"The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land;" (S.O.S. 2:12)
The harder we look for the answers to the problems, it seems the harder they are to find; that is because the answer is never going to be found in the problem, it is never going to be found with human understanding, and it is never going to be found in worldly solutions. This is something that is only found in God, which for the powers to be, is not the option that they are looking for; as a matter of fact, it is the option they don't even consider to be an option.
Say what you will, but we are more and more feeling like we are outnumbered and left out of the conversation. Right or wrong is no longer a thing that is discussed, the choice has moved to the left or the right; something that is driving a wedge between us, but is not even close to the topic that can bring us together. If it is based upon the topics of this world, it is based upon the cares of this world; and this world is not going to provide the answers, ever!
One of the points that Jesus made about love, was that every single law or standard was hung on those two most important commands: Love God, and love one another! (Matthew 22:40) If you had to think of something to express this in a visible illustration, the parable Jesus used as the Jewish leaders had sought to lay hands upon Him, might fit that picture: "The Wedding Banquet." This parable in found in Matthew 22: 1-14, as well as in Luke 14:15-24; and it is shown to be the picture of how important it is that we dress in the wedding garments; garments that are provided freely for us to wear; provided freely by the Host of the Banquet!
If you are looking for something that is prophetic to speak of this, Isaiah 55 is a pretty good source to show how this works. The love required for these garments cannot be found here on this earth, because this earth cannot contain it, does not contain it; and if we try to make it all about here, it is not real love...
"Owe nothing to anyone -except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God's law. For the commandments say, "You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet." These -and other such commandments -are summed up in this one commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God's law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:8-11) NLT
Friday, July 31, 2020
Thursday, July 30, 2020
"Covenant of Grace"
"For lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone;" (S.O.S. 2:11)
Not sure how much longer I am going to be doing this, because someone does not like what I have to say. But I am not giving up.
There is something we must know about why it is important that we share the Gospel message at every door that gets open: It is life that flows through us and into others! To try as hard as I can to show this meaning, it is not that we can hide our sins from God, because there is nothing but the blood of Christ that covers our sins; but it is our own being, that which makes us breath out the Word of God, that which gives us power to feel capable of sharing, because we have such a close and special relationship with God.
This is more about knowing that we have something to offer, not based upon our own failed life and experiences, but totally and completely based upon the righteousness of Christ Jesus, and Him alone!
Besides that, we are actually kept in line and we fall less often; we are able to do that because of the River of Life that flows into and out of our very Being! We are designed to be a vessel that pores out, not like a jar that just holds the contents of something.
That is what grace is all about, it is God giving us something we do not deserve, a testimony and a purpose! Spring time is the time to plant seeds, to water, and to grow...
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every one that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:1-3)
Not sure how much longer I am going to be doing this, because someone does not like what I have to say. But I am not giving up.
There is something we must know about why it is important that we share the Gospel message at every door that gets open: It is life that flows through us and into others! To try as hard as I can to show this meaning, it is not that we can hide our sins from God, because there is nothing but the blood of Christ that covers our sins; but it is our own being, that which makes us breath out the Word of God, that which gives us power to feel capable of sharing, because we have such a close and special relationship with God.
This is more about knowing that we have something to offer, not based upon our own failed life and experiences, but totally and completely based upon the righteousness of Christ Jesus, and Him alone!
Besides that, we are actually kept in line and we fall less often; we are able to do that because of the River of Life that flows into and out of our very Being! We are designed to be a vessel that pores out, not like a jar that just holds the contents of something.
That is what grace is all about, it is God giving us something we do not deserve, a testimony and a purpose! Spring time is the time to plant seeds, to water, and to grow...
"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every one that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." (Romans 12:1-3)
Wednesday, July 29, 2020
"Carried Away" -Thrice
"My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." (S.O.S. 2:10)
Every so often there is something that is said, every so softly, that makes us realize God does have a voice: this was the case of last night, or should I say this morning, as I heard my name called out in my sleep: "Richard!" It was neither to make me take a breath, nor to give attention to my wife; it was to show me something extraordinary, something that is not magic, but is magical about this Life! Not the life we think that we are living, but the Life that we should be living.
Talk about the, "swirling eddies," they were dancing all over the place in my head; especially the portion of Scriptures that showed God speaking three times, the messages that involved three steps, the instructions that were based upon three things to do; three's are the common thing that connects everything in existence; everything has three parts, including you and me.
Not in the least bit is that the structure of what I saw, it is only the reason I believe it is relevant; we are meant to do something with what we have been given, because if we do not, we will be drawn to do something else; and as is the case with what we are meant to do, the thing we will end up doing, we will get carried away in doing it! That might not make any sense, but it is based upon so many different things that the Lord was showing me.
The first example that I was shown was that of Peter's request to Jesus, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." (Matthew 14:28) Without getting into the reason why, let's just skip to what this demonstrated: The ability to do something that cannot be done! Simply put, this is the act of stepping out of the normal and into the realm of extraordinary. What destroys that which is manifested in the extraordinary, is that which is ordinary and common. This is what takes place in our minds; it is not only extraordinary and unrealistic, but it causes us to question our own capabilities and strength.
It happens to each and every one of us, in some shape or fashion; but none the less, it happens to be the things that either frightens us or enlightens us; but it has no way of becoming ordinary and common in our lives. Which brings me to the second thing that I was shown, was Paul's request that the Lord remove the thorn in his side, and how he asked three times that it might depart from him. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
As if that could not be enough, the title above became the next issue: Carried away went from being something that the Lord might do to us, but what the Lord would do in us! This Life we have been given is extraordinary and cannot be sheltered or put on a shelf; if we do not use it as we ought, we will use the energy it possesses to do something else, something that is ordinary and common.
In this case, the third thing I was shown was the Scripture: "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:20) Realizing that our sins have all been removed, how do you see this is made possible?
We might not be able to see it as we ought, because we cannot see it till we use it...
"Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping -believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" And Abrahams faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead -and so was Sarah's womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous." (Romans 4:18-22) NLT
Every so often there is something that is said, every so softly, that makes us realize God does have a voice: this was the case of last night, or should I say this morning, as I heard my name called out in my sleep: "Richard!" It was neither to make me take a breath, nor to give attention to my wife; it was to show me something extraordinary, something that is not magic, but is magical about this Life! Not the life we think that we are living, but the Life that we should be living.
Talk about the, "swirling eddies," they were dancing all over the place in my head; especially the portion of Scriptures that showed God speaking three times, the messages that involved three steps, the instructions that were based upon three things to do; three's are the common thing that connects everything in existence; everything has three parts, including you and me.
Not in the least bit is that the structure of what I saw, it is only the reason I believe it is relevant; we are meant to do something with what we have been given, because if we do not, we will be drawn to do something else; and as is the case with what we are meant to do, the thing we will end up doing, we will get carried away in doing it! That might not make any sense, but it is based upon so many different things that the Lord was showing me.
The first example that I was shown was that of Peter's request to Jesus, "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water." (Matthew 14:28) Without getting into the reason why, let's just skip to what this demonstrated: The ability to do something that cannot be done! Simply put, this is the act of stepping out of the normal and into the realm of extraordinary. What destroys that which is manifested in the extraordinary, is that which is ordinary and common. This is what takes place in our minds; it is not only extraordinary and unrealistic, but it causes us to question our own capabilities and strength.
It happens to each and every one of us, in some shape or fashion; but none the less, it happens to be the things that either frightens us or enlightens us; but it has no way of becoming ordinary and common in our lives. Which brings me to the second thing that I was shown, was Paul's request that the Lord remove the thorn in his side, and how he asked three times that it might depart from him. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
As if that could not be enough, the title above became the next issue: Carried away went from being something that the Lord might do to us, but what the Lord would do in us! This Life we have been given is extraordinary and cannot be sheltered or put on a shelf; if we do not use it as we ought, we will use the energy it possesses to do something else, something that is ordinary and common.
In this case, the third thing I was shown was the Scripture: "Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." (James 5:20) Realizing that our sins have all been removed, how do you see this is made possible?
We might not be able to see it as we ought, because we cannot see it till we use it...
"Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping -believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, "That's how many descendants you will have!" And Abrahams faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead -and so was Sarah's womb. Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham's faith, God counted him as righteous." (Romans 4:18-22) NLT
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
"Carried Away"
"My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away." (S.O.S. 2:10)
If you are looking for some reassurance and some consistency, there is really only one source where this is found, God's Word! No other source on this earth is more assuring to the cares and concerns we have for the future, whatever our fears might be, the answer is found in the Written Words of our Loving God! Nothing we can find here is more consistently given to what matters most, as everything else is here today and gone tomorrow; only God's Word is eternal and speaks to eternal life.
As far as these lasts couple of days, this has been heavy upon my heart, because it truly does matter how we present ourselves, not only to the world, but to one another; and especially to those that we are most influential towards, like our immediate family. This is something we cannot set aside and pretend that it does not matter; because, those that know what we believe, need proof that what we believe is real; the proof is in the place your heart is located, here on earth, or up there in heaven!
Let me say right now, there is some serious issues I have with this; as much as I hate to admit it, I have more than my share of moments when my heart is in the wrong place. It is really hard to try and live in this world without trying to get comfortable and conforming to being an earth dweller. I tend to easily forget that this is no longer my home, but simply a place that temporarily holds me here. My real home is in heaven; that place where my heart should always be, is that place He has prepared for me.
This last Sunday, the message that was shared at church spoke directly to this fact, as Jesus was explaining to His disciples about how He must die and be raised again; making a point about how His deliverance was not about freeing them from Roman rule, but it was about freeing them this fallen life. I could't help but think of Solomon when it came to the Scripture, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mathew16:26)
If there was one thing that I took away from that message that gave me the least bit of hope, it was that part about "falling is part of the journey." We must not give up or loose hope; this is not a sprint to see who can get to the finish line first; this is a marathon where our goal is to bring many across that line with us...
"With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed -cut off from Christ! -if that would save them." (Romans 9:1-3) NLT
If you are looking for some reassurance and some consistency, there is really only one source where this is found, God's Word! No other source on this earth is more assuring to the cares and concerns we have for the future, whatever our fears might be, the answer is found in the Written Words of our Loving God! Nothing we can find here is more consistently given to what matters most, as everything else is here today and gone tomorrow; only God's Word is eternal and speaks to eternal life.
As far as these lasts couple of days, this has been heavy upon my heart, because it truly does matter how we present ourselves, not only to the world, but to one another; and especially to those that we are most influential towards, like our immediate family. This is something we cannot set aside and pretend that it does not matter; because, those that know what we believe, need proof that what we believe is real; the proof is in the place your heart is located, here on earth, or up there in heaven!
Let me say right now, there is some serious issues I have with this; as much as I hate to admit it, I have more than my share of moments when my heart is in the wrong place. It is really hard to try and live in this world without trying to get comfortable and conforming to being an earth dweller. I tend to easily forget that this is no longer my home, but simply a place that temporarily holds me here. My real home is in heaven; that place where my heart should always be, is that place He has prepared for me.
This last Sunday, the message that was shared at church spoke directly to this fact, as Jesus was explaining to His disciples about how He must die and be raised again; making a point about how His deliverance was not about freeing them from Roman rule, but it was about freeing them this fallen life. I could't help but think of Solomon when it came to the Scripture, "For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mathew16:26)
If there was one thing that I took away from that message that gave me the least bit of hope, it was that part about "falling is part of the journey." We must not give up or loose hope; this is not a sprint to see who can get to the finish line first; this is a marathon where our goal is to bring many across that line with us...
"With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed -cut off from Christ! -if that would save them." (Romans 9:1-3) NLT
Monday, July 27, 2020
"Compassion and Substance" -Too
"My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, showing himself through the lattice." (S.O.S. 2:9)
I know it might be a little harsh, but those descriptions of people that have no fear of God before their eyes, those that know not the way of peace, believe it or not, but many are they that are found in the church! We can pretend it is not so, but the hardest hits are the ones we receive from within; be they in the form of looks or words, judgement is not being put forth without first considering the sin within; because there is none righteous, no, not one!
Maybe we need to acknowledge what this is showing us, because I am pretty sure it paints a perfect picture. The Lord sees everything and more! He sees the actions we put forth, as well and the heart; which actually means that He sees the reason for whatever action is, whether it is for ourselves or for someone else.
I don't mean to get into this, because it is really not necessary to talk about. What we must not loose sight of, (no pun intended,) is that He is always watching! We might think we have this wall, a thing to hide behind, but our wall is lattice, full of holes and extremely easy to look through. Once we can come to terms with that, there is something that is noticeable and can help us with our condition: He makes Himself visible and shows Himself through our lattice!
