Hebrews 8:

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:

⁹Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord.

¹⁰For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people:

¹¹And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

¹²For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.

Dear Visitor:

In all likelihood, changes to content will be most frequent on this page.

New issues coming to mind; new revelations coming to bring focus to the "faith once delivered to the saints"; personal milestones; poetry.

I hope that you will be blessed with this pot pourri. I will caution however that errors do occur, prejudices do raise their nasty little faces and the "glass darkly" still holds us back.

In any event, glad to have you visit! Wander the beach with me, collecting beautiful shells of discovery in our faith. Doug

http://issuu.com/dewane/docs/church_on_the_hoist

The Sign Read...

I drove by this little unassuming building. Nothing really suggested that it was a church, but it had an orderly, colourful spring garden in the front, a rude cross in the middle of it and a sign over the door which read as follows:Assembly of the Banquet Guests, Holding Nothing in Their Hands, and Desperate for the Generous Host To Arrive That They Might Kiss His Pierced Feet, and Feast and Act Upon His Every WordSounds like a good place. No presumptuous labels such as Glory, Victorious, World-Wide, Full Gospel, Shekinah or Soaring. Perhaps too they have caught the message that the Host has sent out the invitation to both good and bad (Matthew 22:8-10). They need only come, give thanks and hear. He will accomplish the rest. And He does.

Interestingly enough, the sign had thirty-three words. Significant number.

Assurances in Christ

I have spoken to people at times about the blessing and indomitable hope of a present assurance of salvation.The look on their faces tells me that they do not get it. They are still thinking in terms of some giant chalkboard somewhere, some giant tally, where all of their good points and all of their bad have been listed. The net gain or loss of their good works determines their ultimate fate. Joy in the presence of the Lord, or anguish forever to be separated from His glory and peace. They are thinking and behaving as did the people of the Old Testament. They are waiting for their day of "reckoning" (at its root an accounting word).But Grace tells us to remember that day when we confessed our sinfulness and trusted in the obedience and "dues-paying" of another, the Lord Jesus. Remember Romans 10:

⁸But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

⁹That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

¹⁰For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

It is like the story of the man who knelt at the Gospel Tent Meeting and "made his peace". At the end of the service he came back to that very spot with hammer and spike and nailed the sharp bare metal into the ground. He turned to one at his side and said, 'I intend to leave it there. In the future whenever I am being challenged as to what has been accomplished this night, I will be able to return and behold the place of my change, my new birth. This is a done deal.'

In the new family likeness of Jesus, we have family entitlement, ongoing family safekeeping and guidance and blessed assurance of approaching glorious family reunion, secure against all evil and woeful judgment.

Yes, saved in three senses of the word. Past. Present. Future.

On this Easter Morning (April 8, 2012) we rejoice in Christ's resurrection. God was saying in this fulfilment of prophecy (Psalm 16), 'Jesus is the one; the foretold suffering servant who would stand in for your sins; pay the price of law; unveil the sure inheritance of mercy; trust in His FINISHED work.'

Note: One day years ago, I was feeling quite dejected about some issues, and walking from the bus along the railroad line to the east limit of our factory property. On the ground was a railroad spike, loose beside the rail. I picked it up. Symbol of intense suffering at Calvary. Symbol of my liberty and assurance. Even then I knew the story of the Gospel Tent. I still have the spike.

Help to a New Believer

by justhappeneduponthis

Were there not ten

With my blessing

Leprous one moment, and then,

Sent for the priest’s

Absolution,

Clean and recovered again?

Was there but one

Back to thank me?

He, a Samaritan too.

Shameless he bows.

Adoration.

Here at the feet of a Jew.

Oh there’s much more

For the thankful.

Those who remember each grace.

They are made whole

From the inside.

They shall discover my face.

Obliteration

I'm watching as my sand runs out

I'm living to the full

I gather all the good times up

I strive and push and pull.

I like the pace, oh yes I do

And many call me blessed

It's like a nose and grindstone thing

I seldom get to rest.

But then last night I turned the dial

And got a preacher's rant

That Jesus was the only way

But man, I won't... I can't.

The end is just the end you see

I mean to put it off

And gather all the chips I can

Before this frame I doff.

