The presence of God...
immeasurable depths of love drip from wounds so deep that from the beginning of time his heart which beckoned mine beats with longing for companionship with his creation. Desperate was his passion that he would bleed for this. From the earth for generations his blood cries out. How can one resist such a call? This Call consistently triumphs over every sin and every failed attempt to do anything worth anything at all. It triumphs over every lie and every rejection. His love continues to Cry out to the hardest of hearts. His message; Simple. "Come to me, let me love you that you might in turn know me and love me ."..And this is the message not that we loved him but that he first loved us..."
Such sweet candor ."How I long for you to know how rare a treasure you are, my choicest possession. You are mine I have bought you with the highest of price"..Isaiah 43:1 How far superior are his thoughts towards us than that of our daily intake of media and culture which tells us we can only be as valuable as the next paycheck that comes in. I know of a miracle worker who would beg to differ not a penny to his name yet his very shadow and words alone caused miracles all around him. the lame walked and countless others were saved from incurable diseases. Indeed in this Peculiar kingdom the least shall always be the greatest. And the Last shall be first.
My week has been one of highs and lows surrounded by the echo of His immovable anchor. Such doubts I had not known before threatened to overtake me when being challenged by popular belief to be anyone of caliber there must be some sort of degree attached to my name. Thankfully my Lord reminded me that truly I have not been cut from the same cloth as most and mine is a tale of unique quality as is yours my friend.
Character measured in success alone is not in the least an accurate account. I have met men with millions attached to their names and yet to define them by this alone would only allow for a single dimension to be exposed. While the rest of their person is one of fathomless hollowed attempts in search of significance these types endlessly find themselves searching and latching on to the nearest prey for their satisfaction. Hoping the next dream or person will fulfill their otherwise meaningless pitiful shallow lives. I have witnessed this countless of times. What then is it to be a person of true relevance or merit?
Significance.such a powerful word yet so many fall so short of its real meaning giving in to a mediocre existence. Not i. i refuse.
In class last week, one of my professors began his lesson with a story. He told of how he was sitting in a first class flight from Australia to la. The flight prior to this was next to a family with an incessant gift of gab. At last in this next flight professor would attempt to get some much needed rest after a long series of approx. fifty or so teachings within the span of 3 weeks . As he sat quietly meditating on the American newspaper before him, the man next to him began to peer over his shoulder glancing at an article that caught his attention. Needless to say the professor's idea of a quiet ride was suddenly halted and he spent the next hours discussing what should "never be discussed with a stranger" politics and religion. Little did he know this man was the vice president of a very prominent adult magazine. Long story short at the end of their conversation my professor concluded and ended with this statement "I know what the problem with you is" completely taken aback, the man replied " Ok take your best shot" ...To which he responded "you sir do not know what it means to lead a significant life". This mans face went ashen and for a moment silence hung in the air between them. With that the man answered " It's as though you have been reading my mail or something, Yes I am a VP of a successful multi- million dollar organization and yet I go home every night not feeling like I am doing much of anything of real importance or meaning. My professor knew this had been a divine appointment from the Lord. The man then proceeded to tell him that he was taking college courses in order to become a motivational speaker...When He asked my professor what his line of work was he proceeded to tell him with excitement " I happen to be just that a motivational speaker!!" When the flight landed the man stood to grab his briefcase from the overhead bin , then pausing for a moment he spoke" I would like to invite you to one of my staff meetings sometime to speak to the rest of my board members. Just like that the professor was given this man's business card ; the key to speak life to an otherwise dead and vapid group of individuals.
Here was a man whose whole existence centered around himself and yet within him was the desire to lead a life of prestige and true influence. In most minds today he would appear to have it all together perhaps inspiring others but inside he had an insatiable desire for more just like the next man. Deep within the human race is the cry for meaning and purpose. How easily society perpetuates this idea which has long been proven dead and unrealistic. The idea that to achieve your highest good is what will satisy. If it were that simple then why are millions of "worldly successful" individuals resorting to suicide.
