Behind the Veil

And Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and breathed His last.  Then the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.  (Mark 15:37-38) 

And the veil was torn 

So we could have this open door
And all these things have finally been complete  ("This Man," Jeremy Camp, from Restored, 2004)

Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  (2 Corinthians 3:16)

Oh how I love those days...those moments...when the veil is taken away...

Several weeks ago, during a children's Bible study class, we were sharing about Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection.  The talk turned suddenly to the event that occurred moments after Jesus's death, that of a veil being ripped from top to bottom: amazing in the physical realm and centrally symbolic in the spiritual.  But this was not just "a veil"; this heavy piece of linen, woven of purple and gold, was said to have been anywhere from 20 to 60 feet long, 30 feet wide, and 4 inches thick (Biblehub.com, The Tabernacle Place).  I challenge you to tear something that enormous!  But even more eye-opening to those back then and for us to this very moment is that this revered curtain was known by most to be that which separated everyone else but the high priest from a place called "The Holy of Holies."  This location in the tabernacle was where only the God-selected representative of the people could go only once a year to come before the Presence of God.  Non one else was allowed!   Here, he would offer a sacrifice to make up for ("atone" for) the peoples' sins (Hebrews 9:7).   But it never lasted very long.  He had to do it again...and again...and again...and again...But now that Jesus had offered His body on the cross once and for all there was no longer any need for the priest, for the sacrifice, or for the veil.  We could now all have the chance, through Jesus, to enter the Holy of Holies...into the Presence of our Creator...our Father...into the Presence of the Living God (Hebrews 9:11-12).  

(Stop and really, really THINK about that before going on...)

But another symbol of the veil came to mind as well (can you think of it?).  Here comes the bride, all dressed in white...Traditionally, what piece of material did the bride wear that would cover her face until the moment she and her beloved became one for the rest of their lives?  YES!  The veil.  In doing a little research, I found that this was/is, in fact, an earthly tradition, with no biblical precedence found.  BUT, on that same children's Bible study day, it too came to mind as a more gentle "parallel" to the veil being ripped from the Holy of Holies.  It is at that moment that the husband (bridegroom) lifts the veil from the woman's (bride's) face that he can look directly into her eyes and see her (and her him) clearly: they can see each other "face to face".  What a beautiful picture of being able to now come into God's Presence...of being "married" to the Bridegroom of our souls (Jesus)...of having Him (can you picture it?) come tenderly to us, wanting to lift the film of the world, the lusts of our flesh (1 John 2:15-17), the lies of the enemy (John 8:42-44; 2 Corinthians 11:14), the worry (Matthew 6:25-34), the weight, the oppression (2 Corinthians 4:16-17)...to lift the veil from our face, look into our eyes, and tell us "You're mine; I have come to be with you forever...I have come to set you free."  That's what He wants to do for us individually...that's what He does do for His Body, the Church, corporately (if we would only come back together...but that's a whoooole other story...1 Corinthians 1:10-11; 11:17-19; Ephesians 4:11-17) (Ephesians 5:22-32).   

 

But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.  (2 Corinthians 3:16-17)

So if the veil has been taken away...gently lifted...RIPPED in two...so that we can now sit at the feet of Jesus and come into the Amazing Presence of God, then why is there so little joy at times, so little peace, so little love (Galatians 5:22-23), more a feeling of imprisonment than a sense of freedom?  Because in the spiritual sense, we can become covered by - or enshroud ourselves with - a "veil" that tends to obscure or entirely block out our True Love's face...the Presence of God...just like a cloud covering the sun.  If you would (even if you have to split this devotional in two), take a moment to read this from Hannah Hurnard's amazing allegory Hinds' Feet on High Places (1975): 

