THE LENGTHENING OF SEASONS

Greetings and Salutations O Ye Sojourners...

"Craaaaaaaawfish....Craaawfish...see I got em...see the size...stripped and cleaned...before your eyes....swwwweeet meat...fresh and ready to eat." (Crawfish from the movie King Creole). Here is one of my favorite pictures with my boy Phillip...sucking the heads of the crawfish...aaaaaaaah
"sweet meat...fresh and ready to eat."




NOTE: No...your eyes don't deceive you...that is a picture on my shirt... that world famous rock group PINK FLOYD...the barber that is.

For those who don't know...my favorite Elvis Presley movie is KING CREOLE (1958) adapted from the Harold Robbins book A STONE FOR DANNY FISHER.


The opening for King Creole is set in the French Quarters in the early morning...with the sellers of various foods...pushing their carts...crying out what they have to sell. Craaaaaawfish is being shouted out. Elvis leaning on the balcony...joins in and sings along with them. Ms Kitty White is one of the first females to share vocals with Elvis. It was more a call and response more than a duet.

Elvis plays Danny Fisher...a kid who works in the clubs at night...and goes to high school by day...and is getting ready to graduate...until he has a run in with some local gang members in the club...and Maxy Field's (Walter Matthau) girlfriend...played by Carolyn Jones (Morticia Addams of the Addams Family). The picture in the lower right hand corner is Elvis/Danny singing..."If your lookin' for trouble...you came to the right place...if you're looking for trouble...just look right at my face...I was born standing up...and talkin' back...my daddy was a green-eyed mountain jack...I'm evil...my middle name is misery...well I'm evil...so don't ya mess around with me." (Trouble Lieber and Stoller).
Well...you may be asking yourself "Self......what does any of this have to do with the "lengthening of seasons" Well I'm glad you asked. NEW ORLEANS....the place where the world is looking at as the season of Lent is fast approaching. March 8th, FAT TUESDAY...the day before Ash Wednesday..the kick off for a forty day sojourn into LENT. The word LENT means the "lengthening of seasons."...and is the sojourn into a time of preparation, prayer, penitence, alms giving, and self-denial for a 46 day time frame in the space time continuum...where the end will be Easter (Resurrection Day). It reflects the time when Jesus went into the wilderness prior to His public ministry began as He was tempted by the devil (little d). He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights...prior to this temptation.

NOTE: The common thought about temptation is something that you are pulled INTO...but temptation is really designed not to pull you into something (although that would be one of the causes and effects)...BUT...temptation is designed to PULL YOU AWAY FROM WHO YOU REALLY ARE...AND YOUR PURPOSE/DESTINY. (Thanx and a Tip O Da Hat To Larry Napier)

I like the season of Lent...because it is a set aside time of self reflection. it is a time for a more intense time of disciplining my self for "the purpose of godliness" in the areas of my speech, my conduct, my faith, my love, my purity. (I Timothy 4:8-16)

Oh I know...I know...this is what I should be doing 365 days a year... 24/7. But there are times...seasons... when you just have to draw away from the crowds, the voices, the hoopla, the hoi polli...and press into HIS PRESENCE...to clear the cobwebs out of your spiritual head...to clean out the build of of cerumum (ear wax), wipe out the sleep (crud) from your eyes...so think, hear and see things from a God Perspective, instead of being overwhelmed by the world in the Land Of Nitty Gritty.

Part of the process is to give up something during this time as a symbolic representation of dying to the flesh. The day prior to Ash Wednesday...aka Mardi Gras...Shrove Tuesday (pancake Tuesday), Carnival (Farewell To Meat)...the LAST FLING...has turned into a time for debauchery before the 40 days of denial.

For me...there are multiple things that I will be giving up...during this time (known only to me and God). I usually seek God in the areas of my spirit (little s), my soul (mind, will, emotions) and my body (flesh, blood, bones).

The time frame for LENT differs from Western to Eastern church culture. For me...I will be utilizing the 40 days...with 6 days off from what is given up...on Sundays. The 6 days of rest from the other days represents mini-Easter/Resurrection days.

