QUIETUDE: A Hard QUALIFICATION to Meet ... Passover Meditations for the Monastic-At-Heart .... Ephesians 1:19

The QUIETUDE of CHRIST

    

Meditations  for  the Pascha Season

(The Passover Season, 2016)

Now is My+ soul troubled;

and what shall I+ say ...

FATHER,

save ME+

from this hour ?

but for this cause

came I+ unto this hour.

FATHER,

Glorify Thy Name.

Then came there a Voice from Heaven, saying,

I have both glorified IT,

and will glorify IT again.

John12:27-28

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Meditation Verse 

Ephesians 1: 19

The literal Greek of verse 1:18 : 

The eyes of your  HEART   having been  illuminated in order for you all to have SEEN   what is the hope of HIS+ calling, what the abundance of the glory of HIS+ inheritance in the Saints...

And what is the exceeding greatness of HIS power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of HIS mighty power,

The literal Greek of Verse 1:19:

And what the surpassing greatness of HIS inherent capability toward us, the ones believing, according to the  energetic operating power of the mighty strength of His dominion.

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Meditation

The eyes of our heart were enlightened for us to "see" some things, the previous verse tells us.

Verse 19 gives us a glimpse into the MAJESTIC POWER of GOD. There are 5 different Greek words for "power, might, strength" used in this verse.

[ It is difficult to really determine the fine-line of difference in meaning among these 5 words. The Greek writers and readers understood the difference; that is why they selected the different words. Sadly enough, the differences are not very discernible when translating those 5 words into English. ]

Let's look at the POWER of ALMIGHTY GOD .

HE has exceeding, surpassing, super-eminent BIG-ness or GREATness.

HE has duname0s. That is, HE has the inherent ability to perform anything ! English speakers recognize this kind of power in the word "dynamite."

And what the surpassing greatness of HIS inherent capability toward us ...

 

HE uses that dynamic power of HIS for our good, for all of us who entrust HIM with our very lives.

... according to the  energetic operating power

This power of GOD is not passive; it is ENERGIZING !  This operating power will energize us ... if we want it... if we meet the conditions, the requirements, like  CHRIST did. 

... of the mighty strength of His dominion.

Both of these words are ill-translated and do not give a complete picture of GOD'S power.

Mighty strength is the Greek word ischus which some might recognize as STRENGTH.

Dominion is the Greek word kratos , which some might recognize, connecting that with dominion. We recognize it as "Pantokrator," ... ALMIGHTY GOD. It means "the possession of the kind of FORCE bringing supremacy or dominion or control."

All this POWER of GOD comes toward us who believe, at HIS discretion and for HIS purposes in our lives and for the Kingdom of GOD.

Why then are we more constant in  whining  than believing? Why then are we allowing  defeat to shadow our days?

We do not really see this energetic operating power of GOD in our lives, do we ?  NO, we do not.

We do not see it at work in our lives on a daily basis BECAUSE... we have NOT met the conditions, the requirements of GOD, like  CHRIST  our EXAMPLE+ did.

There are QUALIFICATIONS to be met, pre-requisites, if you will, for those who want to see the power of GOD operating in their lives.

The LORD JESUS HIMSELF+ said, "Greater works" than these shall you do because I+ go unto The FATHER." John 14:12

ARE WE DOING THESE ?

NO.

Most of us are doing the best we can simply to hold our ground, clinging to the Cross through the maelstrom of life.

To receive GOD'S power, the requirements are this: to dis-entangle oneself from the pursuit of this life. Hibernate, if you must.

To qualify, one must learn to enter into QUIETUDE... to SIT STILL with GOD. 

Not study, not make supplications, not memorize verses, not make notes ... just SIT STILL with HIM.

His+ energizing, operating power will pour through you AFTER your Quietude.

STILLNESS is not a hard "cross" to pick up. Why aren't we doing it then?

We don't WANT to be quiet.

Then, we do not want His Power, either, because that is the only means to obtain it.

