Lying Latent...

There was a term I heard recently, "Lying Latent", that was used to describe the position of hidden geniuses due to lack of funding, connections, and of opportunity.

The term can be used in many situations beyond this application though as its basic premise is "Unrealized Potential".

Now this condition can be temporal and change in time, or it can be a sad statement about the lack of change ever, in the course of one's life. 

Therefor Lying Latent is neutral and its effect is judged based on the context of the environment it is in.

The statement was relayed in such a way that all Potential should be realized, just because it exists. And this is why I went to great lengths to think on this, because I did and still do reject this. It is such a worldly expectation in its singular polarity.

We can think of something in physics like "Potential Energy" where let's say we take a spring, compress it, tape it as it is compressed. and throw it in a drawer and forget about it. Unless that tape gets old and breaks, the spring will never do the job it was designed for.

On the other side of the coin, let's say we have a boy genius who gets discovered. He grows up, is educated, makes connections with other geniuses, and gets funding for projects. He invents nuclear weapons.

We would have been better off if he had remained Lying Latent.

So, this got me thinking about some biblical events as I often do when my mind is tickled by something like this, and it is always an enjoyable lesson digging into the word and the history presented in the Bible.

I thought about the story of Joseph, how for 14 years after being thrown in a well and sold to Egyptians into slavery his potential became fulfilled being used of God to effect change in a larger way than even in his own life.

Then I thought about the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, and how Lazarus was a large example of Lying Latent in his condition until he passed away. Yet, there was purpose and meaning in his story, he should have been the target for change by the Rich Man, who never stepped up to the plate to effect that change like he should have. As it turns out, the Rich Man was also Lying Latent.

The bible for all of its other meanings, is a book about "Change" and "Choice".

Free Will choice, and its blessings and its curse. Is what I choose to say or do, against God's ways, or is it in line with His will and command?

This is the issue with knowing Good and Evil, because now... You're on the hook!

Solomon said knowledge brings sadness and grief. And oh, how well we know it.

I moved on to the story of Elijah and the Priests of Ba'al. The fire from the sky testing. And I lingered on this one for good reason. There is a similarity between these times and our Perilous Times now.

And that is, that the people were silent in the face of the Corruption and Oppression.

Elijah was a passionate man (James 5:17), and a bit annoyed with the people in their silence. He also assumed that they all had turned from God because of their silence. But as we find out later when God tells him that He still has 7000 that have not kissed the statue or bent the knee to Ba'al in their silence.

Here I focus on (Amos 5:13) (Proverbs 22:3, 27:12), where the prudent (the wise), take cover and keep silent in the Evil Days. They effectively Lie Latent, waiting upon the Lord.

Now that is not a bad thing, is it?

They did not take up arms and fight an impossible overthrow of the government, they didn't try to effect change in a corrupt government by negotiation or compromise, they entreated the Lord in their silent prayers, and through Elijah change was affected by the hand of the Lord.

Change came for Elijah too. Clearly and rightfully so, Elijah could not continue on the way things were. He was exhausted and desiring to also Lie Latent in death. God wouldn't have it. God had something better for him. 😌

So now also, I come to the thoughts about those who criticize everyone else for "Not doing enough for God" from their haughty opinion and nebulous list of rules they have projected, onto God's simplicity for us of Faith alone.

This for me circles back to the assumption that all Potential should be Realized, just because it exists. The arrogance stands out to me.

Let no one play intercessor to the Father, but Christ alone.

He is in you, He loves you, and it is only His opinion of you that matters.

And that opinion is that He loved you enough to give His life for you, so why now would He withdraw from you in some sort of imagined disappointment?

His work in you, continues until Death or Rapture, and is ongoing in your Sanctification, and He will finish it (Philippians 1:5-6).

Here, when the accuser (in whatever form) comes along, (Romans 14:4) becomes a life verse!

Rest in His Grace (Lie Latent if you will), dear beloved of Christ!

For, YOU WILL STAND before Him, because HE is ABLE to make you STAND there by His finished work.

Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm then ... (Ephesians 6:13-14a)

Grace and Peace to you all in Christ Jesus our Lord, God in the Flesh!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

In the thick of it...

I've said before that I do not have a set schedule for this blog but rather post as I am led...

With that said, I feel I should at least throw up a flare and let you all know I am alive but just busy at the moment.

It never fails to happen that when I plan for something, a whole bunch of other somethings come up to interfere.

