2012 - Will You Be Hated???

In our early years the ministries that the Redding family had chosen always seemed to be appreciated by the majority of our Christian peers. In the early days we served willingly within the confines of the local church, but it seemed like feelings changed toward us when we chose to love those who didn't quite fit the typical ministry path. When we hit the streets with a ministry that utilized a more “modern” approach to reaching out to those lost on the streets, we literally we were suspected, accused, not trusted, and cursed as being reprobate from the faith by those who we thought understood our hearts.

This is a scarey place to be ... in the jaws of a love/hate battle and having our hearts scandalized. We didn't know that it could end up this way.
Come to Jesus!!!John 16: 1 - These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
...and you will be hated!!! What???

(Take a brief devotional break and read John 15: 18 - John 16: 11 - Listen don't just look at the words, listen as Jesus speaks … He will not leave you comfortless, He will come to you. Right in the middle of this passage and the end He is ensuring His voice is heard via the Comforter.)

Jesus revealed that We would be hated because He was hated without cause. He would be the Stone that the builders would reject. He would be the stumbling block … the moveable trigger of the “love” trap … the “SKANDALON”. Why???
Why would Jesus be such an offense? Unbelievably ... the way He loved would be the offense.

The Kingdom He would bring to men would rub their idea of the kingdom the wrong way. The following phrases may give you a hint why:
1. Love your enemies (no way it is not natural).
2. Do good to those who spitefully abuse you (fighting back satisfies the anger).
3. Greatest is the servant (being the boss is the goal).
4. Go the extra mile (without pay?).

Then think of these overt love events:
1. Dinner with Tax Collectors.
2. Fellowship with sinners.
3. Personal contact with the leper and the demoniac.

Let's look at John 16:1 before we jump into 2012...
John 16:1 - These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
His concern is for you. He doesn't want His kids scandalized. He definitely does not want us suffering because of sinful choices. However, He wants to walk with us into a life of loving others. What happens to our fragile hearts when we love for Christ's sake and then we are hated for it? Listen carefully to His voice and He will strengthen your heart for the potential scandal ahead.

2012 ... God willing ... take the RISK of being hated, Love Jesus Openly ... loving others.

HLFA,

Jeff

The Strength of Weakness - "Christmas"

CHRISTMAS 2011 -- Into the year with weakness!!!!

"Jesus is not my crutch ...He is my stretcher." (quote from somewhere in history , not mine but pretty cool). Most of the time though ...We are all so very proud of our humility; even to the point that we work real hard to promote it. We somehow recognize and label displayed piety as a true connection to Jesus. (The only time I seem to be able to act with great piety is when I am in an "touchy" mood, and that is because most of the pious that I have met through the years have been grouches). How about we trade our fake adult "acting like everything is OK" for the amazing naive faith of a child. Oh but wait - wait - wait, YES ...Our walk talks and our talk talks, and our walk may talk louder than our talk talks ... BUT no matter what I may appear to be to others ... What I am when no one is watching is truly who I am!! 

I am just little ole me.

Live with the childhood courage that is strengthened by a naive faith in this Warrior of my soul... Hooray for JESUS!!! Here comes the warrior of my soul in all his...vulnerability????

Luke 2:12

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes , lying in a manger.

A babe????

God brought salvation to us in the form of helplessness.

...in weakness

...unseen by those with great strength

...revealed to those with the least influence

...shown to those seeking
...under the cover of the star lit night
...wrapped in commonness
...protected by the helpless

...His Grace was delivered in weakness!

John 15:13

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

We receive His Grace with naive childlike faith.

Matthew 18:3

And said, Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Mark 10:14

But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased , and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.

Now we live in the same weakness as when we first believed.

Live with a childish naive faith in the ability of Jesus to carry me through.

His Grace is possessed with unfailing strength for you.

His power is made complete in your need for His strength due to your weakness and infirmity...

2 Corinthians 12:9

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Check out the Christmas story one more time

...look at it with full naive faith

...look at how vulnerable our Savior was FOR US.

WHAT IS YOUR GIFT TO HIM THIS YEAR???

How about giving Him your childlike awe and wonder?

How about naively giving Him the rest of your life?

He can be trusted!!!

HLFA,

Jeff

There is a Blur!

There is a blur! (and the Jesus people are taking the heat for it ... see the photo attached)
Something is causing a crushing blur. Here we are, days away from a time when families will be doing everything they can to hopefully communicate love. We associate happiness with love??? Giving and receiving as vital in the transfer of love. And we work real hard at it. Wanting happiness is not a sin and wanting happiness for those we love is wonderful. The blur comes when we are under the pressure to perform and produce "THE bigger and better".

In a world ..."Cosmos" where the veneer and the adornment constantly advertise what is supposed to be lasting and real, we are caught in the blurry world of "the holidays" ... and Jesus is not the reason for this season.

Now once again Hang on!Oh no...did I just say that??? "Jesus is not the Reason for this Season." YEP!! TOO much focus on trying to please everyone with pageants, programs, gifts and charity drives to meet the needs of the cold and gift-less; while at the same time trying to juggle anger caused by the myriads of crazed humanity frothing at the call of "lowest prices of the season".

NOW HOLD ON RIGHT THERE -- I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR BUT I AM CAUGHT IN THE BLUR TOO!

Look, I'm not trying to start an argument or get too philosophical but let's clarify for a moment. This "Jesus is the reason for the season"could possibly be the problem with our thinking. Don't blame Jesus for the disappointment we can experience because we sink all our proverbial eggs of goodness into one basket of hope that we fill up JUST once a year.

Just as gifts seem more prevalent in this season, and wonderful stories of charity run rampant; the crushing blur of hopelessness can be even more oppressive amidst the "good cheer".
FACT 1...Jolly St. Nick is not coming (he has been dead for centuries), but he did love Jesus and didn't want any kids to feel unloved during this "Birthday of Jesus" season. Very Cool!!!
FACT 2...The answers to your prayers may not come just because it is...Christmas. What??? (God doesn't get emotionally gooey because of a particular season that we think is special. He thinks of us as special all the time...and in all seasons we are the desire of His heart).

Let's eliminate the season blur!!

My wife shared with me the following passage from her devotion, which does let us know that we are the reason for the seasons whether harsh or happy:
Gen. 41:52 - And the name of the second called he Ephraim: For God hath caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.
After a double season of troubles, Joseph's life is finally turning for the better. To mark the fact that God was with Him in all seasons ... He names his second son in honor of this: Ephraim means ... double ashes, double blessings.

My wife then shared this: That the season of rain-like troubles is not a curse, but it is a down payment for a season of flower-like blessings. And God is with us in all of the seasons of our life - so that whether we are experiencing the rain or the flowers, we can experience Him with us.

It is so sad that sometimes we nurture the storm of troubles by reminding everyone how rough it is. We may even feel it is our station in life to keep calling back the clouds of curses because we don't deserve better. We may even mutter Heavenward the phrase..."God doesn't even know my name!"

Oh, how we can be so far from the truth, while He so desires to be close to us, within us.

OK we are in the midst of this "holiday season"...let us not put so much weight on the outcome of our giving and receiving, or we may get caught unknowingly "in the blur". Let us mark these moments with an open love for Him, realizing We are the reason for the seasons that He allows us to walk through with Him.

Come let us adore Him ... in the rain and in the glow!

HLFA,

Jeff

For the Best Interest of the Child???

"Since this child will not be able to function properly in a normal society, our recommendation is that the child be put in a room by itself, that it be kept comfortable, BUT not allow it to be touched by human hands, and let nature take its course...yes, the child will die."

"And this is for the best interest of the child???????"

In the mid 1970's a young couple, early in their marriage and during the first semester of Bible College training, gave birth to their first child. God gave the a beautiful a little baby boy, but he wasn't perfectly formed as they had hoped and dreamed. The little guy entered this world with Spina Bifida. [(Latin: "split spine") is a developmental congenital disorder caused by the incomplete closing of the embryonic neural tube - evidenced many times by an open hole at the base of the spine.] Instead of being placed into the longing and loving arms of his mother, he was whisked away by helicopter to a nearby children's hospital that would handle his special situation.

Besides the arrival of this little guy into their lives, this young couple would receive a call from the hospital that would alter their hearts for the rest of their days. Not yet seeing their new born son since the trauma of the delivery room, they were given a choice "by phone" to give their son a chance to live by medical care; OR LET HIM DIE by leaving him untouched by human hands.

TOUCH HIM - it is always for the best interest of the child!!!

