For there are those who play at God, those who pretend to be Gods, and then those who claim to be from God. To what end could man or women attempt to claim such things; power, money, maybe perversion? Those who play at God and those who claim to be gods,there is nothing for them. But for those who claim to be from God, watch and listen closely, for true followers will be humble, generous, sacrificial, and true.
Do not fall prey to those false and deceptive.

Eyes

Eyes have a way of piercing the soul. They're like daggers, stabbing in and digging around searching for something...anything. Some look for faults, cracks, blemishes. Some look for strength, security, dedication. Some look externally, never caring about what lies beneath. Others ignore the outer, caring only for the true being. A very few seek for nothing, for they have already found everything. They have no need to judge, expect, or decipher. They have seen their own faults, and found strength. The outside is without meaning to them, and they love the true self.

I was talking to my friend last night, and the subject of eyes came up. I informed her that she's truly one of the few people I can look in the eye and carry on a conversation. The reason for that is because I can see in her eyes, the peace, love, strength, and security that comes with a heart truly devoted to Christ. She isn't perfect, but she truly cares for the sake of caring, she loves for the sake of Christ, and judgement is never an option.

My first thought is that I'm jealous, I long to be that way, then I decide to cast off jealousy. Instead of jealousy, I want inspiration. Drive. Challenge. Encouragement. Too often I feel that we, The Church, are so quick to become jealous of the Pastors, for they are anointed, The Elders, for they guide and direct, the Deacons, for they serve. We grow jealous of the Worship Leaders, because they can publicly stand before others and their talent is on display. Missionaries, for they go out in the world with a clear goal.

I'm not sure if this is true for many people, but I know it is for me. I also sense in my soul that the feeling is not mine alone. So, I pray for my brothers and sisters, that they will draw encouragement, that they will feel a calling, and that the pressure they feel will not be a cause for surrender, but a challenge to be beaten. They are the sons and daughters of God, when their brother has a gift or their sister is blessed, they are blessed as well. They have not been forgotten or neglected, they will in turn bless others if they allow themselves to be blessed.

I hope someone finds encouragement from this, or at the very least a different way of looking at their Church and those that are gifted within it.

God be Praised

Inheritance

Journey recently did a series called "Once Upon a Time". Going through some of the parables that Jesus told, and the most famous one being of the parable of the Prodigal Son. All my life I've been the other brother, the one who stayed and worked hard, this year I became the prodigal, I went up to God and told him I was tired of waiting for him to give me what I desired and I wanted it now. I did it out of spite, hurt, bitterness, and hate. I allowed my own desires to cloud my vision, and when a moment of testing came and it seemed like everything was taken away I didn't trust in His plan. I raised my fist in anger and turned my back.

He watched me go, and allowed me to have those desires of my heart. Deeply buried and black was my heart, my bitterness had destroyed me, and began affecting those closest to me. My best friend turned his back and rejected me, I drew away from friends and family and to someone who was posioning me just as I was posioning her. I became intwined in the dance of the drowning, two people dragging each other under just trying to stay afloat. Chain were choking me and stealing joy and life...existance. When the dance ended, and the chains were shattered. I felt great relief...but profound loss. The reason for my existance had been removed, I was adrift. My home no longer felt like home I had been gone so long, my friends were far away. I was lost.

Points of light began to appear in the dark. My best friend came back, on his own accord. Knowing that my darkest day had yet to come. My friends came back closer then ever, ready to stand with me. Life took on a new vision, but it was still dark. My heart still black, my mind full of anger and rage. I was drowning again. But... He didn't let me. My best friend and I talked and God used his words to stir my heart. I felt life returning, and the overbearing weight of my heart was lifted.

Then... I gave up. I stopped running away and I turned around and ran home. I fully expected to be placed in shame, fully condemed and have to work my way up in life again. Instead, I was given forgiveness and release and was taught that I was welcome back, and my past was only a factor of what I now knew and a source to learn wisdom. I was given the red robe that covered my sin, and the ring that named me as son... I'm unworthy and so grateful.