That quotation from Luke is absolutely true,as I know from my personal experience. Forty years ago as the Approved Secular Way wasn't working for me I gave up everything I had and put my life in God's Hands expecting and accepting that I would starve to death - those who don't work don't eat -a miserable nasty spiteful spirit denying saying probably invented by some Victorian Gradgrind to keep people locked in his factory. But as you read this,I'm still here and I've never gone without a meal in my life,so far at least. God gave me back EVERYTHING DOUBLE,true to his promise,it's in there somewhere. And it's a bit annoying really because it means I always have this aura of well cushioned bourgeois comfort about me,sort of like Hyacinth Bouquet. Even my one tattoo doesn't get me down wid da (not the kids) da dahn and outs,da real people,da authentics. And since they can all sink booze all day and purchase substances they can't be all that bad off. I look wealthy and bourgeois,and thats how I like it but I can't afford to buy a meal in a local greasy spoon cafe,we have plenty, actually they're ok I'm using that term to imply the non fancy basic price kind of daytime diner. But a meal and a dessert plus a coffee,tea or cola that's just over a tenner and the 'poor people' are in there every day so how poor is poor,what is poor,it's an interesting subject. Of course if you live in a hostel or a squat and have no food storage or do but it will be stolen by your co-habitants,or if you have no cooking facilities,or if you don't know how to cook or through incapacity lack the mental or physical ability to cook then a meal at the local cafe/diner makes sense plus you meet up with your friends who are in the same case as you,so it's jolly and friendly too.
Of course God of himself and through Jesus promises two paths,one is the blessings of prosperity and affluence but the other is when the bill comes due,the path to the cross,that's the bit we dont like. I should know. My favourite David story in The Bible is in 6 Samuel 16-23. David dances before The Lord. David has the Ark of the Covenant brought up to his City ,it's now his city,of Jerusalem. He goes to head up the joyous procession and has it stopped halfway to sacrifice a fatted calf. Then he dances before the procession to the sound of trumpets and shouts of joy. He dances before The Lord wildly and uninhibitedly and as he's only wearing a short linen tunic and no underparts he is giving everyone in Jerusalem a mighty good look at The Crown Jewels and really tellin en whose the Daddy. His wife Michal,the daughter of previous King Saul who God didn't like so much because he didn't have Davids sexy mojo,she saw this from a window and thought it was dead common. So when David got home to her she told him off for making a display of himself (which was the whole point of course) to which David responded "you miserable cow you're as bad as your Dad,well you may not think I'm sexy but all those Jerusalem women out there do,so ner." And Michal and David had no children. In fact I saw that she married someone else later. And he went in to marry lots of people. The more the merrier.
Jane, bless you! You are one of a kind, just like me, a heartfelt eccentric who deeply feels a relationship with God and His Son, not “religion” . God is amazing in how He uses each of us in our gifts and even our weakness. I love David, as his flaws propelled him forward, and he always REPENTED when he messed up. He repented quickly and did not carry the stuff around. I always thought Michal was a “stick in the mud” and the wrong wife for David! David was passionate, as are many people in intense conditions, self included. His heart was clear toward God and God received it, “ a man after My own heart.” I am blessed by your ongoing comments! Keep going, I will, too! Wendy
"Sometimes obscurity hides great and mighty deeds."
Indeed. I recently read about the Great Bamboo plant in China that grows and develops below ground for up to five years before it sees the light of day. Once it sprouts, it can grow up to 3 ft per day with some reaching 100 feet tall. A great picture of how God prepares us for service. Mostly under the surface.
"Should we not all aim for that? God knows each of us and places us where we are, at any given time, for His wonderful purposes. Hold fast, repent quickly, keep communion with Papa!" Wendy, you are placed in the perfect place with a voice that remains focused on God the Father being the father of His children. Great article. Thanks, sis.
Dear Wendy, this is a beautiful reminder of how God uses the smallest things to do His great works. Thank you! God bless you as you tend things in the background...
Hey Wendy, I often lament the Goliaths that periodically rail again against me. I feel I leam toward your category also, more an empath, better at body language, sensitive to words. But that may be our arrow. Seeing the vulnerable, being able to connect and our heart then leans into defender mode. Appreciate where you are finding yourself, on your couch with Father God speaking gentle wisdom to you.
