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
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.
...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 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
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
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
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
- 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
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
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
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:
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"...
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.
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
"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
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
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