DELUSIONS OF GRANDEUR

I love this picture. It captures, in a delightfully mocking manner, the exact spirit of the disease someone called, "delusions of grandeur." This image is actually a parody of a painting of Napoleon by the famous French Neoclassicist painter, David; a contemporary of Napoleon, and the formal painter of the French Revolution. (http://www.danielriceart.net/Napoleon_horse.jpg )

Look around the world, heck, for that matter, look around your family; you will see people eaten up with this disease. Most of them, however, are completely blind to it, and to its destructiveness. Make no mistake, only grief, pain, sorrow and remorse awaits the one who is consumed by this disease.

There is, in the gospels, a story about a "rich, young, ruler" who came to Jesus and asked how he might acquire "eternal life." Sounds like a nice question, but the answer unraveled him.

This is one of those stories told in all three of the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), so it must have been a pretty important story.

This is what Mark's gospel says, "As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. "Good teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 18 "Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good — except God alone. Mark 10:17-18 NIV

Well, there is a lot to unpack in that question, along with the fact that Jesus' response caused the man to walk away a few moments later, unable to follow Christ. But it is interesting to note, that the scriptures records that Jesus felt compassion for the man. He did not condemn him. Ponder this whole account. It has many nuances. See what YOU come up with.

Why did this man decide he did not really want to follow Jesus after all?

This man's problem is every person's problem, we think wrongly about just about everything we think we know, especially wrongly about ourselves. Without a better vantage point, our "perspectives" will not only remain insufficient, but they will be quite incorrect as well. It is our perspectives that need to go, not Christ's. We are the ones in need of an attitude change. We are the one's whose paradigms need to be replaced. Our desire for success in the world's eyes might, in fact, make us an enemy of all that is holy.

I can just imagine what Jesus Christ would say to Donald Trump. Trump may be a wonderful man, I do not know, but I know he has great wealth and thinks very highly of himself. This is always a dangerous combination. I wonder what Jesus would say to him. Would he give "the Donald" special treatment because of his success in real estate and business? I am pretty sure the answer to that question would be "no."

Though God loves "the Donald" as much as any other of his creatures, and not one ounce less, I am guessing that Jesus is not really that impressed by Trump's "ability" to succeed in business. Trump's abilities don't impress God one bit. God is the one who gave him those abilities in the first place. Probably what God is more interested in is Trump's "availability" to lift the burden of poverty and suffering off the lives of those to whom God would send him. Probably what God is interested in is whether Donald is available to build God's kingdom rather than his own.

I am kind of thinking Jesus might say something like, "Well, Donald, you know I love you with an enormous love, and I gave you profound gifts. You have been very diligent in making them work well for you, and I am pleased that you are faithful with the gifts I gave you, but have you yet imagined that I might have given them to you in order that you might do great good in this world - that you might use my gifts in a way that would change the world for the better? What will you gain in the end, my friend, if you end up owning all the real estate in America and yet missed your truest purpose in life, or lost your own true self? What good will all your awesome business transactions serve, if you never become all I intended for you to become?" Of course, Jesus would say it much better than that. It would not only sound cooler, but, of course, it would be more succinct and penetrating.

Is "the Donald" doing what God wants? I don't know, but whether it is him or me, I do know that success is NOT the measure of a man, but faithfulness is. Only time will tell if "the Donald" and I have wasted our lives, or invested them wisely. One thing I know I do not want to hear from God is, "You're fired." Hearing that might give one a rather sick feeling in the pit of their stomach.

There is in everyone of us, whether Christ-Follower or not, a sense that our life matters, that we are significant, that we were created for something great and wonderful. We long to discover and to fulfill our purpose on this planet.

The Bible is VERY clear that we were meant for greatness, but it is equally clear about the fact that none of us will ever understand what that greatness is, what that purpose is, what that significance is without first having humbled ourselves beneath the might hand of God. Yes, YOU were meant to be great, and powerful, and influential, and all that grand stuff, but the closest any of us will get to it is miles away from what was intended without the right approach.

Human beings who try to achieve greatness on their own ruin their own lives and the lives of others. We botch everything we touch. There is no way we can become truly great on our own - not in the sense in which it was intended by God. It takes the Creator to fulfill the purposes of each individual; only he can make you all you were intended to be, yet most people will not go to him to become all he intended for them - though, thank God, many will.

