What truly is "The Joy of the Lord" to a Believer?

What good is the knife and fork if the meal doesn't have any meat. sw

Don't hate confidence, yet be fearful of ignorance and unbelief. sw

Where does every word that proceeds from the mouth of God find room in someone's life?

If those words were a person how much easier would it be to find room for them?

Even further what if the qualities that initially attracted you to them seemed to lose their value for whatever reason over time, then what do we find?

There's not enough paper in this world to record all the possible scenario's and variable that could be blamed for the cause of a rift between any two people, yet lets try and stay focused on the "Before" picture before throwing fuel on that other flame that usually burns us.

Luke 9:57-58
As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, "I will follow you wherever you go."

Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head."  
NIV

How often do we hear "A Happy wife equals a Happy Life"? What if both genders held to this type of life governing "Mantra"?

A competitive spirit might suggest, "That's good for her, yet if trying to make a mans wife "Happy" is his main "Concern" in life, who's watching over the Joy of the Lord as if the strength of the man the wife also needs?

Most woman when asked that also 'Want" a man in their life also want a "strong" man, yet how many have conducted the proper interview which then reveals its the"Zeal" to please the Lord that makes any man truly "Strong" in the eyes of God?

Just because you are where you are within this thought does not somehow undo what God says devotion looks like does it?

How does such a thought find the said "Good" steward of time and how to "Invest" that time?

The beauty of Gods "Divine" wisdom in terms of "Discovering the meaning of Love" as is His Name, who does God allow to pick the partner you also make this discovery "With"?

And if a person doesn't at minimum value the "Wisdom of God", how CAN a person see the importance of choosing someone of the opposite sex?

It's one thing to do things for someone else in order to take the load off of them, yet it's completely another if a spouse spends all of that said spare time their spouse has afforded them watching Nascar or burning up the highway going to the Mall as if "Needed" therapy or get away.

Is the real problem a marriage "Presents" the fact you can't get your husband to do what You want him to do OR in the instance of the husband you can't get your the wife to enjoy spending quality time in devotion to the Lord together with you?

You can reverse those scripts if you see them backwards, yet truly isn't all that accomplishes the assignment of a "Name" like a line read in a play? A role that now claims as if the "Entitlement" (right) to be seen "Different" than the other and "In the eyes of God"?

What if neither spend time in devotion to the Lord except on Sunday"s and who's truly "Living" the lie?

John 4:23-24
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 

God is spirit , and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth ."  
NIV

What is it that made Jesus righteous in God's sight? The same Jesus who is also the God sent perfected symbol of "Truth"?

Was it that God sent a man named Jesus to save us, or was it that God sent "Truth' that became flesh, dwelt among men and was given the name Jesus the "Christ" in order to be Gods example as though the "First Born" of the beloved of God?

Was the righteousness of Jesus that He ONLY verbally declared that He "Believed" God? Was his righteousness that He said He loved God, yet then turned and went and did things which then proved Him to be a liar?

Is the Holy spirit also the "Spirit of Truth"?

John 14:15-17
"If you love me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever— the Spirit of truth.
NIV

Please don't hear what I'm NOT saying because I thank God every day for His mercy and Long suffering while His "Holy" spirit works in me in the direction of making more perfected than the day before, yet I find my own challenge when I deeply consider what Stephen said that also got Him stoned to death.

Acts 7:51-52

"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute?
NIV

Exactly what is the godly "Objective again (Two shall become one)? And what is the modern day "Accepted" definition of insanity?

The sword cuts both ways, yet unfortunately the proverbial 'Line in the sand" gets drawn directly through the center of gender differences.

Have you reminded yourself lately there will be no "Gender" differences in heaven? No ethnic barriers to tear down? No slaves or slave masters who have need of carrying a whip, but only those who wanted to be there MORE than they wanted the ungodly pleasures of THIS life.

In terms of looking for "Love" in all the wrong places the counsel God tries to provide has already established THE objective in saying, "The Two shall become One"?

How do we find Jesus as a mutual example when there always seems to be the likes of gender related problems?

How can the mind that's governed by value found in only in "Gender" have any hope of remembering this as though "One" and the same objective?

