...Word to our World / Message to our messy age...

THE personality, from whom this world,

all matter, and all makers, came to BE,

is Lord of hea'en and earth and all that's curled

within, without, and roundabout, all sea,

and sky, and space and time, and meaning too.

They've all come from someone - and life and breath,

He doesn't need a thing that we can do,

or what we bring on here ourselves, like death.

His home or place to live is not man-made

It's right the other way about you see.

Our home or place to live is in his shade,

close to him, like a chick with hen would be.

He's made a world that's wonderful and raw,

with ocean depths, volcanoes, and big suns,

with scarry things like viruses, before

you know it in his story there are runs

of high adventure, mys-ter-y, sci-fi,

and magic pow'r within atomic shells.

God truly doesn't need us to supply

him with some fibro, or plastic to sell.

Sometimes we get transactional mindsets

that shrink the magic of relationships

into a business contract, and God lets

us do it. We must learn and make some slips

from trial and error. And we could spend time

to listen to his still, small, voice of love.

We cannot be transcendent over rime

and reason, though at times we've tried to shove

each other and our maker with these tools

and make for him our trinkets so he'll be 

indebted to our systems and our rules

& caught by our own ingenuity.

God doesn't live in temples made by hands.

Nor does he need a thing we can supply.

He only loves us. Can you understand?

He knows and loves much more than you and I.

And God, as self, gives life and breath to all,

and everything of substance which matters,

but also sources friendship that's faithful,

and fairness/justice, with stuff that shatters

indiff-er-ence and hate that sure exist

within our human life. He cultured then

the racial diff'rences and made his list

of peoples with their cultures, and made them

to live throughout the whole earth. He himself 

has fixed the limits of both time and place,

where they would live, and guided them to health.

He did this so that they would look for grace

and help with all these opportunities.

And in our times of need he hopes we'll look

for him, perhaps to find him (very pleased)

as we felt 'round for him. God is our chook!

Yes, God is never far away from one.

And, God is never far away from each,

from any one of us, we're like a son,

or daughter, who may (oughta?) let God teach...

that's any one of us; as poets said,

‘It is in him we live and move and be’... 

‘his own offspring we are, from toe to head.’

Since we are God's own children, we should see

& not suppose that he is made like us.

His nature isn't made by jig 'n dance,

or shaped by human art or skill and fuss.

God's overlooked our times of ignorance

and now says that it's time to grow on up!

For he commands all people everywhere

to turn away from our self-centred stuff

For he has fixed a time and place, that pair

so needful for our stories on this Earth,

when we will be lined up against "Adarm -

our last", and too "archetypal", with "new birth",

he's quite concerned that justice, and no harm

be perpetrated in his name, or else...

(And then he is quite graphic about hell's

existence for religious folk, he spells

it out, with all it's suff-er-ing levels!)

But God has chosen this man by his life -

its style & kindness shown above most folk,

with wisdom of the village kind that's rife

in territories occupied. A bloke

who's like they say, "a good man". And you know

that ultimately they can't be kept down.

His life that God raised up, is for to show

that he's who God is pleased with. Judge - was clown!

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God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples made by human hands. Nor does he need anything that we can supply by working for him, since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything else to everyone. From one human being he created all races of people and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us; as someone has said, ‘In him we live and move and exist.’ It is as some of your poets have said, ‘We too are his children.’  Since we are God's children, we should not suppose that his nature is anything like an image of gold or silver or stone, shaped by human art and skill. God has overlooked the times when people did not know him, but now he commands all of them everywhere to turn away from their evil ways. For he has fixed a day in which he will judge the whole world with justice by means of a man he has chosen. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising that man from death!” Acts 17:24‭-31 GNTD

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For God will reward each of us according to what we have done. Some people keep on doing good, and seek glory, honor, and immortal life; to them God will give eternal life. Other people are selfish and reject what is right, in order to follow what is wrong; on them God will pour out his anger and fury. There will be suffering and pain for all those who do what is evil, for the Jews* first and also for the Gentiles*. But God will give glory, honor, and peace to all who do what is good, to the Jews* first and also to the Gentiles*. For God judges everyone by the same standard.  Romans 2:6‭-‬11 GNTD

* Gentiles are non-Jewish people, as defined by the mindset that saw Jewish people as the chosen people of God.  This (above passage) is addressing a specific historical situation, but an equivalent reading of it for our day and age (in my estimation) is the read "people who have been churched" instead of "Jews"; and "unchurched people" for "Gentiles". Try reading it with this exchange, and see if you think Paul might mean that for today?

