Saturday, January 10, 2009

Frontline-by Pillar

It's not like I'm walking alone into the valley of the shadow of death
Stand beside one another, 'cause it ain't over yet
I'd be willing to bet that if we don't back down
You and I will be the ones that are holding the Crown in the end
When it's over, we can say, "Well done"
But not yet, 'cause it's only begun
So, pick up, and follow me, we're the only ones
To fight this thing, until we've won
We drive on and don't look back
It doesn't mean we can't learn from our past
All the things that we mighta done wrong
We could've been doing this all along

Everybody, with your fists raised high
Let me hear your battle cry tonight
Stand beside, or step aside
We're on the frontline!
Everybody, with your fists raised high
Let me hear your battle cry tonight
Stand beside, or step aside
We're on the frontline!

And we'll be carrying on, until the day it doesn't matter anymore
Step aside, you forgot what this is for
We fight to live, we live to fight
And tonight, you'll hear my battle cry
We live our lives on the frontlines
We're not afraid of the fast times
These days have opened up my eyes
And now I see where the threat lies

Everybody, with your fists raised high
Let me hear your battle cry tonight
Stand beside, or step aside
We're on the frontline!
Everybody, with your fists raised high
Let me hear your battle cry tonight
Stand beside, or step aside
We're on the frontline!
We live our lives on the frontline
We're not afraid of the fast times
We live our lives on the frontline
We're not afraid of the fast times

We've got to lead the way!
We've got to lead the way!

Everybody, with your fists raised high
Let me hear your battle cry tonight
Stand beside, or step aside
We're on the frontline!
Everybody, with your fists raised high
Let me hear your battle cry tonight
Stand beside, or step aside
We're on the frontline!
Everybody, with your fists raised high
Stand beside on the frontline
Everybody, with your fists raised high
Let me hear your battle cry tonight
Everybody, with your fists raised high
Let me hear your battle cry tonight
Stand beside, or step aside
We're on the frontline!

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

In Response To Screwtape

My dear Screwtape,

I regret to inform you that my patient has strayed from my attentive care. I suppose some disappoint on your part is expected and your next letter shall most likely inform me of the dreadful penalties that are to follow. Yet, before you do so, I insist that all such "praise" of this unfortunate situation should be acclaimed to your alleged “advice”. I'll point out that it was your counsel that was followed; and to the letter I might add. Due to your counsel, my patient has become a blasted member of His dreaded army. However, I'll cast blame aside for the moment and return to the matter at hand; for no doubt, my dear Uncle, befuddlement and anxiety has overcome you.

Concerning my patient: The very moment, at which Christianity was proposed as an adolescent ideal that must be purged in order to retain a proper conception reality, my patient began appealing to logic and reason. At first I was delighted, for the present situation seemed opportune. Doubacious hailed me at once saying, “What a tremendous achievement! Take advantage of the situation my boy!” Eagerly, I began to exploit my patient’s position by encouraging the ideal of "infallible logic". I was well aware that if my patient held Christianity to be logically unsound, he would set his mind against the Enemy on his own accord and shall continue his life well protected from any future influence by Him or His selfless minions. This would entail much less work on my part and seemed the most likely to further our cause. From that moment on, I began to stalk his every move with a keen eye and anticipated his desires as best I could.

It was at this moment that victory turned to utter defeat. After debating Christianity for six months under special care and attention, all my work begot my own undoing. (More is to be inserted here at a later date in order to transition better) At the brink of tears, my patient spontaneously sank to his knees and called upon the Enemy. Blast his unpredictable nature. I ask you, in all of your time at work, have you ever discovered any consistency amongst the human race? It seems that when you have a man’s desires and passions understood, they then change. One moment he seems to be living in a sort of peak where he will take to anything with great vigor, and the next moment, he becomes desolate and reserve. One day he is pessimistic towards Christianity and the next, he has fallen to his knees. Such character is confusing and down right aggravating. Oh bother, I am afraid that I have fallen into a bit of a tangent. Where was I…ah yes, his dealings with the other side.

Though what was said between the Enemy and my patient remains quite the mystery, I witnessed this unfortunate event with my observant eye. My patient dashed to his library and threw open His accursed Book. He began to murmur certain words aloud, such as “grace” and “redemption”; these confounded words have destroyed my work. They are downright dangerous when allowed into the minds of man. They give a man hope and then all work on our part to make him believe that salvation is given to the most perfect of men, unravels. He rebukes the idea that he must not be a true Christian since he is not yet fully sanctified. The true light of Salvation through faith and mercy has been revealed to him by the Spirit. Regrettably, this is where my patient has arrived and I must say that I am at a loss of words and ideas. What must I do to assure his allegiance to Our Father Below? If I must not appeal to his logic and reason, what must be done? I believe I overheard you speaking with another at the council of another way; something about the paralyzation of the head. Pray tell.

