Author: NiYi

Prayer is a delightful gift – an intimate interaction with God. I convincingly believe that it is God’s love language – I’ll share a fun fact truth about this later. For now, and to get us started, here’s a simple yet truthful definition of prayer:

In line withMatthew 18:18, this definition indicates that something must first have been done for there to be an echo of it or for there to be something to echo.

My aim in sharing this blog is (1) to emphasize the truth expressed inMatthew 18:18by highlighting the efficacy of the asking that precedes praying, and (2) to encourage you to partake in the peaceful joy that it brings. While praying often involves asking, there is an asking that precedes praying – it lies in the question: God, what have You done? I believe that the God-given answer to this ask results in the effectual prayer that avails much – as much as the knowledge and glory of God filling the earth as the waters cover the sea.

Let’s pick things up from the beginning, or better yet, the end (SeLaH).

At the end of the six days of creation, the period during which the foundation of the world was laid, the bible records that heaven, earth, and all their respective hosts (inhabitants) were created – each one of us was created(Genesis 1:27)and every detail of our lives was designed in perfect faithfulness, righteousness, and peacefulness (completeness). Everything was completed down to the last detail.

After ALL said, written, and done, God rested from ALL His work on the seventh day(Genesis 2:1-3) – in other words, by day seven, NOTHING was left undone.

In the early days of elementary school, we are taught about tenses: past tense, present tense, future tense, and a slew of variants. When God speaks, I find that He does it in thePresent Past Futuretense (aka theFaithtense). In our present timeline, God shows and/or tells us about a past (completed) future.

Another way to translate God’s “I will do _______“ is God saying: “I will do _______ BECAUSE I have done _______“. Think of it asthe doing of what’s already done – this is the Righteousness of God … it is God’s way of working.

God’s way of WORKING? Isn’t He RESTING from all His work? Yes and Yes – God is both resting and working. Hence, the doing of what’s already done – herein lies the mystery of God’s righteousness (the mystery of how He works). Jesus is the chief and primary proof of this: He did ONLY what He saw the Father do had done.

There is significance to seeing what God has done – I believe thatto see it is to have it. No wonder God was particular about showing Moses the promised land. We see God do the same with Abraham in relation to the promised land –Genesis 13:14-17– God said to Abraham: “as far as you can see I give to you and your descendants as a permanent possession” V15 (NLT). In the same show and tell fashion, God told Abraham He would give him as many descendants as the uncountable stars in the sky(Genesis 15:5). Seeing what God has done isan invaluable vantage point: the best point of view as far as prayer points go.

InIsaiah 51:1-2, God encourages us to consider Jesus – the ROCK from which we were hewn, and to also consider Abraham. Both of whom navigated their lives based on what God showed/told them that He had done. With this in mind, it’s no coincidence that Abraham is known as our faith father. It is also no coincidence that Jesus is FAITH – He is the Word of God – the evidence of what God has done. Jesus is simultaneously the Present, Past, Future –Hebrews 13:8– He is our Present Past (completed) Future. He is the FULLNESS of FAITH – He is FAITH’s FULLNESS. He is FAITHFULNESS. It is out of this FAITHFULNESS that God wants us to also see and speak, especially when we pray.

In order to speak out of Faith’s fullness, we need to first have Faith – we need to first have the Word of God that did what God has already done. In order to echo what God has already done regarding a particular need/desire, in order to speak out of the fullness of what God has done, we need to first know what God has done. In order to intervene with truth, we need to first know the truth. We have what we know in that what we know is ours to do with as we see fit. We have WHEN we ask –James 4:2C. I reiterate all this to encourage us toask before praying… to seek to know what God has done regarding our need/desire before we pray –this way, our prayers are in alignment with God’s will(they are in alignment with what He has already done) – 1 John 5:14.

**********************************************************

**********************************************************

Whatever the need or desire is: healing, help for a loved one, freedom from an addiction, the things by which the soul is nourished (Revelation 22:17 AMPC), with the understanding that there’s nothing left undone, consider always prefacing your prayer with the question: God, what have You done about this? In other words, God, what have You said about this? What have You prepared and kept ready for this?

In asking God these questions, we are essentially asking Him to give us the evidence of what we hope for: Faith (Hebrews 11:1)– this is the means through which all that God has done (Righteousness) and has given us (Peace, Rest) gets transferred to us from heaven (God’s Heart) to earth (our lives here on earth) –this way, our joy becomes FULL–John 16:24

Given our perceived “need for speed” especially when we really desperately desire something, we are naturally more inclined to shoot our shot first by asking for what we want/need than we are to first ask (seek) to know what God has already said and done about our want/need. The latter requires waiting on God and might sometimes seem/feel like a looooooooooong wait … it’s amazing how an hour (or less in my case) can feel like forever🙂. Peter, James, and John can attest that the wait is unnatural and that it can be a struggle –Matthew 26:40

To the natural mind, the wait or the ‘watch’ part of ‘watch and pray‘ can feel unpleasant … and maybe even frustrating: wanting to pray about something pressing yet having to wait/watch so as to see what God will show and/or tell you, so that you then know what to pray/echo. This goes against the “go, do, now, fast” human orientation and natural response. Nevertheless, with the help of the HolySpirit, I’m learning to not despise the wait BECAUSE (1) it glorifies God, and (2) it is a vital part of loving God!

Through this Knowledge of God (Truth), I’m learning that prayer is less about telling God what I want or need – He already knows (Matthew 6:8B, 32B). It is less about my desires being met – they’ve ALL been met, God fulfilled every last one of them in perfect faithfulness (exactly and according to what He said).

The joyful alignment that ensues when we ask and then pray is more than an agreement. In it lies the privilege, honor, and gift of intimacy with God. It makes for an intimate experience – one as intimate as a kiss in which we first receive God and then give God. What a KISS!

Having asked, believed (accepted as true) and thus received what God shows and/or tells us, we can then truthfully, faithfully, and righteously echo what God has done about the related need or desire. THE RESULT? A two-in-one, dare I say, resounding echo:(1)your answered prayer (heaven on earth) and(2)God’s answered prayer (heaven on earth) – you being a prayer, you being a living echo and evidence of what God has said and done. Inevitably, and on both accounts,heaven comes to earth!

******************************

This is my rendition of the sound of music song: my favorite things – featuring God. He is my SONG and these are five (5) of my favorite things about Him:

1 God’s Use of Words💖🥰

I enjoy all expressions of THE WORD that God is(John 1:1)– even and recently including His silence … His gentle, still, silent voice!💖

His use of words is delightful – it livens me in ways that I can’t accurately describe! Starting with His questions … oh, how I enjoy God’s questions! Here are a few:

God’s questions are meaning-FULL. With the first set of questions, I hear God say: consider it DONE. With the last set of questions, I hear God say to the enemy: I dare you, make a move! Any move … even an eyebrow-raise. 🤭

God’s command causes the raging waves/sea to become smooth as glass! When I hear Him speak to me, I experience a delightful calm(Psalm 94:19)… a perfect harmony of peace and joy.