[Note # 1 to the receptive: please be aware enough to understand that we are jumping from physical to spiritual concepts, and wisdom will allow you to know the importance of both, and that propriety is Godly]

Lu 18:15-17

15 And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.
16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.

[Note # 2 to the receptive: In our current society that has been so marred by sexual explicit media delusion, the gift of the godly,strengthening, virtuous touch is a risky commodity but so needed.]

The immense importance of "the touch" may be highly under emphasized, but think about it:
- The stroking and tasseling of the hair of a child sleeping in the loving care of parental arms.
- The holding of the hand and the wiping of the fevered brow with a cool refreshing cloth.
- The security and comfort of the strong hand of parent against the tiny hand of a child.
- The first "hand holding" of a "smitten" young couple.
- The brushing of the hands in the middle of the night of a married couple during the wee hours of the night.
- The strong support of hands assisting in the mobility of the halt, the lame and the blind.
- The tender hands of mercy caring for the dying and elderly.

[Note # 3 to the receptive:The touch so needed, the touch so desired...the feel, the connection, the hope, the shared moment.]

Luke 6:17 -19
17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judaea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases;
18 And they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed.
19 And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all.

There is a world around you...family, friends, and strangers...so many, whose lives are slipping away without a touch...a connection to love...without the shared feeling that someone cares. Oh the reviving, life giving, appropriate, selfless touch of the Savior. Oh if only Jesus could make contact with them...if only He could reach out and fill their lives with the knowledge of His eternal desire for a lasting connection with them. He wants to hold us in His perfect care.

He is willing to touch their lives...through you...
Are you willing to touch their lives FOR HIM?
This is your choice...
Are you willing to give them the chance to feel His care through you?
OR
Will you allow them to die, untouched?

Let them live, it is in the best interest of our God!!!

HLFA,

Jeff

Bored??? Get a Gun! Get a Gun??

I've got a sneaking suspicion that the "Wide Gate" and the "Broad Way" are getting the bulk of the advertising dollars. The Media Mogul of this World, Satan, is continually pushing the bar for excitement, so the that trailing bar of boredom is constantly on the rise. What does this mean in layman's terms? The more "stuff" that you buy into (that you feel you have to have FOR YOU), the more likely it is that you will be bored sooner. Nothing will satisfy because the next "Big" is already in the wings (and you know it, you've caught the media leaks).

Good Night!! {this short two word statement is being used as an expression of utter disgust} Black Friday is one of the "Wide Gate" flood gates of driven obsession. Every year the bar for "gotta have it" is raised to ridiculous frenzied proportions. Now (FRIDAY)we have folks armed with pepper spray and guns to get that Xbox or iPad 2 at a price lower than any other possible day in history. In years past "Black Friday" used to be a game day...see who can get there first??? Not any more. It has become a planned "heist" day..."I am coming out of that store with...it, no matter who I offend, who I walk over, who I hurt, or who I have to kill".

"It" is not the way out of the"Wide Gate".
"It" is not the way out of boredom.Read the scripture below with an understanding of the word "strait" and the word "cross" -- they both come from the same route word in the original language..."histemi". This word means: to make to stand, to fix so as to establish, to make firm, to uphold authority, the middle of the balance for scales, to stand near, to stand immovable, to continue safe and sound.

Luke 13:24

Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. (this strait gate is not entered by great wisdom or unusual strength? although wisdom and strength are admired by the "wide gate crowd")

Luke 9:23-25
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? (My fixation , my established life needs to be uprooted and carried as I follow Jesus ... the only cross that needs to stay fixed is His)

I Corinthians 1:18

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (Believing the Truth of the Cross of Christ is where we find His creative power exciting and our boredom fading)

The only way out of the "wide gate" mold...is to exert your spiritual athletics in yanking your fixation away from YOU, and focusing your life on following Him. Oh by the way! Following Jesus doesn't mean you shun things...no, not at all...BUT you realize the things that you are allowed to acquire, are not to establish your life, but are given as tools to reach others.

Strive to Enter the "Cross" Gate.

HLFA,

Jeff

If It Came Natural He Wouldn't Have Prayed

I'm not sure if I am getting it yet????
... it must be nice to be oblivious to the struggle with worldliness within the very fabric of what we call "worship" within our local churches.

My wonder so many times is... who in the world is in charge of this display of religiosity?

No wonder I can't make a connection with the "lost" and even the "saved" around me.

Have you ever been in a meeting where you could feel a heavy suffocating tension between those in the room?

Woe! With this overt disunity there is no way one can focus on anything BUT the disunity.

Who cares what is being said; Who even listens to the direction given; Who even plans on moving in that direction?

What direction? Too where? and what for? ...it makes no sense to MOVE unless unity is sensed or experienced.

Too much "look at ME" in the service of the King
Too many egos needing to be fed AND
Too little time spent in the Word and prayer
To get our hearts in tune with the pulse of God

John 17 is truly the Lord's prayer for Us as His in the midst of this conflict.
What is God's Will????
God's will is what the Father and Jesus desire.
This chapter is a simple:

Treasure chest of the gifted desire He has for us and the supply available to fulfill His desire.

If this came Natural He wouldn't have endowed us with such a prayer, loaded with the necessary supernatural gifts to secure us for unity... which Him and the Father are directly involved in IF WE LINE UP WITH THEIR DESIRE.

Jesus spoke so personally in John 17:20-21

Neither pray I for these alone, (the Apostles) but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; (any believers to follow, including us) that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

Sorry no spoon feeding this time...open up your Bibles, kneel beside Jesus as He prays through this chapter. Read it out loud! He his voice through your voice...let the fullness of the plan of the of being ONE:

Verse 20 & 21 has the potential...
"The Father in Jesus, Jesus in the Father, that we may also be one in them"...ONE...indivisible...ONE.
"That they may be one in us" (Jesus requests of the Father)

That "they (we) may be one"...that "the world may believe"...that Thou (the Father) hast sent Me (Jesus).

If the world just believes that we are good people...and the church is a good place to go but the world doesn't sense our "oneness" (because we don't desire what He desires) then the potential for the world to understand the Gospel has been neutralized.

Does Jesus get His prayers answered?
Will you hear His prayer...and answer the call?

HLFA,

Jeff

Where is Their God?

When the sound of punished steel, forcefully distressed glass, and overly flexed polymers came to a rest, it still seemed like an eternity before the smoke and dust of the impact would settle and clear. Just a drive home...just a daily routine...no sin involved...no drunk driver...just a momentary lapse of judgment. Lives would be changed forever and scars would remain...Where is God? Why would He allow this?

Such joyful energy and anxious anticipation all wrapped up in this one moment. Two lives focused and waiting for a small voice to cry out. Two lives reaching for a tiny hand to feel the reciprocal extension of life's expected fulfillment, BUT it doesn't come. A very clean and brightly lit room now becomes a very still, very sad hall of grief.Hopes of joy become a blur of tears,empty arms and shame. Why us? Where is God?

Such a Godly Saint ... always there for others. Now laying listlessly in a room filled with pictures but no people...no earthly comforters during this time of unmerciful pain and suffering. It just doesn't seem fair! Is this the reward for a life of selfless service for the King? Where is God? Why this end?

Usually surrounding these events is a hoard of hellish imps who will chant accusations and caste lying "if only" statements about, hoping these unfounded words will be believed. And sadly, the lies offered to the aching, abandoned, broken hearts will be believed just long enough to separate and isolate us from the truth of the character of God's love.

STOP IN THE THOUGHT OF THESE MOMENTS...
CRY OUT FROM THE REALITY OF THE PAIN...
CRY OUT IN THE ABANDONMENT OF SHAME...we feel the shame it is real.
"JESUS!! Here my cry!"

Zephaniah 3:5

"The just LORD is in the midst thereof;"

(Where is God? Right in the middle of it ...He is there)

"HE will not do iniquity:"

(He will not do injustice ...He will do nothing unfair)

"every morning doth HE bring HIS judgment to light,"

(He is bringing the deliverance of a New Morning)

"HE faileth not;"

(He will never let us down because HE IS WITH US)

"but the unjust knoweth no shame."

What ??? What did that part of the verse just say???

"the unjust, the perverse, the wicked, the lost...knows, learns to know...no shame???

Read this last line carefully and feel the full force of the Word in its totality.

The unjust do not learn that shame brings God into the middle of our lives to bring us to a place of "no shame".
Romans 10:11 - " For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed"

His Grace will always deliver us from disgrace because He is with us...He will deliver us.

Where is their God??...in the middle of their pain, in the middle of their shame.
Where is your God?

HLFA,

Jeff

Lover of Horses???

