The Delusion, Keep Watch 6-26-12

“God sends a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie.”

2 Thess. 2:11

The Spirit clearly says that in later times, some will abandon the faith and follow seducing spirits. They will not put up with sound doctrine, but will gather around them a great number of “teachers” to say what their itching ears want to hear…teachings generated through hypocritical liars whose consciences have been seared.

People will refuse to love the Truth and so be saved. Tragically, it is for this reason that God will allow a powerful delusion, so that they will believe the lie. ~Aren’t we seeing this kind of “buy-in” today?

Jesus Himself warns His kids that many will come, claiming to be “Savior” and will deceive many.

He warns us that we will hear of wars and threats of wars, but not to panic, for these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. But all these only the first of the birth pains, with more to come (increasing in frequency and intensity).

Jesus tells us that when He returns, it will be like it was in Noah’s day when people were enjoying banquets, parties and weddings right up to the time Noah entered his boat. Then holy guacamole...SURPRISE!...the flood came and swept them all away. ~This is the way it will be when Jesus returns.

Currently, we are seeing these kinds of events, subtle and not so subtle, from increasing natural catastrophes to mind-boggling technological advances, designed to whittle away at our psyche until one day, the something like Rev. 14:9 will seem quite logical and reasonable to folks. ~ For we know that the increase of deception always brings with it the increase of personal strongholds. And as these strongholds tighten their grip on individual lives, fellowship with the Spirit is strangled and wickedness is loosed.

So keep watch! For we don’t know what day our Lord is coming. We must be ready all the time and when we see all these things, we can know His return is very near, right at the door.

Let’s be ready.

In His unfailing love,

Shaun and Betsy

References: 1Tim.4:1; 2Tim. 4:3; 2Thes. 2:10-11; Matt. 24

"Over Here" Encounter 6-19-12

“Because we belong to the day,

we must live decent lives for all to see.” Rom. 13:3

Living for our Lord in a world that embraces the contrary is tough.

Sometimes God needs to take us “over here” to learn more of Him, conform and transform us before He takes us back “over there” to prevail in a situation or restore a relationship.

Personal question: 

If I am currently experiencing an “over here” encounter, 
am I whole-heartedly allowing God to change, prepare, and equip me 

with “over there” understanding in order to bring about 
triumph and restoration for His glory?

In this thing together,

Shaun and Betsy

In Paul's Good Company 6-12-12

“I want to do what is good, but I don't. 
I don't want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.” 
Rom. 7:19

When feeling defeated in our own internal struggles we should take comfort knowing that we are in good company. “Constant battle” caused even Apostle Paul’s stamina and internal resolve to grow weary at times.

Let’s look at what Paul has to say in his own words:

“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate…. And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is right, but I can’t. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway.

 …I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. I love God’s law with all my heart. But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me.

Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.

Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death…. 

Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace.” Rom. 7:14-8:6

Paul’s take home advice for us? No matter what:

• Stay intimate with Jesus (saturate our minds: pray, worship, & fall in love with His Word)
• Obey His promptings (with accountability) 
• Allow the Spirit to toil within (vs. personal determination)

Time is short.

"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.” Rev. 22:12

In His love and strength,

Shaun and Betsy

Fully Known, Wholly Loved 6-5-12

“Love each other. Just as I have loved you,

you should love each other.” Jn. 13:34

Simply said, in our humanness, we’re ugly to the core. And learning how to truly love another ugly human being in our own self-sufficiency is nearly impossible.

Yet, as we learn to admit our own personal inadequacy and fully lean on the infinite resources of God Himself, He transforms us from within and teaches us how to love as He loves.

In intimate relationship,

1. To be loved yet not known is typically superficial lust that will not endure.
2. To be known yet not loved is one of our greatest fears, so we hide.
3. To be known fully and loved wholly is divine love our hearts yearn for.

What kind of love do you fancy? We Cleary’s desire #3!

The question is then, are we willing to give Him full control of the reigns on our life and our relationships?