Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our friends and family. Your lives bless us beyond measure and we are so very thankful for you! Much love and big hugs  ~ Shaun and Betsy

Own Independent Way: The Hard Way 12-9-14

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but

in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Prv.11:14

“Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but

in the multitude of counselors they are established.” Prv.15:22

Hasty decision-making and overexposure to worldly advice and can lead one astray. “Cease listening to discipline, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” Pv 19:27

(Knowledge: da’ath means discernment, understanding, wisdom)

Do you know anyone wrestling with this right now? Perhaps your “boat is rocking” and you, or a loved one, is feeling antsy in decision-making? May we learn to draw our security from the great stabilizers: Jesus, His Word, His Spirit in us, and His counsel through God-honoring counselors.  His discernment (or the lack of it) can make the difference between success and failure, victory and defeat.

“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” declares the Lord.

“You execute a plan, but not Mine, and make an alliance, but not of My Spirit.” Is 30:1 

“Be careful how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise.” Eph 5:15 

(Walk: peripateo means to regulate one’s life; Wise: sophos means

forming the best plans and using the best means for their execution.)

When we choose to follow our own independent way, are taking the hard way.

“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but

in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Prv.11:14

“The rebellious dwell in a parched land.” Ps 68:6b

(2 biblical examples from Moses and King Josiah of Judah: In Ex 2:11-14, Moses, acted in haste and made a serious blunder, which in turn caused his reputation to be discredited and forced him to flee his home in Egypt. And in 2 Chr 35:22-24a, against God’s wishes, King Josiah insisted fighting a battle which in turn cost his life.)

This said, there are times when the Lord prompts us to act quickly.

(2 biblical examples from Abram and Paul: In Gen. 12:1 God tells Abram to without delay, leave his native country with his family and go to the land God would show him.

And in Acts 22:17-18 God prompts Paul to quickly flee Jerusalem.)

Regardless of “haste or no haste”, what matters to God is our submission to His promptings. (Versus following the path of our impulses)

Obedience and submission lead to His absolute best for us. (And “best” sometimes comes in the form of inner forte and divine insight!)

May God richly bless us as we follow His lead this week.

Much love and hugs,

Shaun and Betsy

Dreams, Visions and Re-ordering Relationship

“I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy,

Your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.”

 Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28

On September 15th, Shaun turned in his “daddy badge”, Betsy turned in her “mommy badge”, and together we closed a treasured chapter of life. With kids out of the house and both pets having died in recent months, we are definitely amidst a season of “re-ordering relationship”. For us, embracing divine change in this season entails a lot of travel.

Just two days ago we experienced a very intriguing commuter plane flight. Shortly after boarding and taxiing off the tarmac, our pilot announced that one of the airplane engines was not functioning, and we’d be pulling back to the gate. Long story short and some time later, we boarded a different aircraft and took our seats, Shaun on the isle and Betsy by the window. (We’ve found our inconveniences are often used for God’s greater glory, so we emotionally “just went with it”. All the while, Betsy was reading Dreams and Visions: Is Jesus Awakening the Muslim World? by Tom Doyle.)

Our first plane wasn’t fully occupied, but the second was at full capacity. Wouldn’t you know, the last man on the plane politely asked (in his Middle Eastern accent) if he could take the only seat remaining…the one between us. With a smile, “of course” was our reply.

Right away, Dreams and Visions caught Farhad’s attention. Having just returned from Tehran, Farhad’d heard stories of “a man in a white robe appearing in dreams”. (Jesus is on the MOVE big time in the Middle East!) Intrigued, Farhad and Betsy conversed as he showed her surprisingly lovely lush photos of his homeland. Their hearts and eyes uttered profound spiritual exchanges, and in the descent to landing, Betsy felt prompted to ask Farhad if he would accept her book as a gift, after all, this book had been a recent gift to her.