OK -- OK -- now don't get your frowns in a furrow!! Last week bugs --- this week horses??
(Disclaimer: If you feel that your head is nothing more than a hat rack, or a knot tied at the end of your spine to keep you from flying apart, please don't read any further)
Some times we are just so worn out by the winds of adversity that messages like the "HLFA Encourager" is just toooooo much.
My apologies for the overwhelming nature of many of these devotionals --- stop...take a cleansing breath before we go any further. Pray --- ask the Lord to speak to your deepest needs, to help you hear beyond the words.

(I will take a risk here)...You never see the tears that flow over some of these devotions because: the more I cry to Him to hear His voice...the more I am overcome with His Heart Aching for us to know Him more and I have to pass it on to you.

John 14:8 - Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
Devotion-ally translated for HLFA encourager:
Philip (whose name means "lover of horses") speaks to the Lord in hope of establishing an eternal benchmark: "Lord - Kurios, the one in control, give us a clear, concise, momentary view of the FATHER and we will be "once and for all" possessed by unfailing strength."

Philip, the "lover of horses" was the perfect pick to make this aching request the way he did...so human, so honest...so ready to learn and so ready to be encouraged by the "horses" of life to strengthen us.
Like Philip,we look for the "horses" of life to define our security and safety.
We may even believe that these "horses" are a sign of God's blessing.
The big houses,
the big titles,
the big bonuses,
the nice cars,
the fashionable clothes,
the big visions,
the awesome ministry events,
the new exciting truths,
the next big thing...but God has a different plan:

Personal -- People -- Touch -- Spoken words

Although, the "horse lovers" desire an overwhelming, momentary, show of "convincing strength" --- We would say with Philip - "Show us the FATHER and we "it" ... will sufficeth us. "It" never really satisfies us. The overwhelming vision may convince BUT "it" does not bring commitment: then Jesus reveals the better Way!!!
Verse 9 --- reveals the "once and for all" to focus on the "learning to know" Him not "it" and focus on the "seeing to experience" Him not "it".
WE DON'T NEED "IT"...WE NEED A GROWING LIVING LOVING RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS THAT GROWS IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT HE IS COMMITTED TO US. Commitment inspires commitment.
When the events of this life bear down on us ... we do not need a glimpse of His glory ...we need Him.

HE IS THERE...when horses stumble and fall.
HE IS THERE...when the vision fades.
HE IS THERE...when we say "why did God allow this?"
Life happens, but not without Him, He is there and He wants you to learn of Him...there.
HE IS THERE.

Zecariah 12:4
In that day, saith the LORD, I will smite every horse with astonishment, and his rider with madness: and I will open mine eyes upon the house of Judah, and will smite every horse of the people with blindness.
WHY???????

Consider the following verse too -

Proverbs 21:31
The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD. You will find Him there...because His has found you there.

The next step: Be there, with Him, for others.

John 20:21
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

Think about this ...pray about this ....

HLFA,

Jeff

Brought to my knees by a Bug - ADD ON

( tola'at shani - crimson worm)

Google the above words and read what was going on in July at "The Temple Institute" ... and read.

Shalom,
HLFA,

Jeff

Brought to my Knees by a Bug

coccus ilicis

If you have some time to invest in your heart...when reading the Word:
Ask questions in prayer, open your heart to His, look and wait for the inevitable...

It may be hard to imagine but during a few minutes looking at the snow (yes snow on Oct. 29th), and thinking about an obvious passage of scripture...
Isaiah 1:18" Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord:Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool".

"Come now (walk with me) ... let us reason" called to my heart.

I jumped onto the Net and was led to a fascinating study of the "Crimson Worm"...
(tola'at shani - crimson worm)
This led to sooo many treasures of the Heart that I actually was led to weep over the nation of Israel. (What?)

NUT SHELL OUTLINE:
1. There is a worm that climbs a particular OAK (in the Mediterranean Region) by itself. (Destiny)
2. It attaches itself to the tree.
3. Its purpose is to die.
4. In the process of its death, it births offspring.
5. While the Worm dies it secretes a crimson-ish/ scarlet colored fluid which fully covers its dying body and its offspring.
6. After 3 days, it will curl its head to its tail in a manner that will almost form the shape of a heart as the offspring are released.
7. Then the little pea sized sack will turn to a waxy white.
8. The timing of the removal of the Crimson Worm (by humans) - will either produce the key ingredient for a "Temple" dye or a wax that will be used in an shellac that has amazing preservative qualities. Think about the Gospel and let the little outline sink in. If your imagination will allow you to see how God uses such seeming insignificant details of a worm to tell about His glory, you will once again stand amazed of the way all creation points to His Story.

But here comes my heartbreak!

Google the above words and read what was going on in July at "The Temple Institute" ... and read. Such in depth study, organization, timing and care...to do what???? With great devotion be able to accurately recreate the "stain" needed in the Holy Temple garments and items of Hebrew Worship. I ache because the "Worm" shouts JESUS...but in the devotion to Biblical Tradition we miss THE WORM ON THE TREE to harvest the worm on the tree. Though their eyes are wide open, their searching so devotional, they could be so blind to the deeper truth to the Worm on the Tree.

Read Psalm 22 at this time if you can...pause at verse 6:
But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.

In your devotion to the things of the day...don't miss loving and being loved by Jesus.

Shalom,
HLFA,

Jeff

God's Heart Will Take You to the Cliff

I hope you are one of those folks who just ache to know Him.
One of those alien-like wanderers who see God's mercy in everything.

We read about David and God's statement in Acts 13:22 about David's positioning of himself in relationship to God's Heart...
"David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfill (5692) all my will."

Quit staring at the fallen giant, the adulterous affair, the murder...
Quit staring at the bloody hands and the "chilled body" end.

Get out of your religious condescending comfort zone...stop judging to condemn and start delivering...start rescuing...start loving.

Your times of personal disappointments and suffering are an opportunity to hear the call "position yourself under my heart...there are bigger things at stake."

Jesus...sharing the truth of His own rescuing character in the synagogue of His own home town; stirs the crowd to carry Him to the edge of a cliff. The purpose of the crowd?...End the madness.
(Anytime you walk beneath the Heart of God...you will be misunderstood...FEAR NOT HE IS THERE).
Prophetically speaking - David revealed the character of God in Psalm 71 by the descriptions of His protection...look...think...be amazed at your God.

Psalm 71:3 Be thou my strong habitation, (Be thou my Cliff Dwelling Place)
whereunto I may continually resort (where into I may perpetually come and go)
thou hast given commandment to save me; (you have commanded "everything" to deliver me)
for thou art my rock and my fortress. (for You are my "Cliff" and my stronghold of victorious supply)

He will take you to the Cliff...you will find refuge there ... He is There.
Desire to be beneath His heart, He desires you there.

HLFA,

Jeff

Look Through the Window...Beyond the Doing

Look through the window...where does all our "doing" lead?
DO - DOING - DONE!!
Sure, it is in the "doing" that we connect with people for the most part.
Questions like "what do we have in common?" "What do you do for a living"..."Where do you work?" come up quite often. It seems to be a necessitous way of life in the world.
But remember "You are in the world but not of it."
{Now - here is the tricky part...LISTEN...listen beyond your bias settings...listen beyond your fear threshold...Be still...hang on to a blessed thought that is coming for you...if you want it. Answer this small question after the HLFA discourse -- What have I learned about my God?}

I Kings 19...Tells the story of Elijah's moment of truth with God. This story has captivated the hearts and minds of the theologian as well as the layman since its existence. Elijah has had an amazing victory in the "Garden-land" of Mt. Carmel...in the process of his "Do-Doing-Done", he is wiped out. There is now rain again in Israel, but after slaying 450 prophets of Baal at the Winding brook Kishon he is more than exhausted; and the "threat of his undoing" by one miserable wicked queen has him turning-in his servant and crashing under a juniper tree. When given angelic sustenance...he heads into the Desert to The Mount (you know "the Moses place"). He finds a cave, and with the cave is faced a decision: to stay for the night or to set up house keeping. To "do" for the moment or be lost in the "doing".

(Had to set the stage a little because this is the part of the story that fascinates the soul the most):
The "Word of the Lord" comes to Him...
"What doest thou here, Elijah?"

What part of this phrase do you hear?
"What doest thou here"
or
Elijah?

The focus of God was not the "doing" it was the name...Elijah!

My focus on the "doing" takes me to the "done", and "what next" just wears me out. It is a mean circle that hits me every day and finally all my doing will be done. Then what do I have? (kind of Ecclesiastical huh?) Vanity of vanities all doing is vanity.

The voice heard from the Cave said this: " Elijah - go forth - stand - behold". He was going to have an opportunity to meet with God...out side of the cave.

