Aspirations...

Personally, I can get bogged down in the complexity of life. For years I've been on a search for simplicity. Yes, for years. I've made a number of adjustments and I find that one must stay focused and determined not only to gain but maintain it.

In my blog two weeks ago I talked around the "too soon old, too late wise" adage. We don't have to be wise late! We can have it now. Thinking on this has brought me to another thought and one that seems to make all the seeming complexity of spiritual disciplines very simple. It's this; there is no higher aspiration than to "be one with Him". Jesus' prayer in John 17 is where I get this phrase. His priestly prayer over those men regarding their "oneness" with Him and His Father, immediately preceeding Gethsemane and the Cross, is so compelling...powerful in its implications and staggering in its simplicity.

The more I think about it, I realize that Jesus implied it throughout his earthly ministry to those near to Him [for example His admonition to Martha, that Mary was doing the only necessary thing...sitting at His feet...enjoying oneness with Him]. Oswald Chambers says it this way: "...Believe on Me (Jesus' words) - pay attention to the Source, and out of you will flow rivers of living water...we don't get at these springs of our natural life by common sense...Jesus is teaching that growth in spiritual life...comes by our concentration on our Father in heaven."

Brother Lawrence wrote a landmark book about simply "Practicing The Presence of God" and how that one thing charted his course and kept him there!

"One with Him"... because I'm a slow learner and since many times, complexity can baffle me, a simple statement like this can settle me down and get me back to where I need to be, in simplicity and essentials. I'm working on it, being one with Him, and...I recommend it.

Blessings,

Mitch

Prince Caspian...

Through the years, I've never been a strong reader but I've discovered the tremendous value in it and have determined to make it an important part of my life. My wife tells me that I don't include any "fun" reading in my routine...like a good novel, christian fiction or whatever. I'm working on that...sort of....

I've always been a bit envious when she [and others] go to the theatre to see a movie of which previously, they have read the book. The conversation afterwards goes something like this: "It was a great movie but the book was better!"

In my working on "reading more fun stuff" [kind of] and since C. S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia have been showing in the theatres, I've decided to read the books first, then see the movies...and not until. This Friday Prince Caspian debuts in the theatres here and I'm proud to say "I've read the book!" I'll now be able to fellowship with those who have done the same.

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was my first. I'm so glad I've started this! It has opened another dimension of joy for me. And as I discover new things, I want to pass them along for those of you who may consider it for the first time. Others have done that for me...and I'm so indebted....

Blessings,

Mitch

What Time Teaches...(And God)

Those who have lived life a bit have discovered this adage: "Too soon old, too late wise" I've got to admit that this is true of me. This truth raises many questions in my mind, the most important one being: "Why does it have to be this way?"

As I read His Word, I realize that it doesn't! Our Father has offered to generously give us wisdom, promising not to make little of us for asking. He wants to see us succeed and is willing to give us information that can guarantee that outcome.

Oswald Chambers says that when there is a "break through" for us spiritually, two things happen. First of all, we are thrilled that we've experienced His activity in our lives. The other is, we are usually humiliated that we didn't "get there sooner" because we know there was some type of "clog" that prevented the progress [and it wasn't God's fault].

I told someone recently that God and His Word are the key to everything. Most would say: "Why of course He is...why state the obvious?" My question is, if we really believe that, then why do we find ourselves looking for answers in so many other places? I find it is entirely too easy for me to do this. I'm humiliated that I am "too soon old and too late wise".

In Psalm 119:127, 128 the Psalmist says: "...I love your commandments...more than anything; I acknowledge that all You say is not only right, but You have something to say about everything [and everything MEANS everything]. Consequently, I'm learning to hate every other voice or way, but Yours."(MWPV - Mitch White Paraphrase Version)

I'm a slow learner. But the way of wisdom, sooner, is before us. Let's take it...NOW!

"Headed North",

Mitch

His Word in Us...

"...Therefore putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. James 1:21

"In Humility," James says, "receive the word implanted...." Tracing the verse backwards, we see a divine progression:

The salvation of our souls
The word implanted
Our reception of that Word
Humility

Humility is what prepares the soil (heart / soul) to be receptive so that it desperately clings to the word that has been planted in it. Then in time, as with all good "seed" there comes germination, new life, luxurious growth and ultimately fruit and multiplied seed to be dispersed and the process begins again in others.

The Psalmist, through much dealings with God, reproofs and affliction realized that all of the difficulty was necessary for him to grow and change. In order for him to be genuinely affected by the Word, it was necessary that he be afflicted. He discovered that being humiliated and humbled, though painful, was well worth the price, for he says: "Before I was afflicted, I went astray, but now I keep your Word...it is good for me that I was afflicted...that I may learn...for the law of Thy mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces." It seems that he's not only different in how he lives but his value system has been transformed.

So, to add to the progression in the first lines of this blog, we must add affliction, leading to humility, etc. So as the difficult things come, and they will, envision the Hand of our loving Father working and dealing bountifully with you for your good and His purposes. It'll make the "trip" much more bearable and maybe even comforting to know that Our Father not only loves us but is busy doing good things to benefit us... and others.

Blessings,

Mitch

Wisdom...

Wisdom...is for all of us something we desperately need. The scripture tells us it is available in abundance from Our Father if we will simply ask in faith. It's hard to know which direction or what source this information may come from but be assured, if we ask, it will come and when it does, we'll know it is from Him!

I found a book titled "The Little Red Book of Wisdom" by Mark DeMoss. It is a small book with big benefits to anyone who will read it....practical advice for living that touches so many arenas we move in and out of. I commend it to you...it's a great read!

I'm always asking God for wisdom. I've found I have some preconceived ideas as to where it may come from. For me it showed up in a seemingly insignificant red book. I know if you'll ask, it will come "knocking on your door". Who knows how it will be "dressed" or what form it will take. But know it will be from Him, the faithful keeper of our soul. "...Wisdom...she cries out in the streets" The Psalmist

Be blessed this week. I am indebted to you all here at Fellowship.

Amazed,

Mitch

I'm BACK!

Teresa and I are back from a week of vacation. We're always so thankful for the privilege and we enjoy these times of refreshment so much. Thanks to all who covered things in our absence.

While away, we purposed to have good rest and re-charge time and that always includes reading good books and reflecting on what God is saying. Our God is so faithful when He assures us that He will feed, satisfy and be the keeper of our soul. I'll be sharing with all some of the things that I've learned.

Trusting that your week will be a good one in every way.

Blessings,

Mitch

He says, "Come"...

I have been profoundly moved by the number of times our Father, through the scriptures, invites us to "come" to Him. For every need, concern or perplexity, as you search the scriptures, you will soon find a word in His Word that invites you to come to Him and find the supply, consolation or answer that is needed.

Our problem usually lies in the fact the we so easily look in other directions, rather than to His Face for these resources and, to our shame, and without fail, we sooner or later come up short and are not only disappointed but in greater need than before.

I'm finding that one of the secrets of this Life with Him is to make up our minds that He will be the ONLY remedy that we'll seek, and that we'll wait, even if it hurts, and if the answer lingers, for Him and Him alone! A great preacher said it this way: "We need to make Him our first choice and not our last chance."

How many times I've found myself humiliated after all these years, that this is a lesson I am still learning...always needing to make Him my first choice...to be incorrigibly and stubbornly riveted to the Only One who can satisfy my soul.

"Come", He says...and "...at this Fountain, all you're longing for will be found" in great quantity and quality. Come and be blessed!

Amazed,

Mitch