The Race

incessantly
seeking
Unity's Perfection
born through
Unearned Grace -
Divinity's
quid pro quo -
Infinite Union for
ego's finite
obsessions -
Love's gentle proposal
proves daunting
for my list is
endless
each a fortress
defended by
pitiful constructions of
a fallen nature
trust...for wounds 

make it ever an issue -
control - turning into
a barricade
when Promises proposed

have invisible rewards and
past disappointments from 

life's broken expectations 

weave doubt and fear
into my
intimacy's defenses -
a resistance
to accept insufficient
returns or imagination's
dire consequences
but... Passion's 
Extremist Love
proves indefensible
penetrating my
heart's armor by
Revelation's Reality -
too Personal
too True
too Real
to deny -
only then does
Salvation progress
travel further in
and higher up by
surrendering
precious treasures
both seen and unseen for
the Pearl of great price
each decision
a battle
each battle
a war
yet Grace encapsulates
the challenge

wooing my heart for

More of Infinite Love's

Merciful Presence

yielding Peace's
gradual transformation
into Joy's resting place
yet
temptation
persists each day to
close my hand
or
withdraw my offer to

yield strongholds of

mind and heart
ever contending
for life's inner and
outward possessions
until release is captured 

without fanfare by
a decision of dying to
self's enthronement -
the tyranny of
pride's dominion - while
running the obstacle

Race for Redemption's 

Prize with day-by-day

perseverance and 

humble dependence

one step closer
into His Likeness
realized in

delicate measures

Reflection/Discussion:
-What does "Divinity's quid pro quo" mean?
-Are "trust" and "control" an issue in your life? How?
-What does ongoing conversion mean in your life?
-What are some of the ways you die to "self's enthronement"?
-What are some your difficulties to "running with perseverance"?
-How can you find and give support in your walk with the Lord?
-What does "realized in delicate measures" mean?