Afraid?

Matthew 14: 22 "And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. 23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. 27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; It is I, be not afraid."

Go ahead and let's take a picture! Hold the snap shot in our hands; that moment of an unrelenting drive into a direction that is new, and more so... is the unknown. Tell us that we are to be fully courageous because our God is with us; and then burden us with a lie that says "any hesitation, any turning, any fear is an abomination to our God, and we could be judged and forsaken because of our weakness!" This is so far from the truth...the times of our greatest fears are those moments of our opportunity with our God to wait quietly and hear Him say "Be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid."

Sorry, but I abhor those self proclaimed leaders of Faith that refuse transparency into their own flaws and fears. There are those who think that a show of weakness is a failure when leading. They proclaim that "honesty is the best policy", but in the portrayal of their walk of Faith, that loudly brags of their ferocious victories over the tempests that come their way, they rob God's childlike followers of the option to run to the protection of their God when afraid. Honesty is not the best policy, it is the only policy and the only way to live ... Always speak the truth in love.

Love is not callous in its delivery of truth ... Love is patient with the faults and offences of others (70 x 7), Love is kind even when treated unkindly, Love is not covetous or envious of the success of others, Love is always ready to offer forgiveness as a support system, Love is zealous for the comfort of others, Love is not boastful or overbearing, Love doesn't flaunt personal victories or force personal failures on others, Love believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. Love, when asked "what is your motive?" Love's answer is -- "Be of good cheer, It is I, be not afraid."

In the Darkest hours of our lives, when we are most afraid -- He is there! Giving His All for us was not a sacrifice that left us to our own fears and failures, but a sacrifice that knits His heart to ours and ours to His. Is life out of control and its callous, crushing waves threatening our existence? ... The Lover of our soul, Jesus speaks -"Be of good cheer, It is I, be not afraid."

"It Is Well With My Soul" -

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,

When sorrows like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me (to know or )say

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Refrain: It is well, (it is well), With my soul, (with my soul)

It is well, it is well, with my soul.

Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

Let this blest assurance control,

That Christ has regarded my helpless estate,

And hath shed His own blood for my soul.

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:

If Jordan above me shall roll,

No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life,

Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But Lord, 'tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,

The sky, not the grave, is our goal;

Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!

Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul.

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight,

The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

A song in the night, oh my soul!

He is my Song in the Night - even so, it is well with my soul!

In memory of Alan Barges - who passed via death into Life, though oh so afraid; now extravagantly comforted ... For His fear could not negate the faithfulness of His Savior, Jesus Christ, to love Him to Glory." 4/29/2016

HLFA,

Jeff

Viral Rust Bucket Life or ???

No matter what I called it, and no matter how I tried operate it ...the bottom line was that it wasn't going to be able to do the task that it was chosen for. Way too much rust, dry rotted tires, the engine ran, but if brakes aren't important ... then cool, because we didn't have any. But all we are going to do is go about a mile and pick up some mulch.

Well it was a truck; but when I turned in the torn drivers seat to look out the back cab window what I saw was ridiculous ... No truck bed, only a rusted frame. When you are that deep into a dream there is no turning back. I pulled forward to find that the steering was nonexistent and trying to stop the truck (in my sleep) - I physically pulled a calf muscle trying to step on the brakes and jumped up out of bed screaming ... Dreams do that to me.

The dream truck had a purpose but had fallen painfully far short of that purpose ... and our lives given to sin?????? There is no sin in following Him ... but what is the flip side of that -- perhaps a life that is torn, no fulfilling purpose, no direction, no stopping, and painful repercussions.

1 John 3:6: "Whosever abideth (an attitude and lifestyle of remaining) in Him sinneth not: Whosoever sinneth (an attitude and lifestyle of continuing) hath not seen Him, neither known Him."

Here is a thought...A life that is constantly Remaining in Him has full opportunity to not miss in the family "share"; congruently in the opposite direction, a life remaining in missing the mark has absolutely no beneficial connection to Him. Do you understand the implications of a life that is separate from Him? 

1. A life that remains in opposition to His dominion, a unbelieving , life of sin is ...

2. To be without a share in His family.

3. To miss the mark for acceptance in the beloved.

4. To err, be mistaken about real eternal life.

5. To miss or wander from the path of uprightness and honor that is found only in an abiding, in remaining with Him.

6. To do or go wrong without His leading and companionship.

7. To wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin because there is no lasting vision of Him, the redemptive Savior.

