The Way that seems wrong by Christopher Paul

“There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death.”(Proverbs 14.12)
Can we flip that and say: There is a Way which seems wrong, to the soul of man, but its end is the Way of Life. ?

Jesus perfectly demonstrated this Way. His will would not come into agreement with the Father. In agonizing torment he said, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death" (Matthew 26.38). That was right there at the end when the cross and physical death was just ahead for Jesus.

What to do? He couldn't find that agreement within himself. But he could only submit – defer – yield – acquiesce to the desire of another; his Father, God. He pleaded with Him that there may be any other way to achieve his Father's desired end. There was not. Jesus did not want it to go down like this. Within himself he opposed it. Finally in a death blow to his soul, Jesus cried out to his Father, 'this is not what I want, but I'll do it Your way' ("Not my will, but yours be done” Luke 22.42)

We may find such encouragement in this. Along our journey in God we each encounter the agony of letting go and permitting God to have His way. Surely this does not cease to be the case while we walk here on earth. The “rub” always remains; that struggle to put the soul to rest. Can it comfort us to know that “sorrow and deep distress” is just part of the process (Matthew 26.37). In fact, our soul will never be in agreement with the Father. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17.9) This is why the eyes of our soul must get shut. When our eyes are closed we are resting.  Our spirit stands ready and willing to lead, right in step with the Spirit of Christ. This will occur as we silence our will – our soul.

Jesus really knows, by experience, what we each face in this conflict. Let's not forget He did say, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”(Matthew 11.29). He showed us how it's done. He modeled it for us.  It is The Way – it will produce Life. Let's chose to follow The Way!

Courage & Strength,

Christopher
https://anear2hear.wordpress.com/

Don’t miss your calling by Christopher Paul

We have been called out - to be called into. It is a calling to come away from what is "ours" to come into that which is not our own.  We then take on that which belongs to another.  It is a purpose not of our design or initiating.

As the called out ones of God, we come to have vision to see our primary calling.  It is to come to the fullness of Christ; the spirit of Christ within.  Fullness is the measure of being "filled up" (Ephesians 4.7-13).  It is a calling focused on becoming, not foremost a doing.

Jesus Christ bought us and in so doing secured for Himself a vessel. (Revelation 5.9; 1 Corinthians 6.20 & 7.23; Acts 9.15; 2 Corinthians 4.7)   He intends to fill our vessel with Himself.  This is in order to reproduce in us the very Spirit with which He was also filled.  We bring nothing to Him. (John 5.30)  He brings everything to us.   We are empty.  An empty vessel requires a filling.  We have no power to fill our self.  The only way to become full is to receive.  Our filling must come from an outside source.  We simply receive more and more from Him, again and again.    We are to be always receiving Christ; it is not a one time deal.  For Christ is Word and Word is seed for our vessel.  (John 1.1,2 ; Luke 8.11) Word must be heard; so we receive by hearing. (Isaiah 55.3)

If we allow such a sacrificial existence of humility He will fill us with Himself.  And then, when and how He determines, He will put Himself on display through us fulfilling His eternal purpose through the "called out ones." (Ephesians 3.8-11)

Let's not neglect our greatest calling.

Courage & Strength,

Christopher Paul

An Ear to Hear