Timothy J. Pruitt's Blog, page 437

Awe At Hope

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Joy fills the night

Awe at hope, now instant

Day is born in moonlight

Life Eternal, a small infant

Mary cradles our dreams

Joseph guards a Heavenly gift

From Herod’s twisted evil screams

Their lives will now be swift

Israel to Egypt, and back again

Bethlehem, Nazareth, Jerusalem,

Christ’s climactic battle with sin,

God, man, and wrongs will meet,

Soul’s rescued gladly kneel,

Death conquered at Mercy’s feet

Joy fills our night

We awe at hope eternal

Heaven in our mind’s sight

Mary’s Child now internal

Our hope on Heart’s throne

Shining, Guiding, and calling,

Each of us now His own!

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Wonder At our Present

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Matthew 21:15

And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased,

The word is Wonder, or as they said in Old English Wundor. I like Wundor. Wonder is both a noun and a verb. As a noun it means “a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable.” Today I’m thinking of course, of the wonder of Christmas.

As a verb, it means to “feel admiration and amazement; to marvel.” A child this week knows what it means, even if they don’t know how to put it into words. It’s the day before, the day before, the day before Christmas. The very thought of it is wonderful to them.

We adults though, we’re jaded. We say things like “It’s too commercial.” “It’s become too much about this or that …” I’m not here to defend what some have allowed it to be, I come instead with hope. Individually, we don’t have to celebrate what others have made it.

You and I can still wonder at Christmas, irregardless of how others see it. Our celebration doesn’t revolve around neon lights and cash registers, it centers on The One in the manger. We can still approach it with the excitement of a child!

Yes, little ones are excited about a gift. If we adults were that way, we’d be afraid of being called shallow. The truth is, we should most definitely be excited about a gift. The gift of Christ!

It is that precious gift that kept Adam’s heart beating. The realization of the promise of Abraham, the dream of Joseph, and the hope of David. He is Isaiah’s Wonderful Child!

Yes, we should wonder at Christmas! Whether you like the lights, the tree, and the cookies or not, personally I do, all can agree on this. We can all return to kneel beside a manger, where God crossed Eternity to save us. The Creator Of Light now swaddled as an infant.

Wonder of wonders, Jesus is born, not only in a messy stable, but in messy hearts. The stable was no accident, it was planned. He was saying, “I Am here to clean up your mess. I’m here to swaddle you as you’re born again, not of this world, but of the one to come.”

Jesus was telling us that our mess is not greater than His mercy. That night changed everything for all mankind. An even though He was most likely not born in December, we celebrate it on that day, and hopefully every day.

So, get excited, dream, even giggle like a child on Christmas morning. Let us wonder at our present, in two ways. Both in the gift of Christ, and the gift of our present condition. We are not yet what we should be, but we are no longer the things we used to be.

Let us wonder at His love, honor His sacrifice, and rejoice at the promise of His soon return! It’s almost here! Get ready, and smile, it’s the day before, the day before, the day before Christmas!

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iPainting: Our Christmas Card To You

We would like to share, in this Sunday afternoon art post, our Christmas Card with all of you. May God warm your hearts this Christmas, and energize you for the year ahead.

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The Sea Horse: Wonzu

Her title, or at least what they called her, was Wonsu, it meant general. It also meant Mortal Enemy, and she usually was. She was older now, having arrived here before Oceania started. Her family ran the Alligator district of Oceania, originally a slang name for the suburbs of Alligate. A very influential section of the city.

When her family arrived, it became the headquarters for the Alligator gangs, the Wonsu’s organization.  No one remembered how they seized power, but they knew very well how they maintained it.  Now, Alligate and the Alligators were synonymous with one another.

Other Factions were itching to revise the scene of the city. “I am not anxious for change.”  She said to her Lieutenant as they sparred.  Wonsu used a weapon that was her Grandfather’s.  It is called a hyeopdo, also known as micheomdo, or “eyebrow” sword.  That’s what the citizens of Aligate knew it as.

It was said that when the Wonsu raised her eyebrow, she was not happy, and neither were you.  This was true whether you were talking about the hair above her eye, or the blade in her hand.  Some had thought her age might slow her down, instead she used it.  When she could no longer jump, she learned to compensate with other movements. Her “eyebrow” became an extension of herself.

Her lieutenant, the lawyer nephew, as she referred to him was babbling on.  The Wonsu had 11 nephews, each positioning to take her spot.  They didn’t know that her successor was already chosen, or that he was miles across the sea in a small village.  It would suit them well to learn she had a son, but only when she was ready.

“What are you going on about?”  Her patience was wearing thin.  Woong smiled.  “The possibility of spreading your territory across Oceania.  This war will not end well, let the two factions fight it out.  Then you, knowing how to take advantage of their weakness, will establish control.”  “Meaning I will pave the way for your future.  You want to expand your role, not mine.”

Woong frowned.  “I would speak, not as your Lieutenant, but as your nephew.” She laughed.  “You risk a lot, but, I like fire.  Go ahead.”  Woong stood to his full height, albeit slowly.  “I have served faithfully, as my Father before me.  Yes, I would like to expand my power, but only under your umbrella.  It saddens me that, after all these years, you still don’t trust me.”

