counting power

LOW GLORY: Ask a man of stout integrity, as he stands beside his wife, whether his wife is the most beautiful woman in the world. This man will look you, or her, straight in the eye, and, without a wink or nod, testify "YES, indeed she is!" Bring in his priest or bishop, convene a church court, and bid him to tell the truth about the beauty of his wife and he will not waver from what he told you before.

In this scenario the man does not surrender his integrity for acceptance, nor does he practice a sleight of hand. He makes a choice to believe the truth.

MEDIUM GLORY: This simple scenario points to a tremendous, mysterious power God has reserved for men of faith. This power can be (and is) used by balding middle-age men to score a kiss from the most beautiful woman in the world, but also by other faithful people who want to accomplish (do) amazing things that would 'confound the wise'---or in other words, contend things that they are unable or unwilling to count, as real, substantial or worthwhile.

This power I speak of is THE POWER TO COUNT things like God counts things. Like he counted the widow's mite, the lily, etc.

HIGH GLORY: "Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword " - Jesus

Jesus warned that when you use the this counting power you will not always be warmly received, let alone believed. When playing basketball, if you choose to count bounces of the ball for points while everyone around you conforms to counting only made-baskets, don't be surprised if objections are raised, even if you are careful to count softly and celebrate your victory low-key.

God's counting power is often at odds and in contention with how people traditionally, conventionally and comfortably count things.

Prophets have counting power. They count things that others refuse (or resist) to count.

For example, a prophet declared, "No other success can compensate for failure in the home"
(Consider the corollary: Success in the home can compensate for failure outside the home. This reminds me of the line "To my brother George, the richest man in town" in the movie It's A Wonderful Life, 1946)

My more glory stories, like the beliefs of balding men, are compensating substitutes that can shield me from the devil. Counting power is God's balm of Gilead.

This warrior prince, wants more than a kiss from the most beautiful woman in the world. I am not content with just earning a living. I want to slow down hurricanes. I want to bring an end to droughts. I want to heal nations. I want to change generations.

And I want to do it all from my lawn chair...and a few other select locations.