Fully Devoted Follower of -- ?

Every person on earth is a fully devoted follower of some one or some thing -- some idea or some cause...some addiction or some passion.

Every person lives according to what he (or she) believes in his deepest core, according to what he values intrinsically -- to what he loves, to what he's attracted, to what he is physically, emotionally, mentally, soulfully attached. And if a person thinks he is beyond being attached to (or ruled by) anyone or anything, then that person may be ruled by his non-attachment (the Eastern delusion of reaching nirvana by striving to be non-striving, non-attached to anything). Or if a person is living a seemingly "good" life, materially satisfied, not committing any "major" acts of moral wrongs (believing that lying, stealing, gossiping, blaspheming, coveting are not "real" sins), living according to the laws of the country he lives in, and is, in his own conscience, free of the sins that he perceives as morally wrong in those around him -- he may be a devotee (fully devoted follower) of this lifestyle of ease and spiritual deception.

To what thing can a person be a fully devoted follower? The world has millions of fully devoted followers whose prime goal in life is to be rich and famous -- money, fame and power; to look like 20-year olds even though pushing 60s -- the illusive fountain of youth; or to have that ideal happily-ever-after relationship, whether married or just shacking up -- Cinderella and the Prince Charming come to life.

To whom can a person be a fully devoted follower? god. The god of self...me, myself and i -- what feels good to me, what is best for myself, what i will. The god of self-seeking, self-realization, self-aggrandisement. Even if a person is an atheist -- one who chooses not to believe in GOD as First Cause, and all Creation as the caused effect of the Creator's divine will -- he by his choice is a fully devoted follower of god...the god of himself.

Or others may be fully devoted followers and worshipers of these "gods"... Mary... Buddha... Mohammed... Joseph Smith... Confucius... spirit-in-all... higher power... the force...

But those who profess to be true CHRISTians, born again of the SPIRIT of GOD, whether this or that denomination, what does it really mean to be a fully devoted follower of CHRIST?

(Since i have no formal Bible college training, nor am i a church-authorized Bible teacher, nor even a "mature" CHRISTian, i can only draw insight from who i am In CHRIST and what discernment i have been given, as shaped thus far by the indwelling SPIRIT of GOD.)

What is fully? To me, fully is all i am and all i have -- my whole life -- as expressed through my heart, will, mind, body, finances/ possessions, and hopes for the future. Fully means to surrender all, not grudgingly or unwillingly or fearfully, but in loving, joyful obedience -- all of my heart -- by loving CHRIST more than any relationship, activity, achievement, or possession...by making Him the sole focus of my emotions, desires, and passions...by allowing Him to reign over my soul.

will -- by committing myself completely to Him...by emptying myself of all desire to exercise my rights to my rights...by denying personal self-will...by bowing down to the Truth that GOD's will for me is allways best -- joyous, interesting, vital GODventurez...so much better than i could ever imagine...by stopping my striving against His almighty will, and instead resting in the confidence that i am His child and that He loves me to the infinite power.

mind -- by seeking to know the Person of CHRIST and His Word, so His principles and values become the foundation for all i think, say and do; by setting aside my old learned habits of thought, views and prejudices...and instead accepting GOD's view point on all things as the right view. i will lean not on my own understanding, but trust in GOD with all my heart. (Proverbs 3:5)

body -- by acknowledging that my physical body with all its strengths, talents, and sexuality are given to me from GOD; and as a new creation In CHRIST, a dwelling place for His SPIRIT, to be used by GOD to accomplish that which He desires to accomplish through me, according to His rules, not mine. My part is to cooperate by keeping this GOD-given body as healthy and fit as i am able so that i may be that vessel, fit for His intended work.

finances/possessions -- by recognizing that money and all my possessions are gifts from GOD. He is the Source of all good things in my life, and i am to be a good steward of all the possessions He has given me. It means seeing money and possessions (whether material things, or abilities and talents, or what's most precious to me -- my time) as blessings GOD has given me to be used to also bless others through me. i am not to hoard or keep any of these possessions to myself, but to share them with those in need around me.

future -- by giving my dreams and desires to GOD, trusting the outcome to be His perfect and loving will; by deciding to be a servant like CHRIST...by practicing JESUS' ultimate command, Love one another as i have loved you; by putting Love in action...which is serving others.