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Let us pray:

O LORD JESUS, we say we want to be like YOU+, but we do not do the things YOU+ did when YOU+ walked this earth as a man.

I am not still; my mind is busy even when my body is still.

Help me to forsake this incessant busy-ness that has engulfed my life. Help me un-entangle my life from all the activity and interaction which only serve to DISTRACT my focus from YOU+.

I call YOU+ "LORD, LORD," but I will not set aside any time in my busy life to sit with YOU+. 

Forgive me and help me re-set my priorities. I will to quiet myself like a weaned child and await Thy+ good pleasure.

Bring Thy+ Stillness into my soul, O LORD, for Thy+ Name's Sake.

Amen.

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Worthy is the LAMB+.

Worthy is The LAMB+

that was slain.

Worthy is the LAMB+,

slain

from the foundation

of the earth.

Revelation 13:8

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PRAISE and THANKSGIVING

be to The FATHER,

and to His Beloved SON+

JESUS CHRIST,

and to

the Blessed RUACH haKADOSH.

ONE GOD:

FATHER,

SON+,

and HOLY SPIRIT,

both now and forever,

world without end.

Amen.

Peculiar People, A PEOPLE for POSSESSION .... Passover Meditations for the Monastic-At-Heart ... Ephesians 1:18

Meditations  for Pascha

(The Passover Season, 2016)

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Meditations for the Monastic-At-Heart

Now is My+ soul troubled;

and what shall I+ say ...

FATHER,

save ME+

from this hour ?

but for this cause

came I+ unto this hour.

FATHER,

Glorify Thy Name.

Then came there a Voice from Heaven, saying,

I have both glorified IT,

and will glorify IT again.

John12:27-28

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Meditation Verse 

Ephesians 1: 18

[ 1:17 That the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of Glory, may give unto you the SPIRIT of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM+:]

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of HIS+ calling, and what the riches of the glory of HIS+ inheritance in the saints ...

The literal Greek: 

The eyes of your  HEART   having been  illuminated in order for you all to have SEEN   what is the hope of HIS+ calling, what the abundance of the glory of HIS+ inheritance in the Saints...

NOTE THIS: 

The Greek word cardias , "heart," is found in the Byzantine Greek text, Nestle-Aland's Greek texts, the Greek Orthodox church's Greek text, the Latin Vulgate, and the Peshitta ( Syriac).

Neither the Pierpont-Robinson Byzantine Textform nor the eclectic Nestle-Aland Greek text lists a single varient for that word!

The word "understanding" (Gk: dianoias ) is found in the Textus Receptus, one of the few places it disagrees with the Byzantine text in important places.

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Meditation

This verse hardly needs anything but  praise and unfeigned worship by those  Our LORD deems worthy of being called "His+ Inheritance."

Redeemed hearts have been illuminated by His+ SPIRIT --- we are told in verse 17 ---  of Wisdom and revelation. This is supernatural wisdom which un-regenerated man cannot receive.

THIS IS NOT "MENTAL" KNOWLEDGE.

Supernaturally we see, we perceive that hope which accompanies His+ calling, a hope so tangible that it is more real than the food we eat.

The eyes of our heart, being illuminated by the SPIRIT, can "see" this very real and very solid hope !

The eyes of our heart can also "see" the abundance, the great wealth of glory placed in store for His+ Saints.

His+ glory will rest upon us... and then we ourselves become a people for possession,**  which is His+ own inheritance!

**A people for possession   is the literal Greek for "a peculiar people" of the KJV, found in 1 Peter 2:9.

The Prophet Isaiah tells us:

 HE+ shall see of the travail of His+ soul,

and shall be satisfied:

by His+ knowledge shall My Righteous SERVANT+  justify many;

for HE+ shall bear their iniquities.

53:11

And the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2: 7-8:

 But made Himself+ of no reputation,

and took upon HIM+

the form of a  SERVANT+,

and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man,

HE+ humbled Himself+,

and became obedient unto death,

even the death of the cross..