Wikipedia statistics show : Current suicide rates for every age group between 25 and 84 have increased. The most significant increases occurred in individuals aged 25 to 34 (12.3 in 2006 to 13.0 in 2007), 45 to 54 (17.2 to 17.7), and 55 to 64 (14.5 to 15.5). The rate of 17.7 for 45- to 54-year-olds is the highest for any age group in the country, while the rate for 55- to 64-year-olds showed the greatest increase from the previous year. Every 15 minutes someone dies by suicide. It remains the 11th leading cause of death in this country. Though suicide attempts are not reported, it is estimated that close to one million people make a suicide attempt each year.
Or why is it almost every year without fail some tragedy befalls a famed celebrity such as drug overdose abuse incarceration alcholism? If these indeed have obtained the highest good why then are they falling in the same traps men have fell into for generations. Success indeed found often leads to a grave aftermath. Self leads only to internalization which causes the harshest of inceptions. Drowning oneself in the escape of pleasure has become a byproduct of selfishly living for ones own gain. Fleeting moments that can have lasting and permanent damage.
Alexander the Great understood this all to well. He has quickly become one of my favorite historical characters of all time. What fascinates me most is his personal life. What most men would consider that of greatest importance "a picture of perfection". Where much of our culture and even language stems from this great Grecian warrior, if looked at closely led a life of tragical consequence. This self absorbed power hungry man possessed all earthly goods yet nothing could satisfy his longing soul. "When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer." Whether true a quote or not one thing can be certain as per further study into this historical giants' life. He was never satisfied. How could he be if continue to seek after more he did?
Alexander, by the age of thirty, was the creator of one of the largest empires in ancient history. Born in Pella in 356 BC, Alexander was tutored by the famed philosopher Aristotle. In 336 BC he inherited his father's throne as Philip II was assassinated. His spread of Greek influence also known as Hellenistic civilization is still found dripping within the pages of our current society. This man became the plumb line for a entirely new World view. Success reeked from his pores. " He became the measure against which military officials, even to this day, compare themselves . Military academies throughout the world still teach his conquests and exploits."
His legacy still lives on and is evident in much of our culture today. Considered by many in his time a deity Alexander was the epitome of excellence yet his personal life was one of drunken rages and broken relationships. With all he achieved he could not create a lasting empire and could not create an heir. He died childless and alone. There are many speculations as to how he died some said it was foul play by those closest to him other theories imply death by overdose of medication or a rapid decline of health due to heavy drinking and frivolous living after the death of a close friend. Alexander died at the ripe age of 32. A figure that was heralded for his almost unearthly and unrestrained conquests. Still He could not tame his own soul. I wonder if before he died truly had he felt accomplished and fulfilled. This question perhaps will remain a mystery. Yet Alexander's life still rings out the forbearance of a man desirous of greatness and yet could not harness is own wild affections which led to the fall of this great empire. Can importance be found in the conquering of nations for the sake of one's own will and yet the control over one's soul remain unattained. To die young and alone with paranoia knocking within his heart is hardly an achieved matter.
Perhaps Alexander died of a broken heart. After the death of his closest confidant his mental and physical health quickly fell and his vicarious ways seemed to get the best of him. It is here that I come to the culmination with all that he had gained he lost to the game of life as death wrapped its grip around this once accomplished man. I conclude that even Alexander the greatest among men could not defeat his strongest enemy. Himself. His loneliness. His angst. His unmet desire of conquering all the world. His grieved heart in the end caused his downfall . Much like many who succeeded Alexander would find out " living for life alone could never be enough.Significance my friend is not found in the next grandiose applaud of eminence or accomplishment but alone is found in the ultimate sacrifice. That God himself would leave perfection to receive to himself imperfect beings and committing his very life to do so. He endured such excruciating pain simply because we are of that much matter and value to him. This absoluteness leaves me breathless. No man that ever lived could claim such a persuasion. How can we ignore this intrinsic reality? You mean more to my Lord than his very existence.
What greater love can be found than a man lay down his life for his friend. John 15:13. If this truth could etch itself into our very soul we will reach limitless heights. Our lives will begin to blossom with the pervading force of love. Driven by love to love.
Why is we continue attempting the climb of the highest of mountains in search of influential love when love has already overcome the greatest of enemies to find us? Love has come down through the person of Jesus Christ and reaching out his hand toward you the fragmented soul, he gently invites you to partake of his splendor. This is true significance that the God of this universe is mindful of you.
