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That God has given apostles called of Him, few, if any, calling themselves by the name of Christ, would dispute. Much of what is called the New Testament writings are in general attribution to them. And though the calling is never described or even entertained as a necessity to “write the scriptures” or even complete them (in whatever sense that may be taken), some have. Some have written, whose words we esteem accordingly as we do; but we also have little record (if any) of any writings of several.

Of course there are no grounds that would limit the apostle’s calling and labors to exclude writing, but that is not anywhere mentioned as part and parcel of that calling. And since we do have writings that do not anywhere expressly say “and the apostles shall”, or “are called to write” (to any specific end) it might behoove us, in what writings we may trust as apostolic, even as scripture, to investigate to some part of knowing both the necessity of the call(ing) and the end to which it is to be fulfilled in exercise.

And we know, if we do trust such writing, that there are several calls and callings, each according to the ministry of the Spirit and the supply of revelation(s) to each and for each given by that same Spirit, to fulfill such ministry. And we also affirm, without fear of contradiction, that such revelation of ministry (or callings) are all and only of the Lord Jesus Christ. But, not merely as from (which such are) but always in reference to our Lord Himself and His revelation in and to each ministry as head.

By this is meant the elder/pastor/bishop called for oversight of a flock does it according to, or is called to fulfill by the revelation of Jesus Christ as in His shepherding role. Likewise the evangelist is called to be faithful to his revelation of Jesus the evangelist; the teacher, and prophet and apostle, no less. Jesus the teacher, Jesus the prophet and Jesus the apostle (and High priest) of our confession.

I will not speak of any metric of success attained or lack thereof in this regard, but only to that faithfulness to those revelations as given and received. For immaturity (or seeming paucity of revelation) does not nullify any calling any more than agedness, maturity, and even abundance of revelation sets any above as more especially gifted, or calling for more esteem. No gifting is to be despised just as no gifting is to be seen as seat for self exaltation. Paul (an apostle) was overall quite plain as to what constitutes carnal thinking and not unclear as to who and what “is neither anything” or to be of any considerable esteem as preferred in, and among the household of God.

God alone is through Christ as husbandman who alone provides growth.

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

And as so, this writer to the Corinthians in even stern rebuke of carnality while maintaining himself as a neither anything, writes in another place of the end of all such calling(s) and ministries given in, to, and for the Church.

And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (with many inspired words following if one can receive them as such)

If one can receive them as such.

There is no intention to call out, berate any who oppose, or even make any case for the persistence and necessity of any or every calling mentioned, for every gift given. No particular is in either more nor less need. As in, “Surely pastors are yet needed, but apostles and prophets?…not so much”

And any opposing have already taken their stand.

Likewise have those who for God’s wisdom in Christ as providing to an “until”:

Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

take their stand and reception. Yet, certain matters remain.

First to those who oppose, who may say “such and such a calling or ministry” is expired. They must then confess to that “until” being fulfilled and complete for all and every in Christ, certainly not excluding themselves. (Unless they would maintain some absurd position of not “being in or of Christ”, but with enough wisdom to discern what is consigned to past and what may be allowed as in present)

Let them then, in that perfection stated to be attained, and also then as attained as end, speak.

And it is not too obtuse a contention that if taking one’s stand as in “My denomination does not receive such and such a calling as neither necessary today nor extant” he has already shown the carnality of mind identified and exposed by Paul.
For they have yet to answer this particular question to any satisfactory resolution “Is Christ divided?”

If one denominates himself, that is to the strict definition of to take a name “nomine” other than that which is given, or believe he can hold to two simultaneously, he is deceived.

A man shows himself regardless of when he may desire a better light concocted of himself for self flattery. Perhaps particularly so, in how plainly he shows himself. There are no christian denominations, there is Christ and there is else.

But likewise there may be some holding (and I am heartily convinced some are) who maintain and are maintaining a form of restoration declared that is no less corrupt in thinking. The oft proposition that God is restoring the Church and restoring to the church the calling of apostles (and yes, often prophets included as once “outdated”) is not unheard.

These too are not un-often like children in what they believe is their discovery and promotion of what is to them “this new thing” God is doing. And, like children, their desire to form clubhouses and/or promote themselves in this “new” thing has led to advertising and promotion of conferences and gatherings to celebrate what only to their eyes, lay once hidden.

Some, God knows, may even be called to such an office; but lack of maturity and understanding are on full display when in any celebration of any particular calling. And if called, such will learn.

There can be no, is to be no, will not be left long standing if so, that any thinking the church in its continuance has ever lacked apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Even in every age. That men may not have recognized nor accepted this is surely one more obvious conclusion, but God has never relied upon any of man’s recognition, nor even acceptation for His doing of what He does and declares.

And as surely as in all continuance (ordained of God till an “until” is reached), as there are and have been true apostles, there have no less been false. There is no church…without the true. Just as there is no church apart from the provision of true pastors, teachers, evangelists, and prophets…by God. It is God who calls and equips all and any through Christ and to propose a lapse or any absence (even for a time) is to propose that god who does not maintain a remnant. Always. Preserve, even to Himself, always a remnant. That God…who is God.

But it is for no man to take the above and seek then to make himself necessary, no matter what he may be convinced such call upon him has been. The church…is. The gifts and callings are. And they will always be found together, men’s sightlessness and ignorance notwithstanding. And also whether any particular man begs for inclusion upon some ground; as though the church is not complete without him in his calling.

Or pleads exclusion of, or to any calling to ensure to himself, not knowing, what is some gross corruption of understanding by which he thinks he stands.

God knows. God knows the clamoring.

And God sees all the contradictions and contortions man in, and by, his own reason attempts to drag into, and seeks to establish, upon some standing as in the church.

Any and all “make way for me in my calling“, regardless of its title, only shows the greatest of a deep carnality and/or immaturity of the one proceeding thus.

Yet according as there is each to their calling, there is in each and every calling a resident authority to that work. That resident, of course, is the Christ of God. Thus Paul’s execution in and of his calling as apostle was to lay a right foundation, a foundation faithful to the revelation of the Christ of God to him. And in him.

That some see, though many may declare such strenuous and diligent attention to such has made him a faithful apostle to be accepted and believed as true, it would be utmost of folly to accept only some parts of his wisdom. Even denying by practice and confession those particular parts he was not too timid to proclaim…even that “until” or till…”we all come…”

Why, Paul even expected congregations would hold several prophets among themselves. And just because any may propose a different sight and reception of how things are “today”, one would then have to concede to Paul being either quite shortsighted, if not ignorant.

He was/is not.

And though we may not see a continuing church of such (to us) recognizable order, the greater peril than admitting to blindness (which is really a small thing) is to say “it is not so”.

And since I presently write from a chair found in Georgia, USA, it is not lost on me how much infection of “if it ain’t happening in the US of A, it ain’t happening” is rampant here. But that is just a writing large (as America “lives large” in her own sight) of “If I don’t see it, do it, or see it happening, it ain’t happening” endemic to all men, till enlightened.

God is always preserving a remnant, whether seen or not. Whether in the USA, or not.

We might just be at best scattered disciples, never having ever seen the church…except most vaguely, and that by revelation. God knows. Or maybe it has come together in only the briefest of moments, not even aware it has, perhaps even lacking those sign(s) proclaiming itself the church (as adorns so many manicured lawns besides steepled buildings.)

Like subatomic particles too seemingly small or insignificant to be seen, and lasting briefest of moments by intense reactions before some reversion or absorption of them takes place, their sight is not lost on the Seer of all things. We have our schedule of events and gatherings…God has His. The brief and informal meetings…even consigned to not being a “real” assembly may be God’s work of preservation in, and even against the stilted formality we have mistakenly identified as the real and true.

We might even be so bold as to ask (or wonder) in the context of our Lord’s own words and instructions. Particularly to those matters of giving alms, or his commendations to the sheep for their entrance. “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand does” or the sheep’s reply to Christ’s commendation for being kind to Him in their visits to the sick, care for the naked, etc. Why, they didn’t even know they were doing something “good”, they didn’t even know…it was the Lord to whom such care was given.

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?

It is not without note how often the Lord commends to an unknowing (as in alms giving) or an extreme of privacy (as in praying in one’s closet) so that any seeming piety, which tempts to broadcast and publicity, will be denied. The impetus and motive to be “seen of men” in our doings requires demolition by the Lord’s cross. Even down to ourselves in left hand/right hand ignorance of one another, that we do not take to ourselves that air or attitude wherein self exaltation for having “done good” or doing a good thing, gets a foothold. Do not doubt it is insidious. And relentlessly seeking to raise its head.

Yeah, maybe it’s just like that. “Gee Lord, we didn’t even know…we were having church, we were just looking for friends of yours” some might say when eyes are opened. Which could surely cause all or any who think in their “going to church”…they know they do a good thing, to have a caution.

Some, not unfamiliar to Jesus, kept a quite scrupulous record within themselves (and ready for expression) of their good doings. Of, and to themselves, how very well they were doing in obedience…at least until they are told the one thing they lack. Then they may walk away very sad in themselves when their storehouse of goods are shown of no value in the Lord’s light of eternal life.

What gathers…is to what?

Who gathers…is to whom?

And as far as the church overall is concerned, it does no good to be doctrinaire or dogmatic about any matters (even if addressed by an apostle), and these especially, as in “there’s gotta be this many of this, or that many of that, or that if not everyone always speaks or shares a hymn, a doctrine, a revelation (though none are ever prohibited)” something is void.

No, it’s not that, and never that at all. But be aware of any circumstance, gathering, so called meeting of the church where this is either less than encouraged, or far worse, prohibited…or even with some disposition against (for it may be subtle).

And apostles, and often prophets, eventually find out even where they themselves, are prohibited.

I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.

Men have always preferred their own order to God’s, as any saint with any experience might know, even of himself. The mature will have come to recognize that matters of resistance, preference, more reasonableness (according to man’s reason) do not quit the arena of battle summarily and easily.

Our “own way” is quite dear to us.

The good fight of faith is always ongoing…and good, no matter opposition, and even the religious reasonableness encountered as against it.

Men may cry it would be chaos, it would be insupportable to any order if left unregulated by the addition (which is always a subtraction) of our better understandings and injection of framework. But that has always been the cry “how would any know?”

How would any know… “if this door is opened to wolves or sheep?”, how would any know “if a man is merely self declared or approved?”

“It will only multiply a fragmentation that already seems unconquerable” some may say, but actually of which is most perpetuated by the ones declared or declaring themselves leaders; even “allowing” for their own sectarian or denominational preferences. And thereby easily infecting so many with their own malady. For while they may wring their hands over their esteem and estate of the church, they also impede. And teach others to.
For again, as regards Diotrephes:

Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

No man knows anything except by the spirit and revelation, of first the Lord, then himself, or any other. And it is not as though the Lord has left His church ill equipped for the discerning through exercise of spiritual senses to discern good from evil.

But what has only desire to perpetuate itself, thinking only in terms of its own necessity (yes, even any particular congregation as holding worthy lampstand) will never, and can never submit to the Lord’s authority if that is only matter in sight, as though the Lord is placed in position of necessity toward an “us”. Too big to fail has no power of subjection over Christ.

And an apostle understood…even to a why he himself was called.

Lord willing we will speak of it.

