Gone Before

{Jeremiah 10}

Our steps always end up going the wrong direction, no matter how hard we try…
Because “the way of man is not in himself.”*

Our only security is to follow the footsteps of Him who has gone before.

Embedded for centuries they stand unsullied, undamaged. They are engraved on a path strewn with rocks, sprinkled with blood and hedged about by thorns. Yet to the one who will closely examine the narrow track, they are there—ready to feel the tread of yet another soldier plant their feet firmly in their impress.

They will endure forever—a testimony to the One who has gone before…

*{Jeremiah 10:23}

His Glory; Our Song

{Jeremiah 9}

Heart-melting…
Thorough testing…
Lessons in true wisdom…
The hidden gift of adversity…

Yes, these are His means for shaping soldiers. True soldiers.
And it is when we are smelted in His crucible that we learn our human wisdom is futile.

“Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom… but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me…” {Jeremiah 9:23, 24}

When we know Him, all apparent hardships become fodder for glory’s blaze.

His glory is our song.

Raising the Standard

{Jeremiah 4}

What has become of our standards? Our morals? The things our ancestors gave their lives for?
They hang tattered and neglected in moth-infested closets, forgotten by this generation.

“Set up the standard toward Zion…” says the faithful prophet.

We would do well to heed his plea.

...

Restoration of our standards can occur.
Our lives can reflect the King of Zion.

Under the marching orders of the Commander,
                                    we must unfurl our banners,
                                                hold the standard high,
                                                            march unashamedly
                                                                        live for one purpose alone—

… to show Christ to the world.
   
We are in His army. Let us hold the standard high.

This Day; This Battle

A silent mantle of mist slowly rises as sunlight creeps down the coniferous hillside.  

I walk. I run. I wrestle. I pray.

It is a theme I cannot deny. 
Everywhere I turn, everywhere I go, I see fresh reminders of its undisguised reality.

Thoughts in the shower,
     wood-splitting with my brother,
          conversations with friends,
               work with saws and sanders,
                    recent blogposts,
                         a walk with my dear Mother,
                              family worships and personal devotions…

Evidences are everywhere.
There is a real battle to fight. Conflicts to engage in. Souls to be won.

Rest is not an option. There is no time to live mediocre Christianity.
I’m learning, a part-time Christian is no Christian at all.

In my half-asleep reality, it seems so real. The wrestling arena is filled. 

The atmosphere is intense. And then I see Him. His powerful form causes 

the strongest black-cloaked wrestler to shudder. There is no question who 

will come off Victor. My Savior can win every wrestling match. 

So it’s off to the thick of battle…
I must wrestle for those who cannot wrestle for themselves, holding the arm of the Divine.

“If God be for us, who can be against us?”