                                             
                 It was not, however, that the sun always shone, even there on the borderland of the High Places.  There were days of mist when all the gleaming peaks were completely blotted out by a curtain of cloud, so that if one had never seen them it would have been impossible to be sure that they really existed and were round about, quite close at hand, towering high above the mist and clouds into the clear blue sky above.
                Every now and again, however, there would be a rent in the veil of mist, and then, as though framed in an open window, would appear a dazzling whiteness.  For a moment one of the vanished peaks would gleam through the opening as if to say, “Be of good courage, we are all here, even though you cannot see us.”  Then the mist would swirl together again and the window in heaven would close.
                 On one such occasion the Shepherd said to Much-Afraid, “When you continue your journey there may be such mist and cloud.  Perhaps it may even seem as though everything you have seen here of the High Places was just a dream, or the work of your own imagination.  But you have seen reality and the mist which seems to swallow it up is the illusion.
                 …“Remember, Much-Afraid, what you have seen before the mist blotted it out.  Never doubt that the High Places are there, towering up above you, and be quite sure that whatever happens I mean to bring you up there exactly as I have promised.”  As he finished speaking another rent appeared in the curtain of mist, and one of the peaks of the High Places framed in blue sky shone down on them.   (Pp. 188-189).

It is far too easy for even those who believe that the tabernacle veil was torn in two and who have had the supernatural veil lifted from their faces to "see" Jesus their Bridegroom to go back to living in "the mist"...to have the veil descend over the face once again and to believe that is the reality.  But like the Good Shepherd (Jesus) above said, Remember...what you have seen before the mist blotted it out (the Reality of Jesus and His Kingdom...the "High Places")...before the veil comes down again.  And how to do that?  Sometimes it is God Who will lift that veil gently, giving us a way out of temptation to stray from Him (1 Corinthians 10:13 - although sometimes it's not such a gentle endeavor to accept the way out if we want to stay in!).  Other times He will need to rip it in two through discipline; through consequences (Hebrews 12:5-7, 11).  Very often we have to participate in lifting that veil through quiet prayer (Luke 11:1-4 ); or ripping through it by force (Matthew 11:12), like Paul who "died daily" (1 Corinthians 15:31) and with all of his might "pressed on" in order to continue following Jesus (Philippians 3:12-14), or like Jesus Himself Who, through his own agonizing prayer in Gethsemane to live in His Father's Reality and not in his own desire (Luke 22:41-42), sweat drops of blood (Luke 22:41-44).   Whichever way, it is critical to not live as if the mist...behind the veil...is the ultimate reality.  Because it's not. 

 

...because on the other side of that veil

 ...is the "High Places"

...is the Presence of the Living God

...is Jesus...our Savior, our Lord, our Friend, our Bridegroom  

 

And whatever happens...you...I...don't want to be left out of that Wedding Feast! ***  (Revelation 22:16-21)   

But [in fact] their minds were hardened [for they had lost the ability to understand]; for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains unlifted, because it is removed [only] in Christ.  But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil [of blindness] lies over their heart; but whenever a person turns [in repentance and faith] to the Lord, the veil is taken away.  Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].  And we all, with unveiled face, continually seeing as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are progressively being transformed into His image from [one degree of] glory to [even more] glory, which comes from the Lord, [who is] the Spirit.

(2 Corinthians 3:14-18)

*** Please listen to the link/song above.

 

In Jesus Name (and Love),

Amen. 

 

 

 

               

​

Grave-clothes

"Now when He (Jesus) had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come forth!'  And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, 'Loose him, and let him go.'"   (John 11:43-44)

There is SO much that can be said about just this one amazing passage describing the miraculous yet very real resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus.  And this was proven true through an incredibly powerful message given last week by a woman guest speaker at the church I am attending (Highway of Faith Tabernacle in West Palm Beach, FL -- yes I wanted to honor them by mentioning it!).   Oh how I wish all of you had been there...

But as I was praying toward the end of the gathering, I believe I heard the Holy Spirit say to me specifically: "you need to take off the grave-clothes."  Wow.  And of course that made me want to come home and look a little more deeply into what grave-clothes were historically and how they were being referred to in this particular verse.  

"But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth.  Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds,  and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him..."  (Colossians 3:8-10; see also Ephesians 4:20-24)

There IS a new creation that is birthed in someone who receives Jesus and is then translated into the spiritual family called the Body of Christ (or "Church" - but not as in "the building" church) (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 1:12-13; John 5:24-25; Ephesians 2:1-6).  Often in God's Word this "new creation" (also known as being "born of the Spirit" - John 1:13, 3:5-8) is referred to as the "new man," which somehow, in his or her supernaturally-imbued way, is able to more and more walk in and reflect the very characteristics of Jesus Himself...wow (Galatians 5:16-25).

