There is no denying that we are REALLY absorbed, thus wrapped up in the worldly matters of these days, as opposed to being so in HEAVENLY, *GOD*LY matters, which lead us perfectly according to HIS WILL. In doing so we are not only acting in disregard to HIS WILL, we are led astray, and endangered spiritually...
As evil increases, and takes over people, there is a dire need to come closer to *GOD*, for ONLY HE CAN, and WILL guide, direct, and protect us! Not only that, but the stark difference between HIS WAY, and that of the world, and it's corruption, IS crystal clear, and thereby PROVES WHY HIS WAY IS THE WAY, as it IS the singular PATH TO what is right, just, and good, and what brings us well-being, health, and that which is optimizing...
Lent IS a season of reflection, and of bonding further, our relationship with THE HEAVENLY FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT! In this time we are reminded that we are of the dust, and to the dust we shall return; a humbling thought! It is a period of acknowledgement, of training, of learning self-control, and aspiring to master becoming more like CHRIST JESUS! Disciplines are necessary to improvement, and advancement of every kind, but especially to growing INTO HIM, and reaping the harvest of HIS PROMISES for the FAITHFUL...
Last Easter, and this one, are exacerbated by many woes of this world, YET, these very woes ARE opportunities TO connect WITH THE LORD, and to SHINE OF HIM for ALL to see! Through the onslaught of troubles we endure, there is great chance to fully align TO HIM, and to SHARE HIM with others, be that through words, actions, or reflecting HIM...
Also, it is a stage when we can LEARN to devote ourselves more to HIS WILL, HIS WAYS, HIS WORD, HIS PLAN! We ARE partners TO HIS PLAN, and HIS COVENANT! We HAVE work to do, responsibilities, and duties to fulfill, and we ought to be ever inching closer to our REALITY, which IS citizens of HEAVEN, NOT of this Earth! Glory was never intended for the worldly, it lies IN THE LORD *GOD* ALMIGHTY alone, though the FAITHFUL WILL share in it in HIS KINGDOM. TO *GOD* BE THE GLORY, now, and forever!!!
Most seek much of the world, even those who know better, for we are convinced that since we are here, we are entitled, however, IF we have RECEIVED THE LORD, we understand that we have DIED to the world, therefore, we should no longer attach ourselves to what is worldly, YET, this IS one of those hard earned lessons, and aspirations which takes us all over the board, so to speak. We HAVE difficulty grasping HOLINESS as something that is possible now, as the world has been our false guide, plus, we are influenced most by those nearest us, at least when it comes to creature comforts...
The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, mortifying the flesh, repentance of sins, alms-giving, simple living and self-denial. NONE of which is popular with many, still, purpose and reason TO HIS WILL REMAINS the core of WHY we partake in such! Unfortunately, in this time, standards, principles, and devotions are being twisted, misconstrued, and denied as people have heeded the whisperings of the mortal OVER the COMMANDS of THE LORD! We don't HAVE to participate in the Lenten season, BUT IT IS BENEFICIAL to do so, AND aids us in growing, thriving, and maturing IN our Christianity!!!
HOLY seasons exist that we RE-ANCHOR TO CHRIST JESUS, and RENEW our COMMITMENT TO HIM, and that we further FREE ourselves from the bondage, and dangers of the world! Such times are OPTIMIZING TO the spirit, and to our eternal ONENESS WITH HIM! A time when we STOP, BE QUIET, WAIT ON HIM, LISTEN, then FOLLOW, and this in more than thought, or word!!!
Even if we don't ascribe to the rites of the season, we can fuse with the practices by considering them, and seeking a deeper understanding of their existence, and HOW they enhance us IN our WALK WITH HIM! We have NEVER learned enough about what is OF HIM, and so, every chance there is to IGNITE knowledge, or comprehension that leads us closer TO HIM, IS worth the effort, and diligence...
It is ABSOLUTELY TRUE that people are like this: JAMES 1: 23-25...
23+++For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;
24+++for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.
25+++But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
If we heard a sermon every day of the week, and an angel from heaven were the preacher, yet, if we rested in hearing only, it would never bring us to heaven.
Mere hearers are self-deceivers; and self-deceit will be found the worst deceit at last. If we flatter ourselves, it is our own fault; the truth, as it is in Jesus, flatters no man. Let the word of truth be carefully attended to, and it will set before us the corruption of our nature, the disorders of our hearts and lives; and it will tell us plainly what we are. Our sins are the spots the law discovers: Christ's blood is the laver the gospel shows. But in vain do we hear God's word, and look into the gospel glass, if we go away, and forget our spots, instead of washing them off; and forget our remedy, instead of applying to it. This is the case with those who do not hear the word as they ought. In hearing the word, we look into it for counsel and direction, and when we study it, it turns to our spiritual life.
Those who keep in the law and word of God, are, and shall be, blessed in all their ways. His gracious recompense hereafter, would be connected with his present peace and comfort. Every part of Divine revelation has its use, in bringing the sinner to Christ for salvation, and in directing and encouraging him to walk at liberty, by the Spirit of adoption, according to the holy commands of God. And mark the distinctness, it is not for his deeds, that any man is blessed, but in his deed. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven. Christ will become more precious to the believer's soul, which by his grace will become more fitted for the inheritance of the saints in light.
IF we are OF THE LORD *GOD*, it is true that HE IS MAKING us whole, and we cannot do this on our own, or mere merit, however, we HAVE duties IN HIS WORK(S)! We ARE to align, adapt, and advance IN HIS NAME, FOR HIS GLORY, and the good of souls who are lost in this world! WHAT can we offer to the lost if we are not yet ON THE PATH ourselves?
Since we are in chaotic, trying, and alarming times, it makes more sense TO align to *GOD* than to continue on the perilous roads the world is carving out, and this ESPECIALLY FOR those who proclaim CHRIST JESUS as their LORD, and SAVIOUR! MANY of HIS Chosen ARE off center right now, and ARE endangered DUE to their LACK of engagement IN HIS WILL, and PLAN! MANY ARE bewildered, and rapt by the world's distractions, confusions, and delusions, and UNTIL we AWAKEN TO HIM IN TRUTH, we risk more than we know!!!
This is NOT all on HIM; we ARE co-partners AS Children of THE MOST HIGH *GOD*! Our OBLIGATION TO HIM IS TO SHINE OF HIM, and to INSPIRE the lost THAT they notice HIM, seek HIM, find HIM, and FOLLOW HIM, AND if we HAVEN'T any knowledge, or mastery OF HIM, then we are inadequate, and incapacitated! SO, let us busy ourselves with study, and with all which is OF HIM, as opposed to being consumed by the world, which INTENDS to snare, and destroy us!!!
PRAISE THE LORD *GOD* ALWAYS! WORSHIP HIS HOLINESS! REJOICE IN HIS LOVING CARE, and LOVING KINDNESS FOR us! HONOUR HIM IN ALL your ways, ALL of your days! BLESS HIM BY BEING A BLESSING! LOVE AS HE LOVES us! SHINE OF HIS GLORY, FOR HIS GLORY WAS, IS, and EVER SHALL BE!!!
LWINSOR © 2021
BIBLICAL, and/or other references marked BOLDLY IN COLORS
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