Under Construction

I got a voice mail from Dad last night saying he was ready to talk, and told me when he’d be available.  Honestly, I thought I was ready until I got that message.  It wasn’t one of those, “I’ll just compose myself moments,” as I happened to be with friends and their families.  It was one of those the-dam’s-about-to-break-so-I-better-go-hide-somewhere-and-cry moments.  It was uncontrollable at first.  It got better as my dear friend left our “24″ marathon to drive me to her house to talk, and to remind me of several things to get my focus back on God, and on my dad’s soul where it should have been.  Last night I wanted to call him back, simply to get it over with. There’s no way to prepare for a talk like this emotionally speaking, but I knew I wasn’t ready last night.  I wasn’t prepared spiritually.  I was in no mind set to speak anything to him that would have been of much worth. 

Today is different.  My friend called to see if we had a chance to meet up and pray this morning, as we both were in need.  I could not, so we talked and prayed while I was driving to work – with my eyes open, of course.  This was after hearing part of what I could tell was going to be a great teaching by Chuck Swindoll that included the phrase,”…don’t burn your bridges…”   “Okay, Lord, I get it.  I won’t burn what’s left of the rickety bridge between dad and me. 

What better way to start the day, than dressing with a friend. Let me explain. She prayed over the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18 below) in a way that was fairly unique, and impacting. 

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—”

We began the day fighting the right fight, with the right weapons. “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ…” 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.  By praying the Word our faith was increased ( “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17), and it prepared us for the day, more than breakfast, or a good nights sleep, a workout, or a cup of coffee.  We have continued throughout the day to do the same.  In an email from her I received some more sound truth from Chuck, and the Word:

Philippians 4:4-7  “Be anxious (worry about) nothing…” Worry—from the German word würgen which means “to choke or strangle” Why is it wrong to worry?

1. Anxiety highlights the human viewpoint and strangles the divine viewpoint, so we become fearful
2. Anxiety chokes our ability to distinguish the incidental from the essential, so we become distracted
3. Anxiety twists so many worries around us, that we cannot relax, so we become unfruitful
4. Anxiety siphons our energy and joy, making us judgmental rather than accepting of others, and we become negative

God’s timing is perfect.  I have called my dad to make sure tonight at around 8:15pm EST is good.  He agreed.  Tonight at church is all about being filled with the Holy Spirit (you should check it out www.calvarymelbourne.org). Hallelujah.  I will be prepared tonight to have whatever conversation between my dad and me.  God is good.  He is Faithful and True (Rev 19:11).      

I have much to write since my last entry, but for now just wanted to say that I called Dad at Christmas to tell him thanks for the card and check he sent me.  I could tell he was hurried and didn’t want to have “the conversation” right then, but we both agreed it would best be done after the holidays.  So, honestly without anxiety I await his call once again.  More on this later, but especially after the Lord’s direction and encouragement in church in Kansas I have utter peace about whatever happens with him.  Freedom is a wonderful thing, and I thank God that the best freedom, the truest freedom is not bound by our circumstances, but solely in knowing Him.  Paul was in prison in chains when he told us to rejoice in the Lord.  His freedom was not determined by the law; it was not infringed upon because of his physical position in prison.  Paul’s freedom was found in his spiritual position: freedom is in Christ alone.