LENTEN MEDITATION 30 ~~~ Through it All

LENTEN MEDITATION 30 ~ ~ ~ The Repair of the Broken

~ ~ ~ or, We Are All Required to Walk
…even in the midst of our difficulties.

Sooner or later, we all have ENORMOUS hurts or difficulties. They come to Christian and non-Christian, alike. Deaths, bodily sickness or injury, divorce, loneliness --- deep, gut-wrenching loneliness--- every human soul knows these heart-aches in one way or another. And then, when joy is finally gone, comes the worst: what is life all about, anyways? And for some, is it worth the struggle?

Our LORD JESUS tells us to walk with HIM+. HE+ does NOT tell us to be joyful. HE+ does tell us to offer up thanksgiving and praise of Who+ HE+ is in the midst of these griefs. Like Job, we recognize His+ Sovereignty at all times and in all circumstances. And then, we are required to walk with HIM+… in as much obedience as if the hurt had not happened.

As we walk with The LORD JESUS through these gut-wrenching sorrows, HE+ comforts us. HE+ also corrects our vision. HE+ corrects where --- or in whom--- we have put our trust. The Psalmist correctly states:

Whom have I in heaven but thee?
and there is none upon earth
that I desire beside thee.
Psalm 73:25

Our LORD JESUS gently but firmly corrects our heart. HE+ corrects the direction we have been leaning. If we have been leaning on things of this life for our happiness, then HE+ will correct that. Temporal things--- earthly security, houses, lands--- are worse than temporary: they are deceitful security… houses built upon the sand.

If we have been leaning on others as the source of our joy, then HE+ corrects that.

Elderly parents, aunts and uncles, will indeed pass away. Brothers and sisters will go at their appointed times. Sometimes spouses are taken. Sometimes the treasures of our hearts, our little ones, are returned home to Their Heavenly FATHER.

We cannot stop these sorrows from occurring.

HE+ wants our primary heart to be with HIM+. There should be nothing greater living in our hearts. HE+ corrects that, in the midst of these common human griefs, and we see our error.


If our job security goes or sickness or disease robs us of our earthly strength, HE+ corrects us here, too. HE+ wants our labor to be in HIM+ and for HIM+. Many a saint has discovered the quietness--- and power--- of the prayer closet while having severe physical limitations to endure daily. With no hope for recovery, they learn to lean on JESUS for their hope. Their strength becomes perfected in their weakness because of JESUS. Their whole identity changes…which is the goal.

HE+ is good at changing our self’s identity from worldling to being CHRIST’S man or woman. HE+ will use whatever means is necessary to do this.


If we walk with HIM+ through these distresses, we discover something grand: we become whole again. HE+ brings healing and joy back into our hearts, no matter what the sorrow, if we walk with HIM+ and remain obedient to His+ Word through these awful human woes.

The LORD JESUS is not unmindful of our sorrow, for HE+ was the king of human sorrow. It is not un-ending comfort and compassion that we need, though; it is healing. Yes, JESUS does have un-ending comfort and compassion for His+ followers, and furthermore, HE+ gives it to us freely and abundantly.

The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy:
I am come that they might have life,
and that they might have it
more abundantly.
John 10:10


But… we must receive His+ correction in order to be healed.



Furthermore, when we go through the healing that obedience to His+ Word brings, His+ love, comfort, compassion, and tremendous JOY will be poured upon us. Yea, His+ very Presence will be there and the sorrowful torments will flee away. We will not have to work at being joyful; HE+ will send it.




As HE+ corrects us, HE+ tells us to bring the needs of our hearts to HIM+ and to HIM+ alone. We take the demands off of others to “be there” for us. We learn to relate to others through CHRIST and for His+ Sake… and for His+ Sake alone.

This is so that they too might come to know CHRIST JESUS our LORD… so that they too might be released from the torments of darkness … so that they too might go forth and bear witness of HIM+ at all times and in all places.

We take to the cross our own emptiness for CHRIST JESUS to fill, not to others. And then, we will be ONE with HIM+.


In the Name of the FATHER, The SON+,

and the HOLY SPIRIT.

Amen.

+ + +

LENTEN MEDITATION 29--- Accounted Worthy

Lenten Meditation 29 ...Accounted Worthy to Obtain That World

for the Year of Our LORD, 3.5.08

And Jesus answering said unto them,

The children of this world marry,

and are given in marriage:

But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world,

and the resurrection from the dead,

neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

Neither can they die any more:

for they are equal unto the angels;
and are the children of God,

being the children of the resurrection.

LUKE 20:34-36

The LORD'S comments and explanations were in response to the clever Sadducees' questions about "...whose wife was she... in the resurrection... after seven brothers had her to wife ?" HE+ told them their error and set them straight about how it would be in the Resurrection. HE+ will set us straight, too, if we will receive it...

LENTEN MEDITATION 28 ~~~ Iniquity of My Sin

Lenten Meditation 28 ~ ~ ~The Iniquity of My Sin
for the Year of Our LORD, 3.4.2008

I acknowledge my sin unto THEE+,
and mine iniquity have I not hid.
I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD;
and THOU+ forgavest the iniquity of my sin.
Psalm 32:5




Gross injustice and wickedness… is the definition of iniquity.
An offense against GOD… is the definition of sin from Webster’s[1].
The violation of Divine law, going out of bounds or limits…
is the definition of transgression.




Our sin is a stench in His+ nostrils.

Furthermore, The LORD does not play “favorites” among His+ children. When we come to grips with this truth, we develop a healthy fear of The LORD: what HE+ has done to others who did not take His+ Word seriously, HE+ will do to us. The same standard is put upon each one of us and that standard does not bend. This standard is CHRIST JESUS and His+ Holiness… without which no man shall see The LORD.



Acknowledging our sin pleases The LORD. Admitting that our offenses are always done against HIM+, even if others are involved, is truth. As soon as we are aware… as soon as conviction falls upon us for serving Self… we do not run AWAY from GOD but rather run UNTO the LORD.

We do not hide our sin nor do we cloak it with an excuse. We simply and honestly admit it. The LORD knows what we’ve done anyhow; it is from ourselves that we are hiding it or dissimulating.

Thus, admitting our sin is the first step. Then we must go one step further and recognize our iniquity, our lack of innocence, in what we have done or thought.

