So That...

But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called “Today,” 

so that

none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. (Hebrews 3:13)

This is the very first "so that" that really captured my attention.

God has reasons for EVERYTHING that is written in His Word. Second Timothy 3:16-17 exclaims that, All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (Whoa! Another "so that").

The reason this became such a focal point for me is because these "so that's" critically proclaim that in order for one thing to happen (or not to, in the case of Hebrews 3:13), something else must take place first. In the "so that" which opened my eyes to this reality, encouraging one another daily is not just a nice thing to do, it is an essential component to keeping us as believers from falling into the trap of sin. The "flip side" of a "so that" is also crucial to consider. In this case, what happens when we do NOT encourage one another on a regular basis is that there is a much greater chance of members of Christ's Body becoming vulnerable to and hardened by sin. That makes us responsible not only for ourselves, but also for the successful journey of other brothers and sisters. THIS IS BIG! I believe it is vital during these incredibly perilous times - many agreeing that they are the "last days" before Jesus returns - to pay close attention to what we must, or must not, do so that we can remain securely in God's Presence and help one another to do the same. Here are several "so that's," but there are many more that I encourage you to look up and think about (and share if you want!). I grouped these few, as some of them seemed to fall nicely into certain categories. PLEASE don't just read them, but consider them very carefully; and also think about the results when we do not follow these instructions...

As INDIVIDUAL members of His Body:

Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18)
(in order to become wise, we must first be willing to surrender our own perceived wisdom)

Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. (1 Corinthians 5:7)

No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:27)
(we must actively participate in the daily dying to our old natures "so that" the new creature within can truly and freely live)

Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:11, 13)
(if we do not put on the full armor of God...daily...we will be left wide open for the moment to moment attacks, and will not be prepared for the increasingly darker days ahead)

FOR PERSEVERENCE:

We want each of you to show this same diligence to the very end, so that what you hope for may be fully realized. (Hebrews 6:11)

(in order to be able to soon see our "First Love" face to face - our Living Hope - we must press on through all trials and tribulations)

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:36)

(God's promises come when we remain in His Will, yet in order to be there, we have to battle all that works against us in that)

Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:4)

(for better or for seeming worse, we must persevere the entire time we are here, because through it, God is constantly working to perfect us into the image of Jesus)

BUT THESE THINGS CANNOT BE DONE IN A VACUUM; IT IS PART OF GOD'S PLAN THAT WE DO THIS TOGETHER...

Reminding one another of the truth on a consistent basis is a safeguard and a weapon against satan, the world, and our flesh:

I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. (Colossians 2:4)

(just like Paul, we are supposed to continuously point one another to the truth to help one another from becoming deceived)

Timothy, my son, I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,

(1 Timothy 1:18)

(likewise, reminding one another of God's commandments helps eachother to "fight the good fight" laid out in Ephesians 6 as well as other places in Scripture)

We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. (Hebrews 2:1)

(it is all-too-easy to drift away from living as those set apart by God into living in the world and being of it. Consistently and lovingly placing God's truths in front of each other helps to keep one another on the right path. When we don't...)

And of course the unity of the Body is central, and a focus of the desires of Jesus' heart:

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-13)

(we must use our roles and gifts for one another so that the Body of Christ may be mature and healthy, enabled then to also feed others outside of the Church)

My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. (Colossians 2:2-3)

(it is the unity of the Body which helps one another attain to the fullness of understanding that leads us deeper and deeper...closer and closer...to the heart of our Messiah)

What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. (1 Corinthians 14:26)

(I put this one last since its "so that" message is so pointedly urging that everything we as believers do, we do in order to help keep the Body of Christ healthy and beautiful, as a Bride waiting for her Bridegroom..."on earth as it is in heaven"...before our Lover returns) 

 

If we don't encourage and remind one another daily of the truth of Scripture, and manifest the Presence of Jesus-in-us to each other, then not only will individual members be deceived by sin and the Body of Christ become divided and distorted (it already has to a large extent); but subsequently the very purpose of our unity, (so that) "the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me" (John 17:21-23), will never be realized to the amazing fullness that it could and desperately needs to be.

 

May we...may I...be constantly reminded of the "so that's" SO THAT Jesus' Presence and Message of Love can be seen and shared with one another and with the whole world. 

