Defeating this Snarly World
by Ron Susek ©Golden Quill Publications
What did John mean by in the Spirit? He was not in a trance or state of ecstasy. It is safe to conclude that he was deeply meditating on God's word, something we, like David of old, should do daily. In other words, his heart and mind were focused on God, lifting John's heart and mind beyond his unjust imprisonment.
I described John's situation as snarly because the word means to growl, to bear one's teeth, to speak harshly and to twist something into hopeless knots. Virtually every day you will experience snarly forces attempting to entangle your life.
Something incredible happens, however, when you abandon this snarly world and prayerfully enter God's word in search of heart-to-heart fellowship with Him. John described it as being in the Spirit. This obviously suggests more than quickly reading a one page devotional before racing into the snarls of life.
When you are fully focused on God (i.e. in the Spirit), no devil can overpower you, no tribulation can defeat you; no rejection can discourage you, no impossibility can stop you and no calamity can stagger you.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning penned, "Earth's crammed with heaven, And every common bush afire with God; But only he who sees, takes off his shoes-The rest sit around it and pluck blackberries."
When in the Spirit you see life through God's eyes. You enter full agreement with both His word and ways. You experience heartfelt worship. You pray in union with God.
Perhaps this is the deepest level of abiding addressed in John 14. And if God is ever going to whisper something to your heart, this will be the time.
For instance, when John was in the Spirit he found himself unexpectedly swept into the heavenly realms face-to-face with Jesus Christ. Jesus appeared different from the man John saw on earth. Jesus' countenance was ablaze. Overwhelmed, John fell down as dead. Jesus told him to rise, then, showed him the apocalyptic book of Revelation.
You will never receive new biblical revelation as did John. However, by taking time to be in the Spirit you will receive breathtaking insights in the Bible. Although you may be exiled to your own Isle of Patmos, your union with God will turn the mundane wondrous. You will be enabled to walk unhindered among the snarly people, snarly events and snarly pressures of this world.
Some days may require more time than others to disengage from this world and be in the Spirit, fully focus on God. Shutting this world is our part. Renewing us is God's part.
This is the secret of every man and woman who has impacted our snarly world with the reality of God. Likewise, this discipline will become your greatest contribution to your family and to our world.
Immanuel: God is with you!
Your friend,
Ron
Creation and Christmas
12/30/2013 9:45:40 AM by: Ron Susek
Silent Night, Holy War
12/23/2013 9:29:09 AM by: Ron Susek
The Seasons are Changing
12/17/2013 6:57:57 AM by: Ron Susek
Big Rocks First
12/10/2013 7:05:27 AM by: Ron Susek
Thanksgiving: A Key to Fulfillment
12/2/2013 9:36:00 AM by: Ron Susek
Who Said Faith is Easy?
11/26/2013 9:14:58 AM by: Ron Susek
Guard Your Heart (Part #5)
11/18/2013 10:56:45 AM by: Ron Susek
Guard Your Heart (part #4)
11/12/2013 12:00:01 AM by: R
Guard Your Heart Part #3
11/5/2013 6:27:03 AM by: Ron Susek
Guard Your Heart (Part #2 A Pick and a Path
10/30/2013 12:00:01 AM by: Ron Susek
Guard your Heart (part1)
10/22/2013 8:27:36 AM by: Ron Susek
The Trampler
10/15/2013 8:10:16 AM by: Ron Susek
The Secret to Great Achievement by Ron Susek Gold
10/7/2013 4:13:50 PM by: Ron Susek
FaithWalk: Responding to God
9/30/2013 5:40:26 PM by: Ron Susek
Faithwalk: Knowing God
9/23/2013 9:16:06 AM by: Ron Susek
FaithWalk: Learning About God
9/17/2013 6:15:55 PM by: Ron Susek
Why Satan Wants You Back
9/10/2013 6:11:05 AM by: Ron Susek
Simple Faith
9/3/2013 4:42:21 AM by: Ron Susek
God's Footprints
8/26/2013 6:20:37 AM by: Ron Susek
Don't Blame Jesus for War
8/19/2013 10:51:30 AM by: Ron Susek
Questions of a Fool
8/13/2013 9:23:24 AM by: Ron Susek
Right Place, Riht Time
8/6/2013 9:55:04 AM by: Ron Susek
Slay Familiarity Now
7/31/2013 5:30:33 AM by: Ron Susek
The Wise Use of Freedom
7/24/2013 5:37:11 AM by: Ron Susek
The Peril of Impatience
7/15/2013 1:28:56 PM by: Ron Susek
America's Flag: Flying Belos Half Staff
7/9/2013 7:08:08 AM by: Ron Susek
Defeating this Snarly World
7/2/2013 8:33:39 AM by: Ron Susek
Jesus Confronts Dale Carnegie
6/26/2013 12:00:01 AM by: Ron Susek
The Measure of Commitment
6/18/2013 2:35:54 PM by: Ron Susek
The One Who Binds the Storm
6/10/2013 11:17:33 AM by: Ron Susek
Praying with an Angry Heart
5/28/2013 6:28:52 AM by: Ron Susek
I'm Here, I'm Free Now!
5/21/2013 6:06:02 AM by: Ron Susek
God's Answer to Worry
5/6/2013 10:35:21 AM by: Ron Susek
Crucified with Christ Part #3: Judas
4/23/2013 6:28:31 AM by: Ron Susek
Crucified with Christ part #2: Peter
4/23/2013 6:25:36 AM by: Ron Susek
Crucified with Christ Part #1: The Pharisees
4/23/2013 6:17:28 AM by: Ron Susek