God may have said "Marry" so that you won't "Burn" with passion, yet was that said as if a "Strength" to chase after? He may have said be fruitful and multiply, yet what if he said that 'because" He wanted "Children"?

Who do those children look like when they come out of the womb and whose care were they placed in as if the "House that actually does belongs to God 24/7"?

Is it also a house that's smothered in "Legalism" (Law) or is it a way of life that is also a living reality that's admired? Wait! don't leave feeling condemned because what else do we Know because WE also understand God?

Matt 10:34-36

"Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to turn 

"'a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law— a man's enemies will be the members of his own household.'
NIV

Matt 5:44-46
But I tell you: Love your enemies  and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?

NIV

More often what the venue of marriage does present AFTER the new (true initial attraction) wears off is the differences between the two that were more then likely AL-READY their before marriage so don't rush off and blame the kids or your spouse? 

Those "Same" differences that NOW for whatever reason have reached a point to where at least one of the two has decided there needs to be a course correction.

Do you see how important it is for a type of "Headship" as if one that now leads?

Is the expression(s) of Love truly only about being thoughtful or is it more about the balance where everyone involved then invest whatever time is left over after meeting the fundamental immediate need(s)? Is it more than keeping "Common" area's clean? Is it more about putting the toilet seat up or down when you're done?

I don't think many people stop and think about what such rhyming cute phrases suggest (Happy wife equals a Happy Life) but regardless they still get said and find a resting place in the mind of many don't they? Did God make woman first? Do men not come from the womb, yet who does all of the above belong to?

If a happy wife is the dominate thought of a man, where does that leave room for the Lord? And in the same way to the wife if the husband is overly needy which takes away from an otherwise time of devotion unto the Lord?

Some might say, "Well isn't that what Church on Sundays are for"? My thoughts would be how would that work out if you only fed your dog, kids or went to work one day a week, how would that math work out?

Because most won't accept the truth in what did lead them into marriage to begin with they might also find that they would have had to find time within their daily devotion to the Lord in order to have time for a relationship?

You can only hope to see what Paul is suggesting IF you "Begin" with the thought of the life of a virgin BEFORE marriage that was also primarily dedicated unto the Lord....

Most marriages have to work to accommodate the way of God instead of the other way around. It is what it is unless of course you've learned to love excuses more than the truth?

1 Cor 7:32-34
I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord's affairs — how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world — how he can please his wife— and his interests are divided
NIV

If what the Apostle Paul said some 2000 years ago can be accepted as a reality that's still in play in this world, does it bring to life the statement so often heard about the "High Maintenance" person?

Exactly how does such a statement interpret and then find not only the husband but even more the common interest a husband and wife within their assigned genders in the sight of God?

As if that which supports both of them simultaneously as if One?

If the Joy of the Lord truly is "Strength" has there been a more recent "Power" shift in the "Marriages" today in the sight of God? And how just would that comment then find the God who does NOT change?

Neh 8:10
This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD  is your strength."
NIV

Men of God, how do you find yourself as it concerns NOT having your prayers hindered for ANY reason?

Exactly what does the word "Same" suggest" and what does the "Prime" example look like when the word "Same" is used to compare?

Wouldn't it have to first be established what "Unbelief" looks like before you could understand what the Apostle's of Christ were suggesting when it is said "In the same way"?

How easy to forget and dismiss the thought that if One part suffers "The whole suffers" with it?

You can try and argue the Apostles were only applying that type of suffering to the body of Christ, yet if you don't forget the very example of marriage is used as if the example of the Bride of Christ in relation to Him?

An earth bound (relationship) shadow of something greater in heaven that should become particularly obvious when it's heard with righteous ears, "I'm talking about Christ and the Church".

Anything God establishes in the earth as though "Righteous" is only a shadow of the heavenly reality. Why else would Jesus teach those who choose to believe, "Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven".

Once again for those who suggest they also "Believe" the words of the Gods sent Christ (messenger), exactly where is the Kingdom of God if not also within you provided you are part of that shadow of a greater "Reality" and that only because you do "Believe"?