I kinda embarrassed myself not too long ago by something I’d said/written. At the time the words were there with some unknown conviction for their saying, but they troubled me immediately afterwards.
In one sense their implication to me was odious, almost heretical, yet I sensed a forbidding at the thought of their removal. And though at the time to me they seemed indefensible, perhaps even indefensibly wrong to the faith to some leading astray, I felt compelled to let them stand.

“Make a deal with God”. I’d written and published. And such deal was to be made in private, and kept private. It is/was to be made in the closet and kept there. There was no setting of parameters nor perimeter (as to what might only be included or excluded), only that:

“Make it of anything at all. Meet him as at a table with whatever you think you need as in an exchange with Him.

But it has to be private.

Done in a closet only you have access to. And kept private by you. Only you know what you put up as in exchange for what you ask for. And as far as you know, only you know what you are asking for.

It has to be private, is all.”

My wonder of having gone too far in presumption by this recommendation troubled me. A deal…really? Like on a car lot…with God? As in “this is what I’m willing to put up or pay for such and such a thing I want and/or ask for”? Really? Where had such instruction come from? And there was no comfort from the scriptures even though we find Jacob in Gen 28:20 dealing in such a manner.

For me, once (as I thought) plainly seen, as I thought I plainly saw it, it was the most base way of interacting/relating to/communing with the God of all creation. Not only odious, but certainly far from any recommending. And certainly not from one such as myself, considered to myself as so sophisticated in matters spiritual and of such a trained and discerning palate. (Yes, I know a very foolish man)

Besides which, in having set no parameters, even intentionally noting “Make it of anything at all…” of “with whatever you think you need as in an exchange with Him.” what doors were left as open for in that asking/dealing? Any and all mega millions lottery seekers? A successful bank heist sought? Getting away with murder? Or worse?

Yeah, I felt as though I were embarrassing myself. (Not that that feeling is too particularly foreign to me) But worse, extending a most unGodly proposition that could lead astray. Stating a deal making scenario with the Sovereign of the universe (and all other barely known and unknown places of possibility)? How just plain and stupidly foolish!

But then I was brought to remember places I have been, a man I once knew of certain mind in perceptions and conceptions, and was reminded how low our God would reach to touch a one, grab a one, and rescue a one. Even bring a man to relate, in whatever measure of rightness the man is made able to enter, to Him.

Really…what are we doing if, or when, we believe we are preaching the Lord Jesus Christ as our savior, and preach the cross? Do we forget how nonsensical it may once have appeared, even to us? How even absurd in our exquisite understanding of how a god should or must be according to that exquisiteness we accorded our reason? The man very smart to himself always has a better god (at least in mind) than the one presented as true savior. And the religious man, no less. Yes, a man always holds to himself the better god than the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, till he be disabused (how strongly? God knows!) of that notion and see its utter folly. And this is always and alone the work of God through His son. That life giving spirit of all truth.

It surely was not lost on Paul, at all. (A both very smart and once religious man) “That the preaching of the cross is to them that are perishing foolishness…” which, if taken on the face of it might indicate a very narrow interpretation…but is it? To the response of “that only holds true for the perishing” and is therefore restricted to only those. But first…yet…who of us wasn’t…the once perishing?

We may confess (and rightly so) God revealed our peril and a coming to an end that could only be resolved in a deep cry to the God who has purposed the cross of Christ. But, do all men once hearing, immediately turn to the way? Did Saul? Do we imagine in his persecutions he never heard the story? We know he had heard of the name, understood of a faction, but do we then imagine of all else surrounding he was ignorant?

There is no compulsion to believe one way or another, but I am persuaded Saul had heard much of that man whose name he once hated and all the story about Him. And how that some he persecuted to prison and death were exalting just a man, even a man seen as contrary to all his own (Saul’s) very schooled excellence in Judaism. That He had come, died for the sins of man, and was risen.

But then, something happened. A man was changed by the God who does not.

As the pieces fell together before him in revelation, thence to a perfect sense to him in such measure he can be declared a true apostle, and this by revelation(s) given, he did not forget how once, even to himself (as he could then express as overall) that the preaching of the cross does (and may) seem at first folly. And no less that:

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Do I yet hold some persuasion that there be those of whom that hold, and are even purposed to yet hold Christ as folly to an unsavory end for God’s good purpose? Yes. But I only say this as a declaration of my present estate in understanding, which I have found is always up for rebuke, dissuasion, and correction. And I have no dominion over any man’s faith.

But I have found if I would seek any sincerity for my declaration of Jesus as Lord, there is no other stance available than God does as He wills. With, and to whom, what and how He wills. That he has chosen to save any becomes more and more a miracle (only such a God can or would do) to me than once ever considered. For I have seen by both my very best of reason and intimate acquaintance of the man who deserves nothing but wrath in the light of Christ’s righteousness…yet keeps finding mercy. It is enough!

In short, the more I see of man, the more a wonder salvation becomes…especially (and cannot be overstressed) in my own self. A once…nice story…is not merely spoken of as believed, but shows that peculiarity of necessity of which nothing less, truth must be. The necessity. For apart from truth showing itself (even Himself) of all necessity, it becomes painfully plain that nothing built, except upon it…is true. Or can last, persist, be ultimately manifest as the real, or reality. And our God is both the real, and true. And His work in and through our Christ (even His Christ) is both real and eternal. Coming from a place as seming before time, coming from a place not subject to time, coming from a place that is and always is apart from any being subject to anything but God’s good pleasure. Himself.

If we believe, and have even the merest knowledge or appreciation of the cross, a question becomes, in many ways, moot: “How far would God descend, humble Himself” or “to what lengths would He (Has He?) shown Himself willing to go…to reach?”

And it has now become for me, the far better to appear the fool, even utmost of all fools, than to think I might ascribe to any limit as “this God can do, but this He won’t”…when I see the cross of Christ. And may God forbid I (or any) set limit to the extent of His will to reach…and as even having already extended His arm in Christ, to reach.

The believer does indeed believe in things too marvelous for his self to believe, and too good to be true…while yet being true. And is that curious place he cannot explain; but of which he finds himself in oft occupation and consideration. That God might and would…even save such as he, as me.

Paul was not ignorant of that estate, either. A “yet not I” who lives that not merely allows, but in all purpose gave Himself for identification.

“…who loved me, and gave himself…for me”

Yes, this gospel is exquisitely personal on every level, even to such extent that in the man, it cannot be denied. Truth established in a man, even that it might be, becomes that marvel. A true foundation that never loses wonder, and invites all exploration for a soundness unshakeable and immovable, with further wonders to disclose.

But this was entitled “The Work of Prayer” and how far it appears to have wandered from both title and seeming intent.

But every ex-god knows there are labors of which he boasts to ascribe to his Lord only, and as, and to, His glory alone. And they take place in a place unseen and even forbidden to any and all who are among those forbidden. Yet such are real and known, as every ex-god knows. And only ex-gods are given such gift to know as gift of a new work, even their delightful maintenance of their self as “ex”. And of a worthy instrument shared for that work.

Among men the hoarding of griefs and sufferings for transaction is most common. They, not knowing, are bound by them and to them, as useful as they are for often trade in a land they cannot escape but by an intervention…the land of transaction. It is their treasury to be guarded and kept to and for themselves. The “what they have put in” in efforts and grief and endurance to tilt a balance in their favor.

Do not doubt they are most prized and kept. Even to all justification “I am this way…because…” Every insult imagined or real, every frustration of their being in ready recall to justify “their way”. That peculiar tilt toward “No one knows what I have to deal with…”
Sufferings and griefs locked up by, and to themselves. A veritable and supremely guarded treasury that speaks of their right to be. Hoarded.

Yet we have a Savior who gladly gives all of His away. He is as liberal in His sufferings as He is in His joy. Refusing any right to justify His being, He is. And He was willing to enter into this land, this place of all transactional relationship.

Without complaint.

A marvel indeed. His work.

Never doubt the work of this prayer of His work. As even availing right now for you, for us:

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Now, that’s the “Work of Prayer”.

Do we feel it working?

What does one do in the face of the all knowing? What can one do, but discover who and what they themselves are in such doing?

A quote is attributed to a sister saint:

It is foolish to think that we will enter heaven without entering into ourselves.

This quote seems readily applicable as an outgrowth of Jesus’ own words in regards to a reality, here:

Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

And though some translations end with “in your midst”, that may create a vaguery [sic] as a thing presented in some ambiguity, the not improper rendering of that Greek word ἐντὸς, as “within, inside within” remains. And I am surely no Greek scholar.

Nevertheless and contextually even within that verse, Jesus is speaking in spirit contrasting of a where a thing is, and not to be spoken of as a “here or there”, but to where it alone truly is. (As need be forgive poor reference to the kingdom of God as thing and it) And though this sister’s quote is not incongruent with Jesus’ word(s) I am not sure the intent of them was made to be strictly congruent to them.

There is something more when she says “foolish”. Not that the Lord’s words need addition, nor would bear them, but that as a sojourner now speaking to other sojourners and seekers, she has been disabused of certain notions. Notions even now found foolish. She is not in seeking to add to the Lord’s word(s), but rather, and as seeker, had them verified to herself.

And it is not merely our allowance to speak of those things we have discovered in seeking and following after God’s Christ, but also our great joy, privilege, and birthright encouraged. All of God’s people are, in one way or other, tellers. And this liberty of ours in Christ is under such a stern forbidding of God as against any who would forbid. Inhibit. Or seek to silence with dogma. Any seeking, attempt(s), motive(s) toward stifling what is every believer’s birthright to speak in and of the faith, is not viewed casually from on High. To put a very fine point upon it, only the believer has license to, and true liberty in, speaking.

We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;…

one wrote. And those who are convicted of this truth:

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

also know the day of judgement is always quite at hand, for they carry this judgment in themselves, keeping the Lord’s words. This keeping (even) they come to understand is not as many may commonly appraise as in an always faithful doing, but rather as a matter kept locked to heart. A matter of such magnitude to them, the Lord’s word(s), that they dare not let go; even, and especially, when they themselves are found contravening such.

They have learned through what may be fiery trials and consequence it is far better, and to their salvation, to say “I am the man” rather than let one word slip. They have endured judgment(s) in themselves as against themselves and would dare not feign any standing upon their own righteousness, doings, or deeds. In truth the opposite is far more favorably tendered before God, that despite their innumerable failings, Christ has shown Himself tendered toward them. Given. And abiding.

They have marks, even stripes upon their souls that none but others born of the spirit might even be made to see. They know “faithful are the wounds of a friend”. No less knowing it is beyond their own ability for any keeping of anything at all, and that Christ abides faithful in His not denying of Himself, even when we appear faithless. That this inner keeping in learning of being kept is the Lord’s work alone, so that none will deny they have known a man in actions (even of themselves) that have contradicted by those actions, the Lord’s spirit. Yet the Lord remains…even and especially with proofs undeniable if made able to bear:

“As many as I love I rebuke and chasten…”

And none can bear the Lord’s judgment(s) except they be of Him, born of Him, and kept of Him. The fire(s) that judge the world, cleanse and save the believer. But they are hot…nevertheless. He is hot, nevertheless. Looking with eyes as flames of fire.

Utterly piercing and in-dissuade-able.

