A Foggy Situation

Hebrews 12:1-6

12:1 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:

"My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD,

Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 

6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens,

And scourges every son whom He receives." 

NKJV

Are we looking for a successful conclusion? But does that conclusion involve that one ultimate "thing" that in a life of faith we will actually sit down in the presence of God?

From the above passage, Jesus has gone before us. He ran the race, who is the Author and the Finisher of our faith. If we keep our eyes of faith on Jesus, then we certainly come out in safety, reside in green pastures where we lie down in God's presence and His peace.

Almost two decades ago, I wanted to help out in this Book Ministry at the church. In volunteering I learned a lot about authors of the latter part of the twentieth century. I learned of one specifically who had a publishing company in the Lynnwood, Washington area. 

Many Christians today should know of this man and his heart for God. He had many books published, like New Creations Realities, In His Presence, The Two Kinds of Life, Jesus the Healer, The Two Kinds of Righteousness and the Blood Covenant. Now I only list a few of those great books.

In assisting in the book store one day I was asked to go to the Kenyon Publishing Society and get a few books the church had ordered. I got the list, and headed home. It would be late if I tried to stop off at this book place, so I reserved that time for early the next morning.

Unbeknownst to me, I would arise early the next morning to find fog laid over the entire city. And I was to drive to Lynnwood, Washington. The best thing about it was that I did not have to go by the Interstate but could take the back roads and neighborhoods to get to the publisher.

I backed out of our driveway, and fixed my eyes on the school bus in front of me. The further I went south to Lynnwood, the heavier the fog appeared to me. So during this trip that took about 50 minutes that morning, I arrived to get the books for the church. My job done, I needed to find my way through the fog again.

I certainly was challenged on that trip. I had to continually fix my eyes, not only consistently but with an intensity and focus on Jesus. I was intent on getting home, but I was also intent to arrive safely in the presence of my God and Father.

I do not know if Jesus encountered fog. I know He could not have had a car or even a driver's license. The book He knew was the Torah. But for certain, Jesus is the only one who knows the safest and best path to that goal.

We are not to despise the chastening of the Lord. For correction can come and we must embrace it to grow further in His grace. For He had to love us dearly to send His love to us. And when the chastening comes, we should remember that He, the Father will scourge every son whom He receives.

 That scourge is a contact with us. It is with a cord or strap for disciplining another. I certainly recall a couple of real "discipline" moments when I was growing up, and one was soap on the tongue when I spoke what my parents said was wrong at the time.

I learned not to speak those things and I really learned after the third time I did it. Yikes!

But true discipline is: a love and it is a force that flows from a willing heart for the true God. God has given us His Holy Spirit not to fear.  He has given us power, love and a sound mind to prevail in all situations, including FOG! Holding on to fast to the pattern of sound words we are cultivating a relationship with His Holy Spirit. And within that relationship we are propelled into His power for signs and wonders.

Let's remind ourselves of the joy that was in Jesus. And the walk He took to Calvary was a benefit to me and for you. Set your focus on Him. 
Wherever you go today, may you arrive at your destination safety and in the presence of Almighty God!

Father, we thank You and declare that everything we put our hands to do will prosper beyond our expectations. We declare that with God our Father, all things are possible. We are thankful for Jesus and our focus is set on Him, the Author and Finisher of our faith. We are truly blessed with a clean, wise and understanding heart. For we are the blessed with self-control and discipline. We are blessed with a great family, good friends, and good health. Today we are blessed with faith, favor and fulfillment. We experience promotion, supernatural strength and Your divine protection. Today we walk out of any foggy areas, and the release from captivity. We walk with compassion in our hearts and with a positive outlook on life. For it is in Jesus, that we live, move and have our being. We are the blessed of the Lord and thankful for Jesus. It is in His name, we have given much thanks!


Notice: 

The Voice of Prayer  has two new teaching published:
Meekness: Not Weakness
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckFuD-ZaDxE


Christmas Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKXnnlvjAVA


You can also visit my Youtube channel The Voice of Prayer for more teaching at  http://bit.ly/1tNyBhV