Our iniquity shows itself when we know better, but go ahead anyhow and do things that are wrong. When we persist in holding opinions contrary to HIS+ word, this constitutes gross wickedness because stubbornness is as the sin of iniquity and idolatry. (I Sam. 15:23)

We have all tasted the loving-kindness of Our Savior. When we refuse to issue that same forgiveness and loving-kindness to others who have offended us, we are in trouble with GOD HIMSELF. (See the prayer The LORD taught His+ disciples when they asked HIM+, “Lord, teach us how to pray.” Luke 11). We have transgressed His+ Holy law of forgiveness… to forgive as CHRIST has forgiven us.

We simply cannot afford to sin against GOD. We cannot afford to practice stubbornness in any area. We cannot afford to excuse ourselves when we persist in our own thinking regardless of what The WORD of GOD says plainly.


HE+ will richly pardon and forgive us if we come clean before HIM+. HE+ will forgive, not only the sin itself, but also the presumption, the stubbornness, the taking advantage of His+ Grace and the violation of His+ Person… when we confess our sin and the iniquity underneath our foul behavior.


But, be careful. GOD cannot be tricked nor mocked.

Even honest confession and admittance of sin can be perverted by our deceitful, human hearts. Here is a true story. One man defiled his marriage bed by bringing other women into the place reserved for his wife. After many struggles, a divorce ensued. In time, this wayward man grew lonely for more stability, a home with a decent wife, and his children. So, he repented and wanted to “return home.” Yes, his repentance was for destroying the marriage and sinning against his wife and children.

But unfortunately, he only wanted the home to be regained for himself. He did not want The LORD JESUS to rule his life nor did he want to promise to abstain from affairs. This is not true repentance. This is expediency. He was ready to make only the outward changes to remove the press of being uncomfortable. Worse, he demanded his Christian ex-wife to take him back into the marriage bed because it was “the will of The LORD.” But the marriage covenant had been broken.

Yes, she forgave him but did not take him back into the covenant relationship of marriage. He hadn’t become that new creature in CHRIST yet. He refused to enter into the covenant of CHRIST and therefore, she could not be yoked unto someone outside of the Covenant of CHRIST. The marriage would have still been unclean. Wise woman!


Dear Gracious Heavenly FATHER, in the name of Thy holy SON JESUS CHRIST I come to You. I confess my sins and abhor the iniquity of them. Keep me from presumptuous sins. I am sorry for taking advantage of Your Goodness. I am sorry for persisting in my thoughts when I do know better. Forgive me for my stubbornness and let not any Self-will take root in my soul.

Now unto HIM+ Who+ is able to do abundantly above all we ask or think, I offer up these my imperfect prayers.

In the name of the FATHER, the SON, and the HOLY SPIRIT. Amen.
+ + +



[1] All definitions come from Webster’s Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, based on Webster’s Third New International Dictionary (A Merriam-Webster Dictionary) , 1965. Lenten Meditation

LENTEN MEDITATION 27 ~ ~ ~ Well Done

LENTEN MEDITATION 27 ~~~Well Done!
For the Year of Our LORD, 3.3.2008

And so he that had received five talents came
and brought other five talents,
saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents:
behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

His Lord said unto him,
Well done, thou good and faithful servant:
thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things:
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.

He also that had received two talents came and said,
Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents:
behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.

His Lord said unto him,
Well done, good and faithful servant;
thou hast been faithful over a few things,
I will make thee ruler over many things:
enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
Matthew 25:20-23

Talents, money or other items of value, come to us from the appointment of or will of The LORD… for what do any of us have that we did not first receive? Not one baby is born on this earth “owning” anything, even babes born into the richest families. The riches must be given to him.

Furthermore, if we have put forth labor and time to hone a skill, develop an ability, or earn money… where did we obtain the eyesight, the hearing, the strength of body and mind, the wherewithal… to accomplish anything? For behold, it is written:

All things come of THEE, and of Thine own have we given THEE.



Let us therefore remember that naked we came from the womb and naked shall we return to the dust. Let us become true stewards of ALL those items we possess that we cannot keep nor take with us… those items of earthly value and ONLY earthly value. Let us become a funnel through which these goods and valuables pass… from GOD’s provision through our hands to further His+ Kingdom in some way.


Let us take stock of our abilities, our labor, and our time that we may use these to also further His+ Kingdom, according to His+ leading. They too will flee away as swiftly as the weaver’s beam moves.

Let us so live our lives so that we might hear those words in our own ears:

Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
Enter thou into the joy of Thy LORD !

In all, let us make certain we REMEMBER that we are servants… and Whose+ servants we are… and to Whom+ we must give an account of the goods entrusted to us.

Dear Heavenly FATHER, unto Whom all hearts are open, all desires, known… I thank THEE for life and for every breath I take. I’m sorry for my selfish existence. Please forgive me for keeping your goods for my life. Help me to re-commit my valuables… my goods, my labor, my time… unto THEE to be used to further Your Kingdom. Teach me how to be a steward of all these things you have entrusted me to handle for your Glory.
Thank you, dear LORD, for leading me in this. Amen.

LENTEN MEDITATION 26 ~ ~ ~ At Prayer

LENTEN MEDITATION 26 ~~~

QUIET BROTHER AT PRAYER

To every thing there is a season,
and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;

A time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

LENTEN MEDITATION 25 ~ ~ ~ A Worthy Walk

For the Year of Our LORD, 3.1.2008

Let us learn,

strive,

endeavor,

make the effort,

set the priority,

run as though to win the prize

~ ~ ~ to reach the mark of the HIGH CALLING OF GOD

IN CHRIST JESUS, our LIFE.

This is not an option; it is our love's work... our bounden duty... a duty borne out of a heart of love for our LORD and Precious Savior JESUS CHRIST.


It is not works for Salvation; it is works AFTER Salvation, that we might be known as children of GOD. These works should be the fruit of our union with CHRIST JESUS, not only our determination. The LORD'S Grace is sufficient to supply our every need. Indeed, His+ strength is made perfect in weakness. None of us are lacking in weakness ! Thus, if yielded unto HIM+, none of us should be lacking in perfect strength, right?

Let us be mindful of the Apostle's words:

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord

unto all pleasing,

being fruitful in every good work,

and increasing in the knowledge of God;
Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power,

unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.

Colossians 1:10,11


Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and
unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every
one of you, as a father doth his children,
That ye would walk worthy of God,

who hath called you unto his
kingdom and glory.