It was incredibly eye-opening to find out when doing a little research that it is in this passage only (John 11:44) that this particular definition of grave-clothes is used: "...the bands or straps by which the linen sheet was fastened to the body, and which kept the spice from falling out" (biblehub.com; see also classic.studylight.org). 

But I'm not (nor are you) dead yet...so why would God tell me or any one of us to "take off our grave-clothes"...?!

It's because once we are "in Him" (born again of the Spirit), there still remains in us that "old man" that is for whatever reason...self-gratification, fear, control, etc., etc., etc...warring to stay alive: like it reveals in Galatians 5:17, there IS a battle going on within (also Romans 7:15, 19, 21-24)!  And it is critical to note that these "grave-clothes" are not just bad habits, mean ways, or not-so-likable parts of ourselves that we would like to improve (on our own or with earthly help): these "bands" that bind us are that very "old man" that is becoming more and more corrupt (Ephesians 4:22) and also fighting within us to rise up (often with demonic coaxing) and remain alive!  But even more importantly (and read this carefully), by being kept or choosing to remain "bound" by the "straps" (aka "grave-clothes") of this old nature, we are also keeping in (or holding back) the "sweet spices" of the NEW nature...NEW creation...the NEW man that is birthed within us by the Holy Spirit once we receive Jesus into our lives.  We are being kept or keeping ourselves in bondage to walk ("the walking dead") more as the old, decaying man (yes, with its bad habits, mean ways, etc., etc. - Galatians 5:19-21) instead of as the resurrected NEW man who is meant to walk in all the fruit of the Spirit (of Jesus) Himself (Galatians 5:22-23)....AND...IN...FREEDOM!   (Can you IMAGINE?!  FREEDOM!  John 8:36).  Again: WOW.     

But as is also revealed in the opening passage, we cannot disentangle ourselves from that old man...those "grave-clothes"...it has to be Jesus Himself, the Son of God, Who calls us forward to be freed.  But we have to be willing.  And here is where I KNOW that God was speaking to me personally about being released from my grave-clothes/old man...because I have been (and maybe still will...Lord help me) clinging onto them sometimes as much as they are wrapped like bands around me!   But Jesus does not want me...or you...to stay in this state.  So like last Sunday, He (yet again) called MY name: "Terri, come forth; be freed from your grave-clothes!"  as I'm sure He was calling many others' names who were in attendance at that service. 

Is He calling your name...?

Is He wanting you to come forth from your grave, to be released from your grave-clothes...to enable your (as a Believer) resurrected new man to walk freely in love (yay), joy (oh to have it all the time), peace (sigh...), patience (yeah right!), kindness (a lost art), goodness (dying in this world), faithfulness (beautiful), gentleness (also wonderful), (and) self-control?

ONLY He (Jesus) can do this...ONLY ONLY ONLY Him... 

"O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death?  I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!"  (Romans 7:24-25)

"'Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.  Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live...'"  (John 5:24-25)

"'Lazarus, come forth!'"

In Jesus Name.

Terri   

(And I'm certainly not the only person who has been tapped on the shoulder about removing grave-clothes.  This link is an entire spiritual counseling site that discusses this very real process.  I found it while researching the devotional, but didn't actually read it until after the devotional was done!  http://www.wholeperson-counseling.org/freedom/graveclothes.html )    

Codependent...?

I have been thinking some about the term (and the "diagnosis") of "codependency"...

...partially because I have been called (and am definitely somewhat) "codependent"...

And the more I contemplate it, the more some very central thoughts (and experiences) flood into my mind...

It's ironic that the first website at which I looked for a formal list of "symptoms" of codependency started out like this:

If you wonder whether you may be codependent, you’re not alone.   (Codependency for Dummies, 2nd Edition; hey, it was the first link...!) 

Hmmm, part of why at least I think I am "codependent" is because I don't want to walk through a majority of this life without a "significant other"; in other words, walking it "alone".  (Note I say "significant other"; this does not necessarily mean a spouse). 

