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Mary Magdalene is referred to in early Christian writings as the "apostle to all apostles" and "the favorite apostle." Most of us think that Mary Magdalene had a notorious reputation. Many speculate that she was a prostitute, but the New Testament never said she was. And now, in recent years, we have a lot of stories about Mary being Jesus' girlfriend and even wife, which of course we also have no record. But, Mary Magdalene was a very important disciple! All four Gospels mention that she was a witness to both the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
And there was given to me a thorn in my flesh… 2 Corinthians 12. There are many schools of thought about what was Paul's thorn. What is clear is that it was a messenger of Satan. The purpose was so that he would not be conceited about his revelations in God. Paul wrote this to a people who were confused about an apparent contradiction in the life of Paul. He moved in great revelation and miraculous power. But it seems that he was buffeted violently by something, which threatened all what was revealed and the miracles. This something was a messenger from Satan. He was given permission by God to afflict Paul.
The Lord is good. Christ "ever liveth to make intercession" for you and all who have received Him (Hebrews 7:22). Let's allow what He has done and continues to do be fulfilled for His glory. Since Monday morning, I've been reminded time and again of what I used to hear from various people, ones who would go in to do various orthopedic rehabs with my Mother over the years. They would say to her: "I'm here to get you started, but you will have to do the work." Notice that I didn't say they were there to do 'various orthopedic rehabs for my Mother,' but instead they there to do them "with my Mother."
Are you waiting for good things to come? Sometimes good things are on the way from God but it may take time. I can remember when God used to do good things and answer prayer within a few days. He was always doing something in lightning speed and doing something often. But as time goes on God wants to develop faith and patience in us and He doesn't answer as fast as he used to or may not be doing as much things. That doesn't mean He is not going to do it. It just means we have to be patient. Maybe you have been waiting for a while, well its coming.
Last night I had a dream and the Lord spoke very clearly and highlighted the word "FORTIFYING." Fortifying definition (and some synonyms): strengthen (a place) with defensive works so as to protect it against attack, strengthen, secure, protect, invigorate, strengthen, energize, enliven, liven up, animate, vitalize, rejuvenate, restore, revive, refresh. (Google.com) The Lord showed me specifically how He is fortifying His people and what they carry, from the inside out. Many of you have been knocked around, tossed to and fro by attack and opposition that has come against you lately.
So there I was looking at this pile of ashes I call my life; when I started to see these unfamiliar, unexpected pieces lying underneath. And I thought to myself, "What are those? And what in the world am I supposed to do with them?" It's strange because I thought I knew all the pieces. I thought I'd taken proper inventory. I thought I had, but there they were – residues of truth waiting for me to uncover. This is all metaphorical, of course, but there is a lot of verity in it – years of chronic illness and trauma; years of misdiagnosis and loss; years of suffering and pain; years of working to recover.
For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; the flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land. (Song of Solomon 2:11-12) Hear the Word of the Lord, beloved of God. I hear the sound of life bursting forth from dead places. What was thought to be totally lifeless and gone the Lord says will sprout again. There is new life coming that was thought to be lost forever. I see people who have given up all hope of restoration after terrible, devastating losses suddenly smelling and feeling the gentle rain (blessings) being poured out and brand new life bursting forth. Can you sense the sweet, pure scent of rain? Don't you love it?
The other day my daughter told me about a woman who believes she is a cat. It seems safe to say that the attack against identity is running rampant. It also seems safe to say that discovering our true identity is on the Lord's heart. Recently, at a routine doctor's visit, two of the questions they are required to verbally ask, surprised me: 1) Are you a female, male, or other? 2) How would you like us to refer to you: she, he, or other? After I laughed and made sure they weren't asking because they couldn't tell the answer, it hit me: lack of identity has become an epidemic.
One of the definitions of redeem is to fulfill. Another is to recover or take back. Jesus said that Jerusalem would be trodden down by the Gentiles (nations), until the times of the Gentiles were fulfilled (see Luke 21:24). Obviously, the time that other nations controlled Jerusalem ended during the Six Day War in June of 1967, when Israel took back the old city of Jerusalem from Jordan. After hundreds of years, the ancient Biblical capital of Israel was once again under Israeli control.This happened suddenly, just as did the rebirth of the nation of Israel in 1948, which I believe signified an acceleration of time, speeding us toward the fulfillment of many Bible prophecies.
I sit down with hundreds of individuals throughout the year. Sometimes it's a business transaction, but other times it's an eye-opening conversation. Like I described last week, some people are especially gifted at discussing the deeper things, and that often means hard topics. "Do your clients ever try to ask you about politics?" I hesitated before answering a new client of mine. I've been around long enough to know when I'm on the precipice of a volatile conversation, but this didn't feel like one of those.
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