in thought, word and deed. But. But. If we truly put our faith in Christ for our salvation – God has saved us! Not because of deeds that we have done. But because of His great love.
And so because God loved us when we were so eminently unlovable and because our God has filled us with His Holy Spirit and because Christ daily intercedes for us before the Father…now we can exhibit these qualities of godly honour, godly loyalty and godly valour. Let us remember that. We can do all things through Christ who grants us strength. Go forth this day and honour God in all things. Go forth this day and seek to be loyal to God in every word you speak. Seek to live in valour before our God. For truly, He is our Lord. He is our God. And He loves us.
What a wondrous thing it is to be known by God. We are His dearly loved children. Amen and amen.
A Framing of the Mind
Hello friends…and happy Tuesday! I dare not write too much right now, as my eyes are sleepy – despite the coffee I’m currently gulping down! – and at some point I need to attempt to wake up by doing work. But at least a few words? I am still recovering from Sunday night…me and John had a small Oscars-watching party at our place, a fun time with a few friends(Joe, Julie, Abby, Camille, Julia…) but of course the only problem with the Oscars is it’s approximately a four hour show. Eventually everyone left or (in John’s case) just went to bed, but Julie and I persevered to the bitter end! Worth it to see Moonlight‘s best picture win…of course, I’ve not seen that movie – looks a bit depressing for my taste. Maybe someday. Emma Stone did win best actress for La La Land, so all is well! Anyways! Sunday was a late night. I really need to get more sleep. Not tonight, since it’s community group night. Not tomorrow night, since I’m hanging with Sammy. Oh well. Maybe someday my poor body will get sleep.
Anything else? Hm, I guess I’ve just been pondering thoughts lately of life, the universe and everything. You know, the usual! And just the realisation that people(myself included!) are far too consumed by thoughts of how to please and love ourselves to the exclusion of all else. Yes, we say we love others. But words are cheap. Our actions are dictated far too often by the desire to please the god of ourselves. That sacred throne of rank pride – how we do love that seat. And at the end of the day – at the end of all things – does it really matter how much we’ve sacrificed to bring oblations to our own soul? God forbid that we should live so. I so much want to not be so concerned about my own vanity or cravings or heartache… Fierce and most loathsome ambition to raise myself above all else, why is this part of me? I flee. I am on this world for a purpose far greater, a cause far purer. May I remember that and forget myself.
Peace and love.
Prayers Ascending
Hello friends – and happy Tuesday! I’m going to be starting work in a few minutes, just wanted to briefly chronicle some events of last night – very insignificant to the world at large, but precious to me. Last night, was driving to get dinner with Julie and as I was speeding up down the onramp to I-10, looked up at the sky and was almost overwhelmed by the cacophony of light and beauty shining forth from the sky. Yesterday, it rained and drizzled most of the day, but just as I was driving to dinner, the sky had begun to clear – and so shone forth the sun amidst a riot of towering purple clouds and smooth-streaked grey wisps and dazzling orange shaded fluffy cloud banks…I was so startled by the sight of the sky filled with such a varied and most gorgeous array of clouds and colours and swift shining lights that I had to ease up on my accelerating foot and tell myself to tear my eyes away from the sky. And as I relished the sun setting beauty that confronted me, I realized the gift I had been given to me by my God – a sight of awe and wonder and gorgeous delight. Oh and I suppose this entry is a bit self-indulgent…apologies! But was the rest of my night just as wondrous? Actually, it so happened it was. Dinner with Julie at Dish Society and as always it was wonderful and just what I needed. We enjoyed our food and chat and I was so encouraged by her(and maybe I encouraged her a little too? I hope so). Oh how dear of a friend is she. How marvelous it is to have such a deep bond with someone, a bond forged in the Spirit of God and of our love for Him. We finished the evening and I was able to pray for her and as I prayed, felt simply overwhelmed by the love of God for us, His humble and insignificant children. He loves us.
Chainless
Early I wake and slowly stumble out the door,
weary feet on battered pavement,
– sadly not batter for pancakes,
too early –
but what is that to me? I look up
with joy, almost hesitating – and see
the half moon shining brilliantly in the sky,
a witness towering in heavens far
to God who placed it there.