Any word out of God’s mouth, even something as seemingly simple as the wordCOMEis powerful enough to turn the tides. This very four-letter word changed my life forever and continues to enable me.

God’s Word (The Scepter of Righteousness) carries me through places where feet fail and into honor … He carries me into a place of GRACE, where God’s glory never fades. Somewhat similar to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:1-2), I come alive and into GRACE … I experience what I believe made Paul say: I can do all things through The Word of God Who strengthens me(Philippians 4:13) – ready to speak, sing, echo, reflect, be all that I am with the Strength (The Word of God) that God gives me –1 Peter 4:11 (TPT, MSG), knowing that God’s Word is the power to perform it.

God’s Words are not mere (empty) words … they are Words that Work – the workings of Righteousness – the AMPC bible version in Isaiah 45:19 describes it as the TRUTH-trustworthy, straightforward correspondence between deeds and words! Gotta love AMPC! This description is one of many indicating that there is no variation between what God says and His deeds – He is consistently consistent – another favorite 👇 .

2 God is consistently Consistent.

This is the realization that led me to truthfully turn to face God – it enabled my first step of truthful repentance, this was a pivotal turning point of my life (Jan 2020). The preceding years had been a mix bag of heartbreaks across the board … all but the God pillar of my life came crashing down – they fell in ways that could not be put together again … literally! In retrospect, I thank God that those pillars came crashing down because with the God pillar left standing strong, immovable, sure, and unshakable, I was able to clearly see that God is THE ONLY ONE Who is consistent and most all trustworthy – there is no shadow of turning with Him –James 1:17. God is consistently consistent, so much so that everything God is God and carries within it the fullness of God …

… The Word of God is God.

… The Son of God is God.

… The Lamb of God is God.

… The Glory of God is God.

… The Love of God is God.

… The Spirit of God is God.

… The Breath of God is God.

… The Knowledge of God is God.

Every aspect of God is FULLY God! Even the River of God (Righteousness) is God – He is the Fountain of Living Water. Every single drop of Water from the River of God contains the FULLNESS of God – it contains the exact same composition and potency, no variableness. This consistency – The Faithfulness of God – is Who He IS (God), and He is like none other. #3 through #5 echo this.

3 God reminds me again and againknowing fully well that I will forget againand soon(well … sooner than later).

Picture this: God (Husband) married to me – His forever bride, who also happens to have a severe case of amnesia: more often than not, I forget things. This tends to happen at night when it’s dark or during a stormy day … I sometimes get disoriented and don’t remember fully or at all who I am or where (in Whom) I am – Acts 17:28. In these dark/stormy moments, I sometimes don’t actively remember Whose I am or Who God IS. Similar to the description in Mark 4:38-39, there are times when I think God must be sleeping because I don’t feel or see Him move (because I don’t feel or see Him act the way I want Him to or think that He would). In my disoriented state, I forget what He told me less than 15 seconds ago, before the storm hit or before the dark night. Nevertheless, in and because of His love for me, God speaks and suddenly it is morning!

Speaking out of FAITH’s FULLNESS (the FULLNESS that He is), God reminds me of what I need to know … He guides me deeper into Himself – He is my Refuge and THE TRUTH that sets me free from the cloud of lies and liars that surround me –John 16:13, John 8:32, Psalm 116:10-11 (TPT). I find myself again as He re-tells me Who He IS:

God lovingly and graciously re-tells me all these and more, knowing fully well that I would forget in the next 15 seconds or less, and that He would have to tell me again and again and again. With every reminder, like the fresh morning dew, God restores to me the joy of His Salvation – His Love, the Knowledge of God.

4 God listensattentivelyto me even though He already knows.

God knows my every desire and need … He is my heart’s desire, still He listens to my every prayer. He knows every word I will (yet) say. He knows what’s wrong before I get a whiff of it … YET He listens patiently, attentively. He doesn’t do the “yea, yea … I know” thing that we I do. He doesn’t talk over me. He is fully present for the conversation … He even asks questions. His questions draw me into sweet, satisfying communion with Him. What a KISS! An intimate exchange … a beautiful prayer! He enjoys it 💖.

When I’m done talking (FYI: I have the propensity to talk a lot) … He’s still there, listening. When I don’t have words and I’ve cried every tear, when silence is all I can express … He listens. Silence is praise to God! Psalm 65:1 (MSG, AMPC)

5 God is THE ONLY ONE Whowilltake a matchless loss to gain me.

I use the word will to mean (1) that He did already!John 15:13 … (2) that He will do it all over again if it gives Him the most pleasure like it did when He did … (3) given the heftiness of the loss/price, no one else will – no one else will want to, not even I (yup, even I will not take what I consider to be a hefty loss for me). Nevertheless, this song is about God, so I’ll keep the focus on Him.

Here’s one instance of God saying: I will give it ALL to have you back …

Here’s another …

… and another …

Who pays any price, let alone a hefty one, for what’s already theirs??? – SeLaH

By virtue of being our Creator, we belong to God. YET He chose to win us back by calling us to Himself and setting us apart –Hosea 2:14– a call made through the payment of a hefty price, one that all the money and wealth of the world (past, present, and future) combined can NOT make up a fraction of the down-payment.

The hefty price God paid was Himself: The Son of God – for unto us a Son was given(Isaiah 9:6) … whoever receives Him will be re-united back to God and as such will NOT perish but have eternal, abundant LIFE(John 3:16)– this LIFE is God!

To get a glimpse of the matchless, hefty, 30-something years loss that Jesus, the Son of God, God Himself endured to gain us back consider reading Philippians 2:5-8, John 17:5 (VOICE), andMark 15:34 when you have a moment. In the interim, here is the summary:

Jesus left everything – His oneness with God, The Father. He gave this up and went through a humbling process of being a servant. In essence, He was stripped naked – He was stripped of His outer glory:Isaiah 53:2B. His prayer in John 17:5 attests to this.

Jesus, The Word of God, The One Who was with God before the foundation of the world … before creation existed, endured a type of separation from God … one that made Him say:Father why have You forsaken me–Mark 15:34– In the moment He said this, more than any moment in His years on earth as a man and relative to the oneness He had with the Father (before coming to earth … before entering time or the timed zone), I believe that Jesus severely experienced the hit of the loss that He took: separation from God – this is the matchless LOSS that God took to gain us! Keep in mind that separation from God is death – the very price that Jesus, the Son of God (God) paid.

… some say why God? I say why not God. SeLaH

******************************

Heavenly Father, my Creator and Redeemer, Ishi, the Friend that I need in every season, my very own God. You are the Good Shepherd carrying me at all times as You lead me along still waters. I honor and celebrate You: You are the One from Whom all families get their names and titles (including but not limited to honorable titles such as Daddy’s Girl AKA God’s princess). You are a GOOD Father, THE BEST there is!