Whether you are new or old to this salvation experience, nothing matters more than knowing that you are being watched. Every step you take, it is a step you take in Christ; whether you know it or not, you no longer have an independent life; your life has been purchased with His blood and you are now the property of Jesus Christ.
Build all the walls you want to, because no wall we build can keep Him out; there is nowhere to hide and nowhere to put anything out of His sight; He sees it all! Something to think about when it comes to judging a brother or sister, don't you think?
More than that, we have this model of what it means to love; because love is and makes itself known...
"So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit." (Romans 7:4-6)
I know it might be a little harsh, but those descriptions of people that have no fear of God before their eyes, those that know not the way of peace, believe it or not, but many are they that are found in the church! We can pretend it is not so, but the hardest hits are the ones we receive from within; be they in the form of looks or words, judgement is not being put forth without first considering the sin within; because there is none righteous, no, not one!
Maybe we need to acknowledge what this is showing us, because I am pretty sure it paints a perfect picture. The Lord sees everything and more! He sees the actions we put forth, as well and the heart; which actually means that He sees the reason for whatever action is, whether it is for ourselves or for someone else.
I don't mean to get into this, because it is really not necessary to talk about. What we must not loose sight of, (no pun intended,) is that He is always watching! We might think we have this wall, a thing to hide behind, but our wall is lattice, full of holes and extremely easy to look through. Once we can come to terms with that, there is something that is noticeable and can help us with our condition: He makes Himself visible and shows Himself through our lattice!
Whether you are new or old to this salvation experience, nothing matters more than knowing that you are being watched. Every step you take, it is a step you take in Christ; whether you know it or not, you no longer have an independent life; your life has been purchased with His blood and you are now the property of Jesus Christ.
Build all the walls you want to, because no wall we build can keep Him out; there is nowhere to hide and nowhere to put anything out of His sight; He sees it all! Something to think about when it comes to judging a brother or sister, don't you think?
More than that, we have this model of what it means to love; because love is and makes itself known...
"So, my dear brothers and sisters, this is the point: You died to the power of the law when you died with Christ. And now you are united with the one who was raised from the dead. As a result, we can produce a harvest of good deeds for God. When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death. But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit." (Romans 7:4-6)
Sunday, July 26, 2020
"Compassion and Substance"
"My beloved is like a roe or a young hart: behold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh forth at the windows, showing himself through the lattice." (S.O.S. 2:9)
Before I was saved, I felt as though I had it all figured out; as many others like me, the darkness was so thick and common, it became a wall to hide behind and to keep God out. This is something I think is not only a condition prior to salvation, but it also becomes a condition that we manifest within our new life is Christ. A much different arrangement, but it is pretty much along the same principle that was established in our life before; only this new wall is built with holes.
Be that as it may, these are all temporary and have little or no affect upon our salvation; but, what they do, we might wish to trade the results. I know that might sound so drastic and unrealistic, but you have got to realize the importance of the things we let into our lives; things that might not be forbidden and unclean, but they sure don't keep us pure and on fire!
As I am working through this, the main objective that is driving my interest is the fact that Solomon did not loose his salvation. That might be to some, a questionable statement; but, if you are one that believes God knew everything in advance about his life, then you would also believe God's word is more important than anything else. If God says it is going to be, then guess what that means: no matter what you or I might do, it is going to be!
Unfortunately, there are always consequences and collateral damage; which are unforeseen and unintended by the person that might do something wrong or foolish; but they are known and felt in the heart of our Almighty God! I hope you can see the connection, because it is more real than you know. As a matter of fact, it is the primary reason that Jesus wept; as they thought He was weeping for the death of a friend; it was all about the wall!
A little more Good News...
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, that are altogether become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. There throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:10-20)
Before I was saved, I felt as though I had it all figured out; as many others like me, the darkness was so thick and common, it became a wall to hide behind and to keep God out. This is something I think is not only a condition prior to salvation, but it also becomes a condition that we manifest within our new life is Christ. A much different arrangement, but it is pretty much along the same principle that was established in our life before; only this new wall is built with holes.
Be that as it may, these are all temporary and have little or no affect upon our salvation; but, what they do, we might wish to trade the results. I know that might sound so drastic and unrealistic, but you have got to realize the importance of the things we let into our lives; things that might not be forbidden and unclean, but they sure don't keep us pure and on fire!
As I am working through this, the main objective that is driving my interest is the fact that Solomon did not loose his salvation. That might be to some, a questionable statement; but, if you are one that believes God knew everything in advance about his life, then you would also believe God's word is more important than anything else. If God says it is going to be, then guess what that means: no matter what you or I might do, it is going to be!
Unfortunately, there are always consequences and collateral damage; which are unforeseen and unintended by the person that might do something wrong or foolish; but they are known and felt in the heart of our Almighty God! I hope you can see the connection, because it is more real than you know. As a matter of fact, it is the primary reason that Jesus wept; as they thought He was weeping for the death of a friend; it was all about the wall!
A little more Good News...
"As it is written, There is none righteous, no not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, that are altogether become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. There throat is an open sepulcher; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: their feet are swift to shed blood: destruction and misery are in their ways: and the way of peace have they not known: there is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin." (Romans 3:10-20)
Saturday, July 25, 2020
"Even So" -2
"The voice of my beloved! Behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills." (S.O.S. 2:8)
I am really sorry about that weird start to yesterday's post, as I just felt I needed to get that off my chest and maybe wake some people out of the trance they might be in. But we must be very careful what we allow our children to see us do, especially when it comes to beliefs and spiritual matters. As much as I would like to, I really don't have the right to talk, but I do have regrets.
Which reminds me! I love the Good News that is hidden within the Good News! The playback of my life is going to be free of all that stuff I feel sorry for doing; every single regret and all of my stupid sins will not be seen or even an issue, for ever more! Washed away, is going to be real; so real, we are going to be made white as snow, for real!
I hope that you realize what that means, because it is the reason that every tear will be wiped away, because there will be no reason any longer that we will have regrets. Only all the good, that is what we will see; only all the righteous and loving things that we shared in and lived out in our life. What a wonderful life that will be!
Maybe you might think it will be different, and maybe this is just a crazy thought or fantasy; but I believe that we will be so overwhelmed and so lost in His love, there will never be any thought of anything else but good, including all this bad stuff here on this earth. As it was for Him in the task of the cross; as no discomfort or suffering was even a burden or even considered as a regret; but was His triumph and honor, a mere task that made perfect sense and accomplished more than anyone could ever really know or understand.
What Jesus meant by saying some of those things that He said, some things are still too deep to fully understand: WORD...
"When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin." (Romans 4:4-8) NLT
I am really sorry about that weird start to yesterday's post, as I just felt I needed to get that off my chest and maybe wake some people out of the trance they might be in. But we must be very careful what we allow our children to see us do, especially when it comes to beliefs and spiritual matters. As much as I would like to, I really don't have the right to talk, but I do have regrets.
Which reminds me! I love the Good News that is hidden within the Good News! The playback of my life is going to be free of all that stuff I feel sorry for doing; every single regret and all of my stupid sins will not be seen or even an issue, for ever more! Washed away, is going to be real; so real, we are going to be made white as snow, for real!
I hope that you realize what that means, because it is the reason that every tear will be wiped away, because there will be no reason any longer that we will have regrets. Only all the good, that is what we will see; only all the righteous and loving things that we shared in and lived out in our life. What a wonderful life that will be!
Maybe you might think it will be different, and maybe this is just a crazy thought or fantasy; but I believe that we will be so overwhelmed and so lost in His love, there will never be any thought of anything else but good, including all this bad stuff here on this earth. As it was for Him in the task of the cross; as no discomfort or suffering was even a burden or even considered as a regret; but was His triumph and honor, a mere task that made perfect sense and accomplished more than anyone could ever really know or understand.
What Jesus meant by saying some of those things that He said, some things are still too deep to fully understand: WORD...
"When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: "Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin." (Romans 4:4-8) NLT
Friday, July 24, 2020
"Even So"
"The voice of my beloved! Behold, he cometh leaping upon the mountains, skipping upon the hills." (S.O.S. 2:8)
Whatever it is that you are looking for, be it rest, or peace, or maybe just some sort of break from life, we that know and love the Lord can find it, by simply listening to His voice! What, you say, I can't hear it? I beg to differ! Slow down and listen! I know that life is hectic, nevertheless, we must take some time and listen to His voice. If you are not spending some quality time with the Lord on any sort of routine bases, you might be inclined to listen or hear the voice of someone else.
I truly don't understand what is happening to some of the people I know that have been hanging out in the church for decades, but still cannot stay grounded in sound doctrine. Many have bought into whatever crazy new thing is springing up, whether it be ghosts, or reincarnation, or UFO's; whatever it is, it is a distraction from the Truth! If it is anything that cannot be verified in the Scriptures, it is something that must be ignored; that means, don't even try to figure it out! Seriously, don't dance with the devil, so to speak, because that is exactly what you are doing when you spend your time, any time, trying to figure out is there is any truth found in stupidity and foolishness.
Basically, the message is pretty clear: Stay on the higher ground and don't waste your time anywhere else! I know, it is quite strange and out of sorts; but this has something here which speaks to current situations and trends, no matter what time period we might be currently living in, (no pun intended.) By the way, I was reminded about something the other day that might shine a little light on some of the strange things little children might say, as if they might have been here or done that, or have lived another life: Please do not entertain those thoughts or try and explore where or who they might have been, because the only true explanation that is found in the Scriptures, is not something you want to have hanging around inside your home, or especially inside your child!
Okay, that said, now I want to speak about this verse and the law: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 55:11-13)
Even so...
"For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." (Romans 3:20-22) NLT
Whatever it is that you are looking for, be it rest, or peace, or maybe just some sort of break from life, we that know and love the Lord can find it, by simply listening to His voice! What, you say, I can't hear it? I beg to differ! Slow down and listen! I know that life is hectic, nevertheless, we must take some time and listen to His voice. If you are not spending some quality time with the Lord on any sort of routine bases, you might be inclined to listen or hear the voice of someone else.
I truly don't understand what is happening to some of the people I know that have been hanging out in the church for decades, but still cannot stay grounded in sound doctrine. Many have bought into whatever crazy new thing is springing up, whether it be ghosts, or reincarnation, or UFO's; whatever it is, it is a distraction from the Truth! If it is anything that cannot be verified in the Scriptures, it is something that must be ignored; that means, don't even try to figure it out! Seriously, don't dance with the devil, so to speak, because that is exactly what you are doing when you spend your time, any time, trying to figure out is there is any truth found in stupidity and foolishness.
Basically, the message is pretty clear: Stay on the higher ground and don't waste your time anywhere else! I know, it is quite strange and out of sorts; but this has something here which speaks to current situations and trends, no matter what time period we might be currently living in, (no pun intended.) By the way, I was reminded about something the other day that might shine a little light on some of the strange things little children might say, as if they might have been here or done that, or have lived another life: Please do not entertain those thoughts or try and explore where or who they might have been, because the only true explanation that is found in the Scriptures, is not something you want to have hanging around inside your home, or especially inside your child!
Okay, that said, now I want to speak about this verse and the law: "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the briar shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off." (Isaiah 55:11-13)
Even so...
"For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." (Romans 3:20-22) NLT
Thursday, July 23, 2020
"Young Woman"
"Ah, I hear my lover coming! He is leaping over the mountains, bounding over the hills. My lover is like a swift gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he is behind the wall, looking through the window, peering into the room. My lover said to me, "Rise up, my darling! Come away with me, my fair one! Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone. The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come, and the cooing of turtledoves fills the air. The fig trees are forming young fruit, and the fragrant grapevines are blossoming. Rise up my darling! Come away with me, my fair one!"" (S.O.S. 2:8-13 NLT)
To set this up, I will quote the last sentence from Matthew Henry's commentary of the previous five verses: "Let those that have comfort be afraid of sinning it away." It is not just the thought of what we might miss, because the comfort we have in a right relationship with God is the greatest peace that there is; but it is that discomfort that comes from knowing our guilt, because that is by far the worst feeling that there is.
As David put it in his famous Psalm regarding his sin with Bathsheba: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit." (Psalms 51:10-12)
What we have in this relationship goes far beyond anything that this world might have to offer. It is more than just perspective and feeling, because if that is all it was, there would be nothing there that we could hold onto. It is about God's love for us, which never changes, whether we fail or not, He is always right there to take our hand and help us get back up! This relationship is built upon His love for us, whatever else there might be that gets in the way, His love is there to stay!
