Sharpened
A fleck on His Sword
The Word has been bugging me to post this for over a week. Slow to obey because I hate putting myself out there. He gently recalled something I had posted back in 2009:
The burden is light, the way, narrow
OK, He got me there, but I still dragged it out. The Always Patient, Never-ending Word just kept putting the original title and topic repeatedly in my mind. He had wanted me to call it "Outside the Camp" and to write about my walk outside church and religion, so others in that position could know they are not alone; I am a safe place. I countered, saying I wanted to be more inclusive and focus on the main aspect of my walk, since all believers can have this. He relented by putting my new title repeatedly in my head at random moments. I now understand a little of what Jeremiah went through when he said, "His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." (Jeremiah 20:9)
I do not care if anyone believes me; I did my job. This is a part of His Good News, being able to interact with the Living Word, Spirit-to-spirit. The veil is torn; approach in praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4).
What else can it look like?
A Word or Action that either keeps you from doing something wrong, or tries to stop you in the middle of the wrongdoing. Sacrificing self on his altar of fire (willful correction) daily and reworking the mind with His help keeps this going.
Receiving multiple confirmations about a situation. He wants us to trust His Word.
Obeying His Voice on a whim and avoiding disaster. He wants us to trust Him on a supernatural level.
When it is His Will, things, people, and events fall into place. He wants us to be a tool, an instrument in His Hands (2 Timothy 2:21, Ephesians 2:10).
There have been a few times when I had wanted to do something for someone, but I was too tired to drive. "If this is Your Will, please wake me up at this time." The Lord is fathful; He woke me up at that time, every time.
It is about being a bit of His light in the world, giving others hope and truth in the midst of darkness, not condemnation. Corerection is only for believers. Trust Him to give you the words when needed. (Luke 21:15, Luke 12:12) Many times I had been speaking to someone and realized His Spirit had taken over.
Having Him pick the people who keep you in check from time-to-time. DS2 coming towards me saying, "It is a beautiful day outside, Mom. You should go out and enjoy it." He was nine at the time; that word "beautiful" was atypical syntax for him then and now. It was the Lord telling me to get out the house, something I have a problem with.
I could go on, but this post is long enough, I think.
ETA: I forgot something.
The burden is light, the way, narrow
I get it, now. So simple, it is, so very simple. We are to spread the Gospel everywhere, regardless of what we feel or want… how much we are tormented or damaged. This—this is taking up your cross, submitting to His will no matter what. (Matthew 10:38, Matthew 16:24, Mark 8:34, Mark 10:21, Luke 9:23, Luke 14:27)
What good is fruit if it sits safe in a refrigerator or on a counter and is not consumed? Are we willing to let those who need Norishment take bites out of us until we are no more? To let the core and seeds fall wherever? (1 Peter 3:17, 1 Peter 4:19)That is when Our Father does His best work.
OK, He got me there, but I still dragged it out. The Always Patient, Never-ending Word just kept putting the original title and topic repeatedly in my mind. He had wanted me to call it "Outside the Camp" and to write about my walk outside church and religion, so others in that position could know they are not alone; I am a safe place. I countered, saying I wanted to be more inclusive and focus on the main aspect of my walk, since all believers can have this. He relented by putting my new title repeatedly in my head at random moments. I now understand a little of what Jeremiah went through when he said, "His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot." (Jeremiah 20:9)
I do not care if anyone believes me; I did my job. This is a part of His Good News, being able to interact with the Living Word, Spirit-to-spirit. The veil is torn; approach in praise and thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4).
What else can it look like?
A Word or Action that either keeps you from doing something wrong, or tries to stop you in the middle of the wrongdoing. Sacrificing self on his altar of fire (willful correction) daily and reworking the mind with His help keeps this going.
Receiving multiple confirmations about a situation. He wants us to trust His Word.
Obeying His Voice on a whim and avoiding disaster. He wants us to trust Him on a supernatural level.
When it is His Will, things, people, and events fall into place. He wants us to be a tool, an instrument in His Hands (2 Timothy 2:21, Ephesians 2:10).
There have been a few times when I had wanted to do something for someone, but I was too tired to drive. "If this is Your Will, please wake me up at this time." The Lord is fathful; He woke me up at that time, every time.
It is about being a bit of His light in the world, giving others hope and truth in the midst of darkness, not condemnation. Corerection is only for believers. Trust Him to give you the words when needed. (Luke 21:15, Luke 12:12) Many times I had been speaking to someone and realized His Spirit had taken over.
Having Him pick the people who keep you in check from time-to-time. DS2 coming towards me saying, "It is a beautiful day outside, Mom. You should go out and enjoy it." He was nine at the time; that word "beautiful" was atypical syntax for him then and now. It was the Lord telling me to get out the house, something I have a problem with.
I could go on, but this post is long enough, I think.
ETA: I forgot something.
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