You are THE FATHER of Fathers – one of whom is my earthly father. You handpicked him for me, a righteous choice … thank You! Through him I catch glimpses of You i.e. Your patience, Your humility, how You make time to listen … You, him, and I know that I’ve talked his ears off many a time! Yet, he still makes time to listen … even to all the girl stuff that would naturally be weird to him or that might gross him out in some cases – he takes them all in with his full chest! 🤭 Thank You for holding him up and keeping him together. I bet he secretly fainted the first time I introduced him to the first episode of what became and was the seasonal series called boyfriends! LOL

Thank You for making me a Daddy’s girl on earth as it is in heaven! I enjoy it on both accounts. What a joy it is to be Yours Jehovah Sabaoth! Fear of Isaac, Love of my Life, my MOST prized treasure, thank You for the privilege to call You Abba, my Abba. You are my Strength, my Salvation, and my SONG!

As some of you know, we ate the wrong apple! If you’re not familiar with the story of when and how we did this, consider reading Genesis 2:7, 8, 15 – Genesis 3:8.

To be clear, what made the apple we ate the wrong one was NOT that it was bad – far from it! Everything God created (including the tree of the knowledge of good and evil) was/is gooooooooood! God said so Himself –Genesis 1:31. What made the apple we ate the wrong apple is that we ate it without God giving it to us!

Summarizing based onGenesis 3:1B-6, we ate this non-God-given apple BECAUSE we wanted to be and stay “woke” … we wanted to be like God and of course not die: we wanted to live forever. We know fromJohn 3:16andJohn 10:10Bthat God wants us to have eternal life and thus live forever. It seems then that the misstep that led to our wrong-doing/apple-eating is not that we wanted to be like God. Instead, it is that we wanted to have it our way, the consequence of which (among others) was that:

Thankfully, and owing to God’s faithfulness, our story didn’t end there. We’ve been given a way that annuls the rightful consequence of our wrong-apple-eating fiasco. We’ve been given a way that restores us back to God and His original intent for us. This God-given way (back to and) of LIFE is THE WAY: The Right Apple!

In other words, Jesus is saying:

Wait, Jesus … an apple The Right Apple? How? Also, how does this tie into becoming like God? I’ll show you in the next hopefully 3 or less minutes … start the clock! … and read fast 🤭 … I’m kidding! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride, we’ve got 3 stops ahead.

First stop … the Shulamite’s description of The Shepherd-KING (JESUS):

Second Stop … The Bridegroom-KING (JESUS)’s response to the Shulamite in relation to her feasting up-on Him in the secret place of The MOST HIGH, under the shadow of The Almighty (El Shaddai, The Multi-breasted One):

On both accounts, we see that JESUS, The One Who is our Shepherd, Bridegroom, and KING, is The MOST Fragrant Apple Tree – His fragrance is the Knowledge of God (2 Corinthians 2:14). This fragrant Apple Tree is THE WAY (and Tree) of LIFE that gives life … THE TRUTH that frees us from the deep sleep condition of our lie-based past action, THE TRUTH that awakens us (our innermost being, our God-begotten self) as we feast upon Him: The Right Apple!

There you have it, Jesus is The Right Apple 🙂. Now, on to how this ties into becoming like God …

Third Stop … and one of my favorite bible verses:Psalm 17:15

Psalm 17:15 reveals that it is in beholding God (in righteousness) that we are awakened to see and progressively become like God – exactly how He designed us: the very image and likeness of God. This is our God-begotten self.

Beholding God (facing God by way of feasting up and on Who He IS: His Word) inherently involves actively receiving God (believing God). This, same as with Abraham (Genesis 15:6AMP Romans 4:19-22TPT), is what credits our account with the righteousness that affords us the privilege of being reinstated to our God-begotten selves.

Our God-begotten self is who God created us to be (Genesis 1:27). It is the hidden treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4:7) – our innermost being. It is the LIFE within us – the LIGHT of mankind (John 1:4). It is the glory of God in us (Colossians 1:26-27) that is revealed and shines forth as we actively behold God.

KEY TAKE AWAY: The only WAY to arise and shine (to be awakened into being the Word of God that we are, the glory and righteousness of God that we are … the evidence of what He has given us: God Himself) … The only WAY to be fulfilled (fully-filled, whole, complete) is to eat and keep eating The Right Apple.

In Ezekiel 2:8B (AMPC), God says: Eat what I give you. In other words, actively receive ONLY what God gives when and how. Do not give to yourself or take for yourself what God has not given yet or at all. This is the righteousness that proceeds from God … from His Kingdom, His Heart, His Face (countenance) – this is what God wants and gives. Seek, honor, and prioritize this first, above all, and always …

I’m learning that seeking God’s Kingdom, might sometimes mean …

Seeking God’s Kingdom will always mean …

Seeking God’s Heart inherently involves waiting on God and holding on to Him: TRUST – a gift that is given to us by God as we feast upon Him.

As we feast on El Shaddai (The Multi-breasted One), we (1) are endowed with Trust and (2) are face to face with Him – a position of quiet trust, undistracted by the tantrums of the enemy.

Undistracted yes however, keep in mind that distractions will come.

Similar to the raging waves and wind described in Luke 8:23-24andMatthew 14:29-30, the enemy huffs and puffs – like the big bad wolves without (Matthew 10:16A) and/or the sly little foxes within (SOS 2:15) i.e. the thorn that is our flesh – all these tantrums are in a bid to take our attention off of God and away from the place of quiet trust/rest that God has given us. Like phishing emails, these tyrannical tantrums want us to act now and fast … have it now, do it now or else you’ll miss out. Don’t wait … don’t wait on God.

Starting with the enemy chief of staff, his tantrums are targeted at shifting our gaze away from God to something self-seeking … even when he points our attention to anything God-related, it is to get us to distrust God’s love and faithfulness.

The tantrums of the flesh-begotten self are no different, they are self-seeking … always all about me, me, me.

The flesh is inherently, entirely, and constantly rebellious and defiant (in opposition) to God –Romans 8:7– it is always trying to take our eyes off of God and unto itself, sometimes we get distracted … that’s okay, by the help of the HolySpirit (GRACE), we simply shift our gaze back to beholding God –Psalm 17:15– we lock eyes with God again and are fastened (tethered) to Him.

We let God be our Righteousness, consuming all that’s wrong His way and in His time. We let God fight for us by raising a standard against the enemy coming like a flood – Isaiah 59:19B

One of the ways the HolySpirit is helping me navigate the distraction of the flesh so that I’m not weighed down by the guilt of still being weak … of intermittently still being distracted, is to see returning to face God (repenting) as a marriage vow renewal – an opportune occasion to be renewed by God’s Love. A renewal process wherein God re-tells me how much and faithfully He loves me … I let Him love me by believing (receiving) Him, by exalting what He re-tells me above what the enemy might be alluding to. In believing/receiving what He re-tells me, I love Him in return – I renew my love/vow to Him! What an interwoven, dare I say intimate, love connection! All by simply locking eyes with God! 🥰 … by feasting my eyes up and on Him, on The Right Apple, on Jesus in Whom the FULLNESS of Deity (The Godhead) dwells, is expressed, and seen – Colossians 2:9

The Right Apple is the righteousness that proceeds from God – from His Garden, His Heart, His Kingdom. God’s Kingdom is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the HolySpirit –Romans 14:17– to mean that what God wants for us is the righteousness, peace, and joy that He gives. NOT self-righteousness nor the fleeting illusion of self-attained, so-called peace and/or joy – this is the defiant way and there’s no WISDOM in it. Seek WISDOM instead; God wants this for us.