We really don't need to try very hard to ask Him to forgive us, but it seems impossible to ask hard enough! As the writer of Hebrews says: "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." (Hebrews 12:4) So we figure it is not enough to just ask for His forgiveness, as we half-heartedly considered our actions before we actually sinned; because the real pain comes from knowing He is God! "What was I thinking!" is the realization that we come to, as we consider what we have done.
That is the kind of discomfort we can't stand, as it is more about the shame, then it is about the sin. If it was just about the sin, we could easily be done with it, and be on our merry way. That is why we must, with all our might, believe that He loves us! Not with a braggadocious attitude or arrogance, but with a thankful and humble heart, realizing what a privilege it is, to be loved by God...
"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay; but by the law of faith. Therefore w conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:27-31)
To set this up, I will quote the last sentence from Matthew Henry's commentary of the previous five verses: "Let those that have comfort be afraid of sinning it away." It is not just the thought of what we might miss, because the comfort we have in a right relationship with God is the greatest peace that there is; but it is that discomfort that comes from knowing our guilt, because that is by far the worst feeling that there is.
As David put it in his famous Psalm regarding his sin with Bathsheba: "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free Spirit." (Psalms 51:10-12)
What we have in this relationship goes far beyond anything that this world might have to offer. It is more than just perspective and feeling, because if that is all it was, there would be nothing there that we could hold onto. It is about God's love for us, which never changes, whether we fail or not, He is always right there to take our hand and help us get back up! This relationship is built upon His love for us, whatever else there might be that gets in the way, His love is there to stay!
We really don't need to try very hard to ask Him to forgive us, but it seems impossible to ask hard enough! As the writer of Hebrews says: "Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin." (Hebrews 12:4) So we figure it is not enough to just ask for His forgiveness, as we half-heartedly considered our actions before we actually sinned; because the real pain comes from knowing He is God! "What was I thinking!" is the realization that we come to, as we consider what we have done.
That is the kind of discomfort we can't stand, as it is more about the shame, then it is about the sin. If it was just about the sin, we could easily be done with it, and be on our merry way. That is why we must, with all our might, believe that He loves us! Not with a braggadocious attitude or arrogance, but with a thankful and humble heart, realizing what a privilege it is, to be loved by God...
"Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay; but by the law of faith. Therefore w conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and the uncircumcision through faith. Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law." (Romans 3:27-31)
Wednesday, July 22, 2020
"The Second Song"
THE SONG OF SOLOMON 2:8 to 3:5
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
Besides the fact that the Bible is good for showing us the truth, it offers great instruction on how we should look at life, whether we are in times of blessings, or whether we are in times of desperation. There is no better way to understand which things we should be focused upon, which ever way we find ourselves here on this earth, the same rules apply to both!
I chose this Scripture above, not because of the youth of Timothy, but because we must all be of the same understanding when it comes to time, as in the time we are here verses the time we will spend in heaven. We are all technically babes in Christ, no matter how old we might be in this current life! Although there might seem to be a sense of maturity that comes with growing old in the Lord, no matter how long you have walked with the Lord here in this life, life has just begun.
Yesterday I made a vow, as I was looking at an article in the Christian Post; an article that was a brief announcement about a Brother that had just "died." As I saw the headline, my focus was not upon the Brother's name, nor was it upon the date of his birth and death; it was on the description of his death, that the headline said, He Died! Excuse me if I disagree, but the last I checked, death has no sting on me! It had no sting on that Brother either; because from what I have learned from what the Scriptures say, the Truth is, that my Brother lives!
As was mentioned before, this is the only Song that changes in the middle of a persons conversation. Out of all six of the Songs, each of the remaining ones are started with a new speaker, whether it be the Young Woman, the Young Man, or the Young Women of Jerusalem. The previous five verses and the next six are all the Young Woman speaking, yet this Song begins in the middle of the speaking.
To be perfectly honest with you, I have no clue thus far what this actually means; nor do have any worries about not knowing what it means; at least not until I start to think I know, then I will begin to worry. I do have an idea; although I already shared what that was based upon; inspiration and perspective are the things that songs are based upon; while chapters are like turning a page, in that they based upon growth, characters, and topics.
In my crazy mind, (no pun intended,) one is based upon things that do not change, while the other is based upon things which do change, as easy as the wind. It is really not that hard to figure out which is which. Fortunately for you and I, God's Word never changes at all; no matter which way we might want to look at His Word, it always points to Him...
"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone that believes -the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" (Romans 1:16-17) NLT
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12)
Besides the fact that the Bible is good for showing us the truth, it offers great instruction on how we should look at life, whether we are in times of blessings, or whether we are in times of desperation. There is no better way to understand which things we should be focused upon, which ever way we find ourselves here on this earth, the same rules apply to both!
I chose this Scripture above, not because of the youth of Timothy, but because we must all be of the same understanding when it comes to time, as in the time we are here verses the time we will spend in heaven. We are all technically babes in Christ, no matter how old we might be in this current life! Although there might seem to be a sense of maturity that comes with growing old in the Lord, no matter how long you have walked with the Lord here in this life, life has just begun.
Yesterday I made a vow, as I was looking at an article in the Christian Post; an article that was a brief announcement about a Brother that had just "died." As I saw the headline, my focus was not upon the Brother's name, nor was it upon the date of his birth and death; it was on the description of his death, that the headline said, He Died! Excuse me if I disagree, but the last I checked, death has no sting on me! It had no sting on that Brother either; because from what I have learned from what the Scriptures say, the Truth is, that my Brother lives!
As was mentioned before, this is the only Song that changes in the middle of a persons conversation. Out of all six of the Songs, each of the remaining ones are started with a new speaker, whether it be the Young Woman, the Young Man, or the Young Women of Jerusalem. The previous five verses and the next six are all the Young Woman speaking, yet this Song begins in the middle of the speaking.
To be perfectly honest with you, I have no clue thus far what this actually means; nor do have any worries about not knowing what it means; at least not until I start to think I know, then I will begin to worry. I do have an idea; although I already shared what that was based upon; inspiration and perspective are the things that songs are based upon; while chapters are like turning a page, in that they based upon growth, characters, and topics.
In my crazy mind, (no pun intended,) one is based upon things that do not change, while the other is based upon things which do change, as easy as the wind. It is really not that hard to figure out which is which. Fortunately for you and I, God's Word never changes at all; no matter which way we might want to look at His Word, it always points to Him...
"For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone that believes -the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life."" (Romans 1:16-17) NLT
Tuesday, July 21, 2020
"Holding On" -Too
"I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please." (S.O.S. 2:7)
So, about this title. This is no dream, as some my speculate; this is more real than life itself! If you know that His Word is real, as I hope that you do, then you know the power and strength that it holds; to not only speak into our lives, but it will cause us to sit up and take notice to what is being said. This is more about holding on to Him that holds us; to be perfectly clear, it is more about staying in the moment, that the moment never changes, because we know well and good that it will.
Without stepping out of bounds, the daughters of Jerusalem appears to be something convicting, as in, there is something about them that causes the Young Woman to feel challenged or at odds with her relationship. Even when they are in agreement, there is a part of their agreement that does not agree. To be perfectly frank, it is more and more looking as though they represent the law; but not so much the law that God has established for us to walk in, but the law as interpreted by man, with all of its requirements and its man-made stipulations.
Anywho, before I switch gears, as this ends the First Song, it is important that I get this thing pointed in the right direction. We must never ever forget how much God loves us! No matter what we might do or how hard we might fall, He never stops loving us! If there is anything that we can hold unto, anything in this universe, it is this fact: God loves me! No matter how much you might be feeling sorry for anything, how hard you might hurt, God is always there waiting for you to ask for mercy; not because He offers it, but because it is what you need!
As much as it excites me to see what God might do, it is a perfect description of what a mother eagle does to her young, by exciting her young ones to fly; oh my goodness, it never gets old to live in His grace...
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)
So, about this title. This is no dream, as some my speculate; this is more real than life itself! If you know that His Word is real, as I hope that you do, then you know the power and strength that it holds; to not only speak into our lives, but it will cause us to sit up and take notice to what is being said. This is more about holding on to Him that holds us; to be perfectly clear, it is more about staying in the moment, that the moment never changes, because we know well and good that it will.
Without stepping out of bounds, the daughters of Jerusalem appears to be something convicting, as in, there is something about them that causes the Young Woman to feel challenged or at odds with her relationship. Even when they are in agreement, there is a part of their agreement that does not agree. To be perfectly frank, it is more and more looking as though they represent the law; but not so much the law that God has established for us to walk in, but the law as interpreted by man, with all of its requirements and its man-made stipulations.
Anywho, before I switch gears, as this ends the First Song, it is important that I get this thing pointed in the right direction. We must never ever forget how much God loves us! No matter what we might do or how hard we might fall, He never stops loving us! If there is anything that we can hold unto, anything in this universe, it is this fact: God loves me! No matter how much you might be feeling sorry for anything, how hard you might hurt, God is always there waiting for you to ask for mercy; not because He offers it, but because it is what you need!
As much as it excites me to see what God might do, it is a perfect description of what a mother eagle does to her young, by exciting her young ones to fly; oh my goodness, it never gets old to live in His grace...
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe, for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Romans 3:21-26)
Monday, July 20, 2020
"Holding On"
"I charge you, O ye daughters of Jerusalem, by the roes, and by the hinds of the field, that ye stir not up, nor awake my love, till he please." (S.O.S. 2:7)
Maybe this might be a little more complicated than I predicted; as it is, it would appear that there is more to these, "daughters of Jerusalem," than I might have first considered, because it would appear that they have a way of showing up in intimate moments. Actually, I believe that this is really not all that uncommon; as much as I might try to focus upon worshipping and giving the Lord my most sincere attention, there is this obvious distraction during those intimate moments. Call is what you will; maybe will will do, as in: not my will, but yours, O Lord!
It might be safe to say that this is a moment where there is something that is needing to be kept, like the special time when you feel overwhelmed by His presence and you don't want that moment to slip away. Or, as it might be said, she is just dreaming; these last several verses have been a dream and she knows when he awakes, it will be time for reality; that time when it will be time to go to work, as if that might require some serious action. As one commentator puts it: "Let our love making continue without interruption until we are both fulfilled. Don't let us start until we can go all the way."
In the spiritual application, (no pun intended,) that is the deeper meaning, "Where the rubber hits the road," so to speak. It is much to do about doing; now that you have heard, now that you know: now it is time to do something! Maybe we need to examine this more, because it might be going a little too fast; I'm not quite sure that I am ready; can't I just rest in this comfortable place! Most of us know what this is, because it is what most of us do. Only a small percent of us actually make a sacrifice that will radically change our lives and place in the mission field or head-off into the ministry.
That said, this is also a moment when we need to hold on! It is one thing to step back and think about what you are doing; is another thing all together, to deny that He has changed your life! No, this is the most important of all the things that matter: Is This Real, or is it my own imagination! Not that is matters much to those world around you, but your world needs to be somewhere else! Sure, you are still here, still living and doing what it takes, what is required; but you are no longer a citizen of this place, but you have become a child of God, making you a citizen of Heaven!
I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to His return, to that day when He can take us from this place; but in the time we have before that happens, we seriously need to be about our Father's business...
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:14-17)
Maybe this might be a little more complicated than I predicted; as it is, it would appear that there is more to these, "daughters of Jerusalem," than I might have first considered, because it would appear that they have a way of showing up in intimate moments. Actually, I believe that this is really not all that uncommon; as much as I might try to focus upon worshipping and giving the Lord my most sincere attention, there is this obvious distraction during those intimate moments. Call is what you will; maybe will will do, as in: not my will, but yours, O Lord!
It might be safe to say that this is a moment where there is something that is needing to be kept, like the special time when you feel overwhelmed by His presence and you don't want that moment to slip away. Or, as it might be said, she is just dreaming; these last several verses have been a dream and she knows when he awakes, it will be time for reality; that time when it will be time to go to work, as if that might require some serious action. As one commentator puts it: "Let our love making continue without interruption until we are both fulfilled. Don't let us start until we can go all the way."
In the spiritual application, (no pun intended,) that is the deeper meaning, "Where the rubber hits the road," so to speak. It is much to do about doing; now that you have heard, now that you know: now it is time to do something! Maybe we need to examine this more, because it might be going a little too fast; I'm not quite sure that I am ready; can't I just rest in this comfortable place! Most of us know what this is, because it is what most of us do. Only a small percent of us actually make a sacrifice that will radically change our lives and place in the mission field or head-off into the ministry.