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..prophet a man?

"Can't stand your meetings or religious acts.

I’m fed up with your conf'renc-es and all

conventions that you have. These are the facts.

The acts are big, but your intent so poor.

The money comes, you draw it in with ease.

Your public face and slogans are so bold.

When will you sing your songs for only me?

The songs you sing just leave me feeling cold.

And your religion projects, make me sick. 

Pretentious slogans, goals that sound so good,

that you had almost fooled yourself (and quick).

I’m sick of all your schemes to get your food.

For forty years you wandered here and there,

I didn’t ask for much; to merely walk

and listen to my voice so deep and clear.

But all you did was whinge and cry and baulk.

The plan was made so very long ago.

The choice was up to you and what you'd choose,

it could have been much faster, or go slow -

for many ways can be redeemed & used.

But you and I we’re fam'ly! For so long

we talked and mused, through actions, and through plans.

Just when did we stop talking? That’s so wrong!

That’s why you’re going round and ‘round this land.

"I’ve had all I can take of all your ways -

your noisy ego-music, for yourself.

When was the last time that you sang,.. " God says,

"..to me? Do you know what I want? What's health?

What I want is for justice, fairness, and

not trickles of it — oceans, rivers, lakes!

That’s what I want. That’s all. Now understand:

"Fair dinkum" is the only thing it takes!

“Did you, dear Israel, family, worship me?

And were you faithful for those forty years

throughout the wilderness, with offerings?

Was anyone affected unto tears?

How strange you stooped to dragging statues round

of all your so-called rulers, leaders, frauds;

& somehow all those images abound

of all your star-gods and your bosses/ lords.

So since you like them all so very much,

you might as well take them, your lucky charms,

with you when I drive you away, as such,

and into exile, with some other "harms",

beyond Damascus.” God’s Message (from him),

the God-of-the-Angel-Armies has decreed!

Things won't get better if we are so dim,

and still this is a fraction of our need.

B.P., G.P., & P.W.

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“I can’t stand your religious meetings. I’m fed up with your conferences and conventions. I want nothing to do with your religion projects, your pretentious slogans and goals. I’m sick of your fund-raising schemes, your public relations and image making. I’ve had all I can take of your noisy ego-music. When was the last time you sang to me ? Do you know what I want? I want justice—oceans of it. I want fairness—rivers of it. That’s what I want. That’s all I want. “Didn’t you, dear family of Israel, worship me faithfully for forty years in the wilderness, bringing the sacrifices and offerings I commanded? How is it you’ve stooped to dragging gimcrack statues of your so-called rulers around, hauling the cheap images of all your star-gods here and there? Since you like them so much, you can take them with you when I drive you into exile beyond Damascus.” God ’s Message, God-of-the-Angel-Armies.  Amos 5:21‭-‬27 MSG

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God help us hear your heart and longings too.

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Infective story!

I've got a lot to learn, and I see now

"the story that I live within is key";

not just the bit I'm listening to somehow

right at the present time, that's ent'ring me,

and that I have a part to play within;

but even what I might be telling to

whoever I am "with". These ways begin

to mean that I'm becoming more like you

or else more disconnected from the wealth

of this world's great divorce from life and love,

it's way of un-community and self

expression, miffed at who's come "from above".

The gift thus given to us in good tales

that always means a wedding of those two:

the honesty and love that now avails

to serve in telling love what's really true,

and truly loving, building life in good

directions that are genuine and free.