Now please understand, as Christians (or really as any human being on this planet), we are never "alone".  Daily, there are other people who surround us; hopefully most of us are blessed to have at least one person who says that he or she is "there for us" (and will actually be there when times get stormy); and most importantly, there is Jesus Christ, Whose Spirit, for the Christian, is actually living within us (John 14:15-18: you can't get more intimate than that...but back to this fact a little later). 

The list of "symptoms" for this "malady" are many, and a majority of them have to deal with the individual him or herself (negative characteristics that would tend to contribute to his/her codependency).  But the one attribute that I would like to hone in on and to present in a slightly different (and Biblical) frame, is the one that declares:  "dependency: afraid of being alone or out of a relationship" or I would rephrase and call it an ongoing, sometimes intense need, or even craving, for a relationship.

Boil this down to one word:  an intense need for INTIMACY...and yes, accompanied by a deep sense of sadness, fear, anxiety, and possibly even hopelessness if one does not have it.   

Would you define this as being "codependent"?

Some would: even based on just this one "symptom". 

But let's look at this world, and then take a peek at what the Bible says about having a need, even yearning for, intimacy; and what happens or can happen when this is not consistently present in a person's life. 

First what's happening in the world.  Now I can only really speak somewhat to what is going on in this Westernized culture.  Technology appears to be king, and much of it tends to isolate rather than unite.  In fact, as most of you know, we can have "social" encounters (kind of like this one!) without even seeing the other person's face or hearing his or her voice; have "friends" we don't even know; and lose ourselves (and lose touch with others) through the "virtual reality?" of the lives of those on television.  There is also a growing philosophy of "me first" (and sometimes "me only" - "selfie"?), which completely eradicates the social and spiritual muscle (and humility) it takes to nurture strong bonds with another live, flesh and blood, human being.  And loosely connected with that mindset is the often lukewarm stance we take when assisting others: this far and no further (especially if it challenges our own resources of money, energy, and/or time).   In fact, this modern world actually tends to "craft" people who become "codependent" (in the diagnostic sense) as a result of the solitary and selfish lifestyle it advertises.  

No wonder we crave attention.

And we still do!  Just the other day I saw a woman power walking but also talking on her cell phone.  There is an advantage to all the technology in that we can be in touch with or reached by another person almost anytime, anywhere.  We look to be LinkedIn, MatchedUp, and "Harmonized" with someone on a day-to-day basis.  And every now and again, we still have those family celebrations, heart-to-heart one-on-ones, and intimate times of sharing with that lifetime companion that so deliciously satisfy the heart and mind...if only for a brief period of time.  Even songs of recent yesteryear croon that "One" (is the loneliest number);  (somewhat scandalously state that) "any lovin' is good lovin', so I took what I could get"; and (not-so-virtuously recommend that) "if you can't be with the one you love (honey), love the one you're with".  Not that any of these pieces offer solid, life-giving truth...but they do suggest the idea of not being alone/ being close with another person.  (Three Dog Night, Bachman Turner Overdrive, and Stephen Stills, respectively).    

And here's another thought.  The song lyrics above being a somewhat loose example, what we see and hear (or don't see and hear) strongly communicates what is really important in a particular society.  For instance, how often does one turn on a radio station and hear about conferences for single people or about the joys of being single?  Or how many times have you read about how to live gladly outside of a relationship as compared to how to fix a broken one?       

We don't want to be alone...OR...we do have a need...even an INTENSE need...for intimacy with another or others. 

Now let me refer briefly back to the mention of Jesus Christ being a Christian's "all in all".  It's true.  No earthly or heavenly doubt about it.  And He wants it that way (Deuteronomy 5:6-9; Revelation 2:4); actually for everyone.  Whether we have no significant other or several or many of them (and again, a "significant other" does not necessarily have to be a spouse; it's that person or person's who know us on a deeper level, love us regardless(!), and who are truly there for us and we for them on an ongoing, even daily, basis), God is supposed to be our "Number 1".  But that Reality was and is meant to go side-by-side with, not supplant, the fact that we also are supposed to need and help take care of each other (Psalm 118:7 [AMP]).  This is probably  why I find myself bristling some when I hear single folks told (often by married ones) that we shouldn't be so saddened by our lack of a partner because "Jesus is your all in all," or when someone who is lonely on an ongoing basis and seeks help for it is told that he or she is idolizing people.  Surely, these pieces of advice are friendly reminders for those whose angst or vocalizing has gone to an extreme; but I believe they also can be a quick and easy way ("this far and no further") to avoid addressing the intimacy the person may so desperately need in his or her life by trying to fill those holes with mere words that can end up seeming harsh and even accusatory.     

