Longing of the Angels

Longing of the Angels

Ephesians 3:10-11

“His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

You know, I’m pretty sure that if Satan knew what the end result of Jesus Christ dying on the cross would be, he would have done everything in his power to keep it from happening. In all the different theatrical and movie versions that I have seen in my life so far, Satan always believed that he was arriving upon the culmination of his ultimate victory; the elimination of the One called Christ.

And yet even way back in the time of the prophets, they were aware that God was developing a plan so daring, so vivid, so all-encompassing, the Bible says that they spent endless hours trying to figure it out. “Concerning this salvation, the prophets who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.” (1 Peter 1:10)

Imagine having a foreknowledge of the coming of God in the flesh, but not truly understanding the full glory within it, or the scope of the plan, or when it would happen. However, they knew that it was not a prophecy that would be fulfilled in their time. And they were okay with this. They accepted that God’s way was the best way, and although their curiosity was insatiable, they still trusted in His layout of future events. “It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you…” (1 Peter 1:12)

We are a part of the culmination of a prophecy given thousands of years before. The church is the ultimate stage through which God has chosen to reveal the manifold wisdom of God. The multi-faceted, all-encompassing, awe-inspiring wisdom of His master plan of which even the authorities of the heavenly realms were not privy to the details. “Even angels long to look into these things.” (1 Peter 1:12b)

So we have been given the grace to continue to walk in the truth of this manifold wisdom. We are walking testimonies to God’s amazing plan each day that we love and serve Him with all that we are. The angels look on with awe, knowing that the precious salvation we experience through faith in Christ’s redeeming sacrifice is something they will never walk in themselves. They cannot understand except to marvel at the greatness and majesty of God.

We must never take for granted the gift that we have been given. God has chosen us, His church, to be His masterpiece for all creation to marvel at. We display the greatness of His glory and His grace and His amazing love. Each day that you are alive, be consciously aware of the preciousness of the life He has granted you. You, child of God, are living a life free from the chains of this world and free from the fear of eternal damnation. You are free to love and serve God and show the authorities of all heaven that His eternal purposes accomplished in Christ, are alive and active in you.

Dear Heavenly Father, where would I be today if you had not thought of me way back in the beginning of time and known that I would need a Savior? You are a great and awesome God, and even a lifetime of loving service wouldn’t begin to repay you. Help me to live a life worthy of being called a child of God, and may I never take my place in Your kingdom and in Your plan for granted. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Unexpected Places

So, after yesterday's write up about being so stressed, my day grew progressively more anxiety-filled. I told someone that I felt like a kettle of water moments before it boils. I did laundry, I helped my son with his school work, normal everyday things, and I still couldn't shake it. I wondered how I would get some time.

Then I asked. My dear hubby who will do nearly anything for me, I asked him if he could make supper for the kids and let me go out. Get away for the evening. So I texted a friend and asked her to join me and we went out. Grabbed a quick bite to eat at a fast food restaurant (I wasn't worrying about it being healthy or not) and we decided to go watch "Son of God" at the Cineplex. 

I needed every minute of it. More than two hours of being taken out of my current circumstances and brought to a place where I was so stunningly and visually reminded of what really matters. Of the unshakeable core of all that I believe in. Of how desperately in love with Jesus I am. By the time the movie was over, I was once again centered. I was looking for a way to unplug and reconnect with what mattered and it unexpectedly happened in a movie theater. I went home last night and had a good sleep. 
 

So, if you get a chance and the movie "Son of God" is playing in your area, go see it. The gentleman who played the role of Jesus did a fantastic job. My young friend who went with me asked on the way home, "Jenny, do you think Jesus was really like that?" To which I replied with a slowly spreading grin, "Oh yes, but even more so." Most of the drive home was quiet as both of us were busy thinking about truths driven home through scenes in the movie. But even more so my heart was wrapped up in the wonder that one day soon I will be able to touch that dear, sweet, beautiful face and tell Him how much I love Him. 

Because one day VERY soon He's coming to take those who believe in Him HOME.

On the Bathroom Wall

I have been battling a cloud of stress and anxiety for a couple of days now. Which is really strange because I don't usually struggle with pushing past moments like that. I won't discuss the circumstances because that's not what this is for, but sometimes putting something into words can help in the process of dealing with it.