Fully devoted is total surrender, absorption, attention, to the Person of CHRIST JESUS Himself -- not to any particular doctrine, or cause, or good works, or church, or denomination. It's crucifying the old nature in me -- cutting out anything and everything that stands in the way of becoming one with CHRIST. It's getting rid of "stuff" -- hindrances, stumbling blocks -- such as confidence in my own self, my own judgment; traditions or beliefs that are safe and familiar, but contrary to GOD's view point; spiritual pride, born of personal accomplishments or "higher" education; habits or lifestyles not pleasing to GOD; fear of ridicule or rejection for declaring JESUS as Lord of my life; love for self-glorification or honor; love for worldly "stuff" -- material or otherwise -- stuff that satisfy but for a brief time.

Being a fully devoted follower of CHRIST is putting into action all i've professed as a child of GOD, as a born again believer. As a passionate follower of JESUS, it is believing and trusting in Him completely; it is declaring His Truth (the Good News) to all, and by the enabling power of the abiding Holy SPIRIT of GOD -- it is acting and living out the abundant Life which i received in 2003 when i said yes! to JESUS as my Lord. In short, it is walking the talk, one day at a time.

For me, it is the most precious and amazing privilege, this undeserved grace of GOD -- that i have been allowed to receive the free gift of redemption of CHRIST...that i have Heaven now. i don't have to die to be ushered into the very Presence of GOD. Heaven, the very Presence of GOD, is my Reality today, and forever...all because i said a resounding Yes! to the Father's invitation to make JESUS, His Son, Lord of my life.How could i not rejoice and revel in being a fully devoted follower of JESUS? In Him is the mind of GOD -- infinite wisdom. In Him is everlasting life -- no more limitation, old age or decay, or discord. In Him are Love, Joy, Peace -- the real kind...the kind that surpasses way, way! beyond the world's superficial understanding of these much longed-for realities. In Him is the power and authority of the Father, by the Holy SPIRIT given to all believers. In CHRIST, i have all that i need, all that my heart desires, all that i could ever imagine or hope for in this life and certainly after this life!

To what or to whom are you a fully devoted follower?

Jews and Gentiles -- Children of Almighty GOD

The longing of my heart and my prayer to GOD is that the Jewish people might be saved. I know what enthusiasm they have for GOD, but it is misdirected zeal. For they don't understand GOD's way of making people right with Himself. Instead, they are clinging to their own way of getting right with GOD by trying to keep the Law. They won't go along with GOD's way. For CHRIST has accomplished the whole purpose of the Law. All who believe in Him are made right with GOD.

For Moses wrote that the Law's way of making a person right with GOD requires obedience to all of its commands. But the way of getting right with GOD through faith says, "You don't need to go to heaven" (to find CHRIST and bring Him down to help you). And it says, "You don't need to go to the place of the dead" (to bring CHRIST back to life again). Salvation that comes from trusting CHRIST--which is the message we preach--is already within easy reach. In fact, the Scriptures say, "The message is close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart."

For if you confess with your mouth that JESUS is Lord and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with GOD, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who believes in Him will not be disappointed." Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They all have the same Lord, who generously gives His riches to all who ask for them. For "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

But how can they call on Him to save them unless they believe in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have never heard about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, "Lord, who has believed our message?" Yet faith comes from listening to this message of good news--the Good News about CHRIST.

But what about the Jews? Have they actually heard the message? Yes, they have: "The message of GOD's creation has gone out to everyone, and its words to all the world."

But did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, GOD had said, "I will rouse your jealousy by blessing other nations. I will make you angry by blessing the foolish Gentiles."

And later Isaiah spoke boldly for GOD: "I was found by people who were not looking for Me. I showed Myself to those who were not asking for Me."

But regarding Israel, GOD said, "All day long I opened my arms to them, but they kept disobeying Me and arguing with Me." (Romans 10:1-21)

Paul, the apostle, wrote the above about A.D. 57 to the CHRISTian church in Rome, which included mostly Jewish followers, but also many Gentiles (people of any nationality other than Jewish). This letter was intended for all believers of the Good News then, but also for everyone today who has ever sinned. For haven't we all sinned by breaking one (or four or five or ALL) of the Laws of GOD? Can any of us truthfully say that he/she has not broken a single one of the Ten Commandments, or any of the 613 mitzvot (commandments, ordinances, rules for life) contained in the Mosaic Law? (The Mosaic law begins with the Ten Commandments and includes the many rules of religious observance given in the first five books of the Old Testament.)

