Well the sign above the door said "Frank's" - so a simple one (a foreigner to wisdom) and unaware, would figure that it was a place belonging to Frank. The sign on the entrance door said "Adult Entertainment" - so a simple one (a foreigner to understanding) and unaware, would figure that there may be hazards inside that children should not be exposed to. The bright "XXX" across the inner entrance also created the thought of Extra-Extra-Extra or Triple Extreme; and there was no doubt that there would be hazards for all entering. Why not take the risk? ... We only live one time; perhaps Frank's insurance only covered adults; ok, good, at least I am covered?
{Love covers a multitude of sin, but without the shedding of Blood there is no remission of sin.}
And as I looked from the vantage point of the scars, the nail pierced hands and feet, through the once wounded side - through the mist of "lost lives" that clouded the street; I saw a "simple one", left to himself on the street. Forthwith there appeared a magnificently beautiful, but other-worldly strange, woman who immediately kissed the "simple one". And said, "Come with me for pleasures beyond your wildest dreams." And "fear not for I have paid my spiritual vows and continually worship before my god." And she coaxed him with many unexpectedly arousing flirtatious gestures and a multitude of promiscuous words of sensual delight. Little did the simple one know that through the door of "Frank's" he would find many wounded, maimed, and even the dead ... barely existing there. Though for the moment he had the sense of invincibility, and the fearless nature of an undefeated warrior, he would soon taste the stolen pleasures of sin; and the overwhelming strength of sin's addiction would draw him in, and his capture would be fortified by the very chains of the lies of Hell itself. All went dark...
DON'T STOP HERE!!! Please read on!
Just Across the street (though there was a seemingly impassable chasm right down the middle of the two establishments that travelers had to navigate with care), there was another building with a name above the door "John's" ... so a simple one (a foreigner to wisdom) and unaware, would figure that it was a place belonging to John. The sign on the entrance door said "Welcome" - so a simple one (a foreigner to understanding) and unaware, would figure that there would be safety inside and the kind of atmosphere children could be exposed to. There were bright scarlet/purple splotches on all four sides of the door the led to the inner entrance that also created the thought of sacrificial royal safety; and something about the entering that caused doubt and fear to cease .There were whispers from the outside saying that it was trick and that there would be hazards for all entering. Why take the risk? ... We only live one time; but whatever the outcome perhaps "John's" insurance covers all; ok, good, at least I am covered?
{Love covers a multitude of sin, but without the shedding of Blood there is no remission of sin.}
And as I looked from the vantage point of the scars, the nail pierced hands and feet, through the once wounded side - through the mist of "lost lives" that clouded the street; I saw a "simple one", left to himself on the street. Forthwith there appeared a magnificently beautiful woman, who immediately directed the "simple one" with the tender care of a Mother to the entrance of "John's". And said, "Come with me for comfort and safety beyond what your heart has so desired." And "fear not for 'John's' Anointed Brother has paid for all spiritual iniquities and inequities", and "He continually makes intercession for our present and future errors". And she encouraged the simple one with her calm gracious Spirit, and the power of promise within her word's fitly chosen that were like apples of gold in baskets of silver -- far surpassing the ever fading mirage of sensual delight. Little did the simple one know that through the Door of "John's" he would find many wounded, maimed, and even the dead ... healed, whole and resurrected there with purpose filled abundant life. Though for the moment the traveler had the sense of hopelessness, and his fearless nature of an undefeated warrior was conquered, he would soon begin to taste and see the goodness of God; and the overwhelming strength of God's liberation would draw him in. His heart now captured by Love, he would be fortified by the unfolding Truth of Heaven itself. All went bright...
READ ON!!
Isaiah 9:2 - "The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined."
Amos 5:8 - "Seek Him that maketh the seven stars and Orion, and turneth the shadow of death into the morning, and maketh day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and poureth them out upon the face of the earth: the LORD is His name:"
Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."
The chains of lies caused by a sinful "turn aside" can be broken, but not without a strong reckoning of God's forgiveness, and a purposeful abandoning to the truth of God's deliverance. So with a childlike faith in the rescue that He has provided, walk in the Light as He is in the light for the Blood of Jesus Christ has washed us from our sin.
Proverb 24:16 - "A just man falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked shall fall into mischief."
HLFA,
Jeff