Imagine what the "rich, young, ruler" could have been had he done what Jesus told him to do. As it is, he was great in his own eyes. He was wealthy in his own eys. He was good in his own eyes, but he missed his purpose in life by a million miles. Imagine it . . . he literally had the opportunity to be a genuine follower of the historical Jesus, and he passed it up . . . for material wealth. We can see how ignorant that was for him, but aren't we doing the exact same thing when we would rather hold onto our own values and our own ideas about ourselves than to let them go and serve Christ -- and those he loves?

Here is something to think about. Napoleon is a great example of this, as are countless other despicable characters in human history. Had Napoleon's tragedy not been so enormous; had thousands upon thousands died at his hands; had Europe and the world not been brutalized by the arrogant scourge that was Napoleon, he would have been a laughable character. He was one of those who was completely devoured by his own "delusion of grandeur."

C. S. Lewis, in his book, The Great Divorce, has a paragraph about Napoleon. You might want to dig it out and find that passage. It is quite interesting. In fact that book is quite fascinating, especially with regard how this particular disease affects certain characters in the book. I don't think he ever uses this term, but you will be able to locate those who meet its criteria.

Here is the cure for this disease. It comes from the Apostle James. He says, "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." Submit yourselves, then, to God . . . Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." James 4:6-10 NIV

God really does have greatness planned for your life. You know in your heart that it is true. You feel its power inside your own soul, but you will never have it in the way it was meant to be, unless you humble yourself before the one who alone knows how to bring your life into true fruitfulness. Why not pause right now and ask him to give you more grace? He will do it. For it is only through his grace that true greatness will find you. Change your life and change the future history of this planet. Humble yourself now, and see what God might do through you.

PROPHET AS ARTIST

Photo/Dale Guldan

Here's an article worth pondering.

Prophet sells his art for $100 or $1,000 but sets no price on reading people's souls
Posted: April 4, 2002 - by Crocker Stephenson
SOURCE: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=32387

The first time I visited the prophet, it was maybe three years ago.

I had seen him, in the dead of winter, out on North Ave., not far from the Oriental Theatre. He was wearing several hats and several coats, as was his custom, and he was standing in front of a fence. Leaning against the fence were three or four of his paintings, the paint on them not yet dry. He was asking a hundred dollars apiece for them.

I knew that in a gallery, a painting by Prophet Blackmon could cost well over $1,000, and I knew that sometimes, when he was out of money, Prophet Blackmon would go into the galleries, pull his paintings off the wall, and sell them in the street for whatever anyone was willing to pay him.

I stopped at his place the next day. It's a tattered old tool factory on the north side. It's surrounded by a chain-link fence, the fence topped with barbed wire and always padlocked, even when he's inside.

"Prophet Blackmon!" I called.

A few minutes passed. Then the door opened, and Prophet Blackmon stepped out. His face was covered with soot, and black smoke billowed out from the door behind him.

Before he became a full-time street preacher and a part-time artist, Prophet Blackmon was a full-time street preacher and a part-time shoe repairer.

Between coughs, he told me he had run out of lumber for his three wood stoves, but God had provided him with plenty of extra shoes, and, cold as it was, shoes were what he was burning for heat.

"Shoes make a good fire," he told me, "but they make a lot of smoke before they get going."
Last year, someone opened a lumberyard beside Prophet Blackmon's place, so I haven't had to worry about how he's keeping warm. But I still stop in to see him from time to time. Usually, we walk a few blocks west to Jake's Deli on North Ave. A lot of local movers and shakers eat lunch at Jake's, including Commissioner of Baseball Bud Selig.

There's a sign behind the counter with Bud Selig's picture on it. It says: "This is the Only Bud We Serve."

Prophet Blackmon is 81 years old. He shuts his eyes tightly when he talks, opening them only at the end of his sentences. He enjoys the corned beef sandwiches at Jake's; he can turn a single sandwich into a couple of meals.

At lunch the other day, Prophet Blackmon leaned out of our booth and toward a woman across the aisle.