My heart is not worthy of such joy –
pain is far more apropos –
but worthiness is not why I rise each morn,
Abba Father
near to me
I cry.
A Blinding Jewel of Light and Beauty
Hello friends!! Monday here and it is furiously raining outside. And I am inside. And it is glorious. Finally, my habit of coming in super early pays off…so everyone else is going to be dripping wet, but because I came in before it started raining, I am nice and dry. Fantastic. Oh and I also have my peppermint mocha, so that’s great too! Had fun chatting with the baristas at Starbucks while I waited for mine this morning…I do love getting to know my Starbucks people – grateful I’m able to make friends with them. I’ve just got off the phone with Dad – had a good chat too, recapping the football from yesterday(Packers beat the Cowboys in a thrilling game, then the Steelers kicked many(six) field goals to beat the Chiefs…now four teams left – Patriots, Steelers, Falcons & Packers. I…don’t really care who wins? I’ll probably root for Atlanta, just because they’re the one team that hasn’t won a Super Bowl recently. Ever? Just looked it up, and they have never won! So I’m definitely rooting for Atlanta now. Go Falcons!).
Football sidebar aside, this weekend has been glorious. Saturday was a crazy day of superb busyness but yesterday was a wonderful day of worship and rest. Oh how I enjoyed my time at church in the morning, hearing God’s word preached. And then after church, went home and had leftover salad for lunch while watching an episode of 24 with John. Eventually, after doing some laundry and workout…had a most beautiful time of quietude and reading. Had a cuppa tea while reading B.B. Warfield’s Faith and Life. Beautiful reflections upon the gospel – reminding me why I live and why I love. Such special meditation time.
And now friends, I must be off…but have a most beautiful Monday, thinking on the wonders and love of Christ Jesus our Lord.
The River and the Tree
“I, Jesus,
have sent my angel to testify to you
these things for the churches.
I am the root
and the descendant of David,
the bright morning star.”
The Spirit and the bride say,
“Come.”
And let the one who hears say,
“Come.”
And let the one who is
thirsty
come;
let the one who wishes
take the water of life
without cost.
What words. Amen and Amen. Come Lord Jesus Indeed, these words are faithful and true.
How good it is to know God. And one day – to see the face of the Lamb. One day. Some day.
DC Sleeps
I simply love when I rediscover passages in Scripture full of beauty and truth and my heart is stirred to hope eternal. I walked in to work this morning thinking these thoughts. And the wind tousled my hair in cool alignment with the starlight softly tripping down to earth. And so my soul sang.
Someday I’d like to write my thoughts on this whole chapter, but for now, I shall simply chronicle what is in the Word. From Isaiah 25…
The Lord of hosts will prepare a lavish banquet
For all peoples on this mountain;
A banquet of aged wine,
Choice pieces with marrow,
And refined, aged wine.
And on this mountain He will swallow up the covering which is over all peoples,
Even the veil which is stretched over all nations.
He will swallow up death for all time,
And the Lord God will wipe tears away from all faces,
And He will remove the reproach of His people from all the earth;
For the Lord has spoken.
Day of Peace
So this morning as I was driving to work, I pondered the verses below:
How blessed is the man
Who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked,
Nor stand in the path of sinners,
Nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
But his delight is in the law of the LORD,
And in His law he meditates day and night.
He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.
And as my thoughts whirled in my head, I especially was convicted by that middle section of verses. Do I truly meditate on the law of the Lord day and night? Oh that I did! My desire – as I hope is yours as well – is to abide in the Lord each and every moment. And if truly what I wish is to be close to the Lord as I walk through this life, am I daily dying to self and meditating on the truths of God? Not ever so much as I should be. Not near enough. So that is my prayer this day, that I continue to grow closer to my God as I ponder and meditate on the truths of His Word, the truths that reveal God Himself. May my love ever increase – this is my prayer! A shabby, shattered piece of pottery am I – yet the Potter King makes me new. May I dwell on the words of God ever more. May my spirit be renewed day by day as I seek the face of Christ. Amen and Amen.
Something Weird 