SIMPLE WISDOM IN SHALLOW WATER
A Simple way of looking at Spiritual things
RONALD HENRY
Copyright Ronald Henry 2011
Published at Smashwords
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This book is dedicated to the lady who means the world to me, to the glory of God
Vernita, I love you
As you read this book you will find that it is written in a way that often reads as if I am speaking to you in conversation.
FOREWORD
For several years as a youngster I ran from the Lord. I knew at a very early age what God had intended for my life as far as my calling. Because of my age, ignorance and misconceptions about being a preacher, I came up with every excuse imaginable to disqualify myself from my assignment, but the voice of God was never far from my ear. There were sermon ideas, thought evoking phrases, chastisement, encouragement and the ever-present reminder of what He wanted me to do. I eventually acknowledged (my father says we don’t accept, we acknowledge God’s call because whether we accept it or not it is still ours) I acknowledged God’s call on my life and told my pastor in the bathroom of a small church in Columbus, Georgia. The acknowledgement came only after having a long conversation with God where I asked Him a series of questions. The first was whether or not I had to change who I was and how I interacted with people. Secondly, did I have to talk all dignified and “churchy” and try to impress the congregation with my level of intellect and use of big words? His response to me has been the foundation of my preaching and the foundation of this book. God told me that all I had to do was preach His Word without compromise or candy coating. I was to never take any of His glory and He would never leave me of forsake me. His final bit of instruction was to deliver His Word in a way that anyone listening would be able to understand and the potential of their lives being change be enhanced. Therefore, simple and shallow is my style. Maybe this will help you understand. The deeper water is, the harder it is to see through, (even if the water itself is actually clear) but shallow water allows you to “SEE” the bottom more clearly. Missing are the deep revelations and analytical puzzles that seem to confuse more than edify. Gone is the plethora of words most of us can’t pronounce let alone understand; like plethora. Here I have given you what He has given to me in the form of Simple Wisdom in Shallow Water. I will warn you that I tend to look at things from a flipside perspective. I usually try to present things from a different angle than how they are normally depicted. My concern is that you get the point. How you read this book is completely up to you. You can read one anecdote a day or as many as you like in a sitting. It is my prayer however, that you are motivated, moved, challenged, chastised, convicted, encouraged, edified and inspired by these words to be the best Christian you can possibly be. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen
Misconception
Romans 8: 35
The Bible asks us the question; “What then shall separate us from the love of God?” For years I thought that question was about how strong, sincere or intense my love was for Christ. Would I allow the things listed in that scripture to dislodge my love grip? I was so mistaken, because it speaks to the strength, intensity and sincerity of God’s love for us. If the love connection between God and I were contingent upon me, I dare say the probability of that connection being severed would be great. Sword, nakedness, persecution, and famine; they had me at sword let alone nakedness. I praise God that our connection in love is based on His grip and not ours.
Let it heal
When we have been injured and have some sort of sore that develops a scab. At some point we will without fail pick at that scab. I don’t know if we are trying to determine if the healing process is going the way it is supposed to or not, but it seems as if it is irresistible not to mess with (interrupt) the amazing healing process that God has designed our bodies with. It appears that we have the same tendency with every type of injury that we receive, whether physical, emotional, psychological, or relational. We will go back and pick at the very things that God has allowed a scab to form over. Past hurts that we supposedly let go of; past sins that we have accepted forgiveness for, and relationships that we have moved on from. We will go back and pick at, and re-open sores that if left alone would eventually heal. Healing takes time. There is a process to healing and we have to let the process take its course without our interference. Each time we pick at the healing area, the longer the healing process takes. Let it alone and let it heal.
The Perfect Seed (Matthew 13)
“The Sower went out to sow his Seed”. In this parable Jesus tells us about the planting or scattering of seeds in various places. The conditions of each place, and its conduciveness to the growth of the seed were all different. The seed in this instance is the Word of God. What is noteworthy and most important for us to remember is that there was nothing wrong with the Seed. We as Christians are to plant and or scatter the Seed. (witness) Never be discouraged by the condition of where the Seed may fall, or whether or not the Seed takes root and thrives. It is not the sower’s fault and there is definitely nothing wrong with the Seed.
