I stood here looking over Jerusalem
From the Mount of Olives.
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem.
O Bev, O Bev.
There were "many thousands" who came to see the One Who cured crazy lepers, raised daughters from the dead, and forgave people of their sins. So many people, stepping on one another. Luke 12:1
And so what does Jesus say to the throng of thousands? "Beware . . . there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed." You may be trying to keep a secret from someone; trying to hide the truth from your family and friends; trying to keep up a facade that everything is okay when it's not. There is nothing hidden that will not be known." Luke 12:2
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Luke 12:34
Oh Jerusalem, Jerusalem.
Oh Bev, Bev.
How often I wanted to gather you under my wings,
and you would not have it. Luke 13:34
No More.
May that never be said of us again.
How often I wanted to gather you under my wings,
and you would not have it. Luke 13:34
No More.
May that never be said of us again.
There is a crossroads that Crabb talks about in 66LL:
A crossroads that not many reach ---
"Apparent Maturity that wins recognition from others and numbs the anguish of feeling desires that nothing in this world can satisfy---a way to live that never enters the deep battle going on."
VERSUS
"Perfect Maturity that puts you in touch with desires that will remain unsatisfied till the next life, that engage you in an internal battle that depletes your resources and leaves you exhausted, sometimes feeling that your worst nightmare has come true: that you're worth nothing and that you are nothing, a battle that leaves you entirely dependent on Me for the courage and strength to continue." 66LL
Folks, that right there is good counseling; words of truth that came from years of unfolding experience in finding God. Most books I see on the market today delve more into sharing insights how to fix this life here; how to snuff out that internal battle. One thing Crabb's writings have done for me is to put me in touch with engaging that inner battle; repenting of dependence and attachment to things other than God; and embracing the things that matter.
Come Lord Jesus. Gather us.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Long ago, You breathed into the psalmist:
"Gather my saints together unto Me."
God, don't leave me out of this.
Please don't pass me by.
I will pay my vows
to the Most
High!
Psalm 50: 5, 14
ReplyDeleteVery good counsel, Bev! Last week, I was wanting to spend more time with a friend. I then got a hefty dose of some time together and thought, "Be careful what you wish for." It was so frustrating to think I wanted something but the reality of having it wasn't nearly as sweet as I had imagined it would be. I shook my head and thought, What do you want?
Lots of things in this life come up short. We think if we only had __, we'd be happy. When we realize that we will always come up short, that God will get us through, then we can get on with the real Kingdom living. That longing in our heart will always be there to help us turn our faces toward God to save us from ourselves, from whatever circumstances AND save us TO His loving Face, His very Kingdom.
Luke 12:29-32 The Message “What I’m trying to do here is get you to relax, not be so preoccupied with getting so you can respond to God’s giving. People who don’t know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep yourself in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Don’t be afraid of missing out. You’re my dearest friends! The Father wants to give you the very kingdom itself."
What is my treasure and where do I store it? As I hurtle through my 50's at the speed of a comet, I see my idea of treasure has changed quite a bit since my early 20's. I pray my view of treasure continues to mature and that it is only the Treasure - Jesus Christ I seek.
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