In His Love,

Terri

The White Towel: Sharing God

"As we've observed again and again, it's impossible for us to fully understand the One whom we worship and adore, whose will we desire to obey..."
(Charles Swindoll, The Mystery of God's Will, p. 137)

"Tell him that, Lord? Is that what I'm hearing in this inexplicable, "from-out-of-the-blue" love I'm sensing for this stranger right now?"

When you work out at a gym, unless you're wearing headphones with the music blaring to help "pump you up," it's almost inevitable that you'll overhear some conversation (even when you don't want to!). Recently, a gentleman, who was apparently frustrated, was openly sharing with his trainer some business interactions that were not being handled as efficiently as he would have liked. At one point, this muscle-shirted man complained (something like), "I'm tired of people who are stupid." Ouch. But instead of judgment toward my workout neighbor's insulting comment, what immediately came to mind, and which caused me to smile wryly, was something like, "We're all pretty stupid compared to God, but it's wonderful that He still loves us."

"Tell him..."

"What Lord?!"

"Tell him. You experienced a smile and love in that little revelation; share that with him."

"But...he's working out...he's with someone...he's...they'll...think I'm strange!"

"Tell him. I love this man too. And it might actually help him."

I kept thinking about how sure I was that I was supposed to share this "message" from God with this person...kept considering it as I walked away and up the stairs.

"O.k., Lord, I am convinced you want me to share this little piece of You with him, so I'll keep my eye out for him since he'll have to eventually come upstairs...What Lord? Go over by the weight rack? That's not my routine, but o.k. if that's where I might see him again..." Standing by the free weights, I almost immediately saw my frustrated buddy and target of God's loving word...AND his trainer pass by me.

"Darn it! But he's talking to his trainer. I can't interrupt their conversation...but I'm sure You want me to share this..."

...as they both walked toward the exit, still talking...His white gym towel dropped behind him and he didn't see it!!! That's it! Two women notice and point to it. NO!!! I'll give it to him...!!!

"Tell him. Tell him what I told you. You couldn't help but overhear his struggle. Yes, you get upset at incompetence too. But what helps you? Yes, you think about that everyone is a little stupid, but I have patience with and love you all anyway..."

"That helps me," I said to the man, as I handed him his towel, looking directly into his eyes.

Maybe it will help him...next time he encounters an aggravating interaction, maybe he'll remember...and think of You, God. Maybe You will speak to him more. Maybe he'll meet You, God, and know that You are True...

"Thank you," he said with a smile, and then walked out.

Maybe he'll tell his friend he just met another stupid person, but maybe not...

...Then as I walked out a little later, a woman and her little girl were outside.

"Hello," we exchanged. I smiled at the little girl. "How are you? Did you have a good day?"

 "Yes." 

That love in the heart again.

"Tell her Jesus loves her."

But the mom. I'm by myself and I'll just seem weird. It's out of the clear blue...

 

"Have a blessed day."

 That wasn't it. I wanted to tell her that You love her, Jesus. There's no more time for fear to speak the truth. Help me, Lord. But thank you for the chance to share You with that man. Thank you for that white towel...

"Furthermore, this One whose will often seems confusing and mysterious is faithful to the end..." (Swindoll, p. 137)

In His Precious and Amazing Love and Faithfulness,

Terri

The ROYAL Law: Love

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right... (James 2:8)

This is a sparkling jewel in the crown of God's Word!

Remember when we were sharing about loving your neighbor as yourself? Little was I aware that nestled quietly in the middle of the book of James, chapter two was the trumpeted title of this command: the ROYAL law. Looking up this word in the Greek, "royal" means of or belonging to a king or royalty, subject to a king, befitting or worthy of a king (StudyLight.org). What could be more appropriate than equating loving others with one who is a king, especially when you attribute all Love to our One True King, Jesus.

This discovery in and of itself, that the second of the greatest commandments (Mark 12:28-31), to love others (as one's self), is referred to as "royal"..."belonging to, subject to, worthy of a king" was enough to cause a very large smile, my heart to warm, and the spirit in me to leap in excitement.

But it didn't stop there!

After the naming of the "royal law" is a brief synopsis of what it does - and doesn't - mean to abide by it, accompanied by what appears to be a critical comparison between the law that brings death (Romans 7:5, 9-13 ) and this law (of love) that bestows freedom to its followers (Romans 8:1-2).