DISCLAIMER: Fear not...I am not advocating rules, regulations, holidays, special foods, etc. as something that will get God to love me more. It is just a personal time for me...to remove the distractions and things that leech onto me throughout my walk.

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY...NO REALLY...FINALLY

See ya the other side of Lent...HE IS RISEN...HE IS RISEN INDEED...EVEN DURING LENT.

Love and Craaaawfish Kisses
Rodney "Lengthening Of Seasons" Boyd

D.B.R...HOAX OR FACT?

Greetings and salutation in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace, mercy, and peace from the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. In other words...Howdy Do.

Between 1969 and 1973...there was a group called Mason Profitt. This group were helping to forge a sound of music comprised of folk, country, rock and blues. It is said that they picked up where groups like the Byrds and Buffalo Springfield left off...and influenced groups like the Eagles and subsequent groups. At this time in our musical history people like Jackson Brown, Wayne Berry, The Eagles etc...were weaving colorful stories in their music.

After 5 albums The Talbot Brothers (Terry and John Michael)...the driving force of Mason Proffitt...left the band and began singing Christian music to reflect there deep faith in Jesus Christ.

Their album REBORN is a classic...again reflecting their faith. Terry and John recorded various solo projects throughout the years and then came together again to record THE PAINTER with the song Create In Me A Clean Heart (an accapella masterpiece).
John became a Monk and released multiple, multiple, multiple worship albums...Terry continued to release worship albums and teamed with Barry McGuire to record and tour.

You must be asking yourself..."Self...why is Rodney going on and on about the Talbot Brothers...and what does this have to do with the title of this Rambling...HOAX OR FACT?" Well...Self...I'm glad you asked. HE IS RISEN! This is not only a historical fact on the time-space continuum...but also the title of a song on John Michael Talbot's first solo project. Since April 4th 2010...we will be celebrating what is known as Easter (but really should be called Resurrection Day and not named after a fertility goddess whose egg fell in a river and rolled up on shore). Thank God that the blood of bulls, goats, turtle doves...and a cute fuzzy bunny rabbit was not crucified on the cross in place for my sins. Here is the song HE IS RISEN with a little Ruminator Commentary along the way.

HE IS RISEN (John Michael Talbot)

(Verse 1)
There's a Voice in the wind can you hear it? A Story echoes in the wind, can you hear it? It's an answer for prayer for peace come true...and it comes now from me to you...can you hear it?

NOTE: This story...extends as far back as God. The Old Testament echoes over and over again the story of Jesus...the Prince of Peace. From Genesis 3:15 where the prophecy of the conflict on the cross is first breathed...until the actual event the story reverberates throughout history. Can you hear it?



(Verse 2)

There was a Prophet in the land, do you remember? He said He was more than just a man, do you remember? He told of us a love that was so true...How it would last the ages through...do you remember?

NOTE: Jesus was a teacher, preacher, manifestation of God in the flesh, a prophet, the exact representation and radiance of God. Over and over and over again...He underscored that He was God In The Flesh...He was before Abraham...He was I AM. He expressed His love not necessarily by saying the words..."I love you."...but by demonstration. "He demonstrated His own love toward us...in that while we were YET sinners...Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

(Chorus)

Halle-lu, Halle-lu, He is LIVING...Halle-lu, Halle-lu...He is LIVING...Halle-lu, Halle-lu...He is LIVING

NOTE: Jesus was a historical figure...who was born a baby (by Virgin Birth)...grew up in the family of a carpenter...followed the Jewish customs...grew in wisdom and stature...and at 30 years old...ministered for 3 years teaching, proclaiming the Kingdom, and healing the sick. He was anointed with yoke breaking, burden lifting, oppression removing, healing power of the Holy Spirit and dynamic ability (Power/Dunamis)...and went about with this anointing doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil (little d)...for God was with Him. Jesus manifested...the will of God on earth as it was in Heaven...and destroyed the works of the devil.

