A Dialogue about Prayer

Seeking
Heavenly Father, the plain truth of my heart takes courage to express when I consider your greatness, with awe. I don’t want to serve a god whose mind I can change. I don’t see that making any cohesive sense when mingled with the core of Your stated nature—omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. If You truly are the Alpha and Omega, I don’t want any fleshly desire of mine to sway Your supreme will.

I am clear that Your ultimate will, God, is that You be glorified. That happens when people accept salvation, are transformed, acknowledge You to our fellow man, and express sincere faith in a variety of ways.

If my ‘best’ conversations with You (prayers) are simply You (the Holy Spirit in me) beseeching Yourself (God the Father) in Your name (Christ the Son), what value is there in my existence ? Why not cut out the “middle man” and simply exist without humans, or angels and demons ? Why all the fuss ?

Clarity
Existence is about relationships—as illustrated by My very nature as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Seeking
Ok so You decided to create more relationships to be part of. Fine, I can accept that. I understand that. Acknowledgment is part of greatness. Greatness cannot exist in a void. Nothing is known or understood (to be great) until it is witnessed. We are Your witnesses… and You offer friendship. So why insist that we communicate our desires and needs to You if You are going to bypass or work around us anyway ?

Clarity
Free will is a key element of true love. Certain blessings will not flow if a person’s motive or will is contrary to Mine.

Seeking
Isn’t that extortion or hi-jacking ?

Clarity
No, because you really get to choose.

Seeking
And the "innocents" who suffer and die should be ok with getting jacked because You chose that path to redeem some of us ?

Clarity
Firstly, there are no innocents. Saints untainted by sin do not exist… never have. Secondly, YES. The Bible states clearly that the LORD will make the rain fall on the just and the unjust. My Word clearly states that saints should expect to reap what they sow, suffer for My name, be disciplined by Me, and to suffer injustices. Thirdly, the bliss that I promise and deliver is not the kind sought at spas, or on mountaintops, or in the ‘freedom’ from woes of this world. True peace exists only in in deep abiding relationship with Christ Jesus, through trust and sincere faith.

When you ask Me for something, and don’t get it, ask your Heavenly Father “How were You glorified in my not being granted my petition?” When you receive something you asked Me for say “Show me how You are glorified through this gift.” In either case, acknowledge Me before others in these matters and you will be acknowledged by Me in Heaven.

I believe...

The folllowing statement of my spiritual beliefs is congruous with my church's stated beliefs-- Centre Street Church. I include it to provide a reference point for future writings.

About God
I believe in the one and only true, holy and living God. He is the Eternal Spirit, Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. God reveals Himself as the Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally One in essence and power.

About Jesus Christ
I believe in Jesus Christ, truly God and truly man, in whom the divine and human natures are perfectly and inseparably united. He is the eternal Word made flesh, the only begotten Son of the Father, conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary. Jesus Christ, who arose from the dead and ascended into heaven, WILL RETURN AGAIN at the last day in power and majesty. He is the eternal Saviour and Mediator, who intercedes for us, and by whom all men will be judged.

About The Holy Spirit
I believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from and is one in being with the Father and the Son. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As a Christian, I seek to live under His control and with His power.

About The Bible
The Bible is God's Word to us. It was written by human authors under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error. It contains all that is necessary for our salvation and daily walk in victory.

About Salvation
Salvation is God's free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God's offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin's penalty. Good works are the necessary FRUITS of faith and follow salvation, but they do not have the ability to remove our sins. Only the blood of Christ can do that. Eternal life begins the moment one truly accepts Christ into his life by faith through prayer.

About Eternity
I believe people were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and hell are real places of eternal existence.

http://www.centrestreetchurch.ab.ca/

a few more Strands

I've chosen to permit a shortlist of members to post comments. Here's a glimpse.

AB- accountant/ukranian dancer/philanthropist in Ottawa
AS3- architect/entrepreneur/politico in Pittsburgh
AT- doctor/athlete in New York
B&CH- married couple. grade school educators in Ghana
DG- child psychologist/grandpa in Tampa
DY- engineer/chef/athlete in Calgary
JG- graphic designer/church leader/baller in Calgary
JO- construction mgr/church leader in Calgary
MD- child psychologist/athlete in Calgary
NN- writer/entrepreneur in Los Angeles
RK- M.Divinity student/ real estate mogul in Calgary

What's in a name ?

trel·lis n. 1. A structure of open latticework, especially one used as a support for vines and other creeping plants. 2. An arbor or arch made of latticework.

trel·lised, trel·lis·ing, trel·lis·es v. 1. To provide with a trellis, especially to train (a vine) on a trellis. 2. To make (something) in the form of a trellis.

We can each be a trellis for each other AND for Christ ("THE vine") to interweave Himself in our existence. I like the openess of a trellis structure. transparency is good.

[Middle English trelis, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *trilcius, from Latin trilx, trilc-, woven with three threads : tri-, tri- + lcium, thread. "woven with three threads"] The Latin derivative of the word trellis reminds me of the following scripture:

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Existence is all about relationship.

Bienvenue !

Welcome to my first foray into blogging. Journal writing has charted the trajectory of my life since grade four. I think I'm ready to try a new venue. I hope I can add some light to the world. Weekly epiphanies, spiritual growth spurts and a developing sense of identity will provide material for regular updates. I'm sure I'll learn some tough lessons in the coming weeks. I ask for your grace.

peace.