I've said before also that I have medical issues which cause me to struggle with what others might consider normal easy things even at age 61.

For me, winter prep involves firewood chores and other things that are strenuous to my physical body, and at the whim of my body's willingness to engage in it. I have some scheduled visits this week and probably more from that appointment onward, besides my regular visits to specialists over the months to come.

Rest and sleep are vague goals that involve perpetual shimmying to find positions that don't hurt until I am exhausted enough to finally go under. I battle irritability every day, and it is the lesson I am learning in patience and quietness and gentleness.

I don't say this for sympathy's sake, only to let you know why I must postpone some of my intended work to come, here on this blog. I will take your prayers though if you feel inclined and they are appreciated.

All too soon winter will be here, and I won't have the luxury of movement I have in spring through autumn. I will balance this though, with praise and thanksgiving to God the Father and the Son Jesus for the provision and blessing my wife and I do have.

So, thank you in advance for your grace and for your prayers.

Grace and Peace to you all in Christ Jesus our Lord!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

10 Bridesmaids (10 Virgins) and that pesky question about the Oil...

I will be taking advantage of some bible study conversations I have been having as of late with various friends and contacts.

I will be doing a series of entries from these conversations so as to share them with many others besides just those who had the conversation in private. I have always felt and believed that:

Answers from the Word, Belong to Everyone.

The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Bridesmaids)

This first one for today's blog entry will be from my good friend Rohit in India.

Rohit had asked me for some assistance on a project of his and we were talking about the problematic 10 Virgins Parable.

So, the answer will be centered around a question and argument for what exactly the Oil in this parable is.

Now before we get to that point, lets address the other issue with this parable first. Many argue and debate the timing of this parable with its intrinsic reference to the coming of the Bridegroom. Some feel it is a Rapture parable for the Church, others suggest it is addressed to those in the Tribulation period.

My opinion (such as it is) is that the context refers to the latter. Just because the Bridegroom is coming doesn't mean it is a wedding, since that is His title regardless of before or after a wedding. In other words, the title doesn't imply a timing.

Additionally, we have 10 Bridesmaids, not 10 Brides, and he isn't coming to marry the Bridesmaids.

Also, if we attribute this parable to the Church and before the wedding, we are faced with a twofold problem.

One, is that we see a 50% loss of the so-called saved in the church and would suggest that an already saved person could lose their salvation. This is not biblical at all.

Second, in the other extreme, means also that the Rapture and Resurrection of those in Christ would be 50% of all people who have ever lived up until that point. This is denied by Christ Jesus's own words about the Wide path and many who take it to destruction, compared to the Narrow path and few who find and take it to the Father and eternity. It simply is not a description of a 50/50 ratio.

This is not about the Church, or the Bride, or the Rapture. This is about something and sometime else. So, what is that then?

There is a place in scripture that has a lot to say in a few short verses, that contains this ratio of 50/50 and is also spoken by Jesus directly. (Matthew 24:37-40), the infamous "Days of Noah" verses with the "two in the field, one is taken (in death), and the other left".

 This immediately links it and the 10 Virgin parable to the time of the Tribulation.

So, who are the Bridesmaids then? These would be the possible friends of the Bridegroom for the Wedding Feast which comes after the wedding. They are possible because they are virgins and not spoiled by the world yet.

So here is where we get into the meat of the parable and its symbolism. The argument is often made that the Oil is the Holy Spirit. This doesn't work though, and the following is my reply to Rohit about it.

The problem is in the interpretation of the symbols, the Oil specifically, but also the lamps, and the vials of extra oil, and the trimming of the wicks, et all.

The “Oil” cannot be the Holy Spirit for this reason:

• The Holy Spirit is immeasurable, you either have it or you don’t. You are either full with the Spirit, or you do not (yet) have it. There is no “running out”.

This presents a problem then with the 10 Virgins, since they ALL start out with “Oil” in their lamps, and the 5 Foolish Virgins run out. Let that sink in a minute, the 5 Foolish Virgins had Oil to start with.

So… the question is what is the “Oil” then? Let us look at the symbolism of the Lamp and it’s components, and it’s operation and purpose.

Primarily, it’s purpose is to give Light to the world around it. For that light to be produced, you need a wick, you need oil, and you need a vessel to contain that oil, and you need a point of ignition, a spark or existing flame.

A lamp properly equipped will not give light without ignition. It will sit there dark and without fulfillment of purpose.

