Newness of Life

Warp and Woof: The underlying structure or foundation of something, as in "He foresaw great changes in the warp and woof of the nation's economy." This expression, used figuratively since the second half of the 1500s, alludes to the threads that run lengthwise (warp) and crosswise (woof) in a woven fabric. (Wikipedia 8/10/09) The Lord is looking into the warp and woof of our hearts, examining the underlying structure of our lives in order that He may fill us to overflowing with Himself. He is seeking to pour out new wine, but preparation must be made. In response to accusations that Jesus’s disciples were not as pious as John’s disciples, who fasted regularly, Jesus had this to say: "You cannot mend old fabric with a new piece of fabric, nor can you put old wine into new wine skins." It is unwise because the violent fermentation process would burst the old, hard, dry, wineskins, spilling the precious wine and destroying the skins (Dake Study Bible). New wine ...

All of thy garments smell of myrrh, and aloes, and cassia…” Psalm 45: 8-9 “Come onto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11:28) He is meek, merciful, kind. He will not turn away from the weary soul in it’s imperfection. He is lowly, recieving the broken hearted and the weak into his presence. In His presence, we need not grovel for attention. We already have His full attention. “How precious are thy thoughts towards unto me, Oh God! How great is the sum of them!“(Ps 139:17). In His meek presence there is no need for vigilance in an effort to win his love. It is too late for that, for He has already lavished His love upon us! God so loved the world that He gave his only son. While hanging on the cross, grasping for each slight breath, Jesus had one request for his executioners: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." He is merciful. In th...

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." John 14:26 It is so important that we approach scripture as children, expecting the Holy Spirit to open our minds to Truth. As “churched” believers, (I so dislike that term, it sounds like something that is pickled), we are in danger of approaching the word as if we fully understand it. This attitude shuts off revelation, dulling our spiritual vision and curbing our knowledge of God. We are called to be spiritually quickened, not to pickle in the stagnant pools of familiar church doctrine. This is not to say that church doctrine is a not good and helpful. No, the problem comes when doctrine becomes a wall that shuts us out from Spirit led revelation. But when viewed as a door, doctrine can serve as an invitation, beckoning the hungry heart to come in and explore. It is interesting to note...

We have been issued a divine invitation to partake of heavenly things. In 2 Peter we are told that we have "great and precious promises, by which we become partakers of the divine nature." (KJV). Scripture also speaks of the overflowing riches and overabundant grace in Christ Jesus our Lord. Many accept the truth that our salvation is by faith in Christ Jesus. We ask Jesus into our hearts and believe that we have experienced the fullness of this truth. But nothing could be further from the truth, for we have only just begun to understand what it means to have "this treasure in earthen vessels." What is this treasure? As a young believer I was very much in love with the Lord. I had a deep desire to please Him. Not having an understanding of the nature and power of grace, I struggled within myself to please Him. For a few years my own strength was enough, and my private sense of righteousness went untouched. But in time, I was pulled away from my relation...