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| Foxes Have Holes |
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There is an interesting correlation between something that Christ has done to me, and something I've noticed about His life recorded throughout the Gospels.
I've shared much of my story with you,... How I lost everything in a terrible divorce. I wouldn't go into detail, but today it seems helpful. You see, I gave up the lake home, boat, truck, car, everything, in my divorce so my kids would not go without. I took my clothes and flew here to N.C.
I don't know if the children were really what their mother wanted or not, when she insisted on custody, then. As it turned out, her boyfriend didn't want them and the kids soon got scared of being "latch-key".
They got permission from their Mother and I wound up raising my children myself anyway. We lived with my folks for a few months while I got into a house here in N.C.
Then, their mothers lawyer advised her that I wasn't supposed to have stopped paying child support until the Judge said so. I wound up having to pay child support for the first six months that I had been raising them here. That's just the mess that the court system did. My folks, sister, and my boss helped me to get all the money together and I took care of it, but it hurt us,... Let me tell you.
Soon, the child support enforcement agency, started garnishing my other wages for the same amount and my children and I lost our house. You see, their mother had gone to the agency before our court proceedings, for child support (knowing that she had sent the children to live with me).
After the court made me pay for the six months of child support we almost lost our little house. No one bothered to tell the agency to leave me alone and they continued looking for me because they are separate from the court system.
Well, when they finally found me they garnished my salary all over again. By the time I could prove to them I had already paid it, we had finally lost the home. Further, they informed me that they were not set up to collect back any of the overpaid money. They would, however, provide their documents to a lawyer if I wanted to sue her. It would take all of what I overpaid her to drive back to Okla and hire a lawyer, so it was just lost.
My daughter moved into a welfare apartment with furniture my church had given us. My son would go back to his mother and begin a downward plunge into drugs and just other bad things. I moved into a small trailer my boss owned and prayed to God to show me why He allowed it all to happen.
As soon as Justin got back to his mothers, his child support started back up immediately. Months went by and God had not revealed anything to me yet. My son was away from God, my daughter got pregnant and the father would not marry her, and I could not understand why everything was so bad. It just pushed me even closer to God with each blow.
Justin soon turned 18 and was really loosing it out there. He knew enough about God to know He was in trouble but wasn't ready to give up. He had quit school and just did not care anymore. His mother went to csea to file for an extension on his child support. She could do this until he was 21, except for one problem.
"Because I had over paid and never went to court to get it back, Her request was denied." Because she could no longer get child support, she sent him back to live with me.
Suddenly, it all began to fall in place. At the most critical point in my sons life, he was forced to come back to me. My trailer was way out in "nowheres-ville", just he and I. And he had to go to church with me if he lived with me. This was one of the standards I had set years earlier. He started making Christian friends, I got him into a program that eventually gave him a high school diploma. He got his life back together. We were closer than ever before. We visited Christin nearly every weekend and it's just been amazing, ever since.
But the only way for it to have happened was exactly the way it did happen and only God could see it at the time.
I still have no home, no car, and very little personal belongings, and yet, I live better than ever. I have to stay within the perimeters God gives me, but I have need of nothing.
I am free from any kind of bondage and so I can (and do often) get off to myself and get close to God. This experience has opened up a whole new "awakening". My deeper relationship has revealed newer revelations, which I continue to share with you.
I was reading today in Matthew 8 where Jesus says,
20. "Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have lodging places, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head."
Now the thing about this verse is that everywhere Jesus went He had somewhere to stay. Martha and Mary, Tax collectors, etc.,... So what does He mean? It's very similar to what I just shared with you about my life. On one hand, I don't have a place I can call mine. Often, I think about it and I wonder what it means and how it turned out this way, but I trust God.
If we zoom out from the whole Gospel of Jesus, we see how He lived a sometimes lonely life here on earth, just like mine sometime. We see a Jesus who often "withdrew", like we do, praying to His Father, as we do.
"News about Jesus spread fast, and crowds of people were coming to hear Him teach and to be healed of their sicknesses: but Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed (Luke 5:15,16)."
I often have to get away from the people I love, the people I have tried to show how important it is to trust God, and then watch them run out and do something crazy.
In church, often I look around at all the ritual and manmade worship and I feel Jesus is out in the parking lot waiting to be let in. I have to go out to my Dads van and set with Christ there to finish church.
I have had the sense that Jesus is quite lonely, in spite of all the praise, worship, and things which are done in His Name.
How may we prepare a place for the Lord Jesus? What is He searching for? Where is the place of His rest? I believe the most important thing we can do is to prepare a place for the Lord Jesus, to give Him somewhere to lay His head. I believe simple and pure expressions from our heart are what satisfies the Lord's heart and gives Him a place to stay.
After much prayer we have come to understand that most of what is done in the name of "church" is not for the Lord at all, but it is for us. Perhaps this explains why Jesus often withdrew Himself to a lonely place, and why perhaps He is withdrawing Himself from much of what is being done "in His Name".
