FAINTING FOR HIS COURTS

 A PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

It's much more than amazing when you see a scripture practically comes to life.  I was brought back to a practical experience when my spirit opened up to this scripture that I read on a bible cover case this morning.   Here's the scripture:

Psalm 84:1-4 (KJV)

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts!

My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.

Yea, the sparrow hath found an house, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even thine altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God.

Blessed are they that dwell in thy house: they will be still praising thee. Selah.

Here's the Experience:

Sometime ago we saw a bird trying to make a nest on our church window. She was chased a couple times because it was a bit messy having all those twigs and seeds all over the place.  However, when we realized she was trying to build a nest we allowed her to continue building.   After a little while we noticed one egg then another.  Day in and day out we watched as the bird came and sat on her eggs until finally she completed the process.

To our amazement verse 3 of the above was manifested one Sabbath morning.  As the windows were being opened, we noticed something unusual on the window ledge.  There where the eggs laid were two young birds just getting out the shell. It was only a pretty sight until the reflection and revelation came to me today.  

As the verse indicated, the bird found a place in the house of God and was  welcomed to build a nest to lay her young.   The melody that followed after they were born climaxed the experience of verses 2 and 4. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  LONGING FOR THE LIVING GOD

The scripture indicated that David fainted and longed to enter the courtyard and come near to the living God.  His hunger for God was evident in the experience.  The fact that he saw how the birds were welcome to nest even within the altars made him realize the importance of dwelling in the house of the Lord.  

The experience we got was as magnificent.  It showed how things can develop out of the house of God.  This brought us like David to claim the Lord as our Lord and King. It gave us much delight and happiness.  How faint are you for His courts?

Today people are not as excited to go to the Lord's house as they should. Could this be the solution that is needed today?  Could it very well be why many are in turmoil is because they are not hungry enough and fainting for the courts of the Lord their God.  They are not eager or consistent with their attendance, don't go or show up very late when they do.  They don't attend prayer meetings and other services that would nurture and develop their spiritual growth. They are sad and unhappy and lack the enthusiasm to worship and praise the Lord.  Are you longing to go to God's house? 

When you are hungry enough and want total happiness, you would not just bring yourself to the house of the Lord.  You will want to bring your children and family along.   You will want to give them a strong spiritual foundation until they are strong enough to move on their own.  You will also not let others discourage you. As the birds kept building in spite of the fact the nest was being removed time and again, so you must be resilient and persistence and dwell in the Lord's house to get the blessings.  

The bird was aware of that process.  She was consistent and stayed closed by her eggs until they were hatched.  Then they came forth.  We watched as she came every day, kept them warm, go out and get food until they were fully developed.  Then the day came when they were old enough to fly on their own.  I am sure that they are the birds that fly around us chirping and singing.... They are still praising in their place of worship. 

It is also as important to have a temple in your own home ensuring that worship is a constant and consistent part of your daily living.  Do you dream of a room in your house to sing and pray and have a joyful time with the Lord?  Are your children aware that it is a very important part of the day?   

May people leave home and go days without praying or speaking to God.  Then no wonder why days are messed up, children are rebellious and relationships in trouble.  The days start with a hectic schedule instead of a prayer, the week goes by without a temple visit and the children are left without spiritual training.   It is the time and season to dwell in the Lord's house. 

Remember, God's house is beautiful and you should long to be there.  Dwell in God's house.  Raise your children there, and make a solid foundation for them.  Teach them the importance of laying at the alter and serving in his house.  Understand how blessed you are to live and sing in the place that you worship.  As the birds you will move around happily. 

God Bless and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel

GOOD ATHLETES

RUN TO WIN 

Many athletes run in a race, but only one wins.  All good athletes are disciplined and spends many hours in training.  Good athletes must be temperate by getting adequate rest and sleep and maintain healthy eating and living habits.  

Good athletes run to win.  They are prepared from their long and hard hours of training and they are focused on wining the medal or reward. They also must release themselves from things that make their running difficult. 

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (KJV)
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Good athletes deny themselves from comforts and pleasures that will hinder them from running the race.  They will also have to make many sacrifices to stay fit. They will avoid...
Staying out late at nights 
Alcoholic beverages and other harmful stimulants
Foods that are unhealthy and will make them sluggish 
Getting their ego and pride in the way
Negativity and other self-demeaning talks

Good athletes will get a good trainer.  One who is skilled, knowledgeable and understand the rules of the game and tactics of winning.  They will also walk in the company of winners.

What are some of the characteristics and make up of a good athlete? 

What qualifies them to win?








This is all done to receive a natural reward.  This type of reward, even when maintain tarnishes or fades away with time. 

TODAY'S FOCUS:  WINNING THE ULTIMATE PRIZE

Athletes who strive for the mastery is moderate and exercise self-control.  They know that there are others in the race who have the potential to win as well.  They remain focus by keeping the ultimate prize in mind. 

They also know there's a likely possibility of them not winning so they must follow the rules and run well. 

2 Timothy 2:5 (KJV)

And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.

The reward means everything to the good athlete.  They would do all that it takes to enter and win. Just like in the natural a good athlete would go at all ends to ensure that he is ready and able, so likewise a good spiritual athlete must be temperate and mindful.  

He needs to be proper nourished in the word, must rest in the promise and have faith.  He must avoid distractions and deny himself things that will cause him to lose the race. He must be diligent and watchful of distractions and have the guidance of his coach, the Holy Spirit. 

No one is exempt from entering the race.  However, the winners are those who are willing to enter, maintain themselves and strive to win. 
Let's discuss:
Who qualifies to run the race?
What/who can disqualify you from the race?
What can hinder you from entering the race?
What can hinder you from winning?
What must you do to maintain yourself? 
What is the ultimate prize? 

Remember, run to win for the reward and medal that would not fade or corrupt.  Though there are other athletes in the race, you have a chance of winning. You must obey the rules, train daily and deny yourself from the things that will affect you- Run to win life's best reward.  

God Bless you and Keep the Faith!

Virtuous Jewel