BeLOnGings

 

A few nights ago I woke, as often happens, after about three hours of sleep.

Like Samuel I’ve learned when this occurs to say, “Speak Lord for your servant is listening.”

My attention was then directed to the Father’s day card pictured above that I had spotted on my rather cluttered bedside table. Someone (likely Hilary) had just put it there.

All five ‘Ss” of this series are mediated by the Spirit of God whose “still small voice” alerts us to our Father’s words coming to us continuously in the midst of life, Simply, Specifically, Sovereignly, Scripturally and Symphonically.

The Symphonic voice was that of our daughter who picked the card and mailed it across the ocean to her Dad. It was a Simple message. It was sent Specifically to me. The repositioning of the card to my bedside that day was Sovereign as my heavenly Dad then whispered in the night from the truth of Scripture;

“You ARE LOVELY…… because you know you ARE LOVED.”…………..“..and we who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory are being changed into his likeness with ever increasing glory, which comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” (2 Cor. 3:17) 

At our FREEDOM! retreats here at Rivendell at one point we play the following clip from Lord of the Rings:

 

“Liar! Thief!! Murderer!!!”  You can fill in the blanks for yourself…..”Rebel! Heretic! Lawbreaker!” are some of the other accusations we have fielded over the years.

This is the voice of the “accuser of the brethren”, the ‘father of lies’  He works on the basis that we are still living with an Old Covenant mentality feeding off “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”, and so the accusation is always

“You are wrong!”

The way to answer is not to protest, “I am right!” but to move the dialogue to the foot of a different tree, “the tree of life” who is JESUS, and reply,

“I AM LOVED!……..and every wrong, true or imagined, has been covered by the blood of Christ.”

That is the key (better than the ring) that Smeagol discovers….. that sets him free to recover his lost innocence. “Master looks after us now!” (Notice what is standing behind Smeagol in this dialogue when he has this revelation!)

For us it is even better, “Our Father looks after us now! He is our loving Creator, our merciful Redeemer and Sovereign Lord over all things!”

Each one of us too then breaks free “to dance and sing” with Smeagol, “Free! Free!  __________ ‘s free at last”  as we learn to identify the true voice of God speaking in our hearts.

I started this blog just before Hilary and I drove north to our friends near Duluth. Kevin has just finished a series about how the seed of the gospel can grow and flourish within the culture that Creator gave the Ojibwe people. It is said this was the genius of Patrick in winning the Irish. He understood the Celtic culture that God had given in order that the gospel message might be received into it –  “As a hand into a glove”

It is Jesus Christ who Redeems and Full-fills every culture

As we were leaving, Carol said, “I have made something for you, and disappeared inside.” She reemerged with this.

 

The Dreamcatcher traditionally in Native culture was hung above a bed to catch bad dreams allowing only good dreams through.

Carol received from the Holy Spirit that she should put the tree of life in the centre of the circle. Beneath the circle she had hung a cross enfolded in eagle feathers.“…how I carried you on eagle’s wings and brought you to myself” (Ex.19:4)

The circle of course also appears in the Celtic Cross – acknowledging God’s work both of creation and of redemption.

Carol knew nothing of my writing that morning about ‘the tree of life’, nor of the question I had wanted to ask them that day, “Is the Dreamcatcher – good or evil?”

I reckon our Father who knows all things also knows what we need to know and when we need to know it!!!

This is the scripture and prayer she had also been given:

 

Once more a lesson not to feed off “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil”… but off “the tree of life”.

 

I remember Esther de Waal once making the comment the Celtic Church was not creation centered, it was Christ centered and creation filled. As I placed our new gift in my study, Izzy our cat seemed to give both the Indian and Irish Christ centered cultures her nod of approval : – )

 

“And Jesus went about doing good and healing all those those who were oppressed by the devil.” ( Matt. 4:23,24)

It’s a joy and privilege to join with Jesus in his work and this description of his life is a good summary of the emphasis of our service since Father moved us into Rivendell in 2002.

The first half of our 24 years in America involved much traveling nationally and internationally, but the second half has been shaped by “The Big Green House” on Parkview Blvd., where we have been able to offer many people a home and the family experience they have never had, and to host regular Freedom! retreats where we have seen dozens of folk get “Unbound”

Jesus said, “If they persecuted me they will persecute you also.” (Jn.15:20) Jesus was crucified for ‘doing good’ and so it should be no surprise, and our joy and privilege, when we encounter opposition in simply following his example.