To you husbands and wives, exactly why was Jesus rejected by some even though He was THE TEACHER sent of God?

If both husband and wives would see what God has placed in you, you would also see your Learning AND Teaching "Objective" clearly in this divine setting where God allowed YOU to hand pick the instrument He now uses to teach YOU about all that Love is and is WILLING to do.

How was Jesus made perfect if not by the things he suffered? Exactly how ""Long" is Gods own suffering who also so loved the 'World". And to think the prayer of Jesus was that He be returned to His former Glory as if One with the Father who is in heaven?

And what is Gods chosen venue where His children are reconciled unto Him?

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers .
NIV

Are believers also considered "Joint Heirs" with Christ in this blessed Grace of God?

Don't worry woman of God, I'll not leave you out if you'll allow me to ask, "When it says in the SAME way to the husband, what is the author suggesting to both?

1 Peter 3:1-6
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to make themselves beautiful. They were submissive to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her master. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
NIV

Despising authority is one thing whereas "Deserving" being given the authority should speak to the importance and expression which comes in direct response to "Obedience".

Even greater is the responsibility both have in their being "Found" righteous in the sight of God.

Without mentioning a specific gender, some personalities you have to practically sneak up on and say "Please" if you want to be heard. In the light of truth which concerns Love, that to me is like a child that has to beg to be fed...

In terms of unity the way God would have all mankind understand it, where does the thoughts go which protect the full scope of plurality within a relationship?

A specific relationship as though there is a "We" or an Us" or the suggestive "Our" that's also involved instead of it always being "Him OR Her" or a "They and Them"?

I truly believe no one can carry the full weight and or "Responsibility" of making someone other than themselves "Happy" and that ONLY once you learn about the "Joy of the Lord" truly is your strength.

Truly what is "Wisdom" and who can find it? If you already know it all what need could you have?

Prov 9:10

10 "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
NIV

The Deposit

How easy is it to allow an "Old" understanding to swallow up an otherwise "New" understanding?

Even more what's required where an Old understanding revisit's enough that it then takes out the previously perceived "New One"?

Sounds like it could be the very question that needs to be asked in the roller coaster life of an "Addict" doesn't it?

How new is the following as such an event that has yet become a part of a greater present day reality?

When will the manifestation of these events be something considered as "New" which then gets white washed (painted over) by an OLD understanding in terms of someone being deceived?

2 Thess 2:9-10
The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders, and in every sort of evil that deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved .
NIV

If you can allow it, Is it Jesus that saves you or is it the "Truth" that saves You? Wouldn't that depend on knowing if there was any difference between the two?

Unless you already Know all there is to know about Christ and the full intent of His coming, why are so many scared to hear anything except all that they tell themselves they're already familiar with? And that while continually claiming to be "Imperfect"?

What I'm suggesting is NOT about being perfect. Instead it's more about "Allowing" yourself to be "Perfected".

Just think if everyone viewed the "Gospel" that concerns Christ the same way what would such an environment be like? Will those who are there find that such a place Only accommodate's the likeness of Only You?

Some might suggest such a place to be boring because of the lack of differnces, yet will not all those who find themselves judged "Righteous" also find themselves One with God?


Shouldn't that also point to the NEED to know what causes God to consider one to be righteous?

The same God whom also tells those who suggest they "Believe" in Him and all that He is capable of as if Our God in common, "Be Holy as I am Holy"?

Such a man that says he also deeply desires to be One with Who? At what point does such a "Desire" also suggest as though a "Desire" God also Gave to you?

Is not the Holy Spirit the only spirit held in common that is also part of Who God is?

In terms of divisiveness, why did Stephen suggest to some when he did, You're JUST like you fathers who continually resist the Holy Spirit"?

What were they refusing to accept as if the very correction needed to remedy their differences?

What if knowing what cause those differences then proves not only the man to be in pursuit of God but also proves those who are Not in FULL pursuit of God with ALL their Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength?

Lets then suggest we do have a come to Jesus meeting and then decided on who IS pursuing and who is NOT pursuing God with ALL that God has made them to be? How much different then would we find anyone?