Farhad accepted the book, held it to his heart and tenderly uttered, “I will treasure this forever.” Then we prayerfully parted ways. (Betsy inscribed the cover and also wrote down the contact info for two of our Persian friends to whom Jesus appeared in their respective dreams, prompting their conversion from their Muslim faith to boldly following Jesus.)

It’s comforting to know that Farhad is beloved and treasured by Jesus, and that Christ will make Himself known to anyone who genuinely desires to know Him. It’s thrilling to partner with Jesus and watch Him “ooze His love” on precious souls through interaction and prayer.

“The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Pet. 3:9

Are you experiencing a season of re-ordering relationship? If so, embrace the changes. (And thank goodness we have Jesus to leads us by example…like in Jn. 2:3 when He left the season of being a boy, modified His family relationships and began His public ministry!)

God has magnificent plans for each season of our lives. May we live every moment for Him! 

Much love,  ~Shaun and Betsy

Miracles Abound in Him 10-20-14

“For I have come down from heaven 
not to do My will

but to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Jn. 6:38

“Walking on the water is easy to the impulsive pluck, but walking on dry land as a disciple of Jesus Christ is a different thing. …It is inbred in us that we have to do the exceptional things for God; but we have not. We have to be exceptional in the ordinary things.” O. Chambers

Personal story: Many of you know that Betsy has increasingly struggled with being able to focus/think clearly this the last year. Doctors recently discovered the primary reason:  a node in her heart throwing an extra 30,000 beats a day, causing decreased oxygen to her brain and extremities. Long story short, Betsy underwent a heart procedure 2 weeks ago to “kill the usurping node”. And this is where we witnessed 2 miracles:

First miracle: 4 days prior to heart surgery, Betsy went in for a normal teeth cleaning and showed the dentist a loose crown. Over a 2 yr. timeframe she’d regularly told him this crown was loose, but this time he agreed that he needed to take a closer look.

~By the end of the next day, Betsy had undergone oral surgery to clear the reservoir of infection, place an artificial bone in her jaw, graft gum tissue to cover the hole, and infuse her with antibiotic to kill any remaining infection.

Miracle: Had Betsy not had the routine teeth cleaning, the large infection would have gone undetected and Betsy could have died with the heart surgery 4 days later.

(Additionally, Betsy shared the Lord with her oral surgeon who enthusiastically exclaimed, “I know why this happened to you, Betsy…so you could come share Him with me.”)

Next miracle happened on the operating table 4 days later: Betsy underwent a 2hr 40min. heart procedure with ZERO anesthesia (the doc needed to “jack” her heart and took no risks with sedation.) ~Infused with adrenaline, Betsy was “hyper aware” of the lively discussion taking place in the operating room. As the docs administered drugs to give her a literal heart attack, lying motionless, naked and hurting, she candidly shared the Lord and His promises.

~At 2 hrs 20 min. the procedure appeared to be complete, and 3 of the 4 catheters to her heart were pulled. THEN, as friends from all over prayed: “the 4 sec miracle”. Betsy’s heart started throwing PVC’s every beat (the usurper node was still alive, and 1 cath was still in)

~The doctor became animated, ecstatically barked orders, and told Betsy “brace for pain”. The room became a fluster of activity as the doctor went into Betsy’s heart through the one remaining catheter, found the “usurper node” (who was nuzzled up next to her aorta), burned him dead twice, and then enthusiastically verbalized this miracle to his entire team!

Now, breathe….…and let’s return to Oswald Chambers’ quote of being exceptional in the ordinary things. ~We fully recognized heart and oral surgery aren’t “ordinary”. The point is, in our own assessment we Cleary’s have felt somewhat sidelined from what we thought was our “calling” this last year, sidelined from “doing exceptional things for God”.  How wrong.

God is in charge of the calling. God engineers the circumstances. God gives the platforms.

Our job is to be so tightly connected with Him, we live and breathe His essence, infusing His glory into every circumstance/relationship we find ourselves, whether grand or ordinary.