I THESSALONIANS 2:10-12

O LORD JESUS CHRIST: Help me to walk worthy of You, unto all pleasing, that my basket of offering may be full and without blemish when I stand before the Great Judgment Seat of CHRIST. Help me not to take advantage of Your kindness and long-suffering. Help me to grow up, in THEE+, and become a mature, responsible Christ-bearer, before GOD and man. Help me to become a workman unashamed, both rightly dividing the Word of Truth and rightly applying it to my life. I praise THEE and worship THEE, O HOLY FATHER, with all that is within my little heart. Grant Your strength to be made perfect in my weakness... through Your Beloved and Obedient SON JESUS CHRIST... in the power of Thy Blessed HOLY SPIRIT. Amen.

LENTEN MEDITATION 24--Worthy is the Lamb

Worthy is the LAMB that was slain...

to receive power, and riches, and wisdom,

and strength, and honor, and glory and blessing!

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth,

and under the earth, and such as are in the sea,

and all that are in them, heard I saying,

Blessing and honor , and glory, and power,

be unto HIM that sitteth upon the throne,

and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

Amen.

LENTEN MEDITATION 23 ~~~ Worthy and Well Done
For the Year of Our LORD, 2. 28. 2008


Thou hast a few names even in Sardis
which have not defiled their garments;
and they shall walk with me in white:
for they are worthy.

He that overcometh,
the same shall be clothed in white raiment;
and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life,
but I will confess his name before my Father,
and before his angels.

The Words of The LORD JESUS CHRIST
in Revelation 3:4, 5


Well done, thou good and faithful servant… oh, how we long to hear those words from our LORD! How it comforts us to hear them now in this present evil age. How much more so will it comfort us to hear them later, standing before the Great Judgment Seat of CHRIST. We hope to be workman not ashamed of what we have done in our bodies, inside our minds, within our hearts, and with our time.

Let us pray: O GRACIOUS LORD CHRIST, help me to be single of eye. I confess my propensity towards distraction of every sort. Grant me wisdom to deal with my distractions through the power of The HOLY SPIRIT, through the light of Thy written Word. All Scriptures given for edification and purification let me eat as my necessary food; make them as the apple of my eye. Then, O LORD, I will be as the apple of Your eye.

I ask these things through Thy Holy SON JESUS CHRIST, Who+ lives and reigns with You and Your HOLY SPIRIT, one GOD, through the ages of the ages. Amen.



+ + +

LENTEN MEDITATION 22 ~~~Our Example

Our Example
For the Year of Our LORD, 2.27.2008


And Jesus, when he was baptized,
went up straightway out of the water:
and, lo, the Heavens were opened unto him,
and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove,
and lighting upon HIM+:

And lo a Voice from Heaven, saying,
This is my beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased.
Matthew 3: 16, 17

While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them:
and behold a Voice out of the cloud, which said,
This is My Beloved Son,
in whom I am well pleased;
hear ye HIM+.
Matthew 17:5


Then said Jesus unto them,
When ye have lifted up the Son of Man,
then shall ye know that

I, I AM ,

and that I do nothing of Myself;
but as My FATHER hath taught Me,

I speak these things.

And HE that sent me is with ME:
the FATHER hath not left ME alone;
for I do always those things that please HIM.
John 8:28,29 (Gk literal)

The Beloved SON+ pleased The FATHER. GOD the FATHER sent a Voice from Heaven to announce HIS pleasure in HIS Beloved SON+ to all who were gathered at Our LORD’S baptism.

Then, The FATHER did it again. HE sent a Voice once more to announce HIS pleasure in HIS Beloved SON+, JESUS CHRIST. This time, the Voice came out of the cloud at the time The LORD JESUS was transfigured on the mount.


The third statement came as the LORD JESUS taught in the treasury of the Temple. HE+ pointed out as HE+ proclaimed His+ oneness with The FATHER that HE+ did nothing… not one little thing… apart from His+ Heavenly FATHER.

But rather, JESUS spoke only those things His+ FATHER taught HIM+. Furthermore, His+ Heavenly FATHER WHO sent HIM+ has never left HIM+ alone.

Why was HE+ never alone? HE+ ever did those things that pleased His+ Heavenly FATHER. Our LORD JESUS learned obedience through the things that HE+ suffered. Wherefore…

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted HIM,
and given HIM a name
which is above every name:

That at the name of JESUS every knee should bow,
of things in Heaven, and things in earth,
and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess
that JESUS CHRIST is LORD,
to the glory of GOD the FATHER.
Phil. 2:9-11

Because HE+ continuously did those things that pleased His+ Heavenly FATHER, HE+ was never alone.

Dear Heavenly FATHER, O Ruler of the Universe, I thank THEE for giving to mankind Your Beloved SON JESUS CHRIST Who+ pleased THEE at all times. Help me to go and do likewise. In His+ Holy name I pray. Amen.

LENTEN MEDITATION 21 ~ Becoming Acceptable

LENTEN MEDITATION 21 ~ ~ ~ Becoming Acceptable…

a Message for the Redeemed, Those in the Covenant of The LORD JESUS CHRIST.

For the Year of Our LORD, 2.26.2008


Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be
acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14

This message is ONLY for the Redeemed.
It is only for those who are regenerated, born anew from above.

It is only for those New Creatures in CHRIST JESUS.
It is only for those who have entered into the Covenant of GOD through CHRIST JESUS…

for there is no other Covenant
apart from the Blood of Our LORD JESUS CHRIST.


Bishop +Paul Stanley of All Saints Church in Rome, Ga., explains it this way: “GOD has chosen to relate to mankind in a personal way. HE does this through HIS Covenant. HE does not relate to man [in a personal way] outside of HIS Covenant.”


So, throughout this meditation, let us keep in mind we are NOT referring to being born again, anew from above. We are NOT talking about “earning” our salvation by doing good works so that GOD will grant us forgiveness and admission into Heaven when we die.


Indeed, we are not talking at all to anyone
outside of the covenant of GOD.

So now, how do we WHO ARE ALREADY IN THE COVENANT become acceptable to The LORD? Scriptures in several places, including the Psalms, and the Apostles writings, exhorts us to do those things which will make us acceptable unto HIM+.

