shepherding

No amount of words can describe what the shepherd does. A shepherd does not spend his time explaining the mastery of his art and occupation, for the most part the shepherd simply shepherds. Leading rather than debating, guiding rather than reprimanding. The life of Christ is focused on the concept of active guidance. Christ's sermons are not based on his greatness and the "good news" about who He is, they are simply directed to bettering and strengthening the flock. Pastors today seem to lose the guidance prinipal when they set about their craft; the points of their homilies focus on the reprimand and Christ-ward pointing for justification; however, Christ regarded us that we search our own hearts, but then again that is where He dwells not as these impostor shepherds would place Him in some outward existence nearly beyond the reach of our humanity. Let us return, if we are able, to an existence of coexistence; wherein, man acknowleges that our greatest gift in the flock is the other sheep, that our dealings are to be interpersonal, relational, and spiritual with each other--straight from our hearts.

Being Christ

This act of christian humility does not get to the heart of our true call by Christ to take on His countenance. We must learn that the actions of our faith wil never supersede the existence of our faith. We are not to do Christianity, we are to be Christ the fundamental requirement of our faith is not that we adhere to rules and religious regulations, but that we Love as Christ Loves. It is not as so many have recalled that we love because He loved it is that we are loved therefore we love. Christ is in the act of loving us as we still make mistakes, as we are sinners Christ Loves us! This flesh as it is corruptible is simply a wrapper that encases who we are it has no lasting goodness, no eternal value; whatever we can possibly do in this flesh is nothing compared to what God makes possible through Christ within our souls. The transformation of the infernal into the eternal; whereas, once Christ has entered into the soul the true mark of a man takes place. No longer does man feel that general revelation that there is something greater in the universe, but he is able to move more clearly into the general/specific revelation of what the christian is to advance in, then to the specific/general the direction he is to take in the community and finally to the true specific what he is to be as an eternal being with Christ.

Carnal Death

This thing which has held me to these people, this humanity or family, I know can no longer stand in the way of glory. Love of others while noble and commanded by God can cause failure in following God. Compassion for the ones whom closely we are drawn can keep our eyes far from the path which God has planned for us. It is this carnality, the close relation to other flesh that keeps us often from reaching full potential with Christ. We forsake one for the other. We are so often taught to put others needs in front of our own that we forget to drink of the living water for ourselves. The pator tht is too concerned for his congregation will forsake personal spiritual growth in order to develop a better sermon; always concerning himself with the spiritual needs of others and forsaking his own relationship with God. Likewise a husband concerned with the physical needs of his family may sacrifice his spiritual duty in the community in order to better his family. The list of Christ avoidance's goes on as one considers what it is in this flesh we deem more important than the Spirit. What is it keeping us from being that spiritual people of God? The flesh! We must, therefore, die. laying down the carnality that has trapped us in this life. shedding the old man so that the spiritual man may prosper, it is this advice that will launch the gospel, Lift Him up not be lifted up by Him, not use Him as a influence for our troubled times, but as breath every moment until our need for Him in involuntary, our instruction by Him necessity and our life possible only through Him. We must put our current abuse of His covenant and commands to death so that with Him we may live forever.

Changing the status quo

I must be honest here (as with elsewhere) I am not sure I am who people say I am. God only knows me, God only , God! As we move forward to a kingdom inheritance we are compelled to evaluate the direction in which we travel. Are we on the right path? When we look ahead do we see the destination we aim for? When we look back do we see our true origin? If niether or just one of these is off we are not on our cut path. Lately I have been looking at my origin I know that what I have proclaimed as my beginning is skewed from the truth, but as I look back I find no recollection of the path I have trodden. It is well time in my life to straighten things. My past and my future need to line up with where I am not run beside it. How is your path? Are you exactly who people say you are? Are you sure who you are? Life moves at a speed we cannot control no need to continue in denials of the truth. Do we need to straighten things out personally as well as ecuminically, for if my history in these forty years is skewed how much more is the history of the church? How skewed is our place in the kingdom?

Crying

It amazes me how the soul works that with the stinging pain of shedding tears one can feel a lift of joy yet with the joy comes the longing to return to that state of pained numbness which preceded all former misery til resolution and relief can be experienced. What move has one to take to turn the feelings of regret and remorse to those of joy for in the lord joy brings strength; however in a weakened state where can one find said joy and wherefrom does one turn to the lord? Where is my god? Where is my joy? Where am I?

Lacidaisical disillusions discouraging intelectual inspiration arousing disconcerting idealogical conversations continuing prominent stipulations converting companionship turmoil overbearing burdensome philosohies unwittingly.

Signs

Nothing pointing to any direction which should be taken. I am abandoned by reason and departed from logical existence. Broken,battered and abused, I wander through these streets waiting for a sign of what direction to take. There are no signs of where to go. There are only signs of what to do and claims of what is down the road, but nothing points to a destination for no destination here I seek.