Encouragement

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A Functional GPS
(God’s Positioning System)

The romance of ‘leaving behind all, in order to embrace the primitive’, is just that; romance! And even if we lock on to the truth of God’s initial wooing, our immediate response is usually our own. Then, in order to build up the calculated thrust necessary to escape the gravitational pull of own of our individual comfort zones, we begin to create fantastical goals, setting our spiritual compasses in search of unrealistic holiness. Once free of the entanglements of our daily enslavements and luxuries, we assume that we are ready to stay the course, noses to the spiritual grindstone, and ready for personal translation!

The dream of serving my Father’s interests in Africa has been part and parcel of my spiritual-self since I was a boy. “Missions Sunday” would yield the exotic tales of God’s faithfulness in some forgotten corner of the world far removed from my routine existence. The missionaries always looked the same: travel weary, spiritually worn, and quietly remote. However, much of their demeanor was lost on me at the time, my affections being held captive by the sheer otherworldliness of their report.

Prayer upon prayer would be offered up as to my willingness and state of readiness. And, sure of my own imminent departure, I would prepare over and over again by studying Scripture a bit more faithfully and endeavor to live my life a little more like Paul and Peter, assured that God was watching and, when the moment was right, cast me like bread upon the Atlantic Ocean, that I might wash upon the shores of Africa never to be seen again (except on the occasional “Missions Sunday”). But reality is forever objective and eventually, once the daydream of holy service wore off, each morning would find me back in school with daily chores and homework waiting for me at home that afternoon, Africa fading into the exotic distance; intangible and removed.

Some forty years later, I find myself sitting in the guest-house of Le Clinque de E’sperance in N’Zao, Guinea, West Africa. My wife Judi and I are here as medical missionaries for a trial of one year. Our goal, along with a core group of seven others (two established missionary couples, one indigenous pastor, and two additional nurses) is to bring Hope Clinic up to operational status. This will be our third visit to Guinea, but our longest. Having sold all and being debt-free, we have come to Africa to work hard, enable evangelism, and place ourselves as willing servants to our co-workers and the people of N’Zao.

So, why, after a relatively short period of time, do we feel frustrated and lost?

Throughout Scripture, as well as that of the collective history of the Church, men have set goals - some holy, most not so holy, and others downright self-appointed and self-serving. I want to examine this ideal of goal setting with the expressed purpose of making a realistic application relative to my present dilemma.



“The ignorance of distraction…”

In Joshua, chapter 5, verses 13-15, we read of Joshua’s encounter with the “Prince of Jehovah’s Host”. Recently come into Canaan and camped at Gilgal, within the region of Jericho, Joshua, Moses’ divinely appointed replacement, had just finished circumcising the whole of Israel’s male population, setting them apart for future service. In addition, they had just eaten their last meal of manna and were instructed to ‘eat of the increase of the land’. Set before them was their first military obstacle or goal; the walled city of Jericho, gateway to the rest of Canaan. Joshua sets out to do an initial reconnaissance of the situation and is met by a Man. Knowing that he is essentially still in enemy territory, he demands to know the intentions of this stranger bearing arms – ‘…for us or against us…?’

The ‘common sense’ of his query indicates the ignorance of Joshua’s heart for he is before Someone quite ‘uncommon’ and he is immediately told to prepare himself for the subsequent answer. Preoccupied with his own perceptions of the acute situation, Joshua is unable to clearly fathom his true appointment until he has been effectively prepared; ‘…cast off thy shoe from thy foot…’.

Leaving Joshua for the moment, I want to turn to another passage wherein a subjective stance was initiated by the most zealous of Christ, only to be gently set aside by the same. In Mark 8, verses 27-33, we read of that singular moment of Spiritual cognizance that so endears us to beloved Peter! Alas, it is immediately followed by the ignorance of his immature heart and he is found to be an Adversary of Kingdom work. Such sadness as indwelt his heart and the sheer embarrassment of Jesus’ rebuke before the others, must have left Peter weak and confused. Was it not appropriate for him to safeguard his Master? Would we not be guilty of the same?

The above instances of, with the reader’s permission, I will call the ignorance of distraction and adequately illustrates one facet of faulty goal setting. We will return to this in a moment.


“The ignorance of disobedience…”

Genesis 4: 3-6 records the disaster of Cain’s self-reliance and his subsequent rejection of God. Fully aware of the proud ignorance that lies within Cain’s wayward heart, God counsels him to “…rulest over it!” Cain fails to do so and the fruit of his inappropriate grain offering predicates the murder of his younger brother.