[An aside: Originally, the Psalms were written by, to, and for the people of GOD who were under the Old Testament or Old Covenant. [Testament means covenant.] These saints were kept safe under the Mosaic Law, the Old Covenant, until the time of the Messiah. The LORD JESUS CHRIST, the Messiah, established the New and Better Covenant… the covenant made through His+ Blood.

We who are not born Jewish have become grafted into the Israel of GOD through The LORD JESUS CHRIST. Indeed, the Jews themselves now must enter into His+ new covenant established by the Messiah. The Old Covenant no longer exists.

The Psalms therefore, including both the promises and the words of exhortation, may be appropriated by all who are in the New Covenant through the LORD JESUS CHRIST. ]

So now, how do we WHO ARE ALREADY IN THE COVENANT

become acceptable to The LORD?

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.

Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins;
let them not have dominion over me:
then shall I be upright,
and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Psalm 19:12,13

Becoming acceptable unto The LORD involves good grooming of our soul and spirit. We continuously comb out the tangles. We get out the snags. The twisted nests of knots, hidden underneath, must be brought to the surface and be unsnarled, combed straight, and set free. The comb we use has sharp teeth… it is the standard of Scripture, the very words of The LORD CHRIST.

Thus, we monitor our motives, the thoughts of our hearts, in the light of His+ Word. What agrees with Scriptures, WITH CHRIST’S WORDS, we keep. What disagrees with HIS+WORD, we comb out and untangle. Even if we must use the scissors, we rid ourselves of the hidden twisted nests of knots, in the light of GOD’S word and by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. The Apostle Paul is a good example of this. He urged the Christians to be imitators of him in this respect, to follow his ways of following CHRIST.

Let us not be content to allow ourselves tangles and twisted knots. We think they cannot be seen by others. But, there is ONE+ Who+ sees all.



Dear Heavenly FATHER, THOU art Holy. I need that holiness in the inner man. Help me to be pure in thought… pure in word … pure in deed. Help me to see my motives and ungracious spirit when I think things unworthy of my LORD CHRIST. I do not want Him+ to be ashamed of me and to always have to tolerate my slovenly ways. Help me not to excuse myself, but to walk in a way that is well-pleasing unto YOU, through your Well Beloved SON our LORD, in the strength of Your Blessed HOLY SPIRIT.

I praise You for Your continual goodness toward me. I thank You for Your patience with my errors. I thank You for Your holiness now and Your holiness when You walked on earth as a man. Help me to become more holy in my innermost being. Help me to follow your example as my LORD+ and MASTER+.

I pray this in the unblemished name of The LORD JESUS CHRIST, Your eternal SON and WORD.
Amen. + + +

LENTEN MEDITATION 20 ~ ~ ~

LENTEN MEDITATION 20~~~ The Judgment Seat of CHRIST

For the Year of Our LORD, 2.25.2008


Wherefore we labor, that, whether present or absent,
we may be accepted of HIM+.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ;

that every one may receive the things done in his body,
according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord,
we persuade men;
but we are made manifest unto God;
and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.
2 Cor. 5: 9,10,11

Whatever could this frightening passage mean? Was it written by just any believer?
No. It was written by the Apostle Paul.

Then, perhaps it was written to non-Christians?
No. The Apostle Paul was writing to the church of CHRIST at Corinth.

Perhaps he was writing about the back-sliders… for we all know the Corinthian church was beset by BIG problems.

But, no, wrong again.

The Apostle Paul was discussing his own ministry from Chapter 4 through Chapter 6!

Yes, it does mean exactly what it says.

[How should we then live?]

LENTEN MEDITATION 19 ~ ~ ~ True Profits

What are we working to gain?

LENTEN MEDITATION 18~ ~ ~ ~ ~ The Second Death

LENTEN MEDITATION 18
for the Year of Our LORD, 2.23.2008

The SECOND Death

And I saw the dead, small an great, stand before GOD:

and the books were opened: and another book was opened,

which is the book of life:

and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books,

according to their works.

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it;

and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them;

and they were judged every man according to their works.

And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.

This is the second death. Rev. 20: 12,14

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the SPIRIT saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Rev. 2:11

But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone;

which is the second death. Rev. 21:8

The second death is a topic avoided by most preachers and brethren alike.

The second death brings to us the true, horrible, and frightening aspect of spending eternity in the Lake of Fire where the adversary satan will be placed. This likely will be, at the very least, that one will experience the amount of pain and suffering one has done to others during his life on earth... but possibly more, since The LORD takes those offenses as done unto HIMSELF.

Then, there is the accountability of who did one serve: The LORD .... satan.... oneself ?

JESUS HIMSELF spoke of this SECOND death in Mark 9: 42-48. Listen to His Words:

And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off; it is better for thee to enter into Life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell,

into the fire that never shall be quenched:

where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.

And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into Life, than having two feet to be cast into hell,

into the fire that never shall be quenched:

where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.

And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of GOD with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:

where THEIR WORM DOES NOT DIE, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED.

Life, in the above passage, refers to entering into Eternity with JESUS. Our LORD is telling us that rather than sin and miss Eternal Life with HIM+, it would be better for us to sever our needed body part through which sin has come. Why? It is because when we get to Heaven, we'll be made whole, once again, plus have eternal life in a NEW KIND of BODY, LIKE HIS+ GLORIOUS RESURRECTED BODY!

In other words, no matter the personal cost,

DON'T MISS ETERNITY WITH JESUS.

The opposite is a nightmare which never, ever ceases.

That second death is where all who are waiting in hell for the final judgment are thrown into the Lake of Burning Fire with hell itself and death ! We see that when the unredeemed die, they go to a place of waiting called hell or hades (Gk) or sheol (Heb). They are in torments there, as JESUS told us in Luke 16.

BUT THAT IS NOT THE SECOND DEATH

....WHICH AWAITS THEM LATER.

That awful, eternal, SECOND DEATH,

where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched.

This brings us back to our priorites, Christians...

and our accountability before the great Judgment Seat of CHRIST.

In the light of the SECOND death, how then should we live... before GOD, daily... before our fellow man... in our pursuits of this life... in the priorities of our day?

Are we truly concerned about the peoples and tribes who have never heard about The LORD, that they might be saved from the Lake of Burning Fire, the SECOND death?

