Yesterday I was blessed to spend time, separately, with three dear sisters, two who are longtime Believers. I love all three, and was encouraged by the support and encouragement we shared; however the quality of the conversation, and the things we discussed were markedly different.
My sweet friend who still isn't saved is focused on the world and everything in it. (Yes, I've shared the gospel with her repeatedly!) She is optimistic about the next 20 years and what she expects her future will look like...full of many earthly blessings and rewards for a lifetime of diligent work and charity. The other two women are grateful for the care and direction of the Lord in their lives, but they see the future from a biblical perspective, as do I, and what is coming for all earth-dwellers. We know this world is passing away right before our eyes.
How gracious the Lord has been, and continues to be, helping His children believe and rightly understand His word. When scripture tells us what is coming, and we believe what it says, it is much easier to disconnect from this world, and long for a departure from our temporal, passing lives.
All glory to the Lord! We are indeed in a battle, and it seems to be growing more intense by the day. The veil between the natural and the supernatural is thinning, even the secular world can sense something 'big' is on the horizon.
May many more brothers and sisters come to saving faith every day as we await the call of our King Jesus.
Thank you Thad, and indeed 1 Corinthians 2:14 was clearly active in our lives yesterday.
It makes me reflect on some of those image puzzles, where the subject is hidden until one can see it at last. And then once seen it can't be unseen, it's so clear!
Trying to help others recognize the 'obvious' can be quite frustrating. Remembering that this eternal revelation is no mere game; it is the work of the Holy Spirit alone, and it is humbling and comforting.
Thad...this is exceptional. I just love it and will share. It is so hard for people to let go of the world, but we give up nothing for everything!! I am so blessed to live a quiet life with minimal worldly involvement...it is filled with joy. Almost everyone has been hijacked by their iPhones but cannot see it. I can because I still use a flip-phone...and my husband has never even had a cell phone. It is so refreshing to find someone who really gets it the way I do. How blessed we are!! "All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant."
That quote from Psalm 25 is a fitting anchor. The fear of the Lord is where clarity begins; everything else follows from that.
The quiet life you describe is truly a gift. The noise is not neutral. Those still in it would be wise to pursue the focused life that makes hearing God possible.
I tried to subscribe but not sure my request went through, so i will try again later (unless you can directly add me). So well written. Thank you. I reshared!
"The issue is not perfect behavior. Believers still fall. The issue is the settled direction of the heart; where does your love ultimately run?" Amen!
Thank you Thad, what a timely message.
Yesterday I was blessed to spend time, separately, with three dear sisters, two who are longtime Believers. I love all three, and was encouraged by the support and encouragement we shared; however the quality of the conversation, and the things we discussed were markedly different.
My sweet friend who still isn't saved is focused on the world and everything in it. (Yes, I've shared the gospel with her repeatedly!) She is optimistic about the next 20 years and what she expects her future will look like...full of many earthly blessings and rewards for a lifetime of diligent work and charity. The other two women are grateful for the care and direction of the Lord in their lives, but they see the future from a biblical perspective, as do I, and what is coming for all earth-dwellers. We know this world is passing away right before our eyes.
How gracious the Lord has been, and continues to be, helping His children believe and rightly understand His word. When scripture tells us what is coming, and we believe what it says, it is much easier to disconnect from this world, and long for a departure from our temporal, passing lives.
All glory to the Lord! We are indeed in a battle, and it seems to be growing more intense by the day. The veil between the natural and the supernatural is thinning, even the secular world can sense something 'big' is on the horizon.
May many more brothers and sisters come to saving faith every day as we await the call of our King Jesus.
Robin, this is 1 Corinthians 2:14 in real time.
Same room. Same future. Completely different vision. One sees earthly rewards. The other sees the King.
The contrast isn't intellectual; it's eschatological. Keep planting seeds. The Spirit who opened your eyes hasn't stopped working.
Always grateful for your voice here, Robin.
Thank you Thad, and indeed 1 Corinthians 2:14 was clearly active in our lives yesterday.
It makes me reflect on some of those image puzzles, where the subject is hidden until one can see it at last. And then once seen it can't be unseen, it's so clear!
Trying to help others recognize the 'obvious' can be quite frustrating. Remembering that this eternal revelation is no mere game; it is the work of the Holy Spirit alone, and it is humbling and comforting.
Thad...this is exceptional. I just love it and will share. It is so hard for people to let go of the world, but we give up nothing for everything!! I am so blessed to live a quiet life with minimal worldly involvement...it is filled with joy. Almost everyone has been hijacked by their iPhones but cannot see it. I can because I still use a flip-phone...and my husband has never even had a cell phone. It is so refreshing to find someone who really gets it the way I do. How blessed we are!! "All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. The secret of the Lord is for those who fear Him, and He will make them know His covenant."
Emmy, thank you, and thank you for sharing it.
That quote from Psalm 25 is a fitting anchor. The fear of the Lord is where clarity begins; everything else follows from that.
The quiet life you describe is truly a gift. The noise is not neutral. Those still in it would be wise to pursue the focused life that makes hearing God possible.
Grateful for your encouragement. To His glory.
I tried to subscribe but not sure my request went through, so i will try again later (unless you can directly add me). So well written. Thank you. I reshared!
"The issue is not perfect behavior. Believers still fall. The issue is the settled direction of the heart; where does your love ultimately run?" Amen!