One may argue that since he/she is not of Jewish heritage, he/she is not under obligation to follow the Mosaic Law. True. But we are ALL under GOD, under His authority, for we are all His Creation...and all of us have rebelled against GOD. (Whether you believe in GOD or not, it doesn't alter the fact that there is a Creator of the created; a Designer of the design. Can something come from nothing? Can the gazillion galaxies come about out of thin air? Even "thin air" had to have been created. Can a watch -- taken apart, with all its intricate parts jumbled in a box -- put itself together, even after a million years in the box?)

If a person is Jewish but still an unbeliever (not trusting that JESUS is the Messiah), then that person is a Gentile at heart. And if a person is a Gentile (male or female, black or white or brown or yellow or pink, Bolivian or American, Chinese or Aborigine, Maori or Filipino; whether homosexual "gone straight" or adulterer "gone monogamous" or ex-addict "gone clean" -- raised as Buddhist or Catholic or Baptist or Mormon or Jew or Muslim or atheist or just confused), but has trusted JESUS as Lord of his/her life, repented of his/her sins (true repentance is confessing/agreeing with GOD about his/her sins, asking for forgiveness and turning away from sin and turning to GOD) and made a conscious decision of the will to commit and surrender his/her life to JESUS -- then he/she is "of the circumcision"...a Jew at heart...adopted into the family of GOD's chosen people.

Some of the branches from Abraham's tree, some of the Jews, have been broken off. And you Gentiles, who were branches from a wild olive tree, were grafted in. So now you also receive the blessing GOD has promised Abraham and his children, sharing in GOD's rich nourishment of His special olive tree. But you must be careful not to brag about being grafted in to replace the branches that were broken off. Remember, you are just a branch, not the root. (Romans 11:17-18.GOD is indeed abundant in grace. To everyone on earth, whether Jew or Gentile, He gives the free gift of salvation... redemption... freedom from sin's wage of death -- out of His infinite store of abundant grace. And what is grace? Unearned, unmerited, undeserved favor or good will of GOD. So that no one may boast of his good works, so that no one may say he/she was good enough. No one ever was, ever is, or ever will be good enough in the sight of GOD. GOD is so beyond our finite concept of what is good -- GOD is holy -- perfectly and infinitely holy! Can we ever measure up to His standard of goodness and holiness? Of course not...and if you are honest with yourself, you'll agree -- not with what i say, but with the Truth, which is written in your heart -- your GOD-given conscience.

GOD only gave us Ten Commandments, us Gentiles, that is. The Jews were given the whole 613, given to Moses to give to the Jewish people. But even with "just" ten laws, we've utterly failed. Who has not stolen (a pen at work, a candy from the store bin, time off the clock at work), or not lied ("white," 99% of the truth, or kept silent about a truth, are all lies in GOD's sight), or not committed adultery in his/her heart (anyone who even looks at a woman with lust in his eye has already committed adultery with her in his heart -- Matthew 5:28); or not coveted (his neighbor's wife, or car, or Blackberry); or not cussed or blasphemed; or not honored his/her parents; or not killed in actuality or in our thoughts (abortion; whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment -- the same judgment due a murderer -- Matthew 5:22); or not guilty of idolatry (You shall have no other gods before Me -- the number one commandment of GOD's Top Ten, as written in Exodus 20:3-17 and repeated in Deuteronomy 5:7-21 for all of us slow learners).

Who has not broken the number one commandment? Who has not set up himself or herself as his or her own personal god? Who has not given a tea party for me, myself and i? Who has not allowed husband/wife/lover, job, money, addiction, pride, or personal agenda to become even more important than GOD -- the Source of all that a person is, the Source of all that a person has -- including life itself?

We are all guilty. We are all under the condemnation of our sins. We will all face judgment. Believe it or not. Just as the laws of nature have been set -- that for every action, there is an equal re-action ; that whatever a person plants, that he/she will also harvest. There's a consequence for each choice made...not just in the physical realm, but also in the spiritual.