That said, this is also a moment when we need to hold on! It is one thing to step back and think about what you are doing; is another thing all together, to deny that He has changed your life! No, this is the most important of all the things that matter: Is This Real, or is it my own imagination! Not that is matters much to those world around you, but your world needs to be somewhere else! Sure, you are still here, still living and doing what it takes, what is required; but you are no longer a citizen of this place, but you have become a child of God, making you a citizen of Heaven!
I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to His return, to that day when He can take us from this place; but in the time we have before that happens, we seriously need to be about our Father's business...
"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:14-17)
Sunday, July 19, 2020
"Hold Me LORD!"
"His left hand is under my head, and his right hand doth embrace me." (S.O.S. 2:6)
Just to be clear, there is absolutely no way that I can keep going without this verse being a reality in my life; I just wanted to make that clear. I have had the opportunity to share that with several people, because I believe it is important to our walk, or run, or even our crawl; whatever it is that you want to call the experience you are living in, it is not the same without truly believing that He holds your life within His hands!
Those that might be listening who have once walked with the Lord, but have given up because of certain trials or unfulfilled expectations, you don't need to keep holding onto your burdens and feeling the weight of your shame. I seriously do not say those things lightly! In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus is speaking about how we can find rest from our heavy burdens and the task involved in trying to keep moving forward and not giving up.
Not that I have mastered anything, because if I try and claim that I have, I would be fooling myself and walking away in shame. That is what I meant by the weight of shame, because anytime we take the credit for something that we have given over to God, it becomes a weight on our shoulders that we carry around like a yoke. Just as important, is the thing we do to ourselves with how we treat the Lord with unfulfilled expectations; the things we ask Him to do, expecting Him to do what we ask, and then hold it against Him when it does not turn out the way that we anticipated it would.
This is so much connected that "yoke" around our necks, we sometimes can't even realize what kind of shame it gives us, because we are looking at it from a point of being disappointed. It needs to be perfectly clear in our minds, the yoke we are wearing belongs to us; we made that yoke and fastened it around our own neck; because the yoke that Jesus wants us to wear is His!
Maybe the easiest way to understand what this means, is to look at the yoke and a scale; much like if you were to carry a beam upon your shoulder, and each side is equal in weight: and now imagine what it would be like to carry that same beam with uneven weight, one side totally heavier than the other. What a struggle it would be to stay upright and not lean to one side or the other.
Add to that the weight of the load that you are carrying, and you have a serious burden just to try and make through every day. I hope you see the connection, because when He holds you, He holds you so that you do not fall...
"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intersession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:24-28)
Just to be clear, there is absolutely no way that I can keep going without this verse being a reality in my life; I just wanted to make that clear. I have had the opportunity to share that with several people, because I believe it is important to our walk, or run, or even our crawl; whatever it is that you want to call the experience you are living in, it is not the same without truly believing that He holds your life within His hands!
Those that might be listening who have once walked with the Lord, but have given up because of certain trials or unfulfilled expectations, you don't need to keep holding onto your burdens and feeling the weight of your shame. I seriously do not say those things lightly! In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus is speaking about how we can find rest from our heavy burdens and the task involved in trying to keep moving forward and not giving up.
Not that I have mastered anything, because if I try and claim that I have, I would be fooling myself and walking away in shame. That is what I meant by the weight of shame, because anytime we take the credit for something that we have given over to God, it becomes a weight on our shoulders that we carry around like a yoke. Just as important, is the thing we do to ourselves with how we treat the Lord with unfulfilled expectations; the things we ask Him to do, expecting Him to do what we ask, and then hold it against Him when it does not turn out the way that we anticipated it would.
This is so much connected that "yoke" around our necks, we sometimes can't even realize what kind of shame it gives us, because we are looking at it from a point of being disappointed. It needs to be perfectly clear in our minds, the yoke we are wearing belongs to us; we made that yoke and fastened it around our own neck; because the yoke that Jesus wants us to wear is His!
Maybe the easiest way to understand what this means, is to look at the yoke and a scale; much like if you were to carry a beam upon your shoulder, and each side is equal in weight: and now imagine what it would be like to carry that same beam with uneven weight, one side totally heavier than the other. What a struggle it would be to stay upright and not lean to one side or the other.
Add to that the weight of the load that you are carrying, and you have a serious burden just to try and make through every day. I hope you see the connection, because when He holds you, He holds you so that you do not fall...
"For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope; for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intersession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:24-28)
Saturday, July 18, 2020
"Overpowered!" -2
"Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick with love." (S.O.S. 2:5)
This is something special about this love, besides being that of a longing, it is also the type of love that requires action. Which, if you are interested in exploring, the passion that drives a person to dig into something that they want to know more, is very close to this kind of action; it is much like the love someone might have towards art, as they are fixated upon what might have been going through the heart of the artist, making it more and more a living object.
There is only so far you can go, if you stop and think about it; because this type of love, although it has an interest in exploring, it is also that required action that limits the power that it yields. In other words, if there is a lack of action, it has conditions that are not being met. This is the same type of love that is mentioned in the previous verse, that says, "and his banner of me was love," which being in the past tense has the sense of looking back.
If you really stop and think about what this implies, you can see the serious consequences this might lead to within the church; as it has been, time and time again, looking back at what God did and trying to make the experience happen again. "Back in the Jesus movement," is the term that comes to mind, as we hear it used regarding the period of time a half-century ago.
I would like to see God move again, but I think the love required for that to happen needs to be a little more fixed and harder to move, if you know what I mean. This modern movement is one that wants to see action, as it prefers the work that be shown, over the knowledge of who God is and what He is about. That said, this type of love is good for that too, if that is, we are willing to rest and be satisfied with getting to know Him!
This is a very fine line, whether we can accept it or not, we are the vessel God uses; His hands and feet, if you will, that cannot move or function without the Head making them move: otherwise those hands and feet are out of control and as useless as any vessel might be that tries to fill itself. If we had to do something as a vessel, comparatively speaking, it would that we be willing to be filled. The way Matthew Henry put this, he says, "Note, Those that are sick of love to Christ shall not want spiritual supports, while they are yet waiting for spiritual comforts."
What do we want more of: To know the love, or to see what His love can do? Because if that is the case, that deed was already done...
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:12-14)
This is something special about this love, besides being that of a longing, it is also the type of love that requires action. Which, if you are interested in exploring, the passion that drives a person to dig into something that they want to know more, is very close to this kind of action; it is much like the love someone might have towards art, as they are fixated upon what might have been going through the heart of the artist, making it more and more a living object.
There is only so far you can go, if you stop and think about it; because this type of love, although it has an interest in exploring, it is also that required action that limits the power that it yields. In other words, if there is a lack of action, it has conditions that are not being met. This is the same type of love that is mentioned in the previous verse, that says, "and his banner of me was love," which being in the past tense has the sense of looking back.
If you really stop and think about what this implies, you can see the serious consequences this might lead to within the church; as it has been, time and time again, looking back at what God did and trying to make the experience happen again. "Back in the Jesus movement," is the term that comes to mind, as we hear it used regarding the period of time a half-century ago.
I would like to see God move again, but I think the love required for that to happen needs to be a little more fixed and harder to move, if you know what I mean. This modern movement is one that wants to see action, as it prefers the work that be shown, over the knowledge of who God is and what He is about. That said, this type of love is good for that too, if that is, we are willing to rest and be satisfied with getting to know Him!
This is a very fine line, whether we can accept it or not, we are the vessel God uses; His hands and feet, if you will, that cannot move or function without the Head making them move: otherwise those hands and feet are out of control and as useless as any vessel might be that tries to fill itself. If we had to do something as a vessel, comparatively speaking, it would that we be willing to be filled. The way Matthew Henry put this, he says, "Note, Those that are sick of love to Christ shall not want spiritual supports, while they are yet waiting for spiritual comforts."
What do we want more of: To know the love, or to see what His love can do? Because if that is the case, that deed was already done...
"Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:12-14)
Friday, July 17, 2020
"Overpowered!"
"Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples: for I am sick with love." (S.O.S. 2:5)
Be real, is one way to think of this, as weird as that might sound; it is more than just a request, it is a great desire of the inner heart of every believer: not that Christ be real, but that this thing we know and long for to happen within us be real, because it sometimes makes us sick with love, the kind of love sick you feel when you cannot be with the one you love; and if you are going to be, you are torn by insecurity and wanting.
I know that might be mouthful of stuff to think about, but this is the mystery of our faith, the long and the short of it! The previous moments of triumph don't seem to last long enough, and the trials and testings never seem to be gone soon enough; but regardless of where we are at, His love remains the same. The problem that causes us this mysterious sickness, as strange as it might sound, is that we cannot bottle it up and contain it!
To put this is a little better way of understanding, the "flagons" which are spoken of, are unusual things used as offerings to idols. As I read the description, the image that comes to mind is Fig Newtons, but instead of figs, they are made with grapes. The "apples" spoken of are that same word which was used for "apples trees" in verse 3; which, for the purpose of this verse, instead of the fruit, it refers more to the scent, much like that of a citrus trees.
Long story short, as much as we try, or as hard as we might want, we cannot make the mysterious power our own: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," saith the LORD...
"For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD'S thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory and power to him! Amen." (Romans 11:32-36) NLT
Be real, is one way to think of this, as weird as that might sound; it is more than just a request, it is a great desire of the inner heart of every believer: not that Christ be real, but that this thing we know and long for to happen within us be real, because it sometimes makes us sick with love, the kind of love sick you feel when you cannot be with the one you love; and if you are going to be, you are torn by insecurity and wanting.
I know that might be mouthful of stuff to think about, but this is the mystery of our faith, the long and the short of it! The previous moments of triumph don't seem to last long enough, and the trials and testings never seem to be gone soon enough; but regardless of where we are at, His love remains the same. The problem that causes us this mysterious sickness, as strange as it might sound, is that we cannot bottle it up and contain it!
To put this is a little better way of understanding, the "flagons" which are spoken of, are unusual things used as offerings to idols. As I read the description, the image that comes to mind is Fig Newtons, but instead of figs, they are made with grapes. The "apples" spoken of are that same word which was used for "apples trees" in verse 3; which, for the purpose of this verse, instead of the fruit, it refers more to the scent, much like that of a citrus trees.
Long story short, as much as we try, or as hard as we might want, we cannot make the mysterious power our own: "Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit," saith the LORD...
"For God has imprisoned everyone in disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone. Oh, how great are God's riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the LORD'S thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory and power to him! Amen." (Romans 11:32-36) NLT
Thursday, July 16, 2020
"New Covenant"
"He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." (S.O.S. 2:4)
Sometimes it is just hard to understand, but there is something that we need from one another, besides just fellowship, we are a family! That might be one of the bitter-sweet characteristics that we get to partake in, sometimes it might even be to some as a cross to bare; mostly, it is just a fact, we must learn to accept and adhere to, whether we want to or not, it is required!
I think that John expresses it the best, as he says, "Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother adideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes." (1 John 2:8-11)
That is what this "banqueting house" is all about, and it is past tense because you cannot change it, you must embrace it as a new commandment; commandment meaning that it is a law that is part of a New Covenant: A covenant that has been established and sealed by the body and blood of Jesus Christ, forever! Basically, the kind of law that it is, is just as the natural law that goes along with anything that is fixed or unchanging: you freeze water and it turns to ice; you heat ice, and it will turn to water; you continue to heat the water and it turns to steam; eventually, that steam will evaporate and be gone.
I know, sometimes I get a little carried away; please forgive me for the drama. But seriously, that whole point about this reference to a "banner," it is the same as those four large military standards or flags that the four camps into which the twelve tribes of Israel divided and marched through the wilderness under. We know what that was all about, because that formation was in the shape of a cross; a big giant cross that marched through the wilderness for forty years!
It seriously does not matter if you were someone that was looking forward to the cross, or were like us, looking back at the cross, it is still the same cross, the exact same sacrifice that is given once and for all. That is why Jesus could say, "Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me; as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you." (John 13:33)
This was won and done! This New Covenant is a noun, which means that it is a person, place or thing, which means that it is fixed in place and is established: "It is a promise of redemption by God to people as individuals rather than as a nation and on the basis of God's grace rather than a person's adherence to the law." (Merriam-Webster Definition.)
Basically, it is like this: You have been brought into this amazingly wonderful and fulfilling relationship, not because of anything that you have done, but by what Christ has done for you...