Wind (forcing destructive animation all around from above)...God's here ???? nope.
Earth Quake (forcing destructive animation all around from below) God's here ??? nope.
FIRE (woe --- the heat will always change something forever) God ??? nope again!

Then something happened that caused him to cover himself in his mantle and listen:
most of you could tell me the next line ... but let's see what comes from this still small voice.

Elijah hears a "still - small - voice"
"Still": almost silent, calming, stilling, astonishing, cleansing.
"Small": thin, small because of a crushing, a pulverizing to become like dust.
"Voice": a particularly significant voice, a sound almost musical, light and encouraging.

The voice said...(Note: repetition is the key to knowing what is important to God).

"What doest thou here...ELIJAH?" 

Yes, we do connect on an important level on this side of Heaven because of the "doing".
But God connects with us forever He desires us...He knows the sweetest thing that pierces our cold weary hearts and brings us to His side, is His Voice...calling our name.

"Adam" ... where art thou?

"Samuel"!

"What doest thou here..."Elijah"?

"Mary"...

Look beyond the window of "do-doing-done" and hear Jesus calling your name.

HLFA,

Jeff

Real Lasting Joy

Joy to the World
...what in October?
For some reason I get a little irritated when so-called Christmas songs show up outside the setting of Christmas. The mad dash of retail to get to "Holiday" sales announced before their competition probably has made me respond so badly to the idea of Christmas songs in October. Please don't try to help me with this just yet. AND don't try to explain to me that "Joy to the World" is not a Christmas song ( not needed). I have to find Joy not just in a season, not just in an event, not just in a gift or a fleeting moment of bliss.

I'm just like everyone else longing for His coming...

I'm just like all of His kids who love to win the lost...

I'm just like the entire world that is trapped in a daily dying body...
I desire Lasting Joy...

I hate to be so down at times. I would love to rise up and shout for joy with a shout that would cause my troubles to flee at the presence of His immediate deliverance.

Psalm 5:11

But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice:

let them ever shout for joy,

because thou defendest them:

let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.

Here is a quick thought to think of...it is anchored in the truth that is duplicated over and over in scripture but stated in so many different ways...There has to be a plan or effort put forth to open the avenue for JOY. It doesn't happen without a choice and it doesn't happen without a resolve to make the choice.

Here are some simple steps to Joy...
1. Study His Word to Know Him (not to correct others)...learn about His Character.
2. Trust Him...as you learn of Him (Can't trust a stranger).
3. Love Him...openly... sharing that love with others(as you learn).
4. Let Him...defend you...with grateful acknowledgement (thanksgiving is not just a holiday).
5. Wait on Him...cooperate...quit trying to do His job (He offers everything...just receive).

Psalm 5:12

For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.

(Devotional clarification to encourage you)

For Thou, Jehovah(Jesus),

will kneel near and praise those vindicated and justified by You,

You will surround them with acceptance,delight and goodwill

that will provide a protection like shield of thorns.

Think about the clarification...shield of thorns?

Can't you see His focused desire to love you, and to love you openly?

Reciprocate!

Joy to you!

HLFA,

Jeff

A Passionate Buy Back of Time to Know His Desire

See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.
Ephesians 5:15,16,17

Several weeks back you received an "HLFA" with the weird topic of "Christian Acrobats"...discussing the Greek word for "circumspectly". This week I'd like to focus on another attitude needed to get to the Goal of "knowing God's desire for you".

It is amazing the focus of some of our modern day beggars???? (Where did that come from?)...

This week because of Company travel, we (my wife and I) were able to drive by "A Lady and Sons" (Paula Deen's quaint restaurant in Savannah, GA on the corner of Whitaker and Congress). All we wanted to do was stop long enough to capture a picture of the spot and move on. After wandering through the maze of "every block has a square" Savannah,we arrived at our destination. AND WOW ...There was one (only one) "no parking, drop off/ pick up only" space right in front of the restaurant on Congress. It was just waiting for us so my wife could step out out of the car, snap some pictures (drop off/pick up perfect) and we could speed away.

I noticed an unkempt gentleman standing right near where my wife would have to place herself to capture the pictures. I watched her from the drivers seat as he approached her and began to carry on a passionate conversation with her. He showed her something from his wallet and I watched as her eyes took on a compassionate look that she quickly started directing my way. Finally she shot the pictures and approached the car.

Rolling down the window to hear what her eyes might be saying, she pleaded "He is a veteran and would really like a Submarine Sandwich???" We were now in a point of decision ...I looked at the "gentleman" who didn't seem the least bit concerned anymore and just passionately told my wife to get in so we could go. There are a couple of observations that made me think in the direction of the scripture starting this Message:

Most of us are pretty much caught in the situation of this "beggar" though we might not admit it:
1. He recognized the potential that my wife might have the resources to get him to his desire.
2. He "momentarily" gave a passionate heart throbbing, tear jerking request.
3. Though he captured the heart of his listener, he seemed to quickly lose interest in the request.
4. We were able to drive away and he didn't even seem to be remotely affected by our departure.

Here is where we get disconnected....
1. We recognize God has the Resources...abundantly!
2. We may even have a passionate need for the supply..overwhelmingly!
3. God's Heart is always captured by our needs...but our eyes soon glaze over with distraction.
4. We get so engrossed with out own plans and affections that we don't even notice Him, there.

We don't passionately invest in the buying back of time cause by Understanding His desire for us.

Walk with purpose for Him.
Buy back the wasted years.
Passionately follow after His desire.

His desire for you is far more than a Submarine Sandwich.

HLFA,

Jeff

You Will Find Him There

IN CHRIST

What an intense week!!! How much more can people take ...?
- A friend, a brother, a dad, a son "passes" unexpectedly... alone, away from family and friends with no chance for a "good-bye".
- A mom, a wife, a grandma grows weaker as cancer continues to have the upper hand diminishing the life that once was so vibrant.
- Families ravaged by floods of personal troubles as well as waters.
- Rumors of threatening legal and financial struggles bruising the present morale and quenching future hopes.
Things and events that are supposed to be so wonderful are overshadowed by the specter of death.

Where does your heart run?
Where do you find refuge?
What keeps you from growing apathetic or numb?

In all the turnings of our way of life,
in the shining of our personal character,
in the pattern of our daily walk,
let our lives be without a love of gain that devalues the worth of others;
and be filled with the unfailing protective strength of contentment,
contentment that is elevated and lifted or offered "up",
Contentment with what the things that are near, at hand and ready;
BECAUSE HE HAS ETERNALLY ESTABLISHED US BY SAYING:
"I will never, no not ever...
leave you, never send you back or away, or loosen my distance from you.
I will never, no not ever... neither will I ever abandon, desert or leave you helpless or utterly forsaken."

Heb 13:5
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

In the midst of these things that shake our world...
1. Remember Him.
2. You will find Him there.

IN CHRIST

Be there for others,

HLFA,

 Jeff

Abandoned House

What fascinates your eyes when you travel throughout the countryside? Is it the beautiful foliage? Maybe it is the majestic hills or the cascading streams that set your mind aglow. Could it be the city skylines or quaint little artsy villages you pass through that excites your senses?

I may be a little strange (please no snide comments from the peanut gallery), but I am immensely fascinated by the tattered, broken down, abandoned structures that are scattered across the miles of the back roads of America. My mind has to ask the questions, and of course the questions will turn on the lights of the imagination...and if my imagination runs to God's Word then the story could turn upward, inside out and easily up-side-down.

Song of Solomon 8:7 Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it: if a man would give all the substance of his house for love, it would be utterly contemned.
This is an awesome picture of the power of love to burn brightly through many torrential troubles, to resist dilution caused by many discouraging floods of separation, and to utterly abandon even sacred shelter for its singular focus...to love.

When I see the abandoned homes collapsing because of neglect and poor maintenance, at first I am irritated and then fascinated. What happened to cause such a sorrowful scene? After a few temporal and typical thought scenarios...my mind turns...

The Creator, embodied in flesh, stepped out of His heavenly dwelling place to offer an irresistible proposal of love to a race of...
ungrateful,
unloving,
unknowing,
in-seeking,
uncaring,
self-centered,
sex intoxicated,
violence proliferated,
vision eliminated,
hate elated,
and idols elevated beings...who could care less about His love offer.
Did Heaven start to feel the neglect of love focused man-ward? Did the streets of gold begin to tarnish due to the lack of Godly foot contact and the heaven sent tears of Jesus? Did the single pearl gates of the city begin to be clouded over by the dust of his departure? Was the celestial wonder beginning to collapse under the weight of Love's abandon? Did the winds of resistance to His love offer begin to ravage the beauty of holiness. Was Heaven all but boarded up for eternity when the Savior was "forsaken" on the cross by His Heavenly Father...for you and for me?
Jesus knew the cost...He knew that He would give it all up for the opportunity to offer enduring, everlasting love. Hmmm ...approximately thirty-three and a half years of potential neglect of Heaven.
3 days and 3 nights of total disappointing foreclosure and eviction. LOVE..
Trust His sacrifice for us and we LIVE.
Turn our backs on the cost of His love and we are abandoned forever.