The story that's a wedding of both would

be such a gift, for it helps people see

what love looks like, and how the truth is real.

It works and brings new kinds of life within,

and beckons others, to a brand new deal

that it encapsulates and so begins.

It's like a COVID-virus antidote.

You take it in, and it joins well with you,

and you join in with it, it's not a vote,

but what a gift! It saves, though small and few!

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the marriage made in heaven

Be on your guard, stand firm within your faith

I mean remain within this God who makes

all love that's ammature, that's real, not wraithe,

which doesn't always feel as good as fakes

that major on the feeling (not the fact).

Agapé love and Faithfulness "to boot"

are married and are often in the act

of making love that's real & bears good fruit.

So do your bit to choose with God's own way.

His needs are not for us to make things work,

but just because he loves his child he'll say

that we can be a help, not just some jerk!

And then he'll make it real: and ou-r part

that's played by us while tuning in to him,

will be a key, and beautiful, an art!

"Be mighty, full of courage- don't be dim.."

'e says to us, "..let love and kindness be"

your motivation that's behind all acts.

And I think that, if we do that, he'll see

that we can learn his wisdom, where we lack

some in our present state. He doesn't see

(& get caught up with) "where we are just now".

He's got a "growth mindset" - "Eternity" -

where we could get with his help then somehow!

This hope in God outside of time does not

bring disappointment, 'coz his love as well

has been poured out in our hearts such a lot,

by one who hovers over hill and dell!

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Be on your guard, stand firm in your faith- in God.  Be mighty and full of courage- let love and kindness be the motivation behind all that you do!! 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 (PM Version)

Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit- who has been given to us!!  Romans 5:5. (PM Version)

This love is AGAPE LOVE- before Christ this word in the Greek manuscripts was rarely used- Agape love meaning is unconditional, undefeatable love that always seeks the highest good of the other person, no matter what the other person does(or doesn't do) It is a self giving love that gives freely without asking anything in return. Agape Love is more a choice than an emotion.

Agape Love describes the unconditional love God has for us and the world.

"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear or be afraid, for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you. He will never leave you or for sake you." Deuteronomy 31:6. (PM Version)

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With or Against?

So, when your heart is broken, you'll find God

right there! That's when you're kicked hard in the guts, 

he'll help you catch your breath! It might seem odd,

to be so blessed, when it's in God you trust.

But those who put their trust in/on the Lord,

have made The Lord their hope and confidence -

(just not ourselves at centre & assured

we'll never be down to the rudiments

of life) - all things, then possible become.

That's high adventure (not just comfort, ease)!

What training program will he put me on

to do all those impossibilities?

So do not love this world nor all the stuff

it offers you, for when you love the world, 

you do not have the love of God enough,

or maybe even "don't have it at all".

For God, he loves his children more than things

The world, it offers not love, just a crave.

De-si-re that's unbounded, or craving;

so we can fill our much too empty grave!

Our hopes and pride, possessions, so to brag,

do not come from the Father, but this world. 

This world that fades away, that soon will sag,

along with accusations we have hurled.

Alternative to craving motives now,

is doing what will please the very God

who made this Universe for us somehow.

And who does that, will find his Life, not rot.

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If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there!  If you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath!  Psalm 34:18 (MSG)
Blessed are those who trust in The Lord and have made The Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7 (PM Version)
"With God all things are possible" Mathew 19:26 (PM Version)
Do not love this world nor the things it offers you, for when you love the world, you do not have the love of the Father in you. For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. 1 John 2:15‭-‬17 (PM Version)

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2day@school

Things went ok, or better, there today,

at school where systems sometimes fall apart.

An I.T. man filled in and made a way

for it to work to lead well from the start!

The students told their year 10 class some stuff

quite personal, like middle names and that;

& I learned more to make it fun - enough,

I hope to bring a wind that blows off hats.

A wind of change, and unexpected whim

that has a chance to open up some new

alternatives, and growth minds. Though I'm dim-

ly working with that greater light that's true.

I noted there today their motto too

that said something about what comes about

"through knowledge" - & it said that it was "Truth".