In this section of James, the primary way one observes this royal law of loving others involves not showing favoritism toward those who are rich or "better off," and extending mercy, not judgement, to all (James 2:1-9, 13). Simple? Perhaps in the footsteps of the Holy Spirit (1 John 1:7), but impossible if we attempt to do this in our own "strength" (Isaiah 64:6; Matthew 19:23-26).

Included in these instructions also seems to be a message that if one is trying to obey "the letter of the law" (Romans 7:6; 2 Corinthians 3:5-6), he or she is pretty much doomed to failure since "whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it" (James 2:10). NOT a walk that brings true liberty. However, it is revealed that the law that DOES bring freedom is the one which is the highlight of this passage: and that is the "law" of loving others, or even more simply, the law of love (James 2:8-12, esp. v. 12). And it is this royal, "fit for a king" law which can only be carried out to its fullest, and which can only bring Genuine Freedom, by walking with and in the One True King Himself, Jesus the Messiah: the Author, Creator, and Cultivator of Love.

Loving others is the ROYAL law...

Loving others is the law that brings true FREEDOM...

Loving others IS...JESUS...our King...

In His Precious and Holy Name,

Terri

Love Yourself

Hello again. In a response to one of the "threads" in this conversation about "limbo," it was mentioned what Jesus said was the greatest commandment, and that was to: love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). In the New Covenant (Testament), when Jesus refers to this particular command from the Old Covenant, He adds that there is "second, like it..." (Mark 12:31), which is to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27). Jesus continues by asserting that there is NO other commandment GREATER than these.

...love your neighbor as yourself...

Once again, something came to mind which amounted to something like: you must believe that you are loved in order to be able to truly, or better, love others...as well as being able to love yourself...

Elementary? Maybe, but let's talk about it! 

There are several ways of looking at this. Of course on the highest plane, we know that love comes from God (1 John 4:8-10), and if He is romancing us, then surely we are filled (John 7:37-38). So then do we really need to be loved by others...to experience love from other people?


The very next part of that scripture from 1 John encourages that: if God so loved us, we ought to...love one another (1 John 4:8-11, focus on 11). This not only clearly cries that we should love each other, it also implies that in order for it to work, we must be able to both give and receive that love. Part of loving someone is accepting the love he/she has to offer, even if there is risk involved (which with human beings, there almost always is). No doubt, Jesus also offers to us that we need to be "wise as serpents" (as well as innocent as doves: Matthew 10:16), but this doesn't mean closing off genuine gestures of care or pushing away true (although often imperfect, since it comes through imperfect human vessels) motions of love. Yes, one needs to be discerning; but this is different from defensive or self-protective. Will there be disappointment? Is there a chance that that very person who claims to "love" you ends up having wrong motives (whether he/she actually realizes it or not: quite frequently, we ourselves do not even know for certain what drives each thing we do- Jeremiah 17:9)? Yep. But if we disbelieve that we can be loved just as ourselves, not only do we put our heart in a prison cell that almost always has musty stone walls and very little, if any, light, but we also at the same time tend to push away the very REAL and powerful love of God...Who most definitely loves us...just as ourselves.

Sometimes I think giving love is actually more comfortable than receiving it...but as Jesus Himself begs us to understand, in order to TRULY love our neighbor...whomever that might be at any moment...we must also love ourselves...

...which includes letting others love us. Easier said than done? Yes, and this for some more than others....especially these days in which hurt and selfish motivations are plenty. But if we're truly willing to take that risk, believing that God is our ultimate Lover and so He will tend to any wound that might happen from imperfect human love, then we will ultimately be able to live outside of any prison cell, walking IN love towards God, others...and ourselves (Ephesians 5:1-2).

In HIS Love,

Terri

Limbo: A New Definition

Limbo:

1. often Limbo Roman Catholic Church The abode of unbaptized but innocent or righteous souls, as those of infants or virtuous individuals who lived before the coming of Christ.

2. A region or condition of oblivion or neglect: Management kept her promotion in limbo for months.

3. A state or place of confinement.

4. An intermediate place or state.

Actually, this isn't going to be an entirely new meaning of the word "limbo"; it takes bits of the definitions above and combines it with specific (and oh so true) scriptures. 