I am a true testament to this love . I have been so transformed by it.
This past year after graduating from school has been one of tragedy and triumph. In many ways I was left with a hurt sodden soul. Almost immediately after school I was plunged into a youth ministry. Bits and pieces of me was being given out to heal the lives of other young broken people. And yet as I shared this gospel truth with these hungry lives still within my heart was a bleeding wound which stemmed deep from childhood. It had only just resurfaced.
I had walked with the Lord for a number of years and yet the vicious cycle of rise and fall had begun to take its toll. Still I set out to see others become free. My personal conquests of leading people to him became my solace. I remained pining after significance which seemed to be just beyond my reach. Why was I still so clouded ? Why had my vision of true worth become so hazy. Had I not been going about the Lord's work? Was that not enough? Within me was this clamor to understand my distinctive caliber. For so long I had poured my self into assisting others, loving others ,giving myself for others, yet I had not even begun to tap into the real meaning of this divine relationship with my Creator. He ached with desire to pour out his love but I had been to busy to sit and receive that "Good thing". Being slow to learn it was not till I had become totally bankrupt and bare before him, not hiding behind my "good deeds", that he was allowed to pour upon me such unexpected graces and beauty.
To describe the exchange that has begun within me cannot properly be exercised or expressed in the English language. However momentous steps of achievement in my life have been taken simply by the powerful alluring presence of Almighty powerful God. He invaded me with himself and I cannot begin to express to you how significant I already realize my self to be. Perhaps by man's standards and perhaps my very own I have not done much to tell of. However just a few moments in the presence of my King and suddenly I have come to grips with just how much we his created beings are worth. His word which has arrested my thoughts speak of great inherited wealth. He has inscribed us on the palms of his hands. How great is his love towards us. We can only know the value of humanity in light of the cross, And we can never realize the true value of the cross till we realize the true value of humankind.
Success is not found in the millions of people I hope to one day meet and lead to his feet. Or all the ground I will possess for his kingdom. Its not found in the height of mans wisdom or the depths of human honor. It could not be procured by the greatest of conquests or the attainment of glory. Success alone is found in one person and one simple true story. That of a King who laid down His crown. Stepped out in our weakness and with great resound came and found us. He desired to obtain and posses the impossible. The wayward heart of another which refused to be tamed. No other befores him had ever attempted or could others boast in such terrain. As that which was conquered through the defeat of death and the grave. With blood on his brow and your face on his mind. He spread his arms wide to receive mankind. He alone does boast such a glorious feat. Of that which required the nailing to a cross of his hands and feet. With just three words he defeated the greatest of foes." It is finished" he gasped and with that he would go. His tattered torn body lay limp on that tree as onlookers gawked and others agreed surely this was the King of the Jews. Surely he died in vain they proposed. Little could they know that just before them was the greatest of Heroes. Yes in man's eyes his was a story of sad defeat. but it did not end there this tale of old . Up from the grave three days later he arose. The veil of sin which kept our hearts at bay had now been broken and Man's redemption was paid. The sacrifice now made, Satisfied he laid the foundation for the untameable heart to be harnessed by him. His greatest desire from within was to be aquainted with his creation and for us to know him. His death and ressurection now opened wide for the impossible to begin. Relationship with the divine Trinity is what we can boast in. Here I stand in knowlegde of His pursuit. He pursues with a vengence the heart of man. To be completely conquered by his passionate love. This is the greatest desire from He who is above. How can you dear friend doubt your worth ? All of this was done to obtain your affection. He did this for you. thus he has become my maginificent obsession. I will not stop and cannot stop I must not stop till all come to the saving knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. The one who has died and lives again. He dwells within. He is inside of my very being. By his Holy Spirit I will continue singing this song of everlasting wonder and truth that the same God inside of me Longs to be inside of you.
Significant one that you are receive the greatest of conquests as you surrender to the greatest of conquistadors of all time.