He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life;
but he that believeth not the Son shall not see life,
but the wrath of God abideth on him. John 3:36

He abandoned Glory for us,
Now because He Arose from the dead, He Lives,
He prepares a place for us...Be Glad.

HLFA,
Jeff

And the King turned to His beloved with...(continued),

And the King turned to His beloved with...(continued),

The wild thing about authoring a fairy tale, is that I may or may not know where the story is heading. Huh?? Really, It has to affect me to affect you or at least that is the hope (so once again hang on until the end).

What would you do if you found the enemy hanging so close that you could feel the very breath of Hell hissing its way into your course of life. That sinister breathing voice with its oppressive fury tries to draw you and me into agreeing to stand with "it" against the wants and desires of God. If we could feel "it" or know "it" for what "it" really is, we would be stunned with the subtlety; for sure Satan doesn't work like "Hellywood" portrays him. Sorry!!! He is far more cunningly common than that.

Far more cunningly common???(sorry no pitch fork, ectoplasmic spew, no 360 head spinning)

The Adversary just wants to travel or to journey with you in order to sway your walk in his direction. He loves it when your character bends toward opposing God's desire for your life. Satan is awesome at accusing God ... with you. He will jump right in and back up every one of your disappointments with a roaring chorus of complaints to help you justify the way you feel...against God. He will do his best to throw a shadow of doubt over your choices of life, especially the ones that have a higher level of added responsibility. The "Accuser" becomes your closest adviser and "yes man" as long as you are willing to blame God. ( "...As a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" ...I Peter 5:8) {a roaring lion walking???}

And the King turned to His beloved with a look that spoke "love without end". He began to speak with a voice that calmed the storm and warmed the winter that had so quickly had set into her heart. The King's Beloved suddenly realized that the beautiful woman was there only to encourage her to go with her disappointments, instead of trusting her Love through the disappointment. The tentacles that seemed to wrap around the King were a mirage to convince the King's Beloved that He may not be faithful and true. The King now stood firmly in all of His glory as He continued to look at His Beloved.


She thought, "Had the King not seen her rags and poverty. Had the King not sensed her heart of hopeless stone. Didn't the King realize the past that now plagued their future?" There was no way this would work...Death had entered her life and she was for all intents and purposes dead. Her case was different from all others, surely she was outside of the power of His grace.

Suddenly the King's piercing flame-like eyes turned toward "Pethee Keseelooth"...(foolish, foolish, simply stupid but so intoxicating); and just as quickly as she had chilled her way into the scene, the look in the eyes of the King put to flight the beautiful stranger. 

Almost like waking from the longest dream, the King's Beloved found herself back in the safety of the Arms of the King. The chapter closes with a glimpse of the powerful prophecy that will carry the King's Beloved through her days ahead:
(Isaiah 25:8 - "He will swallow up death in victory, (I Cor. 15:54)
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off of all faces; (Rev. 7:17; 21:4)
and the rebuke of His people shall He take away from off of all the earth: (Rom. 10:11)
for the LORD hath spoken it.) AMEN!

When I see myself as His beloved, and see Him as my beloved ... then I will respond differently to His words: "Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away!" (Song of Solomon 2:10)

Come away with Him, He will strengthen you. Come away with Jesus.

HLFA,

Jeff

On My Knees - Will You Be My Eternal Beloved?

Woe...can't hold back the tears (now remember this is always written with somewhat of a incoherent vantage point, so do not ever jump to conclusions until you have taken the whole ride).
He is on His knees asking his beloved "will you marry me?" (shouldn't she be begging Him to marry her, He is...the King!) His garments glistening with Gold, Silver and Precious Stones while she remains poised looking so frail in her filthy rags. However, the look in His eyes(full of joyful tears) send Love's message deep into her soul as she melts into His open arms crying "Yes, I will marry you" (she'd be stupid not to, He is the King...Duh!). Then with His powerful but gentle hands He tenderly lifts her face to His and......

A scream rips through the airlock, and a cry comes that chills this beautiful love scene until all the decor drips with the frost and ice of the deepest darkest winter that you could possibly imagine...And the scream like a tempestuous wind rips at the core of there souls like a merciless flailing flesh hook, devastating the King's composure and His beloved's security:

"Now the Battle Will Rage!"...

"Now will be the death of love!"...

"Watch as trust diminishes and hatred arises!

I strained my eyes to see where these lethally poisoned words were spewing from, and to my utter horror they were coming from an extremely beautiful woman who had now wrapped her arms like an octopus' tentacles around the heart of the King. Her name was "Pethee Keseelooth"...(foolish, foolish, simply stupid but so intoxicating). She continued, "Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant"...

"Come the master will be away on a long journey

and will not even have a clue as to what we do

with our illegitimate but exciting love...

And look! Your beloved is looking the other way".

When we back away from the fairy tale for a moment there is a very real battle that rages within the support system of marital love.
Stage one: The battle starts when "Submission one to another" (the under girding empowerment of love) is demanded and/or expected; instead of being wholly given, tenderly guarded, and actively appreciated.
Stage two: The battle moves things backwards when love is seen as an "option" motivated by feelings; instead of an imperative that creates the ever growing summer that keeps the marriage together.


At this point winter-ravished love may think that a new direction could be the ticket to real life.

A re-newed direction maybe... but let's not throw caution to the wind unless we know for sure that we have heard his voice.

"And be not drunk with wine (intoxicated with the momentary release of Love's responsibilities) wherein is excess (absolutely NO LIFE), BUT be filled (completely full of the focus of loving as Christ also loved the Church and gave Himself for it) with the Spirit (as He indwells and is given more of our life by acceptance of His loving support ,we truly live)." (Eph. 5:18 - expanded with the hope your heart will reach to love, where love seems to have grown cold).

And the King turned to his beloved with...(To be continued),

HLFA,

Jeff

PS: Be slow to judge but quick to deliver.

One Eye, One Horn, Flying Purple People Eater

"We finally found people we were comfortable with and that were comfortable with us". REPENT!
"When the church became too worldly we decided to do like they did in the early church, and start kind of a communal type of community of folks that believed the same way we do". REPENT!!
"I love Gospel Music" ...where do you go to church? "Oh I don't but there are enough churches in our town to suit just about anyone's taste". (but not his). REPENT!!!
How about we get together on Sunday for a simple time of Song and Bible sharing? "We have so much to do, it is just not part of our schedule". REPENT!!!!
How about we just do church like we always have and not be concerned about our inability to connect with people on a level that makes God's Love... make sense? REPENT!!!!!!!
ONE EYED -- limited peripheral and circumspect vision - focused on self want and need.
ONE HORNED -- Self is our king -- "ME" reign forever!
FLYING -- no time for others.
PURPLE -- Crowned and robed King!
PEOPLE EATER -- devouring and excreting people (fairly disgusting but if you get the picture you
may catch the rest of this week's thought). - they are only part of our lives until we have no use for them.

Revelation 2: 12-17
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, (Ms..."perhaps"- for love of reward) who taught Balac to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, (Victor's over people - People Conquerors) which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, a and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

There are hidden treasures within this passage in Revelation - describing not only the historical Church,a Church age, but also "church/personal" characteristics that can can devastate our walk with Christ and the lives of others:
Balaam --- this is related to a belief that "perhaps" God doesn't really mean what He says and this hinges on our comfort.
Nicolaitans --- an attitude that values people with no consideration for their value to Christ ( use an abuse).
Repenting of these (repent means that that we turn from the "perhaps" and the "abuse" and allow our minds to be subject to His Word... Agree with God!

This agreement --brings the following:
1. He provides "New" strengthening (Manna) "what is it" from Him...His mercies are new every morning ... sustaining food for the Soul.
2. He gives you a White Stone --- this is the stone that establishes his Choice for YOU.
3. In this Choosing -- He provides a fresh Name that out of His love for you ... He calls you.

PEOPLE called by His Name ... let your hearts and minds rise up to His desire for you.
Love God, love people ... hate sin.
Don't become a purple people eater ... please.
You are called for better things!

HLFA
Jeff

check the youtube below.
http://youtu.be/X9H_cI_WCnE

Christian Car???? Christ's Care for You.