I was walking this morning (a good time to talk with the Lord) and, as a result of the context of our conversation, a "new definition" of the word "limbo" came to mind. Limbo isn't being trapped in between two or more decisions pertaining to things here on earth, but it is definitely a sense of confinement - and even imprisonment - when one is in this limbo. What came to heart-mind was that limbo is thinking that finding a particular place here on earth...a specific place, a particular situation, a job, a romance, a relationship...is what is going to bring one that ultimate peace. Isn't that what the world is doing: "So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things..."? (Matthew 6:30-32). This defintion of limbo is setting the heart on "these things" (Colossians 3:2), but knowing in your heart that none of them will bring supreme peace...longing for one or more of these earthly treasures (Matthew 6:19), yet at the same time agonizing over the fact that the One Who IS Peace is right there with you, beckoning you to come dance with Him instead of cavorting with the beliefs that anything else could fulfill like Him (Psalm 81:9-10; Romans 15:13). Understanding that the "zoe" (eternal) life is what Jesus provides (John 10:10) and what we should be "lusting" (hungering and thirsting) after (Matthew 5:6, 6:33; Luke 6:21), but finding yourself (your heart, mind) yanked so easily toward "things below" (Colossians 3:2). Do we all wrestle with that? Am I the only one who tends to spend time in "limbo," feeling like I am wasting precious time? I think I know the answer though (but would love to hear yours), and hold onto the realization (and hope) that this is just one more of the supernaturally-charged challenges of being a believer who truly desires to follow Jesus. 

I pray for all of us who at times find ourselves in "limbo"...and may we pray for and encourage one another in finding our way out of it when it occurs and into the One Who Is our Peace and our Life.

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. 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 to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.” (John 14:1-4)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life...'" (John 14:6)

Love in Him,

Terri

An Entirely Different Realm

Hello there. I hope this makes you glad like it did me ( : I hope you'll read it all even though it's longer than usual.

The Law is going to continue for all eternity (Matthew 5:18). If the Law will never pass away, then how can I ever be united to Christ? How can I marry a second husband (Romans 7:3) if my first husband resolutely refuses to die?...Let us realize clearly that the Law can never pass away. God's righteous demands remain forever, and if I live I must meet those demands; but if I die the Law has lost its claim upon me. It cannot follow me beyond the grave...(scripture verses added)

(Watchman Nee, The Normal Christian Life, pp. 161-162)

"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live..." (Galatians 2:20)

Not until I read passages from (along with the entirety of) Watchman Nee's The Normal Christian Life did I finally begin to experience some freedom from the ongoing and sometimes tense dialogue between law and grace. Quite honestly, it had always been my understanding that, as it relates in Galatians, the law was meant to show us how it was impossible to obey it (Romans 3:20), thus revealing our need for a Savior. In fact, in chapter three, Paul states that the law held us "as prisoners" (v. 23) until Christ came; and after that, we were "no longer under (its) supervision" (v. 25). It was at this momentous turning point that those receiving the life of Christ within would "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Corinthians 5:7)...and not as bound to (key word is "bound")...or living in...the law.

But then there came the oft-cited verses from Matthew chapter five, which clouded my initial comprehension of the law's place. And it was Jesus Himself who proclaimed, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (v. 17) and "I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the law until everything is accomplished" (v. 18). I had heard the words "jot and tittle" enough times to make my head spin when this subject was broached. Was the law perhaps still alive and in full force?! There were other scriptures and arguments to which folks who are accused of leaning in the "law direction" would refer that answered "yes" to this question...and many of them seemed valid (Romans 7:11-12, 16; Hebrews 13:8; Paul's own obedience to the law). But this positive answer about the law being still alive only left me with more questions.

Thus exactly the same principle operates in our deliverance from the Law as in our deliverance from sin. When I have died my old master, Sin, still continues to live, but his power over his slave extends as far as the grave and no further. He could ask me to do a hundred and one things when I was alive, but when I am dead he calls on me in vain. I am forever freed from his tyranny. So it is with regard to the Law. While the woman lives she is bound to her husband, but with her death the marriage bond is dissolved and she is "discharged from the law of her husband." The Law may still make demands, but for me its power to enforce them is ended...(Nee, p. 162)

"Therefore, my brethren, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another—to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bear fruit to God...But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by, so that we should serve in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:4, 6)

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." (Galatians 2:20)

Finally! I have my answer. Yes, the law is still very much alive. No "jot or tittle" has passed away from it. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But no, I...or anyone who has been crucified with Jesus...am no longer bound by the law...a slave to it...a prisoner of it...led by it...living in it. I (we) "belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead" (Romans 7:4); and so we have our eyes fixed on Another, the One who fulfilled the law, along with its righteous requirements, in us (Hebrews 12:2; Romans 3:21-26). No, it is not the law that died; when Christ came, it is I (we) that died to it. It's not the law that passed away, but the relationship to it for those who have been wed to a new husband, Jesus. We are walking in an entirely different realm, for "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1) so we no longer have to walk under the supervision of the law (Galatians 3:25), "burdened again...by a yoke of slavery" (5:1).