What then is the answer? The remedy to our man-made dilemma? Read again Romans 10:9-13. For those who are still yearning to be filled with abundant Life! here in the now and in the inevitable hereafter of death; for those who are still searching for that indescribable joy that is far beyond all the fleeting emotional highs of happiness found in the things of this world; for those who long to be loved just as they are, to be accepted as is, in all his/her unsightly warts and scars -- here is the key to peace...peace and security and confidence and joy and contentment and yes...the happily-ever-after ending of your story here on earth.For if you confess with your mouth that JESUS is Lord and believe in your heart that GOD raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with GOD, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who believes in Him will not be disappointed." Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They all have the same Lord, who generously gives His riches to all who ask for them. For "Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord JESUS CHRIST will be saved."

Trick OR Treat? Halloween Is NOT All Hallows' Eve

It's Halloween...Trick or Treat?

Fisherguys and Fishergal

TRICK.

Kid at the Macchu Picchu hike in Peru Halloween is a trick word...the word hallow means to make or set apart as holy; to respect or honor greatly; revere.

Historically, All Saints' Day was introduced on May 13 (7th century), but later changed to November 1 in 834 AD, which is the day to honor the saints and martyrs who died for CHRISTianity. The night before is October 31; therefore, All Saint's Eve or All Hallows' Eve (hallows meaning saints).

Kristika, my friend Lata's daughter in Taveuni, FijiToday we observe All Hallows' Eve as Halloween, a festival for the dead which has its roots from pagan tradition -- the Celtic celebration of Samhain. Halloween is certainly NOT about hallowing the dead saints and martyrs.

All Hallows' Eve, a time to commemorate saints and martyrs, is instead marked by wild parties celebrating the wicked dead -- those dead in spirit who delve in the occult, witchcraft, sorcery, devil worship, darkness, wantonness, sexual immorality...

Monique, my niece, in Zambales, PhilippinesSo Halloween has become a time for all of us to be tricked deeper into believing it's just another fun thing to do with the kids...they get the treats...the sweets...who doesn't want free candies?

But we provide the trick...we trick them into believing Halloween is just for fun...just another innocent activity for the young at heart and the young in years. We introduce the sense of the occult to their sponge-like minds...we think nothing's wrong with all this "fun stuff" that's garbed in darkness...dressing up, pretending to be witches and dragons and Harry Potter and monsters and ghosts and goblins...

Little New Yorkers from Long IslandBefore you label me a party-pooper, check out Halloween Origins and Customs by Vic Bilson of Jeremiah Project. As adults we can discern and decide for ourselves what trick or treat with which to feed ourselves...but very young children have not yet learned to discern what is spiritually healthy. They'll eat this trick laced with arsenic if adults show them that it's a sweet treat.

Kid watching a volleyball match in Aitutaki, Cook IslandsAll children are gifts of GOD. JESUS said, It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to sin. (Luke 17:2)

PRIDE -- Lethal Weapon of the Fallen Angel

Pride is so wily, more wily than Wiley Coyote.

Pride is so subtle, under radar like a stealth bomber.

Pride is deadly and satanic...it's of Lucifer -- the angel of light who fell from Heaven.

Pride will keep the lost, lost; the prisoner, shackled; the sinner, forever condemned.

On Rapture Alert, Ron Graham details the truth about pride in his essay: For Every Man. May the SPIRIT of GOD cause the reader's heart to be pierced with the liberating Truth. May the chosen people of GOD, the Jews, and all Gentiles of the world, come to the awesome revelation of GOD...that Messiah has come. And will come again!

Ron Graham (twotug@embarqmail.com) also wrote:

Jeremiah records the words of God, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

The Jewish Scriptures (The Torah, The Prophets, and The Writings, which make up the Tanakh or the Jewish Bible) paint a very clear picture of who the Mashiach (Messiah) will be when He eventually comes to the nation of Israel. In fact, there are over 300 prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures, which detail many facts about this coming Messiah/King.

Here is just a sampling (and remember, all these verses come from the Jewish Bible):

Messiah was to be born at Bethlehem: Micah 5:1.
Messiah would be from the tribe of Judah: Genesis 49:10.

Messiah would present himself by riding on an ass: Zechariah 9:9.

Messiah would be tortured to death: Psalm 22.

Messiah would arrive before the destruction of the Second Temple: Daniel 9:24-27.