"Somebody in your family is sick," he told her.

The woman came over to the table and emptied her heart. Four people in her family were ill. As she spoke, Prophet Blackmon smiled and comforted her. Before she left, he plucked four paper napkins from our table's dispenser, blessed each of them, and told the woman to tuck them in the beds of her sick loved ones.

He jotted his address down on a card and gave it to the woman.

"Here," he said. "If you feel led to send me something, send it here. Also, if you know anybody who would like a painting, tell them about me. I am an artist."

BOOK RECOMMEND

"If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:7)

Jesus is the great stumbling block of faith. It is in him that Christianity finds its uniqueness among the religions of the world. He is the Incarnate Son of God, the unique revelation of the Father. Yet so often, we begin the process of theological formulation not with the person of Jesus, but rather, with philosophical arguments about God's existence and logical constructions to determine God's nature.

How would our understanding be affected if we instead took Jesus as our starting point for doing theology? In Let's Start with Jesus, respected biblical scholar Dennis Kinlaw explores this question, revealing answers that are profound.

In seeking to describe the nature of the relationship God desires with us, he explores three metaphors--royal/legal, familial, and nuptial--which serve as motifs for his reflection. Taking familiar theological categories, Kinlaw views them through the primary lens of the person and work of Jesus, and finds that Jesus reveals rich pictures of the nature of God, the nature of personhood, the problem of sin, the way of salvation, and finally, the means of sanctification via perfect love.

The distilled wisdom of one of this generation's greatest thinkers. Dr. Kinlaw leads you deep into the inner sanctuary of the Holy Trinity and shows you three distinct persons relating to each other in pure reciprocal love.--Robert E. Coleman, Distinguished Professor of Evangelism and Discipleship, Gordon-Conwell Theological SeminaryEvery time I read something written by Dennis Kinlaw my mind is stimulated and my heart strangely warmed.

Let's Start with Jesus is another important book from a truly gifted man.--Lyle W. Dorsett, Billy Graham Professor of Evangelism, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

Kinlaw's revolutionary approach to doing theology is much more than that--it's a revolutionary approach to life. Kinlaw locates ultimate purpose in a place the church has almost totally neglected, and he does so graciously, with powerful, tightly reasoned biblical argumentation.
__________________________

Information from electronic data provided by the publisher. May be incomplete or contain other coding. Library of Congress subject headings for this publication: Theology.Jesus Christ -- Person and offices.

AND NOW . . . FOR SOMETHING AMAAAAAAZZZZING

Catch this video of a digital painting of Evangeline Lilly (Kate), from LOST. Just go to the link below.
It takes a couple minutes to watch, but the music is cool and you will be impressed by what you see.

http://www.leechvideo.com/video/view2996404.html

Digital painting is interesting in speed mode, but this work had to have taken hours. I am not sure why anyone would want to paint this way, other than for the sheer tedium of the experience. I am amazed that this artist prefered a digital method to real paint and canvas. To each their own - as they say. Digital painting still has a long way to go, but it has promise.

Regardless of media preference, this task would not have been easy in any format, especially in pixels. This person really knows what he/she is doing, I will give them that much. :-)

DO YOU NEED GOD'S HELP? I DO.

From Charles Spergeon's devotionals

"I will help thee, saith the Lord."

Isaiah 41:14

Today let us hear the Lord Jesus speak to each one of us: "I will help thee." "It is but a small thing for Me, thy God, to help thee. Consider what I have done already. What! not help thee? Why, I bought thee with My blood. What! not help thee? I have died for thee; and if I have done the greater, will I not do the less? Help thee! It is the least thing I will ever do for thee; I have done more, and will do more. Before the world began I chose thee. I made the covenant for thee. I laid aside My glory and became a man for thee; I gave up My life for thee; and if I did all this, I will surely help thee now. In helping thee, I am giving thee what I have bought for thee already. If thou hadst need of a thousand times as much help, I would give it thee; thou requirest little compared with what I am ready to give. 'Tis much for thee to need, but it is nothing for me to bestow. 'Help thee?' Fear not! If there were an ant at the door of thy granary asking for help, it would not ruin thee to give him a handful of thy wheat; and thou art nothing but a tiny insect at the door of My all-sufficiency. 'I will help thee.'"