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trial, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:1-5) NLT
Sometimes it is just hard to understand, but there is something that we need from one another, besides just fellowship, we are a family! That might be one of the bitter-sweet characteristics that we get to partake in, sometimes it might even be to some as a cross to bare; mostly, it is just a fact, we must learn to accept and adhere to, whether we want to or not, it is required!
I think that John expresses it the best, as he says, "Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother adideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes." (1 John 2:8-11)
That is what this "banqueting house" is all about, and it is past tense because you cannot change it, you must embrace it as a new commandment; commandment meaning that it is a law that is part of a New Covenant: A covenant that has been established and sealed by the body and blood of Jesus Christ, forever! Basically, the kind of law that it is, is just as the natural law that goes along with anything that is fixed or unchanging: you freeze water and it turns to ice; you heat ice, and it will turn to water; you continue to heat the water and it turns to steam; eventually, that steam will evaporate and be gone.
I know, sometimes I get a little carried away; please forgive me for the drama. But seriously, that whole point about this reference to a "banner," it is the same as those four large military standards or flags that the four camps into which the twelve tribes of Israel divided and marched through the wilderness under. We know what that was all about, because that formation was in the shape of a cross; a big giant cross that marched through the wilderness for forty years!
It seriously does not matter if you were someone that was looking forward to the cross, or were like us, looking back at the cross, it is still the same cross, the exact same sacrifice that is given once and for all. That is why Jesus could say, "Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me; as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you." (John 13:33)
This was won and done! This New Covenant is a noun, which means that it is a person, place or thing, which means that it is fixed in place and is established: "It is a promise of redemption by God to people as individuals rather than as a nation and on the basis of God's grace rather than a person's adherence to the law." (Merriam-Webster Definition.)
Basically, it is like this: You have been brought into this amazingly wonderful and fulfilling relationship, not because of anything that you have done, but by what Christ has done for you...
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trial, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." (Romans 5:1-5) NLT
Wednesday, July 15, 2020
"Remember Me!"
"He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love." (S.O.S. 2:4)
As far as these back and forth Scriptures are concerned, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, we will be going back and forth by reinforcing what is being said with what has already been declared, as many times as it needs to be said, because it needs to be said! Which reminds me of something we have left off of the table, so to speak, as we have been made to keep from coming together as a body of Believers: Communion!
I know it might be important to try and stay in line with the required guidelines and orders given by those in government, but there is a reason for coming together as a church; but greater than that, there is a reason that the church is being kept from coming together. To be clear, souls count more than the body, the body being these temporary tents that we are all living in. No matter what might happen to these bodies, it is the soul that will be judged when everything is said and done.
We only have this one chance to make this count, and it is important that it is not wasted pleasing men before God! If ever there was a time for the church to be made visible and alive, it is right now in this current culture; a time when people are looking for answers and some kind of hope. Is it any question to why the church is being silenced? I am pretty sure it is more spiritual than medical: souls are more important than flesh and blood!
If you might notice, the verse above is speaking in the past tense! Please forgive me if I leave it at that...
"Therefore, brethren, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17)
As far as these back and forth Scriptures are concerned, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, we will be going back and forth by reinforcing what is being said with what has already been declared, as many times as it needs to be said, because it needs to be said! Which reminds me of something we have left off of the table, so to speak, as we have been made to keep from coming together as a body of Believers: Communion!
I know it might be important to try and stay in line with the required guidelines and orders given by those in government, but there is a reason for coming together as a church; but greater than that, there is a reason that the church is being kept from coming together. To be clear, souls count more than the body, the body being these temporary tents that we are all living in. No matter what might happen to these bodies, it is the soul that will be judged when everything is said and done.
We only have this one chance to make this count, and it is important that it is not wasted pleasing men before God! If ever there was a time for the church to be made visible and alive, it is right now in this current culture; a time when people are looking for answers and some kind of hope. Is it any question to why the church is being silenced? I am pretty sure it is more spiritual than medical: souls are more important than flesh and blood!
If you might notice, the verse above is speaking in the past tense! Please forgive me if I leave it at that...
"Therefore, brethren, we are not debtors to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." (Romans 8:12-17)
Tuesday, July 14, 2020
"Taste And See!" -2
"As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste." (S.O.S. 2:3)
By the way, 'Have you ever eaten a pine tree?' It has been said that many parts are edible; although, I seriously doubt that they are enjoyable. This is basically a time in the life of every believer where we need to make a very distinct matter of fact, What is Truth! I intentionally did not use a question mark, because it is not a question that needs to be asked: It is a question that must be believed; it has got to be believed, regardless of what anyone else might say, or try and disprove. It is not a matter of choice; even though the world might try and make it so; there is no other truth, anything else is a lie!
I know that is called being narrow minded, but it is what it is; there can be only one truth! To make it seem more tangible, or edible, which ever way you choose to accept it, there needs to be reason in the way that you accept the Truth. Whatever you think about the message of hell, if you are not in the least bit interested as to whether or not it is real, that message will not be all that important to you. If you wonder what that might mean, it has more to do with how you handle the truth; because if you believe that it is real, then anyone you care about, becomes someone that needs to believe the message, or else!
Matthew Henry says: "The world is a barren tree to a soul; Christ is a fruitful one." Any other will not do, because only One gives the promise of eternal life! After all, it all comes down to the soul: What is Truth! If you want to limit truth to this current existence, then what you believe in is frail and soon to be gone. If, on the other hand, you believe that you have a soul, then truth needs to be more than what you can get from this current existence, and that means you need to believe in that which you cannot see.
It is really not a question of whether or not it is real; it is a question of whether or not it is important enough to be real. Is It? Can the reason be important enough to make it real? Based upon who's truth? Because if you are going to believe that the Bible is true, then you must cast out anything else! There cannot be two truths; one will satisfy completely, the other, not so much...
"For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:11-13)
By the way, 'Have you ever eaten a pine tree?' It has been said that many parts are edible; although, I seriously doubt that they are enjoyable. This is basically a time in the life of every believer where we need to make a very distinct matter of fact, What is Truth! I intentionally did not use a question mark, because it is not a question that needs to be asked: It is a question that must be believed; it has got to be believed, regardless of what anyone else might say, or try and disprove. It is not a matter of choice; even though the world might try and make it so; there is no other truth, anything else is a lie!
I know that is called being narrow minded, but it is what it is; there can be only one truth! To make it seem more tangible, or edible, which ever way you choose to accept it, there needs to be reason in the way that you accept the Truth. Whatever you think about the message of hell, if you are not in the least bit interested as to whether or not it is real, that message will not be all that important to you. If you wonder what that might mean, it has more to do with how you handle the truth; because if you believe that it is real, then anyone you care about, becomes someone that needs to believe the message, or else!
Matthew Henry says: "The world is a barren tree to a soul; Christ is a fruitful one." Any other will not do, because only One gives the promise of eternal life! After all, it all comes down to the soul: What is Truth! If you want to limit truth to this current existence, then what you believe in is frail and soon to be gone. If, on the other hand, you believe that you have a soul, then truth needs to be more than what you can get from this current existence, and that means you need to believe in that which you cannot see.
It is really not a question of whether or not it is real; it is a question of whether or not it is important enough to be real. Is It? Can the reason be important enough to make it real? Based upon who's truth? Because if you are going to believe that the Bible is true, then you must cast out anything else! There cannot be two truths; one will satisfy completely, the other, not so much...
"For the Scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:11-13)
Monday, July 13, 2020
"Taste And See!"
"As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to the taste." (S.O.S. 2:3)
"O, what needless pain we bare," was the thought that came to mine as I meditated upon this verse. And yet, I was reminded that our needless pain it actually good for us to realize; but in order to do so, we must experience it for ourselves, so that we know how needless it actually becomes. So, seeing is believing, as they say; but before you can see the benefit of faith, you must believe!
I think this goes hand-in-hand with what was shared yesterday, that we must never forget how much God loves us. It must be a foregone conclusion; which means that no matter what, you have made up your mind that it is settled and no matter what anything else might say, the result can be predicted with certainty! Yes, Jesus loves me!
There is a little message here that needs to be seen, regardless of your maturity or your status in the walk you currently have with the Lord. There is this point of pleasure to be expected; which, believe or not, is the engine that produces satisfaction and fulfillment. Not that we can't be surprised by what happens when we just show up, because anything is possible with God; but it means a whole lot more to us when we come expectant and hungry to be filled.
Call it faith put to the test, if you will; but that is practically what God means when He says, "Taste and see," because in the case of being comforted and overwhelmed by His love, you will not see it for real until you actually taste it for yourself. No matter how much you read about it, or how much you are taught about it, it does not become reality until you actually experience it on your own.
There is a movie that expresses this well, it is called, "Faith Like Potatoes." Set in South Africa, it shows one man's realization that faith is actually a substance; it can be held, and felt, and it is real! It is actually more real than the things we see around us, because it cannot be contained! It can't be sold, it can't be stored up, it can't even be shared; it must be lived out in our lives in order to be real...
"For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commandments. But faith's way of getting right with God says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven ?' (to bring Christ down to earth). And don't say, 'Who will go down to the place of the dead?' (to bring Christ back to life again)." In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." (Romans 10:5-10) NLT
"O, what needless pain we bare," was the thought that came to mine as I meditated upon this verse. And yet, I was reminded that our needless pain it actually good for us to realize; but in order to do so, we must experience it for ourselves, so that we know how needless it actually becomes. So, seeing is believing, as they say; but before you can see the benefit of faith, you must believe!
I think this goes hand-in-hand with what was shared yesterday, that we must never forget how much God loves us. It must be a foregone conclusion; which means that no matter what, you have made up your mind that it is settled and no matter what anything else might say, the result can be predicted with certainty! Yes, Jesus loves me!
There is a little message here that needs to be seen, regardless of your maturity or your status in the walk you currently have with the Lord. There is this point of pleasure to be expected; which, believe or not, is the engine that produces satisfaction and fulfillment. Not that we can't be surprised by what happens when we just show up, because anything is possible with God; but it means a whole lot more to us when we come expectant and hungry to be filled.
Call it faith put to the test, if you will; but that is practically what God means when He says, "Taste and see," because in the case of being comforted and overwhelmed by His love, you will not see it for real until you actually taste it for yourself. No matter how much you read about it, or how much you are taught about it, it does not become reality until you actually experience it on your own.
There is a movie that expresses this well, it is called, "Faith Like Potatoes." Set in South Africa, it shows one man's realization that faith is actually a substance; it can be held, and felt, and it is real! It is actually more real than the things we see around us, because it cannot be contained! It can't be sold, it can't be stored up, it can't even be shared; it must be lived out in our lives in order to be real...
"For Moses writes that the law's way of making a person right with God requires obedience to all of its commandments. But faith's way of getting right with God says, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will go up to heaven ?' (to bring Christ down to earth). And don't say, 'Who will go down to the place of the dead?' (to bring Christ back to life again)." In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart." And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved." (Romans 10:5-10) NLT
Sunday, July 12, 2020
"Young Woman"
"Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men. I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit. He escorts me to the banquet hall; it's obvious how much he loves me. Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love. His left hand is under my head, his right hand embraces me. Promise me, O women of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and wild deer, not to awaken love until the time is right." (S.O.S. 2:3-7 NLT)
There is quite a lot of dialogue here; but to be perfectly honest, there are six more verses before there is someone else who speaks; the Young Man answers in verse 14. This is another of the breaks that I mentioned, because verse 8 is the beginning of The Second Song.
Please forgive me if I get over excited about certain things that I express, as it is the very first time I have ever explored this Book; although I have probably gone through it at least 15 times, if not more. This is a pretty interesting adventure, even if it is only mine. But I seriously doubt that will be the case, because I feel that there is a reason God has prompted me to explore this wonderful work.
As I said in the beginning, this is a piece of work that I believe is closely aligned with the Book of Romans; they both address the same basic principles about the normal Christian life. Dealing with all of the different peaks and valleys, the times of testing and moments of victories; the fears of doubting your salvation, and the reason the doubt is even there.
The bottom line in all of our lives, both young and old, is that we understand and believe that God loves us; that His love for us is not based upon our performance or our ability to be the best that we can be; but is to gain our hearts and minds, as we understand that He loves us unconditionally! That is pretty mind blowing, but it is what it takes to be truly set apart! Because, truth be told, the normal Christian life is a mess; it is a mess because our sins make it a mess, constantly taunting us and causing us to ask for forgiveness.
But a beautiful mess is always better than a mess that cannot be fixed! There is the most exciting news about the constant fight, the victory has already been won! We just need to patiently walk, (or run, however you want to look at it,) it out and reach that beautiful finish line. And how do you suppose we do that? DO NOT FORGET THAT GOD LOVES YOU...
