Secrets Revealed to the spirit
Jesus speaks of His parables in Luke 8:9. He states that they will operate in one of two ways:
- They are given to reveal the secrets of the Kingdom of God.
- Or they remain parables—so that seeing, they do not see, and hearing, they do not understand.
I believe the mysteries of the Kingdom are revealed to the spirit as revelation, while parables remain at the soul level, left to the intellect to wrestle with and reason through (Romans 2:6-16).
In this light, let's take a brief look at how our spirit might process a parable differently than our soul.
It is a mistake to think that fruit is measured by metrics, growth, and influence instead of character. Thinking in that way is an example of operating from the soul instead of from the spirit. Operating from the soul is to eat from the tree of knowledge. Operating from the spirit is to eat from the tree of life.
With that in mind much of Western (particularly American) thought - especially in "Christian business" and "ministry" - aproach parables such as the parables of the talents or minas through a natural/soulish lens—defining stewardship by numbers, influence, and visible growth.
Perhaps our spirit may view stewardship differently. It seems that God is far more concerned with what He is cultivating within us as oppossed to multiplying our money and possessions. He desires truth in the inward parts and rewards according to the work being done in our thoughts and intentions (Revelation 2:23).
This age is the training ground for the age to come. He has given each of us a measure of grace. What truly matters is how we allow that grace to shape us for His eternal purposes—the very heart of Paul’s message to the Ephesians.
MEDITATIONS: Luke 8:9 | Romans 2 | Revelation 2:23 | Ephesians
The pining soul.
"The dear Redeemer Who loved us from eternity, and 'formed us for Himself', will not leave the pining soul to the second-handed tinkering of others. He will closet us with Himself, and re-speak into us those living words out of His Book that have been spoken to seeking souls in every generation of the world."
– G. D. Watson
Think deeper: Truth in the inward parts, has the Father's attention.
More precious than gold.
Does God desire our happiness, health, and wealth? Perhaps, in the end, He does. But what if that is neither the chief focus nor our ultimate aim in this present age? A more fruitful perspective might be to recognize that God is intimately at work in each believer, refining our souls according to our deepest need, but in light of His Eternal Purpose.
Whether we are joyful or sorrowful, strong or infirm, rich or impoverished, we all stand together in the crucible of God's love, grace, and care—under the hand of the Master shaping His masterpiece. When we grasp this truth, we can experience a rare and steadfast joy: the assurance that our Father is actively at work in our lives. He is preparing us according to His Eternal Purpose.
It is in this understanding that we grow in unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly affection, tenderness of heart, and humility. Thus equipped, we can truly bear one another's burdens.
MEDITATIONS: James 1:2-4 | 1 Peter 1:3-9 | Galatians 6:2 | Philippians 2:13
The Father.
"How have we learned the Father? It would be better for us to know nothing about him than to have learned him wrong."
– George MacDonald
What voices have shaped and are shaping my understanding of the Father?
So Desperately.
Sometimes this world can grab a hold, Hold you down, and make you cold. But all you need is just one touch, From the one who loves you much. Then all the pain of this earth fades away, And you're left with a peace that stays. He's all we have, and He's all we need; We need His presence so desperately. He's all I have, but He's all I need; I need His presence so desperately.
Thank you, Lord, for your grace & mercy.
Whisper in the Dark.
Here is a worldly quote:
“Often we fail to improve our lives simply because things don't get bad enough. If your new job is hell, you’ll leave it, but if it’s just unsatisfying, you’ll likely grind it out. Thus, small problems often threaten our quality of life more than big ones.”
If I ponder that quote, but apply it to spiritual growth, it is very profound to me.Inside me, an unspoken cry of, “there must be more”, pursuing a quiet invisible call of, “There is more!” Upon following the quiet invisible call, I look back and I find myself outside the modern American church.
The comfort from the world is an enemy of spiritual growth. The comfort from the Holy Spirit guides us through the dark. The comfort of ‘church’ is an enemy of spiritual growth. The comfort of the Holy Spirit helps us through raw times of forging and causes spiritual growth.
"There is more." - A Whisper In The Dark
I will attempt to post only when I sense the Spirit in my spirit strum the strings of my soul.
