My hope for you

Poetry speaks to our minds and hearts and is meant to communicate more than the sum of its words. It is an apt expression of our walk with the Lord. I encourage you to forward this link to those you love. I pray this poetry leads you into reflection and prayer but I also want to start a conversation. You, too, have something to share with others-not only in person, but also here. Your experience is yours to give away to build up and learn from others in the Body of Christ. Share the word that you hear, the experiences you have lived. We are all part of the New Evangelization.If you also want to contact me by email, feel free: genefirn@yahoo.com

Table of contents: October 7, 2012

Wednesday, July 26, 2023

The Demonic Sliding Scale Strategy

OK...let's review the Battle Plan for
all you who are being assigned  new 
targets after a well-deserved break... 
most of you were successful in guiding
your previous assignment to their fiery 
destination...others - a relatively small 
percentage - not so much but a valiant 
effort nonetheless....circumstances keep 
changing so we'll begin by reviewing 
some basic facts on the human's nature as 
well as our assessment of their present day 
Culture through which your targets must 
navigate and hopefully 'crash and burn' as 
the humans say...first of all...you'll recall 
the human's fallen nature with all those 
delicious characteristics at our disposal of 
which you must take full advantage if you 
are to succeed in your diabolical mission - 
officially termed "Concupiscence" which 
simply means a proclivity to sin from 
disordered emotions as well as a darkened 
intellect and hence easily deceived as well 
aa a weakened will prone to being manipulated 
by said feelings - a 'pre-packaged meal' that 
simply needs to be 'heated up' to consume 
especially if your target becomes a Dedicated 
Follower of the Enemy...the next aspect is their 
Culture / World which is created by the elite 
fallen humans who are - for the most part -
under our control and we can use to create toxic 
environments detrimental to the Enemy's goals - 
eg education...media...entertainment...politics...
where we can literally pressure / harass / inculcate / 
force our values on top of the Enemy's Values... so..
that leads us to today's topic what I call our 
against the Created Humans of our - unfortunately- 
Superior Foe...ready? it goes like this...the farther 
the target is from the Enemy...the less we have to 
do to gain a dark victory...but on the other hand...
the closer they are to the Enemy the more intense 
and devious must be our efforts - simply meaning 
eg. if the target has virtually no interest in the Enemy
or is seeped in habitual sin - in other words 'enslaved' - 
your main concern is simply 'maintenance'- ie. keeping 
them preoccupied / obsessed with themselves and their 
proclivities - especially the 'deadly ones' - as well as 
taking precautions to keep the Enemy's devotees away 
from the target - here Culture has a vital role to play..
more about that in a bit...then there's the class of 
semi-devotees who are somewhat / now and then / 
very-distracted-by-the-World Church attendees 
who have nothing really life-changing going on - 
the Enemy calls them the 'lukewarm' - which BTW 
is a pretty good description - for these targets there's 
a little more work involved to continually make sure 
they don't go deeper into things like 'repentance' /
for them I'd say keep distracting and deceiving eg. 
getting them to call 'good evil and evil good' or what 
is 'true false and false true'....really,,, if you can't get 
them 'cold' then just keep them 'warm' and not get 'hot'....
so put a stop to anything the Enemy tries to do to get 
them to whole-heartedly follow Him like 'resurrecting' -
pardon the pun - no offense - past wounds / sinful habits 
etc as well as stirring-up their involvement in Cultural 
matters which I will elaborate in a minute....and lastly 
there's the 'Devoted Disciples'... ones who have resolutely 
taken up their Cross to Emulate the Enemy...now those 
you really have to harass everyday in everyway you 
can think of...whatever it takes to get them distracted 
and hunkered down in their 'family foxholes' - so use 
the Culture to go after them - and here I will elaborate - 
where wombs are dangerous...darkness masquerades 
as light...schools promote preposterous pronoun propaganda 
for kiddies desperate for affirmation...a Culture where
power controls speech / behavior...lovely innocence is
Groomed and sensuality is the epitome of happiness - 
and then...if we can Terrorize the Enemy's Leaders 
into betrayal by submission - sometimes by simply 
keeping silent - we win... for as you know fear is 
our go-to weapon so therefore seek to restrict their 
influence to their Church Buildings and out of the 
Culture...fear...fear...fear...- basically Persecution or 
as they now say 'Being Cancelled' that'll give us the 
cover we need....remember...you can lose a battle but 
wining the war is the key - that's your goal: Eternal Fire!...
and, lastly, a good rule of thumb is the 'more me than 
Thee' principle...get them to daily concentrate on their 
own needs / worldly goals like 'success'...'happiness'...
'fulfillment'...or just plain ol' problems...but whatever 
the case...always make it 'me...me...me... and not Thee...
Thee...Thee'...ie the Enemy....that's always a great 'open 
door' to go down the 'rabbit hole' of self and can lead to 
a plethora of  possibilities. - 'Temptations' as the Enemy 
calls them but 'Opportunities' for us - actually the same 
ones we use for the 'lukewarm' but with a lot more 'Intense 
Imagination'...remember though...you have their files to 
research their weaknesses and histories so...keep poking 
them and don't let up especially when they get discouraged
because then it's either...persevere or give up - and we 
know what WE want! then lastly - and this applies to 
everyone on the Scale - constantly make them believe 
that they 'have a lot of time left' so they're in no rush 
to change because then...Surprise!!...Time's up!! Got ya!!
so...there you have it...the 'Sliding Scale Strategy'...not 
perfect but it works...a lot...but again...be Careful...the 
Enemy is Infinitely Stronger / more Powerful /Smarter / 
and knows the humans better than we do and - most of all -.
Loves them - especially Communing with them daily - so 
therefore never gives up offering that 'Grace' stuff...but...
still...we've got a lot going for us...so...come up and receive 
your new assignments then...GO GET'M!!