Here we do not see misguided effort, but rather the intentional possession of the perceived goal. Cain’s heart was in full disobedience: he knew it and further more, God let him know that He knew it. But hard-hearted disobedience is not limited to those who reject God’s ways in an outright fashion. Far too often, willful behavior will find its root deep in the transfigured heart that has become undisciplined, and brash.

In II Samuel, the sixth chapter, we have the unhappy account of King David’s impetuous handling of that which was sacred. The familiar story contains all of the elements that attend deliberate ignorance. When faced with the untimely death of Uzziah, David immediately falls to fear and anger. He retreats from the very Presence that he must eventually contend with. And though, in time, he does exactly thus, and subsequently proceeds in an accordant manner, all is forever stained with the death of another.

True North?

So then, we have, in the above instances, what I believe to be, four examples of ignorant disobedience: two by virtue of distraction and two by willful choice. All were outside the perfect will of God and all were shortsighted and ill focused. And yet, while the latter two were met with patient rebuke, the former brought about the death of apparent innocents. It is with much sadness that I confess - I have frequently walked both paths.

The flesh is, if anything, persistent in its very reality. Paul reminds us in Galatians 5:16-17 that, within every true Believer, there is a singular battle being waged constantly between the Spirit and the flesh. The Spirit, forever faithful, travails against the flesh. The flesh, equally adamant, pushes ever against the Spirit. And it would seem, according to Jesus, that the focus of my spiritual eyes determines my collective stance (Luke 11:34-36). For, if my eyes are fixed upon heavenly things, my actions will follow. But bring my vision to a horizontal plane, and I will walk accordingly. One dependant upon the things not seen, while the other doomed to the fire and destruction of divine judgment.

Within the body of Christ, there are individuals or committees of common-mind that pursue many a high and lofty aspiration. And, usually, these endeavors are quite heavenly in their relative appearance. It is with wonder then, that so often we find ourselves arriving at the crest of any given achievement only to find it empty and without enduring affect. Said accomplishments enjoy every blessing and commendation from those we count as confidents, and yet, deep inside the recesses of our spiritual selves, wherein abides the Master Builder, we see that the sand of ignorance has been scattered to the wind and our idolatrous temple has crumbled for lack of sure foundation.





And what of our examples? Certainly we can see the folly of Cain and David; though one abhorrently proud and the other a man after God’s own heart. In both cases, innocent life was sacrificed . But, in the cases of Joshua and Peter, while the subsequent ramifications were markedly less severe, the rebuke was singularly stern nonetheless. Each was well intentioned and yet still found to be shortsighted. Joshua was politically concerned for the welfare of his people. His query was perfectly natural – for the natural man. Poor Peter worshipped his Master and it made absolutely no good common sense for him to allow Jesus to do something so apparently foolish!

I believe that, in the kind counsel of the Spirit of Wisdom, we are given precious insight in both cases. For we see that, Joshua was instructed to change his original stance and to acquire a new perspective: both physically (shoes and posture) and spiritually (holy counsel) , while Peter was given (not-so-subtle) instruction as to the deficit from which he suffered. The intent of both was good, in the sense that, from a natural stance, neither was found to be in aberrant behavior. But when set over-against the eternal, wherein lies God’s holy glory; the goals of each were nothing short of old wineskins.



Right focus; unexpected results


Let us now look to two different circumstances involving two pious men, both of whom were well focused and attentive to the will of God.

In his second letter to the Assembly in Corinth, the 12th chapter, Paul writes of a thorn in his flesh. He indicates that this ‘messenger of the Adversary’ was allowed for the specific purpose of ‘buffeting (him)’ that he might not become overly ‘exalted’ or proud. Three times he calls upon the Lord. Three times he seeks the departure of said impediment. Was the Apostle seeking for himself? Was he merely attempting to accommodate his flesh? Was he setting before the Lord his complaint as leverage for ‘problem free’ service?

Without digressing into a more comprehensive discussion of this particular passage; relative to the man caught up and the unutterable sayings, I believe it is helpful to our present thought to address three specific facts as mentioned. First, Paul speaks in the third person, of himself.
This is important in that it provides for the reality of the natural man and that, which is born of the Spirit; that which is receptive to and in step with the peculiarities of the Kingdom. What was heard and experienced was apparently so dynamic in its functional reality that, to bring back report of it would be akin to casting pearls before swine.