At what point does a person "STOP" studying the words of God? Is this a reflection of anything? Maybe a vacation or short sabbatical that doesn't end? Does this person stop when they assume they know ALL they need to know in order to be saved? Exactly what is the onset of "Backsliding"?

In a word picture would this look like the man at the dinner table who pushes himself away as if declaring himself "Full".

What elements participate in the "Renewal" of the mind? Will it be more of the same which then renews the mind? Will it look like the man who gets a new brief case and takes the contents from the old brief case and places them in the "New" one?

Don't believe what I suggest, then consider what most call "Baggage" that's brought into each succeeding and so called "New" personal relationship they enter into?

What makes anyone assume most people don't take this same approach when they enter into a relationship with Christ? If their approach towards relationship IS all that they Know about trur relationship, then exactly who's getting the short end of all that this person is?

Wouldn't the qualification of a "New" relationship depend upon the One they had to leave in order to be One with the One they're NOW with?

Can you at least commit to the thought and admit it, every TRUE Love song written points to commitment doesn't it?

It's easy to suggest "The devil's in the details", yet why won't many allow the thought "All that there is to Know about Love is most assuredly in the "Details"?

Those same type of details many claim as if their own imperfection when they fail at Loving another the way they too want to be Loved?

God tells AND shows us how we should also "Learn" to Love doesn't he, yet why have we become so satisfied with the redefining of what Love is in terms of what "Truth" also is in the sight of God?

In terms of  "Jealousy" how do "You" find and understand this word? The next question might be, how does this word define the character which "Represents" God?

And why would the God that also wants t be seen as "One" also be named "Jealous"?

Could it have anything to do with paying the only thing man truly has that is also his own? And if that were Mand attention, does not God deserve and realize our "Full Attention" so that we might come to Know His "Intentions" that are also full of what He's also made us to be?

Ex 34:14
Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God .
NIV

Which is easier, "Change who God is" or "Change whatever it is you determine also Defines who God is and how that same God expresses himself from one moment to the next"?

Why is Love such a mystery? And what is that defines a "Mystery" except all that we do NOT know?

Eph 5:25-33
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.

In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— for we are members of his body.

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh."   This is a profound mystery — but I am talking about Christ and the church.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.
NIV

Rom 16:25-27
Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
NIV

Eph 1:9-10
And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment — to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
NIV

Once more, what makes any man righteous except for what that man has chosen to believe to also BE righteous in the eyes of God? And because a man is considered to be "Righteous" what reward could such a man also deliver on behalf of the God that is Love whose also bares the name "Jealous"?

What remains as an "Opinion"

I chose this title for various reasons, many of which are only tired because of their seemingly endless years of practice.

Some of my children even to this day have their own subtle way of  pushing back against the opinion that flows against their line of thinking.

When they feel their being confronted they'll drop the words "Here comes Negative Nancy' as if to suggest, "Here we go again" whenever I speak my mind after hearing their thoughts on a particular matter.

There's a near epidemic that spreading like wild fire which suggest everyone is entitled to their own opinion. My version of that is, "Everyone has the entitlement to "suffer' from the net results of their own opinion yet not until those results cease to affect the very REASON for my own opinion".

If it were clearly understood that our opinions were "Intended" only be based upon "What" we believe to be true, but also the reasoning of the person that has made and designed all things to follow the authority of all that is True, how then would we then find ourselves having also been "Created"?

How much more valuable then would the observance of the created world around us become?

The word "Fall" is a deep word. It's essence also suggest the amount of pain and or chance of survival as if the results from that same "fall" are then relative to the height from which someone has fallen from.

How great is the "Net" of tender mercy the love of God has spread abroad in Your heart?

Is it even possible to answer that question without first observing your own Fall?

2 Cor 7:10-11
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.

See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done.
NIV

1 Peter 4:1-2
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God.
NIV

The mind of this world loves to misinterpret suffering. Suffering more often gets used and applied as if the gauge which then determines who the "Sinners" of this world are. As if also to suggest those who do Not Sin will not suffer.

What many forget is that ALL have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God".

