Evil vs. Good

When evil men plot, good men must plan.
When evil men burn and bomb,
good men must build and bind.
When evil men shout ugly words of hatred,
good men must commit themselves
to the glories of love.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

A "Bird" in a Gilded Cage?

Last year, I was extremely impressed with a set of scripture. It's nothing fancy or flashing - or comforting and inspiring. It carries a sobering message that definitely parallels with today's society, and today's church. Perhaps you won't see it as I do. I don't know which of us would be the wiser for that...but it jolted me enough to want to draw closer to Him every day.

I don't want to be like anyone of these people in Jeremiah 5:26-31 (NLV). I don't want to be trapped and displayed as some type of trophy. I don't want to be caught up in the material, or try to find the easiest path, hoping to just slide into Heaven.

If you are interested in reading the passage I'm stirred about, it's below for your convenience.

"Jeremiah, some of my people are evil. They hide and wait just as people hide to catch birds. They set traps for men. A hunter uses tricks to fill his cage with birds. And my people have filled their houses with a lot of goods. They have become rich and powerful. They have grown fat and heavy. There is no limit to the evil things they do. In court they do not state the case of children whose fathers have died. They do not stand up for poor people.

"Shouldn't I punish them for that?" announces the Lord. “Shouldn't I pay back the nation that does those things? Something horrible and shocking has happened in the land. The prophets prophesy lies. The priests rule by their own authority. And my people love it that way. But what will they do in the end?"

My prayer until Eternity is:
Don't let me become a "bird" in a gilded cage!!

The Battle Rages

A battle goes on inside every person. It is a battle between the two wolves living inside.

One is called EVIL - it harbors anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.

The other is named GOOD - reflecting joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.

Which one will win the battle? The one that we feed.

- thought taken from old Indian proverb

Monkey See, Monkey Do

Hear No Evil - See No Evil - Speak No Evil

Kindle Not Strife

An event happening in the last few days reminded me of one of my old poems. It is a reminder of how careful we must be, particularly if we profess to be one of His. It's called, Kindle Not Strife.

Friend, I beg you to kindle not strife,
setting ablaze the core of malice.
For the sin of animosity cannot burn
unless fueled by a wagging tongue.

Therefore, speak no wrong of any man
for by careless words, evil is ignited.
Raging at the character of humanity,
scorching the soul, causing great pain.

Allow no settling of contentious wood,
which may release a fire to consume the flesh.
For in keeping the flames of agony intact,
no one is destroyed by the crime of arson.

Friend, kindle not strife through your words,
give honor and dignity to all creation.
Subjecting yourself to a governed tongue,
reserving your judgment for another day.