I recognize that I have acquired many new readers in the last month, so I will explain that monthly I review my personal journal, and in it search for nuggets or musings that I find provocative. Usually they inspire a full length article, or just as likely, they are standalone thoughts on God’s inspired Word. These are from the month of July.
There are hidden bits in my carnal soul that must be rooted out as well. I would love to get through Heaven’s gates with them still intact, but I know they, too, must die; the smallish amount of pride, bitterness, and ugly behaviour. For if this mustard seed of faith can move a mountain, surely a mustard seed of doubt can build one.
Christ tells us to listen to wise counsel, advice and wisdom from others; but He also pushes us to a state we do not enjoy and fewer people will understand.
The eloquence of speech is never the prerequisite to Heaven or Heaven’s ear; it is not by our flattering words we incline God’s ear, nor is it how we incline the unbeliever’s heart. By simple, foolish words, the Gospel draws men to repentance; not a show.
Prepare yourself to lead a quiet life; Chesterton reminded me yesterday how fame or notoriety can do little good, and usually just get in the way.
My goal is simple: lead a quiet life, mind my own business, and work with my hands. The world would have it that this way of life is selfish; they say it needs to be broader and more exuberant to reach further and “do” more. But I say, nay. Jesus knew how broad Rome was; but He focused on the 12. If I focus on my children, we will get to Rome later. And it may be the generations hence, i.e. Paul.
Changing the world has little to do with loud, moving, and flustered; especially anything to do with greed and manipulation.
Pride will be the end of us all.
It’s as though the more I loosen my grip on the desire for companionship, the more I receive it. As I searched for it, I could not find; As I searched for Christ, the more I found. But one can not learn this until they have experienced the feelings of absolute isolation.
I can feel lonely in a packed room; I can feel comforted in isolation. The difference is only Christ in me.
Living for the sake of living is not life; living for the sake of dying is. Earn your death.
I find such wholesome, honest, hard-working people in the country.
Obedience is God’s love language. If you love Him, you will obey. “Go to the other side of the lake”; “You feed them.” “Make disciples”. There’s no ‘why’ or ‘how’ explained. Only Do.
Keith G. Alderman 