So what DOES God Himself, through His Word, show us about our need for intimacy (and consider: something often becomes a craving when it is not being satisfied in its originally-intended way).  Let's take a look:

Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper suitable for him.”... So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place.    (Genesis 2:18, 21)   (Even God said it was not good for someone to be alone; and to make sure that didn't occur, He Himself literally took some of Adam and fashioned Eve for him.  How intimate is that...?).
 
So it came about when Moses held his hand up, that Israel prevailed, and when he let his hand down, Amalek prevailed.  But Moses’ hands were heavy. Then they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it; and Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other. Thus his hands were steady until the sun set.  So Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword.   (Exodus 17:11-13)  (Here is "codependency" at its finest: in order for Joshua to win the battle below, God had it worked out that Moses needed to hold his rod up over the fighting.  But Moses was human too, so he needed help; not just prayer, but present, physical assistance.  So Aaron and Hur were literally there by his side, each holding up one of Moses's hands.  And as a result, the battle was won).    

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor.  For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone?  And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.   (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)   (Coming from one of the Wisdom Books in the Bible, Ecclesiastes, this passage speaks - loudly - for itself.  And surely, the necessary third strand, for any relationship to work in the way it was meant to, is God). 

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called “Today,” so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.   (Hebrews 3:13)  (A while ago, I did some study on the original meaning of the word "encourage".  I found it fascinating and relevant to this topic that one of the definitions was to "call one by name"; in other words, to help each other avoid being led astray in our ways of thinking or doing, God knew we would need to not loosely give one another periodic pats on the back, but DAILY to offer encouragement - which means to be an instrument of giving someone courage - and to precede it with that person's name: which was meant to be an intimate, unique identifier of that human being). 

Oh my, there are many other examples, and already I am so glad for those who have read this far!  The entire Book of Song of Solomon relates a supremely intimate relationship.  King David and Saul's son, Jonathan, loved each other dearly; so much so that they made a covenant of love and protection that intimately bound their souls together (1 Samuel 18:1-5).  Mary and Martha physically lived and often spiritually served Jesus together as a pair (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-5, 17-20).  Somewhat similarly, Jesus never sent his disciples out alone, but always to journey and minister with another (Matthew 21:2; Mark 11:1, 14:13, Luke 7:19 [NASB].  Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1 [NKJV]); and He Himself was intimately involved with his disciples (John 13:23-25) as He journeyed to the cross (Matthew 26:36-38).  We are told we should "bear one another's burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:1-2), and that we should not spend most of our time "going so far and no further" (James 2:14-17).
 
​We were not meant to live out this life alone; in fact, it is evident that the originally-intended way we were supposed to "do life" was and still is in intimate relationship with another or with others (e.g., Acts 2:44-47).   Not once in a while, but consistently...daily.  These days some would refer to that as being codependent.  But to desire this when we don't have it...or to even crave it if those times of intimacy are extremely few and far between...or to be sad, even afraid, if we look around and find ourselves without many...or any..."significant others"...would you truly call that "codependency"?  

Or would you call it normal?

According to the long list of "symptoms," not many may actually be considered "codependent" in the diagnostic sense.  However, if we're going by that Biblically-based and God-crafted need, even yearning, for that gentle hand; that encouraging word; and yes, that earthly love from another human being (not to replace God's Love, but to reflect it)...and a resulting sadness/emptiness/loneliness that sets in when we don't have it on a regular basis...then we should all be "diagnosed" as completely codependent and thus supremely human.   

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 

Love never fails.  (1 Corinthians 13:4-8)

"...A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” 
(John 13:34-35)

In JESUS's Love, which NEVER fails...Amen.  

Terri 

Go OUT

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.  (Revelation 3:20)

 

I will COME IN...