May we choose to live light in His love and strength this week.
Much love, ~Shaun and Betsy



A picture of Betsy before her first swim, post surgery. Happy girl.

Convergence 10-14-14

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as

SIGNS to mark SEASONS and DAYS and YEARS’”   Gen. 1:14

We believe that God uses the heavens to tell His story. His handiwork guided wise men of old and continues to guide the wise of today.

”The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Ps. 19:1

His creation of the sun and moon in Gen. 1:14, is particularly noteworthy. In addition to light and heat, the sun and moon serve 4 additional purposes: signs, seasons, days and years. These words hold different connotations than most of us are accustomed to:

Signs: “'owth” means signals, warnings (can refer to a method of communication from God)

Seasons: “mow`ed” means appointed season, set feast (can refer to the Jewish Feasts)

Days: “yowm” means a division of time (can refer to the Jewish Holy Days)

Years: “shaneh” means a division of time (can refer to Jewish Sabbatical Years)

Could it be, in addition to the lights in our universe, God placed the sun and moon in our skies to not only provide necessary heat and light to sustain life, but as signals/transmitters of/for His divine messages? Many Jewish and Biblical scholars today think so.

No one knows the time of Christ’s return (Matt. 24:36), but we’re held accountable to know the signs.

“Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door.” Matt. 24:33

Sociological, geological, astronomical, and political events written in Scripture from long ago appear to be converging. Prophetic events written thousands of years ago seem to be synching.

Super volcano threats (Yellowstone roads melting 7/14), pestilences (like Ebola), blood moons (4 in 2014-2015, each landing on Jewish Feast Days), solar flares, earth grazing asteroids, famines, droughts, hurricanes, large red bodies of water, masses of dead fish, beheadings, end-time biblical alliances, nuclear threats, the rise of ISIS, rejection of Truth, embracing the lie, the list goes on and on…(Matt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21; Dan. 11; Ezek. 38-39; Ps 83; 1 Tim. 4; 2 Tim. 3-4; 2 Thess. 2; Is. 17; Revelation; Acts 2:16-21…)

Looking at this list is disconcerting! When anxious let’s remember Jesus’ encouragement:

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Jn. 16:33

“ I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Rev. 22:12

Living light in His love and strength,

Shaun and Betsy

The One Enthroned in Heaven Laughs 8-18-14

“The One enthroned in heaven laughs.” Ps 2:4

In light of recent events worldwide, comfort is to be found!

The Psalmist in Ps. 2:1-12 is equally troubled by current events. He inquires:

“Why do the nations conspire (tumultuously assemble) and the people plot (devise, growl, mutter and roar) in vain? The kings (heads of state) of the earth take their stand and the rulers (gov’t authorities) gather together against the Lord and against His anointed (Believers). They say, let us draw away, separate and tear apart Believers bonds, and cast down their interwoven unity.” 

Sound familiar? Enter God.

“The One enthroned in heaven laughs! (sachaq: to make sport, jest, mock, ridicule)

He will speak to them in His wrath, and vex them in His sore displeasure.”

God advises these heads of state:

“Be wise. Be warned.

Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.

Kiss (be equipped with) the Son (Jesus). 

Blessed are all who take refuge (put their trust, hope and confidence in) in Him.”

Solomon, “the man who had it all”, also counsels us to place our trust, hope and confidence in the Lord… otherwise, he warns, this life is truly meaningless. He urges us to be open-handed with our lives before the Lord instead of vexing our spirit with empty striving. Sgs. 4:6

For us personally, this month has meant being open-handed with everything … from Betsy’s immediate heart issues, to facing 2 hurricanes and box jellyfish in Hawaii, to empty nest changes in 3 weeks, to career decisions, … even to Shaun’s choice of new dark brown large reclining living room cigar lounge couches (in our beach house)!

“If God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, He will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”

Matt. 6:30

“Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you.” 1 Pet. 5:7

May we give our utmost to the One who gave it ALL. He’s coming soon.

