Monday, November 30, 2009

Κύριος Notes : Righteousness Lived Out in the Everyday



Adoration/Praise

Emmanuel
Together in this place of worship
Your greatness we proclaim
We stand as one in giving You
All glory and acclaim
To You our hearts are open
To You our hands we raise
Come take the place of honour in our lives
Emmanuel
Our God is with us
Prince of Peace Mighty One

Matthew 1:18-24

18This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. 19Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

Lord Jesus Joseph's role was to watch and to listen and to support even when he did not understand what was coming next. He found himself in a small town engaged to a women who was expecting. There must have been emotions but he did not let them control his reaction. A righteousness man does not look for vengeance.

20But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

Joseph listened to his dream even though it could have just been indigestion, or a nightmare. He listened because he was a righteous man who knew that you speak in many ways if we are just willing to take the input.

22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23"The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."

You are with me right now...you will be with me in this day. That is sure knowledge and safety in the middle of change that swirls around me much of the time. You are the one who goes before me and in whose directions I rest and take comfort.

24When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. 25But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.

Lord Jesus, Joseph listened to your voice again, and again. There was no hesitation, or wavering. There was just obedience. When he understood which direction to take he just set out listening as he went.

Friday, November 27, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Transitions

Adoration/Praise

Come Holy Spirit
Fall afresh on me
Fill me with Your power
Satisfy my needs
Only You can make me whole
Give me strength to make me grow
Come Holy SpiritFall afresh on me

Scripture Reflection: Luke 24

50When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. 51While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.

Lord Jesus when you came into our world the angels praised God for your coming and there was the blessing of peace on earth to all those who heard them.The last thing that you did as you were leaving was to give your followers a blessings as you parted from them. The very last thing that you did was to bless those who you loved most.

52Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 53And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

They remembered what they had been told to do. They stayed in Jerusalem waiting for the power to be witnesses. In the mean time they had the opportunity to worship which they did in the only venue available the temple.

It was essential for the disciples to make the transition that was in front of them. Lord Jesus help me to see the necessary transitions that you are leading me to and help me make them with grace.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Tell It To Me One More Time

Adoration/Praise

We Want to See Jesus Lifted High
We want to see Jesus lifted high
A banner that flies across this land
That all men may see the truth and know
He is the way to heaven
We want to see
We want to see
We want to see Jesus lifted high
Doug Horley


Scripture Reflection: Luke 24
44He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

So many times Lord what you are doing in my life...just like in the life of the disciples is to teach me the same lessons until they sink into this heart of mine. I am not sure that there is any other way to teach lessons of the heart, except over time almost like learning to play a musical instrument. Until you come to the place where the is not so much thought as there is developed instinct...or intuition...or thoughtless but trained movement of the fingers to the place where the music comes from. What I know for sure is that lessons of the heart take years of repetition to come to the place where thought, practice, life and attitude come together. Lord continue the lessons.

45Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46He told them, "This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

All the lessons depend on the interaction of the Holy Spirit opening minds and hearts to the call of God. Lord Jesus the disciples had to come to the place where they could hear with their ears and understand with their hearts. They needed that and I need that. It is another way of teaching the lesson of the heart...it is the connecting of mind and heart into a human whole. It was what Paul was aiming at when he wrote.

Romans 12:1-2
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

As I get better at the connection between heart and mind...both of which have been given to Your use Lord Jesus it is then that Your will becomes clear.

48You are witnesses of these things. 49I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high."

The disciples were witnesses of the love of God, the power of God, the changes that the Spirit of God can bring. Help me be that kind of witness today in the interactions that I have, may they be pleasing to you Oh Lord my Rock and My Salvation.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Peace Spoken


Adoration/Praise
Walk The World

And we were born for this
Born for this day and time
Our prayers flow into love
Giving our lives

Broken but singing,
Our hearts keep shining.
Let my life shine, come and let my heart shine,
We’re going to walk the world and lift the bread and wine,
Like the stars shine, come and let our hearts shine,
In a dark world, we lift the bread and wine.
Charlie Hall


Scripture Reflection: Luke 24
33They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together 34and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." 35Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.
36While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, "Peace be with you."

Your presence is needed to this day Lord Jesus when your people gather. Met us Lord Jesus when we come together in your name. The first words that you spoke to the eleven were words of peace. They really needed to hear those words of peace and greeting. There were men who should have stood their ground but ran and hid instead. There was Peter still sitting in his denial.

We still need to hear those words of peace and greeting Lord Jesus, your people become fearful so quickly and loss sight of what you are calling them to.

37They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. 38He said to them, "Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? 39Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have."

Lord Jesus when you work in your people it can create fear. They were afraid as they looked at you for the first time. This was not what they expected and their minds could not rap around the simple fact that you were alive. Some of them saw you die. Some of them were certain that this must be a ghost or a trick of their grief and loss.