The Wonsu laughed.  “Woong, I don’t trust anyone, not even myself.  That’s why I am Wonsu, and not my sister.  We fought, she lost, and I sit here.  Still, I’ll grant your request, not because I trust you, but because my alligators are hungry for fresh meat.”

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Masters Children, Not Misfits

 

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Luke 7:35

But wisdom is justified of all her children.

“Too often The Master’s Children were mistaken for misfits. That’s okay, we’re in good company. They said the same thing about Him.”

“We’re a couple of misfits”, it’s a line from the classic tv special, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. It’s sung by Rudolph and his Elf Dentist friend. I couldn’t help but think if Joseph and Mary wouldn’t have described themselves the same way.

Yes, they were called of God, and oh yes, they’re willingness helped changed the world, but they recognized the irony. Joseph knew, to others, from the outside, he looked naïve. He knew better, even if they didn’t.

Mary knew, that inside her, was God Incarnate. She knew that God had selected her, regardless of the lies and snickers. Mary knew what God had called her to do. She knew that inside her was The Hope of all mankind.

Still, they were mocked, but that was okay. The Lord reminded me of something tonight, Mary and Joseph were not the first to be mocked. Abraham went out, not knowing where he was going, but God knew. David ran when others said run Saul into the ground. They didn’t get it, The Lord understood.

In short, God was saying, “I know how to bring you through this. I’ve brought others through what you’ve never experienced.” As my Dad would say, our problem is not God’s first rodeo.

He knew how to care for them, even in the midst of doing what even God had never done before, becoming a man. The Lord encouraged Mary by sending her to Elisabeth. Once Joseph received the dream, he never looked back. God sustained them through a desert of loneliness.

Whatever you’re facing, take hope in the fact that He’s brought others through it. God never sends us on a journey that He hasn’t already mapped out. He went to Calvary and back to chart out our Salvation. God knows the cost of what we face. He spent Himself to purchase our redemption.

Your not at the end of your road, you’ve just never walked this way before, He has. See that well, that’s where Jacob stopped to rest. It’s also where the woman of Samaria met Jesus. That place of discouragement you’re at, Moses stopped there too. Of course, just a few yards beyond it, was a burning bush.

At our Church, Point Of Mercy, Pastor Denny Livingston has spent the last year reminding us, that we are not misfits. We are Fitly Framed in the plan of God!

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The Native: Augustus Doctrine

Luke 2:1

​ 1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

The Monroe Doctrine, the Truman Doctrine, the word doctrine is not a foreign word in the halls of politics. We are more familiar with it from a Biblical perspective, but it’s not always a matter of faith. Ironically, it is, in a political fashion, found in The Book Of Faith.

The word decree in Luke 2 translates dogma and doctrine. A census was very much part of Augustus’ political doctrine. The reason for this goes back some years before the events of Luke 2. When we read of Augustus, we imagine that he became emperor at a specific time. His powers were actually consolidated over time. One of these periods included a compromise with the Roman Senate called the second settlement.

It was in this settlement, that he was granted powers normally reserved for only the Roman Censor. These included the right to supervise public morals and scrutinize laws to ensure they were in the public interest, as well as the ability to hold a census and determine the membership of the Senate.A Censor also, even in the days of the republic, would occassionally take a Census outside of Rome in the provinces.

One of the reasons for this compromise had been Augustus’ illness. The Senate realized that their entire government now was pinned to the health of one man. Ironically, the most powerful man in the known world, suffered with illness throughout his life. When we first read Luke 2, we imagine mighty Caesar and an infant Christ. While that is true, Caesar was not so mighty, and while Our Lord was a baby, He was more powerful in His infancy, than Augustus was in his strength.

The doctrine of Caesar demanded every man to give account of himself and his family. The purpose was for the pleasure of Rome. Make no mistake, one day, all men both small and great will stand before a Throne far greater than Caesar’s. We will all give an account, but that wasn’t the way that Christ began.

Before He ever asked us to give an account of our birth, of our parents, or of our heritage, He shared His own. He shared His lineage of faith from Abraham to David. As well as to all those who were faithful even though not famous.

We know that Christ’s Mother was just like us, flawed but unflinching. Joseph, while not His Father, loved Him as much as any son. Most of all, because Jesus shared, we can become the sons of God!

God wrapped in flesh, born to die, buried to rise, and alive to resurrect men’s souls! That is the doctrine of Christ. Augustus’ doctrine was birthed out of human frailty, they say he suffered ailments all his life. Our Lord’s doctrine was established to take away our diseases, to overcome our weaknesses, and to share His strength with us.

Thank God that the doctrine of God brings life in every arena. Whether your background is religious, non religious, political, or anything else, The Lord will meet you there. So this Christmas, spend some time getting to know a King who crossed worlds to reach you.

Matthew 11:29-30

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

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iPainting: The Pennsylvania Mill

We hope you enjoy this Sunday afternoon’s art post, “The Pennsylvania Mill”.