Reflection / Discussion:
-Describe in your own words the 'Sliding Scale Strategy'.
-What is the 'Human Condition'?
-Where do you fit into the 'Sliding Scale'?
-How does one become a 'resolute' follower of Jesus?
-What are you doing to grow in your relationship to Jesus?
-How are you reaching out to others on the 'Sliding Scale'?
-What changes is the Spirit leading you to make in your Spiritual Life?



Monday, May 22, 2023

The Spiritual War

the stakes couldn't be higher for the 
Spiritual War in which we are 
automatically involved merely by 
our human existence...if you win...
it's heaven - but .if you lose...it's hell...
both are forever...no turning back no 
second chances...when you die - and 
you WILL die and BTW relatively soon..
'you do not know the day nor the hour'...
you will be Judged by Jesus on how you 
have chosen to live your life...it is as 
"If you choose, you can keep the 
commandments, and to act faithfully is 
a matter of your own choice. He has placed 
before you fire and water, stretch out your 
hand for whichever you choose. Before 
each person are life and death, and whichever 
one chooses will be given them." simply
speaking, how you choose to live NOW in 
this life is the Warfare you are involved in -.
but Satan - your Enemy - the liar / deceiver /
murderer- is as they say 'out to get you' and 
is working full-time to destroy your life and                      
drag you to hell...sound scary?...well...that's
because it is... so just to be clear...if you don't 
believe you are in a Spiritual War - you're losing - \'
no God?...losing...no devil?...losing...no heaven?
losing...no hell?...losing...everyone goes to 
heaven?...losing...you're a 'good person' / 'nice' but 
have your own 'truth'?...losing...no one's going 
to tell you what to do or not do... thankyou? 
losing big time....so...are you winning or losing?...
if you think you're wining however...a word of 
caution...do not be overconfident...your Enemy 
doesn't give up...you can still fall away...it's not 
'once saved always saved'...remember...it IS a War..
humanity was originally Created in Union with
the Father but was then deceived by the Evil One and 
Chose to seek their own way of life - not the Father's 
Way - to decide for themselves right and wrong / good 
and evil...and as a consequence of their Original Sin
humans were thence oriented to evil by having
disordered desires - everything centered around 
"me...me...me"...a darkened intellect subject to 
deceptions and a weakened will easily swayed  by 
those same fickle feelings all the while living in a 
rebellious world / culture hostile to the things of 
God and dominated by Satan's deceptions / values 
tempting clueless humans into destructive habits 
gluttony...sloth - all leading into pits of darkness... 
seems pretty formidable doesn't it?...that's because 
it is...however....on the side of Light / Life is 
GRACE...Jesus is LORD / SAVIOR...it is Jesus 
vs Satan - BUT. they are not equal...Jesus is God,,,
Satan is a creature - more powerful than humans
but a creature nevertheless and Jesus  by His 
Death and Resurrection has already conquered 
sin / death / Satan and has provided The Way to 
your Victory - Eternal Life / Joy / Peace / Love - 
but ONLY by your choice can you share in it...
Now....If you think you haven't chosen yet you 
are losing because 'not to choose is actually a 
choice'...but then you can simply choose to start 
winning - Repent...turn away from your sin...and 
Believe -.Live - the Gospel...Choose to follow 
Jesus as your Lord and Savior...ask to be.be filled 
with the Power of His Holy Spirit to start living a 
dedicated life of prayer and making His Word 
part of your daily life...start 'putting to death the 
deeds of the flesh'...Love Jesus above all...Carry 
your Cross by laying down your life in service to 
others.. find supportive relationships with fellow 
believers....resist temptations and the lies of the Evil 
One...Be an Intentional Disciple...Remember...
Before you is fire and water...Light or Darkness...
Life or Death...Choose NOW - before it is too late...