Messiah's life would match a particular description, including suffering, silence at his arrest and trial, death and burial in a rich man's tomb, and resurrection: Isaiah 52:13-53:12.

Prophecy is remarkably specific. In detail as to lineage, birthplace, time and lifestyle, Jesus matched the Messianic expectations of the Hebrew Scriptures. The record of this fulfillment is to be found in the pages of the New Testament.

Interestingly, the Jewish Scriptures paint seemingly two different pictures about the Messiah to come. For one, they talk about the Messiah who will come as the reigning King, who will usher in a period of unprecedented peace on earth. But many verses talk about the Mashiach who will be a suffering Servant, who will suffer and die for the sins of the people. For many hundreds of years the rabbis believed that there would be two Messiahs, the King Mashiach ben David, and the suffering servant Mashiach ben Joseph. The rabbis, unfortunately, were not able to see that one Messiah would accomplish both missions.

Prophecy was indeed fulfilled in the Jewish Messiah. Yeshua came to the "lost sheep of the House of Israel" 2,000 years ago. He came as Isaiah chapter 53 so clearly states, to die and "suffer" for the sins of the Jewish people. He came to the nation of Israel, but was rejected.

If the Jews would have accepted His "once for all" (Hebrews 10:10) atonement for sins, Yeshua would have ushered in the Kingdom of Heaven at that point in history. But the Jews did not recognize Him. Even though they had the Word of God in their own Hebrew Scriptures, and more than 300 descriptions of who He would be when He comes, they missed Him.

As a result, the Good News of God's Kingdom went forth to the Gentile world, and for 2,000 years now, both Jew and Gentile have come together in Mashiach, looking forward to His soon return as reigning King, just as the rabbis have always expected.

Although the nation of Jews rejected Yeshua when He came, God has always, through the last 2,000 years, kept a "remnant" of believing Jews for Himself. Many thousands of Jews alive today, have received Yeshua as their Lord, and Savior, and Mashiach. They have been blessed with "new life" in Him, and they look forward to eternal life with Him in God's heavenly Kingdom.

i've shared the above for Jewish friends, those who may be part of the Remnant, on the cusp of receiving the Way, the Truth, and the Life. May the deadly pride in all of us be blasted to smithereens(!) by the purifying Light of CHRIST JESUS.

(Note: art illustrating pride is not mine, but "life" above is.)

MErlin To rln -- Personal TESTIMONY

When i woke up this morning, i began my day as usual...large coffee, "private business" as i read Our Daily Bread; then afterwards, into the Word, prayers, and a journal entry. As i wrote, GOD, by His SPIRIT, spoke to my heart, causing me to write these words to testify of the work He has begun in me:

As is written in Mark 4:21-23, JESUS said, "Is a lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Is it not to be set on the lampstand? For there is nothing hidden which will not be revealed, nor has anything been kept secret but that it should come to light. If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear." The Lord GOD, Who is Love, is the One who lit up my life, Who put the Light in me. He is also the One Who places me wherever He desires, so that He may shine His Light through me. i am but the candle -- He is the Flame. i am but the wick to be burned up -- He is the fiery Light that illumines the darkness.

The LORD's all mighty righteous right hand, by His Holy SPIRIT, engineers all my circumstances and environment to where His Light will shine best. i am but the willing wax, standing firm in His Word, cooperating with Him to be burned up to the very last so that He may shine His Light in the darkness.

i was once in darkness. The life i lived was centered on self -- gratifying the lust of the flesh (being immoral, satisfying my ego -- the seat of my greed -- with no thought of those in need, who were in literal hunger, starving physically or spiritually). i was puffed up with the pride of life -- wearing vain-glorious masks to hide insecurities -- wanting to bring focus on me, myself, and i. i lusted with my eyes, coveting what i saw and thought to be better -- not being content with my lot.
The life i lived had no Light, no real joy. i stumbled and fell repeatedly; i tripped and got bruised black and blue (once literally); i banged my head against many self-made walls -- i was blinded by the world system of "Work hard enough and long enough and you will get your dream house, dream car, dream partner in life, and live happily ever after." Or "Just do it! -- satisfy your lust NOW -- whatever it is...get happy NOW! Why wait?"