 

Did you know this message from Jesus was spokento the Church...those who claimed to already have a relationship with Him (Revelation 3:14-22)?  Surprise!   More often than not, this scripture verse is used by pastors and lay people to evangelize NON-Believers, which ironically is what this devotional is about.  But the heart-and-mind doors about which this passage speaks, and outside of which Jesus has been relegated, are the unenthusiastic ones belonging to Christians (Revelation 3:15-16).  Yet still Jesus is determined to enter back in...and knocks...

 

I will COME IN...

There is nothing new about the substance of this devotional; yet when I heard the scripture verse above mentioned in church this past Sunday, it hit me like a ton of bricks (a Holy Spirit "ton-of-bricks"?) that I needed to write about it nonetheless.  Scripture tells us plainly that it is Jesus via the Holy Spirit Who enters IN to us when we give our lives to Him:

And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever—  the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with youand will be in you. I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.  (John 14:16-18)

And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. (John 17:22-23)

To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.  (Colossians 1:27)

But after Jesus comes IN...we are supposed to go OUT.  Yet too often these days, Christians have it backwards: we spend a lot of time walking IN-to church and IN church activities and IN-viting people IN-to the church (building)...but the Bible says...Jesus says...

...we should be going OUT.

And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying,“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always,even to the end of the age.” Amen.   (Matthew 28:18-20)

GO OUT...

Now there are good reasons for Christians to gather together IN some place (a church, a home, a park, a field...): for spiritual feeding (like when Paul was teaching all night:Acts 20:7), for encouragement (which we are supposed to do on adaily basis:  Hebrews 3:13;10:24-25), for assisting one another in a multitude of ways (such as what the original Church did and what we arestill meant to do:  Acts 2:40-47), and for fellowship with those who claim to have dwelling within themselves the same Amazing, Powerful, Beautiful Spirit of Christ (since the world at large does not recognize Him, and therefore speaks an entirely different "language":  John 1:1-13). 

But then we are supposed to GO OUT...

...which is why it is suspect that we have BIG church buildings costing BIG money for us to spend BIG (or not so big)  amounts of time IN...and why it is questionable that people spend much time and effort shopping for and focusing on what is IN that church building (that is, the "appeal" of the pastor, the congregants, the groups, the events, the...)...and why it is tragic that when one walks up to a non-Believer and offers him/her a tract about Jesus's message of salvation and Life, one is automatically thought to be from a group of people who DO go OUT a lot to share their beliefs (not Christian)...and why it is absolutely horrendous that when one walks up to someone who claims to be a Believer and offers him or her a tract, one more often than not gets a suspicious look and a cool reply of "I'm already a Christian."  YOWCH!!!

We're so comfortable going IN, but we're supposed to be going OUT; and truth (Truth) be told, once Jesus comes IN to us...WE are the Church...not the bricks and mortar...the LIVING Church meant to carry Him OUT to those who don't yet know him (Luke 17:20-21;2 Corinthians 4:5-7, 5:20; 1 Peter 2:5):

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you...

And God even tells us how, so we are without excuse:

And He called the twelve toHimself, and began to send them out twoby two...  (Mark 6:7)

After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent themtwo by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go... (Luke 10:1)

And I LOVE this one from the Old Testament - Nehemiah.  Granted, it is actually about the people coming together to reconstruct the wall in Jerusalem; yet I strongly believe in my heart that the same way in which these families came together to rebuild a structure, the Church today is supposed to come together to build up God's Kingdom...by going OUT to invite IN more "living stones" to the Living Church (not building):   

Therefore I (Nehemiah) positioned men behind the lower parts of the wall, at the openings; and I set the people according to their families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows. And I looked, and arose and said to the nobles, to the leaders, and to the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, great and awesome, and fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” And it happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, andthat God had brought their plot to nothing, that all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.So it was, from that time on,that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, andwore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.  Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.  Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, “The workis great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” (Nehemiah 4:13-20)

So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor...   they came together with one purpose...to build and to fight.

Then I said to the nobles, the rulers, and the rest of the people, “The work is great and extensive, and we are separated far from one another on the wall. Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us.” ...  The work IS great and extensive, we ARE separated these days, and the One who sounds the trumpet - our God and Savior - is blowing mightily...can you hear it...?

