The Hound of Heaven

written by Francis Thompson
adapted by Gina Etherton

I fled Him down the nights and down the days.

I fled Him down the arches of the years

I fled Him down the labyrinth ways

                      of my own mind and in the mist of tears.

I hid from Him even under running laughter

          up vistaed hopes I sped

          and then down glooms of chasmed fears.

Running from those strong Feet that followed after

          with an unhurried pace,

          deliberate speed & majestic presence,

those Feet and a Voice beat—

          a beat more constant than the Feet—

that said, “All things betray you, you who betray Me.”

I clung to every shallow friend,

the whistling mane of every wind.

Across the world I fled,

troubling the gateway of the stars

          seeking the shelter of their clanged bars

          chained to melodious songs,

          slave to every cultural tune.

Their treacherous trueness and their loyal deceit

Kept me ahead of the tread of His Feet—

          still with unhurried chase & unperturbed pace

          deliberate speed & majestic presence,

Came the following Feet

And a Voice above their beat—“Nothing will shelter you, you who will not shelter me.”

I know the significance of the willful state of my demise—

          of the welcome face of dame & skies.

I sought rest & peace in delicate fellowship—

          first with one and then with nature.

My own moods rose and fell with the changeling gathered—

I triumphed and saddened with all weather—

          Heaven & I wept together.

But never did either bless my thirsting soul—

The night draws near and the chase goes on—

          with unperturbed pace,

          deliberate speed & majestic presence,

And past those noisy Feet

a Voice comes yet more fleet—

          “Lo, nothing will content you, who is not content with Me.”

Finally, I am utterly defenseless & stricken to my knees.

I pulled my life around me, grimey with smears.

I stand amid the dust of wasted years,

my mangled youth lies dead beneath the heap.

my days have crackled and gone up in smoke—

          and fail me now

          as if a bad dream.

Now in that long pursuit

comes the Hand of the brute…

That Voice is round me like a bursting sea—

          “And is your world so marred, 

          shattered—shard on shard?

          Lo, all things fly thee, now fly to Me.”

Finally, I can flee no more

          I yield to Love’s open door

          I said to the Voice:

          The prize You sought for so long is finally Yours.

          in dark & gloom, You have hounded me

          for so long now that I cannot see.

          I surrender all those things You’ve taken from me.

Came back the Voice,

          “I only wanted You to seek them in my all.

          The dark and gloom you said you could no longer stand

          was, after all, the shadow of my Loving Hand.

          How little worthy of My Love could anyone be?

             Who else could ever love you, save only Me?”

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8,9 - Peace with God

Keep putting into practice all you learned 
and received from me—
everything you heard from me and saw me doing. 
Then the God of peace will be with you. 

Phil 4:9 

Peace.  It's what we have been pursuing all along.  Even in the fury of searching, depth of knowing, and development of ministry.  We just want peace.  What is this "everything" Paul has taught the Philippians?  He is summarizing what he has told them in the previous verse.  It involves focusing on the things which most fill the mind and satisfy the heart.

You can read in the following posts a short “small bites” presentation of Philippians 4:8.  

Paul gives us a set of items which deserve our attention: …meditate on these things… Paul says.  Interesting to me, the word for meditate is logizomai, a root word for "logic."  This means to see the sense in them and to reckon their significance inward:  “weigh” the import and impact of them and the fact (not supposition or opinion) of their reality.  This is God’s reality show.  He has something to demonstrate, to evidence.

Despite what the world is presenting and demanding, peace is acquired through leaning into the places where God-valued truths can be seen. The purpose is this – that this weightiness and worthiness of God-valued evidence on earth will become the inspiration for our lives. 

That is what I want most of all:  God-with-us.

It brings peace.

The Face of God

from Glacier Point, Yosemite Park, California

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Worthy of Praise

  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

What could be thought of as "worthy of praise?"  The Greek word “epainos” means this - something which deserves praise; a proper-fitting praise reflecting the worth of a thing; a commendation or recognition of the inherent, God-given value of a thing. In the Biblical context, praise is especially appropriate for anything which is a reflection of God’s will.

This is not praise according to world values, but rather what God values.  In a world where idol-worship is rampant, we give praise to many lesser things – dancing, singing, athletics, status, power.  And while God gives those talents and positions, what does it mean to know if something is truly praise-worthy?

What action/activity have you seen that God would value?

Where can we go to root out those greater things 

of value to God?

When might the gifts of God be used so God is valued?

