Up, Up and Away Or Down, and Down to Duty Offered by Doug Blair, Kitchener ON, 2022
Just like a glorious gondola balloon... June 29, 2022
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Well here we go with a large balloon sent in your direction...churches and so many of them have left off preaching the Four Gospels. Now it is enablement for greater use in the gifts of the spirit (1st Corinthians 12 and 14). Gifts are mostly given, not instructed. It becomes a selfish package of self actualization. Rather that a pilgrim, continuously being broken and cleansed, works on the love affair with elder Brother and Shepherd Jesus. I used to spend a lot of time reading Letters of Samuel Rutherford (Scotland Mid 1600’s). He was often quoting from Canticles and calling both men and women “bride” material. The Love had all the ups and downs of marriage. Our soaking in those four Gospels IMPARTS Christ to our innermost being. You KNOW what to do, what to say, what to avoid. It is Jesus. You are slowly and most loyally taking in the mind of Christ. Read again the first two chapters of Corinthians First Letter.
This focal approach does not need pastor’s seven point ethical talk. You know the one, listing seven reminders that all start with the letter “b”. Mere memory work for the head and for ineffective imitation. Carnal. Spiritual knowledge is the topic of Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 3. Yowsah.
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Go there. Live there. Serve there. Rejoice there. https://histocall.blogspot.com/2022/06/foot-washing.html
Program Comes in Way Down the List
Just talk to any of the local churches. Their members will be quick to describe programs, lunches, carnival activities, sporting pass-times, book clubs and motivational packages having nothing to do with Jesus Christ, His Gospel or burdens for the anxious and hurting. In our own Community; not necessarily in the Dark Continent or Far East. The “seeker sensitive” approach is intended to “get the fish into the boat before they get cleaned up”. BUT, and there is a big but, the ones arriving are usually not broken or contrite or malleable to the comforts intended to be ministered by the Holy Ghost. No legitimate conversion. Just a “wannabee” short lived thrill and goosebumps. Service for the Lord becomes just a matter of helping to bear the weight of some of these silly activities. Doing one’s duty every Sunday morning. Or maybe just a moral and healthy venue for family. Might as well be just another Recreation Club. The Saints in Heaven sigh at such pathetic side eddies to the Mainstream of “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”. What about that constant soaking in the stories and lessons of the Four Gospels? That and the Book of Acts and Psalms must produce the goods. Not just a matter of healthy literature; rather it imparts/begets Life and a growing sense of spiritual ears to hear the whispers of the Master; to acquire the Knowledge of God, the Mind of Christ.
Pathfinder 3
June 23, 2022
final approach to Port Dover ON.
Cannot sleep Toss and turning Current pressures Plague the mind. Know that prayer
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Holds all the answers. Pointless ennui Left behind. Friends who matter Batter faith's poise Tell me oft' To shut it down. (Antichrist in Other fashion Wrenches courage Grabs the Crown.) NO. This will not be Today's plague. Neither robbing
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Faith nor fact. Raise my face up Holy Spirit. Come in closer. Help, and act. Ours a Story Full of rescue Inspiration Comfort true. Tell me briefly In your Wisdom (1 Corinthians 1) Where's the Pathway Where's the Power Coming through?
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DB.
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