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Let us pray:

O LORD JESUS, YOU+ Who+ made man in the likeness of The Holy GODHEAD, YOU+ took upon Yourself+ our likeness  !

YOU+ did not count Your+ position with The FATHER in Glory something to "lord it over" us with, but rather YOU+ emptied Yourself+ and became a SERVANT+... the servant of sinful man.

Knowing we would bruise YOU+ and smite you from the earth, YOU+ came anyways in order that YOU+ might taste death for every man.

Yet, YOU+ loved us, mankind, me.

YOU+ loved us from the beginning and came to rescue the very ones who put YOU+ to death ... then and now.

Blessed be Thy Holy Name, O CHRIST !

May we show forth our love for THEE+ by laying down our Self for Thy Name's Sake, O LORD JESUS... daily, quietly, consistently.

And if it is appointed to us that we should lay down our lives for THEE+, we do not want to falter and fail.

Keep us in Your+ possession , O CHRIST, and help us turn from temptation, that we might also be known as Righteous Servants of GOD.

In the Name of JESUS CHRIST, the LAMB+ of GOD we pray. Amen 

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Worthy is the LAMB+.

Worthy is The LAMB+

that was slain.

Worthy is the LAMB+,

slain

from the foundation

of the earth.

Revelation 13:8

+  +  +

PRAISE and THANKSGIVING

be to The FATHER,

and to HIS Beloved SON+

JESUS CHRIST,

and to

the Blessed HOLY SPIRIT.

ONE GOD:

FATHER,

SON+,

and HOLY SPIRIT,

both now and forever,

world without end.

Amen.

QUALIFIED to be in The ELECT ? --- Passover Meditations ... Ephesians 1:17

    

Meditations  for  the Pre-Pascha Season

(The Passover Season, 2016)

Meditations 
for the Monastic-At-Heart

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Now is My+ soul troubled;

and what shall I+ say ...

FATHER,

save ME+ from this hour ?

but for this cause

came I+ unto this hour.

FATHER,

Glorify Thy Name.

Then came there a Voice from Heaven, saying,

I have both glorified IT,

and will glorify IT again.

John12:27-28

+  +  +

Meditation Verse 

Ephesians 1: 17

[ 1:16 Cease not to give thanks for you,

making mention of you in my prayers;]

That the GOD

of our LORD JESUS CHRIST,

The FATHER of Glory,

may give unto you

the SPIRIT of Wisdom

and revelation

in the knowledge

of HIM+:

A Peek at the Greek:

·                     The word that is "hina", which means in order that.

·                    The word used here for wisdom is sophia, which is generally used in the NT as "the ability to USE knowledge for correct behavior, insight."  ( Friberg's Analytical Lexicon of the Greek New Testament).

·                    The Greek word here for knowledge is actually a compound word, with the prefix EPI-- attached to the beginning of gn0sksei , "gnOskO" =  to know.

  Strong's Concordance tells us that EPI has a basic meaning of superimposition. Friberg's AnLex tells us that "epign0sis" is "what one comes to know and appropriate through faith in CHRIST.

Vine's Expository Dictionary includes discern or discernment in the definition of EPIGN0SIS.

In other words, this EPI-GN0SEI is a supernatural discernment which comes through faith in CHRIST via the HOLY SPIRIT... not merely a factual head knowledge.

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Meditation

That the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, The FATHER of Glory, may give unto you the SPIRIT of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM+:

The phrase which starts this verse,  "In order that..." , tells us that it is connected in thought to the verse above it.  The Apostle Paul never ceases to pray for the new believers in CHRIST ... in order that Our FATHER Who art in Heaven will do something out-standing for them. 

What is that out-standing "something" that the world CANNOT --- is not able --- to receive but even New-born Believers can have ?  