Reflection / Discussion:
-What is the Spiritual War?
-Where in you personal life / culture do you see the Choice?
-Start making the necessary changes in your life to support your Choice.
-Is it being talked about? Why / not?
-Find the support you need from others who have chosen to 
 follows the Lord even if it means changing parishes.
-Be disciplined in a daily prayer time / Scripture reading and
 a healthy Sacramental Life.
-Sample Commitment Prayer: "Jesus, please forgive me for not choosing you, for all the sins I 
 have committed, I give my life to you. I Choose to follow you as My Lord and Savior. Pour
 out your Holy Spirit upon me to help me follow you faithfully day by day. Thank you for 
 your Love and Mercy. I Love you and give my whole life to you:. 
-
 





Monday, April 24, 2023

The Regrets Dialogue

           

Lord Jesus....I can't seem to shake these regrets...
they keep bothering me...I feel so bad about them...
I try not to think about them but they just  keep popping
up...sometimes out of the blue...I've asked you for 
forgiveness but I can't forgive myself  Why am I so 
adamant @ beating myself up every time I think of them? 
what's up with that?

You tell me...
.
Well,.. I think it's because I did all those things...or in this case, I DIDN'T do what 
I SHOULD HAVE done so I SHOULD be the one who pays the price.
and, even though I can think of reasons why I SHOULD forgive myself,
I can't because that'd be like giving myself a pass and minimizing the harm
I did even though I wasn't aware of it at the time...

Got a lot of shoulds there...but I agree...
somebody has to pay....

Right....but it's not working...why is that?

Why do you think that is?...

This is so frustrating...why don't you just change me and fix it all 
so I don't have to deal with this anymore?..

It doesn't work that way...I didn't create 
you for things to be done like that...
I love you too much. 

What do you mean?

Love doesn't work that way...otherwise
it's not really love...
.
Please explain...

I created you with your own 'space' if you will, and I 
respect that...I don't 'invade' anyone's space...you are a
free person and I love you too much to take that away 
from you, so, I simply 'offer' you alternatives for you 
to choose to accept or not...
.
Even if what I choose is bad for me?

Yes...
.
That doesn't seem fair...

What's not fair about it?...

Well....I might be hurting myself and others...

And? .

You know....why not just stop me?

I just told you why..
.
But what about all the consequences of my sins
and not just for me but for those I sinned against?

I know...but there's even more to it than you realize...
.
Hmmm...you know...something I have to say...you get a lot of blame for
all the bad stuff...I mean sins that people do...like it's YOUR fault
because YOU didn't stop them.....

I understand...people are free to think what they may...

So...why don't you just 'set the record straight'?

They wouldn't accept it anyway, and, besides, life
doesn't work that way...remember...you are free...

Why are you doing all this...I mean communicating like this...like you're right here????

Because I am...I've always been 'right here' even if you don't want Me to be...
that's how I created things...and, besides, this is not just for you because 
who doesn't have regrets?...this is for them as well...

So...why me?

Why not you?...

Well....I'm not the "holiest" guy out there.

No...but you'll do just fine...you're open to working through all
this and you have the issues I want to address since
they are so common to people...