Earlier, I likened the enemy (both without and within) to the raging waves/sea. Here’s what it had to say when the question ‘Where is WISDOM found?‘ was asked:

… an undeniable admission that God (Who is WISDOM) can NOT be found in it.

Avoid the flesh-begotten-self-seeking-and-catering, defiant way of being. Don’t attempt to be “woke” by any means other than The WAY God has given – there is no other way. Eat … keep eating the Right Apple! Juice/drink it if you prefer 🙂 … my point is: live, breathe, feast upon the Righteousness of God! Live, breathe, feast upon JESUS, the Word of God – The Right Apple … better put, The Righteous Apple! This is our God-given WAY to live, do move, and be right … our God-given WAY to be like Him, the Glory of God in us and that we are.

PS: When next the suggestions of the mind of the flesh or the tantrums of the enemy attempt to take your attention away from God. Like David, going against Goliath in The Name of the LORD (the Word of God), throw a variety of The Right Apple at it and then say in God’s still, silent voice: how you like them apples!?!?!

******************************

In Part 1 of this blog series, we looked at the base-level definition of the term virgin-servant. Taking this further, in a deeper context, a virgin-servant refers to anyone who is holy, set apart solely for God, and worthyin God’s eyes.

Having read this deeper definition, it is natural to do a quick scan of one’s self and then questioningly wonder: Am I a virgin-servant? Given my many flaws, how can I possibly be a virgin-servant? While these and other similar types of disqualifying questions might come up, keep in mind thatthe ONLY qualifier is God’s eyes– how He sees us, and by extension, His Word – what He says about us (i.e. what He calls us). God says what He sees even when it is yet-to-be-seen by the one to and/or for whom it is said.

Starting fromJudges 6:11, the bible tells a story of a man named Gideon – focusing onJudges 6:11-12, we see that (by the Word of God through The Angel of God) Gideon is called a fearless, courageous, brave, mighty man of valor WHILE he was acting based on fear(Judges 6:11)and IN SPITE OF God’s foreknowledge that Gideon was going to be afraid(Judges 7:9-11).

Like Gideon, you are who God says you are. God’s invitation to you is the indication that you are a virgin-servant. It does NOT matter if you don’t yet look like it to you, it matters more (and only) that God’s invitation is extended to you.

God’s invitation/calling is itself what changes us into how God sees us and into what/who He calls us.

As we WAIT on God, by virtue of believing in Him, we inherently agree with Him and actively receive His invitation. In doing this, we are changed –Isaiah 40:31(AMPC). As we WAIT on God … as we tarry and remain in Him (His Love, Word, Spirit), a transformation happens – from glory to glory – 2 Corinthians 3:18. As we cling (hold tight) to and feast on Him, we are translated, awakened …

… we are given new birth … we become who God calls us, which is how He sees us: virgin-servants … holy, set-apart, worthy, His!

Dear virgin-servant, be the Word of God that you are: holy, set-apart, worthy, His very Own bride! Be how He sees you (what He calls you): His dear virgin-servant💖

RE: Matthew 25:1-13– Enabled by the HolySpirit, I’ve come to understand that:

Dear VIRGIN-servant …

… your Master-Bridegroom comes, go out to meet Him.

… this journey through the Time Zone (this desert, this wilderness) to meet The Master-Bridegroom (THE PROMISED LAND) is ONLY possible by God, through God, and in God. Indeed, it is a journey with God and in God to meet with God.

… you’ve been given ALL that’s needed for this journey/walk with God – you’ve been given a Reservoir of Oil (your God-appointed HOPE, your God-appointed God–THE HOLYSPIRIT💖). This Reservoir of Oil isexactly ALL that’s neededto make it to the very end of time, to the Master-Bridegroom’s arrival at midnight … to the expected end that marks the FULL START of your FUTURE with and in God.

… As you step out with and in the HolySpirit:

… do NOT attempt to get Oil (HOPE) from anywhere else – such oil will NOT have the nature and quality of God and is unrecognizable to God.

… WHEN you need more Oil, ask … keep asking that you may be given from the Reservoir of your already-given Oil – Matthew 7:7A, Luke 11:13B

… The HolySpirit is your Birthright – He is your righteousness and your right of passage in to the FULL START of your new birth and eternally feast-filled life with and in God. Hold tightly to Him, your life depends on Him. Therefore, TODAY, when you hear His Voice saying: this is the way you should go (Isaiah 30:21), follow every word, every leading – Psalm 32:8-9 (TPT), Hebrews 3:7,12,15.

… apply every drop of your God-given Oil, it’s yours to have, enjoy, and use as intended. Each drop and application of this continuous supply of Oil, the Word of God through (and) the HolySpirit, is how we make it through the corruption and futility of this Time Zone … It is how we make it to the expected end to which we have been called – God’s divine nature, His Own glory, excellence, goodness – Holiness.

… Use your Oil – Use God. Be wise.

While this blog speaks to the end of time, it is NOT a doom’s day, rapture scare. As much as God wants us to choose Him – to choose life with and in Him, to choose the LIFE that He IS – He wants the choice to be love-filled (through the knowledge of Him), NOT fear-based. God wants the choice to be based on love for God that stems solely from the Love of God, the very LOVE that God IS. I don’t reckon He will have us any other way 💖.

This blog, and its subsequent parts, is fruitfully served as an encouragement to all virgin-servants … to strengthen our hands and knees: dear virgin-servant, eat, drink, be strengthened!

The term virgin-servant is used to depict the 2 descriptive categories of the same people represented in the parable of the 10 virgins and that of the 3 servants (the parable of the talent) – both parables can be found inMatthew 25:1-31(consider reading this for reinforced context).

By definition (at the base level), a virgin-servant refers to any man, woman, or child who has lived, currently lives, and will yet live on earth aka The Time Zone – this is a common ground for all virgin-servants.

Life on earth is but one of the commonalities across all virgin-servants. Others include:

This first part of the blog-series is a foundation for all that I’ll be sharing. To get us started, let’s take a look at a few note-worthy points about the TIME piece. 🙂

TIME

Beyond this valley of trouble … beyond this earthly desert/wilderness is the Promised Land – a FUTURE, an AFTER party Time … and we’ve been invited to it!

THE OPEN INVITATION

In line with the thoughts, plans, and purpose of His heart, God extends an invitation (a call) to all virgin-servants …

It is important to note that:

THE WAIT

What stands between us and the promise of this secured FUTURE and FOREVER place is Time, TODAY – the Time Zone. The Time Zone is a waiting area/period however, we cannot afford to wait idly. This wait time comes with tests (the test of time): trials, tribulations, afflictions, and they are many – Psalm 34:19.