And so the word foolish in that sister’s quote. A silly and vain hope to be dispensed with, that we are not judged, and to be, and are. All our best reasons and reasonings that would dissuade from and encourage all timidity to the knowing of ourselves, even by entrance into ourselves, are not without some powerful abetting. A one in cahoots with a man dissuade-able, to keep him from seeing that man as he is…in terrifying isolation (for that abbettor is not friend) and most desperate disobedience that must always incur wrath and judgment. Never underestimate the seeming reasonableness of this enemy and abbetor. In his cahoots with a man.

Yet, we are to untimidly turn him over to his deserved and righteous judgment. “Let” that righteous judgment be seen as exercised upon and against him. Righteously.

The cleaving of soul and spirit will always leave a scar. Scars with no need of shame, but will come of sharp judgements in all need of a balm. To not deny them, perhaps even learn the great work of patience (as a gift) to their reception in this cleaving, this dividing asunder, cannot but be anything but a marvel in our eyes. How faithful is our God!

What does one do in the face of all knowing? One man hides, or sleeps through this garden of all trial, while one man comes forth from this garden speaking:

Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:

Our hope to know that man as He is, cannot but come except by turning another man over to death. A man that perhaps seems against all reason to consider as only fit for consigning to death, a man of some religious esteem, even appearing as of some spiritual attainments. That man that even discerns himself as discerning. That man that thinks himself…necessary.

Whatever are of his motions are being exposed, rooted out, shown for the pernicious vanity they are; before whose eyes, and before Him, with whom we have to do.

For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

Blinded by the light.

If any are able to even barely receive the contention(s) made in “To the Invisible Sky Daddy”, then this will be less problematic.
But, if still either laboring against such contentions as too fluffily philosophical and/or not spiritual enough; or as merely ungrounded juvenile musings mixing a bit of crazy with some diluted or deluded derivative of true faith, will these verses help?

Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God! Therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.

The world cannot know us, because it does/has not known him, we are dead and hidden, and what any might know, or do know of any is never according to the natural senses for:

While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

There is no explanation of this, or for this, how a man can look at what is unseen, it is only resolved in Christ, by Christ, through Christ as to the reality of it. And, of course, it must cause upset to the natural man and/or the natural mind if yet it’s being heeded by even the novice believer.

Yet, as said in previous writing(s), even the natural man is laboring (though unknown to him) all manner of unseen things. It is only when the natural mind is confronted with the truth of this (in natural/carnal man or novice believer) that upset ensues, even as it must. Some may change, some may seek to do away with you. And that is always and alone is God’s hand.

In one sense our invisibleness and submission to it, acceptance of it, even delight in it (if one is made able), is what manifests Christ’s presence “into the world”. O! but it is not that therefore all (or even any) will accept in the world, for that can never be our metric…acceptance. Our only concern, as we are, and must be won to, is faithfulness to the Savior, to our Lord. If there is any concern regarding our being known, or even wanting to be, the Lord is faithful. His light hits our opaqueness, our inner density, our spiritual obtuseness of any striving to be a something, quite emphatically and effectively.

He (our God) presents a man to us in truth, even continually and continuously, for our benefit, who made himself of no reputation.
Only the believer can either see, know, or believe this. And what relief is there found! (Talk about benefit!) Particularly for seeing Him who is invisible. Even great help to seeing Him who is invisible.

Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

Is it therefore “blind” faith, or faith that actually causes us to see? Of course for us who believe it is always the latter. Our blindness to what is and is unseen to all and every natural man (and natural/carnal mind) is what we declare. We are even those who no longer fear being called the blind by any other. Or the stupid. Woefully fearful or foolish. Even superstitious as if making up tales for comfort against things that go bump in the night, like death.

Yet it is the natural mind that labors in all sorts and manner, even superstitiously, of things unseen. A man can quite wholeheartedly believe, work as though, live as though, speak as though, he has a tomorrow of his own. And even right now. He truly believes it as real to him as his now; displaying, and quite actually showing he knows neither the now…or this thing he so blithely imagines he can handle with such facility as his own, a tomorrow.

It is both wisdom and benefit to us that the apostle wrote our saying to be: “God willing” that is not for us a catchphrase, but an inescapable (and inescapably wonderful) reality to be known. To not know one’s self as sustained in this very moment, even as a thing in creation (as all is) upheld by the word of God, is perhaps not only to miss much, but miss all. And rightly also did the apostle write as to where this, or from which “place” this is all taking place, as hidden with Christ in God. A place of no presumption. And no one there is seeking to be, trying to be, striving to be…anything but who and what they are…there. Or even trying to be seen. Or be heard.

But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.

This, though seemingly addressed to wives (as it is, and no less) is in address to that hidden man of the heart. Our Lord has a bride, a wife, a body of bone of his bones and flesh of His flesh of which is constituted by every believer as member. Both in heaven and as yet remaining in tents of flesh. But, even as our Lord of a “being” in (what appears) two places at once…so are we who remain in these tents.

and no one hath gone up to the heaven, except he who out of the heaven came down — the Son of Man who is in the heaven. (Young’s literal translation for clarity).

The man who has been won to setting his affections according to these/this truth:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Must soon also learn the truth of this that follows:

For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Strange, yet wonderful no? Are we yet in our own tents, or here “in the earth”, but no less and also, in Heaven where Christ is? No natural man (or mind) can receive this to any understanding as yet caught in all its either/or(s). And it is not that it is even explicable to any extent by any man of spiritual estate, but, as a statement and declaration of how things are, made to be, particularly to and for the believer, it is to be believed and entered into. Such matter(s), as all things of and in our Lord to and for us, are to the end of comfort, encouragement, and the glory of His name.

Being seated in heavenly places is not our vanity at work, but His great mercy of such glory. He has taken captivity captive even to the end of being captivated by Him and His marvelous work alone. In which all heaven rejoices (shouting)

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Are we not among those now? If not, or believing not, what hinders? Must our joy…know bounds? God forbid!

Of course this is not a litmus test of, nor for, anything. It is not to some end of having a “joy detector” for application to ourselves or others for measurement; and surely if we do seek to use such as against others, we will find such turned on ourselves to certain judgment(s). Joy in believing cannot, in one sense, be weaponized…yet….we do find it weapon, an even equipping of sorts against all the onslaughts and assaults our faith endures while in these tents of flesh. We need strength, do we not? It is not without reason and to good purpose we are to be reminded:

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

The joy of the Lord. Jesus spoke of it as His. Even as a work performed in and by Him to be known of disciples, particularly in His word(s) to them (us?):

These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

And strength if admitted as needed, as an even necessary thing to be provided, and provided through our Lord Jesus, the Christ of God, is inseparable from His joy…which is our strength. And the disciple soon learns, if he hasn’t already, the need of that strength of which that joy is. Our God is not sour faced.

Here is something of an aside, particularly referencing a particular matter of which I have not been shy to mention as often as necessary. If I do have anything, seen anything, had revealed anything…even to such end that I write (or speak) about it, or about these/those things, I would be utmostly[sic] remiss if not mentioning or denying, almost all has come as reproof, even rebuke.

Though I have to be careful here about any linking presumptuously as though I easily see all, or even any cause and effect, God knows (O! How God knows!) my being completely wrong about things (in either apprehension, execution(s) of doings, and perspective) has necessitated so much, and so innumerable, correction. This of course, does not mean anything in any regard to now thinking “But now, I am correct”.

No, I am what needs correction. Over, and over, and over again (and so much so that I dare not deny) it has been proved, at least to me. And to me it is no shame to admit, for I have (if even in most slightest way and of most tender ministry) tasted the awful terror of being found liar. So it is not even so much as what may appear “honest” confession, but some terror of denying that provokes me. In this I may simply be showing I am most novice of all, while I speak of novices and perhaps presumptuously speak of spiritual men. “This man would not be honest about such things except as in fear of the whip, what a piss poor example for such a thing as might be called honesty!”

Yes! Yes indeed! I am not skeered of saying “Yes! I fear the whip! Far more than my imagining any love of truth is in me of myself!”

All my striving, even as seen over some short decades to not be that, to be the fellow who is right, gets things right, see things right, does things right, knows himself as right, and out from whom flows nothing but rightness, some goodness, some merit, some truth (one might be so bold as to say, naturally) is shown of such carnality and blindness with fearful consequence as truth can only come when pressed out. No, such a man is mercurial, like that fountain spewing seeming praise to God, with Dragon’s breath. Yeah, I know that guy.

But here I would be no less remiss if not saying, even (or is it particularly?) when that guy is exposed, exposed to such measure of wonder “but who would have any care, who could have any care, why would any ever have any care for such a one?”, that I have seen mercy come, not only as a thing so seemingly unbidden, but in most direct contrast, most obvious contrariety against what such a one deserves, speaking against what all and everything but itself sees right to speak…judgment and full condemnation, mercy…comes.

I tell you, in such circumstance of that guy, and of and at such times, mercy, though surely needed, is not even in sight (seemingly), or on the agenda, or making the list of the things ask-able (for it seems almost a blasphemy to even consider!) yet…it comes. He comes. Has come. And in soberest moments I dare not deny His coming. Even to and for, such a one.

Now of course this appears (even as I write) and sounds like a man so unconvinced or unfamiliar with mercy that again, it is almost blasphemy for him to speak of it. It’s like this guy is not much of a believer at all, if at all. He may even be the most novice of all novices, seeming to have so little confidence in mercy’s appearing through Christ! Yes! Yes indeed! If I am graced to occupy that, I tell you…for me it is enough.

Yes, I may, even more than any ever known or to yet be, need to have my face pushed down in dirt, chokingly breathing dust against what feels a righteous boot upon a powerless neck, a glistening blade tinging brightly in its utterly ineffable sharpness ready to fall with all that is expected, and no more than all thought, and every thought, testifies as expected “I am about to not be“. Hopes of a better end are not even there to see or consider.

But, yet, comes a hand…comes a hand “Get up and dust yourself off, let’s take a walk and talk, instead”. And I don’t even remember asking for mercy that I might say “It was because I asked for mercy, He has come.”

No, it must have been a someone else or from a where of somewhere else that bid it to me. And to Him, yes to Him, in that walking and talking it would appear as blasphemy to insert any doubt with “but I thought it was all over for me” as though my perceptions could rightly occupy any necessary place of opposition or even discussion of His knowing and doing. Yes, He knew/knows exactly how I thought, what I felt, what I expected. He knows. He is far less interested in my rightness or wrongness about things (at least to me) than this, His (must be) overwhelming pleasure in showing mercy. I mean for me (at least) He has done it over, and over, and over again.

Therefore I am leery to make those presumptuous linkings mentioned…is it because I am so wrong he shows himself so good and merciful(?) or can it be, His goodness is, always was, and always will be in consistency to Himself, having less than zero (if it may be said) to do with any even rightness or wrongness I may perceive of myself as of myself. And I am never sorry to consider this.

He is good in absence of all of this man’s (me, and my) doings. Or appraisal. In even other words, might His mercy be in all absence of my necessity for it, or even knowing of need, for it? He is merciful, period. He is good, period. Can this be that in delivery from burden of sin is an also and likewise delivery from any and all trying to be good? Is that heresy? I can say (if only) for me trying to be good (as in my own eyes read “right”) has proved an unbearable burden, with often terrifying consequences.