You mean "regrets and performance" issues?

Yes...

That's tiring to even think about especially when I feel like 
I don't know how to resolve it all...

I know...
.
It's like it's never ending...like a gerbil wheel...it keeps turning and turning 
going nowhere but just creates more and more
frustration / anxiety./ pain.. and never "reaches its goal"

And what's that?.

Hmmm...perfection??

You mean 'your' idea of perfection....

Well...what "I" want...

Hmmm...seems like I've heard that somewhere before...

So you mean we're back to the start of this dialogue?

You tell me...it's your issue...I'm here to help you reach
what's best for you and not just what you want...those
aren't always the same thing...sometimes what's best for 
you and those around you is not what you want...

This is kind of frustrating...more circles.....
.
Why's that?...

Why don't you just give me what I want?

I am...

Not really...

Why?

Because it's not really giving me the results I want.
..
What's that?

Ahh...satisfaction...justice...peace...

It can't....

Meaning...?

Your offences...whether they're commission / omission are not just
this / that instance here and now...with finite effects...they're 
more than that...
..
What do you mean?

You're not just offending the one in front of you...
you're offending Me as well...
.
How's that?

You are part of My creation...with my order of reality...
I've given you everything you need to know in order for 
you to flourish in love...it's not 'your' order though that is
what you'd like it to be...you want to be in charge...that's
what started all this in the beginning...

You mean Adam and Eve and the Fall?

Yes....

That whole pride / rebellion thing?

That's right...

Oh...you mean all this is rooted in my pride?

You tell me...

It feels like it...

How?

Well...like I'm the one who says what is and is not...what should be or not...
I'm the one in charge who decides not YOU...who should pay and how...
how to fix things or if it should be fixed at all....it feels like it's almost uncontrollable...
like it has a mind of its own...almost more than I can handle...

Almost???

OK....good point...so....now what?

What do you want?

I want this to be done...over...now...

So...why isn't it?

Because I "can't do it"...it's too much though I keep trying and failing...
you know...Performance...

You mean the 'finite' trying to fix the 'infinite'???

Yeah...I suppose...

Like...you're God and not Me??

I guess.

Well...that's impossible but you keep trying....

So...how does this change?...that is assuming that's what I want 
to have happen.....which seems to 'go against the grain'

That's because it does...it's a battle all the way...who's 
in charge?...and you get what you choose...it's 
called freedom...
.
I don't like all this...why can't it just be like I want it to be?

Yes...I know...but your way never works well...was 
never meant to...though you...meaning humanity...keep 
trying...now...there IS another way...but you have to choose it...

What's that?

You know...
.
Surrender....right??

But not 'your' way of surrendering...

You mean I don't get to determine the whole thing from beginning to end???
I'm joking...but not really.

The word 'arrogance' comes to mind...

So...pride again...right??

So, what's the opposite of pride?

Humility...

What does that mean?

Just that YOU are the LORD and not me...and sin--my choosing to offend YOU 
by choosing to do what I want and not what I know YOU want or not want- 
means that because YOU ARE THE LORD....ETERNAL...INFINITE...PERFECT
and I am not any of that....that therefore the punishment is of the same NATURE 
which I can't ever sufficiently accomplish no matter how hard I try...that gerbil wheel thing.
..
So, now what?

So...I can't resolve this on my own...

Never could...but I have a solution....

What's that? 

How about I pay the price?

Why would you do that? you didn't do any of the sinning...

Why do you think I would?
.
Love?...

It's who I am...I've made a way for you. I 
have already paid the price...taken the 
punishment for your sins / failings...'carried
your sorrows...bore your pain'...by my stripes
you are healed...

Isaiah 53,,,so how do I go from here - my pride -  to there...humility? 
from my way to YOUR way???

Grace...just ask...remember...freedom...
when you ask according to My will...you receive...

How do I know what's according to YOUR will???

My Word and My Spirit show you...sometimes it takes
a while because I have more in mind for you than just 
answering your questions, but, it's a process...you're on
a journey...you made a decision to follow Me and you 
and I are on that journey together...to become One...
eternally...infinitely...perfectly...holy as I am Holy...one 
step at a time...by Grace...not by striving on your own
to mete out your justified punishment on yourself in your
own way which only adds to your burden and which 
never works anyway...