If I am asked why I do not participate more often in meetings or in gatherings, all I can say is that, most of the time, the Lord's need is not being met in there.
Jesus often withdrew to a lonely place. More and more, we are finding Christians in these "lonely places" who are praying, waiting, and wondering. This is really the first step towards finding a place for the Lord - sensing the Lord's Need for such a place.
"The time is coming - in fact, the time is now - when true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. They are the kind of worshippers the Father is looking for (John 4:23)."
How may we prepare a place for the Lord Jesus? What is He searching for? Here we have some insight into what the Father is looking for, and since the Son is the express image of the Father, we know they are both looking for the same thing. Are we that kind of place? Is the Lord at home with us? Has the Lord found what He is looking for in us?
"He was in the world, but even though He made the world, the world did not know Him. He came to His own people, and they would not receive Him. But the ones who did receive Him also received the power to become sons of God, yes, everyone who believed on His Name (John 1:10-12)."
The world did not know Him, and His own people would not receive Him. This, in spite of that fact that He is the Heir of All Things, and apart from Him no one and no thing was made.
The Lord is seeking spirit-and-truth-worshippers to commune with. In your group, in your meeting, in your heart of hearts - can we let Him in?
"Look! I am standing at the door, knocking! If anyone can hear Me, open the door! I will come in to you, and we will have fellowship with one another (Revelation 3:20)."
We often quote this verse in the context of salvation, but actually Jesus spoke these words, not to lost sinners, but to the Church of Laodicea.
Even with His own people He does not force the door open, but He patiently knocks, and waits.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you. How often I have longed to gather your children together under my wing, as a hen gathers her chicks, but you would not allow it. Now your house will be empty. You will not see Me again until you say, "Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord (Matthew 23:37-39)."
Some ask how the Lord Jesus can feel any sense of loneliness or loss when He has so many children already. The answer is quite apparent. If you have three, or five, or even ten children, would you not grieve over the loss of one? How much more does the Heavenly Father long for all of His children!
Jesus, The Shepherd, leaves the ninety-nine in search of the one. Amen?
You know, the place of His rest used to be the Temple, but even it has become a "den of thieves". He longs to have them, to gather them under the shadow of His wing: but they would not allow it.
There is a place where the Lord is received: but it is outside of Jerusalem, away from the religious establishment, away from the scribes and teachers of Law, away from the Pharisees, Sadducees, theologians, Bible scholars and hypocrites.
Jesus wants to live in our hearts. When I look through the gospel, it is very evident where Christ was welcomed. Those who loved Jesus were at His feet. Not all up in His face, like Martha, but low, prostrate, before Him, like Mary.
Jesus is always looking for Fruit,... Not big shiny leaves. Fruit that grows because it is plugged into the "True Vine". This is a heart that is familiar with Christ. Someone used to getting off alone with Him. A heart that can hear Him and is familiar with Him and what is important to Him. A heart filled with Love.
I Love you. |
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| To add a comment to "Foxes Have Holes" |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| Your testimony will touch the lives of all who read it. You have been through so much, yet it only proved to bring you closer to God. The adversary meant to destroy you, but it backfired. You may not have the things to be called successful in the worlds eyes, but you are complete in the Lord Jesus Christ. You are more than a conqueror! I am honored to know you. God bless you Preston, preacher of God's love. |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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New American Standard Bible (©1995)
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.King James Bible
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. American King James Version
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me. American Standard Version
Yea, thou I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Douay-Rheims Bible
For though I should walk in the midst of the shadow of death, I will fear no evils, for thou art with me. Thy rod and thy staff, they have comforted me. Darby Bible Translation
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. English Revised Version
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me. Webster's Bible Translation
Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shades of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. World English Bible
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Young's Literal Translation
Also -- when I walk in a valley of death-shade, I fear no evil, for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff -- they comfort me. &&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&& Preston: Your ex will regret the life she lived or may continue to if that is the case. Your children were nothing but a meal ticket to her and that is the case alot with broken homes where children are involved. I was a DSS caseworker in the 80's and could write a book about it. The video I posted here today on my first blog is truly sad but it is the truth and is a subject that people choose to ignore. I thank God everyday for the neighbor that found me and my twin in a ditch bank with no clothes on but a diaper and called DSS to come and pick us up in the 60's. We were adopted by our bilogical Aunt/Uncle and raised in a Christian home. I have often thought and again after reading your blog where we would be today had we not been scooped up by DSS. Things do happen for a reason my friend and I thank you for sharing your life stories with me and MC family. God Bless, |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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God is a God of purpose. There is purpose in all of that suffering. Not to say that our suffering is the ideal way to accomplish God's purposes. But for some reason (the perfect reason), he does it that way for now. I gained much by reading this today, Preston. Thanks for writing/sharing it. ~mike
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| Oh my dear friend thank you for sharing all the sadness that God has brought you THROUGH and He went through it with you and has allowed you to grow stronger . Thank you for sharing this and may your walk in fellowship with the Lord bring you yet closer. |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| Thank you Gwen, You have been a blessing to me for a long time now and I thank God for you.