And nothing-ness is my next step

No pain and no regret

No Golden City for the saved

No flames of wrath I bet.

And when my last breath leaves the show

That guy says I will wake

With endless wails and God elsewhere

With Truth I failed to take.

Seamless Transition

When I have slipped this shell

And kissed each loving face once more

And find strange buoyancy

To float weightless

To that distant shore.

When pains have fled

And duties suit a former time.

And eyes new-sparkling

Marvel at all joys now mine.

I haven’t one, not one

Investment come matured

That I can thank

For this and bliss

‘Til now obscured.

Oh Jesus, you are all

I have to praise

And walk with, laughing

Through unending days.

And being here, I sense

All fear is gone

And up ahead the saints

To love and be loved

Halcyon.

Harbour Piloting

He was Irish and he was eloquent. He pastored a large downtown United Church in London. He held many parishioners whom I loved in the palm of his hand. But he could not pilot them safely to shore.

Friends of the family had heard of the uncommon faith encounters of Doug and Hilary. They decided to cool the enthusiasm about the “born again experience” by sending a tape of one of this man’s sermons to us.

Everything in that message built up to the assertion that the term “born again” had only been mentioned once in scripture by Jesus in John 3, and there it had been mis-translated. The Lord had not said “born again” to Nicodemus, but rather “born from above”. Yeah, so what?

In either rendering from the original language it was clear that the Teacher of all teachers was saying that a second life-giving experience was essential, and that that transaction was as mysterious as the winds.

But let us keep going and look at scriptures affirming this strange entrance into aceptance with God. The Psalmist said it in Psalm 51. Jeremiah said it in chapter 31. Ezekiel said it in chapter 36. John the Beloved in his Gospel said it in chapter 1. Peter the Big Fisherman said it in his First Epistle chapter 1. Paul said it in Galatians chapter 6 and in 2 Corinthians chapter 5. The anonymous writer to the Hebrews said it in chapter 8. James the brother of the Lord said it in chapter 1.

There you have 8 different sources together with Jesus speaking to the new birth, new begetting, new creation or new covenant written upon the heart by God’s own sovereign act. You see, it is not all up to us. There is tremendous hope in this fact, and particularly when the Psalmist reminds us that the Eternal One is plenteous in mercy (Psalms 86 and 103).

This Irishman, this pulpit-weaver of words, will stand out in my memory as one with grand homiletics but lousy Bible comprehension and delivery (hermeneutics). Friends, beware of enticing words and agendas of men.

A Texas preacher, far less sophisticated, by the name of Bert Clendenning told an arresting story coming from an unforgettable dream. He saw a handsome young man walking across a frightening area of burning ground. He had a look of grim determination upon his face. He would stop and reach down and pull up a head out the flames, examine it, then put it back down and try again. The dreamer had the impression that the place represented Hell. He asked the young man about his purpose.

“I am looking for the preacher who steered me wrong. He’s gotta be here too.”

(Note: The term “pilot” in this context has always fascinated me. Perhaps it started with reading the book Sky Pilot released in the early 1900’s by a Canadian Prairies preacher and author using the pen name Ralph Connor. He offered some of the earliest and best of so-called Christian fiction.)

A Table Before Me

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.

This interesting statement is made in Psalm 23, the Shepherd Psalm.

This is God as host preparing delightful things for His flock:

A freedom from condemnation - The old mess has passed; totally made new and clean by the blood of Calvary. There is no longer the grinding weight of guilt for past stumbling. There is a ready place to go for absolution, should one fall again.

An Elder Brother who identifies - There is no temptation that Jesus did not experience during His earth walk. But he withstood all heroically and did not sin. We may be confident that He will ever be the reliable hiding place and counsel when new temptations/trials hit.

A confidence in the Lord's guidance and protection - Our past experiences in the faith tell us that there is no place of greater safety than at the Shepherd's side. There have been rescues. There have been sunny vistas. There have been bowers filled with the song of his creatures. And that wonderful settling sense of His presence even unto death.

Refreshments have come in surprising ways - Just when you think you are caught in a hard place without a way of escape, the Lord arrives, and the shadows flee, and the bracing thrill of His availability is like a long draught of cool water. His words of comfort and direction to the inner man have special blessing at such times.

