An end lies in the future;
it could be imminent…perhaps remote,
but seldom is in view.
To reach the end will somehow tell the tale.
Some basic tools to measure,
in order to prevent a sideline note
of pleasures to pursue
or dark distraction that will hide the trail.
A tool drawn from the pocket…
a soul of charity…a giving love…
that’s selfless, true, and good…
to realize that others walk along.
Another is enjoyment
of life…to do and see and look above
the circumstance that would
make many travelers weep and only see the wrong.
Dig deeply; find contentment…
a peace to over-tread anxieties
that pummel from all sides,
and know that inner peace transcends each blow.
Whether climbing or descent,
find hope that’s just ahead
and then foresees
the goal where all abides,
although the trail is difficult and slow.
But recognize the true fact:
That hearts are empty shells to hold each tool.
It is not self-empowered;
the source is from beyond this mortal clay.
Easy to get off the track,
where each wayward step tells “here is a fool!”
Or if the path is flowered
with seeds that have been planted on the way.
Missteps may happen often
throughout the journey long; the path is drawn
and ready for the tread
of feet that keep in step to reach the aim.
The tools availed will soften
opposing threats that throng from dark to dawn.
The purpose lies ahead,
and just beyond success is there to claim.
Tags: Aim, Aim Tools, Anxieties, Basic Tools, Charity, Circumstance, Contentment, Distraction, Empty Shells, Feet, Fool, Hearts, Inner Peace, Journey, Love, Pleasures, Seeds, Sideline, Travelers, True Fact
11 Apr 2009 /
miscellaneous
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CORRUPTED BY FALL ←
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IMAGE OF GOD
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→ RESTORED BY CALVARY
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Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. I John 2: 15-16
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So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1: 27
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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, good- ness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23
(The communicable attributes of God)
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Lust of the flesh
· Unleashed passions and pleasures, self-gratification
· Desire for happiness based on positive circumstance
· Conflict
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Emotion
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Love – agapé , love that seeks the welfare of another
Joy – not based on circumstance but reflects an inner condition
Peace – contentment despite turmoil, hardship, or unrest
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Lust of the eyes
· Thoughts, attitudes, motives based on covetousness
· Greed and materialism
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Intellect
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Kindness – thoughts, attitudes, motives based on the welfare of another
Faithfulness – loyalty to God that characterizes thoughts, attitudes, and motives
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Pride of life
· Power and control based on selfish pursuit
· Desire to be in control of own life – wanting to be own god
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Will
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Longsuffering – patience with no expectation of change this side of death or Christ’s return
Goodness – obedience to God based on desire to please Him
Gentleness—meekness, humility, willingness to be led
Self Control—a temperate life, living a fully textured life, commitment to right living as opposed to selfish living
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IDOLATRY
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DEVOTION
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Tags: Attributes Of God, Circumstance, Contentment, Covetousness, Fruit Of The Spirit, Galatians 5 22, Genesis 1, Gentleness, Greed, Humility, Image Of God, Intellect, Kindness, Lust Of The Flesh, Materialism, Motives, Obedience To God, Passions, Self Control, Self Gratification Desire
