Charles Darwin

He rode the HMS Beagle to the Galapagos Islands as a naturalist. He made brilliant observations finding 13 species of finch of varying phenotype. In 1859, Charles Darwin published his findings in the famous On the Origin of Species. He expounded on his theory of natural selection, extrapolating his evidence into unmerited territories. His unfounded conclusions would shock not only the scientific community, but every sphere of the modern world.

Unfortunately, the Church of the day fell for the bait and responded aggressively and angrily. In the process, I believe that we lost much credibility as we reacted outside of an anointing of love. Eventually, we too adapted to the social implications of his discoveries.

In churches today, we have a survival of the fittest mentality. The weak - children and elders - are seldom found with middle aged and young adults. While they are celebrated in the Bible, they are separated and disrepected today. We have followed a pattern of the world. As soon as we find a more gifted speaker or worship leader, we move to elect the old out of his/her position or change churches. Not having evolved from animals, we have certainly acted as such. I repent. 

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind..." (Romans 12:2)

"Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:16)

"Honor your father and mother." (Exodus 20:12)

Promised Land Geography

We spend ample time speaking about climbing mountains and expend loads of energy getting to the top. This process is wonderful and exciting, full of learning and experience; but this glory is fleeting. We forget that we have to descend. Life is a promised land, not a mountaintop. Learning how to come down from a mountaintop and continue on the jouney is just as important as knowing how to climb.

The sun is always brilliantly blazing. Its energy is self-sustaining. It shines even when you cannot see it. The moon runs in phases. It reflects the brilliance of the sun in accordance with how much it is exposed. Phases are normal.

However, let's keep in mind that God is an expert in the abnormal/impossible. God is known to teleport His children. And the moon can always be full if one has faith.

Invasion

While the sacred remains isolated from the common, the sacred can never affect the common.

"What God has made clean,  do not call common." (Acts 10:15)

"...Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." (1 Timothy 1:15)

"...what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What accord has Christ with Belial? Or what portion does a believer share with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of the Living God..." (2 Corinthians 6:14-16)

"And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh..." (Acts 2:17)

"From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh." (2 Corinthians 5:16)

We are called to invade the kingdoms of the earth. The sacred does not become the common. It affects the common. We are called to get dirty. Jesus will purify and sustain us as we go. He will wash our feet.

"Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of the ox." (Proverbs 14:4)

The Parable of the Rich Kid

Once upon a time, the King of the Universe adopted a child. The child was seated on the throne with the King's One and Only Son. He was given an unshakable kingdom. He inherited the earth. The child had inexhaustible resources because his father owned everything. He could ask anything from His father, and it would be given. He never complained ever again. In fact, he rejoiced always. The end. 

Pride

Pride opposes God's good design. Pride insists on its own way. It claims liberties. It takes what is not its own and manipulates it. Pride takes God's good design and superimposes its own passions. It is not only a distortion, but an active rebellious effort against the Creator. 

Walls and Gates

The walls of the Church are broken down. Our gates are destroyed by fire.

I confess my sins and the sins of my people. We call ourselves poor sinners, belittling the work and power of the cross, and call it humility. We encourage division because of disagreement, forskaing love for personal interpretation, and call it conviction and integrity. We oppress our women, building cases against their authority they have in Christ with few verses, (an argument built on sand) and we call it protection and divine order. We confess supremacy of Scripture and at the same time devour commentaries and philosophies devoid of the Spirit, and we call it the pursuit of wisdom. We easily become frustrated with the world and retreat behind closed doors frequently calling it piety and quiet, alone time with the Lord. We employ evangelistic strategies and an orderly assembly and we call it prudence. Being first called by the Spirit, we have reverted to the Law and the old flesh in hopes of being perfected. Lord, I take full responsiblity for these things and I repent. I repent for past generations, for my family and my friends.

O Lord, you guard covenant and honor those who love you. Honor us once again. Rebuild the walls and gates. Gather your people. 

The Spirit's Method

I saw good vision, a distant flag marking the end of a journey. Before me lay a multitude of paths, of summer and winter, of desert and lake, of forest and wasteland, of swamp and tundra, of gold streets and cobblestone. A wisp of wind pushes me forward. Like an unbridled horse, I lunge forward. Hunger arrives and the wind is gone. The flag begins waving in the distance. My knees kiss the earth, hands embraced in sweat and tears.