Picture This

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[Janet Easson Martin]

PICTURE THIS

We are basically familiar with the story Jesus told of the Father with an unconditional love and inheritance to give each of his two sons. We learn how forgiving and compassionate this Father is when tested to the max. We feel his immense joy at the return of his lost son. Putting deep emotion before proper protocol, in running a great distance to embrace his son, HE FELL ON HIS NECK & KISSED HIM, probably with tears of joy streaming down his cheeks.

Picture Your Heavenly Father embracing you like this. How he must long for us to really picture this.

[margaret]

Great post, Janet.
It reminds me that I need to re-read Henri Nouwen's "Return of The Prodigal Son."

[Janet Easson Martin]

A MARVELOUS Friday for us:


https://media.swncdn.com/cms/CW/38873-219.webp

[Janet Easson Martin]

Seeing with New Eyes

“Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again.

Acts 9:17-18

As I read the passage about Paul’s initial encounter with Jesus and especially this verse, I considered that this real life story not only shared the miraculous physical healing of his suddenly blinded vision, but perhaps also the parabolic language of spiritual sight. Before his conversion Paul was obviously spiritually blind to the Messianic ministry of Jesus. Though he was very knowledgeable about scripture he completely missed it’s major announcement and its divine indentification of God’s Son. When Paul received restored eyesight, he was also filled with the Holy Spirit at apparently the very same time. I’m guessing he saw with very new eyes. He now saw everything through a whole divine perspective (as he trusted the Holy Spirit).



Even as a believer we can miss “seeing” so much if we are not filled with the Spirit by trusting God in the moment. A John Michael Talbot old favorite of mine with it’s beautiful chorus, “Behold Now the Kingdom, See with New Eyes” always made my soul soar because it moved my focus off myself onto Jesus and His Kingdom. There is no greater contentment and peace than to experience His Kingdom in this life now.


Link to Original Version by John Michael & Terry Talbot
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_kHSsVnfcD7Yh23fvvgh9ibZjgkbphhZaQ

Link to Immanuel/Behold Now the Kingdom by John Michael Talbot & Michael Card
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-B7psaog3ss&feature=youtu.be