UNVEILED MINDS PAGE 82

The NIV footnotes for 2 Corinthians 3:18 say this:

“By gazing at the nature of God

with unveiled minds, we can be more like Him.”

As a writer, I’d edit that and add this:
 With unveiled minds we can SEE more of Him!

Here are some of my personal examples:

One morning, years ago, I woke up to find hundreds of tiny Ladybugs covering a huge north-facing window in my kitchen.  I was shocked because I’d never seen so many at once.  From my childhood experience, ladybugs were usually discovered one-at-a-time, perhaps on the grass or a flower.  Someone told me they travel on the wind.  That is fascinating to me!  

Not long ago, I sat on the front step of my home watching my doggy explore the cul-de-sac and out of nowhere a humming bird buzzed by me and swung around to hover about a foot from my face.  Time stood still as we studied each other.  As he flitted this way and that the sound of his wings intrigued me.  He was SO CLOSE! I was absolutely shocked that he remained near me for so long.  All the sudden he turned and was gone.  Out of curiosity, I looked up the meaning of a humming bird visit. This particular article stated that a humming bird visit represents harmony and infinity.  I decided to receive his visit and that explanation as a Gift from my infinite, God. 

This past Christmas, the moon rose on our living room windows and filled our home with light.  It was a powerful sight that caused me to stand still in awe!  The moonrise is a common occurrence that should never be taken for granted.

These scenarios from nature are just a few examples from my daily life.  Each of these occurrences have ushered The Living Lord into my presence because I chose to see something spiritual through the natural, with an unveiled mind! The premise that “it’s all in how you see it” is applicable here.  The Lord will show up in nature and, indeed, scripture tells us that nature is His Voice.

Sometimes the Lord approaches us through the back door of irony! Sometimes with a majestic, front porch view of nature.  One thing I do know is that it takes an open mind and a receptive spirit to comprehend God.

“Now the Lord is the Spirit,
and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory,

 are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory,

 which comes from the Lord
 who is the Spirit.”

  2 Corinthians 3:17-18

Song Recommendation:

Your Spirit

By:  Tasha Cobbs Leonard

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZT8jqsc8lQ

The Path of Perseverance Page 81

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you fact trials of many kinds,

because you know that

 the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

 Perseverance must finish its work

 so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4

Through the above Scripture we see that God wants us to be mature and complete, not lacking anything! He has chosen The Path of Perseverance to get us there.  After years of marriage, self-reflection and great need I have concluded that the Lord wisely wants me to fully understand perseverance! I’ve also noticed that He humorously tucked a streak of perfection into my DNA in order to propel me in this quest. 

With that said, I have maintained a steady, pounding heart in full pursuit of perseverance.  Many of us are in situations that require quite a bit of personal persistence!  Let’s look deeper into this topic to find some understanding and to get a grip on the requirements of perseverance. Here is the gist of it:    

Perseverance is:

“A steady persistence in a course of action;

Especially in spite of difficulties,

Obstacles and discouragement.”

There are three key words that stand out to me: difficulties, obstacles and discouragement!  After re-reading that several times, I’d say that it would take a personality full of tenacity to stay the course!!!  As it states in Romans 8:29-30, God knew me before I was born, predestined my life and formed my DNA to fulfill his plan; so, I’ve been wired for my calling!  That clears a few things up; however, the need for perseverance can be exhausting.  By its very definition it can be discouraging.  What do we do when we come to a place were our tenacity is tired and our grit is grounded out!  What do we do when our perseverance needs some perseverance?  Seems like a catch-22.  I looked that up too; it means “an absurd situation”.  Yep!  That sums it up!  

Interestingly, I looked back through an old journal and came upon a few pages that discuss this very subject.  The conclusion I came to, several years ago, was that “God wants me to persevere at perseverance.”  I was shocked and had forgotten that I had already resolved this dilemma once.  I suppose we do tend to forget important things sometimes; even deep life-lessons that we assume we will never forget! 

What scripture says, about those of us in the family of God, is that we will never be abandoned.  Nothing can separate us from the Love of God…not even our inability to endure!  Romans 8:28-36 teaches the following:

•         “If God is for us, who can be against us?”
•        “In all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
•         Christ “is at the right hand of God …interceding for us.” (Praying for us)

Romans 8:37-39 finishes up with “one of the most comforting promises in all of scripture”1

‘No, in all things we are more than conquerors

through him who loved us.

 For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither present nor the future,

nor any powers, neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation ,

will be able to separate us from the love of God

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Nothing can separate me from being loved by my Creator, God.  Not my failures or flaws; not my hang-ups or setbacks; neither the end of my abilities nor my lack of tenacity! And, especially NOT the daily difficulties through which I flounder!!!  Nothing!    

“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings,

because we know that suffering produces perseverance,

perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

And hope does not disappoint us,

because God has poured out his love into our hearts

By the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”

Romans 5:3-5

Following the building blocks in the above scripture we see that perseverance builds character!  That is what the Lord is after; not my comfort but my character!  Going back to the original scripture at the top of this page we see that God wants me to be mature and complete; not lacking anything.  The Path of perseverance is the way; however, when my perseverance needs some perseverance God's Word provides this advice: 

“Let us then approach the Throne of Grace with confidence,

so that we may receive mercy

and find grace to help us

in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16 

Song Recommendation:

Even When it Hurts

BY:  Hillsong United

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrSJwO5dJXg 

                                   

1-Foot notes in the NIV for Romans 8: 37-39

Deep Purpose Has Arrived Page 80

Lord, I need to know that this is from you.

I see you; I hear you –I know that I do!

You lead me; you guide me. I follow your will!