I wonder if my car is a Christian Car? It doesn't curse or swear, It doesn't drink booze or do drugs, it never has entered a bar or seen an x-rated movie, It is kind to all its passengers, it has a 5 star crash rating - ready to protect me, It plays Christian CDs and Christian Radio Stations, and is always willing to take me to church (even carries my Bibles)...So far this is fairly typical stupid thinking, but even more stupid than this is for me to drag Jesus' Name through the mud of my disappointment with the way He is "Supposed" to take care of me...

I am pretty good at whining and complaining and rarely good at asking, I'm even better at blaming instead of truly seeking, and when I do FIND... I lack gratitude because I deserve it, because I was knocking, wasn't I???

Troubled to the max? Life got you to the place that you are ready to explode? Cry out to Him ... really cry out... and expect his answer through His Word.

This was a rough week for me. I was carrying a burden for my wife that was about to kill me (I was even feeling it physically). While driving in my car (the best way to drive) early Friday morning alone (no other passengers) --- I screamed (yep, a full bodied, blood curdling roar) out to Jesus for help (kind of shocked myself) and then went on with my drive and day without much thought for the incident.

However; Friday night He began to open the Word to me and Saturday A.M. was "bucket dumper".

What about His care for me, my wife , for you, for those who he ransomed with His blood?
Hang on, and before you read on,
PRAY .... PRAY (stop -- don't pass over this part) ... PRAY.
In Ephesians 5:27 - Paul describes the love of a Husband for his Wife by Looking at the love of Christ Jesus for His Church (Those called out to be His) this Love that He actively bestows on us day by day. Moment by moment - breath by breath care:

"That He might present it (his Wife the Church) to Himself"
     He presents us to Himself, He pulls us near, He supports and stands beside us;
"a glorious church, "
     He holds us in His highest esteem
"not having spot, "
     He provides advocacy so that "no spot", no fault, no moral blemish will be levied to our account.
"or wrinkle",
     And when He rescues us, His gentle hand doesn't cause damage, wrinkle or bruising.
"or any such thing;"
"but that it (she) should be holy"
     We are set apart with as "cherished"; with full "life purpose" because of His eternal desire is for us.
"and without blemish".
     From Him, we will never receive disgrace, insult or censure because He jealously defends our reputation.

Sorry this may be heavy to read, but if we understand these things we will begin to truly live in Him in all His fullness. Truly live that abundant life He offers... HE IS OUR EVERYTHING!

HLFA,

Jeff

Flash Forward for Others

Several years ago, after a time of prayer for many of the folks that we were ministering to, and searching His Word, we wrote a scripture song to the passage below. Every time I sing this song it seems to allow me to identify with a deeper understanding of the suffering of others as well as the my own suffering. In studying the Psalm in its entirety, we realize that David's submission to His own suffering, and offering his suffering as a sacrifice for others ("for my sake") allowed Him to walk prophetically in the sufferings of Jesus. Hundreds of years before the Cross of Christ, David would identify so closely with that suffering that God would allow a "flash forward" inspiration to flow through David's thought and words. Take a little time and read the entire Psalm and see the foreshadows and striking beams of light that flow through the passage.

For now ... with out the Musical accompaniment this is the way the Words flow in the song:

Psalm 69:1-3
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
I sink in deep mire,
where there is no standing:
I am come into deep waters,
where the floods overflow me.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
I am weary of my crying:
my throat is dried:
mine eyes fail
while I wait for my God.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.
Save me, O God; for the waters are come in unto my soul.

Here comes the right heart attitude towards our own suffering (soak on the next verse):

Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake:
let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

When you are reaching out in prayer for His help in your suffering ... stop ... pray for others. Allow the "flash forward" inspiration of His goodness to flow through your thoughts, your words, and your actions. Let his life - live through you.

Others.
HLFA,

Jeff

The "Be" Should Have Been --- "Been"

Did you find the BE that should have been a BEEN in last week's HLFA?
(go back and read it so you can say yes).

Here comes a reflection because of it.

In A Shattered Visage, a book-length emotional rant against atheism, Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias puts forth the following assertion:
The words of Augustine are most appropriate: "You have made us for yourself and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in Thee." Or, as Pascal(1623-1662) put it, "There is a god-shaped vacuum in the heart of every man, and only God can fill it." [p.89],..

The Song writer Plumb, made this phrase of a "God Shaped Hole" a fairly popular buzz phrase.

Nothing wrong with the "God Shaped Hole" in a devotional sense for the one who is already quickened, but it may lose its accuracy when it is trying to straddle the lost and the saved and the backslider and all the ramifications of the life and world we live in.

The statement below is a speculative devotional thought based on the reversal of this philosophy of the "God Shaped Hole in the heart of men".

Since the Fall of man there has been a "man shaped hole" in the Broken Heart of the God that created him. "Adam where art thou?" God was heard to say in the garden. Sin totally kept that hole disappointingly empty(actually both holes) ... But Jesus removed the sin situation preparing the way back into God's heart.

There is enough scripture between these two philosophies to keep discussions heated and hearts on fire long enough to bond them and become more fully devoted to our Lord and Savior.

Key this week ... Jesus suffered enough ("It is finished") ... quit wasting time in eternity beating yourself for things He took the beating for and rest in His Grace and trust in His Love.

Isaiah 40:27-31
Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest,
          --- "Why do I talk like this?"
O Israel, My way is hid from the LORD,
          --- God doesn't have time to care about me, I'm too insignificant.
and my judgment is passed over from my God?
          --- When it comes to my deliverance, God somehow misses me.
Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard,
          --- Did God repeat himself? ... I better listen intently here are the facts:
that the everlasting God, the LORD,
          --- He is our never-ending help.
the Creator of the ends of the earth,
          --- He created and set us within the boundaries.
fainteth not, neither is weary?
          --- Our neediness doesn't wear Him out (though our fake "I'm OK" may).
there is no searching of his understanding.
          --- The depth of His understanding goes beyond our comprehension.
He giveth power to the faint;
          --- He gives Himself to support our frail efforts ti live.
and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
          --- He is our Strength even when we have none.
Even the youths shall faint and be weary ,
          --- Our youthfulness doesn't guaranty stability of strength
and the young men shall utterly fall:
          --- The young have pressure limits too.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.

When trust our delays, setbacks, movements ahead, plans, hopes, fears, stresses, joys, past failures, present stumbles, and future unknowns to the focused powerful care of our Loving God .... we will revive, we will stand ready, we will run, we will walk ... in His Strength. Rise up!!!

HLFA,

Jeff

"Hey let's do lunch some time!" (we've all heard this phrase ...it has almost become as lame as "how you doing!").
The human race continues to come up with expressions that send out messages of hopeful connection to each other. It is not that we have no intentions of fulfilling that hope, but in the rushing of our days we become powerless so many times to guaranty the connection. "Twenty years later, and we still have not hooked up for lunch".

If our security for eternity with our God was dependent upon our faithfulness to fulfill the expressions we send His way...we would all be hopelessly lost. Many of our songs reflect this desire to raise these expressions to Him: "O God you are my God and I will ever praise you, I will seek you in the morning and I will learn to walk in you ways, step by step you'll lead me and I will follow you all of my days." Great song...and He doesn't fault us for our hopeful expressions but for our sake it doesn't depend on us. He doesn't depend on us.

I Corinthians 2:4- 9 -14
4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
8 Which none of the princes of this world knew : for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
9 But as it is written , Eye hath not seen , nor ear heard,
neither have entered into the heart of man, the things
which God hath prepared for them that love him.
10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
12 Now we have received , not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
13 Which things also we speak , not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

God has PREPARED ...He made all the necessary adjustments so He could fit us into His life. We were enemies, sinful, already condemned, unprofitable, unworthy, unholy, unlovely, ...no room for Him. But while we were all this "Christ died for us" ... "He arose for us" ... making room for us... Before leaving in John 14...He said " I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am, you may be also."

The only thing He leaves in our hands ... is to call out for the rescue. Romans 10:13 Since the Fall of man there has be a Man Shaped Hole in the Broken Heart of the God that created him. Sin totally kept that hole disappointingly empty ... But Jesus removed the sin situation preparing the way back into God's heart.

Come, you won't be disappointed, He really does want you.

One parting thought ... If God so loved you that He prepared the Way for you, why would you feel He is not interested or loses interest in you?

HLFA,

Jeff

Somethings missing! Somethings almost gone. The fervor has no fire, the delivery has no urgency.
Finger-stopped ears and tightened lips that lead to a fearful heart. Itching ears and loose lips that spring
forth from a wounded heart that oozes with infection. Not the observation that encourages, and not the
perception we want to have of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. BUT it may be reality ... and can end
up being our reality. 
I WANT A FULL AND VIBRANT LIFE ...
I want to breathe ... really breathe!
I want to feel alive ... I'm tired of being numb!
I don't want to just be alright ... I want to live His Life.