Are we truly concerned about our lost neighbors that they might be saved from the SECOND death? Or rather, do we keep things on an easy, comfortable level? Do we even think to pray for them... other than when they get sick? The SECOND death is going to be harder on them than any sickness they have ever seen on this earth... and more long-lasting, too. Do we care enough even to set some regular time aside to pray?

Do we pray for opportunities to share the seriousness of eternal consequences with those who are hostile to us?

Let us pray:

Dear Holy, Heavenly FATHER,

I come to you ashamed of my light-hearted walk before THEE. I have not laid to heart the seriousness of Thy words nor of Thy commission. O LORD JESUS CHRIST, it is my heart's desire that all would know THEE+ ... Thy great love, Thy great cleansing power, and Thy great Life both here and beyond the grave.

Turn me away from self-centeredness, O LORD, and let Thy Anointing rest upon me. Let others sense the seriousness of eternal consequences when they see me or converse with me. And help me, O help me, to dislodge myself from comfort and rise up and do those things which will help to rescue friends and enemies alike from the SECOND death... which was not intended for men but for the fallen angels. I am ashamed of my lack of concern. Where would I be if others had not been concerned about my falling into that very Lake ?

I Thank THEE+, O Holy ONE+, for the salvation THOU+ has given to mankind... for whosoever will come to THEE+ . Help me to rescue the perishing and do my part, to show my love and thankfulness unto THEE+.

IN the name of the FATHER, His+ SON, JESUS CHRIST our LORD, and the HOLY SPIRIT. Amen.

+ + +

LENTEN MEDITATION 17

LENTEN MEDITATION 16

LENTEN MEDITATION 16 ~ ~ ~ The Hated People
For the Year of Our LORD, 2.21.2008


Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the world.
If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
For ALL that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life,
is not of the Father,
but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God
abideth for ever.
I John 2:15-17

To do the will of GOD in every instance, in every situation, in every contingency is foremost in the heart of every serious Christian. What is the key to knowing what HIS+ will is, though, in situations about which the Scriptures are quiet?

The first step in knowing HIS+ Will is to make certain we are aligned with His+ purposes. His+ purposes are found in His+ Word.

They begin with our life-styles.



Does our lifestyle reflect in exactness WHO The LORD JESUS CHRIST is?



If we blend in with our decent, conservative, hard-working neighbors… something is wrong. There are countless millions of Hindu’s, Buddhists, Moslems, and peoples who practice ancient tribal religions… who are also decent, conservative, and hard-working and who love “their” nation, culture, or society.

There are countless others in every inhabited area upon this earth who love their culture, the ways of their forefathers, their nation, so much that they would defend it to the death. In every country or nation or tribal area, there are countless “decent people” who would even send their sons and daughters to their untimely death to protect what they have… or think they have. There are countless peoples who train their off-spring to have good educations, jobs, and careers… to climb high, to have a better life than the parents.

But, what does the Word of GOD say? HE+ says this:

For what shall it profit a man,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:36,37



There are uncountable other non-Christians in every country who do not rob banks nor kill their neighbors, who honor their aging parents, and love their children. These are good values, yes, and all societies have them.



However, The LORD JESUS CHRIST doesn’t blend in
with any culture, sub-culture, society, or nation…
although Scripture teaches that the Church will be
formed out of every language, tongue, people, and nation!

HE+ calls us OUT of our cultures, whatever they may be,

in order to be ONE with HIM+.


Are we Christians supposed to be a blended people… or a separate people?

We are peculiar people. We are strangers and sojourners upon this earth just like Abraham was… we do not put down our roots here, but upward, into that Holy City whose Maker and Builder is GOD. The LORD JESUS said:

If the world hate you,
ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:
but because ye are not of the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hateth you. John 15: 18,19



Yes, we Christians should be a hated people… hated, not because of criminal activities or ill-manners, but because of our righteousness before GOD.

Even without saying a word, the worldlings around us should be able to sense the difference. The HOLY SPIRIT should be resting upon us and within us so strongly that, without saying a word to anyone, any worldling around us should feel a bit uneasy, somewhat uncomfortable for their lack of holiness.

We should notice they start to talk about their philosophies of “God”

or their “good works” of whatever variety they have.

However, the hungry souls around us will be drawn unto CHRIST JESUS. They will be drawn to HIM+ when we lift HIM+ up within us … as we yield unto CHRIST JESUS… as HE+ fills us with HIMSELF because we are turning away from the world. The hungry souls will have conviction fall upon their lives and they will cry out to The LORD to help them. They will know something is missing from their lives.

They will be pricked in their conscience to do something about amending their relationship with the Living GOD. HE+ is drawing, drawing them unto HIMSELF+… as we have lifted HIM+ up.


How do we become this hated people?

We simply separate ourselves from the world and follow CHRIST JESUS.

We separate from the world’s ways, styles, labor and life-styles.

We learn to work for The LORD where HE+ wants us to labor. We learn to live in such a manner that we present a visible yet silent witness to those around us. We set our homes, our dress, our recreation

to reflect CHRIST JESUS and to bear witness to HIM+ at all times

… including holiday times and visits with relatives.


We just simply separate. We will be hated enough.



Then, O then, will we be able to discern what is the “will of GOD”

for our lives, in so many situations and in so many particular details

about which the Scriptures are quiet.



What a relief to be in the center of GOD’s will.
It is the peace the world cannot give, nor can it take it away.





Let us pray:

Gracious Heavenly FATHER, Beloved SON, and Blessed SPIRIT, I
so long to be in the center of Thy Will. I want to be where You are, O LORD. Help me to turn away from the distractions of worldly things. Help me to forsake the world’s values. By the power of Thy Blessed HOLY SPIRIT help me to desire that holiness without which no man shall see GOD.

Help me to align myself with Your Word in every instance, even if I must disregard my own thoughts and cultural values. Grant me strength to reflect CHRIST instead of the world in my life-style. I re-commit myself to serving THEE+ with every thought and desire that is within me.

Thank You, O FATHER, for Thy Blessed HOLY SPIRIT to lead me into all Truth. Strengthen me to walk in it now and not be afraid to be hated because I am different for Thy sake. This I pray in the name of Thy Precious SON, JESUS CHRIST, Who+ was hated for my sake, so that I might know THEE, the One True GOD, Who loveth mankind. Amen.

