freespirit

A few evenings ago, CR told me about a lady in Kalamazoo, whom he had come into contact with during that days normal flow of business. Her conversation suggested a somewhat new age perception of God and the creation and it was difficult to pinpoint exactly where she was coming from. She did, however, have a firm understanding of something that many of us, at least in this country, never fully embrace. She conducts her life in a manner that’s relatively free of material acquisition, other than the essentials. She owns a thriving business that could sustain a much more extravagant lifestyle, but her heart just isn’t in the material. She drives a modest vehicle and resides in a small apartment. While the full story is somewhat obscure, this lady has discovered something precious; that being a liberty from the bondage of things.

The report of this lady was astonishing, however, it really should not be an exception; especially amongst those who profess Jesus Christ as Savior. There is a profound freedom that is enjoyed by those who, from their heart, relinquished all of the worlds amenities. Not as a legalistic formula for holiness, but as substantive evidence of one whose affections are on things above. They have received a glimpse of that which lies beyond the kingdom of atoms. This revelation of the Creator who inhabits eternity os so incredible that the conformities which were once so diligently sought after have lost their appeal. The lustful diversions that drown men in perdition no longer call out to them. They are not above the dangers of temptation; in fact, they are generally more aware of the dangers associated with the three lustings than most of their contemporaries. Nonetheless, they have discovered a place of fellowship with Christ on a level that few of us ever embrace.

I Timothy 6:7 “For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.”

Accompanying this liberty from trappings is a freedom from fear. They are no longer fearful of dicouraging forcasts in their circle of operation or of those things coming upon the earth. When the earthly embodiment of acquisitions, or even their place in the land of the living is in jeopardy, they do not bow to a baser “self-preservation” mentality which plays right into the hand of the enemy. They are fully aware of the ongoing fulfilment of end times prophecy and many will tend to prayerfully monitor the trendings that are transpiring in this venue. These events, astonishing as they may be, remind them that the return of Jesus is at hand and that our participation in the dimension of time is as nothing when compared to the vastenss of the everlasting. An everlasting that will remain long after every star in every galaxy has ceased to be.

Psalm 91:5-7 “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.”

I John 4:18 “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. he that feareth is not made perfect in love.”

What an incredible place to be; one that each of us should be striving for. And yet, far too often, we settle for the wood hay and stubble. We allow anxiety to set in when our comfort zone is threatened rather than proclaim “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” In our own understanding, or through our own efforts, we’ll never reach such a place. This requires seeking the Lord Jesus with all diligence and being prepared to venture into unfamiliar territories. Determining within out heart of hearts to follow him; regardless of the cost, regardless of where the road leads to, and regardless of the threatenings issued by those who gravitate toward the weak and beggarly elements. What a profound peace and liberty awaits us; once we settle this issue in our heart. When we look beyond the campaigns of the moment and begin to focus on the eternal, we’ll find ourselves almost in a state of “disconnect,” as it were. Being very much in the world; giving testimony of Jesus Christ, the only name under heaven whereby we must be saved,  but very much “not of” the world. 

Job 13:15 “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.”

II Timothy 2:9 “Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evildoer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.”

Over the passing days and months, this truth has become increasingly wonderful to fathom. When our affections are completely on Jesus and our treasure is truly in the realm of the everlasting we will find ourselves actively striving to put away anything that separates us from our Redeemer. As we move into increased obediance to his word and filter out the frivilosities of this world, there’s a “liberty” that’s beyond description. In the days to come it will be imperative to have renounced our ties to this temporal world and, from our heart, proclaim “to live is Christ and to die is gain.” One more familiar passage is needful of a visit before closing this out.

Luke 21:1-4 “And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.
And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in hither two mites.
And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.”

The rich folks were enslaved by their stuff and their standing in this world. They thought themselves to have worked out a good balance by acting religious while still maintaining an earthly empire. They were admired by their contemporaries because of their “unselfish generosity.” The widow lady, however, was a “freespirit” in every sense of the word. She loved God and took no thought for her situation. Certainly other folks saw her but paid little attention to one whose contribution would seem to not make a difference. But God, who knows the hearts and motivations of all, knew exactly what was transpiring. A most incredible truth was playing out before the ones who profess that they know God, but in works deny him.

Matthew 7:22-23 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

This passage should keep us all to stay continuously before the Lord in prayer. I need to go, but first, here’s another link to Franks blog. It challenges us to seek the Lord and his perfect will, separate from the designs of others and the concepts which we have fabricated in our own minds. To let go, with reckless abandon, and seek to be in his perfect will. This may be a rough journey for us, but well worth enduring whatever we must endure and letting go of whatever we must let go of. Here’s the link:

GOD IS CALLING HIS REMNANT OUT OF THE ESTABLISHED CHURCH

The consideration in in the above link should not be enacted upon hastily, but rather through serious prayer as missteps can be incredibly dangerous. Four more more links; the first is to Cindy Hanson and the second is to  Mark Pedder. If one desires to see the heart of God, these links should be visited.

LIVING BEYOND MY WASTELAND

MARK PEDDER’S WEBLOG

Thanks Cindy, for bringing this to light. Next is a much-needed posting from Michael Boldea that involves preparing for the times in which we live. I’ve only skimmed the first couple of paragraphs and have printed off a copy to take to work tonight, but it covers an issue that’s vital for our day. There’s an element of urgency attached to this one:

SPARED SHELTERED OR SIFTED

And finally a good report from the San Francisco Bay area. Upon each visit to this site I’m both encouraged and saddened. Encouraged that a group of saints are so actively taking the gospel of Jesus Christ to their community. And saddened that it’s such a rare occurrance:

THE ACTION IS ON THE FRONT LINES

If time permits, please check out all of the above links. I found several more this afternon that should be included, but I’m racing the clock. Blessings always in Jesus name.