We have the constant sustenance evidenced in the bread and wine - Things sanctified, broken and poured out by our Great Rescuer Jesus in order that we might not suffer judgment; things that speak to a world-wide mystical family rejoicing in all of His deliverances and compassions until He returns to take up His throne.

And the journey is perilous through a fallen world. There are influences close at hand that would seek to defile, defame or destroy. Although they report to the Prince of Darkness, they are aware of the power and presence of irrefutable Righteousness, and they see evidences of the same in members of the flock. They will be weakened in their resolve, and terrified by the prospect of mercy, recompense and judgment winning the day.

Fiddle

Ship of Ships

It is sinking

Irreversibly.

Whistles abate.

Bells diminish.

The chuggings of

Lower quarters

Grind and wheeze.

Rowings are heard

‘Gainst the waves.

Tempo setting in.

Lifeboats all dispatched.

But too few.

Friends call to each other

Cross the darkness.

Deck fires paint a cracked

Flash on the brine.

Great ship lists

Horribly

To the fore.

Stragglers and those resigned

Sit at lounge chairs,

Awaiting inevitability.

Hands held.

“I love you” spoken.

One baleful voice

Cries through the fog

(As if alone, where

Crowds had just streamed,

Voices discordant.)

“Herbert, dear,

I’m waiting for you.”

Atlantic cold

Clarifies the strains

Of small orchestra.

Dignified departure.

Debussy.

And this had been

The Ship of ships.

Frigid saline fingers

Thanking the ice;

Grabbing more and more

Of its girth.

Pulling it down.

Open Letter to the Bruised

Dear Neighbour:Have you been hit hard? Sickness? Money pressures? Unemployment? A broken relationship? A grievous death? Monotony and depression?Memories have become debilitating assailants. The answer is not in looking back. This morning's sunrise was something new. The fresh air entering your window something God-given. Never lose sight of the fact that you are under the watchful eye of heaven.Suffering is our common lot in a fallen world. But for many, the testimony has been "a coming through". Get out there in the society, if only for the exercise and fresh air. You will see many other stories of challenge right around the corner. You will also see the many simple niceties. Parents with a beautiful little child. Elderly with the grace and distinction of a former generation. Teenagers with the wide eyes of romance. Public servants doing their duty with courtesy and a smile.

And in this venture, smile. Seek to engage. Render a simple service. Converse spontaneously. People are hungry for this sort of connection. They are too hurried. Their surprise at your approach will give way to warmth and response.

Your focus on "sad self" will be forgotten for a moment or two. Perhaps you will experience the seeds of friendship. Perhaps, in passing, a bit of information will come which holds the key to your victory. Perhaps 'a merrier heart will work like a medicine'.

God designed us to be social "critters". His Son taught us to pray "Our Father..."

Finally friend, be on the lookout for your "coming through". Trust in His wonderful resources of mercy.

Regards,

Doug

Thou Makest the Outgoings of the Morning and Evening to Rejoice

Aye, there was a death alright.

Sent me back to finish off

The three of them.

Clubbed, smashed legs

For the two rogues.

Breathing becomes impossible.

Third one looked already gone.

They told me He’d been different;

Calm, connecting with some Spirit.

Eyes closed, serene

Like a worker in a well-earned sleep.

He seemed out of place.

Nasty business for One

Who had taught peacefully in town.

So I’m told.

Feeling the ugliness of my job

I thrust with spear,

Bringing on a queer eruption

Of blood and water.

Happens sometimes.

Convulsive internal rupture

Confirming death.

We spared His legs.

Those who remained

Around the cross

Were all in tears.

As if something great had broken

Inside them too.

(1 John 5: 6-8)

Most Marvelous Name

(Painting by James Tissot - Jesus Teaches at Soloman's Porch)

Say the name

And watch waters

Part before you.

On the one side

Smiling faces

Touched by grace.

On the other

Clear discomfort,

Cold suspicion.

And a charge

That you are clearly

Out of place.

Say the Name

And the demons

Look for cover;

And a shaft of

Light invades

Where darkness reigned.

And a glimpse of

Hope uplifts

The weary sufferer.

