The problem with filters...a sequel to previous post
12 Febuary 2013
Scripture says a wife is a helpmeet but what it doesn't state is she can be your conscience, a mirror or fount of wisdom and practicality. Myralee is all of those and more, sometimes when she speaks it is like a surgeon's knife... swift, clean and true. She is my sounding board when I have new posts and she always speaks truth whether or not I care to hear it. I would highly encourage anyone in a similar relationship to take advantaage of it, it is truly a gift from God.My last journal entry "A Call to Arms...and Knees" was an expression of my own heartcry and yet as she was quick to point out it appeared that I was advoating the same tactics as those that would juddge us. Upon re-reading it I began to see her viewpoint and begrudgingly defended my post. After a restless night's sleep I awoke to a scene in my mind from the movie "National Treasure", as the star looks at the back of the Declaration of Independence nothing appears but as he re-arranges the various colored lenses on an ancient pair of glasses the cryptic message hidden on the document emerges in full view...but only through the right combination of lenses. Any alternate combination of lenses only affords the viewer parts and pieces of the total contents. It really stinks having your cocky attitude dismantled before you have even had your morning coffee or gotten out of bed. Just before she left for work this evening she casually referred to the problem as "the law of presumptuousness", smiled and headed off to work. She is a person very clear discernment and she blows my proverbial ship out of the water far more often than I would like but it is always done in love. Well I guess it is time for my latest crow sandwich.
In my life I have had way too many filters but we probabbly all have. I was born into a middlle class Catholic family and attended all parochial schools so there was my first set of filters reinforced by 2 years in a seminary. At 20 I fell and love and maried an angel who was raised in a much more troubled envviroment and was wise and mature beyond her years, my second major set of filters. I went from the drug culture in the early 70s staright into the Jesus Movement followed by lieong journey through denominational, non-denominational, charismatic, apostolic and small independent churches over the next 40 plus years and at each one I inadvertently picked up another filter or two. All of these filters were during my time of living as a male and dovetaled quite nicely. In late 2007 and then spring 2008 I suddenly loss a wife and sone and 20 months later my father. In late March- early April 2008 I came out and myself in a new world where the old filters didn't work, they were warped, scratched and cracked by the sudden departure from the first part of my journey during the first 58 years. Now at 63 I have had to go through the very personal journey of determining which of these filters, both old and new, are valid and true and an unerstanding of how they effect my vision and perception of life.I a m still a very passionate christian however many of things I blindly accepted truth fell under the spiiual microscope as I have prayerfully studied the Word of God in a prayerful season fo study and waiting onGod to make it come alive afresh in my heart.
When I penned the previous journal entry I spoke of prayer, fasting and seeking God's face but in my presumptiveness It never dawned on me to go more in depth concerning the scriptural and practical foundations on which I based them upon. I assumed the reader could read my mind, very bad premise. In my walk I often read and learned lessons concerning spiritual warfare i Scripure and how critical it was to wait on the prophet to bring God's divine strategy to the King or leader. David, Gideon, Joshua and even Rebekkah knew the only way to defeat their enemy was to wait for God's input. Saul got in a hurry and inpatient and it cost him the throne. Moses striking a rock for water in his own power and authority was denied entrance into the Promised Land for his disobedience. Jesus, the best example of all, said He only did what He saw the Father doing. I hasten to repeat that our enemies are not our brothers and sisters bu the lies, disceptions and false doctrine that drive them onward against us. If wafare in the natural was important enough to wait on God for isn't it even more critical in spiritual warfare when we are battling for the eternal lives and souls of families, friends and all of His children?
Next time you get all caught up in a debate or heated conversation take a mental step back and chek the filters you are seeing and discerning through, it may help you see ith a clearer vision and enlighten your understanding. Be Blessed and walk in humility and in the power of His Truth.
Charlena Marie Andrews