– Secret Place Insights –
Dear One, last week I wrote to you about how a person might read the Bible simultaneously, in four different places, during the same quiet-time, as suggested by author Bob Sorge. A few days after posting that essay, while lingering in God’s Word, and reading in that manner, I had a Great Banquet morning, one that I quickly recorded so that I might not forget. I am so thankful that I did, for now I can share it with you.
Early one morning:
I began reading the words that our courageous and faithful dear Moses penned in Leviticus 20:23, “You must not live according to the customs of the nations.” I stopped to underline the words, for the words are as true today in this nation as they were thousands of years ago for the Israelites. As I underlined, I prayed that our family, friends, and descendants would take note, consider God and His call on our lives now and throughout all the following generations.
Next, I turned to the book of Psalms. It was primarily written by Kind David, a man who, after committing horrendous sins, was so very repentant that he remained a man ‘after God’s own heart.’ In Psalm 39:5b, David wrote, “Each man’s life is but a breath.” Oh, oh…I lingered on that, for at seventy-three, I am living in the truth of those words. Even what is considered to be a long life, to me, seems to have come and nearly gone in an instant. There is so little time left, and still so much to do. Time is fleeting, and for God’s purposes it should be used wisely. Today matters.
When I turned to Luke chapter 14:15-24, and read dear Doctor Luke’s familiar recording of ‘The Parable of the Great Banquet,’ I encountered something brand new! Oh yeah! Brand new! I sat back on that one, considered, lingered, and loved the newness of an old, familiar story.
Even though we have learned from experience that the Holy Spirit enjoys surprising us, He still never fails to do so, does He? Life with God, what an adventure! Those who think that the Christian walk is a dud, could not be more mistaken.
In that reading of the parable, I read it as if the ‘special’ guests had been invited to sit with God for a quiet-time. And when they declined with various excuses, I imagined what today’s 2018 excuses might be:
I am working overtime this week.
I have to catch up on the news, and the details of the Hawaiian volcanic disaster.
I have to get the car in for repairs.
Can’t make it, that’s my gym time.
I finished the chapter so very grateful that the host issued a second invitation, one that welcomed ‘any’ who would come. For with that invitation, I, and so many others, were now seated at His quiet-time table…what a high honor…and deep, rich blessing.
Still to go, was a visit to Rome, through the Book of Acts, the last chapter, to check out how our brother Paul was doing under Roman guard. Oh, he was doing just fine! He was carrying out his call. He was loyal to God, to the very end, such an example! In 28:31, I read, “Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.” Way to go, Paul. I love you, man.
What a morning I had, walking with the Holy Spirit through the inspired Word of God, re-reading the words penned by Moses, David, Luke and Paul, men who lived their lives, despite all suffering, that others might know God.
“Lord, You bless us so. You give us one-on-one time, and on
top of this, You have for us Heaven as our everlasting home.
Thank you, Lord. May we serve You well this day. Amen
Blessing for another week,
Susanne
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