The Flame which gives light, is the Spirit. Paul reminds us not to extinguish the Spirit.

The Light is the Truth of God to a dark world.

The Wick is the mouth, the tongue, the acts of the person, the transmission of the oil from the vessel to the flame. And no wonder it must be trimmed from time to time. Trimming a lamp is to trim the wick from its crusty carbon build up and to reset its height above the oil.

The Lamp Vessel is the person, the soul which contains the Oil and the Wick.

And lastly the Oil, the fuel for the Flame (the Spirit). It is not the Wick that burns, but the Oil that burns.

We now, understanding that the “Oil”, cannot be the Holy Spirit because it is immeasurable, must look for another answer.

You know what IS measurable?

Faith.

We have many examples in the scripture. Weak faith, little faith, faith the size of a mustard seed that can move mountains, and even no faith.

Oil is Faith.

And the example of the 10 Virgins is this:

They ALL started with Faith, but only the 5 Wise Virgins had Enduring Faith (till the end when He came), because they had extra faith (Oil) stored for the long haul.

It is interesting to note here also that they ALL trimmed their Lamps (speaking to a self-correction and adjustment.

Also, the answer of the 5 Wise Virgins to the 5 Foolish Virgins about going to town (the world) to buy Oil (Faith) almost sounds a bit cynical, as you don’t buy Faith to begin with, and you certainly, don’t get Faith from the world.

It sort of addresses a thought about works justification vs justification by Faith in the only One who can justify us.

It is to say sarcastically, that if you believe justification by your works, then go out into the world and gain more faith by doing your works in the world.

We won’t be waiting for you; we will rely on our Enduring Faith in Him.

Salvation has always been about Faith and the Tribulation saint is going to face a very heavy testing of their faith, much more so than those of us in the Age of Grace.

And perhaps that is the lesson to us still under Grace, to really appreciate just how good we have it when we didn't deserve it.

Grace and Peace to all of you in Christ Jesus our Lord, God in the Flesh!

In His love!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Not so subtle anymore

As we slide ever further and ever faster down the slope of America's decline, the subtle perspectives I spoke of on June 28th in my blog entry Subtle Perspectives seem to be eroding away into full blown prideful arrogance of a nation.

Last week, I forced myself to maintain, my self-imposed rule, of keeping Politics out of this blog.

I'll be honest, I'm seriously conflicted about the upcoming vote in November. I feel I must vote, as it is something I feel falls under Paul's discourse about government in the land you live, in (Romans 13).

I am registered Republican for the simple reason to be recognized as being ABLE and VALID to vote. Although, since I don't drink Diet Mountain Dew, that might be in question.

But I tow no party line, I worship no man, and I am appalled at the behavior of many who would claim the Name, in their doing just that.

Last week's Attempted Assassination of the Former President, and his pick of the Appalachian son as Vice President (who's history and upbringing I have much in common with), had me reeling in memories and old patriotism. I almost buckled under the weight of the feels.

And whenever I am in a spot like this, I have learned long ago to step back, shunt everything to irrelevance and just wait and watch. For me, the Holy Spirit has this one this year (actually He always has had it, but you know what I mean).

He has to, as I am fighting against a blinding fog of deception and occupied by overwhelming distractions. I know that so many are as well.

In the recent decades, I have become quite jaded about almost everything you hear or see. It creates a problem for me in navigating new encounters with people and for trust issues.

I can't help for example, to suspect that iconic image of the Former President fist pumping after being shot in the ear with the flag behind and the secret service around him, as being a setup for patriotic propaganda. It's the classic strength and hero shot much like the Flag of Iwo Jima of World War 2. And yes, that WAS created for that very effect it has on most. Understand here, that I am in no way diminishing the sacrifices those who came before us made for our country, but the truth has to be stated. The use of their blood and pain to further an agenda is an insipid act and a betrayal of what is good and honorable.

I could be totally wrong, but the point is made clear that if I can be wrong, I have no valuable discernment or experience because of my bias. This requires me to let go of it and let God.

Putting my own situation aside, there is indeed a very real and serious problem with the "Christian Nationalism" at work. It's been a problem for a while. Elevating the Former President to be equal to or greater than Jesus in bible misquotes, and artwork. But since the assassination attempt, my goodness!

We get this, and do I have to really explain what is so wrong with this?

I will anyway, since I don't wish to deprive anyone reading this of the details.

