Nonsensical Ramblings of Mark

This may be a multi-part post. It really depends on how far I get in this one or how bored I get of the topic after this is posted. Thinking about my present state of perfection in my God-given position (my past, present, and future salvation) and my imperfection in practice (genuine screw up and far too-often sinner) I find myself a man still in need of a savior. My need for Christ did not cease when I placed all of my trust in him to unite me with God through the forgiveness of my sins. It continues to this day as he perfects me through the struggles I have against my tendency to sin, offend, and even screw up the plumbing. And God would have it no other way. Tucked away in the New Testament are Paul's teachings on boasting about his own weaknesses. Now, when I boast, I call to my mind, and others' minds, certain things that are true about me or that I think are true about me. Usually these are positive things that I think merit my contemplation and I invite others to contemp...

I chase after personal peace and prosperity to the detriment of my soul. As long as my world is not rocking this way or that and as long as I have enough money in my pocket I hum a happy tune and know that life is good. The peace and affluence of this world is far too cheap a substitute for that which is offered in Christ. I overlook the riches of heaven and am far too easily pleased with the trappings of earth. But why? Because Jesus Christ does violence to the darkness in my soul. The war that rages in my heart is that which God himself commands for he is far too jealous for me, his child, to leave me to my own devices or for me to attach myself to another god and father. His trajectory is ever towards himself and, thus, ever towards me. My vanity leads me deeper into myself and farther from the love that he has shed in my heart. Peace and prosperity will be my lot for he has willed it. The source of it will only be found in him. He would have it no other way for it is for his glory ...