40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. 41And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43and he took it and ate it in their presence.

It was as if You were taking them step by step through a verification that you were alive. Showing Your hands and feet proof that You were not an imposture. You had experienced the worst that Satan could do and You stood before them. You are the Victor over sin, death and hell.

Lord Jesus work in my life today to lead and to guide me in your ways. Help me to see your victory realized anew in this day.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Memories and Bread Broken

Adoration/Praise


Walk The World

God as we walk this world,
We want to be a sign,
Our prayers flow into love,
Giving Your life.
Broken but singing,
Our hearts keep shining.
Let my life shine, come and let my heart shine,
We’re going to walk the world and lift the bread and wine,
Like the stars shine, come and let our hearts shine,
In a dark world, we lift the bread and wine.
Charlie Hall

Scripture Reflection: Luke 24
25He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" 27And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.


The footprints of the suffering servant can be found all the way from Genesis through the prophets right to the Psalms. Lord Jesus why is it that somethings that are so plain to see are so difficult to discern. These men were not trying to be difficult or slow, but that is the way that it turned out. Slow of heart...what does that mean Lord? Connecting the dots of faith took them more time that it really needed to...they were wondering what all of it meant when they should have already known. How often do I find myself in the same place Lord...slow of heart. I see the outlines but just can't seem to make out the forest for the trees.

Then you have to take me by the hand again and show me the ways of faith, obedience and grace.

28As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. 29But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.
30When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. 31Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. 32They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"

What was it about the bread broken that somehow gave them eyes that allowed them to see You Lord Jesus? Was it the memory of just a few days prior your breaking the bread with them and the passing the cup?

When you are work in my heart Lord Jesus there are physical signs of that work. "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked"--Is a good way to put it...there is the affirmation of the Holy Spirit that just make clear what has not been clear before.

Lord Jesus in this day, work in my heart. Help me to have open eyes and an open heart to the things that are plain to you and yet somehow mystify my soul. Help me not to be slow of heart.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Κύριος Notes :A Step Away From Hope

Adoration/Praise
Show me Your Ways
Show me Your ways
That I may walk with You.
Show me Your ways,
I put my hope in You;
The cry of my heart is to love You more,
To live with the touch of Your hand,
Stronger each day, show me Your ways.

Scripture Reflection: Luke 24:17-24

He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. 18One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you only a visitor to Jerusalem and do not know the things that have happened there in these days?"
19"What things?" he asked.

Lord Jesus there have been times when witnessing has been just this natural and easy..."Hey Kurt, What is going on?" Simple questions can be overlooked and unanswered. These two followers had not had the luxury of history or of words that Peter would write in a few years:

Peter 3:15
15But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.


They were a step away from hope...just a sandal step away for the one who was the resurrected hope: alive and victorious over sin, the grave and hell itself.


"About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. 20The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; 21but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. 22In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning 23but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. 24Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but him they did not see."

This is the gospel in a nutshell. A small paragraph that sums up the whole of the story of Your ministry Lord Jesus. The tomb was empty...you were right there in front of them as they gave their account. They did not understand. Hope will confront my misunderstanding, thickheaded and hard hearted-ness every time.

Lord Jesus give me the strength to make it through the confrontation to the realization of your hope alive within me and around me.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Who was that any way?

Adoration/Praise


Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary
You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles
C. Tomlin
Scripture Reflection: Luke 24
13Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.

They must have been talking about the trial, the crucifixion, the reaction of the crowd, the report of the women who had seen the empty tomb. There was a lot to talk about...what happened their feelings...the crowd...the believers and where they were. I am sure that they did not ever hear someone walking up along side of them.

15As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; 16but they were kept from recognizing him.

Isn't it just like you Lord to walk along side these travelers without them knowing it. They were kept from recognizing you. I wonder how many times that this has happened and I just have not known that it was you walking with me all along?

Hebrews is a similar kind of insight.

Hebrews 13:1-2
1Keep on loving each other as brothers. 2Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

I wonder about the entertaining angels unaware. How often does that happen? I am sure that much is kept from me. If I were more aware of the unseen battle that rages, I know I would be distracted and overwhelmed. But the idea of angels being entertained by reaching out to strangers, encourages me and reminds me of the power of God to defend and encourage in ways that I am not even aware of, or will not know about in this life time.

Lord Jesus remind me of your presence with me today.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Did Angels Really Talk to You?

Adoration/Praise


Oh Lamb of God, Sweet lamb of God
I love the Holy Lamb of God
Oh wash me in His precious Blood
My Jesus Christ the Lamb of God
I was so lost I should have died
But You have brought me to Your side
To be led by Your staff and rod
And to be call a lamb of God
T. Paris
Scripture Reflection: Luke 24

9When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. 10It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. 11But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

Lord Jesus--These women who went to the tomb out of love and respect. They heard the angels report and yet they were not believed.

12Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

Peter listened and was excited enough to run to the tomb. Did he remember your words of hope? Did he remember that you promised to rise from the dead? He saw and wondered. There are times when I know that you are working Lord and yet the meaning is not clear. I can see the events and data, but I like Peter and left wondering. I don't know how to put all the pieces together.

It was in this crack of time between when you rose and when you were first were seen by the disciples, that these men had a chance to grow their faith. Especially Peter needed to see You. There was so much that was left unfinished in his heart. Yet he like the rest had to wait.

In those times Lord Jesus when I am waiting for you to arrive, help me to remember that it is the time when real growth of faith, heart and life takes place. Holy Spirit work in my heart today
.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Morning Dawns

Praise


Lord Jesus- This morning thank you for answers to prayer. I haven't been able to stop thinking about answers to prayers...prayers that are desperate, honest and heart felt. I praise you for the way that you intercede and advocate for your people. Thank you for the answers to prayers that I have seen. Thank you for the answers to prayers that are on thier way...that I have not even prayed yet. Thank you for your active intervention.


Scripture Reflection: Luke 24
1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

These women came to the tomb and expected to find you dead. How many times Lord Jesus do I expect to find a corpse and I find life instead life? They were looking to bring closure and you were going to bring them a new begining.

So many times it is right at the end of my dreams and my hopes that you step in with something so much better, stronger and wiser. Tired and in the harsh light of day, they just wanting to say good by to a dream. I wonder how long it had been since these faithful followers of yours had had any sleep. I am sure that they were just exhausted and grieving.

Lord, in so many ways I am like those women at the tomb this morning. In the harsh light of morning the hopes and dreams of what could be done in your name seem to be a long way from realization. Yet, I am surely convinced that you are a God that answers prayer. Honest, desperate, heartfelt prayers from your people do not go unanswered. Lord Jesus intercede in the situations that confront and confound this morning. My dreams can end without even a whimper...let the angels come and point to the truth just like on that first Lord's Day.

4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.' " 8Then they remembered his words.

And then the angels spoke. It wasn't anything new or different that they said. In fact Lord you had said many of these same words to the disciples and to your followers more than once. Why is it that it takes angels of light to validate what the Son of God had already said for it all of it to make sense.
Lord help me to hear what you are saying...send angels if you need to but don't stop speaking. I wonder how I would react if an angel of light appeared right in the middle of my wonderings about your will and the road forward. What would they say to me?

Speak Holy Spirit.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Following Jesus to the End of Our Dreams

Adoration
Jesus Messiah
Name above all names
Blessed Redeemer
Emmanuel
The rescue for sinners
The ransom from Heaven
Jesus Messiah Lord of all
His body the bread
His blood the wine
Broken and poured out all for love
The whole earth trembled
And the veil was torn
Love so amazing
Love so amazing

Scripture Reflection: Luke 23

55The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.


These women were looking at the end of their dreams. They had thought that Jesus was Messiah, but this was not the way that it was supposed to turn out. There were no angels of light leading the charge to rescue Him from the cross. There was only darkness.

And yet they followed even in the dark and did what they could do. They did not abandon hope, they did not stop doing what they could do. Even when it was the last right thing that they could do for the Master, they were going to take care of Him in a way that honored Him.

Lord Jesus in this day help me to be like these women who followed even through the darkness. Help me shine in this day, even when it is dark.

Some of your were praying for me this week. Thank you! I went down to NYC yesterday and got lost in the subway and was sure that I would never get to my appointment on time.I was frustrated and anxious so I shot out a foxhole prayer..."Jesus help me get to 90 Church street on time!" Then I think I met Jesus...I wonder if he works part time as an MTA worker...a guy who told me where to stand and which side to wait for the train. That is the kind of guy I want to be today...pointing people to The Way. By the way got to my meeting on time and I think I actually said a few things that made sense...blessings in your day.

Monday, November 9, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Good and Upright Men in Dark Times

Adoration

The Wonderful Cross
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name

Scripture Reflection: Luke 23
50Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God.

Joseph may have been then during the trial of Jesus. He may have had to watch as the trumped up changes were brought. Hands tied as to what he could hope to accomplish he was in the room but powerless to effect change on the hearts of the leadership.

52Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. 53Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

Sometimes good upright men can do little to change or impact the outcome of events that have taken on a life of their own. At times to be in the middle of the mix is even worse than being totally excluded. I wonder if Joesph wanted to scream...and to argue and to plead with his fellow council members,.

Good and upright men in dark times find ways to light the world around them. They use the resources that they have and they make a difference. Even when that means taking a risk, they risk what they have to shine in the darkness that surrounds them. Joseph went to Pilate not a particularly safe thing to do as a Jew, and asked for the body of Jesus...he just could not stop thinking about the empty tomb that he owned.

