Change is Constant The only thing constant is Change
Change is here to stay !
As I have found recently when radically changing our residential set-up, and having to cull ruthlessly through 23 years of accumulation, and discard all but a few books from a lifetimes collection ! I appreciate St Paul's request to Timothy Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:13
Recently my eye spotted again Matthew 4:4 and Jesus words to the tempter … “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.”
and Solomon's observation in Ecclesiastes 12:12 “Of making many books there is no end, and much study is wearisome to the flesh”
which leads to recalling the most delightful moments of my entire pilgrimage, the highlights of my personal life … when various verses were what the Bible itself calls “QUICKENED “ to me.
the same word I am told that refers to a pregnant woman when she first feels her unborn babe move within her midriff … “a QUICKENING” of life within.
Now I have always been an avid reader, and read virtually the entire School library when at Secondary School (long before the TV or the internet), but I will never forget soon after being born again, when picking up a Bible and having these words come alive with such an impact that they rocked me to my very core … Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you … and which I have been trying to do ever since by His Grace !
This was the very first time it happened to me … so this is what the Psalmist was referring to 10 times in Psalm 119 verses 25, 37, 40, 88, 93, 107, 149, 154, 156, 159
Such a quickening to me, is quite gentle yet awesome, that rebukes while it encourages, a living connection that somehow satisfies deep within ones being, that brings with it an awareness of being in direct contact with the “Commander-in-Chief” … really nothing else on this planet quite like it.
Since that first time it happened, I can recall most all of the subsequent occasions ... the verses are underlined in my Bible, some with the date noted beside … precious words and instances … Psalm 119:162 I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great treasure / spoil just as David experienced … and this Bible is the only book where such has happened to me on many occasions since.
I note also that David stated “your law is my DELIGHT” 6 times in this Psalm 119 alone ! with which I agree !
and he only had the first parts of the Old Testament !
Also, I would note a unique fact – this inspired Book is the only one where it is possible to speak personally to the Author / Inspirer while reading it … a massive asset to be sure, to be sure !
Jesus said … It is the Spirit who gives life – who quickens; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me John 10:27
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. John14:26
How truly amazing !
I also recall hearing about John Wesley's father on his deathbed saying … “the greatest proof of Christianity is the INWARD WITNESS” … to which I offer a silent AMEN
But .. another tack entirely … one that isn't popular at all !
when Jesus met the tempter over 40 days, fasting … the second temptation is recorded as … then the devil, taking Him up on a high mountain, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give You, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Luke 4:6
I reconsidered these last few words of the tempter recently ... concerning “the kingdoms of the world … “all this authority ... and their glory … and I give it to whomever I wish” … WOW indeed
Words and a claim that Jesus didn't refute or correct … surely he would have done so if Lucifer was wrong ?
(And then there's the first 2 chapters of Job to consider)
I wonder how many stars of politics, celebrities of stage and screen, rock-stars, financiers, entrepreneurs, gamblers, speculators, those seeking fame or prominence at whatever cost, etc have ever heard or considered this statement … or their myriad of adulating fans ?
This gives quite another dimension to those seeking such fame or prominence, and some who have achieved a measure of it.
Maybe things are not as they seem, or made to appear on TV !
Just who is leading the worlds parade ?
Who is the real but unseen “pied piper “ ? and where is he leading ?
Who is ones personal leader and guide / master ? … there's only the 2 possibilities ... and a lot at stake !
Among the last recorded words of the beloved disciple, John, who leaned on Jesus at meal-times, as was customary for ones closest friend to do back in those days … and who had seen Jesus transfigured on the mountain ...
but he who has been born of God keeps himself, and the wicked one does not touch him. We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
1 John 5:18-21
portant points to ponder indeed !