Rest and rescue,

Timeless Gospel

Still the same.

Say the Name

And a cloud of

Watchers hovers closer.

Those who fought

And felt the cut

Of unbelief.

Smiling now in

Halls of Glory

With their Saviour.

Praising “Jesus”

And forgetting

All their grief.

Revelation Nineteen

Down He comes

With hosts of white-robed

Saints a-riding

Time has lapsed

For Babylon’s charade

Wicked thrones

And merchants brought

To judgment

Wearers of that

Godless brand

Dismayed.

No more shame

Assaults our

Prince of Meekness.

Now He comes

In triumph

With His reign.

Darkness flees

He speaks and

Armies crumble.

Earth will never

Be the same again.

Look to Zion

Once encircled

By the vicious

Now at peace

With songs and order

All around.

See the Lamb

With kings and courts

Attending

His the seat

Where righteousness

Is found.

Here For You

Love's the Thing

Do not self-improve.Do not even try.I dispatched my SonAnd I watched Him die.And I heard His friends Beg the reason why.(That they needn't die.)And this holy life

That you strive to score

Is not bought with sweat.

Not to be a chore.

Simply probe the depths

Of my love's rich ore.

(And I have much more.)

If you must repent

Of a single slight,

Let it be your coldness

Again last night.

I was there for you

Just to hold you tight.

(To make all things right.)

It's the love you miss

In this very hour

That will save and cleanse

And endue with power.

I have plans for you

And will see them flower.

(Let my mercy shower.)

The Constancy of Christ

(Taken from a letter from Samuel Rutherford to Alexander Gordon of Garloch, 1637)

If Christ were as I am, that time could work upon him to alter him, or that the morrow could bring a new day to him,or bring a new mind to him, as it is to me a new day, I could not keep a house or a covenant with him. Bit I find Christ to be Christ, and that he is far, far, even infinite heaven's height above men; and that is all our happiness.

Sinners can do nothing but make wounds, that Christ may heal them; and make debts, that he may pay them; and make falls, that he may raise them; and make deaths, that he may quicken them; and spin out and dig hells for themselves, that he may ransom them.

Now, I will bless the Lord that ever there was such a thing as the free grace of God, and a free ransom given for sold souls: Only, alas! Guiltiness maketh me ahamed to apply to Christ, and to think it pride in me to put out my unclean and withered hand to such a Saviour. But it is neither shame nor pride for a drowning man to swim to a rock, nor for a ship-broken soul to run himself ashore upon Christ.

Ananias

I had the strangest leadingEarly upon risingWhy me, would be Anyone's guess.But here I am On my way toStraight StreetWalking into trouble.Never beforeSuch strong impression.

A vision of one

Suffering God's will.

The rabbi Saul

Sent only for peril

For our people.

Prison for Christ's flock.

The house of Judas.

Here it is.

And Saul abed,

And sightless, much in prayer

Now, what to say?

God help me.

Useless I am!

But for Your Spirit.

This room? Oh yes.

Well, Brother Saul,

New marching orders today

Only believe.

And eyes again

To see each

New assignment

The Lord hath need of thee.

A Good Fistful

God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. (1 John 4)When I see the blood I will pass over you. (Exodus 12)I have found a ransom. (Job 33)In wrath remember mercy. (Habakkuk 3)I have called thee by name. Thou art mine. (Isaiah 43)Time and again I see these themes popping up in scripture. They are all answered in Jesus. Only believe.

Perhaps Just Curious?

SIT YE HERE, WHILE I SHALL PRAY – Jesus took the eleven from the Upper Room to Gethsemane and the favoured three to a more intimate circle where he would pray and ready Himself before arrest. His mortality needed their company, support, compassion and prayers, as before He had needed rest, reception, food, fellowship or contemplative time. He knew that they did not understand the darkness of the hour and would not come under its burden. Charitably, He told them to sit while He undertook the heavy task of will-struggle, petition and tears. It is always thus in spiritual transactions; His to DO and ours to sit and trust that it has been DONE in His sufficiency.

(See our other page "Gospel Gems: Seven Words Each".)

The Twenty-Seventh

The how and why of worship at church may be found in this Psalm:3Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. 4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple. 5For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.