Note to self:Simple things in dark times leave and impact. A word spoken...a gift given...a meal prepared...a kind word said.

Lord Jesus help me shine with simple acts. In this day there will be darkness that will surround me at times...help me be a light, a reflection of your light in the places I find myself today.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Dark at Noon

Adoration

The Wonderful Cross
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride

See from his head, his hands, his feet
Sorrow and love flow mingled down
Did ever such love and sorrow meet
Or thorns compose so rich a crown

O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
Bids me come and die and find that I may truly live
O the wonderful cross, O the wonderful cross
All who gather here by grace draw near and bless
Your name

Scripture Reflection:Luke 23
44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

It was around noon when you died and the sun could not shine as the Son of God died. The shadows of darkness gather all around this account. Darkened and hardened hearts sneering at the death of a miracle worker, the tears of the women and a few brave men who gathered to watch Your passing Lord. The curtain that separated the Holy of Holies from the rest of the temple was torn in two. The separation of God's people from the presence of God was taken away by your death Lord Jesus.

46Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Your life was freely given. You submitted to the Father's will. You could have called out at any time and been rescued by a legion of angels, but you didn't.

47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." 48When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

There were those who watched from a distance powerless to change the outcome and yet connected to the events so inextricably.There are times when I feel just like those who followed you from Galilee watching at the cross with little that I can do to influence the outcome of events outside of my control or input.

But the cross is not the end of the story. It is a part of the work of grace, there is nothing that is to be done at the cross but mourn the lost of what could have been. There is a powerlessness that I can not ever get away from. I will always be a sinner saved by amazing grace.

In the day that is coming in just a few hours Lord Jesus help me to live as you would have me to. I give you the day that is all to soon dawning in front of me. Work as you see fit, may the mystery and the power of the cross lead me in this coming day.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Κύριος Notes :Beside Two Criminals with Paradise on Your Mind

Adoration


My Jesus I Love Thee
I love Thee because Thou hast first loved me,
And purchased my pardon on Calvary’s tree;
I love Thee for wearing the thorns on Thy brow;
If ever I loved Thee, my Jesus, ’tis now.

Scripture Reflection: Luke 23
32Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

This was just another day at work for the solders as they lead you to the cross. It was a day like many others in thier day in Judea. They took you to the hill outside of town with two other common criminals. As they divided the clothes that you had on your back they were gambling for them. They wanted to make a little money and you were dieing. Forgiveness was on your mind and heart as you were dieing.

35The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, "He saved others; let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One."
36The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37and said, "If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself."

Crucifixion was such a upfront and personal way to die. People talking and continuing the diatribe aim at you until the end. Sneering at what cost? They had won the day with the political powers and you were dieing. Yet they had to come, watch and sneer.

38There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: "Aren't you the Christ? Save yourself and us!"
40But the other criminal rebuked him. "Don't you fear God," he said, "since you are under the same sentence? 41We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong."
42Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom."
43Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."

In the middle of death you were thinking of this one beside you and of bringing him along with you. Lord Jesus as I reflect on your death once again this morning I am reminded of the reality of your sacrifice for me. You remind me that paradise is never more than a few heart beats away...or maybe the lack of a few heart beats away.

Thank you Lord Jesus for the cross and for your death for me. The Sinless One for the sinful... the One who always knew where he was for the lost. Today Lord Jesus help me live out that reality of Your grace alive within me
.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Heaven:Finally Grown up

Jesus will be there

1 Corinthians 13
8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

I have spent a life time learning and gaining knowledge but it is limited, and ultimately flawed at it core. Knowledge will pass away in the light of your presence Lord Jesus. There will come a time when prophecies will no longer be needed. Jesus I am looking forward to that time.

9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

The imperfect will disappear. There is an element of fear that brings up in me. Perfect is along way from where I have ever been in this life time Lord Jesus. You know better than I the places where the perfect will replace the imperfect. And yet somehow the person that you always meant me to be will shine through the change. That will be amazing.

11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

There is a time when logo and linclon logs are a part of the past. Childhood needs to be left behind. Childish things are not bad they are just not what men need to spend time thinking about. Linclon logs don't really make sense when the drywall needs to be put up on the walls of the house so the kids rooms can be completed.

12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Childish things need to be put in the past in the natural maturation process. The same is true of spirtural growth. There will come a time when we shall see face to face the One who has saved us by his blood.

There are important questions that I am going to ask Jesus...maybe not right away, but sometime soon.

It maybe be that the questions that seem to important now will be a part of the reflection that seems to mystify me right now...there will come a time when I know Jesus face to face, and I will know him as he knows me. Right now the walk is by faith a step at a time, but in that day I will know fully. Until that day I will cotinue to follow Lord Jesus...not perfectly yet...but there will come a day.