The Crown of Thorns

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While at IHOP Kansas City I was able to join a session in the prayer room. It seemed fairly normal, but the Lord used the time and context to reveal something to me.  The revelation is about suffering and adversity. It came through the presence of the crown of thorns on the communion table I was standing near.

In my mind I could see the thorns as not only entanglements and resistance,  as one would equate with vines, yes these things, but more. The thorns represent resistance & entanglements with the addition of pain and suffering.  If you have ever traversed a briar patch, you know there is a constant evaluation of cost to benefit going through your mind. Thorns are a cost to the one who will not be stopped that is punctuated with every advancing step. Continue reading “The Crown of Thorns”

Proclaiming the Name

Isaiah 52:4 – 6

This is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Long ago my people chose to live in Egypt. Now they are oppressed by Assyria. What is this?” asks the Lord. “Why are my people enslaved again? Those who rule them shout in exultation. My name is blasphemed all day long. But I will reveal my name to my people, and they will come to know its power. Then at last they will recognize that I am the one who speaks to them.”

I see something in this verse this morning.  The name of God is blasphemed when we are ruled by other lords, enslaved by other masters.  It is because His lordship, His leadership produces His likeness in us and makes us a reflection of Him.  When we are ruled by other influences, motivations, when other things animate our lives, we are reflecting their “glory”, or our lives are a testimony to these other things. Continue reading “Proclaiming the Name”

What is life like without God?

What is life like without God?

This is a question I posed recently.  It has been on my mind since a recent trip to the town where I grew up.  I appreciate the feedback I got back from quite a few perspectives.  It's hard, but important I think, to have a mind open to someone else's point of view.  I need the perspective, really.  No one sees things the way they are, not completely.  That takes a lot of points of view, to see things from all sides.  Thanks those who responded and helped me expand my view.

I want to encourage you, and me, to take some time to deeply consider this question.

As I glanced around the internet for an image that would help me communicate this question, I got what they call in Texas an “eye full!”  There were a good number of points of view that I encountered there that went well beyond the direct feedback I received, and some strange ones at that.

 

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Continue reading “What is life like without God?”