Temporary is Fading
Who are they; those who trot hopelessly to their ruin with the invisible
rider lashing their backs till raw skin remains? Each one limited by the stiff
blinders shielding either side of their eyes, blocking and impairing their
peripheral vision. They are like show horses: doing as they are told, practicing
misleading teachings, fixed in a trance, while remaining thoughtless toward
their untrustworthy owner.
Naturally, we are born as children of wrath, led by the Prince of the
Air. When we remained in the authority of the evil one we were obedient to his
command and enslaved by the chains of wickedness. Only through grace, given by
the Most High, are we ever freed. There is a great war in our mist. From the
beginning of time until the present moment there is an ongoing battle for our
souls. The enemy prowls around like a roaring lion seeking to devour anyone
available to his claws. Greed, hate and the consuming desire for control has
become his mistress.
More often than not, we forget about these hidden powers. We are
distracted by the temporary, visible things we experience on a daily bases. We
have forgotten about the battle. Instead, we have surrounded ourselves with
blankets of safety and settle in the sweetness of forgiveness and love, while
ignoring the trumpet blast for the Saints to enter into battle. As believers we
are instructed to follow our fearless leader, the Sacrificial Lamb, taking up
our cross as we leave behind our own lives. We are to stand firm on the victory
of the Son as we equip ourselves with the King’s Armor. Our lives were not
spared so that we may build walls of security for ourselves, but to build upon
His great and everlasting Kingdom. The task may seem difficult, even painful
due to the demand of dismissing a life of self-gratification. He is worthy! Let
us rest knowing He never leaves us nor forsakes us. His promises last for
eternity and fulfilled to completion.
“His divine power has given us everything we need
for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own
glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious
promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and
escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.”
The illustration of the horse was originally inspired by a newly
acquainted friend from Spain. It’s amazing how you can meet people from across
the world in such a place as ours. Ashton and I had the opportunity to befriend
this woman from Spain during her time of vacation. After conversing with her we
found later on she claimed to have had similar beliefs as we did. But as we dug
deeper into her understanding, sadly her realization of ultimate truth was
dismissed over tradition. The tradition overtook truth, leaving her with an
empty knowledge of the Son’s power and importance. She was raised in a country
that saw ultimate truth simply as another religion used as moral practices, not
a revolutionary life giving gift of grace. She refused to believe the Son to be
the way, truth, and life. She further rejected the Son to be the only way
people can come to the Father and enter into eternity. She believed if you are
a good enough person you will receive entrance into heaven. The wrath of the
Father and His perfect glory seemed unimportant to her.
How often this happens! So many people have a higher view of people than
they do toward the Father and Son. It is so important for Believers to cling to
truth and engage in scripture. Otherwise, we turn our focus from the Son onto
people. We twist our priorities and lower our view of the King. Though the Son
has revived the souls of Believers, the enemy can still twist and manipulate
the mind. Be alert. Be self-controlled. But always cast your anxiousness on Him
who cares for you. We are not in this battle alone. We have the Body of the Son
and the Spirit within.
Our hope remains in the Son. In addition to that hope, it truly is a
blessing to see the Father’s hand over this place. Ashton and I have been
blessed in encounters among local believers here. They continue in their
efforts for the Kingdom as their fire burns brightly because of the Son! The
Father is moving, stirring and rising up His people in this area. This is
encouraging for our hearts, especially when there is still much darkness
dwelling here. Recently, Ashton and I witnessed the largest festival in our
area, the Tabot Festival. This festival originated from Iran. The festival
began due to mourning over the death of Muhammad’s grandson. The festival was
then taken from Iran to our area. As the years have passed animism has crept in
causing fear among the locals. Many believe if our Southeast Asian city does
not participate in such festival, our city will be left in ruins. There are
many evil presences here that have even harmed the very bodies of the
disobedient individuals who do not contribute to the Tabot.
This life is but a breath. Use it accordingly, for only He is worthy of
every moment of that breath. Let our perspective be eternity focused, not a
temporary focus on the fading things of this world. No longer participate in
the pattern of this world, but be renewed in your mind so that you can test and
approve of what His Will is, His good, and pleasing and perfect Will!
I can’t believe how fast the time here has gone…… I literally cannot
grasp time. I feel like a completely different person even in these 6 months.
The Father has been gracious in His patience with me. I have much to understand
as His child. I’m thankful for His presence and consistency in my life. In
Ashton and I’s last moments here we ask for much pr*yer. We desire to share the
Good News to these people: Pr*y for divine appointments, boldness, and words
from the Spirit. Furthermore, I ask personally that the verses from Romans 12
and 2 Peter 1 with echo in my heart and mind. I cling to the promise of His
work coming to completion in me. How much I yearn to know Him more. How much I
crave to please Him. Pr*y my heart will continue to grow in the knowledge and
desire for the Son. Thank you for your constant support in our efforts here.
The unity among Believers is always a comfort and joy to be a part of.
Following verses:
Romans 12
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be
devoted to one another n brotherly love. Honor another above yourselves. Never
be lacking n zeal but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Father. Be joyful
n hope, patient n affliction, and faithful in prayer. Share with the Father’s
people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you;
bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who
mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to
associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone
evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it
is possible as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not
take revenge, my friends, but leave room for the Father’s wrath, for it is
written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay. Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good.
2 Peter
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness,
and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control; and self-control,
perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness and to godliness brotherly
kindness and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in
increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive
in your knowledge of the Son. But if anyone does not have them, he is
nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his
past sins.
