Choosing the True: Galatians series - Christian Lindbeck (Gal. 13: 19-24)

We sing to you, oh, Mighty One.

Listen between breaths
to the whispers
that sing sibilantly
and coax us
into a deeper love,
into a closer and closer
facsimile
of Christ.

We know that ugly
behavior
results in ruin
and destruction -
seeded as it is 
by licentiousness
and selfish desire.

Put it aside.

You are recognized
as His own
when you choose 
love. joy. peace.
and all that flows
from these.

Let everything else
fall way
and grasp His hand -
unseen and impalpable
though it may be.
Hold to what you know
is True.

The True is
solid as a fortified tower
rising up
in the desert;
no fleeting mirage
nor subject to
whims of erosion
from the siroccos 
of time.

It is more true
than all that 
I hold dear in this life;
more true 
than all that I count on
daily
to delight,
sustain, and
color my life.

The Truth 
is greater than
all I fear,
see how it endures
in spite of me.

If I turn my back
on Truth
and choose my self,
wreckage 
will trail in my wake.

If I chose the True,
even though I stumble,
sweet fruit will bud
and grow within me.

As I walk
with uncertain
toddler steps,
I will try to match mine
to the imprints
of the Spirit,
see them embedded
in sand,
one by steadfast
one. 

Listen. Love. : Galatians series - Tim Knipp (Gal. 5:13-18)

Listen.
Listen.
Past the chatter of self
and me, me, me;
still the flesh-based 
demands.
Listen
to the Spirit -
the string attached
to the kite
of Jesus.
Feel the tug.
Let it pull you forward.

Close down the natterings
and panic posts,
the accusations
and irritants;
not by anesthetizing
but by bathing
in the Spirit.

If you listen,
you'll hear whispers
of love amid 
the bird song.

The antidote to self-absorption
and paranoia
is not grasping and
hording but
giving,
openhanded.

Lay aside the smothering
blankets of fear
and the noxious fumes
of greed.
Rise up 
to serve
in love.

The One who loves
each one of us,
who suffered
and suffers
with and for us 
can teach us how
if we
listen.
If we love.

Walk On: Galatians series - Christian Lindbeck (Gal. 5:1-13)

Free to be free
from burdens and chains.
Unpack these,
lay them down
and walk on.
Free to reject
destructive impulses
and rebellious tantrums.
Free to grow strong
and abundantly
fruitful.

Tell the truth,
get it out there:
none of us can earn it
but this amazing gift is ours
when we admit our failings
and believe
that Christ
is enough.

Simply stated,
divinely intricate.

Stepping across the line
from dark to light,
bound to free -
we stumble as those who
have sea legs on land.

Trust what you know -
not what you feel -
and walk on.

When ugliness rises to 
consciousness,
call it what it is,
offer it to Him
and trust that together
you can handle it.

Don't deny what you see
inside, but don't allow 
it to bind you, 
weaving among your legs
like smothering vines
to trip you up.
Forgive yourself
and others,
choose love always
and walk on.

How fragile we are,
yet we only grow stronger
by consistent awareness
of our frailty.
Remember that He 
knows us
through and through.
He sees our subterfuge
and downright snarkiness,
our broken and stunted natures,
and yet
He loves us 
as we are.
He offers a hand
each time we stumble
if we only reach up 
and take it.
He will forgive us,
teach us
and use us
as we stick close 
to His side
and
walk on.