i wandered in my self-created Wilderness -- hungry and thirsty for something unexplainable. And in that process of wandering like the prodigal son, i splattered destruction on those around me with my anger, deceit, pride, self-righteousness, sexual immorality, impatience, judgmentalness, bitterness and unforgiveness. i was a mess, but looked oh-so-normal on the outside.

i delved in world religion -- toyed with Taoism, Buddhism, and other "isms" -- but leaned most towards the New Age superficial feel-good spirituality, whose foundation is built on shifting sand. i traveled here and there and all over, using experiences garnered in these travels to feed that hunger and thirst for deeper knowledge of -- WHAT?!!! i felt empty inside...it seemed that life was superficial and shallow -- was there anything in the depths of me?Not much depth...nor much peace.

Today, in hindsight, i realize that i was indeed so very superficial and shallow -- a walking dead trying so hard to be filled with quickened Life! i did this, i did that -- i traveled from country to country, jumped from relationship to relationship, diving in and out of one marriage into another -- straining and striving to find Life and meaning -- grabbing at life, being filled with this or that experience, believing it will satisfy what it was i had such yearning. i longed to be fully alive, not just walking the seemingly routine treadmill of life like a zombie from the Twilight Zone...i wanted more than anything to live Life! -- life with an exclamation point.

Why did it take so long for me to find The Way, The Truth, and The Life!? This life with the exclamation point?

Because my heart was so hardened from lack of good soil -- raised in a dysfunctional and GOD-less family. Because i was so full of pride -- me, myself and i allways on center stage, the drama queen star of this super-melodramatic, soap opera life. Because i was blinded by the world's array of tempting but empty goodies -- sweets that were in reality poison to my very soul.

But thanks be to GOD, Who was ever patient and abundant with His grace and mercy! He permitted my heart's desire and passion for world travel; and He used that passion to teach me about people less advantaged materially, yet richer than i in the deepest way -- rich in GOD amidst sometimes near-poverty conditions.
Though i've lunched atop the Eiffel Tower, the experience of sharing Sopa de Lengua at a local eatery in Cuzco with "my" two orphans (whose attitude towards la gringa was one of marked patience), touched my heart more deeply. Though i've slept in 5-star hotels in London and Paris, the hard floor shared with a family with 4 kids in Manila, and the cramped rear quarters of my Bronco as i drove solo for six weeks to Vancouver Island, are more memorable today. i've seen Cats! in London, Chicago in New York, Porgy and Bess in San Diego; flown by Cessna to Catalina Island to eat ice-cream, and around Alaska to view wildlife and icebergs; sat bareback on an elephant's hairy neck, and on a put-put motorcycle on the muddy roads of Phuket -- all these were wonderful diversions , but empty vanity...showing me today that good is the enemy of Best.

The various and sometimes hair-raising adventures in my life, which were allowed by GOD, do not even compare with the exhilaration of being moved emotionally, mentally and spiritually by His Creation. He has gifted me with hands-on experience -- dazzling full moon and a gazillion stars unobstructed by city heights or lights, shimmering rainbows (partial or circular, single or double arcs, and even upside down -- in Belize), driving rain and wild winds, crashing waves and colorful schools of fish beneath, silent fog and soft showers, verdant rain- and cloud-forests and steamy jungles, volcanoes and total-blackout caves...i can rave on and on and on about GOD's Creation, teeming with life, on land, in the seas...and how about the mind-boggling expanse of galaxies where even the Hubbell has not penetrated? Who can exhaust and imagine all of GOD's handiwork? i get exhausted when i try to imagine it all!

And what human artist can ever eclipse GOD's awesome art...His ever-changing, blazing sunsets or glorious sunrises?

Can i ever say, "Been there, done that"? No way, jose! Not in this lifetime...nor in the next.

Forty-seven years of my 54, i walked as a living dead -- blind and ignorant (an arrogant ignoramus) to the One Who provided pulse and adventure to that superficial life. In 2003 -- GOD stepped in and put the scattered pieces together so that i may have direction and purpose. He took me out of my mindless wandering in the Wilderness. He opened my eyes -- literally -- to "The Purpose Driven Life." i didn't realize at the time that it was CHRIST-based literature. i thought it was just another self-help book -- another candy to gorge myself with in my quest to fill my hunger for that elusive mystery i've searched for all my life.
But i know today, that the Holy SPIRIT at work in the world, with tender kindness, orchestrated everything, even directing my attention to that particular page which spoke Truth in my heart, causing that spark to Light my soul. The SPIRIT drew me and led me to GOD's Word -- the Bible, the Holy Scriptures.