just mud by Ron, thank you! Being an empath and sensitive soul, combined with a warrior spirit, is strange for me…but that is who I am and who God works through. Feeling things deeply is quite intense, as I am sure you know for yourself! I do find “flopping on the couch with Papa” to be profound and healing, day by day, as I can pour out my heart and also get help for the day. God, the great Refiner! Bless you, Ron! Wendy
That quotation from Luke is absolutely true,as I know from my personal experience. Forty years ago as the Approved Secular Way wasn't working for me I gave up everything I had and put my life in God's Hands expecting and accepting that I would starve to death - those who don't work don't eat -a miserable nasty spiteful spirit denying saying probably invented by some Victorian Gradgrind to keep people locked in his factory. But as you read this,I'm still here and I've never gone without a meal in my life,so far at least. God gave me back EVERYTHING DOUBLE,true to his promise,it's in there somewhere. And it's a bit annoying really because it means I always have this aura of well cushioned bourgeois comfort about me,sort of like Hyacinth Bouquet. Even my one tattoo doesn't get me down wid da (not the kids) da dahn and outs,da real people,da authentics. And since they can all sink booze all day and purchase substances they can't be all that bad off. I look wealthy and bourgeois,and thats how I like it but I can't afford to buy a meal in a local greasy spoon cafe,we have plenty, actually they're ok I'm using that term to imply the non fancy basic price kind of daytime diner. But a meal and a dessert plus a coffee,tea or cola that's just over a tenner and the 'poor people' are in there every day so how poor is poor,what is poor,it's an interesting subject. Of course if you live in a hostel or a squat and have no food storage or do but it will be stolen by your co-habitants,or if you have no cooking facilities,or if you don't know how to cook or through incapacity lack the mental or physical ability to cook then a meal at the local cafe/diner makes sense plus you meet up with your friends who are in the same case as you,so it's jolly and friendly too.
Of course God of himself and through Jesus promises two paths,one is the blessings of prosperity and affluence but the other is when the bill comes due,the path to the cross,that's the bit we dont like. I should know. My favourite David story in The Bible is in 6 Samuel 16-23. David dances before The Lord. David has the Ark of the Covenant brought up to his City ,it's now his city,of Jerusalem. He goes to head up the joyous procession and has it stopped halfway to sacrifice a fatted calf. Then he dances before the procession to the sound of trumpets and shouts of joy. He dances before The Lord wildly and uninhibitedly and as he's only wearing a short linen tunic and no underparts he is giving everyone in Jerusalem a mighty good look at The Crown Jewels and really tellin en whose the Daddy. His wife Michal,the daughter of previous King Saul who God didn't like so much because he didn't have Davids sexy mojo,she saw this from a window and thought it was dead common. So when David got home to her she told him off for making a display of himself (which was the whole point of course) to which David responded "you miserable cow you're as bad as your Dad,well you may not think I'm sexy but all those Jerusalem women out there do,so ner." And Michal and David had no children. In fact I saw that she married someone else later. And he went in to marry lots of people. The more the merrier.
Jane, bless you! You are one of a kind, just like me, a heartfelt eccentric who deeply feels a relationship with God and His Son, not “religion” . God is amazing in how He uses each of us in our gifts and even our weakness. I love David, as his flaws propelled him forward, and he always REPENTED when he messed up. He repented quickly and did not carry the stuff around. I always thought Michal was a “stick in the mud” and the wrong wife for David! David was passionate, as are many people in intense conditions, self included. His heart was clear toward God and God received it, “ a man after My own heart.” I am blessed by your ongoing comments! Keep going, I will, too! Wendy
I rather love the naughty Bible stories like that one,the horrific ones,well I'm glad they're in there not edited out.
Jane, I agree! I love the Bible from cover to cover, as it shows humanity as it is, not as polished poseurs! Wendy
Another exceptional article!
Thank you so much, Joan!! God bless you, Wendy
"Sometimes obscurity hides great and mighty deeds."
Indeed. I recently read about the Great Bamboo plant in China that grows and develops below ground for up to five years before it sees the light of day. Once it sprouts, it can grow up to 3 ft per day with some reaching 100 feet tall. A great picture of how God prepares us for service. Mostly under the surface.
"Should we not all aim for that? God knows each of us and places us where we are, at any given time, for His wonderful purposes. Hold fast, repent quickly, keep communion with Papa!" Wendy, you are placed in the perfect place with a voice that remains focused on God the Father being the father of His children. Great article. Thanks, sis.
Dear Wendy, this is a beautiful reminder of how God uses the smallest things to do His great works. Thank you! God bless you as you tend things in the background...
Good piece, Wendy!
Thank you, Jan!
Hey Wendy, I often lament the Goliaths that periodically rail again against me. I feel I leam toward your category also, more an empath, better at body language, sensitive to words. But that may be our arrow. Seeing the vulnerable, being able to connect and our heart then leans into defender mode. Appreciate where you are finding yourself, on your couch with Father God speaking gentle wisdom to you.
just mud by Ron, thank you! Being an empath and sensitive soul, combined with a warrior spirit, is strange for me…but that is who I am and who God works through. Feeling things deeply is quite intense, as I am sure you know for yourself! I do find “flopping on the couch with Papa” to be profound and healing, day by day, as I can pour out my heart and also get help for the day. God, the great Refiner! Bless you, Ron! Wendy
"Hold fast". Yes. That Word has been coming to me repeatedly over the last few days. HOLD FAST. Thank you, Wendy, for the confirmation.