Secondly, whatever it was that Paul experienced, was a potential source of pride. I will not dwell heavily upon this point as we are all well acquainted with the ego - regenerated or no! However, it is meet to point out that, while Paul was keenly aware of his own natural bent toward arrogance (Philippians 3:4-6), he was equally sincere in his desire to set aside all (7-11) that would hinder his absolute submission; both spiritually and physically (I Corinthians 9:27), to the cross of his Christ! And that brings us to the opalescent truth of this passage.

The providential reasoning for this thorn, while given in order to stave off pride, was primarily sent to bring about the glory or identification of God’s grace! And herein lies our third point. That which was apportioned to Paul, in his flesh, had not so much to do with Paul, per say, but more to ensure that Paul did not interfere with that which was desired by God! Said another way; Paul was not ‘caught up’ in order to make him more spiritual! Nor was it with the intent of, upon his return, ‘sharing’ the whole context of his adventure. The truth is, we are not told why he was so used - just that he was. It is the thorn given him that is of practical import to us. In no uncertain terms we are told that it was to effectively demonstrate the sufficiency of God’s good grace, this was only possible when set over-against the insufficiency of Paul’s flesh! Again, we will draw our final conclusions in a moment.

Our final subject will be Ezekiel. And, for those who have endeavored to plow through the rich tilth of this man’s record, it is readily understood that much can be appropriated regarding the disciplines of obedience and service. But this said, I want to direct our attention to an intimate passage of such personal magnitude that, upon rediscovery, literally brought about this essay:

And there is a word of Jehovah unto me, saying,
“Son of man, lo, I am taking from thee the desire of thine eyes by a stroke
and thou dost not mourn, nor weep, nor let thy tear come…” Ezekiel 24:15-16

Now, of truth, I do not profess to understand how the reader would respond to this edict from the Lord. Neither can I honestly say, with any degree of assurance, how I would react. I might possibly be ‘spiritual’ enough to willingly agree to His providential requirement of the temporary, terrestrial life of my Beloved, but to fathom the why, even if the divine purpose was clearly placed before me, as it was Ezekiel, everything inside my finite heart and mind would scream “…is there no other way?” And yet, herein lies the most flesh devastating truth of all of Scripture. Here, if we will accept it, is the soul redemptive requirement of all service and all goals that would be found suitable for placement before our Sovereign Lord.

Note that, while our first four subjects were found lacking in vision and appropriate preparation and therefore, their service unacceptable, our last two examples were remarkably keen to the will and work of their God. Their lives were consumed and, in truth, routinely orchestrated by their Lord! How is it then, that, in the purposeful course of their practical and spiritual work, each was required to come face to face with that which was outside their mortal understanding? Said another way, why did God deem it necessary to inflict such sorrow and personal impediment upon two of His most devoted servants?

Certainly, at this point, the intuitive reader will hear the familiar ring of those words? Does it not direct our selfish hearts to Gethsemane? Do not the words echo those of the Selfless-Infinite One? The words of David, interestingly enough, serve to capture the essence of this profound truth:

“…I do not offer up (a sacrifice) to Jehovah…without cost!”
I Chronicles 21:21-24


True North!

In the truly Kingdom-focused heart, there is a resolute course of agreed upon self-denial that must be active before any personal offering can be effectively made. Why? What precludes this necessary removal of self-indulgence even for apparent right reasoning? In order to understand this, let us look backward to an original type as ordained by the God of Israel.

In the third chapter of Leviticus, the 17th verse we discover the command;

“…any fat or any blood, ye shall not eat.”

Now, once again, I will not here attempt a discussion on that which I am woefully unskilled to approach, but from a strictly pedestrian point of view, it would seem that there is a certain foreshadowing sequestered in this obscure passage. It is well understood that blood was of especial consideration for it is well attended throughout Scripture. Beginning in Genesis, the Holy Spirit teaches us that life is in the blood (Genesis 9:4-6) and certainly this was reiterated by the apostolic admonition to Paul and Barnabas in their missionary work among the goyim. (Acts 15:12-21) Ultimately, the import of blood is reckoned in Jesus’ own words. (John 6:53, I Corinthians 11:23-29); but what of the fat? What can we deduce from the Levitical ‘cutting’ away and offering of up the fat?