The truth shall make you free
A caged bird, so accustomed to the confines of its cage, at some point accepts the fact that it is limited, bound and enslaved. The bars of the cage regulate the bird’s habits. In its mind this is how things are supposed to be. “I am to fly no higher than this.” “The sound of my singing will never extend past these walls.” “I will never soar upon the winds.” The captivity is so strong that it not only enslaves the body but also the mind. Even if the doors to the cage were opened, the bird has to make up its mind that it is indeed free. Just as some of us have accepted the freedom given us through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, there are times when we just refuse to walk through the open doors of the cage. Whom the Son sets free is free indeed! He has opened the doors of the cage of every aspect of our lives that we might walk through and soar. This is the life more abundant. This is the truth.
My Daughter’s recipe for “anything”
7 cups of prayer, 7 cups of obedience (because prayer has to be balanced with action) A pinch of faith (about the size of a mustard seed)
What is your tree?
Adam and Eve were given free reign over the Garden of Eden. “Of every tree” God said, “except for the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” Now I have no idea exactly how large the garden was, but surely it was big enough for that tree to be avoided. Even by Eve’s own admission the tree was in the midst of the garden. This statement itself would lead me to believe that during this conversation with the serpent, they were not actually close to the tree. I know this contradicts how the story is depicted in the movies, but we have to go by the Word! How then do we transition from just talking about the fruit to being close enough to see and admire the fruit? (He was/is subtle indeed.) All of us have our own tree that the enemy will tempt us to have a “closer look” if you will. Do you know what your tree is? I guarantee you the enemy does. I ask you to evaluate yourself to find out. Then stay away from that tree and please don’t engage the devil in conversation about the tree. If you are close enough to see the line that you shouldn’t cross. You are too close!
Keep rowing
Ever wonder, how the other disciples felt when Peter decided he wanted to do his little walk on water trick? Keep in mind that the waves were still contrary. They still had a boat to row, and their instructions from Christ were to go to the other side. Two points come to mind here. If you are like Peter, and have a mind to be solitary in your achievements, remember we as Christians are in the boat together. If you are like the other eleven disciples; do what they did and keep rowing. No matter how many people get out of the boat, you keep rowing. Even if appears that their act of leaving has promoted them status wise, you keep rowing. It doesn’t matter what watch of the night it is, you keep rowing. (I know that you’ve heard about weeping enduring for a night.) Even when it seems as if your rowing is getting you absolutely nowhere, you keep rowing. He has instructed you to go to the other side. (Did I say keep rowing) Remember that Peter and Christ both go back into the boat. KEEP ROWING
A “do over”
Have you ever asked yourself a question about experiencing the same thing over and over again? Why does it seem like I always have to deal with this type of person on my job? Or why does it seem like I always find myself in this type of situation? Well our lives are very similar to a class or a series of tests that are designed to help us mature and grow in the ways of the Lord. Whenever we fail a test or assignment, we not only receive a failing grade, but that assignment still has to be successfully completed before we can move forward. Remember that any lesson unlearned is one soon to return. As my pastor in Washington would say; “I am telling you what I know, not what I heard.”
Wanted! Wounded or Dead????
Does the devil really want to take you out? During battle it is often advantageous to actually just wound the enemy instead of actually taking their lives. A wounded enemy has to be tended to. Care must be provided, medical attention given, and they must often be carried. This has a profound impact upon the rest of the soldiers on the battlefield and takes away from the effectiveness of the fighting forces as a whole. Are you wounded and being a detriment to your brothers and sisters trying to continue the fight? Are they spending more time seeing to your wounds than they are on defeating the enemy? Are you an asset or a liability? Don’t get it twisted. The devil does come to steal, kill and destroy, but he doesn’t want to take you out and make you a martyr. He wants to steal your witness, kill your desire to glorify God, and destroy your connection with the Father. Remember He was wounded for us. When He appeared before the disciples the wounds were still there, because by His stripes we are healed. Jesus endured the pain of the cross so that we might walk in freedom and wholeness. Get up Soldier! If you are on the battlefield you should be fighting.