As we move through  judicial process with the local City I have read again the accounts of Jesus’ trial in the 4 gospels and have been pondering Jesus’ few chosen words;

“You would have no power over me if it were not given you from above.” .….affiriming the sovereignty of our Father in all things,

“My kingdom is not of this world, if it were my servants would fight.” …..affirming the radically different way we are called to live and respond when under attack in ‘this world’

“……for this reason I came into the world, to bear witness to the truth.”

This did not mean asserting ‘facts’ in a courtroom. but continuing to conduct Himself there in the same way he had privately and publicly over the previous 33 years as a true son authentically reflecting the nature of His Father.

One of the scriptures that describes this nature is, “A father to the fatherless a defender of widows” (Ps.68:5). James tells us genuine religion in the sight of God the Father is to care for the orphans and widows. (Jm.1:27)

Again this rings true to the direction we have been lead over the last years……wakening up to “Good Morning’ Dad!”  is the foundation of our life together and the retreats we host  The blog from August 17 2017  “Of Widows and Windows” describes the outworking of the second part of the verse.

So what has the blog title got to do with all this?

Well K.I.S.S. stands for Keep It Simple Stupid. It brings us to the fifth S in this series.

“I Will Speak to You – SIMPLY.”

Jesus said, “I thank you Father, that you have hidden these things from the wise and learned and revealed them to babes.” (Matt.11:25)

I believe to better hear God speak we need to not be smarter...but to be simpler…more childlike. 

Let me give one recent personal experience of this ‘Simple’ communication;

As I lay in bed ‘listening’ a few nights ago, Father drew my attention to one of a number of you who have been standing with us in this current skirmish. This particular sister we have never met in person but through our music and blogs we have connected in the Spirit, and she will frequently now respond to my blogs with little email encouragements! Last night it dawned on me the significance of her names. Her given name – is Sarah

This name of course brings to mind the story of the miraculous birth of Issac, the child of promise…. but this happened only after  Abram had tried to help God along through Hagar birthing Ishmael. Well God always gives the flesh opportunity first before confirming as Jesus said, “The Spirit gives life; the flesh accomplishes nothing.” (Jn.6;63) That’s why both Abram and Sarai both needed to have a name/nature change! The Hebrew letter ‘hey’ that was added to both their names signifies ‘the breath of God’ for it is “not by might nor by power but by my Spirit” that God’s will is then accomplished through Abraham and Sarah (Zeph.4:6)

Our current address on PARK-VIEW continually reminds us that God doesn’t need our help….all we need do here is simply “STAND STILL and SEE the salvation of our God.” (Ex.14:13 and 2 Chron.20:17)

Then I realized our friend’s last name was…….

Hadad……or should that be Ha! – Dad.

Isaac means “He (God) laughs”. This then is the laughably good news of the New Covenant…..that we will NEVER succeed in our own strength, and our Father laughingly affirms – He will ALWAYS succeed in what he purposes – by His Spirit!

This is why we read “Jesus held his peace” as he trusted completely and surrendered utterly to his Father’s will at his trial. Our prayer is that we too will not ‘fight’ as the world does, but simply stand with Jesus who “entrusted himself to him who judges justly”….. thus bringing life through his “obedience unto death….even death on the cross.” (1 Pt.2:23, Phil 2:8 )

Thank you Sarah Hadad for bearing “witness to the truth”………Simply by your name : – )

And one final chuckle…..I first time I heard the K.I.S.S. technique defined this way by my friend “Fanta” Clark, a retired bishop in the Anglican church in Ireland. Recalling this I wondered which diocese he was responsible for, and discovered…. he was Bishop of ARDAGH : – )

Do you recall the August 27th blog?

Boy does Our Da have a quare sense of humor?!

 

 

 

Yesterday we appealed the city citation which finally did arrive on our 43rd Wedding anniversary. Interestingly we discovered 43 is the number for Contention and is the 14th prime number and 14 is the number for Deliverance. So once again the numbers assured us our Father knows exactly what is happening and that in the end “All will be well” : – ) We simply need to play our part as do all the other ‘actors’ in this sovereignly scripted story.

The citation appeal was rejected yesterday, and so now we face escalating fines…….. and are waiting on Father for next steps on this journey.

But did I not say a few weeks ago “Romantica (Love) releases the ‘Outlaws'” ? 

Yes. I believe that has been done in the heavenly court, but how and when that plays out in the earthly realm we are yet to fully discover!