Speaking from a medical point of view, there are certain efficacious reasons the Master Designer placed within in our physical bodies; fat. Briefly, fat is a repository for hormones, necessary for overall mental and physical equilibrium. Fat is also placed interiorly (around our various organs) and well as superficially (subcutaneous) in order to protect our physical bodies from cold, impact, etc. Finally, fat provides for the utilization of certain fat soluble vitamins. Fat is vital to health. Fat is necessary for life. If life is in the blood, protection of life is, at least in part, in the fat!

To return, the blood and the fat of the burnt sacrifice were to be set apart unto the Lord. Now, at the risk of sounding fantastic in my assumption, I would extend the following thought; just as the proper preparation of the Levitical sacrifice required the ‘cutting away’ of the fat and ‘draining’ of the blood, so too, in our truest offering, must the ‘blood and fat’ be removed from that which we would offer unto the Lord. Any sense of personal achievement, personal acclaim, or personal preservation must be ‘set aside’. Let us, here, walk through the ‘goals’ of our six subjects and then return to this thought.

Cain and David were far from the mark. Cain, in offering the fruit of the work of his hands (and his own volition), missed the point of sacrifice completely. God, in His holiness, cannot accept that which is not holy (that which is shared by another). Cain’s offering was an affectation of his own ability and, in essence, his self-sufficiency and ability. It was what he accomplished. It was what he was able to produce by the sweat and toil of his own cunning, skill, and ability, dragging from the unwilling soil (Genesis 3:19). Far from reflecting a ‘broken and contrite heart’, his offering was a definitive declaration of his own prowess and talent.

David, though anointed, would fare no better, enjoining the wrath of God in his impetuous handling of holy things. For David knew, just as did Cain, the proper way. David was not unaware of his impropriety. But, in order to bring about his personal objective, he literally ignored the express commands of the God of Israel. His willfulness, like that of Cain, served only to enslave his heart with egoistic rebellion and carelessness that, in turn, veiled his eyes with the myth of personal goal, and like Cain; produced only death.

And what of Joshua and Peter? Both zealous for the work of the Kingdom. Both apparent in their respective loyalties. However, lacking proper coordinates, both were found to be far off the mark of true holiness. For, in Joshua, though dutiful and focused in his office, we see the servant of God whose attention had drifted from Chief-Shepherd and had become fixed upon the sheep. And, while sheep surely need tending, our service must never be that which originates within, but rather flows out from above. Therefore, Joshua, the commander of Israel, finds himself at the feet of the Commander of the Host of Heaven!

Hapless Peter, equally true in his heart, though misguided, would seek the preservation of Him Whom he loved beyond all else (so far as he understood himself!) and was quite ready to challenge the wisdom and intent of the very Object of his affection.

It is of precious note that, though Peter was abysmally lost (unable to see the forest for the trees, as it were), Jesus’ gentle, yet stern rebuke was not apart from or unaware of the authenticity of his heart!

This is an essential point in that, unlike Cain and David, Joshua and Peter are found to be in willing service of their Lord! They were fully intent upon the work of the Kingdom! Unfortunately, both suffered from a kind of self-appointed spiritual myopia. Rather than fixing their eyes upon spiritual things, they opted out for the quicker, more attainable ‘ways of the world’. Both, divinely appointed leaders. Both keenly aware of their calling. Both remonstrated in knowing love.




A fire offering of sweet fragrance to Jehovah.

Stated succinctly, there are many activities within the Body that are sealed with, the often emblematic, “…in Jesus name…” Far too often we are found to be nowhere near the Throne, let alone within the framework of the Kingdom, when laying our various intelligent service(s) (Romans 12:1) upon the altar. We want to retain our personal agendas and find a sense of self-gratification in our willingness to give up all for the sake of the Kingdom. And understand; I speak from that which I know. I am, all too often, found in the ready company of Cain and David, in willful mutiny, and, like Joshua and Peter, often shortsighted in my practical and spiritual vision. But what of Paul and Ezekiel? Surely there can be found little, in their respective situations, which would call for refinement.

Returning to our Levitical instruction, the careful student will note at least three particulars relative to the ‘blood and fat’ of the intended sacrifice. First, they are present. They are part of that which God created that was found to be good. In truth, both are necessary for the health of the subject while living! However, once death has come, the ‘blood and fat’ are to be no longer available for personal use to those who would yet offer the remainder up for divine acceptance. Therefore, secondly, they are to be ‘set apart’ unto Jehovah. Indeed, they are to be a ‘sweet fragrance’! We will come back to this in a moment. Thirdly, once divested of these, the residual carcass, properly cleaned and practically apportioned, is now ready and can therefore be offered appropriately with every expectation of acceptance.