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The Sea Horse: The British Rose

The New Villain’s Calling Card

“It’ll burn up before he gets to his headquarters.” The Judge’s voice came through the headset in Sea Horse’s mask. “I know, but we’ll get a general trajectory, then we can narrow it down.” “I think we’ll have more success from the cameras in your costume.”  “Everybody calls it a costume.  Why can’t they say uniform?”  “Because you’re wearing bright yellow and blue and look like a television character.”

Sea Horse laughed, “Yeah, but I do get the cape. I love the cape.”  This time, the Judge laughed.  “Are you returning to base?”  “No, I’m heading to the docks to do some recon. I slipped a tracer in the handle of his favorite knife last visit.  Eventually there will be a gathering of the crime lieutenants after High Society has stirred everyone up.  Last week, he sent a message to the Caterer ordering him to choose between him and The Organizer.

The Sea Horse positioned the Sea Swallow where he could pickup on the transmission from the tracer in the Caterer’s knife. He was in luck, a meeting was already occurring.  The cameras on the docks couldn’t pick up any visuals, but at least the Sea Horse could listen in.

Caterer set in his office, having a heated conversation with one of The Organizer’s lieutenants.  “I don’t care who gets the biggest part of the pie.  I’m a middle man, and I like it.  I’m big enough to have what I want, minus too many headaches.  Why should I choose your guy over one that can fly down and destroy my warehouse in two minutes?”  The Sea Horse hadn’t heard the next voice before, but he wouldn’t forget it once he had.

It was British, perfect pitch, perfect grammar.  “It’s your choice of course, however, I do feel that I should point out a few things.  One, the fact that you should choose carefully, neither organization is fond of neutral parties.  Second, The Organizer will need to answer High Society by making an example of disloyalty.  Thirdly, you’ve seen the benefit of what we’re offering, the return on your investment.  If you wish to be a part of the more lucrative programs, you won’t make this threat again.”

The Caterer didn’t answer quickly, but his voice was steady.  “Well, you passed my test.  When you threaten a man, you don’t just threaten physical harm.  You threaten across the board, but you don’t do it bluntly.  The more concrete, the more thought out, the more deadly the threat.  Tell The Organizer, he or she, has my support.  One question though, is he thinking that High Society a major threat?”

“It’s been The Organizer’s experience that a threat always has two levels.  The first is the actual danger, the second is how the one making the threat perceives their power.  High Society thinks that he has enough fire power to cripple us, he doesn’t.  He has apparently introduced, shall we say, personality into Oceania’s criminal element.  That’s why I’m here, to match personality with personality.”  “I can see that, tell me, what do we call you?”  “My employer is also fond of light hearted epitaphs.  He said that, given my lineage and towering stature, I should be called The British Rose.”

After the meeting was over, one of the Sea Horse’s cameras picked up an image of the exiting Brit.  Apparently, The Organizer did have a sense of ‘personality’.  The Rose was a perfect match of flair and finesse.  According to the computers in the Sea Swallow, they estimated his height at 7’2.  He wore a perfectly tailored herringbone suit, and flat cap.  His face boasted a blonde Prince George style beard and mustache.  His mask was in the shape of a domino mask, however, it was forged completely out of British Pound coins.  He was roughly 300 pounds, apparently all muscle, and carried a huge cane.  The handle, also made of sterling silver, was in the shape of a Tudor Rose.”

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iPainting: Tom Hanks

We love great acting at PruittWrites, and one of our favorite actors is Tom Hanks. We hope you enjoy this watercolor version of “Tom Hanks”.

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The Baby Prince

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Years ago, before Christ was born,

Still both children, moon and sun,

The earth was new, and smiles were worn,

God and man laughed together, rejoicing, having fun,

Until sickness and sadness slipped in,

Man opened the door to a trickster called sin.

It caused man a mighty fall,

God and man’s relationship breached,

Because of sin’s fast constructed, evil wall,

Our Lord established the journey He’d reach,

Finding the road To rescue His friend,

Never quitting, always working, He would defend.

The vow to lonely ears He gave,

Whispering to everyone that did pray,

Victory over sin, death, and the grave,

God would make a way,

The promise reaching man did sound,

A Prince will come, and joy abound.

In a stable, God slipped into the cave,

Spanning the wall, and entering the globe,

He’d walk the path to free sin’s slaves,

Not as a towering God with a royal robe,

His people, He came to call,

But as a swaddled Babe, a Savior for all.

There on Bethlehem’s starry plain,

Filled with joy, both God and man,

Joined by an Angel’s refrain,

They laughed together, hand in hand,

And like a clock Sin did know,

It’s days, just numbered grains of sand,

The Baby Prince would grow.

On that night Christmas was born,

It’s greatest gift, The Baby’s cry,

But far better was that glorious morn,

The day The Prince climbed sin’s hill,

Jesus’ silenced evil with a victorious sigh,

Toppled it’s wall, and brought man nigh.

Now, though the sun is old,

The moon no longer young,

When Sin tries to scare with lies so bold,

A tune is heard, a song is sung,

Men are new, Christ has won,

We laugh together, rejoicing, and having fun.

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