So...now what?

How about I make it simple for you?

That sounds really good...I like that...

You give me the regrets...all the emotions / pain / sorrows / guilt
connected with them...all the self-inflicted punishment...beating 
yourself up / self-condemnation...hatred...shame...anger and ask
Me for the Grace you need to do that for I have already carried 
your guilt along with your pain and sorrow

It's all GRACE isn't it?

Yes...as well as for having mercy on yourself...

Forgiving myself  in your Name...

And by Grace to let go of your control...anger...
accepting your weaknesses and asking me to Change 
and Heal you.....

And of course Thanking You...

You will still remember the regrets but the pain 
will be gone because I took care of it. ..

Thank you so much for this talk...you knew I needed it...
You always know and You're always ready and 
willing to give me the Grace...Thank You again...

Be at Peace...I am always with you...

Reflection / Discussion:

-How would you summarize how to handle regrets?
-Meditate on Isaiah 53 with regrets in mind.
-Why is it so hard to forgive yourself?
-What regrets do you have?
-Make a list...topic by topic...person by person...Journaling is helpful
-Ask for the Grace to face and surrender all of it to the Lord
-One by one, In Jesus' Name...Repent / Forgive yourself...Give it all to Jesus...
-Ask for His Healing / Peace...Thanking Him for His Mercy...



Tuesday, March 28, 2023

The Transformation Prayer


                          

          
                Romans 12: 1-2  

         I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, 
         to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God,
         which is your spiritual worship.  Do not be conformed to this world, but be 
         transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what 
         is the will of God- what is good and acceptable and perfect.
 

                   Lord Jesus...Pour out your Holy Spirit upon me so that 
                   I may be Transformed by the Renewal of my Mind to..

                   Think + as You Think
                 
                   See + as You See

                   Hear + as You Hear

                   Speak + as You Speak

                   Love + as You Love

                   that we may be One...I in You...and...You in me...
                   Come Holy Spirit...Come...  Amen...May it be so...

       Reflection / Discussion:

      - Ask the Holy Spirit how does He wants to Renew your mind.
      - Evaluate how you're doing at loving service.
      - What does surrendering to Jesus mean to you? 
      - How can reading / praying with Scripture aid in this process.
      - Evaluate how you spend your time with media and ask Jesus about it.
      - How can you grow in this Transformation?
      -  How do your relationships help / hinder this Transformation?vice to others.
      - Ask / Seek / Knock for what you need...Expect Answers...

Friday, August 19, 2022

The Bottom Line

the Battle within and around us
is Real - a Spiritual War...it is
always Raging though sometimes
quietly unobserved especially 
when lost in ourselves or too
distracted by everyday affairs 
but still...in everything...top to 
bottom...it affects our Culture...
Family....every relationship 
close or far...in every decision -
minimally or greatly -.but especially 
ones that can determine our Eternal 
Destination which BTW isn't a 
'slam dunk' even if you are a 
Disciple since you still have a 
'free will' and you are a 'fallen
creature' and you have an Enemy
who is a deceiver / liar / murderer...
knows your weaknesses and
is 'out to get you'...so...be alert..
just sayin'...so...how do you navigate
life when you're in a Battle...a 
Spiritual War?...what should your 
attitude be?...your 'modus operandi
when so much is at stake and you're 
in a 'minority' - which Disciples of 
Jesus are...and if you haven't 
thought about that you're in much dire
circumstances than you realize...so
what is the Bottom Line to Life?
Simply...'Not me but...Thee'...
whereas the world ie that which 
is in the hands of the Enemy...says
'me...me...me'...so...our Focus - in 
Everything...Everyday...By Grace -
not just 'trying harder' - needs to be...
Not what I want but what You Want...
Not my will but Your Will...
Not my word but Your Word...
Not my love but Your Love...
Not caught-up in my world but Yours...
Not my power but Yours...
Not my kingdom but Yours...
Not my glory but Yours..
Not depending on me...but...Thee
for You are the Source of Life...the
Beginning and the End...First and
the Last...Not me...So....Everyday...
in Everything...Ask...Seek...
Listen and Follow...Put Jesus 
First...before everyone else...before
yourself...your main Focus...In Every 
Circumstance is to Abide in His Presence..
By Grace Surrendering I to Thou..
let That be your Heart's Desire and
Make this simple Prayer your 
'Bottom Line'...Pray with me...
'Lord Jesus...Please Help me...
By Your Grace...Make my life be...
Today...Now...Always... Not all
about me...but...All About...THEE'...