However many these troubles and afflictions are, we are NOT left alone to be sitting/waiting ducks … The LOVE that God IS (God Himself) gives us Water (Justice) in this wilderness, He gives us Rivers (Righteousness) in this desert –Amos 5:24, Isaiah 43:20B-21. The LOVE that God IS (God Himself) makes sure we are NOT without help –Isaiah 41:10(AMPC) and He assures of thisrepeatedly:

To help us stand (wait out) the test of time, each virgin-servant is given a bubbling spring – Rivers of Living Water! This is what enables us get through the troubles, trials, and afflictions of the Time Zone, all the way to the expected end.

This bubbling spring, this Rivers of Living Water, is how weWAIT– it’s how we make it through the WAITand have our strength renewed…

Thank God for God. Specifically, for the LOVE that He IS and the MERCY that He gives –Lamentation 3:22-23– the result of both gifts is the daily, hourly, momently renewed strength, which is how we make it through TODAY … and how we get to the end as expected.

HOPE

The bubbling spring – The Fountain of Living Water – that we’ve been given is HOPE. In the case of the 10 virgins, it was the Oil. In the case of the 3 servants, it was the Talent/Coin. In both cases, as it is with all virgin-servants,what we’ve been given is HOPE.

HOPE is Godliness– it is a nature and quality of God that God wants us to have BECAUSE we need it, thus God provides it. Each virgin-servant has been given and as such has an appointed HOPE: Hebrews 6:18-19 (AMPC).

The sure HOPE referenced inPsalm 27:13reaches into the very heart of God, where there is no veil, no distance. THIS SURE HOPEcarries us into the very certainty of God’s Presence! The Beauty of His Holiness! The GLORY OF GOD!💖

Getting to The Expected End is important to God – He wants us to get there. It is for this reason that the HolySpirit was given –John 16:7– it is why the HolySpirit has come and is here.

The HolySpirit is the HOPE of our calling – the HOPE of God’s invitation.

The HolySpirit is the ONLY source and continuous / ceaseless Supply of Oil (HOPE) –Zechariah 4:6

God, The Word of God, and The HolySpirit are ONE –I John 5:7. In other words, God is the Word and Spirit that HE IS. With God being HOPE, it is accurate to say that The HolySpirit is HOPE and the ONLY Source and ceaseless Supply of Oil (HOPE).

Truly, The HolySpirit is the evidence of things hoped for: FAITH. He is HOPE. He is LOVE: the everlasting love with which God loves us, the very LOVE that God IS! 💖

FAITH (God), HOPE (God), and LOVE (God) – indeed, only these three (and those who partake of, are born of, are sustained by, and cling to them) can withstand the test of time and will remain when time ends.

FAITH is the voice (The Word) of LOVE and the evidence of what we HOPE for: LOVE. Whether we realize it yet or not, what all virgin-servants HOPE for is LOVE. FAITH stems from LOVE, leads to LOVE, and is LOVE. I say all this to say that these three choicest graces are inseparable and in unison – to speak of one is to speak of the others.

While the emphasis of this multi-blog series is HOPE, keep in mind that this focus on HOPE represents ALL we’ve been given by God – FAITH, HOPE, LOVE … GOD! 💖

We’ll pick this up in part 2! #ExcitedMuch

He does indeed!

They say everyone has a type. Cough Cough, I know I do! That said, whether or not I have a type is utterly irrelevant. What’s more important is that God has a type – people He finds very attractive, eye-catching, and worthy of His attention.

How do I know God has a type? He told me … well, He told all of us 😁.

InIsaiah 66:1God asks what mankind could possible give to Him or do for Him that would be note-worthy to Him?

Relative to all that He has done for and given to Himself, God explicitly reveals to us that there’s NOTHING we can do or give to Him that would be eye-catching (attractive) to Him – not even a flawless performance!

… BUT inIsaiah 66:2God goes on to point out to us what who catches His eye …

The first thing I noticed as I connected withIsaiah 66:2is that these (being needy, weak, inadequate, incapable in any way, shape, or form) are the very things I naturally want to avoid experiencing and being – I naturally don’t want to be needy, I naturally don’t want to feel weak, inadequate, or incapable … most of life on earth is naturally spent trying to prevent, avoid, overcome, master, remove, even FIX these things.

You’d think that I would have learnt a little something from our very own saying: “opposites attract“, and thus would simply be the emptiness that attracts God’s abundance, the weakness that attracts God’s strength(2 Corinthians 12:9)… the need for Who God IS. Naaah, the Israel that I am naturally wrestles with this. Nevertheless, God is faithfully invested in making me attractive/beautiful to Him – His every word evokes my beautyEphesians 5:26(MSG). For this, I am grateful.

… Isaiah 61:10expresses my sentiment of gratitude, exactly! 🥰

Soooo, thus far, we’ve established that God has a type. We’ve also seen what some of the features of His said type are. What’s the point in sharing all this?

Point #1 – IF you found at least one of the features in you, THEN you are God’s type. He finds you quite attractive and can’t (won’t) take His eyes off you. This is one part of the point – to let you know that God finds you very attractive.

Point #2 – To encourage you to STOP trying to make yourself unattractive to God. Embrace your attractiveness (all that makes you attractive to Him). The KING is wild for you and He desires your beauty.

Present it all to Him as a living sacrifice – it is good, acceptable, perfect!

STOP trying to make yourself not His type by attempting to be what you consider to be worthy in His eyes and of His affection (1) through your lenses and (2) in your own strength – the inevitable outcome of doing this is failure on both accounts. To mean …

Regarding what you “do” for God (i.e. ministry, your service to God, “doing” good deeds), always keep in mind that God is The One Who does it for and through you – more to come on this in a different blog #Sabbath 💖- Yes, God does it and then rewards you for it.

Also keep in mind that what you “do” for God (what God does for and through you for Him) is NOT what makes you attractive to Him.

I never knew you WOW! These words are similar (in meaning) to the words Jesus said to the five foolish virgins: I know you not … Matthew 25:1-12 (verse 12).

I currently don’t have the words in English (or any earthly language known to me) to use to adequately describe what I hear and experience when God says: I know you or I know you not. It has a deep and weighty meaning that I connect with but currently don’t (and may never) have the words to accurately articulate. For those He makes willing to know, I trustingly ask God to aid and give the needed understanding. Furthermore, I faith-FULLY pray that He (God) NEVER not know us.

For my lack of a better way of describing the weight and the meaning of God saying: I know you, I’ll use my watered-down version of a translation to express what I hear/experience when God says to meI know youorI will NOT forget you:

Isaiah 41says it waaaay better …

All the holding hands and whispers … told ya! God has a type indeed!

*******************************

*******************************

What a LOVER GOD IS – The MOST beautiful among tens of thousands … even to infinity and beyond! His Love (the very essence of His Heart) is the Beauty of His Holiness!💖 This unequivocally is what I want in every moment, now and for all of eternity!

What a breath-taking, life-giving LOVER GOD is!

A God Who would humble Himself (bring Himself down, low enough to our level) just to whisper into our ears His Words of Love and assurance. He could have thundered it all the way up from Heaven above like He did in Matthew 3:17– a very effective and fit-for-purpose approach, especially considering that the message was for the masses, and not Jesus specifically. Jesus knew Who He was to the Father – the bond of attraction between them made them ONE. Jesus was confident in the certitude of the Father’s Love so much so that He embraced being needy of the Father, whole-heartedly and God-fearingly(Hebrews 5:7AMPC).