We are walking in an entirely different realm...

Yes the law is alive to me, but I am...we are...dead to the law...and alive...Truly Alive...Made Brand New...the "New Creation"...in Christ. Does this mean we disobey God's commandments? No. What it does mean is that as we live in this new place, hearing our New Husband's Voice, we will be precisely where we need to be in each and every moment. And when we stray, our Beautiful Lover will lovingly and faithfully bring us back Home. 

"I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." 

"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." (John 8:36)

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." (Galatians 5:16-18)

"I say then: Walk in the Spirit..."

In His Precious Love,

Terri

DON'T Listen to the Music

"Then a herald cried aloud: 'To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.'” (Daniel 3:4-6)

"So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up."
(Daniel 3:7)

Can you hear the call?

COME! BOW DOWN AND WORSHIP THAT WHICH IS NOT GOD! AND ADDED TO THIS, WE WILL START OUT WITH MUSIC! THE HORN! THE SINGING FLUTE! THE MELODIOUS HARP! THIS IS WHAT WE WILL USE TO PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR GIVING HOMAGE TO (essentially) SATAN. COME! WHEN YOU HEAR THE MUSIC...BOW DOWN!!!

I restate this command (and type in all caps) for a reason...isn't this order still being barked out at us today? And although it may not be an actual musical entourage that pulls us into worshipping that which is other than God, there are still those "instruments" that grab at our heartstrings and try to woo us into idolatry (and sometimes it does feel like they are "yelling" out a command!).

THE HORN: achievement, work, doing-doing-doing, activity, honor and praises from man...

THE FLUTE: complacency, comfort, turning to the left or to the right, "this isn't REALLY turning from God"...

THE HARP: romance with the world, illusion, self-willed unbelief, romance with the world...
In fact, there are literally hundreds of other examples that could fit beneath any one or more of these vehicles of misplaced worship...and it's often terribly difficult to resist when they start to beckon. and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace

Not coincidentally, it is a fiery furnace into which one may feel like one is being thrown when having to abstain from bowing down to these idols; especially those which one may not actually desire to refuse. Sometimes it BURNS...in the heart, in the mind, sometimes recognized as an ache throughout the entire body. A fiery furnace. But then there are two things about this excruciatingly hot kiln we must know:

^";Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.'” (Daniel 3:25)

...Jesus is right there with us...

"And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined and will test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, and I will hear and answer them. I will say, It is My people; and they will say, The Lord is my God." (Zechariah 13:9)

...Jesus is right there with us and He is actively engaged in the sometimes painful work of our purification...our sanctification... our being made beautiful like Him. (2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-17; Philippians 1:6; Philippians 2:13)

We were never meant to bow down to anything or anyone other than God, but there are a million and one things internally and externally that call to us and urge us to worship and follow after them. Will we be captivated and mesmerized by the music? Or will we accept the extended Precious Hand of Jesus as He beckons us to join Him in the fire? You're not alone, and there are others there too, and He promises that the refining is worth it.

Don't listen to the music... (but you must listen to and watch this link!)

In His Precious and Mighty Love,

Terri

Train Attack

Just wanted to share something (I hope I can still do it justice)...

Just now I was sitting on the porch and heard a train whistle in the distance. Now, I love trains, so I hesitate to use this beloved mode of transportation as an example of the enemy; but this analogy really struck me, so I will (just once! - smile). The train was near enough so that its sound became louder and louder as it traveled closer to where I was, and then gradually dwindled as it moved on into the distance.

This was very meaningful to me because it was while sitting on the porch that a several-hour-long attack by satan was itself beginning to dwindle, and a sense of peace starting to take its place. When I heard that whistle coming closer, reaching a crescendo of loudness, and then dying away, it occurred to me that satan's attacks are like that. He hits, and then the attack can seem to crescendo, becoming harder (louder) and harder (louder!) and harder (LOUDER!!!)...until it seems like we are going to be totally overrun or consumed by it. Will the "noise" (attack) ever subside?!?!?! Will we try to do something in our own efforts to make the pain go away or...

