BEAUTY IS HEART DEEP

This post is primarily for more mature audiences; however, young bloods are welcome to partake.

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Joshua 14:10-13

And now, behold, the Lord hath kept me alive, as he said, these forty and five years, even since the Lord spake this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness: and now, lo, I am this day fourscore and five years old.

As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out, and to come in.

Now therefore give me this mountain, whereof the Lord spake in that day;...   

And Joshua blessed him, and gave unto Caleb...for an inheritance.

Numbers 13:30
And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

A few days ago, I grew concerned as I viewed, on me, new signs of physical aging.  Quickly, our Lord dissolved my doubts when I went on someone's blog and read these words, "You are beautiful just as you are."  That particular blog is one that I don't recall ever visiting.  That made it all the more special that our Lord sent me to that post.   Update: Karen commented that it was her blog http://www.hopefaithlife.blogspot.com/ that I visited. 

About mid-week, the doubts crept in again.  Our Lord told me to search in His Scriptures for the word beautiful, and to write some of those subject citations.

Here are the ones that our Lord led me to write:

Psalm 48:2
Beautiful for situation, the joy...

Ecclesiastes 3:11
He hath made every thing beautiful in his time:...

Song of Solomon 6:4
Thou art beautiful, O my love,...comely as Jerusalem,...

Isaiah 4:2
In that day shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and comely...

Isaiah 52:7
How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

The Acts 3:10
And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which happened unto him.

Later that day, I went to Lidj's blog and our Lord led me to one of her older posts.  Guess what it is titled? - "Beautiful."  Tears welled in my eyes as I marveled at how our Lord so dearly met me where I was.  

A bit later, I went out and walked.  I had on earphones as I listened to a gospel selection.  Our Lord so moved upon me that, right there in public, I got demonstratively happy in the Holy Spirit.  Tears flowed down my cheeks in glorious gratitude to our Lord.  At one point, I was so filled that I stopped walking and lifted my arms in holy adoration.  I'm not ashamed to praise our Lord in public places.  For those who are inclined, here is a link to a post that I did called,

"PUBLIC PRAISE" http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2010/11/public-praise.html

As I continued to walk and cry in love to our Father, repeatedly I sang these words, "We're beautiful."  I was overcome in the Spirit in a wondrous way.  Glory to GOD'S amazing name! 

American society, for the most part, does not promote love, respect and appreciation for those who are mature in age.  They label "old" as unappealing and unattractive.  That is NOT what GOD believes nor should we, HIS children.  Hey people, GOD'S Word says:

Psalm 74:12
For God is my King of old,...

Psalm 92:14
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;

Luke 2:36,38
And there was one Anna, a prophetess,...she was of great age...

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

Yes, when we get older, things do "go south," but hey folks, Florida is in the south.  It is called the "Sunshine state."  We older ones are in SONSHINE STATES.  We must purpose not to let the younger folks dismiss us.  We must refuse to believe that we are less attractive because of physical aging factors.  And we should not be obsessed with outward beauty.  That is worldly conduct. Of course, we should do our best to look attractive and appealing but obsession is sin.  1 Samuel 16:7 says, "...for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."   

About four years ago, I stopped coloring my hair.  Yes, I would look younger if I colored it.  I reached a point when I said, "It is what it is."  One of my then coworkers approached me about my gray hair.  She expressed concern that it wasn't attractive.  I kindly informed her that "It is what it is" and that I wasn't going to color it anymore.  I'm confidently satisfied that it's attractive to the Lord, as well as to me.   

Also, our Lord led me to streamline my possessions and to, overall, simplify my life.  He revealed that my time investments were too much focused on stuff.  I testify here that streamlining and simplifying has allowed me to put more emphasis on the more meaningful things in life - most especially - time with our Lord.   My gratitude is immense that our Lord shared that with me.  The benefits are priceless!