In our currently-being-described case, while the attraction of being God’s type is evident, the series of one-on-one connections that transform us into being ONE with Him is needed. Hence, the different yet equally effective and fit-for-purpose approach … it’s intimate, it’s personal, and tends to take place in the secret place of the MOST HIGH (your heart – His garden, and ultimately His Heart). This one-to-one connection is literally Heart-to-Heart! 💖

Undeterred by our many weaknesses, God comes for us – our neediness (of Him) moves Him toward us – wherever we are. Even amidst the multitude, He notices us, He notices our touch (our need for Him, for Who He IS) – Luke 8:43-48 (AMPC). Even in the fire (Zechariah 3:1-4) … even in the miry clay (Psalm 40:2) – He doesn’t mind that we are filthy …

… He whispers into our ears and His words (His response of Love) make us clean – John 15:3💖.

He holds our right hand – there’s a significance to this, one that I’m hoping (in addition to points #1 and #2 mentioned above) will reinforcingly encourage you to NOT despise your weakness.

By earthly (need I say flawed) standards, the right hand is (more often than not) considered to be the strong or stronger hand. We (earth folk) really do have a down-side-up way of seeing things with our not-so “20/20” vision, and in some cases 3D glasses! God continue to help us all! 🙂

By God’s standard, man’s right hand represents our weaknesses and limitations. The image below connects the dots that revealed this truth to me …

A withered hand is not attractive … yet, unlike most (even the “best”) of us, God not only stands by (and close to) our right hand – Psalm 16:8 (VOICE), He holds our seemingly unattractive, weak hand!

Do NOT despise your weakness…God does NOT. On the contrary, He finds you very attractive because of it.

Be weak, be needy of God, be the need for Who He IS, be His type!💖

*******************************

In an attempt to keep things PG 😁, as well as leave no room for unintended interpretations, here’s an explicit contextual definition of the term nakedness as it applies to the scope and entirety of this blog.

Nakedness – to be weak or weakened as a result of a lack (or lacking something); the state of being vulnerable or insecure (having no covering); to be poor (lacking in one way, shape, or form) and thus needy – in need of a type of covering. To lack and thus need God.

Now that we’ve covered that, I’m just going to flat-out say it: we are all naked

There … I said it! BUT guess what? As shameful and uncomfortable as it feels, God intends our nakedness for good – one involving an exchange in which God gives us beauty (His Glory) for our ashes (the uncomeliness of self) .

Prior to the revelation that inspired this write-up, the last conversation I recall having with God about nakedness took place last year. It was one in which He encouraged me to come to Him as I was (and still am) – naked and vulnerable. I had seen something about me that was un-God-like … putting it plainly, I saw my nakedness. Before my natural inclination to hide from God could set in, using the story of Adam and Eve, God helped me understand that He saw me before I saw me. Same as with Adam and Eve, He always knew that I was naked. He never didn’t know. Matter of fact truth, He created me, Adam and Eve, all of us (we – the people) that exact way!

The intent of this blog is to share what God recently taught me about nakedness – particularly, what our response to it should be, and a few related illustrations indicating the importance of this response.

I’d like to start from one of my key take-aways from last year’s conversation with God on the subject: God created us naked and He called it good! Genesis 1:31

Translation: God created us weak, lacking, and needy. This is a VERY good thing.

Here’s one set of Words out of God’s mouth that underpins this truth:

As with all things that God created, our nakedness serves a function – to display the glory of God and, with it, the privilege to KNOW GOD.

******************************

******************************

While God’s glory is intended for ALL to see, know, and experience,our nakedness was/is intended for God’s eyes only(as is the case between a man and his bride). ONLY God’s eyes can see the beauty of the perfect sacrifice that our nakedness (weakness, need) really is. ONLY His heart can respond with the LOVE that evokes the beauty within – The Glory of God is our beauty. Isaiah 60:19(AMPC)

As enabled by the HolySpirit, I’ve come to learn that: by design,mankind was NOT intended to see nakedness(ours as well as those of others). To elaborate more on this, I’ll be sharing two supporting events, and a third one to emphasize how we should respond to nakedness if and when we see it.

Keep in mind that although these events refer to a physical (bodily) form of nakedness, they each translate to the contextual definition mentioned above.

EVENT #1: Genesis 2:15 – 3:7
Adam and Eve did NOT know that they were naked UNTIL they (we) disobeyed God (sinned) by eating the forbidden fruit. Prior to this point, we were covered by God’s glory and had not yet fallen short of it –Romans 3:23. We became aware of our nakedness AFTER we sinned. That we initially did NOT know about or see our nakedness is an indication that we were not meant to see it.

EVENT #2: Genesis 9:18-27
Noah had too much to drink. Yup, the very same Noah who walked closely with God (Genesis 6:9VOICE), the very same man God would not let go of and as such didn’t completely destroy all living thing on earth (Genesis 6:8VOICE) – this very same Noah was drunk and passed out naked. Ham (his second son) saw Noah in his naked (vulnerable) state and told his brothers (Shem and Japheth) about it. In response to this, Shem and Japheth covered their father’s nakedness. It is important to note that Shem and Japheth did this by deliberately positioning themselves in a way that prevented them from seeing their father’s nakedness (Genesis 9:23 VOICE).

This event reinforces that mankind isn’t meant to see nakedness, not only because of how Shem and Japheth positioned themselves but also (and more so) because of the series of subsequent events – (A) Noah prayed that Canaan (Ham’s son) will be a slave to Shem (and Japheth under Shem’s tent) – Genesis 9:24-27 … (B) God honored the prayer.

The latter (B) part is what I want to emphasize … you’ll see why in a minute.

In praying that Canaan will be a slave to Shem, Noah indeed prayed that Shem will own Canaan (a slave owner owns the slave) – this very prayer translates into the same eternal promise that God unrelentingly commits Himself to (even now). Let me quickly explain with a family tree …

Canaan became and is the people/land of Canaan that God promised to give to Abraham and his descendants – Genesis 10:15-17, Genesis 15:19-21– yup, the very same Canaan! A promise that God has bound Himself to and intends to continually keep in every iteration there is and ever will be!

That God eternally and fully backs (honors) Noah’s prayer, which resulted from how his sons responded to his nakedness, is another indication that we were not meant to see nakedness … we naturally can NOT handle it with the required care.

Sooooo … here we are,having sinned(since and many moons after the forbidden fruit was barely digested), we consequently see nakedness–What then are we to do now?

The answer lies in the above two events, as well as a third. #TwoandaThird 🥰💖

EVENT #1 – God covered Adam and Eve’s nakednessGenesis 3:21

EVENT #2 – Shem and Japheth covered Noah’s nakedness Genesis 9:23

Let’s take a quick look at EVENT #3, after which we’ll go into why we should cover/clothe the naked (along with a couple practical examples).