This makes me think of one of the meanings of praise/worship in the Biblical context – “give credit where credit is due.”  The true nature of praise-worthiness is that we look for God-activity in its most obvious places and learn to look deep in places less obvious, or like the Bible says, in places where human wisdom would not account for it.

I have seen praiseworthy things –love, simplicity, honesty, majestic beauty - in the faces of children and homeless people, in the plots of good movies, in the rich, deep music of the symphony, in laughter and fellowship.  I have been overwhelmed by His Glory in the ocean and on the mountain. I have developed an eye for seeing God’s glory and presence in the smallest and biggest of places. 

Where have you seen something 

for which you could give credit to God?

Break out in praise so others can see it, too!

Isaiah 59:14-15

When justice calls, we turn it away.

Righteousness knows to keep its distance,

for truth stumbles in the public square

and honesty is not allowed to enter.

There is no truth-telling anymore,

and anyone who tries to do right

finds he is the next target.

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Excellence (virtuousness)

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, 

and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

In the King James and New King James versions, that practically extinct word virtuous is used instead of "excellent."  Virtue is probably a more true word to the Greek because of its deep indication of instrinsic morality.  I am desperate to see a virtuous person in the public arena today.

Why do we hardly even think of virtue today?

What happens if the meaning is even lost to us?

Virtue in Jesus’ day pointed to moral excellence – as in modesty, honesty, or purity – but it was more than just a line of thinking.  It was a totality, a consistency of the entire life in morality – thought, feeling and action.  I know we need those models today.  We need those people who live their lives committed to an internal truth, a moral compass!  If we cannot see them in the public square, I bet you have a few who lived a virtuous life in your own history.  Our children are in desperate need of them.  The rest of us, too!

Where can we see virtuous people today?

Would we know virtue if we saw it?

I think we would be tempted to call such a person rigid or intolerant and unchanging, as if it is negative.  The truth is that virtue makes its greatest demands on the individual who wants to live virtuously.  Its purposes are only fueled by a deep love of the things of God and not any grandstanding or self-acclamation.  Rather, its gains stand in stark contrast to the world because it is always bathed in humility, that grandest of virtues.

#3

Bar room brawls

do not make men.

Candlelight charisma

does not make love.

Anyone can fight

or

strike a match.

Real love is demonstrated

in broad daylight.

Real men are molded

by the hand of God.

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - A Good Report

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8  

Different versions account for this to be anything of good report or commendable, thus it is admirable. The word here is also another of Paul’s unique words that he compounded for emphasis – euphemos.  (Ironically it is pronounced “you famous,” with a slight accent on the last syllable.)

“Eu” – to fare well or prosper; to act well.  This word is used in all the “well done” verses in the New Testament.

“Phemos” – fame, report, as in notoriety:  “is of good repute.”  

Used this way, this compound word is an expression of a forthcoming good omen – being expectantly positive.  The value of such good news was based on whether it was well-received, well-served or well done.  The expectations of Jesus’ miracles made for “good report.”  It drew people to him because they needed this good news in their lives. They needed hope.  They needed possibilities.

Jesus’ news, His Good News, is still noteworthy today.  It offers hope where it is needed most.  It offers possibilities that contradict the offerings of the world.  This kind of “report” or news is the opposite of most of the news of our day.

We expect bad news whenever we turn on the television.  Constant bad news creates a culture of catastrophe which, because of hopelessness and diminishing possibilities, immobilizes us.  A culture of bad news keeps us from activity and moving forward.  It sidelines us instead of leading us onto the playing field. 

Where do you find admirable things to contemplate?

Should we have more praises than prayer requests?

Do we prefer bad news?

We are to bring to reckoning, take an account of admirable things.  It will take some work to do so.  We may have to do our own investigative reporting on places of hope.  We may need to bring to light those events in our area and in our lives that demonstrate where good is extolled, where possibilities exist and where opportunities are grown.  

Display this good news!

[Ref:  Matt 9:26, Luke 4:14]

You Belong Here!

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Lovely

  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, 
and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 
Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

            

Lovely.  "Prosphiles” is the Greek word used here and used only this one time in the New Testament.  It is one of those made-up words Paul likes to use for emphasis to call attention to a greater meaning (like gi-normous).  It is a compound word.

            “pros”- to the advantage of, to be nearby, towards

            “phileo” – community love, affection, fondness, kiss

What is this “lovely” then?

          

Think about the things which draw you toward affection for each other.  Think about things which put you near the expression of fondness for the community of Christ, which could include a physical display of affection.  In Paul's middle Eastern culture, it could include radical expression like a kiss on the cheek.  In our culture, it might include a hug or a warm handshake. This is particularly important because in western culture, people can go weeks without a touch that was a true expression of friendship. Let companionship and camaraderie be the goal. Especially in light of Jesus' call to unity (John 17), this makes complete sense.