Much love and hugs,

Shaun and Betsy

Colossal Persecution 7-7-14

“Christ’s love compels us.” 2 Cor. 5:4

Believing brothers and sisters around the world are facing colossal persecution of epic proportion, yet likened to holocaust years, much of the world in remains uninformed or silent.

“He will be a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

Is. 8:14

“Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles.” 1 Cor. 1:23

“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing,

but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

1 Cor. 1:18

“We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ

among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

To the one we are an aroma that brings death;

to the other, an aroma that brings life.”

2 Cor. 2:15-16

Facing injustices? Be “fully convinced that God is able to do whatever He promises.” Rom. 4:21

Beheadings, crucifixions? “Make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.” 2 Cor. 5:9

“If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Jn. 8:36

We here in the USA just celebrated our country’s Independence Day. We are humbled as we read this account of what happened to those who gave us what we enjoy today:

http://whatreallyhappened.com/RANCHO/POLITICS/DOCUMENTS/the_signers.html

God bless.

He is coming soon. ~Shaun and Betsy

It's Happening....! 6-23-14

“The LORD of Hosts says, “The day of judgment is coming… But for you who revere My Name, the Sun of Righteousness, will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.” Mal 4:1-2

Lord of Hosts… Sun of Righteousness….

Let’s explore these names:

Lord: Jehovah = "the existing One"

Hosts: “tsaba’”: means host of an organized army; host of angels; host of moon and                         stars; host of whole creation

Sun: “shemesh” means sunrise out of the East; sunset in the west; publically; openly;    shields and glittering, shining battlements.

“For as lightening comes from the East is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man…they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven

 with power and great glory.” Matt. 24:27, 30

Righteousness: “tsedaqah” means judge; ruler; king; messiah; vindication; justification; salvation of God and people.

“I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for He judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns. A name was written on Him that no one understood except Himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and His title was the Word of God. The armies of heaven, dressed in the finest of pure white linen, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth came a sharp sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod. He will release the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty, like juice flowing from a winepress. On His robe at His thigh was written

 this title: King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” Rev. 19:11-16

Let’s now read the above Malachi scripture with its “fleshed out” context:

The Existing One, Host of all of creation, angels, moon, stars and the armies of heaven says: But for you who revere My Name, like a sunset is seen in the West or a sunrise in the East, I, Jesus am coming with My heavenly armies. ALL will see Me: Magnificent Messiah, Ruler, King and Judge, who brings God’s vindication, justification and salvation to peoples of earth. You who revere Me will rise with healing in your wings and you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

Prophesy is unfolding at a rapid pace. E.g.: Just this week, current events in Iraq (remember Babylon will be the epicenter of evil in the last days), Christian beheadings in numerous nations, rampant evil judges who devise wicked schemes…

“When you see all these things, you can know His return is very near, right at the door.” Matt. 24:33

May we be ready.  Much love this week. ~Shaun and Betsy

Course Change? 6-2-14

“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” Matt. 7:21

Do you know someone dear to your heart that professes Jesus as Lord, but by his or her actions denies Jesus?

“The Lord is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent.” 2Pet. 3:9

God constantly sends messengers to “woo” rebellious hearts back into His loving embrace.  He declares:

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before Me.” Mal. 3:1a

Prepare “panch” means:

to turn, clear away, to turn away, to put out of the way, to be turned back.

Way “derek” means:

course of life, journey, direction; of moral character, manner, habit or way

“Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come…says the Lord of Hosts.” Mal. 3:1b

Lord:  “Yehovah” means: the Existing One

Of Hosts “tsaba” means:

that which goes forth; host of an organized army; host of angels; host of sun, moon and stars; host of whole creation.

Do you see this? God, the Existing One, who goes forth as HOST of an organized army, Host the angels, Host of the sun, Host of the moon, Host of the stars and

Host all of creation constantly sends messengers to woo us back to Himself!

