Time Versus Eternity

Ultimately, none of the enemy’s plans succeed, but in the short term we do not yet perceive everything as being under the Lord's control. When a marionette is being pulled into a standing position, there is a moment when a still photograph would show it being neither up nor down. One might conclude that it is falling. Inhabiting time is like looking at a photograph rather than watching a movie. Because you inhabit a specific point on the temporary line of time, you risk drawing inaccurate conclusions when you look at the way things are.

God will help you but first know this. He is with you where you are. He is able to bring about His will despite you, if necessary. All of His promises are good. He has not abandoned you. Do not be afraid.

Scripture: "In that day the mountains will drip new wine, and the hills will flow with milk; all the ravines of Judah will run with water. A fountain will flow out of the LORD's house and will water the valley of acacias" (Joel 3:18).

"Then you will know that I, the LORD your God, dwell in Zion, my holy hill. Jerusalem will be holy; never again will foreigners invade her." Isaiah 48:7.

Just This...

Self imposed discipline kills. Christ centered obedience liberates.

The above was a direct word from the Lord that I've questioned a bit in the weeks since I recorded it here. The word "kills" seemed a little strong. Self-imposed discipline, if I could only attain it, doesn't seem so bad. But this morning (11-4-08) I've found this Scripture:

“He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life" 2 Corinthians 3:6

Now and Later

The freedom that is yours in Christ is engineered by the Holy Spirit, and is manifested through your circumstances here and now. God's blessings are long lasting--they are good now (in the physical world) and they are good later (for all eternity).

Don't be afraid to take God's promises literally, and do not make excuse for Him when the time seems long. All of His promises are good. Watch for their fulfillment and it will become apparent to you that what can be perceived in the corporeal world is a reflection of eternal fact. See God's promises as buds that are blossoming into the reality of your life, the reality that can be perceived with your five senses; understand that your present experience in Christ is supported by an eternity of spiritual truth. It is true that “eye hath not seen” (1 Corinthians 2:9, KJV), but it is also true that “For now we see through a glass, darkly” (1 Corinthians 12:13, KJV). Even the reflections of eternal facts are beautiful, and one can eat and drink of them and be nourished in the physical world. Partake.

Scripture: "Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" (2 Peter 1:4 KJV).

Forgiveness

In a crooked way, the ones you blame for your failures are indeed responsible, because it is your unforgiveness toward them that causes you to struggle with obedience to the Lord.

In your efforts to forgive, do not excuse the sin. Do not make excuse for them saying, "Well, obeying the Lord perfectly is impossible. I can't do it, why should I expect them to do it?" This dishonors God. He does not give you anything to do that is too difficult for you. He does not give you anything to do that He will not help you to accomplish. There is no excuse for disobedience. There is only forgiveness.

However, making excuse is not the same as recognizing that all have sinned and fallen short. You are not shocked by the sin, you do not condemn them for it; you recognize that all (including yourself) have sinned. This puts sin in perspective. Their sin is no longer a travesty against you personally; it takes its place as a part of the sin of the world, the sin for which the Son of God had to die. Sin is a tragedy for human beings and a travesty against God. When you begin to feel that the sin of another has been against you personally, you put yourself in front of God and in opposition to your fellow human beings. You must reorient yourself—you are standing side by side with condemned sinners and your only hope, individually and collectively, is grace. You recognize the sin of those on your right and on your left and together you cry out for God’s mercy, together you have received God’s grace through the shed blood of His son, Jesus Christ.

Orient yourself toward the Lord by forgiving those who have hurt you. This will place you a step ahead, out of reach of the biting and devouring behaviors of your fellow sinners.