Gods Glory does not equate to the enjoyment of watching sinners perish, No Gods Glory is observing his sons rise from a world that has been wrongfully filled with sin a though it has already become ashes and that because of what He has accomplished through His sent one "The Christ".

While in this world we love to talk about staying "Positive" yet at what point does all that positive assuming end in the bath house of negative results?

Rom 8:19-21
The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.
NIV

How does this creation see to it that it has since been "Liberated" from bondage?

I can only suggest what I do with confidence in light of there being 'Laws" already on the books before my physical arrival into this world. Laws which were established as the result of previous conflict also before I was. 

All the above being coupled with a multitude of opinions which then tried to somehow create and define a God whose then held under the LAW of commonality.

A God who is then taxed with not only remaining silent while a particular group of people become united in their thinking and reasoning skills whom also never seem to agree for any meaningful period of time on even fewer topics.

If that were being offered as the ONLY choice which also defines the essence of "Imperfection" I would have to agree.

I want to introduce a thought into the above consideration, "When does any said "organization" leave room for someone to Opt out should they NOT agree with the opinion of the "What is common"?

And if they do opt out do they loose their entitlement to the benefits which are the direct result of being "United" as though One?

What more often happens when someone wants out or others want someone to be considered "Out"?

A polarization usually sets in as this sea of opinions jostles itself and if that doesn't settle the matter an insurrection however large is more often birthed into existence.

If there were only two opinions in this world just think how far less complicated this life would become almost over night?

Let's face it, this world is getting crowded and finding a place where your personal opinion is also "Accepted" by a significant large number of others could be compared to trying to find a parking space for a Semi Trailer in downtown Chicago on Christmas Eve

So what's wrong with considering yourself to be unique as though One of a kind? As if also judged by ones own opinion that found it's way into this realm because of what you believed to be true?

Nothing as long as there's only one version of truth that also governs beyond the reaches of "Till death do we all part"? Without discussing what anyone physically does as such that takes up space and time, how much does an opinion have an effect on the surrounding world?

Just how few choices truly are there in this world when the individual does not agree and then sets out on a campaign to find what they've since determined to be a "Righteous" cause? And why are there LAWS to begin with? If you can believe, In the Beginning there was only One legal stipulation placed on humanity (Adam/Eve) was there not?

When God starts a sentence with "Do Not", does the reasoning of man then "observe" those words as if some decorative word picture that floats around for it's own benefit?

How costly is the budget where there's only ONE that sets out on a journey in order to supposedly find themselves? As if to find themselves within their own "Unique" (world) where they are the only ones that appear to understand of all things? Only then to return with all the problems they could not work out and/or afford on their own?

Was man designed as a Pioneer or a created being that makes discoveries? And where does the truth that also governs all things then fit into the larger scale of that scenery? The once thought large scale that's now getting crowded?

That's not even to mention the scenario where thousands or millions do the same thing every generation who then leave behind their own foot prints as if "The Trail" to follow?

At the risk of tarnishing the image of this thing most choose to view as the opinion held of themselves, where does "Frustration" have its way? Where has guilt gone? Where does suffering get employed? At what point do bad decision come calling for reimbursement?

How long before one household can no longer afford its own sins before having to "Take" instead of borrow from their neighbor in order to pay?

If a person can never be taught to control his mind, body or his desires, what should anyone expect from them in terms of excess and abuse? And what is the purpose of time that's also been afforded to anyone?

Why is it conveniently fitting to suggest at grave side the "Bible" as the words of God says there's a season for everything, yet who decides for the "whole" what each of those seasons looked like leading up to the grave? Is it now appropriate to suggest what most love to offer whenever the results of poor choices manifest, "What's done is Done" or "Why cry over spilled milk"?

Exactly when is the "Season" that changes? Why the importance in the thought that God does NOT change when we think upon the reason for our own existence?

Wouldn't it have to first be determined whether of not we're talking about a sect of people that are outside of Christ or are we talking about a sect that have lived however long they have as though In Christ?

Truly what are we commenting on at the graveside of a persons life lived? Are we truly staring at our own future or are we looking beyond the grave through the eyes of hope that have been founded only upon that which is "True".

