Top Ten #2 - 8/17/2000
PLEXIGLASS
- Leslie E. Johnson copyright 2000
God's heart is broken
by so many things
we seldom consider this
as we shoot for the ring
Pondering our deepest pleasures
we forget the multitude
promises drop the wayside
as we devour forbidden fruit
How many in history
have so often prayed
"God please forgive me
for my sins this day"?
I'd be a hypocrite
if I didn't admit
I too have done the same
I do not relish the shame
God's grace and glory
shouts forgiveness eternity
"God please forgive me
and set me free."
Set out a new day
the clock has a new start
I now have another chance
to not break God's heart
Praise be to God
We're continuing on with a look at the Ten Commandments (Deuteronomy 5:7-21). In the last ring we looked at not coveting and not committing adultery. This time let's look at Deuteronomy 5:7-8, which addresses not worshiping other gods and not making idols to worship. We may not bow down to little carvings that look like birds or animals or fish but often we do put things in our lives before our love for God. We don't usually do this on purpose. We do it without thinking. We find something that we think will complete us or bring us fulfillment of our dreams. Maybe it's money, fame, a collection, a person - we think if we can just get this one thing, reach this one goal, make this person love us, then all will be perfect in the world. In the end, we've forgotten that all good things come from the Creator.
SMASHING THE IDOL
- Leslie E. Johnson copyright 1999
Elevated beyond mere mortal
pass the levels of endurance
you seek comfort from life's storms
only to find
you can't find yourself alone
someone's always pulling
someone's always wanting
saying they need
you
Even when you are telling them
to seek the Truth
not you
Your elevation makes you prey
in a game of delusions
that others play
if only you could be their possession
a plaything for mere mortal passions
She's always there
somewhere in the crowd
night after night
her face may change
or be the same
but she's always there wanting
claiming she's needing
only you
Even though you are telling her
she needs the Truth
not you
You're tripping on the pedestal
it's such a high place
you can go higher
or you could fall
No chance to fear the height
better yet to fear the pain
no where to hide
no way to be alone
your best bet is to pass on fame
and join up with God
but smashing the idol
means nothing, it's smashing
you
smashing the idol
is destroying an illusion
not you
It means telling them all
that seeking God is seeking Truth
better to do that
than to be wasting their time
seeking a golden idol
you
Sometimes when I visit chat boards I'm a little taken aback by the level of some of the fan worship going on. That's not to say that I've never fallen into that trap before myself. I would like to think that I wouldn't fall to it again. I'm more cautious as to my perceptions. Celebrities are human and are just as fallible as I am - so there's nothing there to worship. Not to mention the thought of how my behavior might adversely affect the walk of others. God is always there for me. HE's never too tired to talk, never sick, would never blow me off, and provides me with all I need. If all I ever try to collect is meaning in God's word; if all I ever chase after is following the example of Jesus; if I allow myself to focus on serving the needs of others then I think I'll come closer to finding what happiness means.
SING ME ON
-Leslie E. Johnson copyright 2000
Angels come a singing in His name
Praise the Lord, no need to be afraid
He tends our needs each moment of the day
Praise the Lord, for all will be okay
Sing me on to brighter days
Sing me on to stronger faith
sing me on
sing me on
sing me on
Oh love my Lord
Angels come a singing for my Lord
confusion melts away as they rejoice
my soul becomes an instrument for the Lord
as their song pulls at my heart's chords
Sing me on to brighter days
Sing me on to stronger faith
sing me on
sing me on
sing me on
Oh love my Lord
Angels come a singing Jesus' praise
reminding me for an eternity I'm saved
I lift my voice in praise of His name
a blessing with unending refrain
Sing me on to brighter days
Sing me on to stronger faith
sing me on
sing me on
sing me on
Oh love my Lord
Basically, Deuteronomy 5:7-8 ask us not to throw away God. HE doesn't throw us away. HE stays with us, so HE asks us to stay with HIM. And for me staying with Him means the rejuvenation of my soul. It means waking up each day to the possibility of endless miracles and endless life. So it's all the other gods that pass through this world that I throw away - I do not call on the name of any other spiritual entity and I do not bow down to material things that have no life or other humans who walk this earth as flawed as myself.
Hope you've enjoyed this part of the study of the Ten Commandments. We still have six more to go through! It's been interesting (and a bit of a challenge) for me to put this together. I welcome any feedback at Shaken@angelfire.com. Peace, love, and forgiveness.
Leslie
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Email: shaken@angelfire.com