NOT IF, BUT WHEN (Part 3)

Scripture: Psalms 1:1-3 - "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of waters, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf shall also not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."  

How interesting it is that Psalm 1 should immediately follow the ending of the book of Job.

Cultivation as a process requires not only soil and seed [in the natural], but also patience- mercy providing the time, and so it is spiritually as well.
Every edge is an opportunity for patience, which is not a bad thing, though the felt experience may be troubling. While every shift before us can be for our good, the better conclusion to have then is "that the trying of our faith worketh patience..." and with all letting "let patience have her perfect work"... James 1:3,4

Being intended, our journey toward authenticity is about transformation, and about being not alone, God investing in our stepping, each and every one.
Before the step, however, there is the stand.

I am reminded how in the plant world, many have this built-in tendency to reach, somewhat, towards the sun offering it's solar energy as visible light. These seemingly are obliged to adjust their position, very slowly, to wherever the sun is, through this characteristic called PHOTOTROPISM. These favorably appreciate the sun. In a way, it looks like worship. These plants literally turn toward the sunlight. Quite reliably the sun is where it is, being what it is, and doing what it does, while the plants attend, singularly and collectively with an undeniably pure focus. They seem more alive because of it. I believe this is worship! The plants offer, "We are here", while the sun offers, "I am here." Summarily this can be understood by the word-name "Hineni"..."GOD, I am here answering Your call."
They are answering the call as they push from the seed, yet pull its remnants into the adventure, through the soil, past bugs, and worms, into the debris of their downed ancestors, breaking through upward toward the light- I am here. Hineni. I am here to answer Your call.
I am also reminded how in our world, with bibles opened, we spring forth, epitomized as the Roman soldier having on the whole armor of God, standing, saying "I am here to answer Your call".

And for all of the spiritual equipping of that soldier-soul, one character stands out as most basic, and perhaps the least romanticized..."Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace." While all others have that potential for offense and/or defense, it is the inglorious foot and it's covering only that has the option to retreat. However, Hineni!
The difference-maker is PEACE within, by which the identity is sure, the path is certain, the direction is known, and the call to stand, irresistible [well, we always do have a choice].

To be sure, there is an edge with our name on it, suitable for our transformation:
Young buck, old coot, and every saint counted in-between, we all share in this, being one day nearer than the day before to His glorious coming, and our own departing-
Rejoice and be glad in it!
Bless God. Journey well. Walk in the Spirit, my friend.  And as HE is faithful, be stable and steadfast, to the glory of the Lord!
Baruch Hashem! Bless His Name!
Let Jesus change your life!  It is here that life's beauty begins. Hineni.


Prayer:  May God's blessings sanctify each step upon the path. May additions and subtractions boast of God's perfecting math. Let Forgiveness known, bring Thankfulness, it being deeply sown, and may the giving come of all of us bless God for all He's shown. For all that He's done, for victory won, for Love whichever is, may the strong and sweet of every praise communicate 'I'm His!'. For the reaching gift of God, the Giver, entering each day, let us stand assured and stay enduring; Grace to pave the way- And when we should find ourselves supine, with one breath to usher the last, may we feel within His whisperin' great grace because we'd asked-As our matter brought to tatters waxes, given loss and age, let us joy the coming chapter, moving towards that glorious page, To know as told, we shall behold HIm- this to make us glad; refreshed, at rest, His work to bless, the gospel dearly had. Let faith begun on this begin, dawn bright with Jesus 'Yea.', so gained as to undo the false and drear, drawing near to the uncloudied day.

Amen!


(Dr. McNeal Brockington)