I cannot tell you without tears of your boredom flowing, of how often has been said and thought “B-b-b-but I thought I knew what I was doing”. And often with my own tears accompanying. It seems something so far inescapable (and dear Lord, may it never be less so) that that mercy asked for, and asked precisely for a they that “do not know what they do” is no less given and available to a “they”.

Even to a man striving to be singular, distinguished, better, not a part of a they or an anyone, but once striving always to be a someone…can find comfort to so to speak, be lost in a crowd of anyones as a seeming invisible man, yet know he is seen?

I am persuaded it is no other way.

There is no other way than Him. And His way.

Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?

They say unto him, We are able.

He told them they did not know that for which they were asking before the above. Do we? Yet, mercy for those who do not know.

Even such as extends to this in His sharing while we are all as yet in all unknowing of what we ask:

“You shall indeed drink of my cup…”

See, it’s already too late if you already know you want a tight seat close to Jesus. He provoked you to that desire if one has it, and He already knows…even without any speaking what is in any and every man…for He knows. As He alone knows what knowing is.

And God help me, and God help you, even, perhaps especially if we have both made it to these last few sentences, together. Not that they are of themselves anything, but you have been made able to bear a fool writing of, and on what seems one hand unspeakable joy and glory, and a few paragraphs later of some terrors and seemingly undesirable in all, experience. As a neck under a sword.

But, by God’s grace we are made fit to all. And be filled of all.

A man in heaven beholding so a man in earth can speak. And who is equal to such a task? Who alone…is able to make of any…this:

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

Things in seeming opposition.

But only…seeming.

I can’t escape conversation. Even in what may appear to all but you know who as silence, there are often words swirling around inside me. And likewise, and not unusually, I appear to myself as one invited to, and in, a great question and answer forum, hearing questions rise.

And right now, in this very moment of tapping keys to suddenly cause words to appear before me, (and perhaps in some later, before you) arises this one: “Where do I go from here?”.

And now that is consigned to my past, and right now, to perhaps your future…(which is now)

Oops, here it is again: Where do I go from here? I was wrong…again! Not so past as I thought.

Making the unknown known is some work! (Good thing it’s not left to me or my work)

Ahh, here is where “we” are going. See, I am finding out in this now, just as immediately as you are finding out in yours. We are all (O! the presumption in “we are all”?) walking in a way we know not. Walking into what is unknown to us.

One writer said this of another:

 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. (That’s in the Bible I have)

Now, I understand this may not sit well with some, in my assignment of “we are all”. For I can and do already hear something of a din arising in the so called forum that might seem to disrupt what was determined to be a (more orderly?) question and answer period.

Opinions are now rising, being tossed to and fro in seeming odds against each other. Some called believers are shouting “To hell with your “we are all”! for not all men have the faith, and surely not the faith of Abraham, much less Jesus Christ!” and “You have no idea who is going to read this!” And for me, some of (who only seem) the mass of faceless believers have faces, I think I know some of them, have met some of them.

But their faces are only in my memory, as again and likewise “we all” only see the past. Even when looking face to face in the natural. In the natural, all we know (or believe we do) is in the past…words utter(ed) (it takes time for sound waves to reach our ears from the utterer), things seen as looking at, (it takes time for light), and we are, in the natural always and only in capture of things past. And no matter how “fresh” a memory may seem…

But anyway…and nevertheless, we are quite convinced we have a “now” in which we see and hear as things really are. (My own memory would never play me false, would it? After all, it is my own…!)

Likewise I hear a din rising from what appears “another side”. “I am not a believer, I don’t believe your hoo doo, or in some invisible sky daddy, so don’t include me (or us) in your “we all”. And surely not that silly book written by mostly ignorant, superstitious, and unwashed nomads and tribal folk. This is 2025 dammit! Who do you think you are, anyway?” and often “You so called believers are always so presumptuous, pompous with what you say and think you know about everything and everyone to even include the likes of me (or us). You talk like you know or have known…everybody! Pompous fool!”

And “You writer, appears as the most pompous and presumptuous I have ever heard!”

“You don’t know…me!”

Yeah, seems anyone expressing anything…should expect push back. Even if in their own head.

“No, the sky is not just blue, it is cerulean blue!” Corrections abound. (Say cerulean blue 50 times and see how queer and meaningless it sounds…even to one’s self)

Oops did I say queer? (Another quadrant of the forum is being heard from!)

“Hey! that’s our word!”

All of us (did I say “all” again?) trying to appropriate whatever this thing is we commonly call reality to our own ends, whereas it most often seems the greatest and only most common thing we find is an each seeking to be uncommon. Whose words, whose reality (kinda belies the very notion of reality by assigning it a “whose”, doesn’t it?) is/are reliable? Is it really (what does really mean, anyway?) up for grabs?

Listen, if you can. Briefly, if you can. I ask as favor, imploring. For I know I am asking a lot…and more than a lot. At least to a man I can and do readily concede is out of his mind if that be your judgment. I can no longer be afraid of the crazy (or the judgment of it) than I can of my own shadow. It follows me, relentlessly. Too used to it by now. (Maybe I kid myself? Wouldn’t be the first time)

Listen it is 2025! (or so it seems, anyway) And there are discoveries of microbes, cells, atoms, quarks, neutrinos, Higgs Boson(s), forces and fields, weak(s) and strong(s), electromagnetic waves, photons, Fermi paradoxes, musings over gravity and space (and mutual effects), vast spaces uncovered of these things we call “matter” on a level so profound we wonder if even matter exists at all as ever once thought. (And my fondness abounds for a thing called “string theory.”) All these things and so many others those dusty footed nomads knew nothing about (or at least they didn’t say).

And all these things mentioned (of which there are boundless others), I know less than zero about in understanding to convey to any adequacy…except to mention them. Just as I can say “theoretical physics” without prohibition, yet knowing absolutely nothing of it.

I hear it! I hear…”See! See! We always told you thunder and lightning was not as some hill dwelling sandal clad goat herder thought…’the voice of a god’. Or angel. Or that spontaneous combustion deserved wonder and attribution to some miraculous appearing from another realm you claim as under your purview! We know! We now know!

We are not superstitious, but scientifically and rationally informed as to the nature of reality and things, not like that shepherd or so called prophet believed or wrote, with not even any basic understanding of things mentioned…atoms, cells, the Krebs cycle, electrical activity. And the “nature of matter” being so enigmatic that we now say (and without fear) to even that they in their benighted ignorance (and all who find something of their “stuff” to hang their hat or so called faith upon) you ‘had and have no idea…no idea at all of how things really are…’ ”

“Nothing is nor ever was as it seemed to YOU in your silly, ignorant, and superstitious interpretation of it, or holding to it”

Wait.

Some other few are now rising. I can’t describe their camp even though (perhaps especially so and even because) I count myself as there. Somehow indescribable and resistant to all description of any how…yet I am there.

“Wait”, is said. “Wait”.

“This is all we have been saying in ultimate of deconstruction, even to your own words ‘Nothing is nor ever was as it seemed’.”

This, your seeming claim is no less ours from even our own outset. Nothing, no thing is…as it seems. There is and remains a hidden nature as to all things are as yet, in seeming. Perhaps like you my mind says and interprets solid when I hit the table…or wall, or fall to the ground, but as to the nature of the table (mostly space) and myself also, no less, I find my own mind in one sense lying to me about what solid really means as it appears to it. (And how fond I am of Lord Rutherford’s reaction by staying in bed!)

A brilliant man of peerless exploration, experimentation, and discovery in his work of finding how vast are spaces in things we perceive as once “solid”. A brilliant man (also called “the father” of nuclear physics) reduced for a time in fear possessed by his discovery. Terrified of getting out of bed for fear of falling through the floor with what he now knew. Everything I once thought solid is mostly empty space!

Yes, knowledge can be very very scary. Even the brilliant are not immune. And though I am not seeking to make a point, neither am I ashamed of what another wrote:

For in much wisdom is much grief: and he that increaseth knowledge increaseth sorrow.

O! But doesn’t that seem contrary? Doesn’t it seem that the better would always be to the knowing of stuff? That to the knowing of more stuff is the better overall? How could sorrow be in it? Is some superstitious work at work…smuggling sorrow in?

I have met many (purely anecdotal of course) who claim faithlessness, or atheism or agnosticism as home base, yet who claim some oft unspoken intrepitude [sic] for meeting life or reality head on without crutch. This thing of faith to which they assign as only superstitious belief and practice. That likewise they are often not unwilling to say or ascribe to as a mere result of a fear generated response.

That “they” are the more fearless, intrepid, devoid of that nothing they assign as faith in “other’s god(s)” or God’s being, but assign as that form of comfort crutch created by the timorous (of which they are not, surely) to face what few would deny as life’s uncertainty(s). Not to even here mention death. It seems often there may be enough pomposity to go round.

It’s almost as if, if there really be sides, each side is prepared to say “O! but you do not know what I labor under (My god asks much of me!), and/or contrarily, “You do not known how much fearlessness is required of me to live bare faced and alone looking into the future. And at death” (Rare is the man who is not inclined to somehow publish “See how hard I am at work!”)

And I must also wonder at those who, not unusually say how at home they are (in their fearlessness) with the notion of death. It must only be “the others” that find some fear/terror there to construct a crutch as only possible motive for a thing called faith. For, if so comfortable in, or with that notion of their own non being so final, so ultimate and so rapidly approaching (I tell you, there is nothing after!)…why shun its practice now by being silent if one is so at home with it?
Am I being catty?

Perhaps there is more to being, especially being in consciousness or what appears so…or what we claim as so…than seems? Yes, nothing is, no thing is as it seems. Even nothing.

Who really is made able to enter, not the unconscious…but the absence of it? If that is the true and overall estate of (what some might call) reality, (it has no and holds no consciousness) then one is already there, no? I mean…who escapes…reality? And if reality is ultimate, and what we are all inescapably in, and is no less the absence of consciousness, then you (perhaps) alone O! man! are surely upsetting it by thinking! Unless you are prepared to say you do not…think. (Ha!) Am I being catty, again?

Or even more absurdly (and I have nothing against the absurd when worn properly) one is prepared to say “reality is in flux”. Or even, “in flux to each.” Then, of course, one could not ever presume to base their notion of reality as a “real” and ultimately true thing as holding no consciousness. For some consciousness is required to even say that.

Everyone I have ever met or had exchange with (anecdotally) seems to have it. But here again I am. Nothing is as it seems.

This Jesus confessing man once said, (at least as I am told and have read):

One day you are going to find there are only two men alive in the earth, you and the Lord.

I have no doubt this is odious to some. (Look! A Jesus smuggler!)
And though I believe this is surely true of the believer, I hold some hope for even those who (seemingly) presently deny.

It may become of some import to know who (when applicable) and what, is real.
You might even find some question of what appears your own consciousness, your own mind. Even in that thing one calls their own mind. Are thoughts…really real? What are they? Is my mind so called, or consciousness, a real thing? Do “I” have it like any or every other, as it seems? When I say blue, do they see red?

Does anything I think I say to another…ever really conform to what I believe I am communicating? What some may even say they are hearing? Is communication actually a real thing…as it seems?

Ultimately, like our once view of what a seemingly solid thing really is as opposed to our experience and the way our mind constructs it to an ourself, might my mind have any other interpretations of, and even of itself…wrong? Misleading? What if all is wrong in my understanding about everything…what do I know? Is anything according to what I think “to know” means…as knowable? Maybe some they are lying about atoms? How would I know? Or maybe I misheard it all. Is there any they, at all?