Each age category has benefits.  We are to be thankful to our Lord, regardless.  Since the focus of this post is primarily about the more mature in age, here I will share some benefits to remind us of our value.  The more mature oak trees provide shade.  The seeds and saplings haven't progressed to that level yet.  We more mature agers have wisdom chests - accumulated over years.  The saplings gain from our wisdom.  We, those who love and serve GOD, know more about who we are - for the most part, we have found ourselves.  We have loved and lost - been there done that - and are wiser for the experiences.  We are more apt to recognize and discern those who are up to no good.  We are typically not inclined to feel entitled - rather we are appreciative of the gifts from GOD.       

Here next I will share about outward image pressures.     

Particularly, in the entertainment industry there is a focus on outward beauty.  Entertainers, and celebrities are pressured to look good.  They do Botox, peels, and surgery in desperation to retain outward beauty.  It is such bondage to be obsessed with physical appearances.  I feel, particularly, for those in the entertainment industry because they are "forced" to engage in the outward beauty chase to continue to make their livings - at least, that is what they believe.  When JESUS is not Lord in lives, deception is a major presence.  

This made me smile:

I saw a woman with a t-shirt on that stated, "I'm not fat, I'm fluffy."  

The other day when I was out and about and walking, our Lord had me to approach people and address them as beautiful and handsome.  One question I asked some folks was "How long have you been beautiful?"  I approached men, some with numerous missing teeth, and said, "Hi handsome."  So many people smiled.  It was such a pleasure to express to them about their beauty.  

At one point, I came upon a man who was heavily drunk.  He was sitting on a step drooling, and he looked barely conscious.  There were a bunch of people yards away.  I walked up to the drunken man and said, "Hi handsome.  How long have you been handsome?"  He seemed to quicken a bit.  One thing that I know is that our Lord told me to say those words to that man.  I believe that the spirit in him heard what I spoke.

As I walked away, two women looked at at me incredulously because of what I spoke to that drunken disheveled man.  I kindly said to them something like, "We can see his dysfunction but some of us are jacked up on the inside where it isn't outwardly visible."  Later our Lord shared with me that that man is somebody's son, somebody's father, somebody's loved one.  We don't know, he could be a future minister.  GOD called him handsome for a reason.  Romans 4:17 says, "...before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."

1 Corinthians 4:18
While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.  

We, as children of GOD'S kingdom, should not focus on the things of the world.  Our holy roles are not to subscribe to the world's standards.  Romans 12:2 says, "And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."   

Colossians 3:1,2
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Love, Sandra
your mature aged sister who is immensely glad to serve GOD, our "King of old" - Psalm 74:12.

GOD calls us beautiful.  His witness surpasses all others. 

1 John 5:9
If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater:...

Sandra

Written Saturday April 16, 2011

NOTE: This topic is posted also on my READ ONLY MAIN blog, LIONS SHARE MAJESTY at http://www.lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/.  The bulk of the responses to this topic are found in the comment section on that blog.  Here is the specific link to the subject topic there http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/04/beauty-is-heart-deep.html

SCRIPTURE JOY, AND WE ALL NEED TO CHANGE

Scriptures are from the King James Bible.

Philippians 3:12-14

Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

We all need to change - sinners and Christians.  Of course, sinners need salvation and to accept JESUS as Savior, and to choose to obey the Word of GOD.  We, Christians, need to change, as well.  Recently, I heard a pastor express that some Christians are born-again but they are NOT holy.  I believe that, often, Christians are the butt of jokes in mainstream society because holiness is NOT a lifestyle for many people who profess Christ as their Lord and Savior.  If holiness is steadfastly on display, the results will be more respect and reverence for GOD. 

Certainly, holiness, in demonstration, brings on persecution.  But it is one thing to be mocked for righteousness sake.  It is quite another thing to be mocked for unrighteousness sake.   

Herod had John the Baptist killed because John was holy.  Even though Herod had John killed, the Bible states in Mark 6:20, "For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly."  

In the book of  Exodus, as wicked as king Pharaoh was, he knew that Moses was holy.  In the book of 1 Samuel, it reveals that Saul knew that David was holy.  It says in 1 Samuel 18:12, 14, 15, "And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, and was departed from Saul.  And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him.  Wherefore when Saul saw that he behaved himself very wisely, he was afraid of him."  And 2 Samuel 3:1 says, "Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David; but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker."  Clearly, our Lord is with those who are holy.

