Devouring the Deep

Monuments of reflection

March 19, 2009 at 2:15am

In the corridors of time, all seems to fade to grey. As even the blur of people and events become like streaks of cars that wiz by, that which is valuable can even be hard to hold down, or to look at it square in the eye, and say: "I know you, and I reflect on you"

In the days of old, the Israelites returned to monuments that were built, to remember and reflect upon sacred and memorable events. It may have been under a star lit night, where one wrestled with God, and found Him overwhelmingly powerful, leaving you changed forever. It may have been along a challenging crossing - where through turbulent waters, and uncertain outcomes, Victory is achieved.
It is therein that one should return to "taste and see", and reflect upon that which was meant to be. This is nothing less then Eternity in ones heart, those monuments of reflection that remain, like the stone pillars of old, that the winds, and freeways of time can never change. -Brian

It was Who they knew

May 29, 2012 at 8:32am

This passage below, and the ones that follow, mirror a striking similarity to the prevalent attitude of today, that dictates whether one is "worthy" or in "good standing" with the culture, and society. Often social status or education can be the primary measuring lines as to whether or not you have any "credibility" in the eyes of those who feel more empowered or knowledgable. Yet, as we will see, God chooses the foolish and weak things of the world to shame the worldly wise, and to display His Power.

Ironically, when you look at the individuals Jesus chose, you see simple fishermen, and women who wanted to follow Him (common folk) who we're empowered because of WHO they were identified with; not with what they had or did not have - according to the standards of the world.

So, what gave these "insignificant" individuals any real credibility? It was the "Presence" of Jesus they carried in them and through them that impacted and changed lives around them. All the knowledge, prestige, and social status in the world cannot supernaturally change one's heart; there is no substitute to spending time with Jesus. He is the One who has called us, and commissioned us (to whatever vocation He gives us ) not the world.

God desires to be known, and made known - through a genuine life changing experience; and that is from "being with Him". This is the ultimate call of the Christian, whether we are of high or low "status" and THIS is why we are on earth.

"Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they wondered; and recognized that they had BEEN WITH JESUS.

But seeing the man that had been healed standing beside them, they had nothing to say in opposition"

Acts 4:13-14 [Caps mine]

"For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth; but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Blessings, Brian

Reflections upon the sea

August 12, 2008 at 12:15am

In our earthly boats, we rest upon the glassy shine of the ever changing tides benieth. Our boats are our abodes, our wooden water beaten kingdoms. our lives that float upon ever shifting constructs, seldom stable.
All seems picturesque, like a silhouette, our boats content - reside....
The seas reflect our faces, which yet change at the slightest ripple, a disrupted mirror, so easily shattered. Yet, this wounded reflection, our own delusion, is merely all illusion, as our faces can only change with the seas.
In the darkest hour, on the watch's last 4th hour, a wind is poised to howl, but not at us, but upon our mere reflection we sought to be so secure along the sea.
Now where do our faces gaze? as we seek to find the mirror so fixed upon the seas? All now shattered illusions that we held so dear, so near.
Yet some now begin to arise, their faces no longer fixed upon the relativistic seas, their world so rocked and torn, tipping to and fro, seeking a grandeur reflection.
Faces turn as the waters churn. One appears upon the chaos, so starkly different, and so calmly reassurent. "I Am your true Reflection, but you can no longer gaze upon the seas". A grand invitation now extends through the darkness and through the winds. "Come", a voice calls out.
Yet, we stumble fall and sink, as we are not yet convinced, so habitually accustomed and mesmerized upon our plights.
But yet we risk, as we look out beyond the seas, to the One who now says "walk"" We grab the hand, our reflections change upon a changeless Face, Reality Eternal, and so we "walk", and tread upon the seas, and all we see, upon the seas, is a Reflection so enduring, that never changes amongst the churning.
So now we see our faces, undeluded, unillusioned, all secure, yet not from shifting seas, but from One far grander, who's Face out shines all seas"

-Brian Smith

Comment

Michelle Roberts, Lisa Philothea Quejada, Sharon Sheffieldand 2 others like this.
Dawn Preston Abbott Wow!! That is truly amazing! I am so glad you found us, a very important part of the puzzle has been found
June 30, 2009 at 10:52am · Like
Willow Brook I love it dad you have good stuff, keep it up!
September 28, 2009 at 9:45pm · Like
John Valenti You mean my face! WOW! RIGHT ON Brian! I knew you had good taste!
October 1, 2009 at 2:22pm · Like
Bethany Barcellos Lewis I love every little piece of this. I can chew off each sentence and gnaw on it for days!!! Great job. I remember it from a while back and would like to share it! Thanks
January 25, 2011 at 9:00pm · Unlike · 1
Sharon Sheffield Thank you Brian, I love this it's some timely too...I've been going through some tough times even just a few hours ago I needed this encouragement...love you Mr. B. Blessings!!!
January 26, 2011 at 1:09pm · Unlike · 2
Michelle Roberts Inspiring in every way.....think i could get something different out of it with every reading
October 9, 2012 at 9:15am via mobile · Unlike · 1