Here is a simple outline of a life "after his Passion" ....

Acts 1:3

To whom also he shewed himself alive
after his passion
by many infallible proofs,
being seen of them forty days,
and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:

1. SHOW YOURSELF ALIVE  ... Some of us live with the memory of the cross but forget the resurrection..
        We live because He Lives.
2. PROVE YOURSELF LIVING ... Do you read, memorize and meditate on His Word (fellowship with Him)? Do you pray fervently and Continually?
        Do you long to gather with your Brothers and sisters in Christ? (this is a direct result of our fellowship with Him).
        We love because He Loves.
3. TURN YOUR SUFFERING TO VICTORIOUS LIVING ... "seen for 40 days" ... did you ever wonder (think of the 40s in the Bible and you'll
       see that Christ has flipped testing and suffering UPSIDE DOWN ... 40 years in the wilderness, 40 days in the desert ...)
       We conquer because He conquered.
4. SPEAK ABOUT KINGDOM THINGS ... We will talk about what interests us and we will grow in interest for the things we talk about.
       Let your conversation be from above. The more time we spend with Him the more time is redeemed for Him.
      We speak because He has spoken to us and still speaks through us.

Our passion for His life is a result of our loving, daily acceptance of His Passion
(The Sin Shattering Event that struck a blow from and for eternity
to change our reality forever ...
the Cross, The Grave, The Sky ...
I Corinthians 15:55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
56 The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.
57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.)

Live with The Passion from Him!

HLFA,

Jeff

RED ALERT No Not Just Facebook / Heartbook

Facebook is such an amazing source to find and connect with folks,
It has actually connected me with folks I've been praying for, for years;

BUT it is so weird to pull it up and blush because of the ignorance of the perception of those that are doing the input or the entries. Just like the people who will drive down the highway picking their noses with absolutely no inhibition because they think no one sees them; so, personal, crude and gross comments fly without the understanding that the "comments" can be seen by all. I almost hate to pull up Face book because I get to SEE things written by folks I know that are revealing things I didn't want to know about the folks I know. OH well! No biggie, time will probably wipe it away. Can't quite figure how to juggle people that lack social grace...that will brow beat...lip whip...tongue lash...gossip...slander and strip others of their dignity.
Hey Jesus lovers!! R I S E UP !
1. Before you write -- consult your Editor and Chief.
Psalm 19:14 - Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in the sight, my Strength and my Redeemer.
2. Before you talk to anyone else about a heart ache --- PRAY
Psalm 56:8 - Thou tellest (The Lord has the details, the accurate account ...peering all the way into the affairs of our heart) my wanderings: (He knows our aimless fugitive like wanderings, our shaking, our breaking, our grieving) put Thou my tears into Thy bottle: are they not written in Thy book? (this bottle and this book are His for the cherishing, His for the keeping, in His Care).
3. Reach out to love and bring value to the offender.
Mathew 5: 44 - But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

THESE ARE THE ENTRIES THAT CAN CHANGE ETERNITY. THESE ARE THE ENTRIES THAT MATTER...
Enter them in God's "Heartbook" and then copy and paste,or download ... if you like into Facebook.

"Be good to someone today because everyone is having a tough time" (Sign off from Dr. Jack Hyles).

HLFA,

Jeff

Purposeful or Prideful Acrobats?

Have you ever met talented, knowledgeable, skillful,(AKA "Gifted") people
that just blew you away because of their humility and care for others?
They were easy to approach and even easier to talk to?
They took a sincere interest in you and your life ?
After spending time with them you felt refreshed instead of insulted or violated?
And they caused you to love Jesus more?

These are the Skilled Acrobats of Eternal Life ...
The circumspect walkers:
they know how to appropriately walk the tight ropes of life's emotional situations...
they fly through the skies of physical concern on a trapeze of love, grace and beauty...
they realize that "illusion escape" judgement is more about Godly deliverance and rescue, than being "wowed".
Accuracy and diligence is measured by the value placed on people by the sacrifice of a solitary Saviour, Jesus.
Love people toward the direction of Jesus!

Eph. 5:15 "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise"
OR
Acts 26:5 ..." after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee".

Circumspectly and Straitest are words with nearly the same root. Both speak of knowing diligently and accurately the precepts of life.
Both require skill in and focus on the Word of God. Both will focus on the Letter of the Law ...Both will be skillful in rightly dividing the Word of Truth.
Both will desire righteous results by utilizing spiritual gifts.
BUT
The Circumspect Walker seeks to discover his God while serving others.
The Straitest Sect Walker seeks to be discovered by others while appearing to serve his God.

Acrobat ...where did that come from ... the Greek word at the root of these two words is Akrabos...oh well !!

Try James 3:15 -17 on for size ... and then Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up ..(James 4:10).

HLFA,

Jeff

Don't Look Back If

In 1965, the Beatles (Paul McCartney and John Lennon) wrote a song on their "Help" album entitled, "Yesterday". This song actually appears to focus on a relationship lost and wondering if it could be like it was yesterday ... but in the mix it does describe the human Ecclesiastical desire to drive back in time to change things there for now, or just freeze time and hide there instead of living fully in the now.

("Yesterday...all my troubles were so far away... Now it looks as though they're here to stay... Oh, I believe in yesterday")
("Suddenly ... I'm not half the man I used to be ... There's a shadow hanging over me ... Oh, yesterday came suddenly.")
("Why she had to go, I don't know she wouldn't say... I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday")
("Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play, now I need a place to hide away ... Oh, I believe in yesterday")

Psalm 90:4 "For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past , and as a watch in the night."
GOD IS ETERNALLY NOW.
Ecclesiastes 3:15 "That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past" .
GOD HAS A VESTED INTEREST IN OUR TIME.
Jeremiah 8:20 "The harvest is past , the summer is ended , and we are not saved" .
GOD OFFERS HIS DELIVERANCE ALL THE TIME...NOW
... What about our reception?

Yesterday ... or the memories there of ... are always distorted by the moments in which we live. And equally true to our perception ...many times yesterday casts a shadow or sunshine over our days because of a thought (from the past) that we choose for that moment to embrace.

Many homes, businesses, churches,lives and relationships are destroyed, not because of an actual devastating event or harshly destructive words, but because of the filter that we choose to run those events and words through.

So as not to string this out forever ...Pay close attention...to the next thought.
A strong devotional trust of God through His Word, and a cultivated gratitude for the good and the bad memories of "yesterday", will provide you with a "God Mold-able Heart" that will give you victory "today".
Your choice of a filter for the Past will either make you the victim or the victor... Your choice ... Trust His Grace Plan or fall prey to your depravity.

1 Peter 2 ( Can you see where the past and where the NOW fall into place?)

1 Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,

2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby 

3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

Learn to Praise God for the past and Rejoice in Him today,

HLFA,

Jeff

O That There Were Such a Heart in Them

Oh if only we would risk ..trust beyond the pain,
rest in the face of fear,
belief stronger in what we do not see,
Realize God's will, His desire, is you
...and He desires that your desire would be Him.

God's heart desires this of of our hearts:

Deuteronomy 5:29
O that there were such an heart in them ,
(God is Looking in THEM for This Specific Driving Inclination,
conscience,mind, memory or internal forse for living)
that they would fear me,
(that our FEAR, AWE, and REVERENCE for Him cause all other fears to fade away
... this type of fear creates the lasting connection)
and keep all my commandments always,
(guarding as a treasure, keeping as most precious,
wearing as our prized adornment .. His voice, His Word, his Will)
that it might be well with them,
(the we might be whole, glad and beautiful with Him)
and with their children for ever!
(this is what is truly passed on to our Children
...our offspring ...our family ... our friends
..."perpetual effectual life in Him"

Every tragedy of human character has been linked to a failure to Hear, to Recognize, and to Experience the power of HIS VOICE through His Word in Scripture.

Here is brief Simple but complicated thought to wrap this brief HLFA ... It is not easy to do what He says many times, especially when we are wrestling at the door of obedience. Many times our hesitation is caused by hoping that God may contradict Himself somehow so we would be allowed to disobey without consequences. This will not happen, and there will be more pain in the consequences of disobedience than we would find in obedience. FEELINGS, EMOTIONS, PAIN, CONFUSION, AND STUBBORNNESS feels so much more real than that still small voice that connects us to His effectual love.