6And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the LORD.

7Hear, O LORD, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

8When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.

9Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

Particular attention should be given to each of the italicized phrases. If our gatherings miss these points of focus, there must be an adjustment. I will pass comment on just a few:

enquire - We must come with expectation and not fuzzy "Sunday morning heads". With the preparation of personal prayer we have asked that specific questions be addressed, or we will engage with a trusted fellow believer on such points at the appropriate time. Growth necessitates that we present our own questions.

shall hide me - There is sanctuary in the presence of our God. A respite from daily pressures and worries. A fortifying reminder of His keeping care.

set me up upon a rock - One is reminded of the opening verses of Psalm 40. That rock, of course, is the sure foundation of the Gospel. The merciful bestowing of God's favour and shepherding for the simple asking through Christ. Let all other tempting stories of interest, current affairs or personal anecdote be set aside.

I will sing praises unto the Lord - Not the professional praise team, not the overhead video...I will sing. Delightfully modulated breath given back to the Giver.

Thy face, Lord, will I seek - Far beyond doctrine and observance one comes to a recognizing of the face, the countenance, the nature and names of our God. To grasp these is to grasp peace, assurance and a Friend who sticks closer than a brother.

Put not thy servant away in anger - We do not get what we deserve. Because of who He is and what He promises, we have reconciliation and fellowship.

Offering of Faith

AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME – With the incoming of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, the Guide, it was inevitable that believers would take Jesus and His message with them as they went about their ordinary affairs. They were constantly being witnesses. They were a people wondered at. A look, a word, a gesture would have the fragrance of Jesus, and would often open a way for more specific testimony. They were constantly encountering God-ordained opportunities to minister, just as the Good Samaritan had experienced “as he journeyed” on his way to Jericho. (Luke 10) Jesus promised such opportunities, then and now.

That's the Spirit

http://issuu.com/deedub51/docs/that_s_the_spirit

TO LOVE CHRIST AS WE OUGHT

Jesus advised His disciples that it was expedient that He return unto the Father in order that the Spirit might be released into the Church. It is my impression that the Church commenced when the disciples saw the resurrected Lord. (At Pentecost spiritual power and boldness was given for the believers to "witness unto Him".)

After that reunion there were treasured sessions on and off over a forty day period until the Ascension. Christ came and went. Unrecorded marvels were taught and shared. He was getting them ready to move away from the tactile and into the fellowship of faith.

Thomas well knew the pleasure that the Lord derived from those who could not see the Master but who believed, and resorted to the fellowship of prayer and watching and trusting.

It was promised that when the Lord went away He and the Father would send another Comforter, Who would bring to remembrance the teachings of Christ, Who would bring calm in the midst of the storm and Who would inspire love for the Saviour and the kind of unity enjoyed in the Trinity.

In my own experience, when conviction of sin reached its critical stage, and the words of Jesus were touching me in an unprecedented way, I knew that I had to discover the Spirit. There was blockage there. So often in the Church in our prayers the naming of the Father made sense as Creator, Law-giver and Protector; the naming of the Son as Forerunner and sacrificial Lamb. But the naming of the Spirit? Who was He? Or it? An emanation perhaps? A collective spiritual response?

Had anyone dutifully opened up to me the Fourth Gospel, the personality of the Spirit would have become abundantly clear. This discovery eventually came, and with it the awesome realization that the help received by Jesus through the Spirit could also come to me. (Acts 10: 38)

Perhaps these few words have removed some clouds for you as well

Galilee Morning

Passion Flower

It's a beautiful thing to see. Five vivid petals, memorializing the five woundings of our Saviour's body, by forged metal and stabbing thorns.Two hands, two feet, one brow, wounded for our transgressions.But one day, meditating upon this, it came to me. There were other wounds. The mutilated back bearing the terrible signatures of scourging. The spear wound to the side, confirming that the victim had indeed died.Perhaps a flower should have been chosen which presented seven vivid petals. Seven, the number of perfection, the perfectly accomplished work of redemption.There are other messages in the additional two. Isaiah said in chapter 53 that "by His stripes (lashmarks) we are healed". Can we look for bodily healing in the atonement?

