In this episode, I'm sharing some thoughts about the ways in which a pilgrimage mindset and failing to submit to God's process can sometimes lead to idolizing people; and what it can look like for God to provide rest and restoration for our souls in the midst of this wonky world.

A passage for nourishment :: "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith - more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire - may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Though you have not seen Him, you love Him.

Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls." ~ 1 Peter 1:6-9

See Also ::

~ 1 Peter 1:10-12

~ 1 Peter 4:12-19

~ Matthew 11

~ Matthew 28:20

~ Hebrews 5:14

~ Psalm 23

~ Psalm 34:7

~ Psalm 46:11

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

"... for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists, and that He rewards those who seek Him." • Hebrews 11:6

" For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward Him." • 2 Chronicles 16:9

... a reflection on the connection between consecration and preservation.

{clarification on the two anecdotes I share at the end of this episode :: the two instances are unrelated. the person the Lord had me reach out to was not part of a church or ministry I had ever heard of.}

† Scripture references for suggested reading ::

• Genesis chapters 5-9
• Genesis chapter 18
• Malachi {in its entirety}
• Job chapters 35-37
• Esther {in its entirety}
• John 16:33
• 1 Peter {in its entirety}
• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
• 2 Corinthians 1:3-11
• Exodus chapters 1 - 12
• Jeremiah 17:5-8
• Psalm 119:71
• Psalm chapters 34, 73, 85
• Luke chapter 18
• 1 & 2 Thessalonians {each, in its entirety}

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

As we walk with the Lord, we will never grow to a place of independence from Him, but we can learn to be more intentional with Him. An encouragement to prepare our thoughts and emotions as an offering to the Lord ... there's a difference between thoughts and prayers.

References ::

"Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he said, “Come, let us go to the seer,” for today's “prophet” was formerly called a seer." • 1 Samuel 9:9

the phrase, "washing with the water of the word" comes from Ephesians chapter 5 ... we are also encouraged in Romans chapter 12: "Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

a few thoughts on thinking outside of 'turns', having an eternal attention span, and a more steady hope ...

"For God alone, O My soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock & my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation & my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God." // Psalm 62:5-7

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

balance :: a harmonious or satisfying arrangement or proportion of parts or elements, as in a design.

As believers, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be doers of the Word and walk in love with one another ... In John 15, Jesus says, "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." Galatians 5 lists some of these fruits :: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. By this, all people will know that we are Jesus' disciples - if we have love for one another.

« suggested reading :: James, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, The Gospel of John

« referenced writing ~ being near the brightness

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

a little more Sims 2 lore ... purposeful passion ... a comment on ideological pendulum swings ... and a few thoughts on art as spiritual obedience, as emotional compulsion, as expression of an ideal self

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

a few thoughts on humility & persistence in prayer ...

"May the Christian reader be encouraged by this, should his prayers not at once be answered; instead of ceasing to pray, he should wait upon God all the more earnestly and perseveringly, and expect answers to his petitions." ~ George Müller, Release the Power of Prayer

James 1:2-4 :: My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~

"And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." • Philippians 1:6

~ Patient endurance is what we need now. Take heart. ~