Then i understood at last! My search for knowledge and deeper spirituality, the need to be filled with something truly satisfying to the soul -- the Word of GOD was the Key which unlocked the barrenness of 47 years of self-idolatry. GOD switched on the light bulb in my mind -- all the self-help books, religions, philosophies -- the true nourishment for which my spirit hungered -- the answers to my questions, my quest for depth, for wisdom, for life's meaning -- were contained in the Holy Bible: GOD's literal Word.

And when the SPIRIT of GOD, all mighty and infinitely wise and loving, led me to the Word -- He led me straight to the Word made flesh, JESUS. "CHRIST is the Bible's grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of GOD its end." (Gideon's Bible foreword)
But in my New Age-fed flesh, i stubbornly held on to pride. i didn't receive JESUS with the honor due Him. i didn't call Him by His true name, the CHRIST (Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, Whose nature and character is pure goodness). Rather, i dishonored Him by labeling Him "Hero," rather than rightfully calling Him Lord and GOD. Was i soundly saved then? Only GOD knows. i thought yes...that i was forever reconciled to GOD, forgiven of all my sins, by the Cross of JESUS -- i was enthusiastic in my profession of faith in CHRIST as the risen Savior, publicly and joyfully announcing it with a full-immersion baptism at Midway Baptist Church, with my family, friends, and the congregation as witnesses of my heartfelt intention of living a new life for CHRIST. But i did not truly comprehend the magnitude of His love, nor what it cost the Father to sacrifice His only begotten Son, so that i may receive the most precious gift of salvation.

i continued in the flesh, acting outwardly like a "newbie" believer of CHRIST, doing good works (for family and church), but with motives like filthy rags -- demonstating by outward actions my CHRISTianity, my new religion (versus MErlinism) -- yet inwardly, still motivated by pride and fleshly desires. i had put on salvation like an outer garment...it hadn't yet penetrated my heart.

i read the Bible like a novel, front to back, -- touched inwardly but little by the Old Testament (with the exception of Genesis and Psalms), but profoundly moved by the New Testament -- especially by the Gospel of John and his first epistle. The Bible became my personal number one and only best seller, the security blanket that traveled with me everywhere i went. Oswald Chambers' My Utmost For His Highest became my daily devotional, even today.
And though i still(!) continued in the flesh, i began to perceive that i was genuinely saved, yet still acting shallow and superficial. i continued in my sins (pride, self-righteousness, judging, gossip, controlling, unforgiveness), reciting Bible verses, not understanding GOD's principles and their righteous application to my life. i constantly leaned on my own understanding and used His Word to suit my needs and justify my choices. i even discounted my pastor's warning, "Do not be unequally yoked." i went my own way anyway. Reluctant, but foolish, faithfulness to the old MErlin negatively impacted my decisions, my witness for CHRIST, my credibility as a believer.

Yet my most wonderful and gracious GOD, my Father in Heaven, did not allow me to continue as a babe in CHRIST. He gave me real food, True Bread, which nourished the seed of faith He had planted in me. He grew my spirit as i experienced trials such as common to man. i travailed shadowed valleys of death (Jazmyn's), deep rejection, blatant abandonment, wrenching loneliness, unsettling fear of being alone again and no money in the bank for that rainy day...

GOD revealed Himself to me as Sovereign -- in control of His Creation, including all minute details like myself...that He is indeed Faithful and True, my Good Shepherd, the generous Provider that He promised to be to those who are His children. i got to know GOD's unlimited mercy, compassion, and tender lovingkindnesses as He walked with me through these dark valleys. He tested my faith, strengthened it, by burning off what impeded His Light from shining forth through me. He brought me low so that i may reach for His hand, extended in loving comfort and providential power. Through tears and fears, loneliness and uncertainty -- i realized that He will indeed never ever leave me.

i cannot pinpoint when the Reality of my Redemption became a confident assurance that i was indeed soundly saved, but i know! deep in my very soul that today, i am on Rock-solid ground. i feel the loving presence of the Almighty GOD in my day-to-day existence, i realize the SPIRIT nurturing and growing me, and i am comforted by JESUS Himself, through a very personal fellowship with Him, through answered prayers and countless blessings.
i am not yet fully sanctified, for that is a lifetime process as defined by GOD's will. Being the ultimate Perfectionist and Craftsman, He is still shaping and molding me. He is the infinitely gifted Potter, and i am but the now pliable clay. i am no longer that body of death, consisting of the old MErlin -- hardhearted and stiff-necked and hard of hearing and stony grounded. (i am not sinless...but i sin less.)