(Verse 3)

But they took this Nazarene, can you hear them screamin'...they took this Man of Peace, in confusion they're screamin'...tearin' His clothes they stripped Him bare...They scourge His back 'til His skin did tear, hear them screamin'

NOTE: The passion of Christ was a bloody mess. They mocked Him, spit upon Him, tore His beard out with their hands, beat Him with a cat o nine tales (made up with bits of bone/metal), gave Him 39 lashes until the meat came off of His body...and then forced Him to carry His own means of death...the cross upon His back. You can almost hear the demons speak in their screams and see the hatred for the true Love.

(Verse 4)

And the hammer it did fall to the tree as they nailed Him...And the hammer it did fall to the tree as they nailed Him...In sorrow and pain His blood was shed, For peace He wore a crown of thorns on His head...as they're screamin'

NOTE: In Talbot's song...when he sang and the hammer it did fall...you hear a hard drum beat and the rap of a fist on a guitar...giving the somber sound of nails being driven through His hands...and his feet. He was CRUCIFIED...reserved for rabble rouser, political rebels, and thief's. He was crucified on the equivalent of a modern day electric chair...to die. He was placed between two thieves...one who mocked and the other who asked for mercy. They came to break His legs...but He was already dead...and they thrust a spear in His side...and a mixture of blood and water (fluid from around His heart)...flowed. Water and Blood...He died of a broken heart. The thing is...NOBODY...Jews or Gentile killed Jesus. We did not take His life from Him...He gave it willingly.



(Verse 5)

When they laid Him in His grave, thought it was over...When they laid Him ins His grave they thought themselves that much bolder...BUT when they turned and they looked...he was alive and well...come back from the dead, conquered the gates of hell..NOW HE IS RISEN...NOW HE IS RISEN.

(Chorus)

Halle-lu...Halle-lu...HE IS LIVING
Halle-lu...Halle-lu...HE IS LIVING
Halle-lu...Halle-lu...HE IS LIVING

WOW! As I am writing this Rambling...just coming off of the season of Lent...chills are going up and down my spine...when I realize what my Lord and Saviour did for me. He became the propitiation...the substitute...the satisfaction for my sins.

Do a cursory survey of graves of political leaders, religious leaders, movie stars, recording artists and you will come up with graves full of rotting flesh, corpses, bleached bones, dust to dust and ashes to ashes. The word OCCUPIED would be written on their tombs and graves. On Jesus' tomb...VACANCY is written. Check out Confucius's' grave...no confusion...Confucious bones...check out Buddah's tomb...Buddah Bones...check out Mohammed's grave...Islamic Koranic bones...George Washington's grave...bones, wig, wooden teeth. Elvis's shrine...bones that are ALL SHOOK UP. Even Napoleon's grave has bones-a-part.

But this thing called the HOAX OR FACT...is the birthplace of Christianity (followers as we know it). The tomb is empty...He is not there...He has risen...HE HAS RISEN INDEED.

Oh I know...I know...you can't force anyone to believe this stuff...but I do. I know that the Death, Burial, and Resurrection...D.B.R...nothing more...nothing less...is real in my life. I can't see the wind...or the air that I breath...but that does not stop me from breathing in deep and living...or feeling or seeing the effect of the blowing wind. So it is in my life...since 1970...when I first received Jesus...when I heard the truth...the Gospel...and faith came...and I believed in my heart...and I confessed with my heart and righteousness and salvation became alive in me... I am still standing in the Lord. If you believe this...finish this sentence/declaration and send it back to me...HE IS RISEN....

Love and Saved By Grace Kisses
Rodney "D.B.R...Nothing More...Nothing Less" Boyd (aka A Fool For Christ...tell me whose Fool you are)

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WILDERNESS

Greetings Sojourners...how's the sojourn? Does this thing called the wilderness appear to be your FINAL DESTINATION? Are you stalled out in the dry places? Have you set up camp in the valley...of the shadow... of death...and you are fearing evil all over the place?

Well...there is hope (confident expectation). Your time in this thing called the wilderness is temporal... time sensitive...temporary.

