In the book of Joel, he warns of a day that is coming that will be both great and terrible. (Joel 2:11c) 

       It will be a great day for those who are in Christ and walking closely with Him. A day so great that even in our imaginations we cannot know of the power, miracles and amazing manifestations of God’s Spirit within us that will be displayed.

     We see glimpses of it when we look at movies like the “Matrix.”  When ‘Neo’ which means ‘new’ is called ‘the one’ comes into beleiving his true identity, he is then able to fly, and do great feats like stop bullets with his hand. I am not endorsing this movie with its violence but I have found that in every superhero movie there are aspects hidden within it of our true identity and potential.  I beleive superhero stories are fanciful epics made to get us to beleive that it is so far beyond our reach that we are left with doubts about what God has for us. They leave mankind satisfied in watching someone else who is superhuman in accomplishing justice.

     When we are called of God He has planned for man to be in charge with Him over all things. He gave His Son, Jesus Christ to return us to our rightful position. In becoming born again through the seed of Jesus Christ, we grow into the realization of true Sonship. Then we are put on a journey that leads us into our destiny of greatness.

    We look to our Maker to lead us to the right people, to enable us to overcome every trial and testing that qualifies us for more responsibility in the Kingdom. Everyday counts. Every moment we seek Him and obey His leading, He watches and rewards. We are not left to ourselves to figure things out, but like a true loving Father, He likes to spend time with us and enjoys watching us grow.

    My earthly father abandoned me and to this day does not want to take an interest in me. Many times over the years I have attempted to reach out and bring about a restoration to our relationship, but to no avail. My heart is pained inside of me as this rejection continues throughout the years. Yet I will always honor him as my father and am thankful for the care he put into me for 14 years.

       My limited understanding of a true Father has come about through my relationship being restored to my heavenly Father.  He keeps me close to Him and watches over me . He gazes at me and I know He is delighted in me. If  He were to unleash all of His love upon me I would be consumed, so He holds back. With ever intensive care He prepares me for what He has destined for me to become.

       The greatness that He is preparing me for will enable me to be able to stand in this great and terrible day of the Lord . This will be a day of  greater works that Jesus said that we would do. This will be a day of displaying  His mighty Spirit through the called out ones.

      So will you allow Him to purify, refine and purge you in the trials of affliction that are ordained for your good?  Or will you wait to be purged in a terrible way in that day for He is coming as a refiner’s fire to burn up the chaff in your life that hinders love for Him?

                                                                                                                                 Songbird

A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and contentions are like bars of a castle. Proverbs 18:19

Evil thinking can lead to evil speaking.  Evil speaking leads to wounding another. Even though it may not be heard by the victim, they can still be hurt by spiritual daggers sent to their backs or heads.

Wounded people walk in guardedness trying to protect themselves from further abuse. They may walk in such a way as to avoid those who have caused the injury lest it happen all over again.

They can forgive but can decide not to trust.  There is nothing wrong with this behavior when they don’t see the actions of the offender change in any way.

The offender, had he really seen his sin of speaking evil and acting in unkind ways needs to acknowledge his sin. He needs to repent to the Lord and repent to the one he offended.  He also needs to make restitution by doing something tangible several times to show good faith effort and change.

     If the one who carries the wound receives the acts of kindness then he will be reconciled and healed.

This takes true humility and sacrifice on the part of the one who was the offender. A death to self will occur and bring about a healing and unity.