It's easy in this world to find someone you can pay to lie as if FOR our benefit with the only requirement being IF that person has no issues with stating what is NOT true as opposed to finding no one at the grave sight also says volumes through silence doesn't it?

How do words at graveside affect the one whose spirit and soul have already crossed over to the next realm?

Aren't words spoken at grave side truly more for the ones the weight of those same words can then have an affect on them?

Luke 20:38
He is not the God of the dead , but of the living, for to him all are alive."
NIV

If we do live in  a world that's full of sin and doubt, who are the heralds of what is true? As such that may NOT presently be being observed as though true?

If the voice of truth did not prove to be effectual on the front side of a grave, what makes so many so confident words spoken after their passing will then have any affect on fair well bidding of that same person?

Especially while hoping they'll also be where we hold "Out" in the hope of eventually finding "Ourselves" there too?

How just and how insightful are we as believers when we send someone from this world? When we say only Nice things at the grave when we comment on someone whose lived here as though they've also chosen their destination? Where now is the previous ruling of "Free Will"?

Exactly who today would fit the description of the "They" that is mentioned below? Even more who are they who will NOT listen to the One that has risen from the "Dead" unto True Life?

Luke 16:31
"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead
NIV

The Man I almost Knew

Before I was He was.

Before I drew my first breath His breath was in me. 

He was a man who had more than a desire to do good in the hope of walking before the Lord in gladness.

Such an honor bestowed yet rarely realized as a greatness while in its midst.

Honor was upon his head yet such honor that would never completely be realized while in this world.

He had many dreams never fulfilled and twice as many that seemed beyond reach.

He had a calling he alone could never satisfy.

He had care givers assigned yet their blindness was never a hindrance to all they could not see.

This man followed a voice others could only hope to also hear, yet their failure to listen proved to be the very cause of imperfection suffered until the grave.

Though sifted like flour it was never about his imperfection, only the bringing forth of that which was good within Him.

Though assumed a fool and a mad man at nearly every turn he pushed forward only to forge a path that followed the echo of a greater sound.

He desired to have many friends, yet few would choose to accommodate His desire that labored for their sake.

Though living in darkness he dared to enjoy the only hope of light that would help him to see.

I concluded the hope of this mans tomorrow must have been what He saw and enjoyed "Today".

Oh to know such a man while holding onto the hope of knowing the Father every true son can only hope to know. sw

Applied Reasoning

There comes a time when talking about certain things over and over can get old. There are also times when a person should get tired of hearing themselves talk about themselves.

In my estimation true relationship requires being "Given"the opportunity to find out about the other person in order to reflect upon one another. There is a difference between a measured release and a Flood" of Information that can also drowned the other person.

Transparency is one thing whereas using the guise of transparency to try and cleanse your soul as if a confessional understanding of this word  I'm of the opinion if a person in a relationship does NOT ask specifically about a matter, DO NOT volunteer information they did NOT request. Most assume they have to reveal

Everything their past holds, yet more often the "Release" of this information is just that a release to somehow "Cleanse" their Conscience. Chances are if you weren't assume the thought never crossed their mind. If it did cross their mind leave them in control of what THEY are willing to further investigate or NOT. Accountability is a two way street.

How different is a True relationship with the Lord?

Years ago I made the tough choice to prune a few of these type of people from my own life. The depth of this type of person will only allow you so far into their own lives yet they have no problem constantly probing into your life almost as if an excuse to not have to investigate their own.

It's almost as if they're constantly on a recon mission trying to gather "Intel" about you rather than employing a mutually understood "quid-pro-quo" type of approach.

What most souls do NOT trust about other souls is what those other souls then do with such information once they've obtained it. If you your looking for a friend, does a friend sit quietly while you do harm to your own soul (self)?

How then do you see Christ? As a friend who says nothing? Has He been reduced to a slave of a friend who only agrees with the harmful things your soul has justified?

That is if you can also accept the word "Justified" also then suggest, "Just as if I had"?

What has any man truly become who is also without the opinion of God? As if the ONLY opinion that's true? Even more who is the man that refuses to be questioned by the truth no matter the likeness of the one sent to question him?