“Not my will, but Thine…”

“…and my wife dieth in the evening, and I do in the morning as I have been commanded.”
Ezekiel 15:18

“…most gladly, therefore, will I boast in my infirmities,
that the power of Christ may rest on me.”
II Corinthians 12:9

In any prospective endeavor that we may embark upon for the sake of the Kingdom, by virtue of the fact that, we are involved, the activity will inherently contain aspects of us; at point of origin, as well as in practical service. Each work we (either individually or collectively) lay before the Lord is automatically tainted with our ‘blood’ or life essence (personality, skills, gifts), and our ‘fat’, that which would serve to protect and bring the appearance of health or success (commendation, acceptance, validation). But, no matter how apparently necessary these factors are within the natural proceedings, they are not to be part and parcel of that which may be offered up spiritually unto the Lord. Of note; these things are not necessarily wrong in and of themselves; indeed, they are part of who we are as beings created in the image of God! He made us this way. But, in our corrupt state, regardless of regeneration, they cannot please God and therefore, must be set apart. Therefore, only when we have yielded the blood (our life, as apportioned to any given work of faith) and the fat (any abstract that may be put in place to protect and show forth the figurative success of said work), only when all aspects of human endeavor have been removed from our intelligent service of worship (Romans 12:1) to be consumed by God alone - will God’s glory be accomplished! Then will His shekinah glow forth, in and about. Then will the world understand, without excuse, that God has moved in this place.

And is this not ensampled to us most clearly by Him Who came first as our Servant King? For Jesus, the Son of man, completely divested of all that would draw glory unto Himself, cared not for the validation of man, content to simply walk the quiet, non-sensical path that led away from personal acclaim and which would effectively end His initial endeavors within the confines of flesh. And, let it be not lost on the sincere of heart that, only when ‘cutting away’ was accomplished, did the world begin to grasp the proximity of the Kingdom; “…truly, this man was righteous!”

But wait! The Mosaic burnt offering was…burnt! It was dead! When the fat and blood were set apart – the animal was dead! We, on the other hand, are called to be living sacrifices (again, Romans 12:1)! Now, the quick of mind have already figured out that “…this is going to hurt…a lot!” And, perhaps, within the parameters of man-made gods, this would be so, but, within the skillful hands of our Great Physician, this is categorically not so! For, ‘...not a God desiring wickedness art Thou, evil inhabiteth Thee not!’ (Psalm 5:4) Mindful that we are but flesh, our gentle Lord knows our hearts; our deepest reasonings. He understands the truest desires of His implanted seed and He is equally aware of the lurid vileness of our still corrupt frame.

He knows that, that which He has required of us is, by human reckoning, is literally impossible! And that Beloved, is the point! Apart from Him: His calling, His manifestation, His desire, His grace, we simply can accomplish nothing of eternal significance! None of the activity, none of the work, none of that which we would offer up for sacrifice means anything unless is has been provided for by our Great High Priest; selection (Ephesians 1:4, I Corinthians 1:27, et al), washing (John 13:10, Titus 3:5, Hebrews 10:22), administration of death (Romans 6:3-5, II Corinthians 1:9, et al), removal of fat and blood for Divine consumption (II Corinthians 2:15, Philippians 4:18), and finally the presentation (Jude 24).

But Moses’ sacrifice was dead! I’m still alive! Yes, we are called to be ‘living sacrifices’, but make no mistake; the procedure remains the same. For we are only to set before God that which reflects or identifies with - Christ! Our positional reckoning must find its magnetic absolute in Christ Jesus alone. He is our ‘true North’! Any proposed offering must be identical, in attitude and administration, to that of Christ and therefore, utterly absent of self.

And this, is frankly impossible. It just cannot be done within the confines of corrupt flesh. Therefore, when all else is accomplished (i.e. selection, washing, etc.), we must lay all upon the altar for the High priest to come, while yet living, and administer death (by our yielding) and remove that which sustains the life of our offering; fat and blood. He must take from us our ambition, desire, and short- and long-range goals, reasons for doing, methods of accomplishing, and certainly any approbation or validation and set them aside for the consumption of God alone. Why? Because these are the very attributes that were forsaken in their original purity when we chose to ‘be like God’ and took upon ourselves the responsibility, and may I say the accountability, of knowing good and evil. Yes, we have the mind of Christ (I Corinthians 2:16), but the battle betwixt flesh and Spirit rages ever, and the heart of man ever deceitful. (Jeremiah 17:9) And even did our Lord, not trust in His own reckoning, but satisfied Himself to be kept with in the will of the Father alone. (John 5)