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
There is quite a lot of dialogue here; but to be perfectly honest, there are six more verses before there is someone else who speaks; the Young Man answers in verse 14. This is another of the breaks that I mentioned, because verse 8 is the beginning of The Second Song.
Please forgive me if I get over excited about certain things that I express, as it is the very first time I have ever explored this Book; although I have probably gone through it at least 15 times, if not more. This is a pretty interesting adventure, even if it is only mine. But I seriously doubt that will be the case, because I feel that there is a reason God has prompted me to explore this wonderful work.
As I said in the beginning, this is a piece of work that I believe is closely aligned with the Book of Romans; they both address the same basic principles about the normal Christian life. Dealing with all of the different peaks and valleys, the times of testing and moments of victories; the fears of doubting your salvation, and the reason the doubt is even there.
The bottom line in all of our lives, both young and old, is that we understand and believe that God loves us; that His love for us is not based upon our performance or our ability to be the best that we can be; but is to gain our hearts and minds, as we understand that He loves us unconditionally! That is pretty mind blowing, but it is what it takes to be truly set apart! Because, truth be told, the normal Christian life is a mess; it is a mess because our sins make it a mess, constantly taunting us and causing us to ask for forgiveness.
But a beautiful mess is always better than a mess that cannot be fixed! There is the most exciting news about the constant fight, the victory has already been won! We just need to patiently walk, (or run, however you want to look at it,) it out and reach that beautiful finish line. And how do you suppose we do that? DO NOT FORGET THAT GOD LOVES YOU...
"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39)
Saturday, July 11, 2020
"Lily Among Thorns"
"As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters." (S.O.S. 2:2)
As far as practical application goes, this is a picture of what we should expect this life to be; not as a lily among other lilies, but that of being a lily among thorns; where thorns represent sinful people, the cares of this world, and the darkness of this fallen world. It is wise to know and understand what is around us, because without knowing, we are not prepared for what might overcome us, or worse, cause us to be turned into thorns.
Matthew Henry puts it like this: "When they are among the thorns they must still be as lilies, must maintain their innocency and purity, and, though they are among thorns, must not be turn into thorns, must not render railing for railing, and, if they thus preserve their character, they shall be still owned as conformable to Christ."
This is not just a simple illustration, because there are two parts; one that shows what we represent, and one that shows our representation. If you know anything about gardening, there is absolutely no way that a delicate flower can stay alive in the midst of thorns and thistles; not without being taken care of by a gardener, someone to trim away those thorns and keep the flower from being choked out.
This is what we are, much as David described in his famous 23rd Psalm: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4) Yes, we are as such, but we are also not alone! Sometimes we might feel as though we are, but that is what fear does in us, it makes false evidence appear real; the things of this world, whether they be cares or threats, they are not real! The cares will not satisfy and the threats cannot overtake us!
There is only one thing that we must fear, to not be the lily that we are, and discredit the Gardener...
"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us." (Romans 8:35-37) NLT
As far as practical application goes, this is a picture of what we should expect this life to be; not as a lily among other lilies, but that of being a lily among thorns; where thorns represent sinful people, the cares of this world, and the darkness of this fallen world. It is wise to know and understand what is around us, because without knowing, we are not prepared for what might overcome us, or worse, cause us to be turned into thorns.
Matthew Henry puts it like this: "When they are among the thorns they must still be as lilies, must maintain their innocency and purity, and, though they are among thorns, must not be turn into thorns, must not render railing for railing, and, if they thus preserve their character, they shall be still owned as conformable to Christ."
This is not just a simple illustration, because there are two parts; one that shows what we represent, and one that shows our representation. If you know anything about gardening, there is absolutely no way that a delicate flower can stay alive in the midst of thorns and thistles; not without being taken care of by a gardener, someone to trim away those thorns and keep the flower from being choked out.
This is what we are, much as David described in his famous 23rd Psalm: "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." (Psalms 23:4) Yes, we are as such, but we are also not alone! Sometimes we might feel as though we are, but that is what fear does in us, it makes false evidence appear real; the things of this world, whether they be cares or threats, they are not real! The cares will not satisfy and the threats cannot overtake us!
There is only one thing that we must fear, to not be the lily that we are, and discredit the Gardener...
"Can anything ever separate us from Christ's love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? (As the Scriptures say, "For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.") No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loves us." (Romans 8:35-37) NLT
Friday, July 10, 2020
"Young Man"
"Like a lily among thistles is my darling among young women." (S.O.S. 2:2 NLT)
Just in case you thought it was a riddle, the riddle is like a key; it is the lock that it fits into that opens the door; and there are many doors to be opened. This door, whether it be secular or spiritual, it is the key to love; the kind of love that makes the one that is being loved special! Of all the women in the valley, this little darling stands out, as a lily among thistles!
We can try hard to find another answer to the age old question, Why does God love me; and you will not find a greater answer then the one that is right before us today: Because you are special! Does that mean to say that God has favorites? No, I don't believe that is the case. God's children are all special and uniquely different; there are no two alike because that is how He made us to be, each and every one of us have something that is uniquely our own; and it is that which God sees above all else.
There is really no difference between that and the love of parents towards multiple children; they love all their children all the same, but there are certain things that their children have within their character that set them apart from the others. Besides, this kind of love requires us to realize that God knows us, not that He just knows about us, or that He sees us as one of His children; this kind of love lets us know that He knows what sets us apart from everyone else!
Whether the thought of that helps you or not, I guess is between you and God; but if you are looking for the reason why He loves you specifically, you have got to realize that you have a special place in His heart. And, if you doubt that is even possible, you need to know: our God has an amazingly big heart! He sees us as we will be, not as we see ourselves; that in itself should give us better understanding of His love; as He looks past this sinful life of ours, because our sins have been covered completely by the blood of His Son; we have been made white as snow; or in the case of the verse above: as white as a lily, among dark and thorny thistles...
"What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not my beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God." (Romans 9:22-26)
Just in case you thought it was a riddle, the riddle is like a key; it is the lock that it fits into that opens the door; and there are many doors to be opened. This door, whether it be secular or spiritual, it is the key to love; the kind of love that makes the one that is being loved special! Of all the women in the valley, this little darling stands out, as a lily among thistles!
We can try hard to find another answer to the age old question, Why does God love me; and you will not find a greater answer then the one that is right before us today: Because you are special! Does that mean to say that God has favorites? No, I don't believe that is the case. God's children are all special and uniquely different; there are no two alike because that is how He made us to be, each and every one of us have something that is uniquely our own; and it is that which God sees above all else.
There is really no difference between that and the love of parents towards multiple children; they love all their children all the same, but there are certain things that their children have within their character that set them apart from the others. Besides, this kind of love requires us to realize that God knows us, not that He just knows about us, or that He sees us as one of His children; this kind of love lets us know that He knows what sets us apart from everyone else!
Whether the thought of that helps you or not, I guess is between you and God; but if you are looking for the reason why He loves you specifically, you have got to realize that you have a special place in His heart. And, if you doubt that is even possible, you need to know: our God has an amazingly big heart! He sees us as we will be, not as we see ourselves; that in itself should give us better understanding of His love; as He looks past this sinful life of ours, because our sins have been covered completely by the blood of His Son; we have been made white as snow; or in the case of the verse above: as white as a lily, among dark and thorny thistles...
"What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: and that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not my beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God." (Romans 9:22-26)
Thursday, July 9, 2020
"Young Woman"
"I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys." (S.O.S. 2:1)
If there could be any other way, it would have been done; but as it was, there was only one way that God could put Humpty-Dumpty back together again! Don't ask me why I said that, because it just popped into my mind and I had to use it. But seriously, we have got to understand the love that God has for us; because His love for you and I is so much more deeper than we can ever comprehend.
Not everything I listen to, can I completely agree with, but yesterday I was listening to a message about the first two disciples of Jesus, and when the pastor mentioned how John spoke about the fact that it had been 10:00 in the morning, I turned up the radio to make sure that he was saying what I thought he was going to say. And he did; as I have always assumed, John and Andrew were the two men that left following John the baptist, to follow Jesus.
That is one of the things about several of the Bible authors, there lack of saying me or I, but saying one, as in, the other one. Maybe it's just me, but I have always wondered if it had something to do with another life, as in, this one is not really that one that matters. Anywho, this had me listening a little more intently, and as it turned out, the message went straight to Andrew, and his need to go and tell his brother Simon about Jesus.
Not that it counts against anyone, but the reason John's testimony about the time of day is key, is because the actual date may not have mattered, because it is hard to remember; especially if you are trying to remember a date from 30 years or so before. I cannot remember the exact date I was born again on; but I do remember what day of the week it was on, and I do remember what the approximate time of day that it was.
This is just a little something about something special! That is what you and I have been made, a special creation; something that could not be created, except by being formed! That might not be a thing that causes you to be amazed, but it is something that should make you feel special. But, if that is not enough; then just a simple illustration might do: A rose by any other name is still a rose, but when it is a lily, it is grown from poison bulbs...
"For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" (Romans 8:29-31) NLT
If there could be any other way, it would have been done; but as it was, there was only one way that God could put Humpty-Dumpty back together again! Don't ask me why I said that, because it just popped into my mind and I had to use it. But seriously, we have got to understand the love that God has for us; because His love for you and I is so much more deeper than we can ever comprehend.
Not everything I listen to, can I completely agree with, but yesterday I was listening to a message about the first two disciples of Jesus, and when the pastor mentioned how John spoke about the fact that it had been 10:00 in the morning, I turned up the radio to make sure that he was saying what I thought he was going to say. And he did; as I have always assumed, John and Andrew were the two men that left following John the baptist, to follow Jesus.
That is one of the things about several of the Bible authors, there lack of saying me or I, but saying one, as in, the other one. Maybe it's just me, but I have always wondered if it had something to do with another life, as in, this one is not really that one that matters. Anywho, this had me listening a little more intently, and as it turned out, the message went straight to Andrew, and his need to go and tell his brother Simon about Jesus.
Not that it counts against anyone, but the reason John's testimony about the time of day is key, is because the actual date may not have mattered, because it is hard to remember; especially if you are trying to remember a date from 30 years or so before. I cannot remember the exact date I was born again on; but I do remember what day of the week it was on, and I do remember what the approximate time of day that it was.
This is just a little something about something special! That is what you and I have been made, a special creation; something that could not be created, except by being formed! That might not be a thing that causes you to be amazed, but it is something that should make you feel special. But, if that is not enough; then just a simple illustration might do: A rose by any other name is still a rose, but when it is a lily, it is grown from poison bulbs...
"For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?" (Romans 8:29-31) NLT
Wednesday, July 8, 2020
"Chapter Two"
"I am the spring crocus blooming on the Sharon Plain, the lily of the valley." (S.O.S. 2:1 NLT)
There are some things that require time, and there are some things that time does not wait for; in the life of the believer, time is of the essence! We hear that term quite frequently, as it is a popular term in contract law and in the medical field; but in the normal Christian life, time is not measured in units, but it is measured in ability and confirmation. If I might be blunt, a lot of that is based upon feelings.
If you really want to get right down to it, I believe that the New Believer is meant to run from the very first moment of birth. So much has changed over the years, as the current generation of leaders are instructing new believers to take it slow, read certain Scriptures and study material, and get involved in a small group study; all of which is fine, but the new believer is born with everything they need to run, right from the start; making them to first learn to crawl and then walk, is not only a waste of time, it is a waste of resources.
You might have a different view, and you are entitled to it; but I can tell you from experience, putting your gifts and calling on hold, is not only a waste of time and resources, but it messes up the priorities and the reason you are here. Strike while the iron is hot, is another term that is better suited for the Christian life; because it is not about feelings, it is about opportunity and leading. Tell me, if you can, how many times that there was something powerful done in the Spirit, where the person being led to do something, said, 'I'll come back this way tomorrow and pray for you.'
To point something out, this verse is a continuation of the 'Young Woman' sharing her experience with her beloved; and in this case, she has discovered her worth. Something to ponder, if that is even a good plan of response; because the more we think about it, the more we think about it wrongly! I don't think we can give ourselves the opportunity to debate the issue: our thoughts are not His, and our ways come nowhere close to His ways; so why even try to figure anything out! We had a little expression in jail for playing dominoes: Study long, study wrong!
The point I think in that, is much to do about commitment and opportunity: You know what it is you are meant to do, so you don't hesitate to do it, once that door opens up. This is also something else, to those that might be into songs and poetry; because the "Rose of Sharon," and the "Lilly of the Valley," are both applied to Jesus Christ.