O my soul, is not this enough? Dost thou need more strength than the omnipotence of the United Trinity? Dost thou want more wisdom than exists in the Father, more love than displays itself in the Son, or more power than is manifest in the influences of the Spirit? Bring hither thine empty pitcher! Surely this well will fill it. Haste, gather up thy wants, and bring them here--thine emptiness, thy woes, thy needs. Behold, this river of God is full for thy supply; what canst thou desire beside? Go forth, my soul, in this thy might. The Eternal God is thine helper!
"Fear not, I am with thee, oh, be not dismay'd! I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid."

___________


Believe it, becasue it is true.
Do not be afraid to trust him for help.

ATONEMENT - for harmful words spoken

"Atonement," a World War Two romance about two lovers torn apart by a family betrayal and the conflict in Europe . . . " (REUTERS)

BRAVO for a truly excellent film! If you have seen the film ATONEMENT you already know why it won the Golden Globe award for the Best Film Drama. It is a masterful work.

The cinematography, the acting, the sets, and above all the story are all phenomenal. There are moments of tender love and personal loss and sorrow so real, so palpable and so deep that they took my breath away. If you live long enough, or love deep enough, you will identify easily with the sensitivity of emotion dug out in this film; not just with regard to the two lovers, but with the one attempting to make atonement for her own sins. This is a "must see."

This film, a cautionary tale about the power of words to give or destroy lives is much needed in our own time; when people are so deliberately reckless with their words. It reminds me of the Proverb that says, The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Prov 18:21 Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

Once I heard the Lord whisper to my own heart, "If you speak less, you will sin less." Hmmmm. Something to think about. There are so many scriptures in the Bible about "speaking." I have broken every rule about good speech many times over, to my own shame.

Jesus said, "And I tell you this, you must give an account on judgment day for every idle word you speak. The words you say will either acquit you or condemn you." Matt 12:36-37 Holy Bible, New Living Translation ®, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale Charitable Trust. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. All rights reserved.

The words I have spoken in this life thus far, could have been better. This is my growing edge.

Oh Lord, Let the words of my mouth, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable, my strength and my redeemer. (Ps. 19:14)
__________________
Quote Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/domesticNews/idUSN1333194020080114

LESSONS FROM A PENNY

I usually delete internet folklore before I read it, but one of my favorite cousins sent this story to me today, so I read it - and I am glad I did.

This story reminded me that there are opportunities for truth and widsom all around us - if we are perceptive.

Most of the time, if someone asked me if I thought I was perceptive, I'd say, "Not so much." Take for instance, the lowly penny. Here is a short account, whether true or not is immaterial. The content is the real point to the story, and a true lesson to all of us. I hope you enjoy it. I think this one really is a keeper.

CATEGORY: Internet folklore
Life-lessons from cyberspace - or - Messages imbedded in the culture. This is an exegesis of, and an exposition from, a penny.

SUBJECT: Don't Miss the Small Opportunities to Reflect

You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story; gives you something to think about.

Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.

The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again, so was enjoying herself immensely.

As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband. He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment. Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts. Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny. He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?

Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value. A smile crept across the man's face as he reached i! nto his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?

"Look at it." He said. "Read what it says." She read the words " United States of America " "No, not that; read further.""One cent?" "No, keep reading.""In God we Trust?" "Yes!" "And?""And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him. For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me, God is patient and pennies are plentiful!

When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change. I read the words, "In God We Trust," and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message. It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful, and, God is patient. - End of the cyber-story -

Now, personally, I would only add one thing. Notice the other word on the face of the penny. It says, "LIBERTY." Much could be said about that word, but I will say only this, "When one places their trust in God they WILL have greater liberty, be that as a nation or in one's own personal life."

Freedom from fear and the ability to live life freely does come from trusting in God. So, I am determined to take the slogan, "In God we trust," and will trust him in anticipation of expeciencing greater liberty in my own life. I am pretty confident that the two are closely linked, but even if they are not, I know it is always right to trust in God, and leave the outcome to his goodness and wisdom. That itself is a kind of LIBERTY anyone may know and enjoy.