What do I know?

If we summarily dismiss all this as folly, as mere teenage or dorm musings after a few bowl hits (See, I assume communication as a real thing), with “at least I know my own mind” and this which is coming from that mind (of the writer) is folly, then if it is yours, your mind; it is yours to control in all, no? Letting in only what “it” chooses, excluding all it finds foolish, lie or just plain stupid to it. Exquisitely judging by power of what will be to it. Then show your exercise and control by forbidding any next nightmare or even unpleasant thought. (I have yet to meet anyone who says they enjoy them) After all it’s your mind…and why would it ever do that…to you? Am I flirting with being catty?

Is Jesus an unpleasant thought to you? (too much?)



But this brother said as he said. In your earth of questions, in which I have little doubt words also swirl, and many questions too, the only man able to give answer to another man (even in his mind quite directly in a true now) is that, as yet, invisible man. If He answers you, His answer is a call. He spurred you to even ask. And His call is firm. Even out from all that is familiar to you, seeming home to you, and to walk in a way you know not. It sounds hard, right…”how do I go where I don’t know where I am going?”

Peace to you, because everyone is. You already know of it, are even quite sure of it of “others”.
The man who hoped to, even thought he would, break his best golf score had a heart attack on the 16th hole. (He may have lived). Or if too dire for you, the woman who won the lottery. It matters not what or how one chooses to view such, you already know (or do you not?) how life changes suddenly from what was apparently one direction to another.

We may like to say or think “I know”…”I know where I am going and what I am going to do…” Even “I know what I do”…often thinking we see or know all outcomes of such doing. What we most rarely consider in what we may think is, or view as, the immediacy of our doings, is a trail of consequences always farther reaching than we can know or imagine. But, we take the odds in our now.

Yes, how much we wager on odds! Odds are “I will make it to work”. Odds are “I will come home from work”. Odds are, odds are, odds are “things are real, and will be…as I think”. As I think…until. Until whatever, or whomever causes us to question even our very own thinking. Even being. What is it? These things over which we have made so many assumptions, presumptions, even as to what can be…and will be. Even and including…what cannot.

What is?

We may find ourselves in some extremis of darkest ignorance before light comes.
And light is to come.
The light is the coming one.

Then we “know” as no one can either explain, elucidate, illuminate or describe how desperately we need to know…what, if anything, is real. We can surely put that aside, do and have, to some later considering in our seems (that seem good enough) our odds (that seem enough in our favor) by being occupied in a mimicry we have bought as life.

Yes, and I am as good (or bad) a mimic as ever was. And, yes, I can still do it, not denying. But the most easily verified truth remains, proven even daily…sometimes even moment to moment “I do not know what I am doing. I do not know where I am going” as often as yet I may remain so very inclined to think otherwise.

Too frank for some, I know.

But this I have also found…it is not too frank for one man. It is only before He who shows it so irrevocably and consistently true, that I truly don’t know what I am doing, that also allows me to confess it without shame. He alone is not ashamed of man’s not knowing, making and having made full provision for it in Himself. I have met a man who communicates it. Believes in communing, even if or when, all else is found scattering. Yes, communication is possible.

I dare not deny His provision, even plea, for what “knows not what they do”…God forgive me, and God forbid me. I am always moving into the all I do not know, regardless of how I pose myself. And in posing myself I am no exception nor hold some magic exemption. I posture a lot. Just as a mimic would. And the “all” I do not know is that which, and even that He of which, and whom is, all of reality. But funny…moving into that better man leaves me absolutely no claim of being any better. But it may of a liar, be able to fashion an honest man, a real man. And truth in the inward parts.


One might rightly ask “but how do you know?” It is the only thing I do know, I cannot escape reality. Despite my array of crumbling seems, and all the seems thrust upon me for which I cannot blame any other in their thrusting. They gave what they had to my willing acceptance. I bought into the odds. With all I had and was. After all, I could win at this! But there is a better man, and He alone is the one who provides me all relief from trying to be one. Or now, even think myself one. Truth is always enough.

Oddly, and for a long time, and too long a time I actually was convinced I was better, being made better to some end that I might (for my own pleasure) enjoy being better. A kinda bestial blend of Christian Narcissus , enjoying my own reflection in a pool, happy as can be at who I see there. Am I now immune from being found stealing peeks? God knows, and God forbid I lie! And, even more importantly, God forbid He stop catching me at it with reproof.

The odds were surely on trying, God knows. But someone did the impossibly sure for man; and only sure thing. He ran himself quite purposefully to death, and yet, not as suicide. The life that kills Him is the life He is, but something had to get out of the way for its seeing as that life going beyond death. He not only paid a ransom in full for sin, but no less took that sinful thing with all its predilections for and to it (sin) with Him to the cross.

There’s not much I can do (nothing, really) if all you smell is a rotting corpse about me. It’s a sure thing I must be, to some. And sure things are always better than the best odds. Even and especially if and when it even confirms the unseemly, as unseemly. (It is unseemly for a man to stink so much!) Yes! yes! Be provoked to look elsewhere for fragrance!

But it is not even that “I like” a sure thing, or am found in preference of it. I do, for sure, but there is something other. I can’t escape it. Reality…is real. And there is in and of reality, a better man. And He is not me, no matter the tightest of bonds irresistible in place. Drawn tighter (if it be so) only proves this all the more clearly, I am not Him. Yet in that perfection He has and is, He has no less made it perfectly OK to not be Him. Of Him is abundantly sufficient.

He allows another, has made provision (even in His own body) for another to be as real as He. It is enough to know…real. It changes us…even if we feel we must take to our bed to avoid falling through the floor for a time.

“Knowing the terror of the Lord,” someone said, “we persuade men.”

If you have gotten this far, perhaps a few extra paces? I am not sure what’s next, myself. But I see a shadow in hope of its materializing. That communication is now, and not merely as a possible thing but a quite real thing…and to take place.

And that is kinda it. Shadows becoming, and to become, substance. Real.

Just as I said every man is walking into the unknown (though he might protest he knows, and knows how things will, or must be) we are. In “the Bible” quote referring to Abraham we find a man with an attitude, particularly that attitude of accepting that as true. Someone called him out to even let him know by telling him, you are being led in a way you know not. He is called the father of faith for that, his acceptive reception of that. But even this was not of himself, he was called to and for this.

The man who remains convinced he always knows where he is going and what he is doing cannot receive it. Convinced of what “will be”. Even though he is walking into the very same unknown to himself. He simply is that, the man denying his walk into the unknown, because he is self assured of what he knows, and by his own will and purpose, what is “to be”. No man is immune to that except the one who walked perfectly and purposefully to His own end.

But just as there is some resistance to using such a broad and narrow brush simultaneously, there is often resistance to another thing. The thing of “what you don’t see”. Or by extension, the thing you can’t prove. And in particular for this conversation “the invisible friend” or “the invisible sky daddy”. As I said in Abraham’s walking as common to all (not really knowing where any of us are going, in toto) so is this matter. The religious might like to “keep it to themselves” for advantage of sorts, I cannot. Or cannot anymore…my own advantages having been thrown in my face by the reality…even to some staining, far too many times. They are dung. Yet I have hope in a cleanser.

But we all are in “dealing” with the invisible, and particularly invisible persons. Perhaps even of all “things”, persons are the most invisible to us of all things and in all our dealings. And it has only been by God’s grace of being drawn into a man I couldn’t see, and learned what little I have of Him, that I see this so clearly.

It doesn’t matter of whom “other” I might speak here, for quite mostly all other people are often a great mystery to me. But I feel free to talk of wife. Someone it seems a poor choice in all, not for whom my own wife is, but for the fact it seems (and is often widely accepted and acceptable) of all people a man would know his wife “best”. He may know his children, or think he does, and many others. But I choose wife, not necessarily as prime example, but for me as one (my wife) who will bear me using her as example. My kids may be strong, but my wife is strong in the Lord.

(But the wise will find it is really only me I am talking about)

I “deal” with her according to my knowing of her. She is corporeal, so to the protesters she is provable. But how often has been and yet often is, in dealing with this person I can see, feel, touch, know, had many experiences with (and therefore prove to the “rational”) another appears, almost as from out of nowhere. There’s a something or a someone going on there “inside” (well beneath exteriors) that is really there.

My thinking of knowing her so often is shown as not matching up as precisely as I think, that it has not been less than more than several occasions I have heard “You think you know me” or “you really don’t me at all, do you?” I may be a terrible, if not the most terrible husband as ever has been, God knows. Maybe it’s right for any and all to say “you need to be a better husband, you suck”.

But that’s not really the lesson, or for me, my lesson. It’s that even standing 5 foot 2, of so many pounds, (provable enough?) I am always dealing with that invisible “thing” inside. A person…a real person as real as me…but invisible. Knowable…but also unknown.

And even so often misunderstood…by me. I now have no problem at all with dealing on the grounds that “persons”, even all persons, are as invisible to me, as she. And to be fair (if only to myself) even what “comes out” from this invisible thing as words is often mystery…when, or what does “I am fine” ever mean what I think it might? Especially if I find it repeated by my further investigation by “I already told you, I am fine”.

But, even for me, that is low hanging fruit. But I think you get it. Maybe.

Of course I am only telling on myself. My inadequacy and often error in failing to read. But here’s the thing, this thing inside that (provable for some) shell is dynamic, real, even though I am pressed to admit how invisible is that thing to me. I “see” it with some knowing, but far short of its sum. Something is always going on I can’t and don’t see, changes here, revisions there, a consciousness contained (it seems) but which is itself…invisible. The she that is the she is, is of that consciousness going “on” inside her, even that makes her that her…is invisible. (And I do not doubt her reality, do you?) And how much more of a thing might be invisible?

Dare we say…spirit? A thing deeper even of all and ultimate constituent.

Ahh, I learn…persons, though invisible, are real. Oh, we can generally identify a body or a face as that of a person, even say we know a person by those things. “It has a human body, human organs” therefore “it is or was a person.” We have now advanced down to DNA, not only for a classification but now to more specificity as to person, where once fingerprints were the best we had.

And despite this, all this and these things, we still hold to something other than the body and even its minutest constituents “it’s who you are ‘on the inside’ that is the you you are.” Or I am. The things quite intangible, and things intangible of character, demeanor, dispositions, intelligence, and so on. And those things, always being impacted by thoughts, experiences, even thoughts and experiences of others, things of seeming no control to that occupant that “show” who that person is. I only see any by their manifestation of something I don’t see…to me.

And such is dynamic in that sense; which is why today’s wife is both not yesterday’s, nor may be amenable to yesterday’s dealings or knowledge. “I thought you told me you like roses”? or “Oh, you don’t want pancakes today?” We are always being changed, in changing, but also in some peculiar way maintaining the same identity. Even if to others we may seem a completely different person. “I dont’t get it, she was such a bitch in high school…or he a bully…or timid…”

Walking into the unknown does that. Meeting unknown experiences, coming across once unknown thoughts or considerations, or some information previously unknown. We are all doing it. Even if we deny it, this, our being in flux; seemingly static to ourselves because, “I know myself! I know who I am, dammit!” Identity held in place, but everything else…swirling.

“This is me,” or…”this is me with amnesia” even.