I have one of those abstract pictures, the one that shows Jesus on the cross; and the one thing I tell everyone that tries to see Jesus and can't, is to find their own reflection and try staring into their own eyes, and then Jesus will suddenly appear. This is what happens with new life; don't waste any time trying to undo what just happened: run with it...
"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that now the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For a woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that ye should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 7:1-4)
There are some things that require time, and there are some things that time does not wait for; in the life of the believer, time is of the essence! We hear that term quite frequently, as it is a popular term in contract law and in the medical field; but in the normal Christian life, time is not measured in units, but it is measured in ability and confirmation. If I might be blunt, a lot of that is based upon feelings.
If you really want to get right down to it, I believe that the New Believer is meant to run from the very first moment of birth. So much has changed over the years, as the current generation of leaders are instructing new believers to take it slow, read certain Scriptures and study material, and get involved in a small group study; all of which is fine, but the new believer is born with everything they need to run, right from the start; making them to first learn to crawl and then walk, is not only a waste of time, it is a waste of resources.
You might have a different view, and you are entitled to it; but I can tell you from experience, putting your gifts and calling on hold, is not only a waste of time and resources, but it messes up the priorities and the reason you are here. Strike while the iron is hot, is another term that is better suited for the Christian life; because it is not about feelings, it is about opportunity and leading. Tell me, if you can, how many times that there was something powerful done in the Spirit, where the person being led to do something, said, 'I'll come back this way tomorrow and pray for you.'
To point something out, this verse is a continuation of the 'Young Woman' sharing her experience with her beloved; and in this case, she has discovered her worth. Something to ponder, if that is even a good plan of response; because the more we think about it, the more we think about it wrongly! I don't think we can give ourselves the opportunity to debate the issue: our thoughts are not His, and our ways come nowhere close to His ways; so why even try to figure anything out! We had a little expression in jail for playing dominoes: Study long, study wrong!
The point I think in that, is much to do about commitment and opportunity: You know what it is you are meant to do, so you don't hesitate to do it, once that door opens up. This is also something else, to those that might be into songs and poetry; because the "Rose of Sharon," and the "Lilly of the Valley," are both applied to Jesus Christ.
I have one of those abstract pictures, the one that shows Jesus on the cross; and the one thing I tell everyone that tries to see Jesus and can't, is to find their own reflection and try staring into their own eyes, and then Jesus will suddenly appear. This is what happens with new life; don't waste any time trying to undo what just happened: run with it...
"Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that now the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth? For a woman which hath a husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband. So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man. Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that ye should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 7:1-4)
Tuesday, July 7, 2020
"What Can I Do!"
"The beams of our house are cedar, and our rafters are fir." (S.O.S. 1:17)
To try and make sense of this, there is one thing that we must identify that this verse and last has in common, besides being furniture and parts of the building; they are co-owned. Not that I have not tried to call anything I have my own, because saying that would be a lie; it is almost as natural for me to say, as it is to call my wife, my wife. But this is something entirely different; this is about something that is shared and of joint use or relationship. It would be awkward to say it any other way, much like speaking of the bedroom you share with your spouse, and calling it your bedroom; or to be talking with your sister and calling the mother you both share, my mother.
The same thing is true for the any ministry or work that we do for the Lord: it must be a joint work or ministry! I know there will be disagreement in that observation; but having owned a business and lived under that type of structure, I know what it is like to be the owner, verses the hireling. There is this whole different level of responsibility that you automatically assume, because you have invested interest in what happens under your roof, (no pun intended.)
The example of this is easy to see, as the house obviously belongs to her beloved, yet she is making a clear statement of co-ownership, calling it, "our bed, our house, our rafters." This is the product of what is complete in our relationship with Christ: we are One! As is pictured, He is the head; the house is ultimately His, but we are dwelling in Him; so therefore, the house is ours.
It gets pretty complicated if you start trying to keep track of what is what; but in the world of what is who's, it is all the Lord's, no matter what! You simply cannot claim anything as your own! That, for all intended purposes, includes your cross; yes, that's right, that cross your called to pick up and follow with, it is not your cross; although it is your's to bare, it is also your's that you share.
Which leads me to something unique about these two verses, because the bed is a piece of furniture, but the beams and the rafters are the structural parts of the house. What do you think that the cross is for? It is surely not something that we carry around and wear! It is to be killed upon...
"For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:5-6)
To try and make sense of this, there is one thing that we must identify that this verse and last has in common, besides being furniture and parts of the building; they are co-owned. Not that I have not tried to call anything I have my own, because saying that would be a lie; it is almost as natural for me to say, as it is to call my wife, my wife. But this is something entirely different; this is about something that is shared and of joint use or relationship. It would be awkward to say it any other way, much like speaking of the bedroom you share with your spouse, and calling it your bedroom; or to be talking with your sister and calling the mother you both share, my mother.
The same thing is true for the any ministry or work that we do for the Lord: it must be a joint work or ministry! I know there will be disagreement in that observation; but having owned a business and lived under that type of structure, I know what it is like to be the owner, verses the hireling. There is this whole different level of responsibility that you automatically assume, because you have invested interest in what happens under your roof, (no pun intended.)
The example of this is easy to see, as the house obviously belongs to her beloved, yet she is making a clear statement of co-ownership, calling it, "our bed, our house, our rafters." This is the product of what is complete in our relationship with Christ: we are One! As is pictured, He is the head; the house is ultimately His, but we are dwelling in Him; so therefore, the house is ours.
It gets pretty complicated if you start trying to keep track of what is what; but in the world of what is who's, it is all the Lord's, no matter what! You simply cannot claim anything as your own! That, for all intended purposes, includes your cross; yes, that's right, that cross your called to pick up and follow with, it is not your cross; although it is your's to bare, it is also your's that you share.
Which leads me to something unique about these two verses, because the bed is a piece of furniture, but the beams and the rafters are the structural parts of the house. What do you think that the cross is for? It is surely not something that we carry around and wear! It is to be killed upon...
"For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter." (Romans 7:5-6)
Monday, July 6, 2020
"What Can I Say!"
"Also our bed is green." (S.O.S. 1:16b)
If you don't know what this means, it is not all that unusual, because there is a certain type of people that really don't look for change and newness; some people just don't get all that excited about things that are unstructured or take them out of their comfort zone. As a matter of fact, if you get right down to it, most people are fine if you don't change anything or disturb the routine of their daily life; if it happens, some people will actually start to feel threatened and on edge.
This is about something that can work, ever so slightly, even for the most structured person, if they will simply ask the Lord to use their life and make a vessel for Him to use. That does not mean you need to become a missionary or even start going door to door speaking to people about Jesus; but what it does mean, is that you are willing to allow the Lord to change you; whatever that means, is totally between you and the Lord.
Matthew Henry says it like this: "Our bed is green, a color which, in a pastoral, is preferred before any other, because it is the color of fields and groves where the shepherd's business and delight are. It is a refreshing color, good for the eyes; and it denotes fruitfulness. I am like a green olive tree, Psalms 52:8."
This is what we should look for in the relationship between two people in love; as it should be, there is always a delightful and new experience that is the spark that keeps the fire burning inside. But, maybe that is something we expect from those that are newly married; us older couples, we just are satisfied with sharing about old times and happy enough to still be together. Such is life...
"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 7:4)
If you don't know what this means, it is not all that unusual, because there is a certain type of people that really don't look for change and newness; some people just don't get all that excited about things that are unstructured or take them out of their comfort zone. As a matter of fact, if you get right down to it, most people are fine if you don't change anything or disturb the routine of their daily life; if it happens, some people will actually start to feel threatened and on edge.
This is about something that can work, ever so slightly, even for the most structured person, if they will simply ask the Lord to use their life and make a vessel for Him to use. That does not mean you need to become a missionary or even start going door to door speaking to people about Jesus; but what it does mean, is that you are willing to allow the Lord to change you; whatever that means, is totally between you and the Lord.
Matthew Henry says it like this: "Our bed is green, a color which, in a pastoral, is preferred before any other, because it is the color of fields and groves where the shepherd's business and delight are. It is a refreshing color, good for the eyes; and it denotes fruitfulness. I am like a green olive tree, Psalms 52:8."
This is what we should look for in the relationship between two people in love; as it should be, there is always a delightful and new experience that is the spark that keeps the fire burning inside. But, maybe that is something we expect from those that are newly married; us older couples, we just are satisfied with sharing about old times and happy enough to still be together. Such is life...
"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God." (Romans 7:4)
Sunday, July 5, 2020
"Pleasing Beyond Words!"
"Behold, thou art fair, my beloved, yea, pleasant:" (S.O.S. 1:16a)
If there is one thing that make this journey all the more interesting, it is how much the Lord keeps me always anticipating that there is more to come; no matter how discouraged I might get, it is that sense of one more episode to enter into, or one more chance to share a meal together. There is always more in store for those that wait upon the Lord!
The word, "pleasant," is such a delightful word; it is the kind of word that might be used to describe your happy place, that place you might go to when you just need comfort and rest, a place where all your cares are swept away. In the case of Paul's description of heaven, this might be such a word that he might have used, if he was asked to use one word that summed it up. But, if it were possible, he might have; instead he just said it was impossible to put into words!
I know that there are skeptics and doubters that might read this; so there is something to take from this, if you are in the least bit interested. This life will soon pass, as much as it might seem to offer, it is all smoke and mirrors compared to what is up ahead. You have a choice as to how you will live this life: you can either ignore that which might be ahead and feel somewhat good, yet always wondering; or you can embrace what is made available in Christ, feeling great about what lies ahead, and never left wondering if you might be wrong.
That is what it feels like to be in my happy place; that place where there is no more doubt, because doubt is swallowed up by the love of God! There is nothing that can even come close to it; I can always get lost in His love, as I think upon it, exploring all of many different ways that He shows me how much He loves me. There is just too many ways to count, because there are too many times I have not deserved His love, to count!
Try that, and see; the Lord is so good! Pleasing beyond words...
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory." (Romans 5:1-2) NLT
If there is one thing that make this journey all the more interesting, it is how much the Lord keeps me always anticipating that there is more to come; no matter how discouraged I might get, it is that sense of one more episode to enter into, or one more chance to share a meal together. There is always more in store for those that wait upon the Lord!
The word, "pleasant," is such a delightful word; it is the kind of word that might be used to describe your happy place, that place you might go to when you just need comfort and rest, a place where all your cares are swept away. In the case of Paul's description of heaven, this might be such a word that he might have used, if he was asked to use one word that summed it up. But, if it were possible, he might have; instead he just said it was impossible to put into words!
I know that there are skeptics and doubters that might read this; so there is something to take from this, if you are in the least bit interested. This life will soon pass, as much as it might seem to offer, it is all smoke and mirrors compared to what is up ahead. You have a choice as to how you will live this life: you can either ignore that which might be ahead and feel somewhat good, yet always wondering; or you can embrace what is made available in Christ, feeling great about what lies ahead, and never left wondering if you might be wrong.
That is what it feels like to be in my happy place; that place where there is no more doubt, because doubt is swallowed up by the love of God! There is nothing that can even come close to it; I can always get lost in His love, as I think upon it, exploring all of many different ways that He shows me how much He loves me. There is just too many ways to count, because there are too many times I have not deserved His love, to count!
Try that, and see; the Lord is so good! Pleasing beyond words...
"Therefore, since we have been made right in God's sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God's glory." (Romans 5:1-2) NLT
Saturday, July 4, 2020
"Young Woman"
"You are so handsome, my love, pleasing beyond words! The soft grass is our bed; fragrant cedar branches are the beams of our house, and pleasant smelling firs are the rafters." (S.O.S. 1:16-17 NLT)
There is something everyone must understand, the love between a man and woman is ordained by God. There is just no other way to explain this, other than the facts: a man is made to be with a woman, and the woman is made to be with the man; any other form of physical love is unnatural and does not match what God has ordained. This goes so much further than a sexual relationship; this is about a connection between what God made that was two, that they might be one.
I only wish that I could explain what I am talking about with a little better clarity; but my purity in this matter was tainted and distorted at a very young age. What I do see the Bible says, is that the reason we should save ourselves for marriage, is because the sacred act of what a man and woman do to consecrate their marriage is somehow connected with God; which makes that experience meant to be religious rather than secular. To explain that, other than what I can read, I have no clue what it actually is to experience the religious aspects of, so called, love making.