EVENT #3: Ruth 3:1-4:22
Ruth was a widow and a foreigner – she had no right and as such no claim to the land she was in. She was poor, needy, vulnerable – essentially, she was naked.

Here’s another person who was naked (vulnerable) – Boaz. He, like Noah, was drunk and passed out outside (he was not in the security of his room or house). Unlike Noah, Boaz was covered but no less vulnerable – his nakedness could very well have been exposed (Ruth 3:7). Yet, Ruth did not expose his nakedness. Uncovering just his feet indicates (among other possible things) that she was in a position to take advantage of Boaz’s vulnerable state and capitalize on it – she was in a position to expose Boaz’s nakedness but she didn’t.

In turn, Boaz covered Ruth’s nakedness by marrying her. More importantly, God honored her by making her the great great great great great (many more great) grandmother of Jesus – The Redeemer and Glory of God Who lovingly covers the naked!

Considering the monumental and eternally binding way God responds to how we deal with those who are naked, it is apt to say that how we respond to those who are naked is a big deal to God, one that should not be taken lightly – this is what inspired me to write this blog. In sharing it with you, I pray asking for grace (for everyone who needs it, starting with myself) – grace tocover/clothe the naked with God’s Love (His Strength, His Glory)just as God does with and for us.

Practical Applications
Like me, have you been wronged by someone whom You’ve forgiven for the wrong they did to you but when conversations lead back to them or to a similar experience of what they did to you, (without any malicious intent) you still narrate the story or tell others about the person and the wrong they did to you?

I did … BUT God in His merciful love, showed me how this is no different than what Ham did after seeing Noah’s nakedness – telling others about it. He encouraged me by primarily showing me how He responds to the naked (even and especially me) – See Ezekiel 16:1-13. Same as He did for Adam and Eve, God clothes the naked.

What a loving encourager God is! He doesn’t just tell us what to do. He encourages us by showing us what to do … by showing us how He does it. He also empowers us by doing it for us and through us (I’m so excited to share more about this God-doing-it-for-and-through-us truth! Hopefully soon … the beauty of it lies in the Sabbath! Another blog for another day).

As the conversation continued, God also showed me how He has and continues to cover my nakedness with His Love. He encouraged me to mirror Him – that I do what I see Him do. Using my cousin’s (Midas’) words, I thank God so much for His response of grace and mercy to me – Ham had a different (even yet merciful) fate. PS: God is merciful, everything He does is merciful. It just might not fit into our limited (boxed-in) understanding of mercy.

Here’s a slightly different experience from mine – in this scenario, you weren’t wronged but (instead) the person in question did something wrong – something unjust or unbecoming. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT covering the person’s nakedness in this case is NOT to mean that you ignore it, condone it, or sweep it under the rug. Absolutely not! Like Shem and Japheth, when a person acts nakedly or is naked, we are to address it. However, we are to do so gracefully, mercifully, compassionately … Godlikely (same as how God does it)! Respond with grace, mercy, compassion based on the wisdom God gives you. If you don’t know how, ask Him for wisdom.

WHY is this important?
Well, there’s the part thatGod takes it to heart and seriously. Also (and equally important), there’s a link between the naked and God – whatever we do to the naked is the same as doing it to God!

Finally (and MOST important), there’s the incomparably priceless privilege of knowing God– the WHY behind everything God does! The seed, root, and fruit of everything God does – that we may know Him. He is our greatest and ONLY true GAIN. Oh that we would press in to and be eager for God-Knowledge!Hosea 6:3

God does not despise our nakedness – He made it exactly as it is for His glory. When we cross paths with a naked person – someone in need either by way of lacking sustenance (i.e. food, shelter, means of well-being etc.) or by way of lacking godly judgement (i.e. wrong-doing, short-coming, etc.), do NOT look at the person or situation through the lens of yournaked eye… do NOT disclose or expose their nakedness. Instead, look at the person and situation throughGod’s eyes… apply God-given wisdom and respond with Grace – the Strength of God’s Love …

… cover their nakedness with God’s Glory (LOVE) – His Glory is our greatest good.

The same is true when we see our own nakedness – our shortfalls, flaws, weakness, incapability, any form of lack. Do not hide from God like Adam and Eve did. Remember, God saw you before you saw you. Go to him and let Him cover (clothe) you with His Strong Love (His glory).

***********************************

The Breath of God has been teaching me about the one God loves …

… the class is still in session, and I must say, it’s been a delight!

Interestingly, in a joy-filled and targeted way, the HolySpirit picked Jacob (Israel) as the focus of study.

The aspect of what the HolySpirit continues to teach me that I’m excited to share with you stems from and is related to these words: “Jacob I loved, Esau I hated“. See Romans 9:13 >>> Malachi 1:2B, 3A

God is LOVE … how could He possibly hate Esau?

As I pondered on this, the HolySpirit helped me see that the definition of love/hate in this context is NOT limited to the earthly definitions and use of these words. With this in mind, let’s take a look at the first in the series of heavenly definitions of key terms: LOVE.

In order to give God, one must first have God. To have God, one must first RECEIVE God. It is important to note that being given a thing is NOT equal to receiving what was given. God loving us is NOT the same as us being loved by God– think of it as a two-sided coin.

God ALWAYS gives us God however, we must receive God in order to be loved.

Going by the above definition, Receiving God = Loved. Conversely, NOT Receiving God = NOT Loved (aka hate). Applying this definition and translations toMalachi 1:2B,3A, it would read:

What this means then is thatit is in receiving God that we are loved by God.

A similar but differently worded reference can be seen inJohn 14:21

Translation: whoever receivesand then gives God to Mewill be loved by God(My Father). To mean then thatthe one God loves is the one who receives Godand is thus loved by God.

God loves us sooooooo very (infinitely) much. In the exact same way that He loves us, God wants us to be loved. He wants us to be the one He loves – the one who receives Him.

Why does God want us to be loved?

So that we may live – truly, fully, and abundantly. This matters greatly to God.

Let’s take a look at two connecting scriptures under which this truth stands (#UnderStanding 🙂): Matthew 22:37-38 and Deuteronomy 30:20.

Based on the earlier definition of LOVE, it will be accurate to say that: loving God means giving God to God, rightly so too! God is the ONLY befitting offering (gift) we can give God. Moreover, God ONLY recognizes (acknowledges) God – the gist of this can be seen in Matthew 25:1-12 (specifically verse 12) – a different story for a different day blog 🙂.

In order to love God (give God to God) we must first have God to then give to Him. In other to have God to give to God, we must first be loved (receive God). Receiving God can NOT happen unless we first are given God. To mean we can NOT be loved IF God does not first love us –1 John 4:19– we love Him (ONLY) because He first loved us. It’s impossible otherwise. Thankfully, God gives, gives, and gives us God!

Based on the understanding outlined so far, we see that there is a sequential connection between (1) being loved – receiving God, (2) loving God – giving God to God, and (3) living, all of which is possible solely because God loves us.