What display of affection and inclusion 

would be appropriate in your cultural setting?

What can you do to move love towards

 Christ’s community?

That would be lovely.

Oahu 2016

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Purity

  And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. 

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,

 and right, and pure, 

and lovely, and admirable. 

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

How many of you want to be more Christlike?

How many of you want to house 

the fullness of the Holy Spirit?

Paul gives us the door which will take us into the presence of God:  purity.  Purity carries some other definitions, but at the heart of its biblical meaning is this:  a complete devotion to God.  It involves an undivided heart; no conflict of loyalties, no mixed motives.  It is a condition of the heart.

            

In the New Testament, the sanctity of the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit weighs in on the definition.  It is a spirit of desire of unification and obedience which brings every thought, feeling and action into the subjection of Jesus Christ.

One of the problems of modern, western thinking is the concept of dualism – where we see ourselves with separated dimensions (heart, soul, mind, body….social, work, etc).  These concepts were not as delineated in New Testament thinking.  That is why purity is a complete devotion – no words without action, no thought without passion.

What are examples of purity you can think of?

In  1 Timothy 1:3-6  Paul means to have his young mentee to stay true and focused on correct doctrine and not get “off track” of the goal – seeking Jesus.  Notice purity’s “context:”  vs. 5 - All Christians should be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, clear conscious and sincere faith.”  Paul did not like endless arguments;  he wanted people focused through love toward a single-minded lifestyle.

What are examples of this picture of purity?

Purity also has the obvious notion of protecting oneself from sin.  1 Timothy 5:22b – Do not participate in the sin of others.  Keep yourself pure.  2 Timothy 2:22 – Run from anything that stimulates youthful lust.  Follow anything that makes you want to do right.  Pursue faith love and peace.  Enjoy the companionship of those who call upon the Lord with pure hearts.  

 It becomes obvious that sin/faithlessness defiles the heart. 

What might it mean to keep one’s heart motivations

consistent/undivided/free of conflicting motives?

The disciple, John, then gives us the ultimate purity picture:  1 John 3:1-3 

 All who believe the following will keep themselves pure just as Christ is pure…  we are named as God’s children.  We will be like Christ when we returns… We will see Christ as he really is.

This makes purity not the goal, but the vehicle which will take us into the presence of God.  Another analogy might help:  you want to go to your favorite destination.  You pay your money.  You arrange everything.  You know to get on the plane – which one and when it leaves.  You carefully plan your day so you can be sure to get on that plane.  You don’t want to miss it!!

 Purity is my "ticket," my "vehicle" to reach my goal

of a life with God.

Carefully plan so as to not miss this vehicle to greater glory.  

#23

What difference does it make

a man walking on water?

        or making wine?

        or feeding 5000?

Any more the difference it makes

a woman clinging to a child

        or loving an unloveable man

        or folding thousands of pieces of laundry?

Any more the difference it makes

of any person walking in integrity

        standing against oppression

        or acting in mercy and kindness.

If you are willing to observe closely,

the meaning of each may impact

the definition of who you are

        and what you will be.

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Righteous

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable,

right and pure, lovely, admirable.

If something is excellent or praiseworthy,

think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Think about right things.  Literally, think about righteous things; those things that are upright and virtuous, innocent and faultless.  Good luck with that!  Except for Jesus, who is a worthy person to think about?  Do I have any chance of seeing righteousness on this earth before me?  Who would be someone whose way of thinking, feeling and acting is wholly conformed to the will of God?

Luckily, the Bible gives some examples of people who were deemed righteous:  Joseph, Jesus' earthly Dad; John the Baptist; Elizabeth and Zachariah; Simeon; Joseph of Aramethia; Corneluis (that pagan); Abel; Lot.  And, of course, Jesus.  All of these were called righteous in their day.  If that could be true 2000 years ago, I would assume I could find a few righteous people worthy of my attention today.

How would I know them?  Again, the Bible saves the day and gives the evidence of righteous people.  As I read this list, I discover that I have known these people.

• People whose lives stand out in God's kingdom. (Not exemplary in the world, but exemplary among the people of God.)
• Those who obey the law and will of God.
• Employers who are just and fair to their employees.
• People whose prayers have great impact.
• When I welcome them and join in their activity, I can share their blessings and rewards.