When Jesus...had been dipped into the Jordan River by John the Dipper...and He came up out of the waters...the heavens were opened... a dove descended down and lighted on Him...and a voice out of the heavens affirmed pleasure in the Son's obedience. "This is My (the Father's) beloved Son (Jesus...in whom I AM WELL PLEASED." (Matthew 3:15-17)

At the point of Jesus' spiritual high...came a crashing low. Jesus was led up by the Spirit INTO THE WILDERNESS. The purpose...TO BE TEMPTED BY THE DEVIL. It was in this dry, barren, lonely place...that Jesus would rely on the Holy Spirit and the Word of God...to met the challenge. The good news is...that JESUS DID NOT STAY IN THE WILDERNESS. It was merely a stopping point...on the journey into His ministry.

The "tempter" (little t)...tempted Jesus. Temptation is not designed to pull us into something as much as it is designed to pull us away from who we really are. Jesus met each temptation with the Word of God...quoting the Old Testament...which at that time was not old...but THE Testament. It seems that these temptations mirrored Adam and Eve's temptation...the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life...and mirrors what we go through. (Matthew 4:1-9) At the end...Jesus told the tempter (aka satan...little s) where to go. "GO satan!) Matthew 4:10) The reaction of little s/t..."...the devil left Him..." (Matthew 4:11)

The cause and effect of this thing called the wilderness experience...after 40 days of relying on the Spirit and the Word..."And Jesus returned to Galilee in the POWER OF THE SPIRIT...and new about Him spread through all the surrounding district." (Luke 4:14)

From that point Jesus began to preach and say..."Repent (change of heart, mind, attitude, direction)...for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." Jesus began to (1) teaching in their synagogues (2) proclaiming the good news/gospel of the kingdom (3) healing every kind of sickness among the people. This was His M.O...modus operandi.

IF Jesus camped in the wilderness...and did not come out the other side...of His experience...He could not do what He was sent to do. So it is with us. There may be TIMES OF TESTING (T.O.T.)...but the expectation in these times of weakness...that we come out FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT...walking in the authority over the tempter/satan...and proclaim the kingdom of God on earth as it is in heaven.

In this time of Lent...I am drawing away...for time alone...not in the Wilderness...but in the Presence of the Lord. I have great expectancy to come out the other side of these 40 days... FULL OF THE SPIRIT...knowing my authority...receiving a touch in my spirit (intimacy with God), my soul (mind/what I think....will/choices of my free will....and emotions/feeling control).

FINAL THOUGHT FINALLY...AT LEAST UNTIL AFTER RESURRECTION DAY (aka Easter)

I will be praying for you during this time...among other things.

Love and Fat Tuesday Kisses
Rodney "See Ya On The Other Side" Boyd

THE STUMBLING BLOCK

Hello believers. Everyone believes in something...even if it is nothing. An atheist believes in the great nothingness...the intellectual believes he has got it all figured out. The agnostic would like to believe but can't quite get there from here. Humanism believes...well...in humans. Liberals believe we owe it to everyone... while conservatives believe we owe it to ourselves. Religious people believe we must work our way to God by convincing Him that we are worthy. Hedonist believe in self-gratification is the ultimate belief. Inclusionist believes that all roads lead to heaven...Jesus believes that He is THE way...THE truth...and THE life...and that NO ONE comes to the Father but by/through HIM. The Welfare state believes that their hand is out...and you need to fill it. The non-Welfare state believes that you need to get off your good intentions and help yourself. Politico's believe that the politician has the solution...the non-politician believes that politics means poly=many...ticks=blood suckers. Many people believe Christianity is like a buffet table... and we pick what we want to believe and add to the table what we want on the menu.

In the words of Wayne Gregg..."You guys are making it too hard."


As we enter into the final days of this Lenten season...preparing for the grand entrance of Palm Sunday...that will quickly turn deadly as they mock, torture, flog to a bloody pulp, pull out his beard by their hands, grind long and sharp thorns into His brow, drive a spear into His side, and then wait as the agonizing death comes... and as He dies...and is buried...and is RAISED FROM THE DEAD...let's consider what the GOSPEL is...and what the GOSPEL is not.

