Ruah

The flame within my bones, it spurs me

Conscience and will do both profess

The truth is quick and unrelenting

I can not hide; but must confess

Breath escapes the lips so weakly

Lying to preserve my pride

But smoke and cinder exhaled offend me;

Holding shame and sin inside

Blackened, smoldering heart is crumbling

When light in darkness would bring health

The truth is quick and unrelenting

I could never save myself

Then Spirit rushes through my blood like fire

Your gentle spirit within my breath

Brings soft warmth and quenches ire

And leaves me shaken by the test

These dry bones may shake and shiver

With the life this wind endows

But the truth is quick and unrelenting

Free from flames, I am breathing now

All Men Are Grass

A voice says, "Cry out!"
And I said, "What shall I cry?"
All people are grass,
their constancy is like the flower of the field
The grass withers, the flower fades,
when the breath of the Lord blows upon it;
surely the people are grass.
The grass withers, the flower fades;
but the word of God will stand forever.
-Isaiah 40:6

My roommate, Brandon, was in a car accident today. He was driving on his way to school this morning and apparently fell asleep at the wheel. He woke up after the accident a few feet from his car, not even remembering crawling out of the ruined vehicle; a gash on his head, his face bruised from the impact of his car against the tree. Minor injuries considering the damage done to the car: windshield crushed, passenger side completely crumpled. If anyone had been sitting in that seat they surely would have died. If his car had hit the tree on the left side, Brandon would have died.

The reality of this situation did not really connect with me until I saw Brandon's face at the hospital earlier tonight and the pictures of his car. It did not occur to me how close Brandon came to death; Or how close I was to losing a great friend. He is doing well now and I am thankful for it. I hope you will take a moment, as I am now, and thank God that you are alive. Take a moment to appreciate this life, which you have not earned. I read this verse earlier today for a class I am taking: "The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of God will stand forever."

Thank God for saving Brandon too.

For Sale

Open minds or open legs?
Selling beliefs
like toys
to be played with
manipulated
like Jesus action figures
and bobble-headed monstrosities!
God is not for sale,
but our culture is

Open borders or open jobs?
In God we trust!?
We trust dead presidents.
and guns, firing convictions
and American Idol competitions
God is not for sale
but our country is

Open doors or open range?
Religious cattle
fed Benny Henn doctrines
until wallets are drained
Righteousness
Bought at horrific, glorious cost
God is not for sale
but relgion is


Crucifixtion is not cheap
So take this benediction
All you, like me who are weak:
God is not for sale
HE is Free

Contentment

Restless night accepts no peace
Inviting forgotten loves I keep
Sorrows surge to be suppressed
To seek a yearning happiness

But what do I find down that worn road
No sins repaid, nor reaping, sowed
Nothing more than I began
The same reserved, accepting man

Acceptance yields no better things
Just new perspectives, contentment brings
Blessed Faith in God's design
Contentment to merely seek: Divine