And how rarely might we concede so much just seems to “bubble up” from somewhere in ourselves, an even unknown and unsee-able place somewhere, even and particularly (to us) within ourselves, unbidden, unsought…but now breaking through to our consciousness (or mind, if you will)…that we even seem to “self change”?

“Why I never saw it that way! Nor could I, till just now!” What are often called epiphanies. A light goes on, where once a bulb for lighting was not even seen, or known. How much of we ourselves…is even unseen to ourselves? Small wonder then, we are all some mystery to one another. For we are mysteries to ourselves, not even knowing why if pressed as when pressed we might say “I told you, I know who I am, dammit!”

Spirit, soul, and body. Spirit ineffable and irreducible. What we might call true or truest of nature (and most often resisted as to being real). Soul, which even the most hardened may deny as being a “thing” of itself, nevertheless understand in some way, that when they are dealing with a person, any person, (yes, even themselves) they are dealing with an intangible being in expression with, and or for, communication.

Some may think only of mind, so be it. But that in itself is intangible enough. Just to be able to touch another’s mind or be touched by another is no small feat. Yet, and nevertheless, this thing, if even reduced to mind is always, and in some way, under a bombardment of assault irrefutable…being directed, buffeted, informed (even by own thoughts rising from an unknown place) and situation and circumstance. I say assault because if stillness is peace to it, it yet and often finds itself nevertheless made subject.

To be awake and alive to circumstance also brings with it many unbidden things. “Does that old man wearing that T-shirt really believe himself ‘#1 Grandpa’? Does that old lady also garbed really want me to do a something? ‘Ask me about my Grandchildren’?” Is Crest really “the best toothpaste?” And on and on…even if one is happening to read this (or write it), for I, no less am being changed, and under some bombardment of thought and thoughts, circumstance(s), interruptions unanticipated, requests made as from outside for my attention and attending…and myriad other things. Nevertheless (I am persuaded) you are partially, if not totally convinced the man who wrote the first sentence here is the same as the last one writing the last sentence.

Yes, I am me, but I am also not so sure something hasn’t changed. Something intangible…even to me.

Body? The thing of material so often held as proof of being? “Show me God and I will believe” sort of thing? “Even if you can produce, or He would, some sort of smokey shadow out from nowhere…it would be enough,” some might say…”anything, anything at all (so called) verifiable to the senses”.

The weakest of all things, really, isn’t it? “One miracle, just one miracle…to be seen…if He really wants to make Himself known as so many say”. Or seem to.

That so called consciousness in demand of such proving has not yet learned (perhaps refuses to?) what a mystery it already is…and even to what would be called “itself”. How “it” has it, (is it in a hydrogen atom? Any number of groups of them and their multiple ascending conglomerates?) Where it comes from, where it abides, nor of restrictions to itself and allowances.


Even as to that “it” that has it when saying “I have consciousness”. Who are you? Are you the consciousness? ( I won’t call you God, but you might) Your consciousness? Some thing that has it? If so, who or what is the thing having? We could go on and on, no doubt about invisible and mysterious things. Like persons. What and who such is. What it means to say I am…this, or that, or such and such, or so and so.

One day you are going to find out there are only two men alive in the earth, you and the Lord.

Then maybe, and if so, you may discover you have always been dealing with the unseen to you, even particularly when not knowing it. Even your own “self”.

Who ascends?

This fellow, once blind, needed a second touch. The first left him only seeing men as trees walking.

And no more than that.

Yes, you and I are not the same. But hey, I’m not even the same as I was. Even five minutes ago. How far exactly might that time be divided down, as the unknown is moved through by each, or any?

A moment? A twinkling of any eye?

What is a moment…that it might become momentous?

Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

Yet, Pharisees can be changed.

Blinded by the light.

You gotta admit, (or maybe ya don’t) how easy it is to get carried away with power.

I can no more deny this of myself in particular than I can deny the disciple’s experience. It happens.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

Joy is a wonderful thing in its buoyancy, especially if one has even known the dread weights so commonly experienced upon the soul. Relief, but more. Happiness, but more. An estate of being carried along above considerations of care, worry, or doubt, but more. And there is a power in joy to lift, to elevate, to have even some imparting of a clarity often rare…even to some extent of (for us) how things should be.

It becomes less of a seeming mystery (if any remains of it) that:

The joy of the Lord is my strength.

Also kind of hard to conceal and/or disguise. Simply because in that estate there is no care for such things as necessitate concealment or disguising…or even a tamping down. Joy is always surprisingly surprising. And mostly, and often, it only suffers by any trying to define or describe it, like a thing that vanishes when put under the microscope of logic.

Or, like an autopsy by examination, we may be able to say what killed a thing, but never find what made it alive in the first place. And we may be too often expert at stopping things for examination, not knowing it is our own ways of examination, or own ways of finding things out, our own ways of looking at and after things, is the very thing that robs sight of essence. Think butterfly pinned in display case for study.

(And God knows how tedious a man can be made in explanations! Ha!)

It may make a smart (to himself) man look stupid, or a stupid man look stupider. And if made aware of that estate, as if looking more the fool now being aware as being under the eye of others, the worse thing he may do might be the only thing then more present(ed) he sees to do, recover from it. For it is a very complete strain and drain upon the convinced joyless who are often not uneager to cast an eye of judgment upon it.

(Think David’s dancing and his wife Michal’s words, and both his response…and her reward.)

But for those (is it few?) not given over to such convincing, a hunger may be stirred. Or a curiosity that may engender to genuine interest if allowed full course.

Is that us? God knows.

Joy and source of it is for an “us” (if born of the spirit) particularly defined. Not for some inherent enforcement of restriction as is commonly assigned defining, but even contrariwise, for entrance into its, or a, fullness. Jesus says this:

These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

These things have I spoken to you…

Which things? We might ask. Only those immediately prior? (No one necessarily wants to be accused of bad exegesis, even if the joyous don’t much care about accusations) Some things? All things(?) to some encompassing as might justifiably include, and be justified by our neither exempting nor excepting:

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

If we do not except, but rather accept that all of the Lord’s (is it our Lord’s?) words are of, and to, spirit and life, then even what may at first appear rebuke or reproval is/are no less so. We may do well to remember this bit of scripture in that regard:

The full soul loatheth an honeycomb; but to the hungry soul every bitter thing is sweet.

It may appear contradiction of sorts, my (or any man’s referencing) of the Lord’s will and desire for our fullness that seems in contradiction to the above verse quoted. The logic would appear to support against the hungry soul…if the Lord fills us all. And God forbid I or any speak in such manner against the Lord’s will and intent for us as believers. Or that in any way the fullness of Himself that He gives is ever in any less measure than the all of Himself…from most novice to most aged saint. God forbid.

Yet, we learn.

Perhaps even that there is a necessary maintenance of a hungry soul that does not belie the promise of fullness. And we may also learn it is not we ourselves, nor of ourselves, that such maintenance is ministered in order to fulfill a promise of blessedness as even in:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

We tend to, or more, like to feel filled, less so (it often seems) hungry and thirsty. For there we feel some impelling to do something about it. Do some work, take some action, find some food or drink, to alleviate or come to such “blessing” as we might describe being filled is.

Yet, hear the peculiarity, if you are made able.

The hungry and thirsty (in this case for righteousness) are already pronounced the blessed. And so what appears a great paradox is unveiled…it is the hungry and thirsty only that can receive the promise of being filled, and, if believing, do. As even indicated by hunger and thirst. Now the hungry soul that finds sweetness in even the bitter (or seeming so) morsel. And though not supported by man’s logic, is the only estate healthy for the disciple.

Every word. Every word is spirit and life. Rebuke. Reproval. Being contradicted by the Lord. Being told one knows not, or even knows nothing, by the Lord. Being told one is glorying in what ought to be shame…when by the Lord. You are being a presumptuous and spiteful wretch…when told by the Lord.

My own list is innumerable and for you would be an insufferable listing, but I assure you (as God is witness) that if it be for your health God must make it known to you, He would, and will. No one escapes being some form of example to, and for, the man in God’s clutch.

Yet, even that some of the things a man “like me” might enumerate as heard spoken to remain spirit and life spoken…when delivered of the Christ of God. We often make so much of certain things, perhaps even forgetting (or is it the not like remembering?) that even such as “get thee behind me Satan” in the Lord’s address to a man, is made spirit and life to him…because of whom the Christ of God is.

He alone is the deliverer, keeper, preserver, and glory of those that are His own, and they are appointed to know both it (salvation), and Him.

Yes, even the one whom, even as a disciple may find he has “let” a certain work through him to even rebuke the Lord.

Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.

And I am far more inclined (even if it be just me, persuaded) it is only the mercy of God that reveals to us those places where we have sought to be the Lord’s counsellor and the folly of it.

And if there be as any who might seemingly (to me) “pearl clutch” and exclaim “O! But I have never done that nor ever would, that would be just crazy!”, I wonder if we have the same Lord. And communication if even possible between us, will be very very difficult.

But the good news is communication with me, as from me, or of me, is of absolutely no matter.

Nevertheless, I will testify of a man who has done all I cannot, could not (and would not) in His joy and the joy as set before Him, to endure the cross. Knowing so little of both it and Him, but with a hunger for what appears (to me) as righteousness (even Himself) and yes, even liberty (which is of Himself) I sense no inhibition to confess the many times when faced with this thing I know so little of, the cross, I have balked, stuttered…yes even stammered (in some form of advising)

“Lord, there’s gotta be another way”.

“Lord, this is just too much for me”

Yes silly child. All is. When will you be glad I got it?

And, I too, am stunned by power.

It may be foolishly, God knows. Making a stupid man look even stupider.

But God forbid I lay any burden upon any other to have to be “smart”.

So that even rebukes and corrections (of far too many to mention) have been changed in tone and hue by He who makes all things new…and even (even particularly) unto the way of spirit and life.

And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, Lord, even the devils are subject unto us through thy name.

And a few verses is later spoken:

Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.

“…in this, rejoice not,”

Maybe at best described as a mild rebuke? But perhaps not.
Because power over “things” has a way of turning a head.

Thanks be to God His cannot be turned from His own.

In His beholding them from where He is, and His beholding them in that to which He has moved them, redeemed as to and into Himself…where names are written to be discovered as never forgotten (even upon His hands)…and where “heaven is”.

In Him.

Where all joy is.

It is a hard, if not impossible thing for any man to deconstruct to his own logic the ways of God. Hard in that it is the “hard way to go”, the very frustrating way to go, the way he goes till he touches all that is impossible to himself.

And even this, in saying, must seem unpleasant to the man who is yet caught up in his own logic and reasonings. For to him, as yet, the impossible seems the more unpleasant to receive and acknowledge.

And till then he must ask, will ask, will resist the notion in all, that the impossible to him could possibly hold any comfort or assurance. For to the hard thing he may feel challenged and summon all his reasonable strength, try harder, somehow convinced that by enuff application he may still have “chance” at winning, at gaining…perhaps even conquering. Do we think God does not know what is in man, and “how” he operates?

No man has ever won checkers or tic-tac-toe against God, much less (for allegory) chess. One cannot even begin to “see the board” unless given sight.