LENTEN MEDITATION 15

LENTEN MEDITATION 15 ~ ~ ~ The Fruits
For the Year of Our LORD, 2.20.08

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in thy sight:
that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,
and be clear when thou judgest.
Psalm 51:4


We sin so lightly.
It is with a shrug we sullenly turn our face away from Truth and proceed on with “our” program. We don’t care if it hurts HIM+. As a matter of fact, we don’t even want to hear about it.

Have we ever had a friend… or worse, a family member… treat us like that?

Yes, most of us would sadly say.

When we proceed on, headlong and determined, to do something, achieve something, get something, or enter a job or situation… or alas, even a marriage… out of The LORD’S Holy Will, we sin. How do we recognize that it is sin? By the fruit.

Fruit, we see, is The LORD’S great blessing to us. Because human beings are dull of hearing and slow of heart to hear The LORD, we must learn through our senses. We are all tactile learners in this regard. We simply want our own way. Our conniving minds are well-practiced at reasoning out why what we want

"must certainly" be the Will of The LORD for our lives.


Thus, HE+ blesses us with the fruit of our decisions.


Fruit gets our attention better than a sounding trumpet. Why?

The trumpet blast is over and done with quickly, even though the blast may have frightened us or pierced our ears.

Fruit, however, is long-lasting.

That blessed fruit of our decisions

brings deep inner conviction to our souls.

The fruit of walking within His+ Holy Will helps us to grow.

This fruit comes about by taking heed to His+ Word.

We put into practice those things HE+ has told us, for instance, in Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7. We make our activities to come into order with His+ Word.

What HE+ says in His+ Word

becomes our priorities in our lifestyle.

Did HE+ say, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of GOD, and HIS Righteousness?” Yes, it does. Then we will make serving HIM+ our priority in every area. We will seek His+ Will and counsel before taking a step. We learn what His+ Will is by practicing, practicing, practicing our submission to HIM+, both through the written Word and listening in prayer.

Did HE+ say, “Take no thought for the morrow…”? Yes, HE+ did. Do we repent, then, of taking thought… constant thought… of what we are going to eat, wear, use, pay the bills with yesterday, today, and for many tomorrow’s ?

No...

rather we judge such Christians to be wise and prudent and yes, even Godly.

We do not say, “Wait a minute; he is breaking the Word of God.

He will reap the fruit of anxiety instead of Godly peace.

Let’s pray for him for he got tricked into listening unto man rather than unto GOD.”

Does His+ Word say, “I will put no wicked thing before my eyes” ? Yes, it does. Then we will toss out all books, magazines, tv shows, dvd’s, and computer input which are wicked. Music which promotes the flesh must go also

… which might include some with Christian labels.


Does His+ Word say, “Love your enemies,” or shoot them, Christians ?


Do we take heed to His+ Word
and follow His+ counsel?

It is His+ will that we do;
that is why it is written down for us…
so that we know what HE+ wants us to do!

Should HE+ then give us more direction
for our particulars in life
IF WE IGNORE parts of HIS+ WILL
that IS ALREADY plainly written?

The fruit of listening to the counsel of our own flesh and heart and mind makes us sorrowful, angry, resentful, and bitter. It robs us of our peace in CHRIST. Then, we have many, many other battles to deal with before we get out of that ravine. Unfortunately for us, that ravine most often could have been avoided.

It is with great bitterness to realize we did it to ourselves.


Spiritual fruit, good or bad, hangs around in front of our face, showering us with joy in the inward man or peppering us with constant consequences.

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in thy sight:
that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,
and be clear when thou judgest.
Psalm 51:4


When we sin, when we disregard His+ plain Word to us, when we plunge headstrong into our own program, we hurt ourselves, yes.

But worse, we hurt the great heart of Our Heavenly FATHER and Our LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The Word was written for our good. When we do those things that HE+ wants us to do, those things plainly written and openly printed for all the world to see, then HE+ blesses us with all those things that money cannot buy.

HE+ loves us dearly. It is His+ Will that we be happy and satisfied. Our Precious Savior knows what will bring our greatest happiness. HE+ exhorts and warns us over and over again against grabbing for happiness and security our way. HE+ knows what will cause sorrow down the road for us. HE+ also knows what will produce good fruit, down the road.


HE+ aches with the heart of a good parent after a child who simply will not take heed, will not listen, will not receive correction. That parent doesn’t want the fruit for himself, but rather for the happiness and well-being of his child. When we don’t listen to GOD, we sin against His+ great heart of love for us.


The LORD JESUS CHRIST is indeed our Savior…
if we will let HIM+ save us from ourselves.


Against thee, thee only, have I sinned,
and done this evil in thy sight:
that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,
and be clear when thou judgest.
Psalm 51:4

LENTEN MEDITATION 16

LENTEN MEDITATION 16 ~ ~ ~ The Hated People
For the Year of Our LORD, 2.21.2008


Love not the world,
neither the things that are in the world.
If any man love the world,
the love of the Father is not in him.
For ALL that is in the world,
the lust of the flesh,
and the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life,
is not of the Father,
but is of the world.
And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof:
but he that doeth the will of God
abideth for ever.
I John 2:15-17



To do the will of GOD in every instance, in every situation, in every contingency is foremost in the heart of every serious Christian. What is the key to knowing what HIS+ will is, though, in situations about which the Scriptures are quiet?

The first step in knowing HIS+ Will is to make certain we are aligned with His+ purposes. His+ purposes are found in His+ Word. They begin with our life-styles.



Does our lifestyle reflect in exactness WHO The LORD JESUS CHRIST is?



If we blend in with our decent, conservative, hard-working neighbors… something is wrong. There are countless millions of Hindu’s, Buddhists, Moslems, and peoples who practice ancient tribal religions… who are also decent, conservative, and hard-working and who love “their” nation, culture, or society.

There are countless others in every inhabited area upon this earth who love their culture, the ways of their forefathers, their nation, so much that they would defend it to the death. In every country or nation or tribal area, there are countless “decent people” who would even send their sons and daughters to their untimely death to protect what they have… or think they have. There are countless peoples who train their off-spring to have good educations, jobs, and careers… to climb high, to have a better life than the parents.

But, what does the Word of GOD say? HE+ says this:


For what shall it profit a man,
if he shall gain the whole world,
and lose his own soul?
Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mark 8:36,37



There are uncountable other non-Christians in every country who do not rob banks nor kill their neighbors, who honor their aging parents, and love their children. These are good values, yes, and all societies have them.



