Rottenness

What a beautiful storm! The cloud formations were awe-inspiring (though such a cliche phrase does not do them justice). The sound of the tree falling and the crash it made into the house sent my family and I into surreal mode. My family--safe! My house (rented)--in need of repair. My kids now call it the "broken house." So...now we stay with mom until the big move.
I had a friend look at the tree a day later. He instantly noticed the reason of the fall--rottenness. To me the tree looked fine, but there was mold growing in the tree. A sure sign of rottenness. So, when the beautiful storm came through the rottenness was exposed. Once my friend pointed it out I easily could see what he was talking about, but before I really never cared.
You probably think I am going to draw an analogy of sin and trials. If we don't deal with the sin in our lives when trials come...crash. No...I'm thinking the storm was good. The tree is now where it needs to be. The only way to deal with rottenness...crashing to our face. Realizing that we are all rotten to the core. Realizing we are all incapable of saving ourselves. Realizing we can do nothing about the state in which we are in. The human condition is rotten! I pray the Wind come and...crash! "Blessed are those who are poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." I never noticed the rottenness. It took a strong wind. I never cared.

"Holy Spirit come and cleanse me from my rottenness. Grace me to be holy, as you are holy!"

Granted, the analogy falls short at a point. Granted, the tree is dead. Granted, it will never be again. Yet, when the Wind knocks me to my face, my rottenness is removed.


Soli Deo Gloria,
Skolex

Curious...

What is it that the world needs today? Do an experiment: take a look (just a look, don't dig too deep) at your church or a church you are interested in, your favorite institution, or organization. What are they advertising? What are they doing? Are these things that the world needs? Are they important?

I'm just curious.

Allegiance

Yahweh demands our complete and total allegiance. Yahweh—the same God that created everything out-of-nothing, who gives life and death, who sent His Son for the sheep, who ordained His Son to die and raise again, who promised to return, who is in control of all history, who sustains the universe, who destines all for His glory, this Yahweh, seeks our total devotion. Anything less is idolatry! To follow Jesus one must deny himself/herself. To follow Jesus one must despise earthly glory. To follow Jesus one must be the bearer of grace.
How unlike us to want Jesus! I naturally, in and of myself, want nothing but vain satisfaction and earthly treasure. If not for God’s grace I would forever seek sin. If not for God’s grace I would forever long for death. I never sought God, rather He sought me and called me to be His own. I was dead! Dead men do not talk. Dead men do not seek! Dead is dead! Until that glorious day when God said, “Lazarus, come out!” Until that day I never wanted, nor sought, anything but worthless rags. I did not, and do not, merit this gift.
“Father, forgive me for thinking I had anything to do with my salvation. You demand an allegiance only you can provide. Thank you for grace!”