And we would be remiss to say (or think) “come let us reason together” is some past event, done and over “once I come to Christ”, for it is only to the believer, for the believer, in the believer (in Christ) that such is even first believed possible. No man can (or would or could) “do it” apart from first being gifted with the reality of God’s being, that mercy is real and amenable to and for “reasoning” with God, and that such end is not fruitless.

Already the wiser may see what appears paradox. “If all is impossible how or why even enter into such?” Yes, it seems so. But here is where such a thing as this is (for the man’s benefit) tested…exposed, made clear, even to be established to himself…even if entering with what may appear only the slightest of all persuasions “Jesus Christ is not fruitless”.

What a man can do…is able to do, actually is always “in doing” (as God knows) is in presentation of his own reason. Unbeliever and believer are alike in this…even if the believer readily acknowledges some informing of the extreme limits of his own (the unbeliever will think his own “exquisite”, precisely and only because…it is “his own”)

But once we have had our previous table overturned by Christ, we enter (even if it merely seem as only inkling at times) “nothing is as it first seems”. And God always knows what any and every man “knows” or thinks he does.

Therefore the believer enters, not with “I have some chance at my winning here in reasoning with God” (for if he does…this will be addressed) but simply “I lay out all my own understanding(s) to as much limit as I find able, (which every man does anyway) but with the hope that no man but the man in Christ has, that God will answer with what the man “does not know”.

Do you see how simple the impossible is, now? Even comforting? It is “impossible” for the man to NOT have his own understanding(s) (as every single man born has) and as likewise impossible for him to NOT be, who he is! He’s already bound in the impossible! Will he struggle there, endlessly, or find a rest promised? God knows.

This is why a believer told others, even continues to tell others, “cast not away your confidence…” in the face of all impossibility to yourself when encountered. You are already in it, and have been, with all regarding yourself and what one knows of one’s self. For that confidence can even “stretch” (as the apostle’s learned) to the most of all impossible for the man…(as who only knows himself) “before I was to myself, I am known”.

Therefore only the believer can say with any confidence, as even said by another (and not reserved to some “guru” like attainment)

But by the grace of God, I am what I am.

How could I have “been” before I even knew myself as myself? Yet, so it is…and there is the greatest of comforts found when and if that “impossible to me” (or man) is fully embraced. What or where “was I”…before I was? O! but I know this seems impossible to say, speak, or even consider…but all are ever before the “I am”. (Not as prior to, but before as in position before…the Maker of all things)

Jesus told some…”And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

The living are “before God” always, for He is not the God of the dead. And only the man in Christ (as even Jesus the Christ Himself knew and spoke) knows himself…alive. Not merely now…”in time”…but before it was, and certainly before the man “was” to even himself. In the beginning…God. (And no less “in” whatever any man may imagine as “end”) Alpha and Omega.

How blessed is the man to have found, even if it be only (at the first) one “applecart” overturned “I am not as I appear to myself, for I am not right, but a sinner in desperate need”…to follow this Lord who first (in great mercy) showed this!

How much more…do I “not know”? Why…I now see…it is impossible for me to know! Ahhh how the impossible for us becomes a great comfort! It is impossible for me to know “what I do not know”…all I can do is “dump” before God all I think I do know (as every man does anyway…always dumping what he thinks he knows). But the believer has this irrefutably inside “I am always before God when I do”. (Some laughed at Donald Rumsfeld’s once exposition of certain matters, but there was a “knowing” there being made clear of the “unknown unknowns”…for we don’t know of what we do not know)

This was started in some hope of addressing a thing of all seeming impossibility. But it has strayed…for “I did not know”. How that God, as beyond watchmaker has to each fashioned a “life”…or even (if you will) “a reality” to each and every man of such gears interacting, in relationship interlocking from first man Adam to all others who have ever been with such precision and relatedness that none can escape of themselves. A precision beyond grasp in both magnitude and effects, all simultaneous and perfectly designed impacts and effects. So that each has “their” reality…what they believe they know…even as independent to themselves…or “their own”.

Would any say no? Might some say “I am not affected by anything other…especially “my” knowing…my knowing is pristine, pure, uninfluenced…and ‘exquisite’. I am the clearest and cleanest of slates ever written upon by only pure intellect, experience, and reason”

Or, even if taken to some place of concession…”OK, I’ll admit hunger or wounds (like having one’s leg traumatically amputated in a motorcycle accident) does ‘somewhat’ affect my thinking (or winning the lottery), but as for other men, and especially the dead…they affect me not at all”. I am what is full only of self generated, independent, and immune in all, to other’s reason.” Even what might be called “their reason” for being.

I am…sound. (Which has its own interesting applications if considered)

Says the man denying the effects Aristotle, Jefferson, the Caesars, or “The Jeffersons” TV show, or Bob his neighbor down the road (who always leaves his trash cans out “too long” after pick up) upon himself…much less Jack the farrier who lived and died obscurely (at least to himself) in 1604. Every ripple by every stone ever cast into the earth…or rising up from it…a man is in “owing to” and obligation to, and “interlocked” till released. Even that first rat (and microbe) carrying plague. And even all the “unknown” plagues that never were.

Of course you could tell such a one (and would or might) Jesus is the unlocking from Adam and each and every motion as ordained in hope by another. To perfect frustration. Freedom has only one meaning in the Lord’s mouth. Total. Free indeed…is not short of that.

But do not be surprised (nor shocked) if told you are presenting the impossible. Or mocked for it.

The believer must laugh if he senses allowance. Not only at the imagined estate (as no doubt once he even held, recognizing a man he once knew) but also in great joy for what he now knows is made His through Christ…”Come, let us reason together”. A God not only approachable…but waiting.

The thing is that even in such laughter (if it be allowed) if he remains in his earth, as in his tent (longing to be clothed) he cannot but likewise concede to all his “unknown unknowns”. What is known “may be” actually known by the man, but what he does not know he does not even know is also, and no less; and if he does not concede to “it” he must also then consider his knowing exquisite.

But, (and and) God has a way. To make Himself known…as knower. Of what man does not.

Someone said it this way:

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

It is not necessarily an evil thing of itself to say “I know the knower” if able to likewise embrace:

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?

It does appear…impossible. To embrace all a man does not know…he does even know he does not know.

But for one single man…who…despite his “seeming” being as well known remains in a great obscurity in, (and the how of His ability do this)…it is not done.

One man wrote:

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Every man (and all creation) is absolutely pinioned by the word of God. Only one man came to free what resists it in all rebellion and all display of denial. To even reveal joy and such liberty as is made freely given in submission and surrender.

Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace.

Sue for terms of peace. They are surely surprising…always.

Come, let us reason together.
Says the one it is impossible to conquer, or escape.

Returning then to this matter of attitude regarding the scripture(s), compounded into what we call the Bible, their benefit(s) to us and precious nature, what do we do when we find in particular something written there, or at least in particular part that we call an epistle…something that says “this is not the Lord”, but a man’s expressed opinion?

But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

“speak I, not the Lord”. (which a few lines before Paul speaks of matters by instruction as “from the Lord”, and not of himself.)

I am not, (again) looking to, or for, contradiction except as might be toward some particular stance or attitude that may neither serve us, nor the faith of the son of God, well.

To blithely say “I believe the Bible as it is, all of God’s word(s), without exception or need of interpretation (have you ever heard that?) and (in some sense)…even a particular sense…”see it as written in stone.” Unchangeable, unopen to query or question…even so that in many forms it is considered a sort of heresy to even consider…question. And if we likewise “own” that epistle as part and parcel of it, you may see something in need of understanding or resolution. Lest we be quite ignorant of “owning” all we say we own to such a full throated endorsement. No, I am not saying anything shows contradiction or is in need of resolution due to deficit…except perhaps our own attitude/relationship with, and to, the scripture(s).

You see the issue. It is plain. In the Bible is plainly spoken by a man in, and of, a particular place…”this ain’t God/the Lord…speaking…just me”. No, to me it’s not a big deal in the sense of it being a contradiction to anything but an attitude that appears facile, if not superstitious, in the handling of the scriptures. And though I do not agree with another opinion once shared, nevertheless it is plain by it that this matter of “what is” to be a true attitude about this thing we call the Bible was set quite a bit more to some doubt by one appraising, and is reported to have said of James letter, calling it “an epistle of straw”.

If I have anything to say here it is surely not in matter of doctrine till it be raised as such, and to such, but attitude and expression of faith. And no doubt…some have felt free to raise it to matter of doctrine, even dogma in many statements (so called) of faith by denominations, particular churches or gatherings, etc. And God knows how such a thing as might be called “having faith in the Bible” is so easily (and often, I am persuaded) equated to having faith in Christ, or that particular faith called (yes, even in the scriptures) “the faith of the Son of God”.

I am not so naive as to imagine this is of some subtlety, for if believing the scriptures (as inclusive of an entirety that is from Genesis to Revelation) one must confront the Christ of God, Jesus, and find no place as claim might be made that such is damaging to the faith. God forbid. Again, God forbid.

Yet there remains that very particular matter spoken by Jesus of those who had some assumptions (even presumptions) in regards to the scripture(s). It bears repeating, as none of Jesus’ words ever do not bear repeating:

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

It should at least be plain it is possible (at very least) to have some mistaken notion about the scriptures, particularly in regard to that eternal life only Christ provides. No claim of “but I believe all the Bible” or any such, or even holding such out as a matter of faith (as being equated to the faith) can possibly avail. If the (or any fellowship) is predicated upon, even as by a restriction to an assent of anything “about the Bible” as in “before one is acceptable” he must have this prescribed attitude in regards to the scriptures, for this is “our” statement of faith…little do such understand the vanity of it. No oaths taken to it, nor upon it, nor by it, mean anything. But then again, no such, of even the Lord, mean anything.

(As in “I swear to God I am not a liar!”)

The church is all who are born of the spirit of God through Jesus Christ’s ministry of life to those whom He wills, and there is nothing except that spirit that both testifies to, and provides entrance. No matter how sublime anything other may seem or be esteemed as salubrious, may even seem of some necessity as assurance to any or other, to either add, or demand for qualification, and no less, to acquiesce to such either shows childish naivete to matters of the spirit, a deceitful spirit, or just simple ignorance. Only spirit is spirit, and only spirit is given…to recognize spirit. The unfortunate matter in all of this is that it is not unusually those who either call themselves, or are recognized as leaders, so often endorse and practice such measures.

There is a statement of faith, in truth the only one that is given to man of God that suffices to all matters spiritual and of spirit. It can neither be added to, nor detracted from. And every man entering is learning he is being tested for the reality of that first testimony made…not to the end that he be disqualified, but that it might be proved in his very sight (and to the Lord’s delight) that it come forth as purest and most valuable estate when holding to that very first of testimony.

No man can commend himself by any display of any discipline of his own making. Nor can he hold any other to it. God knows whether he is faithful to any discipline he has received to himself and rejoicing in the liberty there provided. Be assured, if it is not of God, he will only be ever seeking to shuck such off and on to others as burden first experienced in and of himself.

And not in smallest part this is why I have no issue at all with Paul’s inclusion in his letter of his own opinion, even stating it so. His hope only that, as if found as one faithful (do any believe he is/was?) others might, if able to glimpse what came not as by command but by recommendation to something he had found not only expedient, but a relief, they might know the joy he knew.

But then again, one might find how very often he was about that…being a helper of joy, seeking to take nothing to himself nor for himself, and not even lording over by position or calling even as, and as though, he might, or could.

