Taking another swing through the creosote and prickly pear, with a song in my heart

For the unscrupulous, grasping man is an abomination to the Lord, extremely disgusting and detestable; but His confidential communion and secret counsel are with the righteous, those who are upright and in right standing with Him. Proverbs 3:32

The whole point of Proverbs 3 is here: it is simply good, blessed living to walk in the wisdom of the God, and walking in my own counsel and the counsel of the world is foolish. On a totally practical, not-pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by.  

Because really, each of us longs for the inward peace, the confidential communion with God.

Even in the overwhelming onslaught of newsfeeds and suggested posts and tweets, it is possible to discern what is good and honorable and life giving. And on what side of the fence we want to land, with the scoffed and scorned, or with those receiving undeserved favor: the low in rank, the humble and even the afflicted. The wise shall inherit glory and all honor and good, but shame is the highest rank conferred on self-confident fools.

And worldly wisdom stands on the street corners with flattering words to distract me from my path. But it is possible to not be beguiled by bright colors and preset tones.  Wisdom too is in the streets, raising her voice in the marketplace, She cries at the head of the noisy intersections in the chief gathering places; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: How long, O simple ones, open to evil, will you love being simple? And the scoffers delight in scoffing and self-confident fools hate knowledge? If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I, Wisdom, will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.

And Webster’s defines communion as “the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level.” And this is what I am promised, if I turn and give heed. And He promises counsel in the secret of my heart, even if the decisions are hefty and unclear. He is my confidence, firm and strong. And Wisdom’s spirit will be poured out upon me, and she will make her words known to me.

Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning,
for in Thee do I trust.
Cause me to know they way wherein I shall walk
for I lift up my soul to Thee.

Lead me onto the paths everlasting,

Teach me to do Your will.

Quicken me Oh LORD.

For I lift up my soul unto Thee

Amen

Good Friday indeed

And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him,“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” Luke 23:42-43

So last night there was a combined service at the Vineyard with Epicenter. And first of all we were served the most simple of baked potatoes piled high with the most amazing of flavors– crispy chorizo, simmered mushrooms and avocado hearts, curried vegetables, chunks of bacon, Greek yogurt– the choice was ours.  The gathered community of individuals united by His love. Our quite extended family stretched out on the Dondé está Spot quilt as the sifting rosy gold sunset roiled overhead, amongst the olive trees.

We entered as directed in silence to the front pew section, into a reflection of both the horror and beauty of that terrible night, the fulcrum of justice and grace. The music swirled into a giant tidal wave that bathed my soul in its depth and power.  

And once again we were reminded of Him in whose steps we follow.  Even in the midst of physical torture in which each sucking breath burned, even in the midst of emotional heartbreak–the turning of the back by the beloved Father, even in the midst of spiritual destruction as the full brunt of sin and justice fell upon His shoulders, He noticed.  And paused.  And saw.  In love. 

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. I am not bound by my humanity with all of it broken limitations.   May Christ live in me.  With love and mercy, proffered in His amazing grace.  How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me.  

Selah.

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