8. To be caught in a viral spiral of falling, failing, and making excuses for our flawed condition caused by sin.

The virus of Sin has been genetically a part of the human race since the fall of man. Pretending that we are not infected is the most tragic deception we could pull on ourselves. This virus causes us to be walking though dead to the awareness of Eternity. Prior to a positive response to the sound of the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus, there is an inability to do anything that could change the course of the virus. "Without Faith it is impossible to please Him,"

Receive the Antidote.

Through, and only through, the reception of the spiritual transfusion of the blood of Christ is there "The Antidote" that will carry us through this present life secured for Eternity. Though many times we bear the scars of viral flare ups, our scars are covered by His. The antidote of His Everlasting Love brings with it the assurance that: -

- We are His with a full share of His "family". - Though we have missed the mark,

- We have full acceptance in the Beloved. -

- We are secured in Eternal Life because of Him.

- We now have been granted the desire to "follow Him" though conflicted at times.

- We now have His leading and His Companionship through His Spirit.

- We are never abandoned though our backs may be turned,

- We are never disowned though not fearlessly bearing His name,

- We are never out side of His love though He may be out of our mind.

- We are never so far that He is not near.

He is our Salvation.

Receive the Antidote.

John 3:36 - "He that believeth on the Son HAS Everlasting Life; He that believeth not the shall not see Life and the wrath of God abideth in Him."

Believe on the Son

... quit driving a broken down nightmare viral rust bucket truck whose end is excruciating pain forever!

HLFA,

Jeff

Frank's or John's

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

Stranger in the Midst

Resting in the "Sanctuary on a small hill" in the land of the descending flow, I cast my eyes on the crowd that was gathering to partake in the self styled worshipful praise of the day. I remembered, how days not too long ago, I could stand within the assembly of worshippers in those moments of uplifted voices, and grow with anxious anticipation that that Glory of Grace heard resounding in that place would spill over and out of the sanctuary doors, down the descending steps, into the streets, into the market place and into the heart of the daily man ... BUT then it was over.

The service ended, the sound so sweet had dwindled to the buzz of personally exclusive conversation, and then carried privately within closed lips and blinder clad eyes. Those left in the streets and languishing in the market place, longing to hear the sound but too critically crippled by the destroyer, would never hear the sound of salvation and never feel the flow grace. The truth was being held captive and suppressed within the selfish excuses of those who claimed it was theirs. 

The wind blew in at that moment of my thinking, carrying with it ice and snow ... This leveled the playing field ... Winter garments would immediately be chosen to cover all mankind with my limited world of influence, and only those huddled near warm fires and warm refreshments would have the opportunity to share the glory. BUT would they? Would I? There seemed an extreme awkwardness although God had done an amazing work in our midst.

"Why art thou cast down, oh my soul? and why are thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance." Psalm 42:5

Here is a daily directive and an awesome choice for "truly alive" living - Hope in God and praise Him for the help of the personal revelation of His Face, His countenance in and on our lives. His face will shine on us in proportion to the desire we have to love those for whom He died (All). Imagine the power of lives changed by the power of his love. Imagine the power of lives changed to love Him.

"Why art thou cast down, oh my soul? And why art thou disquieted in me? Hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Psalm 42:11

Here is the power to support Heaven's daily directive and the awesome journey of "truly alive" living with Him: The Hope and Praise continuum from the Sanctuary empowered BY HIM -- He is the Health of our countenance and the regenerate source of His Countenance upon us.

Think about it -- The Glory revealed now rests upon us as his beloved praise makers. We are left here to live among men as Christ lived among them, and still does ... With and through us. Reckoning ourselves as part of this ministry opens up the unlimited possibilities of the personal displays of Gods open love from above and for all; and He is the source of joy unspeakable and peace that passes understanding that we get to partake in.

O precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow ... No other Fount I know ... Nothing by the Blood of Jesus.

O bountiful is that flow, spilling over so others may know ... Un-inhibited fount I know... Pouring from the Love of Jesus.

Are we a stagnant basin of held back blessing, or a conduit of continuous outpouring of His awesome grace?

It truly is our choice!

HLFA,

Jeff