...will we cry out to Jesus and resist trying to fix it on our own? It's hard to believe when that train whistle is screeching that there will be an end to it; but if we just hold on...if we just resist satan's additional strategy of getting us to try to do something in our own efforts or to just give up...we WILL eventually be rescued from the attack...

...and the yelling of the whistle will subside...and peace will come in to take its place. He IS here with us.

I'm sorry if this is roughly written; I just wanted to capture and send it while it is still fresh in my mind and experience. I hope it blesses you all.

Here are two scriptures that came to mind that go along with this experience:

So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (Matthew 14:29-32)

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27)

And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.

In His Mighty Love,
Terri

Never Before Seen

"And when the demon was driven out, the dumb man spoke; and the crowds were stunned with bewildered wonder; saying, Never before has anything like this been seen in Israel." (Matthew 9:33)

"The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed (by healing) and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have good news (the Gospel) preached to them." (Matthew 11:5)

Never before has anything like this been seen in Israel...

Those who encountered Jesus, even those who were threatened by Him (Matthew 12:13-14), could not deny that something absolutely amazing was going on when they heard him speak or witnessed the healings He performed (Matthew 7:28-29; Matthew 11:5). His disciples also drew wonder from the people when they performed awesome miracles by the power of God's spirit within them (Acts 8:6, 13, 15:12).

So what about now? 

Can we still say:

Never before has anything like this been seen in...?

It occurred to me while reading these passages that we should still be hearing this exclamation all over the place, since the same power of God that enabled Jesus and His disciples is present in all of those who are now members of Christ's body (1 Corinthians 12:4-11; Ephesians 1:19-20) .

...but are we hearing (and experiencing) it? To me, the answer was sadly "no," at least not hardly as much as it could be; and perhaps not nearly with as much awe as the first observers experienced. What has happened?

This is not meant to be a criticism, but more a hope-filled encouragement (and very strong reminder) that the Holy Spirit wants us to call on Him to perform miracles through us. He yearns to speak and act through present-day disciples of Jesus. And above all, He desires that the whole world sees (and hears) that God is Alive and with us, and that through Him ONLY is there Life and Hope...

...He longs to hear: Never before has anything like this been seen...

and then...

PRAISE THE LORD!

Bless you all.
In His Holy and Precious Love,
Terri

Thoughts on Hope: The New Creature

Hi there. I was reading something yesterday, and it really struck me in my spirit and made me glad! Therefore, I wanted to share it with you all today:

"But in order to bring us into his new kingdom, God must do something new in us. He must make of us new creatures. Unless we are created anew we can never fit into the new realm. "That which is born of the flesh is flesh"; and, "flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption" (John 3:6; 1 Corinthians 15:50). However educated, however cultured, however improved it be, flesh is still flesh. Our fitness for the new kingdom is determined by the creation to which we belong. Do we belong to the old creation or the new? Are we born of the flesh or of the Spirit? Our ultimate suitability for the new realm hinges on the question of origin. The question is not "good or bad?" but "flesh or Spirit?." "That which is born of the flesh is flesh," and it will never be anything else. That which is of the old creation can never pass into the new..." (Watchman Nee, The Normal Christian Life, pp. 87-88).

I realized that this too contributes to what seems to be the theme of hope (that "blessed hope" mentioned in Titus 2:13-14). I don't know about you, but when I read this (and now as I typed it out), it seemed like almost literally a breath of hope passed through me. When looking around at circumstances (and within to internal struggles), it is so easy to begin to sink...experience a sense of defeat. But when realizing the Truth of being made new...being born (again) into the family of the Great Almighty and Beautiful God (John 1:12-13)...it brings the strong and powerful Spirit-wind (John 3:8) of victory (!)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he IS a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things HAVE become new.