Hang in there, hang close to Him for your Life, don't give in to disobey.
Do right even if the stars may fall.

HLFA,

Jeff

of decision to obey.

Do Not Pretend Your Marriage is OK
When it is not?
No time for self-pity ... cry,
please cry
but cry out to Jesus.

Hold on a minute ... slow down, throw away any self destructive thoughts,
Jesus died for your marriage,
the least you can do is separate yourselves to pay close attention to His desire for you.

What Separate?

Your marriage can be better ... stronger and more fulfilling...
but it will only happen with periodic spiritual detox.
Humble yourself in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up.
Out with the lies.
Out with the trash.
On with LIFE in HIM.

Buckle your seat belt and hang on:
First, read the passage below in its entirety... I Corinthians 7:5,6
Second, break out the elements or attributes.
Third, find out what words mean so you don't misconstrue things.
Fourth, plan to "come together again".

This separation is devotional.
It is planned and limited in duration.
It is NOT to figure out how to live without each other,
It's a retreat to ache for each other while strengthening your relationship with Jesus.
It s mutually agreed upon and purposeful.

This can be a morning, an evening, a day, a weekend, a week BUT it's duration is based on the severity of the situation
and the limitations of the union.

1 Corinthians 7:5,6

5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer;
and come together  again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

This is God's Plan, when the marriage is pretending to stay together while threatening to tear apart ...
SEPARATE FOR AN AGREED TIME TO FAST AND PRAY AND THEN COME TOGETHER AGAIN  -
This is a pause (not an end or a planning time to end) to retreat to the presence of God, to get right, to get real,
to allow God to rekindle love from Him, for Him and for our spouse.

 Notice the word INCONTINENCY at the end of verse 5-- this word means: lack of moral self-control, or inability to respond appropriately/Godly.

Satan's plan for marriage (which is to be a snap shot of the bond that God has with His people) is to separate the union by entering temptation into any area of our lives that are out of God's control. Satan will feed the area of our life that is curious about filth. Satan will counsel the area of our life where there is rebellious discontentment. Satan will roar fear into any area of our life where there is confusion instead of trust and love.   By the way, the greatest proponent of divorce is Satan, who knows confusion is the best weapon against unity. 

Here are the simple guidelines of this retreat ... "Give your selves to Him".
(The guidelines below are a mixture of suggested wise disciplines not all are scriptural mandates)

FASTING -- removing anything or influence that feeds your flesh, fleshy thoughts and lustful desires.
1. Read no other book than His Word ... suggestion if you don't know where to turn ... Psalms, Proverbs, and the Gospels (the heart of God, the Mind of God, the Face of God).
2. Stay away from negative media ....music and literature that is spiritually dark and sexually questionable.
3. Eat Good Healthful food. (no junk food)
4. Drink water and other healthful drinks (no pop or booze)
5. Exercise properly.
6. Get rest.

PRAYING - without ceasing, talk to Him when you are not talking to people, and don't talk to people about things you haven't talked to him about.
1. Pray like you've never prayed before ...
2. Meditate - think ab out what you have read but be still and listen to His Word as you pray.
3. Submit - ask Him to give you strength to do what He desires.

COME TOGETHER AGAIN - the purpose is to get back together with more to offer the union because of your time with God.

You both need each other, whether you realize it or not, what ever the motives were in the beginning matters not ...past is past.
BUT remember your first love,
remember your first commitment to each other,
remember the events that bring a smile that brings a tear,
appreciate each other
miss each other
Plan the stronger "ONE FLESH" to go forward.

Ask God for a clearer, cleaner love for each other ...  Agape Love  ... is not self serving but it is yourself serving the other.


6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. ( please, I beg you to do this ... try, I'm not ordering you to do this).



Please take advantage of this Retreat if needed.
Hold this if you have friends OR loved ones who don't know what to do about a marriage that is falling apart.


Pray for the Blush again,

Sincerely,

HLFA,

Jeff

At the End of a Rope

Years ago, sitting in a college chapel service, I heard our Chancellor shout out in a strong voice (as if it was God's Word) :
"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on!" ... the students shouted .. "Amen!"
I even found this phrase coming forth from my lips at times in messages that I would preach throughout the years.
I was proclaimed to encourage us not to quit just because the going was getting rough.
Little did I know until today that this phrase was borrowed from Franklin D. Roosevelt (not God);
AND there seems to be a very strong message of self reliance in this phrase similar to the phrase "You can do it!"
Oh, there is a truth to be found here, but it is only one sided ...and when I am strong it may work, but what if I am broken?
What do I do when I am at the end of my rope, and I am hanging helplessly ... left with only a short frayed end?

Please follow the painful conversation below and try not to treat the words of the hurting as selfish nor Words of our Lord as typical cliche-like answers.

"The painful thing is, a person can’t live like this forever and at some point you really do have to make a decision."

Matthew 26:39 - And He went a little further, and fell on His face, and prayed, saying,
O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will,
but as Thou wilt.

Matthew 26:42 - He went away again the second time, and prayed , saying ,
O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it,
Thy will be done.

"I don’t know why when we talk to our Dad in heaven, who is with us, He can’t just swoop us up and make things better."

Mark 15:34 - "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" ....My God, My God, why has thou forsaken me?


"OK ...I understand that Jesus went through this stuff; but I'm so thirsty, I'm so empty, I'm the one that is hurting here and I do want help!

John 19:28 -- (Jesus said) ... "I thirst."

There was no other way to FREE us ... He had to suffer, bleed and die for us ...
In the clutches of His suffering and death for us,
He had to rely upon the Father for the Joy ahead for Him, by faith, the same as we do now.
THERE was something missing from Him then, so He will be there for us NOW.

PROBLEM ... He is a great God when we are strong, BUT when we are hurting maybe He isn't so strong.
When suffering, we have a hard time with the obvious from His Word.
We have a hard time believing what we have believed and doing what we know we should do, when we are broken.

A rope can be a real problem if it stays anchored to lust and sin because it will keep us tied closely to death.
If it stays fastened around bitterness, un-forgiveness, rebellion, or hatred it will lead us to more pain and suffering.
When it continues to wind around the past, the future gets shorter with very little left to hold on to.
But when we get to the end of the rope...
Let go ...hear Him ... trust Him ... obey Him ... and you will find rest for your soul, healing for your mind, a strengthening of His will in you.


John 19:28 - After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith , I thirst.
The scripture was Jesus' source of strength of knowledge to get through the ordeal of the Cross ....what are you doing with scripture?
Suffering does not give us permission
or excuse to violate His word.

HLFA,
Jeff

All Shook Up!!!

What would shake your world? What words could devastate you? What event could cause you to lose hope?

Mark 6:50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid .
The word "troubled" in the passage in the Greek is the word tar-as'-so.
It means - to agitate ...like a thing, that has many irritating parts that continue to move to and fro; disquieting us and making us restless, fearful, anxious and distressed.
This type of troubling perplexes the mind and challenges the senses by suggesting scruples or doubts.

Would God ever do things or allow things to happen that cause doubt?
Take a little time and read though this amazing Chapter (Mark 6) in scripture.
Make note of all the things that happened that could pile high creating a quandary of "hold on a minute".
To list a few:
Jesus' amazing teaching in the Synagogue,
the "two by two" Kingdom Evangelism,
the Herod "who is this?" agitation (he has to revisit what he did to John the Baptist),
the crowded quiet time,
the feeding of the five thousand w/ 5 loaves and 2 small fish,
then the spirited sea walk ... this whole chapter is a "thing that has many irritating parts that continue to move to and fro".

Our lives may not appear to have as many miraculous interruptions BUT the culmination of all the moving parts can easily overwhelm us; troubling us into
a kind of spiritual paralysis. These events of troubling can even weigh heavily on our faith, leaving us in the lurch of hopelessness.
BUT for those who are His:
He comes with the clouds of adversity ... because he sees you toiling in the midst of this and will not stand by leaving you alone in your troubles ...
He will walk on your restless sea of distress.
He will come to you.
See Him ...let there be a new cause for troubling ...Jesus, more to be feared than any trouble.
Listen ... for He will immediately talk to you ... He is above all your troubles.
Hear what he says : BE OF GOOD CHEER ... IT IS I ... BE NOT AFRAID!
Actually it is so much more simple in the original language:

Courage ... I am ... fear not!
He is your source of standing in this, He is your strength, your shield, your weapon of depression destruction, your comfort, your guide, your guard,
your sun, your light, your way, your confidence, your breath, your life, your everything needed, your all in all. He desires to be in the midst of this with you.

Courage ... I am ... fear not!
Oh, if only we could allow this reality to rule our troubled souls.
HLFA,

Jeff