Paul and Ezekiel’s hearts were willing and prepared, humanly speaking, for holy service and yet there remained a final provision. Until the blood and fat of their respective ministries had been removed and offered up to Jehovah, their apparent sacrifice was not acceptable. They could not do anything more; except wait for the skillful, hands of their Great Surgeon-Priest, to gently remove that which belongs, in the first place, to God alone. For, in the garden, prior to that tragic moment of self-appointment, Adam knew nothing of himself. Indeed, did not need him(self)! He accorded nothing to his own sense of being. He lived and breathed only the Presence of His Creator God. His reason for existing and being was absolutely inhabited by God alone! Not so us. Even within the regeneration of grace and mercy - we are fallen still. In this mortal frame, we are to never trust our own motives, our own dreams, and our own desires for they are, by default, tainted with sin. Therefore, we must wait upon the altar, trusting in the great, empathetic heart of our Lord Jesus to take that which we would do for Him, and make it acceptable and truly holy, thereby ensuring that it will endure the flames of holy and righteous inspection. (I Corinthians 3:13-15).
So, here I am in Africa…

Miles J. Stanford, in his seminal work, “The Green Letters”, quotes Wm. R. Newell;
"There being no cause in the creature why grace should be shown, the creature must be brought off from trying to give cause to God for His care." "He has been accepted in Christ, who is his standing!" "He is not on probation." "As to his life past, it does not exist before God: he died at the cross, and Christ is his Life" "Grace, once bestowed, is not withdraws: for God knew all the human exigencies beforehand: His action was independent of them, not dependent upon them."
"To believe, and to consent to be loved while unworthy, is the great secret."
"To refuse to make 'resolutions' and 'vows'; for that is to trust in the flesh."
"To expect to be blessed, though realizing more and more lack of worth."
"To rely on God's chastening (child training) hand as a mark of His kindness."
"To 'hope to be better' (hence acceptable) is to fail to see yourself in Christ only."
"To be disappointed with yourself is to have believed in yourself."
"To be discouraged is unbelief -- as to God's purpose and plan of blessing for you."
To be proud, is to be blind! For we have no standing before God, in ourselves."
"The lack of Divine blessing, therefore, comes from unbelief, and not from failure of devotion."
"To preach devotion first, and blessing second, is to reverse God's order, and preach law, not grace. The Law made man's blessing depend on devotion; Grace confers undeserved, unconditional blessing: our devotion may follow, but does not always do so -- in proper measure."
His point, as I understand it, is that; if my eyes are fixed upon me: my abilities, my desires, my obedience, etc., then I will forever be disappointed; regardless of endeavor. It is only when my eyes are fixed upon the accomplished work of, and the on-going work of Christ Jesus alone, that I will find any sense of eternal satisfaction or significance. I must set aside even my remotest desires, yielding them to the pure will of God, through the singular counsel of His Spirit, before I will obtain truest peace.

Am I frustrated? Then it is because my eyes are fixed on the failures and inconsistencies of this world and myself. Are things not going according to my plan? Good! May God ever forbid that I am allowed to rule in His stead! Do I lack understanding? It is because I have not asked or perhaps (can is be possible?) because my Fathers does not deem it necessary. Is all that I see futile and meaningless, lacking joy and satisfaction? Then, it is because my eye has become clouded with self-perception rather than the crystal clarity of faith. For, in Christ, all is ‘yes’ (I Corinthians 1:20) and, in our Father of Light, there is no ‘shadow’ (James 1:17).

In conclusion then, as I sit here in N’Zao, I must confess that my reason for being here has become skewed and my vision clouded. In light of this, perhaps I, and those around me, will be best served by my heeding the words of beloved Paul,

“…and to me it is for a very little thing that by you I may be judged, or by man’s day, but not even myself do I judge, for of nothing to myself have I been conscious, but not in this have I been declared right – and He who is discerning me is the Lord…”
I Corinthians 3:3-4


Post note:

Beloved, in this terminal life, there will always be ‘joy stealers’ and ‘adversaries’ – may God forgive us and cover us ever in the blood of Jesus, when it is you and I. But in these times of trial and testing; consider it all joy. For nothing comes to the sons and daughters of God, that He does not first scrutinize; weighing it over-against the glory of His Name.

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