Now I can name these people.  My Grandmother, who just about held all those results.  A boss I had that treated us fairly and justly.  My prayer warriors who have lifted me out of the muck and the mire.  Those with whom I have shared ministry projects and reaped the blessing of fulfillment and purpose.  My husband who does not deviate from doing the right thing, ever.

I actually like to also note those in history who lived exemplary lives:  missionaries, moms and dads, preachers.  They have noteworthy stories which speak about their relationship with Jesus Christ.  Maybe I can grow to be like them, too.

[Matthew 13:43; Romans 2:13; Colossians 4:1; James 5:16; 1 Peter 3:12; Matthew 10:41]

#19

To Know

To see You as You really are,

to bear the burden heavy.

To display it so that You are seen

and that I can be made ready.

To not deny the Truth

nor quench the Spirit’s flow.

To say I walked the path You set

along the honest row.

Small Bites - Philippians 4:8 - Honorable

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable, 
right and pure, and lovely and admirable.

If something is excellent or  praiseworthy, 
think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

I have learned that our current definitions of words originating in biblical-context are often akilter from what was meant by the original language. Especially, with honor, because we have disposed "honor" on less-than-noble things. We have given it our culture's meaning.  In the biblical context, honor was bestowed upon that which was noble, honest or reverent, whether of character of the person or deed.  The honorable person was held in high regard and had a good reputation, one worthy of noting publicly.  Truly,  "honorable mention" was the ultimate award.

There are three areas where we can see examples in the Bible for assessing true honor.

Look at Jesus and those who bear the name Christian 
with honor, giving Christ his fair due.

James 2:7 "...Jesus Christ, whose name you bear, is a noble name."

In this discussion, James wants his hearers to understand that, though they have lost standing in their culture for identifying with Jesus, that identity with him is actually an honor.  It was important in a shame and honor culture to know where personal identification came from and to cling to it, for the Greek culture could use shame quite effectively to keep people in line.

How are we kept "in line" with the wider culture, causing us to forget what a right definition for what is honorable?  How are those who bear that honorable name of Jesus Christ minimized and marginalized, and even shamed?

Look at the lives of faithful people.

In Luke 8, Jesus tells the parable of the sower. He explains that "good soil" represents honest, good-hearted people (character) who hear God's message and cling to it and continually produce a harvest of good deeds (resulting behaviors.)  Honorable is used within the context of this visible demonstration and growth of the goodness of what God plants in someone.  Honor is tied to public evidence; a display of the good works of God.

How do you know when you are in the company of honorable people?  Not by what they tell you, but by what you see them consistently do.  Study them - put them on the screen and see how they lived their lives. 

Seek God and His definition for that which is honorable.

God honors not what the world expects and counts as wise, but he goes to those unfound places and to the seemingly "lowly" people to reveal honor. (1Corinthians 1:26-30)  Honor looses its potency in the glare of "famosity," as my niece once called it.  Where honor is on display, it seems to present itself best out of the least and lowly, out of the meek and mild.  Its integrity is seen best in a sea of discredit.  Its consistency is demonstrated best in the midst of hardship and loss.  Its humble reverence stands in start contrast to self-aggrandizement.

You can be sure you will find honor only in the place it is most needed - when there is a culture of dishonor, or when the pressure of culture rises to mold us in a different direction, by a different definition.  Honor creates a legacy for a person that lasts into the future and not for the flash of the moment.  I am sure you can name the person in your life whose memory immediately comes when "honorable" is mentioned.

Existed

#20

You showed me more

than I knew existed.

You showed me less

so I wouldn’t get twisted.

I wanted heaven, but chose hell.

It soured my vision until I could tell

no longer the Truth from everyday fact.

And I value the day and the hour You knew

that I would lay aside all but You.

And it took a simple and deliberate act

for me to see heaven—not in place or pleasure—

but rather in being simply, surely, Your treasure.

Small Bites: Philippians 4:8 - Truth

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing.  

Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right and pure and lovely and admirable.  

Think about things which are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

In an age of relativism, authors often question truth.  What truth?  Whose truth?  Changing truth?  How many facts did we once hold dear that fade away?  Paul directs us to give our attention to ultimate Truth.  The lesson here is simple:  It is God's Truth based on reality - that which he reveals is True about Himself.  Revelation.  Demonstrated. All other truth passes or dims in light of His Truth.

What is the Truth about God?

The New Testament reveals the ways and results of this God-Truth:

• When people discover it, they can't wait to tell it.
• The purpose of telling it is to expand belief in God himself.
• That God's Truth can be verified, including the verification of His faithfulness toward those who believe.
• Truth is a light that will shine into a dark world. (and not add to the darkness).

