Forward to the Sunrise On the Mount Series:
When I was a young boy, learning about God, I knew that some day, He would give me an important mission. I didn’t know what it was, but I knew in my heart that I had a significant role to play.
I set out, at the age of seven to write a book comparing the theology and doctrines of different faiths. It turned out to be a bigger task than I had imagined. Perhaps my parents wanted me to be a little more grounded first, because when I asked them to buy me the canonical literature of every faith, I ended up with one little paperback with some conversion stories.
I prayed for His guidance, and although I never heard and audible voice, I received in my heart an affirmation that in His time, he would reveal my ministry.
Almost three decades have transpired since then. I have been exposed to many of life’s issues. I have made many friends of all faiths (and lack thereof) and cultures. Though I had moments of difficulty as I struggled with different philosophies, temptations, and competing influences, God has always stood beside me and affirmed me as His own.
About five years ago, after the dot com bust, I was “forced” to move from my home town of St. Louis, back to the NY metropolitan area, where I had been 10 years earlier at the beginning of my career. I ended up with a long train & subway commute from Fairfield County, CT to NYC. Soon thereafter it got longer as I accepted a job on Wall Street (4.5 to 5.5 hours per day) .
I was not fond of the commute and before long, my morale had dropped. But God has quite a knack for turning curses into blessings in unexpected ways. Although I had prayed for a new job closer to home, nothing suitable had arisen. That is when He chose to reveal my ministry. In the spring of 2005, I had been assigned to read 1st Cor.13 at my sister’s wedding. I goofed and read a different passage, before realizing the mistake, and switching to the right verse. Although it went off fine, I wanted to ‘make up for it’ and set out to poeticize this verse and give it as a gift to my sister and brother in law.
My commute turned out to be the only time I had to devote to this task, but I found that it was a perfect time to sit quietly, reflect, and puzzle through it, until I had a good working rendition. I was so pleased and amazed at the glorious work God had wrought through my hands, that I decided to do it again, moving on to my favorite verses: the beatitudes. That was the turning point at which I realized what God had in store for me. He had taken what I thought was a curse, and turned it into the greatest blessing I could imagine. And in fact, this is not a gift only to me, but to everyone.
I pray that this series of books blesses you as much as it has blessed me. Please keep in mind that this work, and His love in general, is not just for people who are already Christians. He is the shepherd sent to all the lost sheep, and encourages us all to share the light and blessings He has bestowed on us. Jesus taught that if we really love our neighbor, we are compelled by that love, to share His truth.
In some of the pieces comparing doctrines and policies of the non-Christian and secular worlds, are meant to evangelize and correct, and for this I cannot apologize, because it is an act of love. Doubtless, not everyone will agree. If you are such, so be it, but I would encourage you to pray to the Lord for revelation and guidance.
Howl Allen Ginsberg with Nebuchadnezzar’s
Prideful Madness-Lycanthropic
For this generation’s minds lie bleeding and ravished
in the streets of the libertine-philosophic
...
A multitude, yea, all of those with unclean spirits vexed,
Gather to Him to hear the Word which heals and protects.
Lifting up His eyes and voice, He taught upon the mount,
...
The Fifth Command...
Children are to respect parents, that they may live long.
Parents are to love them back by teaching right from wrong.
...
Why has Divorce
Become such a matter of course?
Currents of unyielding force
Deep is thy chaotic course…
...
Why chase the wind, when you can become it?
Carry the Spirit, be its voice, though others try to dumb it.
Sing the song of joy, when others only hum it.
Be the resonating harmony as angels lift the harp and strum it.
...