Physicians have commented that the issues of blood and water out of the spear-wound co-mingled, confirm an internal rupture which accompanies death and the breaking of a heart. This wonderful rabbi, Jesus, who spoke such glowing words of promise, who ministered comfort and healing to the afflicted, was truly human. He could hurt. He could die. He dwelt in our skin.

But then He arose to live ever more! And to be "in our corner".

Note: After posting this article I took another look at the picture. Another discovery! The flower has three pistols, wherein rests the reproductive power. A whispering of the Trinity perhaps?

Exquisite Variety

My friend Perry now lives in Kentucky and is employed by Answers in Genesis, a Creation Science institute, publishing house and museum. Not too long ago he sent me a DVD which simply canvassed the beauty and diversity in creation in the realms of animal, insect, fish, bird and plant. There is little narration, but some beautiful classical music as a background. Words are not necessary to give the impression that a wonderfully artistic Designer is at work behind the scenes, happily turning out another variation or colour or enhancement for a species. The film progresses in crescendo of awesome wonder. The viewer is left certain of the fact that he has not just observed an inventory of evolutionary accidents. The recurrence of patterns and design cannot be attributed to the rolling of the dice in some game involving time, chance and organic chemistry.

Darwin's finches on the Galapagos Islands displayed amazing diversity. Colour for camouflage or attraction of a mate. Beak shape or size for feeding from different plants, seeds or fruits available. Flight techniques suited to environment. His "hypotheses" suggested the evolution of features over time assisted by (1)selective breeding and (2)survival of the fittest. Now no one with functioning gray matter will deny the benefit of these processes. Take a look at the dog kennel or thoroughbred stable. But to write a Creator of exquisite design, delight and variety out of the process is ABSURD. Not even Darwin did this, but rather his more rabid anti-Church successors. (They went on to formulate the whole ape-to-man controversy, which presently is disproved by genetic science and DNA)

Consider the above picture of a flower from Thailand which is very rare, beautiful, specific and thrilling to the imagination. The Parrot Flower. Well done, Heavenly Father!

Glorious…the Place

What shall we say then?

As time now is fleeting.

Soon must the messenger

Come to his close.

Soon must the poetry

Rest on the bookshelf,

Time working out in its

Commonplace prose.

Focus on Him who

Alone brings refreshing,

Comfort and courage

In life’s every phase.

Christ, our Forerunner

Through every temptation.

Showing a path in

The darkest of days.

Soon comes the trumpet

To beckon the faithful.

Heavenly Zion

The land with no night.

Glorious, the prospect

Of life with the Father.

Glorious the place where

The Lamb is the Light.

(Picture of Eilean Donan Castle, Scotland. One of the most beautiful places known to me on earth. So what is next?

"Forerunner"...I love that word.)

Feel free to email a comment or contribution to the following:

blaredub@gmail.com

Congratulations you have found the pearl of great price! Culture a thankful heart. God didn’t have to take the blinders off, but He did for reasons best known to Him. Do not be in too much of a hurry to explain your discoveries to unsaved friends or family. You need time to solidify. You need grounding in the scriptures. Because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit you have a newfound capability to discover life, order and hope in the Bible. Focus on the Gospels, particularly Luke. It is more to receive an impartation of the life of Jesus into your spirit, than it is a matter of education. We don’t “learn the Christian life” as much as we receive life from Jesus as a governing dynamic. It is more about impartation than imitation.

Although Church attendance is helpful, a good “round-table talk” regimen with a few trusted friends of faith will progress you more resolutely at this point. A good book for you to get is The Jesus I Never Knew by Philip Yancey.

In your prayer times speak naturally and pause often to determine whether the Lord is whispering something back to you. Your spirit will know when this occurs and you will probably receive some suggestion of a scripture or two to back things up. Prayer is not just a matter of keeping your own jaw flapping.

On our blog herein take a look at the poem Returning With Thanks; also the poem The Closet.

Family

We could be family

Widespread roots

Varying soils

But under a common SON.

And His light

Brings satisfaction

And wholeness

In purpose and insight

In meekness and power

In kindred objectives

That all please HEAVEN

AND THE FATHER.

Enabled by HOLY SPIRIT.

So be it...Amen.