Gospel simply means...the GOOD NEWS. It was something that Paul was not ashamed of...because it was the POWER OF GOD...for SALVATION...to the Jew first...and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

This good news...was good news about a KINGDOM...a place where there is a king...and kingdom principles rules. When Jesus went about...He (1) Taught in their synagogues (2) Proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom (3) Healed all manner of sickness and disease. (Matthew 4:23; 9:25; 11:5)...based on the anointing of the Holy Ghost and power...where He went about (1) Doing good (2) Healing all who were oppressed by the devil (little d)...for God was with Him. (Acts 10:38)



The gnostics...anti-Christ/Anointing...the religious people of the day...all had their spin on this thing called the GOSPEL. The gnostic's believed: (1) Knowledge is superior to virtue (2)the non literal sense of Scripture is correct and can be understood ONLY by a select few (which you probably not) (3) evil in the world precludes God's being the only Creator (4) the INCARNATION (Jesus/God coming down in flesh form) is incredible because DEITY cannot unite itself with anything material such as a body (5) there is NO RESURRECTION OF THE FLESH. The ethical standards of many Gnostics were low. (Thanx and a Tip O' Da Hat to Ryrie Study Bible Notes to Ist John)

There ain't nothin' new under the sun...unless it is under THE SON. Gnosticism with deep roots in the spirit of anti-Christ...run deep in this world as they DENY THAT JESUS CAME IN THE FLESH. (Read Ist John to see how you can KNOW that you have eternal life.)

This thing called the CROSS stumbles up many an intellectual. "For the WORD OF THE CROSS...is to those who are PERISHING foolishness...but to us who are being SAVED it is the POWER OF GOD. (I Corinthians 1:18).
(Read I Corinthians 1:17-30 for full details of thes thing called THE SCANDILON...THE STUMBLING BLOCK.)

The gospel ain't WORKS...or DEEDS done in righteousness (See Titus 3:5 and Ephesians 2:8-10 and Galatians 3:1-5)...but that does not mean that you get to sit back on your best intentions...(Ephesians 2:10; James 1:19-27; James 2:14-26). Works don't save you...but you do get saved unto works. The GOSPEL ain't what you do or don't do. It ain't about how good you are or what you gave up or how much you gave to the poor.

Back to my friend Wayne Gregg...who told the Mormon council..."You guys are making it too hard."

"For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son...that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

WHAT IS THE GOSPEL?

"Now I make known to you...brethren...the GOSPEL which I preached to you...which also you RECEIVED...in which also you STAND...by which also you are SAVED...IF...you HOLD FAST the word which I preached to you, unless you BELIEVED in vain. For I delivered to you as of FIRST IMPORTANCE...what I also received that...(1) Christ DIED for our sins (2) He was BURIED (3) He was RAISED on the 3rd day. (I Corinthians 1-4) This was witnessed by Cephas/Peter, the twelve, to more than 500 brethren, to James, to all the apostles...and last of all to Paul.

All of this was based on GRACE. Grace is: (1) favor (2) unmerited favor (3) free gift (4) the divine influence in the heart manifested in the life of the believer. Grace is always and inside out working that changes you...never you changing hoping it will change the inside. It is like religion that is always reaching up to God...while Christianity is God reaching down to man.

"FOR CHRIST ALSO DIED FOR SINS ONCE FOR ALL, THE JUST FOR THE UNJUST, IN ORDER THAT HE MIGHT BRING US TO GOD, HAVING BEEN PUT TO DEATH IN THE FLESH, BUT MADE ALIVE IN THE SPIRIT." (I Peter 3:18)

FINAL THOUGHTS...FINALLY

CALL: He is Risen
RESPONSE: He is Risen...INDEED!!!!

Love and non-ashamed kisses
Rodney "Don't Stumble Over The Stone" Boyd