(2 Corinthians 5:17)

In Jesus' Love,

Terri

Thoughts on Hope

Hello. I decided to separate these two "thoughts" so I could share them...separately(!)...but they definitely connect somewhat (which is why I included today's earlier message at the bottom). This came from reading Titus this morning:

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works. (Titus 2:11-14)

Sometimes it seems SO hard to live in this world due to the warrings that go on both internally and externally (and correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the battles are getting heavier). But God has given us a way, by the sanctifying power of His Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26-27), to essentially deny ourselves and everything that comes with that (the pains, the lusts, the depressions, the despairs, the pride...the WARS!) in order to be transformed into the likeness of Jesus (and everything that comes with that: the love, the peace, the joy, the kindness, gentleness...[Galatians 5:22-23], but also the perseverence to fight for and live in the Truth! [1 Timothy 6:12; 2 Timothy 4:7). This is the "people group" God wants to cultivate: those who are lights in this dark world and who exhibit a love that could only be perceived as supernatural by those seeing it (John 17:20-23). In the midst of our trials, THIS is our "blessed hope"...that Christ is doing that work in us and WILL bring it to completion (Philippians 1:3-6), and that in this work we are being drawn ever closer to Him.

In His Love,
Terri


From earlier today:

No matter what is going on in your lives right now, whether light, heavy, difficult, fruitful, dry, up, down...whatever...Jesus is still the Great I AM. Your...our...situations do not eradicate the Truth that Jesus is still here with us, in His full Beauty...and it is to that Beauty which He urges us to look in any and all circumstances. In fact, it is only BY fixing our heart, eyes, and mind on the reality of His Beauty...that is, His PRESENCE...that we can truly continue to walk and survive in this increasingly challenging and very hard world. He is here no matter what...praise God.

Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

In His Love,
Terri 

Jesus

"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3)

This devotional somewhat connects with the previous one that asked if one had been "bumped" by Jesus. The question in this devotional is when He does (and He will) bless us with His Presence (He is doing it all of the time)...Who exactly are we encountering? Who is this One Whose name falls so easily from our mouths, yet Whose Love-filled Presence is so powerful that, as we are, we couldn't remain in it for even seconds without being overwhelmed by its supremacy?

Scripture presents Jesus in many ways. In fact, Jesus portrays Himself in a variety of conditions:

He told the leper...He guarantees us...: "I am willing..." (Matthew 8:3; Mark 1:40-42; Luke 5:12-13).

On the heels of violently rebuking the cities in which He had performed miracles yet that did not repent, Jesus refers rightly to Himself: "I am gently and lowly in heart" (and that only in Him can we find true rest) (Matthew 11:20-24, 28-29).

Using highly relevant metaphors, Jesus offers: "I am the bread of life...the living bread" (John 6:35, 51)... "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12, 9:5)... "I am the door..."... "I am the good shepherd"... "I am the true vine..." (John 10:7, 11, 14, 15:1, 5). All of these things is He to and for us.

Jesus reveals His humanity, His diety, and His royalty when He shares with us, "I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16)...and "I am King" (John 18:37).

To the soldiers who came to arrest Him...and to us, yet for a somewhat different purpose, Jesus responds to His own question "Whom are you seeking?" with the definitive answer, "I am He..." (John 18:5-8)

And His disciples, when asked the question by Jesus who they thought "He" was, replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matthew 16:13-16; see also Mark 14:61-62)...

...Who assures us, "I am with you always..." (Matthew 28:20)

And confirms this when He promises us that, “Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore" (Revelation 1:17-18).

"I am with you always..."

"I am alive forevermore..."

"I am He..."

"I AM..." (John 8:58)

The enormously powerful simplicity of Jesus our Messiah is this: when we encounter Him...or when He places His Hand on us...we no longer have to, in our own imagination or efforts, ascribe any particular characteristics to Him. He just Is. He is everything He tells us in His Word...He is with us...He is Alive...He Is. We no longer have to talk about Him because we are right here with Him. And He is here...right here...right now. Thank you, Lord. You are Beautiful.

Amazingly, minutes after beginning this devotional (and then setting it aside rather discouragingly because I did not know if I was on the "right track"), I happened to open up to where I was in Brennan Manning's The Ragamuffin Gospel, and this is what I encountered:

Who is this Jesus of Nazareth - this Nazarene carpenter in whose name vast theological systems have been developed, worldwide churches organized, crusades, reforms, and renewals launched? Church councils have rendered their opinions, as have historians, theologians, emperors, film directors, and all manner of believers and doubters. But other people cannot answer on our behalf. You must answer and respond for yourself...Describe not the diety you have heard about or been taught to believe exists, but only the Christ you have actually encountered... (p. 235)

Jesus asks, "But who do you say that I am...?"

"...who do you say I am...?"

In His Love,

Terri