I started school last week and already have been so rewarded by my simple obedience in coming here. once again i am being inspired by the beautiful Holy Spirit to do and be everything he has planned for me. i continue to covet your prayers and support as i know as well as paul knew its the prayers of the saints that will continue to strengthen me. Love and blessings. isa
immeasurable depths of love drip from wounds so deep that from the beginning of time his heart which beckoned mine beats with longing for companionship with his creation. Desperate was his passion that he would bleed for this. From the earth for generations his blood cries out. How can one resist such a call? This Call consistently triumphs over every sin and every failed attempt to do anything worth anything at all. It triumphs over every lie and every rejection. His love continues to Cry out to the hardest of hearts. His message; Simple. "Come to me, let me love you that you might in turn know me and love me ."..And this is the message not that we loved him but that he first loved us..."
Such sweet candor ."How I long for you to know how rare a treasure you are, my choicest possession. You are mine I have bought you with the highest of price"..Isaiah 43:1 How far superior are his thoughts towards us than that of our daily intake of media and culture which tells us we can only be as valuable as the next paycheck that comes in. I know of a miracle worker who would beg to differ not a penny to his name yet his very shadow and words alone caused miracles all around him. the lame walked and countless others were saved from incurable diseases. Indeed in this Peculiar kingdom the least shall always be the greatest. And the Last shall be first.
My week has been one of highs and lows surrounded by the echo of His immovable anchor. Such doubts I had not known before threatened to overtake me when being challenged by popular belief to be anyone of caliber there must be some sort of degree attached to my name. Thankfully my Lord reminded me that truly I have not been cut from the same cloth as most and mine is a tale of unique quality as is yours my friend.
Character measured in success alone is not in the least an accurate account. I have met men with millions attached to their names and yet to define them by this alone would only allow for a single dimension to be exposed. While the rest of their person is one of fathomless hollowed attempts in search of significance these types endlessly find themselves searching and latching on to the nearest prey for their satisfaction. Hoping the next dream or person will fulfill their otherwise meaningless pitiful shallow lives. I have witnessed this countless of times. What then is it to be a person of true relevance or merit?
Significance.such a powerful word yet so many fall so short of its real meaning giving in to a mediocre existence. Not i. i refuse.
In class last week, one of my professors began his lesson with a story. He told of how he was sitting in a first class flight from Australia to la. The flight prior to this was next to a family with an incessant gift of gab. At last in this next flight professor would attempt to get some much needed rest after a long series of approx. fifty or so teachings within the span of 3 weeks . As he sat quietly meditating on the American newspaper before him, the man next to him began to peer over his shoulder glancing at an article that caught his attention. Needless to say the professor's idea of a quiet ride was suddenly halted and he spent the next hours discussing what should "never be discussed with a stranger" politics and religion. Little did he know this man was the vice president of a very prominent adult magazine. Long story short at the end of their conversation my professor concluded and ended with this statement "I know what the problem with you is" completely taken aback, the man replied " Ok take your best shot" ...To which he responded "you sir do not know what it means to lead a significant life". This mans face went ashen and for a moment silence hung in the air between them. With that the man answered " It's as though you have been reading my mail or something, Yes I am a VP of a successful multi- million dollar organization and yet I go home every night not feeling like I am doing much of anything of real importance or meaning. My professor knew this had been a divine appointment from the Lord. The man then proceeded to tell him that he was taking college courses in order to become a motivational speaker...When He asked my professor what his line of work was he proceeded to tell him with excitement " I happen to be just that a motivational speaker!!" When the flight landed the man stood to grab his briefcase from the overhead bin , then pausing for a moment he spoke" I would like to invite you to one of my staff meetings sometime to speak to the rest of my board members. Just like that the professor was given this man's business card ; the key to speak life to an otherwise dead and vapid group of individuals.
Here was a man whose whole existence centered around himself and yet within him was the desire to lead a life of prestige and true influence. In most minds today he would appear to have it all together perhaps inspiring others but inside he had an insatiable desire for more just like the next man. Deep within the human race is the cry for meaning and purpose. How easily society perpetuates this idea which has long been proven dead and unrealistic. The idea that to achieve your highest good is what will satisy. If it were that simple then why are millions of "worldly successful" individuals resorting to suicide.