Don't get me wrong because I too love a good round or two of "Poker" but even in poker there comes a time when your hand gets "Called" out.

You can spend months or years trying to get to know these type of people, yet after some times lapses it usually dawns on you that you really don't know any more about them today than you did 2 years ago..

Don't hear what I'm not saying because there are times when we just need good listener to enter our circumstances or else practice being one.

I just had to come to terms with the reality there are friends and there are "Killers".

Have you ever mistakenly invited this type of person into your circle only later find you only invited yet another "addict" whose drug of choice is drama? So much that you either begin to feel like a "Voo Doo Doll" or "Crash Dummy" they use to test drive their own advice?

Those type that are quick to give you their "Advice", yet you rarely see them applying that same advice in their own lives?

Maybe there's more to the root word "Vice" than we've been willing to look into?

Maybe there's also more to type of person who understands the value of Faith, Believing and Trusting as if a friend we've yet to encounter within the full scope of everything that "Truth" is?

Have you ask yourself lately "Just" how great is God you take time to "Observe" as though something that is only as beautiful as it is within the eye of the "Beholder"?

There's power in a name and in their given title yet without knowing and trusting in the source of that same power how can a man ever learn to trust in the name or the title that's been assigned?

If you can't see from there to wherever it is that You are now, is it any hope that's also "Real"?

Ps 89:19-37
Once you spoke in a vision, to your faithful people you said: "I have bestowed strength on a warrior; I have exalted a young man from among the people. 

 I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him. My hand will sustain him; surely my arm will strengthen him. No enemy will subject him to tribute; no wicked man will oppress him. I will crush his foes before him and strike down his adversaries.

My faithful love will be with him and through my name his horn will be exalted.

I will set his hand over the sea, his right hand over the rivers. He will call out to me, 'You are my Father, my God, the Rock my Savior.'  I will also appoint him my firstborn, the most exalted of the kings of the earth.

I will maintain my love to him forever, and my covenant with him will never fail. I will establish his line forever, his throne as long as the heavens endure.

"If his sons forsake my law and do not follow my statutes, if they violate my decrees and fail to keep my commands, I will punish their sin with the rod, their iniquity with flogging; but I will not take my love from him, nor will I ever betray my faithfulness.

I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered. Once for all, I have sworn by my holiness — and I will not lie to David —  that his line will continue forever and his throne endure before me like the sun; it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky."
NIV

What is a disciple if not a type and shadow of the same thing?

If truth were understood as the only survivor God has proved able to withstand the test of time, why then does man not find himself facing the opposite direction of an unpleasant ending. sw

If all that a man does were understood to be in direct relation to everything he also believes to be true, why question what any man does. sw

When does the compulsion to learn leave the heart of a father as though it were a desert. sw

Is a mans integrity not also a mans retention capacity. sw 

What type of voice questions a starving man about where his next meal comes from. sw

How can a father discipline a child that does not recognize him as their father. sw

What does authority look like where a man also finds himself able to teach his brother in the light of truth. sw

When true Forgiveness becomes more than a feeling that can change at any given moment, only then can it become the place where two or more can find agreement on a regular basis. sw

There is a kind of evil that would have you to think you're not only one of the last ones but also among the least informed whose unjustly entered the room. sw

Do not spend or waste your days chasing a Joy that does not also belong to the Lord. sw

The man that has failed to see the reflection of his brother in the eyes of the Heavenly Father has only failed to see himself. sw

If God chose to prove himself an absolute mystery in the minds of men then why dispatch the message He's made himself known by way of his messenger. sw

John 16:15
All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you. NIV

John 8:47

He who belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God."  NIV

1 John 4:6
We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us ; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.
NIV

Why does a man not have to pay His shadow to be like Himself. sw

John 5:19
Jesus gave them this answer: "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing , because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

NIV

Rom 4:4-8

Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 

However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness. 

David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 

"Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 

Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."

NIV

God does not ask a question that is not worthy of the righteous response that Only He can provide. sw

Isa 28:23-26

Listen and hear my voice ; pay attention and hear what I say. 

When a farmer plows for planting, does he plow continually? Does he keep on breaking up and harrowing the soil? When he has leveled the surface, does he not sow caraway and scatter cumin? 