But, I wonder; I pause and I hesitate, still!

I stand at the shore while you stand in the gap.

It is here where my confidence and fear overlap!

Waves of thought crash in and move out with the sand.

It’s just like that with Your Will and Your Hand.

Your arrival in my life seems to ebb and flow.

I need your constant presence so that I’m sure; so I know.

I begin to wonder if I’m hearing it right.

Is this your Spirit or mine? Is this your voice and insight?

Everyday this world just mixes me up!

It causes me to stumble, and discernment just stops.

Lord, have your way; do not leave me alone!

Holy Spirit blow in; change this heart made of stone.

I surrender; I do! Let the education begin;

I need a counselor who is also my friend.

Pour forth your wisdom; replenish my cup!

May my heart, mind and soul just drink it all up.

Though my heart is fallible; wicked above all...

I know it’s time to make adjustments; to answer your call.

So, I ask that you not leave me standing alone on the sand.

Sit with me as I speak to you; tell me your plan!

Your blessings are purposed; I’ve seen this for years.

They arrive when I surrender so I release all these fears.

You speak when I seek; your Word is your voice.

Your answer will be as certain as the level of faith in my choice.

I’ll move from the beach into deep waters of insight

And be comforted that whether I go to the left or the right…

I’ll hear you and see you; this time I’ll pay heed!

You are the compass; the navigator; I’m in good hands, have God’s speed!

Spiritual blessings abound as I lose sight of the shore

I’ll depart on an adventure like never before.

Lord, you've gifted and prepared me! You've done all that you can.

So, I'll turn my face to the sun and move further from land.

Here I go! “Here am I”! God has chosen to send me!

Deep purpose has arrived as I depart by sea!

RvH

About God's Voice -Scripture says: 

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying,
"Whom shall I send? and who will go for us?" 
and I said, "Here am I. Send me!"
Isaiah 6:8

“Whether you turn to the right or the left,

your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Isaiah 30:21

Scripture says: 

“The Spirit of God has made me;

the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

Job 33:4

The words of the mouth are deeps waters,

but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream.”

Proverbs 18:4 NIV

About the human heart-scripture says:

“The heart is wicked above all else:  who can understand it?”

Jeremiah 17:9

Gratefully, scripture says this about our hearts: 

"You will seek me and find me
when you seek me with all your heart."
Jeremiah 29:12

                 

This is what the Lord says:

“Call to me and I will answer you

and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Jeremiah 33:3

This is who the Lord is:

"And he will be called wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, 
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

This Writing is in honor of Leisa-
my Best friend from 2nd grade; our recent beach trip.....
and the voice of the Lord who spoke to me on the shore of the sea! 

Song Recommendations:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6mAvt3CxEQM&list=RDGfVd5x9W1Xc&index=21

In Over My HEAD
By:  Jenn Johnson


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfVd5x9W1Xc

So Will I (100 Billion X)
By:  Hillsong Worship 

Micah 6:8 PAGE 79

“He has shown you, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

And to walk humbly with your God.”
MICAH 6:8

Foot notes of the NIV Bible for Micah 7:18-20 say this:

“In an age where “religion” was making very little difference in people’s lives,

Micah (the prophet) said that God expected his people to be

just, merciful and humble.

God requires the same of Christians today.

In a world that is unjust, we must act justly.

In a world of tough breaks, we must be merciful.

In a world of pride and self-sufficiency, we must walk humbly with God.

Only when we live according to God’s way

will we begin to affect our homes, our society and our world.”

These footnotes speak directly to us in the here and now and that is the amazing part of how God’s Word remains constant and relevant year after year into decades that form centuries- and throughout all ages!

To peer a little deeper in Micah 6:8 let’s look at the key words and their definitions:

Just- defined:

Right, reasonable, honorable, truthful, fair, impartial, & moral!

Mercy -defined:

Compassionate, forgiving, kind, sympathetic, understanding, generous, & lenient.

Humble- defined:

Respectful, modest, unassuming,  & unpretentious

Re-read all the words from the definitions above!  Man, that is a mouthful of delineation!  Let’s put this information into a practical summation so that we can use and apply it in our lives:

God say’s it is good to “act justly”- meaning that as we live our lives we are called to be reasonable with others, to respond with honor and fairness to those around us; to be purposely impartial toward others- representing what is moral and right- to the best of our abilities.

We are called to “love mercy”! Meaning, we should totally enjoy extending compassion, sympathy, & understanding toward others.  As we do this God expands our own heart with what we are giving away and we find joy and blessings! Unfortunately, this world distracts us everyday with busyness and we forget all about Micah 6:8!  We must refresh our minds and remember that with compassion and agreeable kindness we are to interact with others.  Our hearts and actions should instinctively beat & bend with leniency when it is in our power to do so.  The gift of forgiveness should be a natural extension of our everyday responses to those around us; surrendering our own strong will and spirit in order that others may see & feel God’s gentle, kind Spirit when they are in our presence!   

We are directed to “walk humbly” in this dire world.  Instead of being bold and boisterous we are to be unassuming.  In a world of splash and sass we are to be unpretentious.  In this world where modesty has long since been left behind we are to be reasonable and simple in our actions and dress.  What a lovely calling from our kind-hearted God!

The verse given to us from the prophet Micah is so godly that it fulfills its own directive.  Walking humbly with God is an answer to many a prayer; justice and mercy logically fall into place when we do the “humble walk” with the Lord.   If you’re looking around for answers to your problems…. perhaps the remedy is to implement inward change by following the written directive found inside Micah 6:8!    

Lord, make it so!

Song Recommendation:

Here

By:  Kari Jobe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQnBvUiAGsI