Let me start off by first contemplating life without the absolute recognition of God. It is not to say that my Father does not exist. It is more to say, imagining life without recognizing His presence. I picture this present reality and this is what I see.
Through the lens of a student, all she sees is the joy that comes with learning and appreciating. She goes to school for many years. School is her life. She knows no other life. Then one day, she graduates and receives her send- off message. It reads:
CONGRATULATIONS!! You have just endured many years of long suffering and sacrifice, now go on and figure life out!
Oh! And let me not forget those two most dreaded words: GOOD LUCK!
This right here, is the Post-grad or Post-student crisis. Yes, it is indeed, a crisis.
Then the student asks herself: What just happened? Where did my life go? What am I to do? The stuff learnt three or four years ago are clearly not even relevant for the current climate. What just happened here???
And the many questions go on and on.
This is reality. This has been the reality for many, though some will never outwardly admit it.
But it is this very reality, nonetheless, that propelled me on my real learning journey. Though I spent many years inside a classroom, for some reason, I kept thinking to myself that there must have been something more to this life. I questioned this for a very long time. I could not understand the rigidity of life, when there was so very much to explore and learn from the outdoors. The vibrancy that existed in life’s true nature; I always longed for it. Any little of pocket of time that I had for miniature explorations, I would grab each and every single opportunity. When I felt confined in space, my imagination took flight. Then I considered much, exploring the emotional aspect to this life. Life comes in various dimensions. It is for that one to tap into and receive life in its various forms. Nonetheless, I was depressed; my spirit greatly subdued.
I wasn’t just only depressed, for I was lost in time and space, but I was very concerned about life’s projection. I just saw no ticket to freedom. Punto final. I felt more and more as though, life was sinking me into a living prison. And I was the only one who could see the things that I saw as I looked into life’s projection.
I was a girl filled with massive amounts of emotion and potential to explore, but I saw my very life dashing away as I became filled with much despair. It is this experience that pulled me away from the frame of life to really study and figure out what this life was all about.
From the external landscape, it may seem that the environment is changing. But I have noted one constant. Change itself was that constant. The pace of the change so dramatic, that I myself was burnt out just thinking of how quickly everything is changing right before one’s very eyes. When I look back on my life, I always noticed the actions and activities were always propelled and motivated by these changes.
But I am reflective. After all, I like to study. This is my nature. A lot of change happens to the point where there is a complete loss for study and reflection on one’s life. It is as though the currents or waves of life quickly sweep under your feet, only to find oneself questioning: How did I even end up here?
This was always very much a scary thought for me. For I am by no means the swiftest. I am not swift. I take my time with pretty much EVERYTHING. So, I decided to take my time to study my own life and really appreciate life as it truly is.
But how can I express this! One first begins to truly look life in the eyes, when he first takes sight of death. Yes, I said it! The threat of death actually forces that one to look life in the eyes. The death of something propels new life. This is a law. It cannot be escaped. For new life, one must first go through death. This is the law. But in truth, I died to myself, I died to my old self. I lost appetite for many things. My only appetite was to make it through this ‘thing’ called life.
So, through the student’s eye, all she really learnt was that there was certainly more to learn about life. This is, at least, coursing through life without the actual recognition of God’s presence. It is important that I say this. Why? Because, I really went through what seemed to me like a gauntlet of a school experience, always living in constant fear, not to mention always living on the edge. Yet though I walked through, and it was no easy walk, God was indeed, present walking with me. I just did not realize it. I mean, I prayed on numerous accounts and hoped for the best. But I was not ‘witnessing’ His Presence. I paid very little attention to knowing whether He was there or not. In fact, I thought that my Lord was some very distant God, who could only be truly reached by really prayerful persons. I know I used to pray, but I most likely did not believe that He would actually hear MY voice or even considered MY thoughts. I used to feel guilty actually, because I used to think that there were so much bigger problems going on the world that He most likely would not have time to hear me out. I was always too busy caught up with life’s problems, always worrying about something, not spending a thought to even think that He was walking with me all along.
And this is my point. This is the point that I am trying to make.
Life may spin one around in a ‘whirlwind’ to the point where all focus and attention on God is lost. Though, He really is the center- piece to true Life. Sigh!
Though the landscape is an ever-changing one, God Himself is the everlasting, the Eternal and He is not going to change.
I extrapolate further. His Law is not going to change, for the Father speaks from His eternal seat. Though the earth wrestles with new thoughts and concepts and ideas, one thing that certainly remains fixed is God’s Law. This thought comforts me a great deal. So, I thought it much to invest more time into the things that would guarantee me better returns. I thought it best I go this way.
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter fifteen:
14 When He created man in the beginning, He left Him free to make his own decisions.
15 If you wish, you can keep the commandments and it is in your power to remain faithful.
16 He has set fire and water before you; you stretch out your hand to whichever you prefer.
17 Life and death are set before man: whichever a man prefers will be given him.
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter fifteen:
1 Such is the one who fears the Lord; whoever embraces the Law will obtain wisdom.
2 She will come out to meet him like a virgin bride;
3 she will feed him with bread of understanding and give him the water of wisdom to drink.
4 He will rely on her and will not waver; he will lean on her and will not be let down.
I contemplate on the words taken from the book of Sirach Chapter thirty-four:
8 Not so the Law, which never fails but comes true. Wisdom from the truthful lips of God is the highest truth.
There is great security in the fear of Yahweh, his sons find refuge in Him. The fear of Yahweh is a life-giving fountain for escaping the snares of death. (Proverbs 14: 26,27)
He who tends his land will have an abundance of bread, while he who chases illusions will have his fill of misery. (Proverbs 28: 19)
The 'land' being the 'soil' of the mind that the Father longs to nurture.
But let me start from the beginning.
What did man’s walk with God actually look like? I am curious. I go on to explore.
I read from the book of Genesis Chapter three:
8 They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden, in the cool of the day, and they, the man and his wife, hid from Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.
9 Yahweh God called the man saying to him, “Where are you?”
10 He said, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”
There is something that I find very intriguing about these few verses.
From the account, it is clear that man heard God’s voice. He did not see Him. He heard Him. The Word was speaking to Adam. This seems to be the first intimate conversation or dialogue that was recorded between the Father and Adam. The Father spoke through His Word. The Word spoke to Adam.
Even further, a scene or picture was painted at that time the conversation happened. When the Word approached Adam, it happened in the cool of the day. The scene also seemed to be heavily furnished with much greenery. From this picture, I can detect, a cool, chilled atmosphere, quite calm just being in God’s presence. It is like resting on a rock near the riverside, feeling the cool breeze passing by and enjoying life’s green pasture land. That must have been a really sweet and enjoyable sensation, just being under the shade of God Almighty.
But I highlight, one of the many privileges that Adam experienced while being in the Father’s presence, was to hear clearly and understandably all that the Father was saying. Though God be unseen, communication was live and direct. There was no need for translation or interpretation. Everything was clear for Adam to understand, when the Word spoke. I think for a bit.
This speaks to much evidence that there was always going to be communication between the Father and His children. God longs for communication with His children. But I ask the question. How ready am I to hear and listen to God’s voice when He speaks? When one is embedded in the world’s activities, how so much harder it is to hear the voice of my Father when He was already speaking to me ages ago. I sit in silence.
Then I have come to some finding. Just because I do not know my Father’s presence, in no shape or form, it means that is He is never there. This warms my heart. For I may think Him to not be present, but in truth, it is through our greatest trials, He is there the most. He watches his children pass through the flame. He brings home the victory for that one. He is always going to be there, whether we think it or not.
Sometimes, one thinks that he walks this road a loner, that he will always be a loner, but he has His Father there walking with him to give him all the support that He truly needs. Knowledge of this may give that one great confidence!
For God Himself knows his creation and so, He also knows what that one is capable of doing. He Himself planted certain characteristics and traits that make one endure the chosen trials that were already set and placed in that one’s path. He already knows the outcome, even long before the beginning. He trusts His hands. He trusts His work and He knows His creation.
O Lord, You know me: You have scrutinized me. You know when I sit and when I rise; beforehand You discern my thoughts. You observe my activities and times of rest; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is formed in my mouth, You know what it is all about, O Lord. From front to back You hedge me round, shielding me with your protecting Hand. (Psalm 139: 1-5)
I meditate on these verses for the time being. Silence...
This is what I have come to find out. One may think that he is doing this or that he is doing that.... but really, I now truly see that is God doing the work, especially His work. The Father is heavily invested in getting His works accomplished, so He makes the great effort to support His own in the walk to accomplish all that He personally desires to see accomplished.
One begins to truly walk with his God, when that one finally decides to start walking in God’s Will. The Father is never going to force anyone to walk with Him. But He already has a path; a way, already carved out for His children such that there is no wrong way to go when one walks in the way of the Father. The Father has already seen what He has carved out with His own Hand. He only waits for His children to start walking with Him.
When I reflect to this present- day moment, I cannot help but think that the confusion for that student placed in today’s world only makes it clearer for her to walk the path that was already carved out by the Father’s hands. The distractions make the path even more illuminated. There is no other way. If life was simpler, bustling with so many opportunities, it would be sooo much more confusing to determine the life path.
If, however, there was this grid of obstruction and obstacles everywhere you turn, then it so much easier to navigate that path, as life is laying out the course for that one to follow. I consider much. The many life challenges gridlock that one to follow that chosen path. Sometimes, imprisonment chooses for that one, life’s only door to freedom.
Through the lens of a student, all she sees is the joy that comes with learning and appreciating. She goes to school for many years. School is her life. She knows no other life. Then one day, she graduates and receives her send- off message. It reads:
CONGRATULATIONS!! You have just endured many years of long suffering and sacrifice, now go on and figure life out!
Oh! And let me not forget those two most dreaded words: GOOD LUCK!
This right here, is the Post-grad or Post-student crisis. Yes, it is indeed, a crisis.
Then the student asks herself: What just happened? Where did my life go? What am I to do? The stuff learnt three or four years ago are clearly not even relevant for the current climate. What just happened here???
And the many questions go on and on.
This is reality. This has been the reality for many, though some will never outwardly admit it.
But it is this very reality, nonetheless, that propelled me on my real learning journey. Though I spent many years inside a classroom, for some reason, I kept thinking to myself that there must have been something more to this life. I questioned this for a very long time. I could not understand the rigidity of life, when there was so very much to explore and learn from the outdoors. The vibrancy that existed in life’s true nature; I always longed for it. Any little of pocket of time that I had for miniature explorations, I would grab each and every single opportunity. When I felt confined in space, my imagination took flight. Then I considered much, exploring the emotional aspect to this life. Life comes in various dimensions. It is for that one to tap into and receive life in its various forms. Nonetheless, I was depressed; my spirit greatly subdued.
I wasn’t just only depressed, for I was lost in time and space, but I was very concerned about life’s projection. I just saw no ticket to freedom. Punto final. I felt more and more as though, life was sinking me into a living prison. And I was the only one who could see the things that I saw as I looked into life’s projection.
I was a girl filled with massive amounts of emotion and potential to explore, but I saw my very life dashing away as I became filled with much despair. It is this experience that pulled me away from the frame of life to really study and figure out what this life was all about.
From the external landscape, it may seem that the environment is changing. But I have noted one constant. Change itself was that constant. The pace of the change so dramatic, that I myself was burnt out just thinking of how quickly everything is changing right before one’s very eyes. When I look back on my life, I always noticed the actions and activities were always propelled and motivated by these changes.
But I am reflective. After all, I like to study. This is my nature. A lot of change happens to the point where there is a complete loss for study and reflection on one’s life. It is as though the currents or waves of life quickly sweep under your feet, only to find oneself questioning: How did I even end up here?
This was always very much a scary thought for me. For I am by no means the swiftest. I am not swift. I take my time with pretty much EVERYTHING. So, I decided to take my time to study my own life and really appreciate life as it truly is.
But how can I express this! One first begins to truly look life in the eyes, when he first takes sight of death. Yes, I said it! The threat of death actually forces that one to look life in the eyes. The death of something propels new life. This is a law. It cannot be escaped. For new life, one must first go through death. This is the law. But in truth, I died to myself, I died to my old self. I lost appetite for many things. My only appetite was to make it through this ‘thing’ called life.
So, through the student’s eye, all she really learnt was that there was certainly more to learn about life. This is, at least, coursing through life without the actual recognition of God’s presence. It is important that I say this. Why? Because, I really went through what seemed to me like a gauntlet of a school experience, always living in constant fear, not to mention always living on the edge. Yet though I walked through, and it was no easy walk, God was indeed, present walking with me. I just did not realize it. I mean, I prayed on numerous accounts and hoped for the best. But I was not ‘witnessing’ His Presence. I paid very little attention to knowing whether He was there or not. In fact, I thought that my Lord was some very distant God, who could only be truly reached by really prayerful persons. I know I used to pray, but I most likely did not believe that He would actually hear MY voice or even considered MY thoughts. I used to feel guilty actually, because I used to think that there were so much bigger problems going on the world that He most likely would not have time to hear me out. I was always too busy caught up with life’s problems, always worrying about something, not spending a thought to even think that He was walking with me all along.
And this is my point. This is the point that I am trying to make.
Life may spin one around in a ‘whirlwind’ to the point where all focus and attention on God is lost. Though, He really is the center- piece to true Life. Sigh!
Though the landscape is an ever-changing one, God Himself is the everlasting, the Eternal and He is not going to change.
I extrapolate further. His Law is not going to change, for the Father speaks from His eternal seat. Though the earth wrestles with new thoughts and concepts and ideas, one thing that certainly remains fixed is God’s Law. This thought comforts me a great deal. So, I thought it much to invest more time into the things that would guarantee me better returns. I thought it best I go this way.
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter fifteen:
14 When He created man in the beginning, He left Him free to make his own decisions.
15 If you wish, you can keep the commandments and it is in your power to remain faithful.
16 He has set fire and water before you; you stretch out your hand to whichever you prefer.
17 Life and death are set before man: whichever a man prefers will be given him.
I read from the book of Sirach Chapter fifteen:
1 Such is the one who fears the Lord; whoever embraces the Law will obtain wisdom.
2 She will come out to meet him like a virgin bride;
3 she will feed him with bread of understanding and give him the water of wisdom to drink.
4 He will rely on her and will not waver; he will lean on her and will not be let down.
I contemplate on the words taken from the book of Sirach Chapter thirty-four:
8 Not so the Law, which never fails but comes true. Wisdom from the truthful lips of God is the highest truth.
There is great security in the fear of Yahweh, his sons find refuge in Him. The fear of Yahweh is a life-giving fountain for escaping the snares of death. (Proverbs 14: 26,27)
He who tends his land will have an abundance of bread, while he who chases illusions will have his fill of misery. (Proverbs 28: 19)
The 'land' being the 'soil' of the mind that the Father longs to nurture.
But let me start from the beginning.
What did man’s walk with God actually look like? I am curious. I go on to explore.
I read from the book of Genesis Chapter three:
8 They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden, in the cool of the day, and they, the man and his wife, hid from Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.
9 Yahweh God called the man saying to him, “Where are you?”
10 He said, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.”
There is something that I find very intriguing about these few verses.
From the account, it is clear that man heard God’s voice. He did not see Him. He heard Him. The Word was speaking to Adam. This seems to be the first intimate conversation or dialogue that was recorded between the Father and Adam. The Father spoke through His Word. The Word spoke to Adam.
Even further, a scene or picture was painted at that time the conversation happened. When the Word approached Adam, it happened in the cool of the day. The scene also seemed to be heavily furnished with much greenery. From this picture, I can detect, a cool, chilled atmosphere, quite calm just being in God’s presence. It is like resting on a rock near the riverside, feeling the cool breeze passing by and enjoying life’s green pasture land. That must have been a really sweet and enjoyable sensation, just being under the shade of God Almighty.
But I highlight, one of the many privileges that Adam experienced while being in the Father’s presence, was to hear clearly and understandably all that the Father was saying. Though God be unseen, communication was live and direct. There was no need for translation or interpretation. Everything was clear for Adam to understand, when the Word spoke. I think for a bit.
This speaks to much evidence that there was always going to be communication between the Father and His children. God longs for communication with His children. But I ask the question. How ready am I to hear and listen to God’s voice when He speaks? When one is embedded in the world’s activities, how so much harder it is to hear the voice of my Father when He was already speaking to me ages ago. I sit in silence.
Then I have come to some finding. Just because I do not know my Father’s presence, in no shape or form, it means that is He is never there. This warms my heart. For I may think Him to not be present, but in truth, it is through our greatest trials, He is there the most. He watches his children pass through the flame. He brings home the victory for that one. He is always going to be there, whether we think it or not.
Sometimes, one thinks that he walks this road a loner, that he will always be a loner, but he has His Father there walking with him to give him all the support that He truly needs. Knowledge of this may give that one great confidence!
For God Himself knows his creation and so, He also knows what that one is capable of doing. He Himself planted certain characteristics and traits that make one endure the chosen trials that were already set and placed in that one’s path. He already knows the outcome, even long before the beginning. He trusts His hands. He trusts His work and He knows His creation.
O Lord, You know me: You have scrutinized me. You know when I sit and when I rise; beforehand You discern my thoughts. You observe my activities and times of rest; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is formed in my mouth, You know what it is all about, O Lord. From front to back You hedge me round, shielding me with your protecting Hand. (Psalm 139: 1-5)
I meditate on these verses for the time being. Silence...
This is what I have come to find out. One may think that he is doing this or that he is doing that.... but really, I now truly see that is God doing the work, especially His work. The Father is heavily invested in getting His works accomplished, so He makes the great effort to support His own in the walk to accomplish all that He personally desires to see accomplished.
One begins to truly walk with his God, when that one finally decides to start walking in God’s Will. The Father is never going to force anyone to walk with Him. But He already has a path; a way, already carved out for His children such that there is no wrong way to go when one walks in the way of the Father. The Father has already seen what He has carved out with His own Hand. He only waits for His children to start walking with Him.
When I reflect to this present- day moment, I cannot help but think that the confusion for that student placed in today’s world only makes it clearer for her to walk the path that was already carved out by the Father’s hands. The distractions make the path even more illuminated. There is no other way. If life was simpler, bustling with so many opportunities, it would be sooo much more confusing to determine the life path.
If, however, there was this grid of obstruction and obstacles everywhere you turn, then it so much easier to navigate that path, as life is laying out the course for that one to follow. I consider much. The many life challenges gridlock that one to follow that chosen path. Sometimes, imprisonment chooses for that one, life’s only door to freedom.
|| Constraint
Sometimes too much freedom can be a little bit imprisoning, as one gets lost in his own confusion. For his lot, he simply cannot make up his mind.
Alternatively, constraints may act as that invisible guide, removing the greater portion of doubt for the one to more intuitively channel through the path he must go.
15.12.22
|| Closed Doors
Most times, when doors are closed, it is life’s message in telling the one “not yet.” Sometimes, we just have to keep trusting in all that we may not attain. For they very much act as guides in the life and more so, redirect the one in the way he must go. Life is such the maze with both opened and closed valves and we must wait on God’s perfect timing, trusting in his Word to complete all that He has promised. For his Word must come to pass and never is it delayed.
21.12.22
|| The Maze of Life
Life is such the maze that never can we go in one direction and think: this is the way. For much in that sense, we can learn stuff along the way, but only up to a point. Sometimes, we have to learn to go backward in order to move forward, though that learning step be crucial for that forward direction. We move in constant motion, taking turns where need be. But always will life continue to be that perfect mystery. This is what I deem the maze of life to be.
16.12.22
Sometimes too much freedom can be a little bit imprisoning, as one gets lost in his own confusion. For his lot, he simply cannot make up his mind.
Alternatively, constraints may act as that invisible guide, removing the greater portion of doubt for the one to more intuitively channel through the path he must go.
15.12.22
|| Closed Doors
Most times, when doors are closed, it is life’s message in telling the one “not yet.” Sometimes, we just have to keep trusting in all that we may not attain. For they very much act as guides in the life and more so, redirect the one in the way he must go. Life is such the maze with both opened and closed valves and we must wait on God’s perfect timing, trusting in his Word to complete all that He has promised. For his Word must come to pass and never is it delayed.
21.12.22
|| The Maze of Life
Life is such the maze that never can we go in one direction and think: this is the way. For much in that sense, we can learn stuff along the way, but only up to a point. Sometimes, we have to learn to go backward in order to move forward, though that learning step be crucial for that forward direction. We move in constant motion, taking turns where need be. But always will life continue to be that perfect mystery. This is what I deem the maze of life to be.
16.12.22
So now I ask myself, is there a ‘path’? Some may think that they create their life. This may or may not be true. I do not know. I am clueless. But I am more bent thinking that for some, this is just not the case. Geography alone would tell you this much. That and the order or life. Think about it.
I am more bent towards thinking that life has a way of carrying one to meet with his life purpose. Is there such a thing as having a life purpose? I do not know. Who really knows? Most spend their entire lives trying to figure out these questions and still, there is no answer. For life is variant and has a unique ordered set.
But from my view point, I am strongly led to believe in that life path. Why, you might ask? Well, the answer is quite simple. I have already experienced great turbulence and friction to the point of near death, when I force myself to do what just DOES NOT come naturally to me. I am the passionate girl!
But now I ask, does it mean that I was not already in my life path? That is the trick question. It is a tricky question. How did I even end up in that ‘studying’ path in the first place? Now this is the answer. In fact, let the answer speak for Himself.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14: 6)
The above verse IS the answer and it also IS the Truth.
It would be LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE for me to walk a road that I deemed perfectly IMPASSIBLE without my Father. He certainly got me through the years, even when I wanted to give up on so many accounts. All the tears that I was shedding, He was absolutely listening to me. He also furnished me with understanding and really supportive ears through the persons who I intimately related with.
This is my lesson. Sigh. There is a path, yet a path only passable when walking with the Father. Any other way, it would be impossible. I found that out quite late in my journey. For this realization only happened long after the dust settled and I was forced to reflect and look back on my life.
My greatest reward for all of my studies was to finally fall right into the hands of my Father, who was carrying me through my study journey all along. It is funny, my studying journey. For I did not find that much value inside the classroom. Life is interesting. I found the greatest value when I remember travelling really odd hours in the night, risking my safety for the sake of a day’s appointment. I learnt relations through the peoples that would assist me in carrying out the physical tasks for the day’s work. I learnt so much through the many persons who I spoke to in my attempts at taking patient histories. I was learning ‘life’ but I was not ‘in life’.
By the time I graduated, I felt more and more convinced that my Father was indeed, carrying me through this life even without life’s status and privilege. I found confidence in my Father. For He was always there in the roughest patches of my life. He was faithful and I did not even know it back then. I experienced His closeness and this is what has my heart the most.
My God is Spirit, so it is not always going to be easy to grasp the concept of being in relation with someone whom you cannot see. It still boggles my mind to this day. But His unseen nature never takes away the true relationship He has with His very own. I learnt a deep consoling love from my Father. Just a gentle word from someone would send great ripples up my spine, to then immediately trigger the avalanche of tears. I held on to these very words. Those words were my lifeline. Love happens the most when one is left in their most vulnerable state. Love is vulnerable and there is nothing in it to be ashamed about. I received very much His tender care through it all, and this is what has my heart the most.
But still, I reflect on the path. I think for a while...
I go back to Adam’s first documented conversation in the garden with the Lord. I go back to this voice that Adam was hearing ever so clearly.
Though this privilege of hearing the Father ever so clearly was lost because of sin, it does not preclude the opportunity for His children to still work towards hearing His voice. So, now work was involved in trying to hear God’s voice.
But how exactly is one able to hear? I always thought about this question...
I consider much my previous learnings. And I have come to know that everything that is done with the Lord is done in much faith. So, it must mean, then, that one receives communication with the Lord by faith.
But I have also learnt something else. How is one able to do anything? Who is doing it? It must be God’s Spirit. It is God’s very Spirit who is able to hear the Father’s voice, the Word.
But the hour is coming and is even now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and Truth; for that is the kind of worshippers the Father wants. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth. (John 4: 23,24)
I play with this thought for a moment. God can be speaking. He really can. Our spirit may pick it up, yet his message may totally be overlooked by the conscious mind. Sometimes He speaks even when we are not aware that He is speaking. This convinces me much, that He must be talking to His Spirit while His Spirit rests in the heart of man; that man postured towards God’s way of living.
So, sometimes, one may just ‘knowingly’ know which way to go, for the Father had already instructed to His own Spirit, to go the way that He always wanted His child to go. The space becomes more intimate, however, when His child picks up His voice.
The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole race of mortals. From where He sits He watches all those who dwell on the earth- He who fashions every heart observes all their deeds. (Psalm 33: 13-15)
From now on the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name, will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have told you. (John 14: 26)
From the above verse, it can be noted, that the Father left His voice with and through His Spirit to instruct man. It would be impossible to hear the voice of God in the absence of God’s Spirit. It is God’s Spirit who not only moves one to hear God’s Word, but also moves one to understand all what the Father is trying to communicate.
God’s Spirit is very much needed to appreciate all that the Father is saying in His Word, which for Man, is His Law Book. The interesting thing about God’s Spirit which I have come to learn is that His Spirit uses His very Wisdom to communicate in creative ways to His children. There is no one way, the Father can communicate His message. Wisdom makes full use of creativity to speak, such that the Father’s message be heard and understood by His child. I find this interesting! For each one sees with a different eye, and each one may understand through various means and the Spirit works to fulfil the Father’s commands in ways that can more effectively and appropriately reach each child. I think on this for the moment.
For me, I see life through words. Words have an effect on me. When I think, I usually think from the perspective of seeing passages that I read out from my mind. I am always thinking about words. Almost always. So, I feel more connected to my Father through words. I also hear words play out in song, as if in melody. This is what I connect to the most when I work to connect to my Father. He knows me and so He reaches me by word. For someone else, this may not be the case.
The lesson that I take with me is the true essence and importance in preparing to make oneself a much comfortable home or abode for the Spirit to reside. For it is in God’s Spirit, the Father resides. And it is in His Spirit can He teach and counsel and reveal all that He wants to intimately share with each of His children. It is not only in the clothes that one may wear, though this is very important, but the Spirit feels way welcomed when one is in a cheerful mood, light in heart, meek, gentle. When one is relaxed, it invites the presence of the Holy Spirit to enter and to stay.
I have also learnt that though it may be quite tempting to do most of the talking, especially if in complaint of something, the Spirit is more than willing to share as much as one is willing to listen. Sometimes when the Spirit is speaking, the Father’s Wisdom bursts forth and there is so much conversation and teaching being experienced when one remains silent in his heart. The Holy Spirit can make one laugh in moments of sadness. My Father is quite the humorous type and He doesn’t spare laughter from his personality. The Spirit also brings much comfort and counsel. God’s Spirit uplifts. The Holy Spirit also guides one into much truth.
Now I am tempted to ask this question. Does God allow His children to fall? Does He actually allow this? This serves to answer the question that may be entailed while walking with the Lord.
I find this an interesting question. I really do. Someone who lives with fear would most likely pray the prayer to avoid the many pitfalls. I am sure the Father has laughed at me on my several attempts at this prayer. Why? you might ask. Because exactly what I did not want, I usually found myself walking exactly into it. The irony! Of course, God does not prevent man from falling. No. He lets him fall. And I have come to understand why!
When the question of trust comes up, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to truly believe that someone would do something, if it first was not tested. This is an important lesson. The Maker tests His product in the making to see what fancy features and specifications are embedded into His works. The Father tests the things that He makes. Not only that. But the test works both ways. On one hand, through the test, the Father is able to reveal to His child what He Himself is capable of doing. This is His Salvation. On the other hand, the child reveals to the Father His own works through the child. Trust is therefore built into the child and trust is also confirmed by the Father.
So, it is not surprising, then, that one experiences many falls in his life as he journeys with the Father. He would be right there to pick up that child in the event of the fall. Though he waits on his Father.
I read from the book of Psalm Chapter sixty-six:
10 Why did you test us, O God; and refine us like silver?
11 You let us fall into the snare; you burdened us with disgrace.
12 You allowed a nobody to rule over us, and we have gone through fire and water, but you have brought us to safety at last.
I also read from the book of Psalm Chapter thirty- seven:
23 The Lord is the one who makes people stand, He gives firmness to those He likes.
24 They may stumble, but they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
The Father allows His children to go through life learning from his many mistakes. Though He longs for His child to always go the right way, He certainly understands man's human way of thinking and by no means is man expert at life itself.
I take this point then, as a note of encouragement to not feel too guilty about the many life’s choices and decisions. Also, I encourage one to not stay in a life of regret. Regardless of which way one chooses to go, the Father will always be right there walking that one along his path; provided that one seeks fervently for correction. God’s Spirit certainly helps with the decisions that one may take in his life.
But life is learning. Without mistakes, nothing will indeed, be learnt. Sometimes the more permanent lessons are the ones that hurt the most. Sometimes, one learns the Law; God’s Law the hard way. It is because of His Law, that one eventually finds out the truth for himself.
There is absolutely no one in this whole world who can know for sure which way each is to go. It is by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that leads each one into that path that God has called His children to walk; it is indeed, a very lonely and narrow path. One that calls for much self-reflection, tears, discipline, sacrifice, correction, perseverance, patience but most importantly faith. It is by faith that each walks his path.
Though each walk his own road, one thing certainly became quite crystallized to my much confused mind. In a world that lacks structure, almost borrowing to the point of chaos, God's Law certainly adds the structure, security and hence, confidence back into one's life. For God's Law is Life's greatest Teacher and Designer of Life itself. And the Father's Law is Eternal.
My son, do not scorn the discipline of Yahweh; do not ignore His correction. For Yahweh corrects those He loves, as a father does his beloved son. (Proverbs 3: 11, 12)
But because You are almighty, You are merciful to all; You overlook sins and give your children time to repent. (Wisdom 11: 23)
The wooden joint in a building is not dislodged by an earthquake; a determined heart, after careful reflection, will not be moved when crises come. A decision based on serious reflection stands like plaster on a firm wall. (Sirach 22: 16, 17)
Remain faithful to your duty, give your life to it and grow old in your work. (Sirach 11: 20)
Do not be disconcerted at the success of sinners but have confidence in God and persevere in your own efforts. It is easy for the Lord in an instant to make the poor man rich. (Sirach 11: 21)
The fear of the Lord is the root of Wisdom. Its branches are long life. (Sirach 1: 20)
...You cannot suffer loss when you fear the Lord, with it you have all the support you need. (Sirach 40: 26)
I am more bent towards thinking that life has a way of carrying one to meet with his life purpose. Is there such a thing as having a life purpose? I do not know. Who really knows? Most spend their entire lives trying to figure out these questions and still, there is no answer. For life is variant and has a unique ordered set.
But from my view point, I am strongly led to believe in that life path. Why, you might ask? Well, the answer is quite simple. I have already experienced great turbulence and friction to the point of near death, when I force myself to do what just DOES NOT come naturally to me. I am the passionate girl!
But now I ask, does it mean that I was not already in my life path? That is the trick question. It is a tricky question. How did I even end up in that ‘studying’ path in the first place? Now this is the answer. In fact, let the answer speak for Himself.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14: 6)
The above verse IS the answer and it also IS the Truth.
It would be LITERALLY IMPOSSIBLE for me to walk a road that I deemed perfectly IMPASSIBLE without my Father. He certainly got me through the years, even when I wanted to give up on so many accounts. All the tears that I was shedding, He was absolutely listening to me. He also furnished me with understanding and really supportive ears through the persons who I intimately related with.
This is my lesson. Sigh. There is a path, yet a path only passable when walking with the Father. Any other way, it would be impossible. I found that out quite late in my journey. For this realization only happened long after the dust settled and I was forced to reflect and look back on my life.
My greatest reward for all of my studies was to finally fall right into the hands of my Father, who was carrying me through my study journey all along. It is funny, my studying journey. For I did not find that much value inside the classroom. Life is interesting. I found the greatest value when I remember travelling really odd hours in the night, risking my safety for the sake of a day’s appointment. I learnt relations through the peoples that would assist me in carrying out the physical tasks for the day’s work. I learnt so much through the many persons who I spoke to in my attempts at taking patient histories. I was learning ‘life’ but I was not ‘in life’.
By the time I graduated, I felt more and more convinced that my Father was indeed, carrying me through this life even without life’s status and privilege. I found confidence in my Father. For He was always there in the roughest patches of my life. He was faithful and I did not even know it back then. I experienced His closeness and this is what has my heart the most.
My God is Spirit, so it is not always going to be easy to grasp the concept of being in relation with someone whom you cannot see. It still boggles my mind to this day. But His unseen nature never takes away the true relationship He has with His very own. I learnt a deep consoling love from my Father. Just a gentle word from someone would send great ripples up my spine, to then immediately trigger the avalanche of tears. I held on to these very words. Those words were my lifeline. Love happens the most when one is left in their most vulnerable state. Love is vulnerable and there is nothing in it to be ashamed about. I received very much His tender care through it all, and this is what has my heart the most.
But still, I reflect on the path. I think for a while...
I go back to Adam’s first documented conversation in the garden with the Lord. I go back to this voice that Adam was hearing ever so clearly.
Though this privilege of hearing the Father ever so clearly was lost because of sin, it does not preclude the opportunity for His children to still work towards hearing His voice. So, now work was involved in trying to hear God’s voice.
But how exactly is one able to hear? I always thought about this question...
I consider much my previous learnings. And I have come to know that everything that is done with the Lord is done in much faith. So, it must mean, then, that one receives communication with the Lord by faith.
But I have also learnt something else. How is one able to do anything? Who is doing it? It must be God’s Spirit. It is God’s very Spirit who is able to hear the Father’s voice, the Word.
But the hour is coming and is even now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in Spirit and Truth; for that is the kind of worshippers the Father wants. God is Spirit and those who worship Him must worship in Spirit and Truth. (John 4: 23,24)
I play with this thought for a moment. God can be speaking. He really can. Our spirit may pick it up, yet his message may totally be overlooked by the conscious mind. Sometimes He speaks even when we are not aware that He is speaking. This convinces me much, that He must be talking to His Spirit while His Spirit rests in the heart of man; that man postured towards God’s way of living.
So, sometimes, one may just ‘knowingly’ know which way to go, for the Father had already instructed to His own Spirit, to go the way that He always wanted His child to go. The space becomes more intimate, however, when His child picks up His voice.
The Lord looks down from heaven and sees the whole race of mortals. From where He sits He watches all those who dwell on the earth- He who fashions every heart observes all their deeds. (Psalm 33: 13-15)
From now on the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my Name, will teach you all things and remind you of all that I have told you. (John 14: 26)
From the above verse, it can be noted, that the Father left His voice with and through His Spirit to instruct man. It would be impossible to hear the voice of God in the absence of God’s Spirit. It is God’s Spirit who not only moves one to hear God’s Word, but also moves one to understand all what the Father is trying to communicate.
God’s Spirit is very much needed to appreciate all that the Father is saying in His Word, which for Man, is His Law Book. The interesting thing about God’s Spirit which I have come to learn is that His Spirit uses His very Wisdom to communicate in creative ways to His children. There is no one way, the Father can communicate His message. Wisdom makes full use of creativity to speak, such that the Father’s message be heard and understood by His child. I find this interesting! For each one sees with a different eye, and each one may understand through various means and the Spirit works to fulfil the Father’s commands in ways that can more effectively and appropriately reach each child. I think on this for the moment.
For me, I see life through words. Words have an effect on me. When I think, I usually think from the perspective of seeing passages that I read out from my mind. I am always thinking about words. Almost always. So, I feel more connected to my Father through words. I also hear words play out in song, as if in melody. This is what I connect to the most when I work to connect to my Father. He knows me and so He reaches me by word. For someone else, this may not be the case.
The lesson that I take with me is the true essence and importance in preparing to make oneself a much comfortable home or abode for the Spirit to reside. For it is in God’s Spirit, the Father resides. And it is in His Spirit can He teach and counsel and reveal all that He wants to intimately share with each of His children. It is not only in the clothes that one may wear, though this is very important, but the Spirit feels way welcomed when one is in a cheerful mood, light in heart, meek, gentle. When one is relaxed, it invites the presence of the Holy Spirit to enter and to stay.
I have also learnt that though it may be quite tempting to do most of the talking, especially if in complaint of something, the Spirit is more than willing to share as much as one is willing to listen. Sometimes when the Spirit is speaking, the Father’s Wisdom bursts forth and there is so much conversation and teaching being experienced when one remains silent in his heart. The Holy Spirit can make one laugh in moments of sadness. My Father is quite the humorous type and He doesn’t spare laughter from his personality. The Spirit also brings much comfort and counsel. God’s Spirit uplifts. The Holy Spirit also guides one into much truth.
Now I am tempted to ask this question. Does God allow His children to fall? Does He actually allow this? This serves to answer the question that may be entailed while walking with the Lord.
I find this an interesting question. I really do. Someone who lives with fear would most likely pray the prayer to avoid the many pitfalls. I am sure the Father has laughed at me on my several attempts at this prayer. Why? you might ask. Because exactly what I did not want, I usually found myself walking exactly into it. The irony! Of course, God does not prevent man from falling. No. He lets him fall. And I have come to understand why!
When the question of trust comes up, it would be IMPOSSIBLE to truly believe that someone would do something, if it first was not tested. This is an important lesson. The Maker tests His product in the making to see what fancy features and specifications are embedded into His works. The Father tests the things that He makes. Not only that. But the test works both ways. On one hand, through the test, the Father is able to reveal to His child what He Himself is capable of doing. This is His Salvation. On the other hand, the child reveals to the Father His own works through the child. Trust is therefore built into the child and trust is also confirmed by the Father.
So, it is not surprising, then, that one experiences many falls in his life as he journeys with the Father. He would be right there to pick up that child in the event of the fall. Though he waits on his Father.
I read from the book of Psalm Chapter sixty-six:
10 Why did you test us, O God; and refine us like silver?
11 You let us fall into the snare; you burdened us with disgrace.
12 You allowed a nobody to rule over us, and we have gone through fire and water, but you have brought us to safety at last.
I also read from the book of Psalm Chapter thirty- seven:
23 The Lord is the one who makes people stand, He gives firmness to those He likes.
24 They may stumble, but they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.
The Father allows His children to go through life learning from his many mistakes. Though He longs for His child to always go the right way, He certainly understands man's human way of thinking and by no means is man expert at life itself.
I take this point then, as a note of encouragement to not feel too guilty about the many life’s choices and decisions. Also, I encourage one to not stay in a life of regret. Regardless of which way one chooses to go, the Father will always be right there walking that one along his path; provided that one seeks fervently for correction. God’s Spirit certainly helps with the decisions that one may take in his life.
But life is learning. Without mistakes, nothing will indeed, be learnt. Sometimes the more permanent lessons are the ones that hurt the most. Sometimes, one learns the Law; God’s Law the hard way. It is because of His Law, that one eventually finds out the truth for himself.
There is absolutely no one in this whole world who can know for sure which way each is to go. It is by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that leads each one into that path that God has called His children to walk; it is indeed, a very lonely and narrow path. One that calls for much self-reflection, tears, discipline, sacrifice, correction, perseverance, patience but most importantly faith. It is by faith that each walks his path.
Though each walk his own road, one thing certainly became quite crystallized to my much confused mind. In a world that lacks structure, almost borrowing to the point of chaos, God's Law certainly adds the structure, security and hence, confidence back into one's life. For God's Law is Life's greatest Teacher and Designer of Life itself. And the Father's Law is Eternal.
My son, do not scorn the discipline of Yahweh; do not ignore His correction. For Yahweh corrects those He loves, as a father does his beloved son. (Proverbs 3: 11, 12)
But because You are almighty, You are merciful to all; You overlook sins and give your children time to repent. (Wisdom 11: 23)
The wooden joint in a building is not dislodged by an earthquake; a determined heart, after careful reflection, will not be moved when crises come. A decision based on serious reflection stands like plaster on a firm wall. (Sirach 22: 16, 17)
Remain faithful to your duty, give your life to it and grow old in your work. (Sirach 11: 20)
Do not be disconcerted at the success of sinners but have confidence in God and persevere in your own efforts. It is easy for the Lord in an instant to make the poor man rich. (Sirach 11: 21)
The fear of the Lord is the root of Wisdom. Its branches are long life. (Sirach 1: 20)
...You cannot suffer loss when you fear the Lord, with it you have all the support you need. (Sirach 40: 26)
On the Road to Emmaus
I read from the book of Luke Chapter twenty-four:
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem.
14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.
20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;
21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning
23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.
29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
13 Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles[a] from Jerusalem.
14 They were talking with each other about everything that had happened.
15 As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them;
16 but they were kept from recognizing him.
17 He asked them, “What are you discussing together as you walk along?” They stood still, their faces downcast.
18 One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, “Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?”
19 “What things?” he asked. “About Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people.
20 The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him;
21 but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place.
22 In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning
23 but didn’t find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive.
24 Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus.”
25 He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” 27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.
28 As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther.
29 But they urged him strongly, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them.
30 When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.
31 Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight.
32 They asked each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?”
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