I'm having one of those moments in life where what you know is having an all out fist-fight with what you feel. Both are realities: one can be altered, one cannot. What I feel? Stressed, edgy, anxious, low on patience, overwhelmed by tasks that normally wouldn't phase me. And for those of you who know me, that is not the usual me. What do I know? That God is still with me. That "in quietness and confidence is my strength". That a few genuine moments in His presence will soothe this pressing emotional dam inside of me.

This is different than the devotionals that I write. This is a blog. A digital corner to verbally unwind in. To work through issues and maybe encourage others while they unravel their own thoughts and processes. And I really need to unravel.

"Only in returning to Me and resting in Me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." Isaiah 30:15

This is my favorite verse. I grew up staring at a little plaque that for years was hanging on the bathroom wall in our home. I was talking with one of my sisters yesterday and she quoted that very verse to me. I told her "That's one of my favorite verses." To which she replied, "Mine too!" I don't think my mom realized that a simple little nick-knack would have such a profound effect on her kids. Or maybe she did, because it has lodged itself firmly into our minds and hearts.

I had a dear young friend give me a special order book bag for Christmas. On it she had embroidered that verse as well with a hummingbird in the center. So I find myself surround by and reminded of a very central truth. Rest in God produces inner quietness and confidence. 

So this is my task this week. To find some special, intentional time with my Savior, above my usual devotional habits to just be quiet in His presence. I know that I need it. Through a house with a husband, 4 kids (and accompanying friends), a dog and a cat and a myriad of the week's usual activities, I will hunt.

My husband asked me this morning "Is there anything I can do?" when my response to his question of how I was doing today was less than enthusiastic. To which I replied, "No." But I was wrong. He can pray for me. He can give me a few extra hugs, and if I explain to him what I really need, he'll bend over backwards to help me carve out a little extra time for that quietness. It's just who he is.

Jeanette

The Thirteenth Floor

He trains my hands for war and gives my fingers skill for battle. Ps 144:1

So I decided to start a blog. A place in which I can record my thoughts about anything and everything and do it in a way that will encourage anyone who reads it.

I was introduced to a website today that intrigued me. It's called unusualsoldiers.com by Caleb Bislow who has just released a book called "Dangerous". It's a book I think I'd like to read about being a dangerous disciple maker. Reaching out to places and people that for so long the church (aside from a courageous few) has been afraid to go. He refers to those places as 'the 13th floor".

I've called my blog site 'Wondering Warrior' because I ponder everything. I love new ideas, fresh vision, and nuggets of wisdom. I'm also a fighter by nature. I'll grab hold of what I truly believe with an intentional tenacity. I fight for truth. Sometimes to the complete frustration of those who don't understand what truly grounds me.

I believe very passionately in making disciples. In pouring the truth of who Jesus has called us to be into the lives of people who we are making regular connections with. For some of us, that's our family and neighbors. Or our community or workplace. For others, like Caleb, it has a more ragged edge to it's meaning. Call me crazy, but the heart inside of me speeds up when I hear about what courageous people like him are doing. Not letting fear stop them from going where so many are afraid to even look.

I've stepped inside the 13th floor on occasion. Stood inside that dark and dangerous realm where the need is desperate and the light is dim. Touched a few lives that so many would consider beyond redemption. Was I afraid? Yes. Was I alone? Absolutely not. I have never felt more alive than in those moments when I was reaching out to the unknown with the Holy Spirit burning in my chest not knowing what would happen next. All I could do was be available and obedient.

But I don't want to toe the line anymore. We live in a dark and dangerous time. Jesus is coming back so soon and the enemy is desperate in these last hours. The Spirit is calling out true warriors who don't let fear hold them back from jumping into the fray. And I'm there.

I love this header I borrowed from the Unusual Soldiers website. It captures the feeling of moving forward into the unknown trusting only what God has placed in your heart and knowing that His presence and guidance will never leave you.

It ups the ante for the obedient heart. You can't stand there thinking "I'd like to hear more before I enlist, then I can make a more informed decision". When in reality what He wants to hear is "Whatever You say, wherever You lead, no matter the danger or how many limits it stretches in me, I will obey." THAT is the pounding, blood-rushing, truly alive heart cry of the 13th Floor Warrior. Because we live in a day where anything can happen. Life is no longer secure. Every day more and more are lost to the tidal wave of crushing sin that drains away what little strength they have left.

God is calling you out. Can you hear? Stand up and be counted, Warrior!