…“Messengers” who clear away rebellious habits, turn hearts away from sinful pleasures and destructive life courses, and towards Lord God.

Remember, likened to infectious leprosy, sin numbs, deteriorates, and separates us from those we love, including God. Yet, we have glorious hope, just as Jesus heals infectious diseases, He heals the sinner who repents, then showers us with blessing.

As we pray for our rebellious loved one, let’s ask ourselves, “How am I walking?”

(And…Perhaps you’re sensing: “The Spirit of the LORD is upon me, for He has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, the blind will see, the oppressed will be set free.” Lk. 4:18    God Speed. Xo)

Love and hugs this week; He is coming soon.

Shaun and Betsy

Resting as He Stands 5-20-14

“She turned to leave and saw 
someone standing there.  It was Jesus.”  Jn. 20:14

Are you amidst an ocean of trial? Overwhelmed and sinking? ~Between the sets of “trial waves” a simple breath is akin to sucking air out of a straw while choking on salt water, whilst pining for instantaneous remedy?

Alas, aside from hearing a trumpet blast and being raptured to heaven, there’s no “magic wave of a wand” that will make all perfect. But this does NOT mean give up.

If we’re to endure this season (and come out stronger on the other side), we’re wise to bear in mind that God always has purpose in trial. If God has allowed “it”, He’s allowed “it” for a reason(s)…for ultimate good, not evil. With these higher purposes in mind, perhaps we can find comfort knowing Jesus is standing by our side amidst our shaking.

We Cleary’s have found a comforting truth recently:

Sometimes Jesus stands: “yatsab” stationing Himself by our side as a friend and guide during a season when we’re exhausted, confused, overwhelmed, or simply “being called” (like with Moses and Samuel: Ex. 34:5; 1 Sam. 3:10)

At other times Jesus stands: “histemi” establishing Himself immovably as our protector, provider and avenger (like with Mary and Stephen Jn. 20:14; Acts 7:56)

Still, in other occasions He stands: “amad” as our Righteous Ordainer, the enduring, steadfast Holy One who remains forever faithful (like with Israelites Ex. 17:6; Ps 105:10)

Indescribable comfort and peace await those who choose to “rest” in the arms of God. What does “rest” mean, you ask?  Among the many ways, here are two:

One avenue is simply choosing to believe God at His Word regardless of circumstance. (Remember, in order to believe God at His Word, we have to know God’s Word, invest time in, meditate on, pray over and sing out His Scriptures.)

Another avenue is through the intercessory prayers of others. A friend told us recently, “When you are too exhausted to pray much more than, ‘help, Lord’, that’s when you rest in the prayers of faithful friends.” Amen.

Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him…God has told his people, ‘Here is a place of rest; let the weary rest here. This is a place of quiet rest.’”   Ps. 37:7; Is. 28:12

Love and hugs,  Shaun and Betsy

Time is Short 4-16-14

“Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is short.” 
Rev. 12:12

The secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the One who now holds it back will continue to do so till He is taken out of the way (the Rapture). Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of His mouth and destroy by the splendor of His coming. The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains (which increase in intensity and frequency)…

Mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.

Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 

(2 Thess. 2:7-12; Matt. 24:6-8; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:32-34)

Our world is changing rapidly. Hostility to God Almighty is fierce. Opposition is

*persistent (with a goal to wear one down),

*promotes deception (through propaganda and twisting/denying truth),

*instills fear (which distracts, discourages, paralyzes, steals joy & causes retreat), 
*and is very personal (isolates then pounces). ~Neh. 6 is an excellent case study.