You may also remember this little fellow;

……and the associated blog “Caring for Those who have Fallen Between the Tracks.” posted on May 9th.

Essentially that is what we are being  challenged on by the City, or rather by the one unhappy (new) neighbor who is saying she will sue the City if they do not enforce the code and have the two extra people in our home evicted! We have 4 non-Kyles living with us currently, in the Big Green House; the code allows for only two.

Hilary and I have decided we will continue to walk in faith and love and receive people we believe God brings to our door and offer them hospitality in our home in accordance with His law.

The other day we were riding our bikes along the same trail where we met our little turtle friend. As we rounded the corner to cross the tracks that he had fallen between, we were shocked to see the stationary railway carriages pictured above!

We had never seen a train on these tracks before, much less a stationary one!

As we paused and stared I realized, “There it is – Father’s message right in my face!” 

You see the first part of the number is my first choice ‘password’ (with one digit missing….so as you don’t try and rob my bank account : – ) The second part of the number 49 is the Jubilee number….God’s ultimate law of grace!  The Citation number is 98 which is two 49s. This also happens to be my credit card security code (again with one digit missing so you don’t rob me that way either : – )

What are the chances?…… the timing!…….. the location!!………the message!!!

Infinitesimal……… unless of course there is someone orchestrating things who knows every detail about my life including my secret codes……..and of course there is. Luke 12:7 says my Father knows the number of hairs on my head (though that gets easier every year : – ) and Ps 139 says that every detail of every one of my days is written in His book – every thought, every move.

Why so?

It is not so that He can exploit such information to manipulate us or sell us something like a Great Big Google Monster in the sky. It is in order that the sharing of this information in our intimate communications will lead us into deeper love and communion…..like Hilary and I.

This is the fourth “S” – God speaks to each of us, “Specifically” not in broad generalities but in a unique lover’s language that only “we two” share.

 

A few weeks ago was Memorial Weekend when we remember the departed.

The following Monday morning Raine asked us if we’d heard the ruckus the previous night.

“No?” I said.

She then went on to explain how during the night, little Mni woke her, and said there was something in their room. Raine who had been working with Mni to help her handle her fears, kept reassuring her,

“There is nothing to fear….. God is looking after us”.

Mni lay down again but (like Samuel) kept on insisting,

“There is something in the room Mom!”

In an exasperated attempt to reassure her, Raine turned on the light.

“Ahhhhhhh!” She shrieked………. as there on the ceiling above her bed was – a bat!!!

She called on Gilbert for help, and he was able to catch and escort our little friend to the outside between two tennis rackets!

We had at that time been preparing to take Carolyn, our Canadian friend back to her homeland. Her Minnesotan husband who had died a year before was known affectionatley by friends as “Batman”. His business was to remove these critters from folks homes! He had blessed us a number of years ago by doing so in “The Big Green House”

Interestingly that same Sunday night I had been awakened and realized I was being given a song, ‘from the other side’. I rose and went to the Upper Room to make an iPhone recording of what I was hearing. When the next morning we heard the bat story we all chuckled as we recalled our departed friend Mark, and connected the timing of this song on Memorial Weekend with our bat visitor……the first since “Batman” had cleansed the house 6 years previously!

That weekend our hearts had also been heavy with the result of the Irish Referendum the previous week and the threat of death now hanging over Irish children being woven together in their mother’s wombs. We were also saddened by news that the young son of friends in Belfast had just taken his own life. Together with the images of derelict housing estates as a result of the economic crash a few years ago, the first lines of the song had risen up out of my heart,

Though the darkness of death sweeps over the land

Though the houses stand empty built upon sand

Though the young lives are taken by their own hands……

It moved into a broader commentary on the ‘deadly’ state of affairs worldwide in what we euphermistically call, ‘the land of the living’ ……. and then the chorus came, inspired by the words of Julian of Norwich, author of Revelations of Divine Love.

“All will be well. All will be well. And all manner of things shall be well” 

I had an encounter a few years ago with one of our children who never saw ‘the light of day’ on this earth because as a result of a neural tube defect he was aborted through a natural miscarriage. The message I received from the Lord at that time showed me our son had entered a greater light on the other side.

This morning I paused on my run in a the midst of a wooded area. I was pondering the ongoing difficulty we are currently walking through with the City as a result of a neighbor’s complaint.

Birds were singing all around, but one song in particular caught my attention. Looking in that direction I spotted the singer as he flew down to perch on a branch just above my head as if sent to deliver his message. He sang his song with an exuberant confidence. On he flew……and then I heard the Spirit whisper the interpretation of this ‘tongue’.