Wikipedia statistics show : Current suicide rates for every age group between 25 and 84 have increased. The most significant increases occurred in individuals aged 25 to 34 (12.3 in 2006 to 13.0 in 2007), 45 to 54 (17.2 to 17.7), and 55 to 64 (14.5 to 15.5). The rate of 17.7 for 45- to 54-year-olds is the highest for any age group in the country, while the rate for 55- to 64-year-olds showed the greatest increase from the previous year. Every 15 minutes someone dies by suicide. It remains the 11th leading cause of death in this country. Though suicide attempts are not reported, it is estimated that close to one million people make a suicide attempt each year.
Or why is it almost every year without fail some tragedy befalls a famed celebrity such as drug overdose abuse incarceration alcholism? If these indeed have obtained the highest good why then are they falling in the same traps men have fell into for generations. Success indeed found often leads to a grave aftermath. Self leads only to internalization which causes the harshest of inceptions. Drowning oneself in the escape of pleasure has become a byproduct of selfishly living for ones own gain. Fleeting moments that can have lasting and permanent damage.
Alexander the Great understood this all to well. He has quickly become one of my favorite historical characters of all time. What fascinates me most is his personal life. What most men would consider that of greatest importance "a picture of perfection". Where much of our culture and even language stems from this great Grecian warrior, if looked at closely led a life of tragical consequence. This self absorbed power hungry man possessed all earthly goods yet nothing could satisfy his longing soul. "When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer." Whether true a quote or not one thing can be certain as per further study into this historical giants' life. He was never satisfied. How could he be if continue to seek after more he did?
Alexander, by the age of thirty, was the creator of one of the largest empires in ancient history. Born in Pella in 356 BC, Alexander was tutored by the famed philosopher Aristotle. In 336 BC he inherited his father's throne as Philip II was assassinated. His spread of Greek influence also known as Hellenistic civilization is still found dripping within the pages of our current society. This man became the plumb line for a entirely new World view. Success reeked from his pores. " He became the measure against which military officials, even to this day, compare themselves . Military academies throughout the world still teach his conquests and exploits."
His legacy still lives on and is evident in much of our culture today. Considered by many in his time a deity Alexander was the epitome of excellence yet his personal life was one of drunken rages and broken relationships. With all he achieved he could not create a lasting empire and could not create an heir. He died childless and alone. There are many speculations as to how he died some said it was foul play by those closest to him other theories imply death by overdose of medication or a rapid decline of health due to heavy drinking and frivolous living after the death of a close friend. Alexander died at the ripe age of 32. A figure that was heralded for his almost unearthly and unrestrained conquests. Still He could not tame his own soul. I wonder if before he died truly had he felt accomplished and fulfilled. This question perhaps will remain a mystery. Yet Alexander's life still rings out the forbearance of a man desirous of greatness and yet could not harness is own wild affections which led to the fall of this great empire. Can importance be found in the conquering of nations for the sake of one's own will and yet the control over one's soul remain unattained. To die young and alone with paranoia knocking within his heart is hardly an achieved matter.
Perhaps Alexander died of a broken heart. After the death of his closest confidant his mental and physical health quickly fell and his vicarious ways seemed to get the best of him. It is here that I come to the culmination with all that he had gained he lost to the game of life as death wrapped its grip around this once accomplished man. I conclude that even Alexander the greatest among men could not defeat his strongest enemy. Himself. His loneliness. His angst. His unmet desire of conquering all the world. His grieved heart in the end caused his downfall . Much like many who succeeded Alexander would find out " living for life alone could never be enough.Significance my friend is not found in the next grandiose applaud of eminence or accomplishment but alone is found in the ultimate sacrifice. That God himself would leave perfection to receive to himself imperfect beings and committing his very life to do so. He endured such excruciating pain simply because we are of that much matter and value to him. This absoluteness leaves me breathless. No man that ever lived could claim such a persuasion. How can we ignore this intrinsic reality? You mean more to my Lord than his very existence.
What greater love can be found than a man lay down his life for his friend. John 15:13. If this truth could etch itself into our very soul we will reach limitless heights. Our lives will begin to blossom with the pervading force of love. Driven by love to love.
Why is we continue attempting the climb of the highest of mountains in search of influential love when love has already overcome the greatest of enemies to find us? Love has come down through the person of Jesus Christ and reaching out his hand toward you the fragmented soul, he gently invites you to partake of his splendor. This is true significance that the God of this universe is mindful of you.