However, The LORD JESUS CHRIST doesn’t blend in
with any culture, sub-culture, society, or nation…
although Scripture teaches that the Church will be
formed out of every language, tongue, people, and nation!




Are we Christians supposed to be a blended people… or a separate people?

We are peculiar people. We are strangers and sojourners upon this earth just like Abraham was… we do not put down our roots here, but upward, into that Holy City whose Maker and Builder is GOD. The LORD JESUS said:



If the world hate you,
ye know that it hated me before it hated you.
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own:
but because ye are not of the world,
but I have chosen you out of the world,
therefore the world hateth you. John 15: 18,19



Yes, we Christians should be a hated people… hated, not because of criminal activities or ill-manners, but because of our righteousness before GOD. Even without saying a word, the worldlings around us should be able to sense the difference. The HOLY SPIRIT should be resting upon us and within us so strongly that, without saying a word to anyone, any worldling around us should feel a bit uneasy, somewhat uncomfortable for their lack of holiness. We should notice they start to talk about their philosophies of “God” or their “good works” of whatever variety they have.

However, the hungry souls around us will be drawn unto CHRIST JESUS. They will be drawn to HIM+ when we lift HIM+ up within us … as we yield unto CHRIST JESUS… as HE+ fills us with HIMSELF because we are turning away from the world. The hungry souls will have conviction fall upon their lives and they will cry out to The LORD to help them. They will know something is missing from their lives. They will be pricked in their conscience to do something about amending their relationship with the Living GOD. HE+ is drawing, drawing them unto HIMSELF+… as we have lifted HIM+ up.


How do we become this hated people? We simply separate ourselves from the world and follow CHRIST JESUS. We separate from the world’s ways, styles, labor and life-styles. We learn to work for The LORD where HE+ wants us to labor. We learn to live in such a manner that we present a visible yet silent witness to those around us. We set our homes, our dress, our recreation to reflect CHRIST JESUS and to bear witness to HIM+ at all times… including holiday times and visits with relatives.


We just simply separate. We will be hated enough.



Then, O then, will we be able to discern what is the “will of GOD” for our lives, in so many situations and in so many particular details about which the Scriptures are quiet.



What a relief to be in the center of GOD’s will.
It is the peace the world cannot give, nor can it take it away.





Let us pray:

Gracious Heavenly FATHER, Beloved SON, and Blessed SPIRIT, I
so long to be in the center of Thy Will. I want to be where You are, O LORD. Help me to turn away from the distractions of worldly things. Help me to forsake the world’s values. By the power of Thy Blessed HOLY SPIRIT help me to desire that holiness without which no man shall see GOD. Help me to align myself with Your Word in every instance, even if I must disregard my own thoughts and cultural values. Grant me strength to reflect CHRIST instead of the world in my life-style. I re-commit myself to serving THEE+ with every thought and desire that is within me.

Thank You, O FATHER, for Thy Blessed HOLY SPIRIT to lead me into all Truth. Strengthen me to walk in it now and not be afraid to be hated because I am different for Thy sake. This I pray in the name of Thy Precious SON, JESUS CHRIST, Who+ was hated for my sake, so that I might know THEE, the One True GOD, Who loveth mankind. Amen.

Lenten Meditation picture

LENTEN MEDITATION 13 ~ ~ ~ Take Heed... both What and How

Lenten Meditation 13
Take Heed… Both What and How
For The Year of Our LORD, 2.18.2007


Two warnings, two ways
The LORD JESUS CHRIST has given
to His+ people through His+ Word.

These are found in two places,
Mark 4:24 and Luke 8:18. It is a double warning.

Both instructive, these two warnings are surrounded by two parables, the same in both Mark and Luke, and both warnings are followed by yet another warning. This third warning, a dire one and a consequence of the first two, is also the same in both of the Gospel books. What was Our LORD’S important instruction to His+ people ?

HE+ told us to take heed what we hear
and to take heed how we hear.

Our LORD was instructing both the people and his disciples using the parable of the Sower Sowing the Seed. HE+ explains the deeper meaning of it to His+ disciples and tells them point blank that the seed is the Word of GOD. HE+ then follows the Seed Parable with another one: no-one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel basket. Thus, in the context of both of these parables, HE+ issues these warnings.

Take heed what we hear in regards

to the Word of GOD.
Take heed how we hear in regards

to the Word of GOD.

What and how are closely related, yet they mean two different things…both of which are important because HE+ said it. Our LORD made the distinction. Therefore, we ought to listen to the distinct message of both of those words.
~ ~ ~


If we take heed to what we hear, we are careful to listen and to keenly discriminate as to the content.

Is it the true Word of GOD ?
Is it the whole Word…
or just half of the entire statement?

Is it consistent with other Scriptures
about that subject?

Is the Scriptural statement one of many details
involved with that subject…
or is it a general summary
or a resulting condition of that issue?

Is what we hear in regards to the Word of GOD
an extrapolation of men’s thoughts about it…
or is it His+ pure Word and plain intent?
~ ~ ~

How we hear does not ascertain the content. Rather, it involves how much weight The Word of GOD brings to bear upon us. We determine the weight-load ourselves by how we receive the Word. How---in what manner--- do we receive it ? Let us consider this warning to us through the context of the parables of the Sower Sowing the Seed and Putting the Light under a Bushel Basket, the two parables surrounding those two warnings.

How we hear means:
do we lay His+ Word seriously to heart…
or do we casually hear it or read it ?

How we hear means:
are we simply accruing knowledge…
or learning how to live to please GOD
instead of ourselves, our friends, our families,
our cultures and nations ?

How we hear means:
are we listening to learn how to walk
worthy of The LORD and well-pleasing unto Him…
or are we mindful to walk well-pleasing unto the world
so that the world thinks we are worthy?

How we hear means:
we are interested in others who make a change
in their life-styles and philosophies
to bear witness to CHRIST…
yet we won’t lift a finger to separate from the world
or its ways, styles, and philosophies.

How we hear means:
are we complacent to watch others
sacrifice their all for CHRIST…
but we continue in our self-indulgences and comforts and
go on without a modicum of sacrifice
to further the Kingdom of GOD?
~ ~ ~

In the third warning in both Gospels, The LORD JESUS CHRIST tells us why we had better take strict heed to his first warnings:

for whosoever hath, it shall be given to him [Gk.];
and whosoever hath not,
it shall be taken from him
even that which he seemeth to have.