Does he not plant wheat in its place, barley in its plot, and spelt in its field? His God instructs him and teaches him the right way. 

NIV

Everything that complicates who God is belongs to one that is Not ONE with God. sw

Ps 25:3
3 No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame, but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse. NIV

If a man sees himself standing on the promises of God why should he be afraid of jumping in or out of the water. sw

If you have to sneak up on a man in order to tell him about God, has that man truly been asleep. sw

In terms of a existence, who has thought themselves able to limit what God intends. sw

What harm can result in knowing the answer to a question before you truly understand the question being asked. sw

Eph 5:14

This is why it is said: 

"Wake up, O sleeper , rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Eph 5:8-14

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. 

Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 

For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible, for it is light that makes everything visible.

NIV

What is the verdict if not everything that has already been judged? Are you also convinced you've also "Believed? The very word(s) that have come from the mouth of God?

What is the substance as thought the evidence in which you've placed your eternal hope?

Surely God spoke John 3:16, yet did He also speak His verdict into the annuls of time as if speaking to those those He will find guilty of living a "Lie"?

There is a type of imperfection that tells a lie and there's certain type of evil that lives in order to continually give life to his words. sw

John 3:19-21

This is the verdict : Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 

Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 

But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God."    

NIV

A good brother can only remind his brother of the "True Wealth" both will "Hopefully" inherit when their true identity has been revealed. sw

Rev 3:3
Remember , therefore, what you have received and heard; obey it, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you. 

NIV

What Good is water if you don't come clean or leave thirsty. sw

For the sake of the Servant who responds to righteousness

How curious is a man when certain things don't seem to agree on the surface and at what point will he quit digging having convinced himself above all else he's seeking the unsearchable. sw

Is it a Godly question to inquire of the Lord, "When did my life begin and end if not in You". sw

The stones only have reason to cry out when all else God also created refuse to. sw

Isa 19:20-22
When they cry out to the LORD because of their oppressors, he will send them a savior and defender, and he will rescue them.

So the LORD will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the LORD. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the LORD and keep them. 

The LORD will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the LORD, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them.

NIV

Matt 6:33-34
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.  NIV

Who has truly ruled the heart of a man which measures the truth within him as if complete trust in the Lord. sw.

Is the living of a lie only the consideration only when caught living a life also assumed to be a secret life. sw

When a man concludes God does not want to be found in a specific manner, has that man not also determined his condition to be terminal?

The opportunistic nature of pride takes notice when truth no longer rules. sw 

Such competition does not end well when the governmental interest of the souls mind has been divided and wagered. sw

Is a man only considered foolish only when caught in the act of sin. sw

Rev 22:14-15
Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 

Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.  

NIV

Just how long is everlasting where the verdict of God continues to remind the soul there was a season it refused the God sent symbol of His mercy and just enough grace in order to be found?. sw

John 8:6-8
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin , let him be the first to throw a stone at her."  Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

NIV

The winning formula where the influence of "Peer" pressure then finds for itself a new home, is when the soul has been blinded with words and opens the door. sw

Come all who have set aside the blessings of the "Fathers house! May the blessings of the Father be received and flow down upon the face of gladness as though the true anointing upon the Headship we claim to be alive within those who do believe. sw

The religious spirit finds a way in when the soul of a man realizes he's become impaired because of all that a religious mind chooses to be believe. sw

Justice, truth and mercy when acting as one are not blind. sw

True mercy has already reached the conclusion of the matter before offering itself to another. sw

The potential of a question can only be found once tossed against the unyielding rock of the ages. sw

The rhetorical question in search of the truth also assumes the truthful answer comes from the depth of the Spirit of The Lord. sw

2 Peter 2:4-10
For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; 

if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others;  

if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; 

and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)

 if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment.  

This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. 

NIV

Gen 19:6-11
Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, "No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing. Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them out to you, and you can do what you like with them. But don't do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof."

"Get out of our way," they replied. And they said, "This fellow came here as an alien, and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them." They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door.

But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house, young and old, with blindness so that they could not find the door. 

NIV