We are controlled by the Love of Christ ~ II Cor 5:14 ~ Or,
Am I controlled by my anger?
Am I controlled by my fears?
Am I controlled by my insecurities?
Am I controlled by jealousy, ambition, comfort, love of money?
Am I controlled by what I want?
Or, is the Love of my Christ what controls me?
All I can answer is what controls me "this" moment. And repent...
Psalm 143:8 "Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning..."
ReplyDeleteAnd then be able to walk in the Love of Christ all day. Only by being Spirit-led.
I love what you wrote--just like a good sermon, convicting at first, then resolved in the Hope of Christ!
It seems I'm guilty of each of your questions, but I know Where to turn and once again must repent and realign my heart with Christ.
This is true freedom and joy--we know this LOVE in glimpses and short victories but one day, our flawed tent won't be needed anymore and we will be in Pure Love's presence forever and ever.
But here's the deal or the GUARANTEE--did you see it in today's Readings 2 Cor. 5:5) --through His Spirit, we can have this victory here on earth. We are a new creation in Christ. So poignant today--praying for victory for us Pearls.
Today's reading reminded me of a story that was read at my sister's funeral. It was worth reading again today. God's timing is perfect and today was no exception.
ReplyDeleteO MR. TENTMAKER
It was nice living in this tent when it was strong and secure and the sun was shining and the air was warm.
Mr.Tentmaker, it's scary now.
You see, my tent is acting like it is not going to hold together. The poles seem weak and they shift with the wind. A couple of stakes have wiggled loose from the sand; and worst of all, the canvas has a rip. It no longer protects me from beating rain or stinging fly.
It's scary in here, Mr. Tentmaker.
Last week I went to the repair shop and some repairman tried to patch the rip in my canvas. It didn't help much, though, because the patch pulled away from the edges and now the tear is worse.
What troubled me most, Mr. Tentmaker, is that the repairman didn't even seem to notice that I was still in the tent. He just worked on the canvas while I was inside. I cried out once, but no one heard me.
I guess my first real question is: Why did you give me such a flimsy tent? I can see by looking around the campground that some of the tents are much stronger and more stable than mine. Why, Mr. Tentmaker, did you pick a tent of such poor quality for me? And even more important, what do you intend to do about it?
* * * * *
O little tent dweller, as the Creator and Provider of tents, I know all about you and your tent, and I love you both.
I made a tent for myself once, and lived in it on your campground. My tent was vulnerable, too, and some vicious attackers ripped it to pieces while I was still in it.
It was a terrible experience, but you will be glad to know they couldn't hurt me. In fact, the whole occurrence was a tremendous advantage because it is this very victory over my enemy that frees me to be a present help to you.
O little tent dweller, I am now prepared to come and live in your tent with you, if you'll invite me. You'll learn as we dwell together that real security comes from my being in your tent with you. When the storms come, you can huddle in my arms and I'll hold you. When the canvas rips, we'll go to the repair shop together.
Some day, little tent dweller, some day your tent is going to collapse. You see, I've designed it only for temporary use. But when it does, you and I are going to leave together. I promise not to leave before you do. And then, free of all that would hinder or restrict, we will move to our permanent home and together forever, we will rejoice and be glad..
Blessed today by the scripture, your comments, and the Holy Spirit at work input hearts. Thanks for sharing the tentmaker story, Angie!
ReplyDeleteBev, Thank you for posting this challenge. Annette, Angie and Jan your comments bless me.
ReplyDeleteI am so guilty to all the questions posted. Ang, sorry for your loss but blessed by your story.
Annette and Jan you always seem pen the words my heart needs to hear.
This is a Song I must Sing, Sylvia
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete"For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
ReplyDeleteSo great a salvation...counting the cost of my righteousness.
Walk by faith and not by sight.
So blessed by all of these comments this particular day!
ReplyDeleteAng, one of our beautiful high school girls had a terrible cheerleading accident and had surgery for multiple broken bones in her face. I saw her today for the first time and prayed with her and held her. Your tentmaker story is so moving to me in thinking of my little cheerleader friend whose tent is ripped apart this day. She couldn't talk much but the look in her eyes I will never forget. She is looking for Him and she is finding Him inside that broken tent.
ReplyDelete