Lynne, There was one day in the 60's when the ditch bank was richer than the First National Bank,... hehe... I Love you so much.
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| Mike n Laura and Liz Bell, I just love you guys so much. Your comments let me know that, this is not a dream, and that what God is sharing with me is not something only I am experiencing. Thank you so much. |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| Good words ... especially good for my heart to hear today. Thank you for sharing. |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| Thank you for sharing this! And Might I add, and I think you'd agree: much of this "stuff" we accommulate (homes, cars, etc.) can come with burden!!! Ohhhh my do we know! So I'm looking forward to downsizing and decluttering...also Mike shared with me what God had shown him about the church of Laodicea. Mike was all like he feels so lukewarm, not having htat same pieace he had before, and God showed him that this particular church were materially rich and lovers of $$ and had become so consumed in all that, they'd forgotten they are DIRT POOR without God b/c God's riches don't fade or rot. Thank you for sharing all this! |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| Oh, I am glad, Grammy B. I have laid Jacobs situation before the Lord. I look to see how the Lord will be Glorified by this, Grammy. I love you. |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| Thanks for sharing that Lara. A good book is called "Traveling Light" but I cant remember who wrote it right now. It is all about the Stuff, both material and mental that gets in the way,,, slows us down, distracting us from the closer relationship with God. |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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God does have a reason for everything & traveling light is great. People have always teased me, saying if I have to move everything would fit in my car; even when I had a Yugo. LOL Hey, the car got me back to Florida from Denver & that car God used to teach me humility. I lost everything when I moved to Denver & this was about a year after I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord & Savior. I didn't know what was happening, until after it was all over. God was teaching me many lessons & I thank Him for those lessons. It is impossible to drive a Yugo & be prideful. Great post, Preston & I appreciate you so much. |
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| April 30, 2009 |
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| I love you too, Panda,... Hey,.. is a Yugo actually considered "a car".. lol.. gotcha! lol. don't mean to play down the real point here, though, because it did get you where God wanted you. In a world so clouded by decsption, people kill each other because their "car" got scratched. It just is terrible. You have the right attitude about stuff Pandabear! God Bless you and thanks. |
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| May 01, 2009 |
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 [star!] |
Dear Preston,
It does not take very much to be happy. Amen? You truly have a heart filled with love, and clear eyes. Your story is beautiful. It's not tragic at all. For some, it would be.
I see myself when you talk about finding God in lonely places, and worshipping Him there. When I go to Church, I love the music and everything about it. But the times I am the closet to Him are when I am alone.
My relationship with God has grown since I've been home-bound these last four years. I thank God for this illness. Despite it all, I wouldn't change a thing. Because I cling to Him fiercely, and I praise Him. I have hope because of Him.
Christ lives in you and in me.
Love,
Joey |
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| May 01, 2009 |
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| Joey, I'll tell you,... that kind of testimony that you just gave is 'part' of what causes such a noise in heaven! Like a giant airconditioner hum,... but BEAUTIFUL, and NOT MECHANICAL,... CONSTANT,.... PRAISES,... HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! IS THE LAMB OF GOD. AMEN. I LOVE YOU JOEY. |
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| May 22, 2009 |
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| [star!] |
My dear friend Preston
I am just now reading this. Thank you for sharing this part of your testimony. God has a way of bringing out the best in His children by driving us into the wilderness. This place is very lonely. I know it very well and go there with relish because I know my lover, best friend, brother, Father and the great I AM will be there to share secrets with me and to show me stuff that is to come. Like you and some others, who are separated unto Christ it is an honor to be so Graced by the calling and choosing of the Almighty God. (I humbly voice this knowledge). I know what you mean also by man's idea of praise and worship and empathize with those who do not know what they are doing and ask Father to please forgive them for they know not what they do. When I attend most meetings I just sit and cry and know it is the Holy Spirit grieving in me and most times it is almost unbearable.. because of this, I have not attended church in many, many months, actually years. The Word does warn us that in the last days there will be a falling away, so that the son of perdition could be exposed.
It is my pleasure to meet you my brother in Christ and I pray that we who are called and chosen continue in the same vein in which we began this journey. I know we will, because Father cannot fail Himself and will complete what He began.
I love you my brother and friend.
Sister Marcia |
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| May 22, 2009 |
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Dearest and Precious Friend, Marcia. I am not free to concern myself with stars, the number of comments, how popular "I" become here, but to only obey the Holy Spirit. You have been with me and several others to watch this Word concerning Love do what "He" has set forth. I came here, lead by The Holy Spirit, after being shown that Love was not the churchs' MOST IMPORTANT teaching, to ask anyone that would listen, if they could see this.
Then, the Lord had me to put "This Thing Called Love" together, and from that we went into the fruits of love and it is just amazing how far He has brought us together. And the testimonies!... That is what has been so amazing to me. God is so AWESOME! I love you Marcia and I thank God for you. |
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