 

Then Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were wearyand scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.  Then He said to His disciples,“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”   (Matthew 9:35-38)

 

This is NOW.  The One Who is blowing the trumpet is standing beside you and me if we have Him living with-IN.  If Jesus has come IN to your heart...it is time for you...for me...for US...to GO OUT and let people know Who HE IS.

 

In His Love Always, 

 

Terri 

HOW is it well with our soul?

Perhaps some (or many!) of you have heard of the astounding story and timing of the writing of the old hymn "It is Well with My Soul."  Penned by successful Chicago lawyer Horatio Spafford (1828-1888), this song came on the heels of tremendous losses for Horatio and his wife Anna.  Devastated, this devoted follower of Jesus found that even amidst his personal tragedy there was a sense of soundness and quiet in his soul. 

How in the world could this be...? 

"...we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed..."  

(the Apostle Paul and others who were following Jesus and facing tremendous trials and persecutions: 2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

^"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." 

(Jesus speaking to His disciples on the eve of His being taken back to the Father: John 14:27). 

MY peace I give to you...

I think this monumental statement from the Son of God to us holds part of the answer to how in the world we could "be well" in the midst of both good times and tragic struggles; and that is by living in that profound, deeply-lying peace that only Jesus can impute.  But there still remains another question which is just as, if not more, critical:

How can we actually access (get, grab hold of, have) that kind of peace in our soul? 

And here is where the word "soul" gives a major clue to the answer to that major question. 

It is said that man is divided into three parts: the body (physical), the soul, and the spirit (for example: 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Hebrews 4:12, but there are many more references).   It is said that it is in the soul of a man where the mind, will, and the emotions exist (see for example this link).  Let's face it, quite often it is by what we are thinking (the mind), what we are doing (the will), and/or how we are reacting (the emotions) that almost always determines if we are "well"...rested, sound-minded, at peace...or not.

And so....?

So God GIVES us instructions in His Word on HOW our MIND can have peace, our WILL can be at peace, and our EMOTIONS can remain in peace...and therefore, how our SOUL CAN BE WELL...

Here are just a few, but very significant, examples: 

Peace in the mind...thinking how God would have us think: 

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...   (Romans 12:2)

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ...   (2 Corinthians 10:5)

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell (think) on these things...   (Philippians 4:8; parentheses added)

 

The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, because he trusts in You.  (Isaiah 26:3)

Peace in the will...essentially obeying God's direction - which can come in many forms - and not trying to have things our way: 

Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.  All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God... (a multitude of blessings follow)...  (Deuteronomy 28: there are curses too for disobedience, which can take many forms). 

Although the Lord has given you bread of privation and water of oppression, He, your Teacher will no longer hide Himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher.  Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.  (Isaiah 30:20-21)

He who has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will disclose Myself to him.  (John 14:21)

Today if you hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts...Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.  For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.  (Hebrews 4:7, 11-13)

Peace in the emotions...taking a deep breath and not responding in ways that are contrary to God's Word...

Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger...  (Ephesians 4:26)

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...  (Galatians 5:19-23)

These are just a few (very few) examples from God's Living Word that point us in the direction of how it can be WELL with our SOUL.  Keeping check on our thoughts, our actions (will), and our emotions...and how they do or do not align with the Word of God...is one of the primary ways of ensuring that we will be able to access (or not have) that deep, deep peace that only Jesus can give.  But even this we cannot do on our own.  It is only by the direction of the indwelling Holy Spirit of God (Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 14:16-17, 26; John 16:13) - received when we ask for forgiveness from trying to do things on our own and acknowledge Jesus as being the ONLY One who can guide us in the right direction (John 14:6; Hebrews 12:1-2; Galatians 5:16-17) - that we can even be aware when we have gone off track (according to God's Word) in our mind, will, and/or emotions and be able to ask Him to help bring us back on board...  

...and it is only THEN that we can experience that soundness and quiet in our soul...even in the MIDST of terrible circumstances, even in the MIDST of sadness, even in the MIDST of loss, even in the MIDST of depression, even in the MIDST of physical or emotional pain...just as the author of the song did, who had within a two-year span lost a majority of his wealth and all of his five children.

^"Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you..."

When sorrow like sea billows roll...it is well, it is well with my soul...   ("It is Well with My Soul," Horatio G. Spafford, 1873)

God bless you all. 

Love, Terri