Yet we can take heart: He, God, who is in the Believer, is greater

than he, the devil, who is in the world. 1Jn. 4:4

How do we access God’s power? Spend TIME with Him. Immerse ourselves in “True reality” by immersing ourselves in His Word, worship, prayer. See Pv.1-2

Living in light of authentic reality and His unfailing love, xo.  ~Shaun and Betsy

Messy Refinishing 3-24-14

“We are Christ’s handiwork.” Eph. 2:10

The hardwood floors in our home are currently being sanded to virgin wood.  The end result promises to be amazing, but before enjoying this gorgeous handiwork, we get the privilege of living through an enormous mess… every nook and cranny of our home covered in polyurethane dust. Furthermore, because we waited so long to begin this project, the sanding is all the more intense, the dust deposits are twice as thick, the stink is longer lasting, and the cleanup effort will be mammoth.

What does this have to do with my life you ask? Analogous to refinishing wooden floors, is God’s refinishing “the rough living spaces” in our personal life, a messy and inconvenient process. Let’s explore an example:

After years of oversight or neglect, Believer Joe-Mary recognizes an area that is in need of a spiritual overhaul. Joe-Mary earnestly comes to the Lord, fervently prays, and eagerly gears up for the “holy sanding”, fully entrusting life to the Master Craftsman.

The process begins and the inevitable “grime dust” gathers in every nook, seemingly affecting every area of life. As the dust mess gets thicker, Joe-Mary starts to lose sight of the end result and glamorizes former conditions.  As with the Israelites in the desert after God rescued them from oppressive slavery (Ex. 16), Joe-Mary becomes disheartened, starts to grumble, desiring to call off the whole exercise (after all, “the disheveled floors of my life weren’t really all that bad were they?”)

It is at this juncture, Joe-Mary has a choice: Truly trust God, the Master Craftsman, thus avail self to the Lord’s full makeover? Or trust the idea of God (Is. 29:13), and assign ultimate trust to self by simply quitting or reverting back to what’s comfortable? (Stated another way in the form of a personal question: Who’s on the throne of my life, God or me? …Am I abiding in His way or my way?)

God tells us:

“Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life,

which is corrupted by lust and deception.

Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.

Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy…

Think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world.”

(Eph. 4: 22-24; 1Pet. 1:13)

Hard process? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely.

“No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1Cor. 2:9

In this together.  ~Much love and hugs, Shaun and Betsy

Helplessly Confused? 3-4-14

“When Jesus saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Matt. 9:36

Today, do you find yourself confused?

We are all sheep in need of a shepherd, ask yourself “who/what am I following?”

“The reason why many are still troubled, still seeking, still making little forward progress is because they haven’t yet come to the end of themselves.

We’re still trying to give orders and interfering with God’s work in us.” (A.W. Tozer)

Discipline breeds discipline. And…

Fools despise wisdom and discipline. (Prv. 1:17)

Self-indulgence breeds self-indulgence. And so…

Amidst this foolish self-indulgent society, navigating life IS confusing!

But there is hope:

 Jesus said, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens,

and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28

(“Rest” means to refresh, allow to recover, of calm and patient expectation.)

Tozer shares, “An infinite God can give ALL of Himself to teach His children.

He does not distribute Himself that each may have part,

but to EACH He gives ALL of Himself as fully as if there were no others.

…We need never shout across the spaces to an absent God.

He is nearer than our own soul, closer than our most secret thoughts.”

Fact: No one ever “arrives” in this life; challenges persist until our final breath.

We Cleary's have learned to embrace challenges instead of being defeated or jaded by them. For us, this equation proves powerful:

• God is sovereign, He’s in complete control, and He loves me dearly.
• God has my best in mind; hence, if God is allowing “this” in my life, He has an exceptionally good reason. (God does not allow things for no reason.)
• Amidst this particular “yuk” God desires me to grow/mature in some way for my benefit. (And perhaps for the benefit of others as well.)
• So then, let’s get on with it; Lord, I am glued to You and Your lead.

We love you and are so thankful for you. May we seek our true Shepherd together.

Shaun and Betsy

“Not that we are competent in ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

…Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” (2 Cor. 3:5, 12)