It is, as some already know (as I do perhaps too well) quite a tempting place to occupy as one “laying down the law”. Surely that does not exclude such esteems by others as toward a one who “brings the word of God” to any or any congregation.

One writer was quite convinced of this estate:

And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. 

That word of necessity is in all belonging.

But, something often happens quite unanticipated when the name of Jesus is either used or appended to anything. It is then up for heaven’s judgment as to all motive and intent(s) to either purify or judge unfit.

And fire will be experienced by all.

And now…this testimony is “up for judgment”.

Lord, be pleased to show mercy.

Two posts ago there was mention of certain things in the writings, that is in the scriptures, that were mentioned. There was no claim there that these two, at least, presented any contradiction. At least not as contradiction of the writings themselves, but not without some note of their being in contradiction to certain attitudes about the writings, particularly as often expressed.

And God knows I am not seeking to undermine anyone’s faith, nor cast even the slightest doubt as has been encountered by the many who (often identifying themselves as atheists) care to bring up multiple places where they see, or say, the Bible contradicts itself and is therefore worthless. Here I am only addressing fairly common attitudes and predispositions that may be shown as less than fruitful. At least as far as I am persuaded, God knows.

In this matter, this saying of Jesus is of utmost saliency:

Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?

And surely not without mention of this also:

‘Ye search the Writings, because ye think in them to have life age-during, and these are they that are testifying concerning me; and ye do not will to come unto me, that ye may have life; (Young’s Literal Translation for clarity)

In the first quote of above there is no translation that shows “the” for your in “Is it not written in your law…” (Italics mine)

What Jesus could have said is always moot, for He says what He says. And it is not without note that in that particular exchange some were contending with Jesus over the matter of blasphemy, and that such blasphemy by Him was both indictable and provable by their reliance upon the law and scripture(s). They believed that they were right in saying

For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. (For they all believed they were properly schooled of the scriptures in regards to this, and probably not exclusive of this:

God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: (And I am not here seeking to make anything relative to Christ’s divinity nor deity, as germane as that might seem) No, simply His referencing of another scripture…which he then ascribes as in “your law“. Do I doubt Jesus’ relationship to that scripture as though He were distancing Himself from it by saying “your law” instead of “the law”? Not at all.

And as surely as Jesus well understood the assumptions (and more…presumptions) of those who, believing themselves so adherent to, and expert in the scriptures would then use them as means of accusation against Him, He was by plain statement saying if you say “these are yours (and bound to them) then you are no less bound to all of them”. Jesus was not trying to wiggle out of their accusation by use of another scripture, but plainly showing both their own ignorance of, and cherry picking (for their own ends) of the scriptures…Jesus even allowing them a full ownership in saying “your law”. But if you claim some ownership (as Jesus well knew they did) than you are under obligation to own all.

If understood in the light, the second quote says so much more (about ignorance, presumption, reluctance, resistance and stiffneckedness)

‘Ye search the Writings, because ye think in them to have life age-during, and these are they that are testifying concerning me; and ye do not will to come unto me, that ye may have life;

Oh, but Jesus is far too bold here if one can see it. The “all” upon which you (or some present then, or even present today) stand for discovery of eternal life both testify of me (Jesus)…and that no less, this thing you seek and you believe you will find in there (the scriptures) is all of present in me and to any who will come to me…”yet you do not will to come”. In short…despite your many protestations, so called efforts of diligence in seeking…”I know” (Jesus is saying) “You really ain’t after that at all as made plain by refusing to come to me”.

Yes, Jesus is bold. He knows motives and hearts, in all, without exception. In fact in so many other places He makes plain the more plain to Him reason for all that so called effort, diligence and feigned seeking, “you get to look like experts and lords…lording it over God’s inheritance, loving chief seats and greetings…and esteeming yourselves amongst one another; Jesus Himself describing/outlining/delineating one of the chiefest things in prevention of belief:

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Yep, looking good before one another (by whatever metric found attractive) is as much a snare as ever it was, is, and will be. And if you haven’t found yourself not immune to its charms on your own, susceptible even, still with a little “like” (or worse and God forbid, demands, even requests) for amens, one might wonder what man does that one believe Jesus came for to save? Do you not yet even know in yourself in slightest how the merest of acknowledgments from man can then be wrought into the grandest of idol’s temples? Does one not see it?

Have as much care for amens as one is made able (by the cross of Christ alone!) as for derisions. For until that cross is both seen and to whatever extent known, a man is so easily moved by them. Care for neither.

If there be any agreement in truth, or any truth…it is all God’s work. And even if there be derisions, if one is made able to accept it as same hand ministering all things to the believer, derisions too will have a fruitful work also.

Listen if you can. I write as one who has known the biggest suck up among men, seeking their favor. I have also known no man greater than that same man who is more given to self pity when meeting any resistance, contradiction and/or rebuke. I know him…intimately. But and yet, there is no boast of any knowing such a shameful thing…even in its extremity of chiefliness. Compromiser. Bold till blood is called for.
Crown of creation till true Creator batters down gates, walls, and battlements with one slight breath. One who has even (it would be appropriate to here laugh uproariously) used the scriptures in some vain imagination to keep Him at bay:

“This couldn’t possibly be your assault Lord because…”

Yes, if you are able, I needn’t ask for, request, tap my toe in anticipation…for your laughter is a welcome thing, not a sought for thing from you. Yes, please…laugh at him…all you want…and can. You will be doing that man all the favor. But if you cannot or will not, peace to you.

And I at best, though wearing a fools cap, am only, and again only at best, made to be a helper of another’s joy.

If a fall in blind pride, like a man slipping upon a banana peel, is appointed to that joy…yes…it proves the Lord is faithful.

If presumption’s pedestal begins to totter precariously and a man is beheld falling as like from his own erector set, yes, glory to God for His all seeing eye. Not sparing his sight of any man’s own work.

For we can do nothing against the truth, but for it.

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Before going too far with what is written above, and as with any writing (or speaking) that might by pretense, presumption or some unnamable (as in inexplicable) source be found in presentation under what we might call spiritual, every man is pressed to a form of judgement in their regard. Some easily and quickly dismiss all such as useless and vain, not believing there even be any matter(s) of spirit (or spiritual) to discuss. At least according to their response in word. For only God truly knows the mind and heart.

Others, perhaps in some sort of convincing or persuasion that, to them, there are things going on not easily explained nor understood according to some simple mechanisms material, may be called, or call themselves seekers…reaching out beyond the so called physical/material to find substance there. They perceive a curtain blocking or impeding, but not without some persuasion there is something going on beyond or behind it.

Still others may yet maintain, in some religiosity, that there is indeed an all taking place (in some estate of being and by such a Being) in that beyond, but, and and, they are content in whatever form of the religiosity and religion they embrace; that all in that beyond (even the Being of that beyond) is bound to and by their doctrines, dogmas, practices, tribal grouping(s) (is even “itself” in being supported by them) and in necessary support of, their own religion. In short, they support…the god that they believe or confess, supports them. They present a mutuality and necessity of this support.

And no doubt the above is a most facile and superficial (perhaps juvenile) of treatments and description. Boundaries of (my) definitions may be far more fluid than seemingly implied, with some bleed through in any man of what appears at first, my firmness of description. No doubt. For any man is not, just as no man is, bound by my considerations and opinions of him, no matter how I may perceive of any man.

But if I count myself at all (or am to be counted) as amongst those claiming such liberty as claimed (or even glimpsed, merely) in Christ, it would be the utmost of folly to lay claim to such a thing (as given, delivered, provided) as exceeding in its nature of the One providing.

“Whom the son sets free is free indeed” (as another’s work)

For any man claiming any freedom may well be shown the fool if thinking, even while in such liberty, he can lay any claim to of ownership, or leverage by such, the very God he confesses has made him free. Do you see? The man cannot be freer nor have more of liberty (if such a phrasing can stand) than the One providing or making him free. He is yet bound therefore to the very measure by which he ascribes such binding to the Lord, or only alive to as much liberty as he can see. Or has been made real to him. Only a “free” God can make free men, and perhaps not inconsequentially, only a free man can worship (in spirit and truth) such a free God.

This should not (am I allowed to say “should not”?) be strange speaking to any man in Christ. At very least…as far as I am persuaded. Especially if we have ever mouthed, or even considered (even most barely considered) some words written by one often acknowledged as wise amongst us:

In the freedom, then, with which Christ did make you free — stand ye, and be not held fast again by a yoke of servitude; Gal 5:1 (Young’s Literal Translation for clarity)

Christ in His freedom alone, makes one free. It might not be a bad question, therefore, “just how free is the Christ I (or anyone) confesses?” He cannot be restricted by our restrictions, surely, but can we be (are we even called to be) as free as He? If His freedom alone is the measure…we can never exceed, surely, but (and if) we find some lesser notion, the only matter can be a matter of our own sight and God forbid it be blamed on, or laid to His withholding (among His own). Unless we do not yet believe this as made true to any, and such any as sought diligently to broadcast it to all:

And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.

Remembering (and even being forbidden by spirit to forget)

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

Before (we might even ask “how far before?”) that to ourselves we knew, the Christ of God prayed for us. What do we have that we have not received…even as result of that Christ…being that very who who is the Christ in His work? Or…does one think anything they have, they have come to of themselves? A man can receive nothing except it be given him from above. (Italics mine)

And so returning again to the inescapable matter of judgment(s) mentioned at the first do any receive such judgments as from above? The one denying there be anything coming from above or beyond has his own estate. The one measuring by some possibility may well only be left in doubt. And the one left only to measure by what his own religion both prescribes and proscribes can never know anything of either the liberty of our Christ and His Father, who is God over all. Until delivered he is all but left to be bound, and is he himself a minister of such bondage, even as Jesus spoke of some:

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

The bound can only minister bondage. No man can give more than he has. And at (what he might call) his best of self, his best of striving in that estate, even in all effort…will only impart to one (other) self only another self just as, if not more bound, in result.

“I can of mine own self do nothing…” Jesus said.

And no less likewise did He say (surely inclusive of those words immediately above)

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Yes, even those words “of myself I can do nothing” have and are spirit and life to the believer.

How much so, only the believer can either know or yet be informed.

Reject or accept, cast out of hand as folly, superstition, wonder over (as seeker) as possibility, or reject as being unacceptable to any religion and its religious strictures that lay bonds upon any for adherence; it matters not at all, ultimately…except, except as God alone chooses their ingrafting.

No man can convince another, nor is equipped to for any convincing of another, that the self is even insufficient to be…itself. It’s judgments are unsustainable, its view so limited by the very self it exalts, its works no less; that will and must, always appear right in its own eyes. And of which it must eventually, no matter how diligently it might be resisted by the most religious of piety, if scratched deeply enough will always betray its coming from…self.

Who can save such? Who alone?

For we know, if we have been convinced, that today’s most stridently religious man full of all persecutions may be tomorrow’s esteemed apostle. Today’s one swearing he knows Him not at all, no less. And the one wondering as seeker just “reading” may be tomorrow’s Ethiopian eunuch.

And all will be stood, if, and as ordained to be, upon its Head.

The tables are turned, even overturned in all, by spirit only.
Even and especially, all our merchant’s table.

And the church alone is ordained to pass into eternity in hold of life.

May she see where she is. Even now.