It made me think of two things (made me shout!):

First thing is that our knowledge oft' refers

to knowing facts, and skills, and stuff like that.

But still at times we say knowledge occurs

whenever we know someone else in fact.

So knowing people closely/ knowledge of

a person, can conduit the other things

like facts, & skills, approaches which help solve

the ever present problems that life brings.

And second thing is that "likewise with Truth":

it often just refers to statements, facts;

and yet some sages speak of a true youth,

or child or man or woman, once they act.

It seems to mean, not that they know all stuff,

like disembodied facts, so "informed well";

but that their choices truly, not just rough-

ly match the "truths" espoused, so less like hell.

So more of "real", not just the "vir-tu-al",

dressed in a person, so it's seen lived out.

And I know a true person is "a jewel",

a gem, and not a gold ring in pig's snout.

But Truth in personhood, is more than rare.

Acknowledged mostly when we see a glitch

in people who will tell us that they care,

yet seem to only scratch, to meet their itch.

So I could just give up, for I am one

of this 'ere race of humans on this Earth.

But ev'ry bit of knowledge that has come

to me of each exception that is worth

recounting, gives a new reason to live

and have another go at being true,

and as I've  passed things through a "spirit sieve"

I've truly found my hope has been renewed.

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one@school

Txt2PwHi Paul, didn't see you at school today!!!

How did you go????

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TxtFromPW: Went well for periods 1 & 2, ok for period 3, with difficulty period 4, ok for period 5.

………………………………………….........................

The classes for today have mostly gone

OK, I s'pose I'd say. More lessons learned/

reminded of. If light is to have shon

into our lives, it's not that we have earned

it. S'pose it is a privilege, a gift.

And God, I will rejoice in such a thing

that won't let me stay fallen, it will lift

me up, though I may fail to ever bring

your peace myself to school. I'm just a bloke.

But I can aim to be a value add-

ing influence, instead of just a joke.

So I will try to follow my "old Dad" -

my teacher, and my Rabbi, Jesus Christ,

who called disciples "his own children" who

would follow him as leader, who sufficed

to say, himself was following so too.

So off I'll go again, tomorrow morn,

with lessons still to learn of how to bring 

good order to that setting as the norm

but not just so I'll feel good and can sing;

not for myself, unthinking to preserve

my sanity, on auto-pilot, nor

as though no problems come from loosing nerve,

but for their sakes, not so they'll like me more.

And God is giving me somes chances to

learn this through teaching there today at school.

Please help me God to look through them to you.

To grow in wisdom, not to be a fool!

like lichen unto him

Oh God we want this attitude of Christ's

to be our own, and his own view of life.

So nothing else will do, or will suffice

'till you are lord, in sickness and in strife,

as well as times that feel quite good, and are

quite comf'table & beautiful as well.

We ask for help to look full at the star

whose light makes life on Earth more than just hell.

The sun of righteousness that rises with

your healing in its hem, or rays that fall

(as it ascends the sky) upon this Earth.

Oh God, it is to you, and it, we call.

And as we look, and listen, and obey,

we find ourselves enjoying love's dark work

and acting so as to make more okay

in actu'l fact, and likely less to shirk.

And if we've known encouragement &  com-

fort, from the love of Christ, as we unite 

with him. A sharing, tenderness that's from

well, being one in spirit and in mind.

Our motive not conceit, or ambition

that's selfish,  but we'll value others more

than we would ourselves, for his compassion

will have us looking out for them - for sure.

Their int'rests will be what we look out for.

The mindset that we have will be like Christ's.

We'll trust in God, who'll be our hope and more,

-  our confidence, we'll trust him. He'll suffice!

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I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. John 15:11‭-‬12 NIVUK

Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.  In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:. Philippians 2:1‭-‬5 NIVUK

Blessed are those who trust in The Lord and have made The Lord their hope and confidence. Jeremiah 17:7 (PM Version)

But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.  Malachi 4:2 NRSV

Do we need some "stick"? Ask him to help

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