• Jesus tied to the American flag, and thus America
• Jesus smaller that the American flag
• Jesus looking up, as though lower than the Flag or America
• The Bandage on the ear, tying Jesus to Trump. This is not the wound that saved all humanity.
• And obviously, the text, "Jesus stand with Trump"? How about Trump stand with Jesus!

It's as crappy as the "Jesus Gets Us" movement, lowering Christ to the ordinary man, and elevating everyone and everything else. None of us, and nothing are equal to God, be He in flesh or in Spirit. It's an insult, it is disrespectful, and it is shameful. No servant is greater than their master, and they certainly aren't equal to Him either.

I am left feeling even more jaded about any real authenticity of anything coming out of the Republican camp.

The Lord has comforted me mentally a bit though on the dilemma that I have about November, in reminding me that things are written as fact already in scripture, long before they come about.

For the longest time, people often wondered why America, or more correctly, the USA, is not mentioned in the Bible. I actually believe she is, in particular of Jeremiah 50 & 51 as the "Daughter of Babylon", but that's a discussion for another day.

And looking at the issue we are discussing now, I think we have our answer. The proud are brought down. The names of the individual or party that is opposed to God or His ways are rarely given credit in the Word. At best they are likened to other infamous persons or groups who failed.

So, to say it simply, my comfort will be, (IF) and when the Holy Spirit tells me to vote for Trump, I will be progressing God's prophetic will, that will come to pass as scripture foresaw, and not a failure on my part to go against His will.

It may seem a bit crazy to the rational mind, but it is an example of letting God make the choice, because He sees and knew already what was to come, and I have still performed my duty under Romans 13's direction. And we must remember that God establishes and removes kings and leaders by His own counsel.

I don't make the decision to vote my conscience (which is sorely conflicted in a trap with no way out), rather I vote what He directs, and He will sort it out from there. I'm not voting for the sake of Trump, or the sake of the Republican party, or the sake of America, I'm voting what God directs me to, even if I didn't or don't understand why.

Only here, can I be free of the turmoil over it, and this sort of posture requires every bit of making myself not part of the equation.

So, I keep quiet, keep watching, keep waiting on the Lord. It's the very best thing I can do. It's much more profitable to focus on the things above anyway. Is there not enough already in life to deal with?

May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus or Lord, the only truly begotten Son of God, God in the flesh.

Be calm, and know that He is God, and watch the Lord work our salvation in progress to that very joyous end.

In His love!

---

2 Timothy 2:23

But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 

---

Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

How clearer does it need to be?

A short one for today. 

Romans 5:19

For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

- - -

I grow really weary of the "work for it" crowd.

They're coming out of the woodwork like bugs in the dark fleeing from the light.

You will not intimidate me with your scare tactics and fear mongering. You can shout "Law" to my face all you want, and to your own end, I will reply with a whisper of...

Grace...

A Grace that is sufficient for all who received it...

Grace and Peace to all Christ's beloved!

Maranatha!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

The walk...

It's been a rough path this last week.

Aside from the physical impact of my medical situation and the intense heat of the recent days, there is also the mental and spiritual impact as well of the input overload. It's overwhelming.

I am navigating the tall canyons of noise from the world, which attempts to drag me into diving into useless speculations and sensationalism. I am plagued by the distraction on all sides.

My path before me; I must remain focused on. For I have no time for dwelling on myself.

A truth in life I learned long ago is that sometimes you must go down in elevation, to be able to go forward, and even sometimes go backwards and to the side in a proverbial switch back, to get further along.

Such is the nature of the terrain of life. Hills and valleys, wide detours, steep crags and drop offs, where a leap of faith must be made. Thin places where footing is unsure, swampy bogs where progress is inhibited by being stuck in the muck.

The world is so full of it right now, and at a pace and at a volume I never thought could be, much less be a witness to it's rise. And this is not the end of the matter, as it will only get worse. I am sickened to my stomach at the amount, and the degraded quality, of it all.

I think to myself what Noah must have thought in his time with the world, before the flood, or how Lot was grieved at the city gate day after day after day, with the conditions and debased morality and depravity all around him in the city, and even in the other cities of the plain around them.

I am reminded of a dream I had back in October of 2018, where I am on a forested dirt road, headed uphill in my Jeep, trying to find, and round up some semi-wild dogs, who like to go off on chases at the drop of a hat.

Seems pretty fitting...

That path is my walk, the wild is the world, and the dogs are my relevant concerns in life.

