Serving Rascals, Clumsy Disciples, and Physically and Mentally Ill Believers with the Unconditional Love of Jesus Christ
Author: Pastor Bryan Lowe
A repentant rascal with definite issues, but who is seeking to be authentic in his faith to Jesus Christ.
An avid reader and a hopeful writer. Husband and father. A pastor and Bible teacher. A brain tumor survivor. Diagnosed with clinical depression, and now disabled.
Enjoys life, such as it is, in Alask.a (Actually I have it pretty good.)
Common enough reply, when the police regard a crime scene as too nasty to look at. This happens far too often I suppose. We have “people” to take care of such ugliness for us Sad but also true.
There is sometimes a “well deep ” awfulness that ventures far beyond anything we just might consider. Those of us “who are honored enough are often “invited” to a crime scene that is a awful dark sadness. Sometimes the dark evil we encounter can keep us up late at night.
Evil is alive and well on planet Earth. It bubbles its way through our veins and clogs our arteries. But Jesus has come to us, He has intervened, and if you can believe this, you will be saved; in the best sense of the word.
On occasion lately I’ve had a crosswind. Naval aviators will say with a full confidence that taking off a carrier is one of life’s hardest experiences. When the catapult slams you it is best to take off directly into the wind.
That really makes me think. Could a headwind really be necessary? Do we really need the wind in our hair and bugs in our teeth?
Many of us have certain hard issues. We can be confused easily enough and intimidated by what the Father wants from us. But He intends to lead and guide us off the deck. The Holy Spirit is our “top gun” school and He is the ultimate teacher.
I love this idea of Him as my closest Counselor and Helper. He whispers wisdom and love into my jagged heart. He orchestrates my daily events, to make them align to His will. “I will fear no evil, for you are with me.”
In Ephesians we are clearly told, “and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fulness of God.” Eph. 3:19, NASB
Ybic, Bryan
P.S. Just one of my paintings. Hoping you don’t mind.
Invoking His Presence is not enough. All we can really do seems to provoke Him rather than invoke Him. Much of what we do and say, isn’t any real approval of His incredible presence. But we only wish it so, just to achieve a certain religious sense.
There are many things that complicate things. We are sent forward, with obvious issues, with very little chance of a spiritual success. Sin really does maul us, and it seems we can ever remain clean and pure.
Could it be that we have a certain destiny that is waiting for us to show? It seems our “triggers” are set on a deep destruction. But, I’m curious. Could it be that we aren’t really open to His presence?
When we are open to Him, He walks in a direct way right into our desperate lives. He brings a lingering sense of kindness and truth. Our lives absorb this, and we will never, ever be the same. And it is His deep sincerity, that will bring this into a real experience.
I cannot realistically say a thing that will alter what is real and true. The issues you face are truly beyond my ability to diagnose, and even if I could, I couldn’t tell you. You are a very blessed person, and He will only advance what is real. I can only suggest that you open up to Him.
There is much beyond what you are experiencing and know. Stretch out and discover these things. Never be content with the “status quo”. You have been created for much more than this.
You know how unsuitable I am. Were it not for your guidance I would have brought everything to destruction. I wish to give my heart and mouth to your service. I desire to teach your people, and long to be taught your work.
Use me as your workman, dear Lord. Do not forsake me; for if I am alone I shall bring all to nought. Amen.
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A written prayer by Martin Luther, (b. November 10, 1483 – d. February 18, 1546) Catholic Monk, Reformer, Theologian, Writer.
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Some General Quotes by Luther:
“Faith is a living and unshakable confidence, a belief in the grace of God so assured that a man would die a thousand deaths for its sake.”
“So when the devil throws your sins in your face and declares that you deserve death and hell, tell him this: “I admit that I deserve death and hell, what of it? For I know One who suffered and made satisfaction on my behalf. His name is Jesus Christ, Son of God, and where He is there I shall be also!”
“Either sin is with you, lying on your shoulders, or it is lying on Christ, the Lamb of God. Now if it is lying on your back, you are lost; but if it is resting on Christ, you are free, and you will be saved. Now choose what you want.”
“In our sad condition our only consolation is the expectancy of another life.”
Broken Believers 