Because I was an English major in college, immersing myself in British history and literature, I’ve become something of an “Anglophile.” Living in England for two years (a fantasy of mine that came true) only enhanced my fascination with all things British. I’ve recently been re-watching “Downton Abbey,” “binge watching” really. The story began to occupy my thoughts and even my dream life. I awakened during the pre-dawn hours this morning feeling very anxious and unsettled. So I came into the living room and began to quieten myself inside to listen to the Holy Spirit—not exactly an easy skill to master but, arguably, the most valuable one; for inside is where God dwells (see “Where Is God?”) and therefore where we find answers, solutions and direction.
What Qualifies Us for “Heaven”?
Paul tells us it is our Father, and Him alone, that makes it possible for us to enjoy the “life abundant” that Jesus said He came to give us.
Colossians 1:12 Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath [past tense, not when we say or do something] made us meet [2427. ἱκανόω hikanoo, hik-an-o´-o; from 2425; to enable, i.e. qualify: — make able (meet]. to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
No Condemnation
I went to bed at 9:00 last night and awakened this New Year’s morning at 1:30, hearing the still small voice inside speaking words of life. I understood that I can never justifiably judge, condemn or criticize another because we are all on the same spiritual journey from the darkness of personality into the light of our true identity which is the Christ,
The Hound of Heaven
God in Expression
God has not only shown me a parable of my attempts to relate to the law god (see Life Is a Parable); He has also given me a parable to show me what it looks like to relate to the true God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Life Is a Parable
Our everyday lives are parables wherein God speaks to us, as Jesus did to the people of His day.
Not of Works
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Living in the Peace of God
Jesus said:
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
The Trinity that Is You
This is in no way meant to be a doctrinal treatise on the meaning of the trinity (which, by the way, is never mentioned in the Bible, just in theological literature about the Bible), but rather a way of looking at ourselves in relation to God. When not capitalized, the word trinity
means a group of three.
Love Never Fails
I awakened this morning to words of freedom. I understood that to live in the kingdom of heaven we have to be free ourselves and set everyone else free. That is the love that never fails 1Corinthians 13:8. As long as there is condemnation for myself or for another, I am not free and I cannot love.