A plastic block’s a mountain, a rubber ball’s a world, A tabletop’s a nation whose flag was just unfurled. A robot army marches on a super-powered cat; His lasers, bombs and megasword will quickly see to that.
Imagination unrestrained, wild creativity That dances in a thousand realms of possibility, Transforming mundane objects into treasures, toys and games; Enjoying tricks the hundredth time and crying out ‘Again!’
Beauty is exulted in and give its due praise, Basic principles explored in unexpected ways; Enthusiasm on display for all around to see, Opinions given freely with no guile or sophistry,
Gratitude so open, it lifts the room they’re in, Affection overflowing for their dear beloved thing, Simple and infectious joy you can’t help but admire, Purity of thought with no twisted, sick desires.
When Christ calls us to be childlike when we join his family, He grows our hearts to more express our full humanity.
The Art and Craft of Writing, L.Jagi Lamplighter’s brilliant instructional guide for improving your writing craft, is available now in both ebook and paperback.
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Today I was reading Numbers chapter 10, and this little passage jumped out at me:
Numbers 10: 29-31 (NIV):
Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place about which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us and we will treat you well, for the Lord has promised good things to Israel.”
He answered, “No, I will not go; I am going back to my own land and my own people.”
But Moses said, “Please do not leave us. You know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes. If you come with us, we will share with you whatever good things the Lord gives us.”
This is the heart of evangelism. We, as beneficiaries of the New Covenant, are heading for the true Promised Land, and it is only natural that we should want others to come with us, since all are invited.
Our journey there is the greatest of all adventures, offering the greatest of all rewards, along the way choices and challenges with enormous stakes, our actions leaving ripples that echo to eternity.
Notice that Moses does not just offer to have him taken care of the whole way, but invites him to participate. He has something to offer Israel, he will make their journey better.
What Christ offers as part of being his children is not just an adventure tour, not just a journey where everything is prearranged for us like a safari, package holiday or adrenaline sports, but a partnership in a great and glorious mission.
You might not think so, but you have something to offer. You can make a very meaningful difference. You can share love and truth and hope with others. You can help to mould your own character and those around you in ways that will be reflected in eternity. You can be part of God’s blessing for someone else, take part in the great love story that started before the creation of the universe and will outlast it.
Deep within the mountain fortress of your troubled heart A vicious dragon guards a more than priceless work of art. He smothers it from shining in his greed and jealous rage, Marring its true purpose as a prideful living cage.
“I’m no worse than the others, there’s no need to improve, I’ll only hear the thoughts of those whose views I preapprove. I’m wiser than those fools who strive for beauty, depth and love; I laugh at lofty goals that I know all will fall short of;
“I deserve great treasures more than those who work and build Because of who I am; it’s their fault I am unfulfilled Questions of truth and justice are for others to decide, I’ll wallow in my opulence and drift with every tide
“My appetites alone decide what is worth my time Hurting others is just sport, depriving me’s a crime! Today’s appointed devil I will curse and rend and burn Until my wrath is spent and it is someone else’s turn.”
Another victim wanders in, dressed in robes of white, Carrying a lantern that gives off a meagre light. “This treasure’s mine!” the dragon roars, “You have no power here! I’ll roast your flesh, and as you die, enjoy your pain and fear.”
The victim doesn’t move, and seems resigned to his bleak fate; He’s bathed in flames from that foul mouth, his robes disintegrate, Revealing flesh that’s charred and marred with scars of many kinds; He gasps and shudders with the pain, but does not moan or whine.
“You thought you were so pure, and yet your skin is black with sin; Your shoulders bear the cause of all of this world’s suffering. Now I’ll tear you limb from limb, crush out your final breath, You will meet a pointless and most agonizing death.”
The Dragon lunges forward and pierces the man’s chest, Then draws its claws back to itself in manifest distress; The blood that flows from that great wound is poison to the fiend, Corrodes away the dragon’s form until the treasure’s cleaned
And gleams with a new glory as your soul is born anew, Ready to be servant to the good and fair and true. He suffered for you willingly, his love is unreserved, Go out and pay it forward in a way that’s undeserved.
The Zwyckyverse 