Could heaven be heaven because...

Could heaven be heaven partly because all the obstacles to fully knowing God are removed?

Just a thought.

What do you think?

“But the man who loves God is known by God.” 1 Cor. 8:3

the tragedy at Ft Hood is so horrible. Brought even closer to home since my company is working there. We had several crews on base when it happened. Yesterday at church Jack shared a prayer he found on Scot McKights website JesusCreed. I thought it was appropriate.

Gracious God, the comfort of all who sorrow, the strength of all who
suffer: Let the cry of those in misery and need come to you, that they may find
your mercy present with them in all their afflictions; and give us, we pray, the
strength to serve them for the sake of him who suffered for us, your Son Jesus
Christ our Lord. Amen.

"...promise them heaven, they’ll follow you to hell"

Tuesday's NY Times had an article about runaways, life on the street and how it often leads to prostitution. It featured a quote from a pimp that left me stunned.

“With the young girls, you promise them heaven, they’ll follow you to hell,” said Harvey Washington, a pimp...

What shocked me was how we ALL are prone to fall for this trick, this scheme of the devil. Who hasn't seen first hand the 'promise' of success, money, sex or the like lead good men and women to leave their families, cheat their employers or fall into ruin of some kind. And who hasn't heard the sirens call of temptation? This pimp gave voice to the devil himself.

For the young women being ensnared I pray 2 Tim 2:26:

"...that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will."

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/27/us/27runaways.html?_r=1

The pursuit of self...

How easy it is to drift through our days missing the point of this gift called life. It's too darn easy to slip into the mistake of thinking it's all about me. I know I find myself there... too often.

In the intro to Ken Gire's book 'Windows of the Soul' he makes a good observation about our self-obsession:

"The pursuit of self is what most of us have been doing for much of our lives, even our spiritual lives. But the self is a cul-de-sac, and eventually we end up where we started. Footsore and just as frustrated, just as unfulfilled. Feeling we're a failure, or worse, a fraud."

he goes on to say...

"We long for more than the routine walk around the religious block. We long for the companionship of God."

Yes Lord... that’s it! I long for something real, something genuine and lasting. Something greater than myself. Something divine. And I know that is friendship with You. Lead me along paths that don't dead-end in bland selfishness but ascend into the wilds. To the places you inhabit. amen

Windows of the Soul

I'm working my way through Ken Gire's little book "Windows of the Soul". It's a book I've had for some time but never finished.

The dust cover says "Gire points to a world infused with the voice of One who can transform our backyard shrubs into burning bushes lit by his presence. His voice penetrates the raw material of our lives, speaking through Scripture and prayer, a painting or poem, the remark of a friend or a night sky filled with stars."

I like that.

In the middle of the book while making a referance to Jacob and the angel he has a nice little poem:

In dislocating my hip, God taught me to cling.
In making me limp, He had taught me to lean...
not on my own two legs, but on Him.

Augustine’s prayer of deliverance

I've recycled one of my posts from 2005:

Here’s Augustine’s prayer of deliverance in my words:

Blessed are all your children, O God-King,
who have voyaged over the raging seas of this crazy existence,
and have made your safe-harbor.

Watch over those of us who are still at sea,
and remember those who lie exposed to the perfect storm
of trial, trouble and temptation.

Our boat is rickety, and the ocean is wide and fearful;
but your mercy has set our course,
so steer our craft towards the shore of peace.

Bring us to the quiet harbor of our hearts desire, where you, O God, are blessed.
Where your kingdom rules for ever and ever. Amen

link to old devotional site

Here is a link back to my old devotional site:

http://stevepack.spaces.live.com/

my re-newed devotional blog "The Listening Post"

I had a devotional blog a few years back but let it lapse. Time to get back to the discipline of a regular devotional blog. Hope the Lord gives me something to say.... :)