From the above illustration, we see also that there are two prerequisites to loving God (RE: two-sided coin):

The first is God loving us. As mentioned earlier, this is an eternal certainty. God assures us of this truth by speaking from the perspective of what’s already done – a done deal, better put, a forever (sure, solid, unchangeable, unshakable) done deal – no take backs! Surely, God does NOT give like the world gives (John 14:27)

The second prerequisite to loving God is being loved – being the one God loves. THIS, as mentioned earlier, is a function of whether or not we receive God.

Receiving God, as simple as it seems, is a HARD nut to crack on our own – we can’t crack it. It requires active participation and partnership with God.

What does it mean to receive God?

How does one receive (believe) God?

It is evident (from all of the above) that God wants us to live. He has made available to us all things requisite/suited to life (2 Peter 1:3) – LOVE, God Himself. What stands in our way is UNBELIEF – the sin that easily besets us! Through the knowledge of God and in partnering with Him, we can and will be receptive to the Word of God the Voice of LOVE) – the result of which is the translation from death to life.

God wants us to live. We live by Faith which comes only by hearing (being receptive to, NOT rejecting BUT receiving) the Word of God – Romans 1:17

God wants us to live. We live by the Word of God – by every Word that proceeds out of God’s mouth – Matthew 4:4B

God wants us to live, it is for this reason that He loves us – it is for this reason that God gave us God –John 3:16– and continues to do so by pouring His Love (Himself) into our hearts – Romans 5:5

To summarize …

Therefore, be loved as God loves you. Rest and live in the certitude of God’s Love.

Be loved … let yourself be the one God loves that you may love God and truly live.

********************

Heavenly Father, The One Who is LOVE, The One Who loves me, The One Whose love will NOT give up on me (Isaiah 54:10B VOICE). Thank You for the gift of You (LOVE) … Thank You for God-ing me, thank You for loving me with all You’ve got (Psalm 33:20 MSG), with all that You are. Thank You for the privilege to believe You (Philippians 1:29) and thus live. You are my livelihood. Thank You for giving me the capacity to hear and keep Your words as You speak deeply to me (Psalm 40:6 AMPC, TPT). Thank You for helping me rest in the certitude of Your Love through the knowledge of You – to know You is to love You, to love You is to live. Thank You for the matchless privilege to be the one You love.

Ever wonder what’s on God’s mind?

I do … and while I recognize that there are varied expressions of what’s on God’s Mind, the answer to the question is the exact same: God.God is on God’s Mind

In this blog, I’d like to call attention to one expression of God that’s on God’s Mind.

First, how can one possibly know what’s on God’s Mind?

I asked the same question when I read David’s description of what’s on God’s Mind:

I remember readingPsalm 139:17-18and wondering (1) how did David know this? (2) every grain of sand on every shore – that’s a lot! Countless!

I suspect David caught a glimpse of what God was talking about inJeremiah 29:11

Perhaps he saw a faint shadow of the reality and plethora of good things God has in store for him/us. Hence, his words …

… MORE than the grains of sand on every shore!

My human mind still can’t process it … it never will. Only the Mind of Christ can! What a delight it is to have the Mind of Christ! To think what God thinks!

It is true that God’s thoughts are infinitely higher than ours(Isaiah 55:8-9). That said, God has a thing for telling His friends what’s on His Mind 💖. As He did with Abraham(Genesis 18:1-5,16-17,20-33), same as with David, and others alike, God continues to reveal His heart (what’s on His Mind) to His friends …

…1 Corinthians 2:9-10, 11-12, 16B

The Holy Spirit tells us what’s on God’s Mind – THIS, is how we know what’s on God’s Mind. The HolySpirit tells us what He hears the Father say(John 16:13)… what a privilege! Especially considering that we live (and can only live) by every word proceeding out of God’s mouth –Matthew 4:4

“Out of the heart (what’s on a person’s mind), the mouth speaks.“

The same is true with God. Thankfully, the One Who speaks over and concerning us – the One Who has the last word speaks better things than the blood of Abel … … He speaks what’s on His Mind, and what’s on His Mind isSALVATION.

Yep, SALVATION is on God’s Mind!

Who’s Salvation? Ours – His people’s Salvation.

Salvation from what? Wickedness.

WICKEDNESS = un-God-Likeness (simply and accurately put)

FROM every form of un-God-likeness i.e. death, the sting of death (sin), the wages of sin (death), the futility and corruption of this world (Romans 8:20-21 VOICE), fear, lies … TO God-likeness, exactly how we were created to be(Genesis 1:26A, 27 AMPC)

Not only is Salvation on God’s Mind, He wants it to be on ours too! Here’s the faith (the truth-based evidence) that(1)Salvation is on God’s Mind, and that(2)He wants Salvation to be on our minds too:

As we gird our loins with the above truths, let’s deep-dive into the following:

The short and ultimate answer to the question –What is Salvation?– is:God is Salvation. That said, the expression of this answer that I’d like to call your attention to is this: Salvation is God setting things right for us.

Why is it important that we have salvation on our mind?

The Mind of Christ is the mind that focuses on God (Salvation). Jesus had Salvation on His Mind while He lived on earth as a man …

The Mind of Christ is the mind that minds God’s business. Jesus was all about God’s business –Luke 2:49 (AMPC). He still very much is –John 17:26.

His Name, Jesus, means The LORD is Salvation, Savior, God Saves –Matthew 1:21(AMP, TPT, VOICE) – a Name indicating what’s on the Father’s Mind and what He came to do: the Father’s Will –John 6:38.

Jesus did ONLY the Will of the Father (what’s on God’s Mind) – He did what He saw God do – John 5:19. He continues to do exactly this – truly, He is a “man” after God’s heart! Our perfect example.

The Mind of Christ is the Mind of the Holy Spirit …

God gives us what we really need: a long drink of Salvation – Psalm 91:15-16

Mankind needs and thus desires Salvation – over and over we’ve tried and still attempt to save ourselves, over and over we’ve failed at every turn. Salvation comes only from God and He is ready to continue to give it – He was ready even before time began. I know this because the Lamb was slain from before the foundation of the world.

Salvation is coming … The Day of Salvation is here and NOW – Isaiah 49:8

God is coming – He comes with Salvation.

Think on these things, with expectant, confident Godfident, Living Hope.

So rest and see the Salvation God will wrought for us this day (every day that is called today). Of a truth, we will see the goodness of God in the land of the living and taste joy with/in every breakthrough and good thing that He brings to us!

Indeed, we are saved in this hope and for this future –Romans 8:24(VOICE).

********************

… such is the nature of God’s love.

Every God-lover all over the world will attest to the truth that God’s Love is beyond human comprehension. It is indescribable – to mean that it can NOT be entirely or fully described – not accurately, not exactly.

What I’m about to highlight (as powerful and substantive as it is) is only but a glimpse into aspects of God’s Love. I share it as an expression of praise, and in celebration of the finished work of Christ – the basis, essence, and entirety of which is God’s Love … a love that is deep,infinite, andpersonal.

Isaiah 54:8 very well articulates all three characteristic attributes of God’s Love.

Before going into each of these attributes, I’d like to quickly call out that:

God’s Love is DEEP

This can be translated to mean that …

God’s Love is INFINITE

God’s Love is PERSONAL

To mean that …

*********************