“Do not fear my friend, my brother….Our Father has everything in hand….All will be well.” 

These various ‘messengers’ from our heavenly Father all brought the same message from ‘the other side’. Here it is:

 

 

This week’s two photos were taken from our bed!

The photo at the beginning is a photo of our grandson Ravi at the beginning of his life – at 10 days old! It sits opposite our bed. The name Ravi means, “Son”. It seems he has not yet forgotten what it is like to gaze into his Father’s smiling face.

The photo at the end is of one of our glorious summer sunsets.

Both remind us that no matter what troubles we may be facing in the present, we can trust the One from whom we’ve come and to whom we will go, and that, “All will be well.”

Accepting the Sovereignty of God in ALL things is the door to a broader yet more intimate conversation.

Our youngest grandchild Asher now has a handful of words. When he visits he goes straight to the video pile, picks one up and repeats, “Watch! Watch! Watch!” My reply is simply “Yes” or “No” That’s a limited conversation! It’s where he’s at, but my hope is that in a few years time like his older cousin Ajay who recently asked “Papa, how do you know God?” our conversation will develop.

Last week we went to Canada.

While there a friend asked me in an email,

“Is it ministry or vacation?’

“Yes.” I replied, for to us life has always been one seamless whole as we look for his hand and listen for his voice in EVERYTHING. As a son seeking to join with my Father in his work, whether that be cleaning the toilets in a Computer City store or singing a hymn in front of thousands it is not about what I am doing but about who I am doing whatever I am doing with! Remember?…… “and being with you nothing else I desire.”

The instigation of this trip was the sense that we should help a friend move back to Canada. As Carolyn and Hilary rode together in one packed car, I followed behind in another.

The 16 hour drive through the beautiful U. P. and around the Great Lakes was a pleasure as I was conscious of Creator’s peaceful presence, prompting from within, confirming from without.

I realized that I had been qualified by nature and by nurture to pray with godly protocol for this territory we were now crossing.

At the border our current Queen, Elizabeth, hanging on the wall behind, had overseen the inspection of our British passports as we entered this part of her Commonwealth. I noticed Kings and Queens, Victorias and Crowns were everywhere to be seen. Of course photos aren’t allowed at Immigration (or while driving) so here is one we took subsequently in a Canadian antique store : – )

As we drove by Derry and Cookstown we came to our destination on Ardagh Street. It had obviously (to me) been named by an Ulsterman who wanted to honor his father rather than his mother by tweaking the name of the cathedral city of St. Patrick. Somehow the Google maps lady and even the locals got the pronunciation for “Our Da” (as in “Our Ma”) hilariously wrong! So the Ulster Scots influence here was also very strong. As we turned the final corner onto Wright Drive, I knew our joking Da’ was directing every foot of the journey!

Then of course the two languages everywhere was a constant reminder of the French presence. Again I recalled the special bond we had with our brothers and sisters in Nice who translated, re-recorded and performed the entire Come Lord Jesus musical in French in France.

Last but not least, in fact most importantly, came the Native piece. for shortly after arriving on “Turtle island” we had been welcomed to this land and then commissioned by dear friends whose ancestors were Ojibwe chiefs – the original inhabitants and stewards of this region.

God speaks to me (and hopefully through me) in songs, and as I allowed different tracks from my catalogues over the years to rise up one by one, into a Spirit directed “MIXTAPE”

“Lord Jesus we enthrone you, we proclaim you our…. chief.” I began to sing

The Spirit then added the words “Standing here in the midst of us….. you are the one who knows our grief.” As I glanced to the sky I noticed a spread of feather clouds in the form of a chief’s headdress.

Song followed after song.

I came to the end of the Flame, “Then as one we’ll rise…….” I noticed a sign ahead for a town – LIVELY 19  

The number 19 is the number for faith. A sign pointing toward the day when those who have died in this faith will be raised to life!

“Jesu, nous t’adorons…..” I continued….“Viens seigneur viens et prend ta place.”  Again looking out I noticed Dumont Street

Du Mont means ‘of the mount’ A mountain is a biblical type of government…….. I had in French been asking Jesus to come and take his place as King of this land!

A few days later with the ‘work’ of the move over, Hilary and I realized it would be fitting for us to return home via Niagara Falls. We had both visited the falls alone, but never together, and this did co-incide with our 43rd wedding anniversary…….and then on for two overnights with dear friends in Erie and Chicago with rich fellowship.