So, I stay my thoughts on those people and things 

which present God in His truest light, 

that which reveals the most about Him.

Who has shown me God, for real?  Who has demonstrated the Truth of His qualities and presence in the world and in me?  I can name and describe what they have done to show me God, for real.  The people who have loved me long. The people who point out the good possibilities in me, often which I cannot see myself.  The people who have been patient.  Those who have held me accountable. Those who desire God's best for me.  And those who demonstrate the character of God for a hurting world.  Those who have drawn me closer to the Word of God for the Truth for my life. 

What Truth about God is in you?

Who will you tell?

The world's truths will morph, will come and go.  God's Truth about His nature and His complicity in expanding that Truth into the world stays the same throughout the ages.  It is the only hope we have.  The only thing from which we can have peace (Philippians 4:9) in a tumultuous world.

[References:  John 3:33; John 5:31-38; John 19:35; Romans 3:1-4; 2 Corinthians 6:3-10; 1 John 2:8]

Vacation Wednesday

Hump day at the beach is different than hump day during a work week. At the beach, Wednesday is that day we hold onto; the day we use to replay the week so far, so as to savor it. Never would you do that at work. You would be pushing ahead to savor the coming weekend. Oh, no! On vacation, we push back from the weekend coming, lingering over the day, hoping Thursday will be L O N G though never boring. On vacation, we try to make Friday celebratory, but grieving begins Friday night as parting (not partying) plans are finalized. It's a good vacation when you are not quite ready to leave, but energized enough to do so!! Notes from Sandbridge Beach, VA 2012

Spiritual Markers

There are some great benefits of getting older, one of which is that a person can look back on life with perspective. I have recently began a project of noting the spiritual markers in my life. When Jacob, Abram and several other Old Testament people had a strong encounter with God, they did something to "mark" the event. Often they put together piles of stones. God told the Israelites to make Passover a spiritual marker for the purpose of remembrance.

I have quite a few events that I will never forget because of God's great entrance into a moment or period in my life. I am getting quite a list and it is turning into quite a writing project. God has on occasion entered my consciousness with his voice (in my head), other people, nature, and even through illness. (Jacob's wrestling with God left him with a limp. Me, too.)

I notice that my first few markers are years apart, but as I have tuned my spiritual ear to the voice/movement of God, they happen with more frequency.

I am ultimately looking at how each marker is actually a sign post for where I am to go and what I am to do next. I can see direction in my life in a new sense.

How about you? Where are you going?

I & II

I forget the sea, but it doesn't forget me
I hear its continuous call
while standing by the shore --
its pulsating pull and melodious music
draw me from a distance.
Yet if I stray too far, I forget
that it holds the beginnings and continuings of life.
The sea sends the wind as a reminder --
it carries the salt and sand
as a lure to come again,
home to the sea.
I return, wondering why I stayed so long
away
wondering how soon I'll actually build my home
by the sea.

I forget God, but He doesn't forget me.
I hear His continuous call
when standing by His side --
His pulsating pull and melodious music
draw me from a distance.
Yet if I stray too far, I forget
that He holds the beginnings and continuings of life.
God sends His Spirit as a reminder --
She carries the flavor and grit
as a lure to come again,
home to God.
I return, wondering why I stay so long
away
wondering how soon I'll actually build my home
with God.

This Disciple's Prayer

Daddy, come from heaven.
May your holiness be present in this day:
present
faithful
good
in all areas of my life.

Let your kingdom come...
to vanquish my sin
and sate my need for sustenance.

Lead me to you and away from all that would hinder
your presence
your love
your work in my life.

Your rule extends over all --
as can be seen by your power,
enslaved in creation
and used for your glory.

May I be enslaved by you:
let your will and work manifest in me. (Phil 2:13)

Every day into Eternity.
Amen.

Growing Old

As I watch people deal with elderly parents, I began to think about change. I realize I am not very changeable. It's a wonder God could work with me at all. I might have once prided myself on being innovative or adventurous, but truly I only like planned spontaneity. These changes we go through are uncomfortable--especially the role where a person becomes the the caretaker to parents. How does that get turned around so quickly?

It makes me think of when my son, Isaac, was a pre-schooler and he made the statement: "I am going to grow up and get taller and taller. And you will get smaller and smaller." In allegorical terms, maybe that is the way of life. Our children will get more and more capable while our influence and abilities get less and less. Somehow that doesn't seem right.

In heaven, our true selves will be used to their fullest--undiminished.

My prayer for all caretakers: I pray your are well tonight and allowing others to serve you, including our Lord who will strengthen and preserve--completing the work he began in you.