Hold the line, keep the word, do not deny His name. We're almost at the summit.

- - -

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.

- - -

2 Timothy 2:23

But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 

- - -

Titus 3:9

But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, arguments, and quarrels about the law, because these things are pointless and worthless.

- - -

Grace and Peace to all in Christ our Lord, God in the flesh!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]

Subtle Perspectives

I was listening to a so-called "Christian song" the other day, parsing the lyrics in my mind as I was doing some task. I think it was morning dishes if I remember correctly...

I got jolted by a subtle perspective that I found to be in discord (pun intended). The premise was that if God agrees with you, then you are invincible... ??? What?

Now before you have a cow reading the rest of this, please be gracious to me, and be patient. I will explain further where I am going with this, as it's a big deal these days, and not too many talk about it, or worse, talk in a way that supports the opposite.

Now to start off, I am well aware of, and believe the scripture that states "If God is for us, who can be against us?". I totally accept it, and I totally believe it. I would also accept and believe that "with God, all things are possible."

My problem is not in the truth spoken but in the delivery that some use.

I've said many times and fully believe that we do not work here in life, but rather allow God to do HIS work through us. If we did the work, it would be spoiled, tainted, and valueless, since all Glory belongs to God alone.

Contemplating this further as I was being fed the many thoughts and things to write down here, I thought about the Wheat and the Tare parable, how, in the beginning both look similar and are almost indistinguishable. Yet the proof is in the end result.

In how the Wheat bends and bows to the will of the wind (Holy Spirit if you will), how it becomes white in the field (Children of Light if you will) at harvest time.

Contrasted to Tares, which are stiff and toxic (Prideful if you will), and grow darker (Children of Darkness if you will) toward the end of their cycle. They are gathered and burnt like chaff on the wind.

This subtle difference appears in other scripture as well; and is characterized by the tense and perspective of the individual.

Yes, the dreaded statement of Christ to those He says, "Depart from Me, for I never knew you". The ones who, in their lives used Jesus's name like a talisman or a Jeannie lamp, justifying and elevating themselves in status by dropping His name as a certification of their work. Like some kind of transactional relationship, quid pro quo. Probably uttering insipid words like "See...Jesus agrees with me" as they manipulate others to their own personal will and glory, all the while never having a real relationship with Him. They never knew Him, nor did He know them as His own.

The perspective is the same as the Tare. Standing on it's own, self-sustaining, among other kinds of plants like the Wheat, which is humble in nature, and relies on the Sower to develop and bring it to maturity.

There was a point in Joshua's life when standing in the presence of Christ unknowingly (pre-Carnate / Christophany), he (Joshua) asks if He (Christ), is with him or with the enemy. Christ simply said "No" and proclaimed His title as Commander of the Hosts. Joshua's rude awakening to the realization of Christ before him, ended in Joshua dropping to his knees and worshipping Christ who was and is the Commander of the Hosts of Heaven.

Here was an error on Joshua's part that can be easily forgiven because of ignorance (not stupidity). It wasn't a blatant pride on Joshua's part to treat Christ as just some other person he might have to battle. Joshua responded correctly once he knew the glaring truth (and this is why it's not stupidity).

But there's a lesson here for all of us too, and that is, to not get so comfortable with your faith, that you treat Christ as an equal... 😄 There should always be an awe and reverence in our hearts for our God who has adopted us as children of His family.

So then, the perspective is this:

Are you with God? and not, Is God with you? Though He is surely with us all when we chose Him. 😊

It may seem like a small thing, but like anything else, error grows from the smallest seed.

Either perspective are marked by one or another characteristic, either Humility and Compassion, or otherwise by the scent of Pride and Hardness.

You often find that the ones who use Jesus's name for their own ends to be cold, calculated, and harsh in their dealings with others. Always works oriented and unreasonable expectations run high, respect demanded and often not returned in kind. An air of "Prove yourself to me and my expectations", always acting like they are better than you regardless...

I ask what happened to Jesus, and why are you here now? 😊

Do not be bullied by these types. Walk away if you must. Give no quarter to their brand of evil, nor tolerate it in your presence. Christ has given you every right to do so.

Romans 8:1

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus

So now, if you are in Christ, and there is now no condemnation for you, why would you accept any from anyone else?

Grace and Peace to all in Christ our Lord, God in the flesh!

---

Don't be a grape. 🚫 🍇

🦊 Jack [ The Foxman on the Wall ]