In both situations the conversation touched on the blockage that intellectual pride has in our relationship to God. As we continued on our way we found ourselves “lost in Madison” Of course Father again said. “You’re not lost, for you may not know where you are but I know exactly where you are!”

We realized we were driving along Wisconsin Street  at the foot of the State capital. We both knew it was time for us to add Wisconsin State Capital to our list of capitol buildings we have been lead to and so began to sing again together…..

“Lord Jesus We Enthrone You…We proclaim you are King….Come Lord Jesus and take your place…. in Wisconsin” 

He’s a photo of us on our anniversary in front of….. no not Niagara Falls….the Wisconsin State Capital! What a Dad-venture life is when we relinquish control and honor his Sovereignty in ALL things : – )

 

As we wandered around the university campus, centrally dominating in the city I noticed how the values of the University of Wisconsin did not include Humility. “Service” –  yes, but our service can be so full of PRIDE and pride is always wrong whether in an academic institution an LGBT parade or a Church meeting!

 

 

I noticed the beautiful front of St. Paul’s University Catholic Church with the text entreating childlikness. Jesus holds a bible with the text Rev. 3:21 about the one who ‘overcomes’ sitting with him on his throne. Our proud flesh rises up misinterpreting this calling to overcome….as if it is in our own strength. St Paul knew better and in humility acknowledged that it is when we are most weak, that we are truly strong….. in the grace of God that flows to the humble.

While in Erie, Brian shared with me the following testimony given by a man he had met as a student at Purdue University and whose families had become close friends….a man brilliantly gifted by worldly standards but at the same time – humble in spirit.

….and so to one final shot of another MIXTAPE that gave our trip a lift : – )

 

 

 

 

 

 

No, it’s not a mistake!

If you look closely you’ll see I have turned the page from Part 4.  Let me introduce you to another friend of Sam’s and mine – his name is ‘Erb.

I have come to appreciate ‘Erb’s wisdom more and more over the years (which is a shame because much of what is said is directed to us in our youth!)  Handily ‘Erb comes in 31 sections,  so it’s easy to know where you are on this monthly cycle of conversations!

The 16th of each month is one of my favorite mornings with ‘Erb. for here are at least three verses in that chapter that reinforce to me the Soverignty of God over all things.

4. “The Lord works out EVERYTHING to it’s proper end – even the wicked for a day of disaster.”

9. ” In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

33. “The lot is cast into the lap, but it’s EVERY decision is from the Lord.”

So how much does that leave to ‘chance’?

Another verse on this theme that is a favorite of mine is,

“From Him and Through Him and to Him are ALL things.” (Rm 11:36)

“EVERY” and “ALL” to me, is pretty clear!

As I was pondering this on the way home from the grocery store the other morning, a song rose up in my spirit. The words were very simply:

“Nothing is wasted

   Nothing is lost.”

As I was singing it I found I had just come to a halt as Road Works had made my usual throughway a “Dead End”. As I pulled off the main road to turn around my thought was, “It would have been helpful for them to have given notice of this further back.” (which they now have!). But then I noticed a truck parked (photo below) and I realized that even this “Dead End” had a purpose.

Gilbert is a family name, my father’s, my own, and Gilbert’s (formerly Joshua) middle names. It means “Bright Hostage’.  Immediately I knew it was Father confirming what he had been speaking to me about through these circumstances that I had no control over, but that he was completely in control of!

We are indeed at present held “Hostage” to death and decay. That is all we see with the natural eye. But with the eye of faith we see Him who has been raised to a position “above ALL rule and authority.” (Does that mean the Sovereignty of God even trumps the authority he has delegated to me?), and so we can be “Bright” – “rejoicing with unutterable and exalted joy” (1 Pt.1:8) knowing that Jesus, the Son of God and the Son of Man, is the kinsman-redeemer for the whole of creation and it is through Him that EVERYTHING that has come from Him must pass, in order that everything can return to Him……with absolutely “NO LOSS”.

We often hear, for example, of a young life cut short,”What a waste?” So indeed it appears to our natural eye, but by faith we know we can trust, that the one who is over ALL things, from the littleness of a “Dead End” for a shopping trip to the largeness of a “dead end” for a young loved one, will, in THE VERY end, make it ALL good and make it ALL clear.

As if to affirm and encourage me in this “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble…” (Phil.4:8) line of thinking, Father then had me pass these as the next two street signs on the detour!!:

 

Next week we will continue with the third ‘S’ of Sovereignty.