As the Potter, His hands on me and my circumstances are sure, with firm gentleness, loving and patient. When He detects an "air bubble" in this clay that i am (pride or superficiality or hypocrisy), He stops the wheel of my growth process and checks me. My part is to be still and yield to His correction. He removes that flaw, for that pocket of noxious hot air will surely cause weakness in the finished vessel.

When GOD finds a "stone" in the clay that i am (a stronghold not of His making), He will check my growth and remove that unwanted gunk which does not glorify His handiwork. My part is to submit, to honestly say, "Thank You, Father!" and be grateful for His cleansing work.

Today as CHRIST's fully devoted follower, SPIRIT-filled and controlled (for daily, i surrender self-control to Him Who is in perfect control), i stand at the ready -- waiting to be used as His instrument, a channel for the blessing of others -- perhaps as a cup, filled from the fountain of Life so that others may drink of Him; or maybe as a plate, used to serve Bread for those who hunger; or as a simple vase, to hold sweet-smelling flowers so that others may be gladdened by His beauty.
Or maybe as just a plain and ordinary candle -- lit up with His fire, burning brightly, waiting for His hand to carry me wherever He desires, according to His purpose(s) and perfect wisdom, so that He may shine His Light in the darkness.

Wherever my Father puts me, is where He intends for me to be burned up to the last...to the nub, 'til all that's left is but a glob of melted wax...all used up. i want to meet JESUS with a clear and joyful heart, saying, "i used up all You gave me!"

My heart's deepest desire is for JESUS, my CHRIST, Lord and Savior, and Ultimate Hero -- to welcome me Home, saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done indeed, rln!"

To me, this would be the happiest ending of this very short lifetime, but just the beginning of the everlasting life, filled with true joy and irrepressible delight, which is GOD's promise of eternal bliss found only in the presence of CHRIST JESUS.

But for now, one day at a time, i am confident that the abiding SPIRIT of GOD will continue to grow and mature in me the fruit He has imparted: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

PSALM 19

The heavens declare the glory of GOD.
And the firmament shows His handiwork.

Day after day utters speech,

And night unto night reveals knowledge.

There is no speech nor language

Where their voice is not heard

Their line has gone out through all the earth,

And their words to the end of the world.

In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun,
Which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
And rejoices like a strong man to run its race.
Its rising is from one end of heaven,
and its circuit to the other end;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of the LORD is is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,

Yea, than much fine gold;

Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.

Moreover by them Your servant is warned,

And in keeping them there is great reward.

Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults.

Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins;

Let them not have dominion over me.

Then i shall be innocent of great transgression.Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.

(Photos taken in Fiji, Cook Islands, Hawaii)

HOLOCAUST Memoriam -- Irena Sendler

The prize doesn't always go to the most deserving...Irena SendlerIrena was 98 years old when she died (February 15, 1910 - May 12, 2008).

During WWII, Irena, got permission to work in the Warsaw Ghetto, as a Plumbing/Sewer specialist. She had an 'ulterior motive.' She KNEW what the Nazi's plans were for the Jews (being German). Irena smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried; and she carried in the back of her truck a burlap sack (for larger kids). She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers of course wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the kids/infants noises.

During her time of doing this, she managed to smuggle out and save 2500 kids/infants. She was caught, and the Nazi's broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar, buried under a tree in her back yard.

After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived it and reunited the family. Most had been gassed. Those kids she helped got placed into foster family homes or adopted. Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected. Al Gore won, for a slide show on Global Warming. (This article was from an email forwarded to me by Lawrence R. Wilkes, of UBS Global Wealth Management.)

Irena Sendler was not honored with the Nobel Peace Prize, but in GOD's sight, she was a good and faithful servant!