April 29, 2010

  • Memory Stone: New Studio

    About a year ago, I was approved for a new studio.  It was the perfect studio for me.  It was a few thousand feet from the one I used to be at.  It did not have a doorman.  It was cheaper and bigger than the one I had.  It had no view of Lake Michigan, but I never enjoyed the view of Lake Michigan the entire time I had it with the other studio.  My plans to move in with a friend fell apart due to some rumors circulating around and to some rather harsh decisions made by the owner of the home.  The owner did not even bother to ask me my side of the story before making the decision.  He decided that I couldn't move in based one-side of the story.  I did not fight back or voice my opinion regarding his decision because the Bible clearly tells me to turn the other cheek when injustices like these occur and further promises that when injustices do occur, it is for the Lord to avenge.  And, the Almighty God is true to His word, every bit of His word, avenging the injustice for me through divine discipline.  It was indeed unfair to not let another person move in because of some rumors.  And, further unfair to not hear the person's side of story especially after agreeing with the person that it was okay for the person to move in.  (The man who answers before listening, that is his folly and shame. Proverbs 18:13 NIV, The discerning heart seeks knowledge, the mouth of fool feeds on folly. Proverbs 15:14) 

    When Jesus was accused, He did not retaliate, He let the Father take care of the injustice.

    When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23 NIV)

    This is the Christian culture.  A person does not fight back when something unjust occurs or does not voice their opinions regarding how unfair something is does not mean that the person accepted it as true.  The Bible tells us to turn the other cheek.   The Bible tells us that if someone takes our cloak, do not stop him taking your tunic.  Of course, these kinds of behavior do not make much sense in the real world, but that is what the Bible says.  So, if this "wise man of God" wants me not to move in with my friend based on a rumor, then so be it.  God is God.  He will take care of me.  I do not need to fight.  God will fight for me.  And, God did indeed care of the matter.  He made it clear that it was Him.  He told me to tell the "wise man of God" that He was avenging injustice and disciplining the man (when I departed place A).  And, later, He healed the man when the disciplinary period was over (when I visited place A - of course, this "wise man of God" did other injustices too based on the rumor and also told the Lord to shut up the Lord's testimony - that's why he got the worst of the discipline compared to the others). 

    God is true to His word and He used me as instrument of divine discipline, marking the beginning and end of the disciplinary period, through my departure and return to Place A.  I do only what I see the Father do and the Father was disciplining and so was I. 

    Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. (Romans 12:19 NIV)

    If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. (Luke 6:29 NIV)

    Striking does not necessarily have to be a physical thing.  It can be words too.  And, if someone dump rumors about you, just let them dump more rumors about you.  God Almighty will eventually answer them - I have seen it happen and I know that Father God will answer His children (maybe not in this life, but He will answer).

    Praise the Lord for keeping His word.  Praise the Lord for showing His mercy, grace, love, and kindness through Hebrews 12 treating that man as a son.  God loves this man and I love him too.

    And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
    "My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,
    and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
    because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
    and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." (Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV)

    God's word is alive, living and active in our lives!  Amen.

    Update:  The story does not end there.  On the night of this post, God takes on another act of justice against the mastermind who pushed this decision of this injustice.  He has heard the cries of his servant and He has responded just as He has responded to the cries of His people Israel!  Praise the Lord, indeed!

    I pray for a recovery according to the Lord's will for this person.