I am a true testament to this love . I have been so transformed by it.
This past year after graduating from school has been one of tragedy and triumph. In many ways I was left with a hurt sodden soul. Almost immediately after school I was plunged into a youth ministry. Bits and pieces of me was being given out to heal the lives of other young broken people. And yet as I shared this gospel truth with these hungry lives still within my heart was a bleeding wound which stemmed deep from childhood. It had only just resurfaced.
I had walked with the Lord for a number of years and yet the vicious cycle of rise and fall had begun to take its toll. Still I set out to see others become free. My personal conquests of leading people to him became my solace. I remained pining after significance which seemed to be just beyond my reach. Why was I still so clouded ? Why had my vision of true worth become so hazy. Had I not been going about the Lord's work? Was that not enough? Within me was this clamor to understand my distinctive caliber. For so long I had poured my self into assisting others, loving others ,giving myself for others, yet I had not even begun to tap into the real meaning of this divine relationship with my Creator. He ached with desire to pour out his love but I had been to busy to sit and receive that "Good thing". Being slow to learn it was not till I had become totally bankrupt and bare before him, not hiding behind my "good deeds", that he was allowed to pour upon me such unexpected graces and beauty.
To describe the exchange that has begun within me cannot properly be exercised or expressed in the English language. However momentous steps of achievement in my life have been taken simply by the powerful alluring presence of Almighty powerful God. He invaded me with himself and I cannot begin to express to you how significant I already realize my self to be. Perhaps by man's standards and perhaps my very own I have not done much to tell of. However just a few moments in the presence of my King and suddenly I have come to grips with just how much we his created beings are worth. His word which has arrested my thoughts speak of great inherited wealth. He has inscribed us on the palms of his hands. How great is his love towards us. We can only know the value of humanity in light of the cross, And we can never realize the true value of the cross till we realize the true value of humankind.
Success is not found in the millions of people I hope to one day meet and lead to his feet. Or all the ground I will possess for his kingdom. Its not found in the height of mans wisdom or the depths of human honor. It could not be procured by the greatest of conquests or the attainment of glory. Success alone is found in one person and one simple true story. That of a King who laid down His crown. Stepped out in our weakness and with great resound came and found us. He desired to obtain and posses the impossible. The wayward heart of another which refused to be tamed. No other befores him had ever attempted or could others boast in such terrain. As that which was conquered through the defeat of death and the grave. With blood on his brow and your face on his mind. He spread his arms wide to receive mankind. He alone does boast such a glorious feat. Of that which required the nailing to a cross of his hands and feet. With just three words he defeated the greatest of foes." It is finished" he gasped and with that he would go. His tattered torn body lay limp on that tree as onlookers gawked and others agreed surely this was the King of the Jews. Surely he died in vain they proposed. Little could they know that just before them was the greatest of Heroes. Yes in man's eyes his was a story of sad defeat. but it did not end there this tale of old . Up from the grave three days later he arose. The veil of sin which kept our hearts at bay had now been broken and Man's redemption was paid. The sacrifice now made, Satisfied he laid the foundation for the untameable heart to be harnessed by him. His greatest desire from within was to be aquainted with his creation and for us to know him. His death and ressurection now opened wide for the impossible to begin. Relationship with the divine Trinity is what we can boast in. Here I stand in knowlegde of His pursuit. He pursues with a vengence the heart of man. To be completely conquered by his passionate love. This is the greatest desire from He who is above. How can you dear friend doubt your worth ? All of this was done to obtain your affection. He did this for you. thus he has become my maginificent obsession. I will not stop and cannot stop I must not stop till all come to the saving knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ. The one who has died and lives again. He dwells within. He is inside of my very being. By his Holy Spirit I will continue singing this song of everlasting wonder and truth that the same God inside of me Longs to be inside of you.
Significant one that you are receive the greatest of conquests as you surrender to the greatest of conquistadors of all time.
I started school last week and already have been so rewarded by my simple obedience in coming here. once again i am being inspired by the beautiful Holy Spirit to do and be everything he has planned for me. i continue to covet your prayers and support as i know as well as paul knew its the prayers of the saints that will continue to strengthen me. Love and blessings. isa