In order that the situation may divert from its present course, I beg you to advise me at this time on what I must do. However, may your next letter be more profitable towards our cause than your last. Of course I realize that the fault is not solely your own, and I am afraid that I have not shown you the proper respect that is called from a nephew towards his uncle. I have seen from your previous successes that you are indeed quite clever at your work. It may not be because of you that my mission has failed. Perhaps it was due to some unseen work of the Enemy. For this, I apologize and look forward to your response.

Your affectionate nephew
Wormwood

(-Brian)

Monday, December 18, 2006

A Passion For Him.

Here, in a solitary isolation he contemplates that which lies ahead. What is wise? Should he follow blindly that which he has never seen? It seems absurd. To trust "God" whole-heartedly, when He has never shown Himself (to this generation) in a physical form. Who would place trust so blindly? The world replies, "a fool". What substance of truth is there to such a story? Is there not anything that declares who He is?

Ah, open your eyes and behold His splendor! See how all creation reflects a glimpse of His absolute and true perfection. With its every living breath it proclaims His majesty. Learn to listen. It's cannot be foolish to place trust in the Father of truth. As was told me, blessed are you excelsior Christian! Continue to develop in your faith and believe without having seen; for greater will be your reward in Heaven!

Seek God with all your heart and devote your life to Him. I pray that God will continually increase our passion to fill even the minute capacity that we have for knowledge of Him and that He would increase our capacity for it. Seek after his divine goodness, truth, and beauty.

God, guide us in our seeking of Him and give us your strength and wisdom. Enable our logic and reason to rule our desires and passions through the heart that we have submitted to You.

Eternally subsist in humble adoration of His divine, unquestionable, and righteous perfection!

-Brian

Sunday, December 10, 2006

O Praise Him!

Why are you downcast in the midst of trials?
Praise the Lord your God with all your heart!

When life seems to be in shambles, praise the Lord your God.
For God will use these times to develop your character.
When all seems lost and you seem to possess nothing, praise Him.
For you will spend eternity with Him.
Though the world my look down upon you, be glad.
For we suffer in the name of Christ.
When sickness comes upon you, bless his name.
For He offers you an eternal life with Him.
Do not hold dear the things of this world.
For what do you hope to gain with worldly possessions?
Do they not always pass away in time?
Instead, pray for the things of the Lord, for they will last forever.
It is not the praise of the world that we seek, it is His.
Live life with a Heavenly mindset that is focused on Him.
Show love to those who are around you by serving them
For Humility is the essence of Love.

-Brian

Saturday, November 18, 2006

The Journey To Glory

Greetings my friend!

I am pleased that you have chosen me to guide you as you journey. Many years have passed since you have walked with me, and since then you have gone astray. But come, let us not dwell in the past, we must be swift. Our enemy will attempt to ensnare you. Come with me, for I know a road less traveled. If you trust me and heed my advice then you shall reach the one you seek. Yes, I know you seek Him. You long to be with Him. But rest, and gather your strength, for you will need to be vigilant. Never forget that I will fight with you and for you. It is He that strengthens you. Receive this gift of our King, and let us go.

-Brian

Fare Thee Well, Love

Fare thee well, love,
Fare thee well, love,
Far away, you must go
Take my heart, love,
Take my heart, love
Will we never meet, again no more?

Far across, love,
Far across, love,
O'er the mountains, and country wide
Take my heart, love,
Take my heart, love,
No one knows the tears I've cried

So I'll drink today, love,
I'll sing to you, love,In paupers glory, my time I'll bide
No home or ties, love, a restless rover,
If I can't have you by my side

Oh come back, love,
Oh come back, love,
The sun and moon refuse to shine
Since you've gone, love, gone away, love,
This lonely boy has had no peace of mind

So I'll drink today, love,
I'll sing to you, love,
In paupers glory, my time I'll bide
No home or ties, love, a restless rover,
If I can't have you by my side

Fare thee well, love,
Fare thee well, love,
Far away, you must go
Take my heart, love,
Take my heart, love,
Will we never meet, again no more?
Will we never meet, again no more?