A Word Before We Continue

In the discussion of this letter, I realize once again how important it is to "connect" to the heart of God in all of this.  It is good to have our facts straight and a solid foundation to stand on regarding God's great salvation.   However, it does need to reach our hearts in such a way that it's just like a child coming to know their REAL father for the first time in their entire life, after years of being orphaned.  And, that child finding security in the outpouring of love that father has to offer this child.

The Scripture in Ephesians 2:4 says this:  "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His GREAT love with which He loved us..."

Now I'm not 20 years old anymore but I will say:  "Now dig this" in the Amplified Version:

"⁴ But God—so rich is He in His mercy! Because of and in order to satisfy the great and wonderful and intense love with which He loved us..."

The whole purpose to me of pouring over this letter, getting it fixed into the core of our being, is to hold and enjoy our permanent, paid for, powerful, and precious relationship and standing we have with God through Jesus Christ.   So praise God, it's not in order to sit around and see who is right, debate on things, being religious instead of real, and so forth.  At least this is truly where I am coming from - I need the Father God to be real in my spirit, because I know intuitively, this is why our Lord came to the planet:  To save us, bring us into and back to God Himself - the Father God.

Now in rewinding things a bit, if anyone is not settled by the fact that we have become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ alone, then here is what kind of tapes will run in the background like "howling" voices:

"Have I done enough?"

"Am I good enough?"

"Where is God?"

"Who am I?"

These types of questions are in man from the fall.  In my personal experience I found that when I thought I was lacking with God, I would try harder.  Then my experience was like the hamster on the wheel - going round and round and never getting anywhere.  Or, like the hole in the boat - think you've plugged it up, and up pops another one.

Therefore I am BIG on settling the heart exactly like the great old hymn declares:  "Jesus paid it all!"

This fact I've observed and experienced it myself that people can be in the "church" for years and still be distant from God.  As a woman paints her face with make-up to cover up, so a soul can "paint" their lives with outward falsities because inwardly, the connection was never made.  The security was never sealed.  The heart was not deeply touched with the reality of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ on their personal behalf.

So some people are sinning, not because deep down they really want to - it's because they do not know the Gospel - and are orphans.  Some people sin because they are rebellious - want nothing to do with God, because they've believed the devil's lie about Him, about the Truth.  Some people sin because they are blinded by religion (even Christians) and they too, are as in much bondage as the unbeliever, but won't admit it.

All these diagnosis though need discernment.  So if the Word goes forth, the Light can come on.  But may it be the purity of God's Glorious Word and Gospel - for this is the Light God intends to send!

I felt I needed to say these things before we continue on in Romans.  There is no desire in my heart to be sounding like a scholar, or something of that nature.  No, I just want to "sop" up the reality, because like you, I need every drop of God's precious Words of Life!

Just so you'll know - I'm not leaving this planet until I know in fullness.

Love to you,

Sue Gaither