Just what is it that we “seem to have” ? We seem to have an understanding of Truth vs. error. We seem to have an understanding of Salvation and what it involves to keep it. We seem to have an understanding of what CHRIST did on the cross for us although we didn’t and don’t deserve it. We seem to have an understanding of Who GOD is.

Thus, it is certain that we had better take serious heed to
what and how we hear concerning the Word of GOD.

There is certainly ONE+ other Who+ is taking heed to it…

The ONE+ Who+ numbers every hair on our heads…

The ONE+ Who+ understands our thoughts afar off

and Who+ knows the words on our tongue…

The One+ Who+ knows the hearts of men.


If the Word of CHRIST is true, then we have much to lose.


JESUS said,

“The one rejecting ME+ and not receiving My+ Words has ONE that judges him: the Word that I have spoken,

the same will judge him in the Last Day.” John 12: 48

He who has ears to hear, let him hear.
Amen.

LENTEN MEDITATION 12 ~ ~ ~ TRUTH OR WOE ?

LENTEN MEDITATION 12
For the Year of Our LORD, 2.17.2007

Thy word is true from the beginning:
and every one of thy righteous judgments
endureth for ever.
Psalm 119:160


HE Who+ tests the hearts and the reins (Ps. 7:9) is a righteous GOD… and all His+ works are done in Truth (Ps. 33:4).


Truth is the standard.

Truth is defined by what the Righteous LORD says it is.

It is HE+ Who establishes it.

Truth is not an option.

WOE… WOE… WOE to mankind who seeks to establish
his own standard of Truth.

Rich or poor, elite or common,

educated or unschooled,
high church or plain…
woe, woe, woe to that man, family, culture or organization who seeks to establish his/its own truth.

Woe to the ones who dare to mingle some of GOD’s Truth with their own standards.

Woe to those who twist the straight Word of GOD
into a reversal of what HE+ said.

Woe to those groups who use the Word of GOD
against itself, to pervert His+ Truth.

Woe… woe… woe to all who agree with such teachings.

Psalm 51 states clearly that The LORD is without blame when judgment hits. HE+ has done His+ part to school, to warn, to draw the human race unto HIMSELF+.

We have His+ written Word. We have The Word made Flesh, our Savior JESUS CHRIST. We have the examples of the martyrs and confessors of CHRIST all through the ages… including the Old Testament prophets who sealed their witness of TRUTH with their blood. We have the current martyrs and confessors in Africa, in China, in Indonesia, in the Middle East and all the places in between, should we have ears to hear.

Many countries which are over-run by heathens and pagans have had in centuries past the Christian witness, but have, en masse, rejected it for spiritual darkness. This is true for all nations within the circle of “western civilization,” also.

Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight:
that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest,
and be clear when thou judgest.

Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts:
and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
(Psalm 51: 4, 6)


It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living GOD.
Hebrews 10:31

ALMIGHTY GOD, to Whom belong the issues from death, I beat my breast as did the publican of old who dared not raise his eyes but cried to THEE for mercy. Look upon me, O LORD, and have mercy too. LORD, I have stumbled along in my own carelessness so many times. So many times I have glanced across Thy Words and have not laid them to heart. I have, with my lack of seriousness, not cared to labor for truth in the inward man, thinking I could get by on knowledge instead of commitment.

Gracious Savior, help me to be more honest, more serious. Help me to lay Thy Words to heart. Help me to stop shielding my heart from truth in the inner man, but rather to allow Thy Words --- all of them--- to pierce my very being, my reins. Hear my cry, O LORD, so that I am not destroyed by my own doings.

These things I pray in the Life-giving name of The LORD JESUS CHRIST, the LAMB of GOD Who+ taketh away the sins of the world. Amen.

LENTEN MEDITATION 11 ~ Taking Down the Walls

LENTEN MEDITATION 11
For the Year of Our LORD, 2.16.2007

Let us take down the walls.

Christ Jesus our LORD bids us to come unto HIM+,
all who are heavy-laden and HE+ will give us rest.
HE+ bids us to take His+ yoke upon us
and learn of HIM+,
for HE+ is meek and lowly of heart.
HE+ says His+ yoke is easy
and His+ burden, light.

A dear Christian Sister, imprisoned for her faith many decades ago, exhorted the other Sisters with her from her village to eat the rotten food given to them in the filthy prison. The mostly-rotted potatoes were thrown to them by the prison guards. They rolled into the muck by the drain hole in the cell. The Sisters were revolted by the mess they were supposed to eat.

However, this Sister leaned down and kissed a potato and vehemently offered thanks unto the LORD, with tears in her eyes, for provision to keep them alive. She told the other Sisters how GOOD The LORD was to provide them this food because they didn’t even deserve that much. (From the book, Of Whom the World was not Worthy, by Marie Chapian).

Her humbleness empowered the other ones imprisoned with her to also eat the stinking food and sustain their lives. They rejoiced, following her example, and The LORD blessed it to the nourishment of their bodies, as well as to the nourishment of their souls. And, they made it through prison.

Let us take down the walls of our hearts and lay them bare, open unto Our Savior. Let us acknowledge and not let go of our truly humble and helpless state before CHRIST JESUS. Let us do as this imprisoned yet humble Sister did when faced with our own rotted portions that we are forced to endure… without bitterness in our hearts.

We have nothing to lose. We have everything to gain.

As a matter of fact, we cannot lose…
If we embrace them as coming from CHRIST.

No, the LORD did not imprison these Sisters; wicked men did. But ... HE+ sanctified the hardships to them for their utmost good because they yielded their lives unto HIM+. They literally took whatever was dished out to them for His+ name’s sake, for a testimony to HIM+. And now many years later, being Home with HIM+, they are in joys unspeakable and full of glory.

Dear Heavenly Savior, we ask you to help us to humble ourselves…yea, to do it before it gets done for us. Help us to practice lowliness of heart. We acknowledge our ungratefulness. We acknowledge our anger and impatience when we encounter hindrances and hurts. Help us smite our pride.

Thank you for Thy Example and the examples of Christian martyrs and confessors through the ages. Help us to go and do likewise, to the praise of Thy Holy Name. This we pray in the name of the ONE+ Who+ sacrificed His+ all so that we may have true life, both here on earth and in the world to come, for all Eternity. Amen.