In the book of Daniel, king Darius knew that Daniel was holy.  He was "sore displeased," and could not sleep because he had had Daniel placed in the den of lions.  Daniel 6:14, 18 states, "Then the king, when he heard these words, was sore displeased with himself, and set his heart on Daniel to deliver him: and he laboured till the going down of the sun to deliver him.  Then the king went to his palace, and passed the night fasting: neither were instruments of musick brought before him: and his sleep went from him." 

In Daniel 3, king Nebuchadnezzar knew that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were holy.   He made a decree in Daniel 3:29.  It states, "Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the GOD of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other GOD that can deliver after this sort."  And Daniel 3:30 states that the king promoted the three men with the furnace testimony.  Specifically, it states, "Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, in the province Babylon."  Babylon was the region of their captivity!  Our GOD is NOT limited by our placements or our circumstances.

Are we holy enough to be recognized as such?  Do we steadfastly shine as Moses did in Exodus 34:30?  It says, "And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone;..."  As I shared in a previous post, when I lived in Tampa, a crack addict said that she saw an aura on me.  Also, when in Tampa, I rode the bus the second time with a man when he said to me, "I see JESUS all over you."  I didn't mention those accounts to boast of me, but to boast of the power of our Lord when we steadfastly and utterly yield to His will.  When we are holy, heathen and Christians KNOW it.  We can glory in tribulations when they come as a result of our holiness.  Romans 5:3 states, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also:..." 

Holiness is an ongoing process.  If we don't continue to move ahead in our Lord, we become "stuck on stupid."  The other day I said to our Lord, "I need to change."  He will lead as to how that needs to develop. 

Yes, we help sinners, but we should remain mindful that sinners help us, as well.  Some of them are kinder and more generous than some Christians.  Numerous sinners volunteer, and serve others.  Overall, do enough Christians serve others?  Or do we do more to serve ourselves in the safe and comfortable confines of our homes and church buildings?  Galatians 6:2 says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."  Do we sufficiently fulfil that law of Christ? 

I feel pity for sinners who don't know our Lord, and pray regularly for their salvation.  Increasingly, though, I feel pity for, and pray for those Christians who have been born-again for years yet choose to be carnal.  The result of such choices is that, for the most part, those Christians are spiritually unprofitable and dead.  Romans 8:6 says, "For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."  Their unwise choices to be about death means that the best of GOD is unavailable to them.  How pitiful is that?

We all need to change - sinners and Christians.  We need to help each other.  There are lessons that we gain from sinners and there are lessons that they gain from us.  We all have valuable contributions to make from our pool of experiences.  We shouldn't outright dismiss the knowledge and wisdom bases of sinners just because they don't know our Lord.  GOD has deposited valuable talents and gifts in ALL of His creations.  When I lived in a homeless shelter, our Lord allowed me to learn from drug addicts and alcoholics, and He allowed them to learn from me.  I am grateful for their deposits into my character base.  Please know that I don't promote being friends with the world.  That is biblically unsound.  I do heartily promote that we seek our Lord for discernment in how to lovingly and wisely engage with others - sinners and saints.  

We all need to change.  For the glory of GOD, what changes do we need to make in our attitudes, and lifestyles?  How can we better serve our Lord, and others?  Love must be a core ingredient - without love, we are nothing.  

We must evolve.  None of us has arrived.  We are all students and teachers.  We won't truly arrive unless we do the will of our Lord, and when we exit this earth to arrive in heaven.  Until then, we must evolve to become better and better with a steadfast aim for the BEST.  That can only be successfully done with GOD as our FIRST LOVE.  

Why settle...when the optimum is attainable?

2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:1
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 

Sandra

Written Tuesday April 5, 2011 

Sandra Renee Hicks
P.O. Box 1210
Washington, DC  20013

Written Tuesday April 5, 2011

NOTE: This topic is posted also on my MAIN READ-ONLY blog, LIONS SHARE MAJESTY at http://www.lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/.  The bulk of the responses to this topic are found in the comment section on that blog.  Here is the specific link to the subject topic there

http://lioneaglesoar.blogspot.com/2011/04/scripture-joy-and-we-all-need-to-change.html