...The FATHER of Glory,  may give unto you the SPIRIT of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM+:

Our FATHER'S gift to us is the HOLY SPIRIT'S ability to use Wisdom to correct our behavior. HE grants us insight as to our motives and the "why" we do things un-like CHRIST, through this priceless SPIRIT of Wisdom. 

Furthermore, we are given something else the worldlings do not have: revelation... an UNcovering.  This "uncovering" includes revealing to the Light+ the darkness that hides the evil one's doings, his illusions, in our lives.

For the follower of JESUS, the satan's workings are no longer hidden from view: we can pin-point our impure motives, our guile, our wounds, and our sins which the satan often hides from us, trying to keep us in bondage.  This also comes only via the HOLY SPIRIT, our priceless gift from The FATHER.

...The FATHER of Glory,  may give unto you the SPIRIT of Wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM+:

The Apostle also asks The FATHER to grant believers the EPI-GNOSIS, the supernatural  discernment of JESUS our LORD.  This also, like the Apostle Paul's other prayer requests, comes through the HOLY SPIRIT, the SPIRIT of Wisdom.

The world and its worldlings CANNOT --- are not even able --- to receive these gifts of discernment and Wisdom because they only go to Followers of JESUS CHRIST.

They only go to the ones who have heard the call of CHRIST+ in their hearts and have RESPONDED to that call ... in a way that pleases HIM+.

They only are granted to the ones who are placed into that pre-defined flock, for they have identified with CHRIST+ in His+ death. 

They are the Followers who search out their inner motives, who listen to the HOLY SPIRIT when conviction of sin and impurity of motives are revealed. 

They put to death their flesh now and bring their bodies into subjection unto The Word of GOD, like the Apostle Paul did. 

They have died with CHRIST, so that they might live with HIM+.  THEY DO SO DAILY, through the power and help of the HOLY SPIRIT. 

Here is what identifies "The Elect" : 

They cannot stand ANYTHING

which comes

between them and JESUS CHRIST.

That is why

"The Elect" die to Self daily

and live for CHRIST.

These are the ones

who meet the QUALIFICATIONS

to be in that group

called "The Elect"

which Our FATHER

draws near to HIM.

  

That is the group which Our FATHER established, setting up the QUALIFICATIONS before the foundation of the world, before mankind lived on planet earth.

How can we be certain about this, that QUALIFICATIONS were established to belong to the group called "The Elect " ? 

We know this is true because The LAMB+ was slain from the foundation of the World ! --- before GOD even created man from earth.  

Revelation 13:8.

Are you

MEETING THE QUALIFICATIONS

to be in

"The ELECT" ?

Not only did the Apostle Paul speak of these QUALIFICATIONS to be in "The ELECT," but also the Apostle Peter taught the same Truth.

Hear this:

  2 Peter 1: 10

 Wherefore the rather, brethren,

give diligence

to make your calling

and election sure:

for if ye do these things,

ye shall never fall:

2 Peter 1:2-3

According as His Divine power hath given unto us all things

that pertain unto Life and Godliness,

through the knowledge

 [ EPI-GNOSIS ]

of HIM+

that hath called us to glory and virtue:

Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

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Let us pray:

O Ruler of the Universe, LORD GOD, YHWH ADONAINU, great deeds are they which YOU have done, surpassing human understanding.

Your ways are ways of Righteousness and Truth, O King+ of all the ages. 

Who can fail to do YOU homage, LORD, and sing the praises of Your Name ? For YOU only are the HOLY ONE.

All nations will draw near and fall down before YOU, because Your Righteous and HOLY works have been revealed ! Amen.

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Worthy is the LAMB+.

Worthy is The LAMB+

that was slain.

Worthy is the LAMB+,

slain

from the foundation

of the earth.

Revelation 13:8

+  +  +

PRAISE and THANKSGIVING

be to The FATHER,

and to HIS Beloved SON+

JESUS CHRIST,

and to

the Blessed HOLY SPIRIT.

ONE GOD:

FATHER,

SON+,

and HOLY SPIRIT,

both now and forever,

world without end.

Amen.

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