There are three very distinct breaks that I am making in the text; the songs, the chapters, and the speakers; pretty much in that order. The songs are what I believe are very similar to dimensions; or if it makes more sense, expressions of enlightenment, based upon how things are seen. Songs are pretty much meant to set the tempo and mood, that which is temporary, either of frame of mind or of feeling. Chapters, on the other hand, are breaks in the growth and progress; each chapter building up to and in sequence with the next; while making a connection and continuation of that which came before.
I know it sounds weird, and I really don't know why I said it; but I only know the things I feel that God is speaking into my heart. Other than that, it is what it is; because the third break is the speakers; and the speakers get interrupted by the change in chapters and songs: 8 chapters with 6 separate songs. How that actually all works out, is something I look forward to understanding...
"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshipping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshipped idols made like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile a degrading things with each other's bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshipped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen." (Romans 1:21-25) NLT
There is something everyone must understand, the love between a man and woman is ordained by God. There is just no other way to explain this, other than the facts: a man is made to be with a woman, and the woman is made to be with the man; any other form of physical love is unnatural and does not match what God has ordained. This goes so much further than a sexual relationship; this is about a connection between what God made that was two, that they might be one.
I only wish that I could explain what I am talking about with a little better clarity; but my purity in this matter was tainted and distorted at a very young age. What I do see the Bible says, is that the reason we should save ourselves for marriage, is because the sacred act of what a man and woman do to consecrate their marriage is somehow connected with God; which makes that experience meant to be religious rather than secular. To explain that, other than what I can read, I have no clue what it actually is to experience the religious aspects of, so called, love making.
There are three very distinct breaks that I am making in the text; the songs, the chapters, and the speakers; pretty much in that order. The songs are what I believe are very similar to dimensions; or if it makes more sense, expressions of enlightenment, based upon how things are seen. Songs are pretty much meant to set the tempo and mood, that which is temporary, either of frame of mind or of feeling. Chapters, on the other hand, are breaks in the growth and progress; each chapter building up to and in sequence with the next; while making a connection and continuation of that which came before.
I know it sounds weird, and I really don't know why I said it; but I only know the things I feel that God is speaking into my heart. Other than that, it is what it is; because the third break is the speakers; and the speakers get interrupted by the change in chapters and songs: 8 chapters with 6 separate songs. How that actually all works out, is something I look forward to understanding...
"Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn't worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Claiming to be wise, they instead became utter fools. And instead of worshipping the glorious, ever-living God, they worshipped idols made like mere people and birds and animals and reptiles. So God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. As a result, they did vile a degrading things with each other's bodies. They traded the truth about God for a lie. So they worshipped and served the things God created instead of the Creator himself, who is worthy of eternal praise! Amen." (Romans 1:21-25) NLT
Friday, July 3, 2020
"The Weakest Link" -2
"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes." (S.O.S. 1:15)
Before we move on, there is one more little item to clear up, as to the this fair thing; because God is the One that makes us this way; this is not something that we do on our own. If anything, we have a tendency to mess things up, if that is even possible. But God, the Creator of heaven and earth, He can take our mess and turn it into a message; He can take our mistakes, and He can use those mistakes for His purposes, and for His glory!
I don't really think we need to get into the particular examples, because there are plenty. Solomon is a pretty good example of how that might look; if that is you are like me, and expect to see him in heaven. Mistakes and all, God uses each and every one us to paint a beautiful picture of His wonderful grace; as Matthew Henry puts it: "That he takes great delight in the good work which his grace has wrought on the souls of believers; so that though they have infirmities, whatever they think of themselves, and the world thinks of them, he thinks them fair. He calls them friends."
The other mistake we make, all too often, is that over our weakness. It is good for us to know we are weak; it is good for us to know how much we depend upon Him to get us through this, whatever it is that we are in, even if it is not apparent. If there is anything here to express the meaning of these, "doves' eyes" it is that fact, humility and weeping eyes; eyes that are looking for God's direction and provision; not as the hawk or the eagle, those eyes the are searching out to fend for themselves.
No, this is more that speaks to, if you will, the look the glances back to Him; that look that is not looking to what it might get, but to what it is given...
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30)
Before we move on, there is one more little item to clear up, as to the this fair thing; because God is the One that makes us this way; this is not something that we do on our own. If anything, we have a tendency to mess things up, if that is even possible. But God, the Creator of heaven and earth, He can take our mess and turn it into a message; He can take our mistakes, and He can use those mistakes for His purposes, and for His glory!
I don't really think we need to get into the particular examples, because there are plenty. Solomon is a pretty good example of how that might look; if that is you are like me, and expect to see him in heaven. Mistakes and all, God uses each and every one us to paint a beautiful picture of His wonderful grace; as Matthew Henry puts it: "That he takes great delight in the good work which his grace has wrought on the souls of believers; so that though they have infirmities, whatever they think of themselves, and the world thinks of them, he thinks them fair. He calls them friends."
The other mistake we make, all too often, is that over our weakness. It is good for us to know we are weak; it is good for us to know how much we depend upon Him to get us through this, whatever it is that we are in, even if it is not apparent. If there is anything here to express the meaning of these, "doves' eyes" it is that fact, humility and weeping eyes; eyes that are looking for God's direction and provision; not as the hawk or the eagle, those eyes the are searching out to fend for themselves.
No, this is more that speaks to, if you will, the look the glances back to Him; that look that is not looking to what it might get, but to what it is given...
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified." (Romans 8:28-30)
Thursday, July 2, 2020
"The Weakest Link"
"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes." (S.O.S. 1:15)
What say we turn over a couple of rocks; because there is something here I think needs to be looked at, if for no other reason, than that we might gain a little strength. Maybe I might be wrong, but the last I checked, strength is not really a virtue that God is looking for in those He chooses to depend upon Him. What He is looking for is someone that He can mold and make into a vessel that He can use.
That said, I think we have this certain tendency to get a little puffed up. Even the most faithful of God's servants, seem to experience a little period of feeling stronger than they should, in one way or another. That does not mean they are not used by God in their moments of pride and vanity; because, if truth be told, even our moments of failure and falling short are part of His story. The question that is relevant to our situation, is that of God's love remaining in our weakest moments; and whether or not we believe that it does.
Long story short, it is God's love that holds it all together! No matter how low we go or how hard we fall, we can never break that link that binds us to God's love, ever! How can I make such a claim, you might wonder? If He loved you then, then He loves you now! He knows you inside and out; there is nothing that we do that He is unaware of or was not prepared for us to do. Whether you can accept that or not, it really should matter; you can say you don't believe that to be the case; but it takes away from your ability to fully and completely trust in God.
Does that mean we have license to sin? Not in the least! I want you to know something that I feel is most important; something that you will not fully see or be aware of until you are actually in glory: there are people in our lives that we are going to weep over, seriously weep over! Yes, believe it or not, but there will be tears in heaven. God will wipe them away, but there will be tears for those you know that you caused to fall away; those that you stumbled, by not showing the love of God to. There is a reason for us to be holy, as He is holy; a reason that is not just for personal gain.
On a more pleasant note, God loves you and has a plan for you! With all the bad and stupid stuff we do, He still loves us, He never says, I made a mistake! God never makes mistakes...
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay a charge to God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:31-34)
What say we turn over a couple of rocks; because there is something here I think needs to be looked at, if for no other reason, than that we might gain a little strength. Maybe I might be wrong, but the last I checked, strength is not really a virtue that God is looking for in those He chooses to depend upon Him. What He is looking for is someone that He can mold and make into a vessel that He can use.
That said, I think we have this certain tendency to get a little puffed up. Even the most faithful of God's servants, seem to experience a little period of feeling stronger than they should, in one way or another. That does not mean they are not used by God in their moments of pride and vanity; because, if truth be told, even our moments of failure and falling short are part of His story. The question that is relevant to our situation, is that of God's love remaining in our weakest moments; and whether or not we believe that it does.
Long story short, it is God's love that holds it all together! No matter how low we go or how hard we fall, we can never break that link that binds us to God's love, ever! How can I make such a claim, you might wonder? If He loved you then, then He loves you now! He knows you inside and out; there is nothing that we do that He is unaware of or was not prepared for us to do. Whether you can accept that or not, it really should matter; you can say you don't believe that to be the case; but it takes away from your ability to fully and completely trust in God.
Does that mean we have license to sin? Not in the least! I want you to know something that I feel is most important; something that you will not fully see or be aware of until you are actually in glory: there are people in our lives that we are going to weep over, seriously weep over! Yes, believe it or not, but there will be tears in heaven. God will wipe them away, but there will be tears for those you know that you caused to fall away; those that you stumbled, by not showing the love of God to. There is a reason for us to be holy, as He is holy; a reason that is not just for personal gain.
On a more pleasant note, God loves you and has a plan for you! With all the bad and stupid stuff we do, He still loves us, He never says, I made a mistake! God never makes mistakes...
"What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay a charge to God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us." (Romans 8:31-34)
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
"Young Man"
"How beautiful you are my darling, how beautiful! Your eyes are like doves." (S.O.S. 1:15 NLT)
By now I think you see the direction this is going; as it is, there are several indicators here that the Song Of Songs, as many refer to it, is called that because it declares the victory there is in trusting God, regardless of anything or everything else! I couldn't help but think of that joke about the man hanging onto the root, as he was dangling off the the side of a cliff; as he cries out for help, a voice answer, "I am here, and I hear you." The man answers back, "Can you save me?" The voice says, "Yes, I can save you." The man, with desperation, says, "Will you save me?" The voice says, "Yes, I will save you." (The answer given as if there is really nothing to worry about.) The man, seemingly feeling desperate and out of time, says, "What do I need to do!" The voice gently says, "Let go of the root."
Obviously, if you were to think about it, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. What is it that God uses to show us His mercy and grace? What has it always been, from the very beginning? It has been broken people with hope! People that failed to be perfect, but had their hope placed in a perfect God! Not only was He a perfect God, but He loved His people with a perfect love; the kind of love that sees the beauty in what He has created, because it is His darling creation, which He not only formed with His own hands, but breathed life into it, making it a living soul; a soul that was connected to His Spirit!
We cannot begin to imagine all that God has planned for our lives, because our lives involve plans that far exceed this life here on this earth. I say that with all seriousness, because it is impossible to even begin to think about what heaven will be like. There are people that say that they might have seen it or somehow experienced it; but bright lights and streets of gold are not what will make it the most spectacular thing about beings there: it will be that we are in God's presence, yet we are not vaporized or dissolved; rather we are radiated by His light and made to shine. How else can He point to us, saying, "Look at the beautiful darling creation that I have made!"
God's ways are not our ways; yet we are always second guessing the way God is working ways out! His thoughts are not our thoughts; yet we keep thinking how we can help Him change us, improve our situation, or make ourselves more perfect. Yet, He just wants us to let go of what keeps us from trusting completely in Him...
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4)
By now I think you see the direction this is going; as it is, there are several indicators here that the Song Of Songs, as many refer to it, is called that because it declares the victory there is in trusting God, regardless of anything or everything else! I couldn't help but think of that joke about the man hanging onto the root, as he was dangling off the the side of a cliff; as he cries out for help, a voice answer, "I am here, and I hear you." The man answers back, "Can you save me?" The voice says, "Yes, I can save you." The man, with desperation, says, "Will you save me?" The voice says, "Yes, I will save you." (The answer given as if there is really nothing to worry about.) The man, seemingly feeling desperate and out of time, says, "What do I need to do!" The voice gently says, "Let go of the root."
Obviously, if you were to think about it, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. What is it that God uses to show us His mercy and grace? What has it always been, from the very beginning? It has been broken people with hope! People that failed to be perfect, but had their hope placed in a perfect God! Not only was He a perfect God, but He loved His people with a perfect love; the kind of love that sees the beauty in what He has created, because it is His darling creation, which He not only formed with His own hands, but breathed life into it, making it a living soul; a soul that was connected to His Spirit!
We cannot begin to imagine all that God has planned for our lives, because our lives involve plans that far exceed this life here on this earth. I say that with all seriousness, because it is impossible to even begin to think about what heaven will be like. There are people that say that they might have seen it or somehow experienced it; but bright lights and streets of gold are not what will make it the most spectacular thing about beings there: it will be that we are in God's presence, yet we are not vaporized or dissolved; rather we are radiated by His light and made to shine. How else can He point to us, saying, "Look at the beautiful darling creation that I have made!"
God's ways are not our ways; yet we are always second guessing the way God is working ways out! His thoughts are not our thoughts; yet we keep thinking how we can help Him change us, improve our situation, or make ourselves more perfect. Yet, He just wants us to let go of what keeps us from trusting completely in Him...
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1-4)
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