Reflection / Discussion:

-Take some quiet time to evaluate your life according to the 'Bottom Line'.
-What areas / relationships in your life are you living more 'me than Thee'?
-Visa Versa?
-Pray about a 'plan of action'...ask Him what He wants...
-Make your Daily Prayer time and Scripture Reading a priority if it's not already.
-Don't try to do everything at once...one area at a time...
-Get help if you need it.
-He is Lord and Savior...you're not...









Saturday, June 25, 2022

The Desperate

desperate for true affirmation...
wounded from its denial...                             
the unaffirmed seek to satiate
their solitary starvation for 
unconditional love by any means 
necessary...wherever their isolated / 
distorted feelings lead them
no matter the depth of their 
rabbit holes nor the long-term 
consequences for their health 
and well-being let alone their 
Eternal Destination...spurred-on 
by bizarre influencers spewing 
imaginative hokum as a solution 
to their identity conundrum by 
encouraging radical transformations 
which though unattached to actual 
Reality none-the-less spark vain 
mythical dreams to conform their 
exterior appearances to match their
perceived interior identities as if one 
can make the immutable mutable and 
all-the-while coercing everyone around 
them into celebrating their perilous 
tragedy lest they be cancelled by the 
ever-watching ideologues of diversity / 
inclusion all-the-while knowing in their 
darkest unspoken recesses that xy's can 
never become xx's nor visa-versa no
matter how vehement the protestations
that such "cultural conjectures" are not 
part of the equation nor of the preposterous 
web of lies that undergird their obsessively 
narcissistic claims to be traveling in uncharted 
territories of a fantasied human nature no
longer shackled by Objective Universal Truth 
which itself is postulated as a hater's 
hallucination...all of which screams for an 
answer to the question...when will someone 
of merciful mind and heart Accompany them 
and proffer the TRUE and ONLY Fulfillment 
for the Desperate Heart of the Lost by Speaking 
the Truth in Love? walking together with them 
to find that the Answer lies in the Truth of Creation...
discovering the One who Created Human Beings 
as a Masterpiece of Creation knitting them 
together in their Mother's Womb from their very 
inception each in His own Image and Likeness...
Male and Female...Separate yet Equal...Complementary...
Created to Join Together in a Sacred Act to bring forth 
New Life...each Unique like a facet of a diamond 
United in a Creation of Beauty and Structure 
with an Order that goes beyond the visual...
Universal yet Individual / Distinct that surpasses 
even the most complicated algorithms or Science
and the Mysteries of the Universe...sui generis 
patterns Created by an Infinite Designer
captivated in Finite Beings who incessantly 
seek More than their imperfect nature can 
measure...a hunger for the Perfect mysteriously 
imbedded in their incomplete hearts which
long for the mending of their brokenness solely 
rooted in the One Crucified specifically for them
whose purpose and goal was to Heal the wounded 
hearts of a fallen humanity prone to deception 
by the evil one whose aim is always to capture 
and destroy any resemblance to their Perfect
Creator whose Invitation is to share His Devine 
Nature as a Beloved Son or Daughter Eternally 
Affirmed...Unconditionally Loved...Unique 
yet One in Mind and Heart with the Father 
of All who is with All and in All who Receive 
the Son in a Personal Relationship United by the 
Spirit who Abides within by Love as it was in 
the Beginning and will be in the End...Order...
Peace...no more Chaos / Confusion...
Desperation Eternally Ended

Reflection / Discussion:

-Why is Truth Universal / Objective?
-Why is it not based on Subjective feelings?
-What does Affirmation mean?
-What does 'wounded human nature' mean?
-How does Creation show the imprint of the Creator?
-How does Creation show order / structure in human beings?
-How do you know the 'evil one' is real?
-Where do you see in culture his 'lies / deceptions'?
-How does 'hunger for the Perfect' show itself?
-What does 'unconditional love' mean?
-How can we help those caught-up in gender dysphoria?
-What does 'speaking the Truth in Love' mean?