Faithful
are the wounds of a friend...
Proverbs 27:6
Proverbs 27:6
Faithful:
steadfast in affection or allegiance :
loyal
true
to the facts, to a standard
Friend:
one attached to another by affection
or esteem
one
that is not hostile
*****
We
all know that alarm clocks are designed to wake us from sleep. Some
click on softly with pleasant music, others have a high or low 'beep,
beep, beep' sound that it a bit irritating but it will surely get us
up; although our morning mood may not get off to a smooth start. And
then there are those alarm clocks that ring so loud they stop our
hearts!! If truth be told, we HATE those kind of alarms but some of
us are either really heavy sleepers or need to make absolutely sure
we get up on time for work or important meetings, etc... we hate
them, but in a way we are glad they exist.
Surely
'clock radios' are the best way to wake up... that is if we can hear
them and if they actually will get us up. If they just make us roll
over and remain in a half-dreaming state... they aren't working. They
are pleasant, but they aren't working. God begins corrections,
convictions and warnings in a gentle manner. He speaks the truth at
first in a gentle voice. It really is His preferred way of speaking
truth to us. However, if we just 'roll over and keep sleeping' which
is the equivalent of 'not taking His correction seriously, because
'He doesn't really mean it, He's too 'full of love' to correct me'
when in reality, it is love that motivates correction, conviction and
warnings... so if this is the case, He will then have to use a more
effective alarm/warning.
His
next corrections/convictions/warnings will be in a more incessant
manner... even irritating 'to the flesh'. At this point they either
make us get up or we 'muffle it with a pillow', 'bury it in a
drawer', or 'throw it across the room' because 'We don't want to hear
it!!!!
If
this be the case...
The
last resort is an alarm that is so loud as to be Offensive!! But it's
still an alarm...it's not meant to be offensive, It's meant to wake
us up!! It seems offensive but in truth it is merely 'Very Loud'...
It has to be... because you still weren't listening. And the fact
that God is still trying to get your attention is actually a very
good sign... it means you still have time... you can still come before Him in repentance. Do not let the fact of 'not listening in the
past' keep you from listening now... obeying now. Embrace the Lord's
'chastening love' and you will still be able to 'redeem the time, for
the days are evil' Ephesians 5:16 for nothing is impossible with God!
