The Red Zone

A Love So Strong

It is a love so strong and pure that leads us into the “Valley Of The Shadow Of Death” – Ps 23

This love is on display when the Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan- Luke 4.

Mind you, He has just received the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit and heard His Father say “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”- Luke 3

It would be so easy for us to misunderstand this moment. To think “what kind of father sends his beloved son into the wild to fast and have an appointment with the devil?”

My answer- a Great and Loving Father! He has prepared Jesus for this. The training wheels are off and it’s time to ride! Note- the Father does not abandon Jesus but leads Him. He goes before Him! He paves the way but let’s Jesus put into practice what He has learned. This is love folks! Jesus doesn’t need some coddling, doting mother but a strong and loving father who leads him into battle.

Jesus could have been baffled by this dramatic change of scenery. One minute he is feeling the weight of his fathers love and affection and the next he is weak and under great temptation. But he doesn’t miss a beat, he passes the test with flying colors!

It’s good to notice that we will never know that we have what it takes and that his word is true until we are at our weakest but still rise to victory. We become “more than conquerors”-
Rom 8:37
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”

Notice the last part of the verse. It is key! “Through him who loved us”. It is a strong unwavering love who leads us into many trials, dangers and snares.

It is his amazing love that leads and his amazing grace that sees us through.

Amazing Grace- by John Newton

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed!

Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come;
’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,
His Word my hope secures;
He will my Shield and Portion be,
As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine;
But God, who called me here below,
Will be forever mine.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’d first begun.

Remember what Jesus said-
John 16:33

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

I would be remiss if I failed to mention the most extreme example of this Love So Strong-

Isaiah 53:7

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

Take Heart my friend your victory in Jesus is secure. Blessings, Jonathan

The following Streams In The Desert ties in great!

February 1

“This thing is from me.” (1 Kings 12:24.)

“Life’s disappointments are veiled
love’s appointments.” — Rev. C. A. Fox.

My child, I have a message for you today; let me whisper it in your ear, that it may gild with glory any storm clouds which may arise, and smooth the rough places upon which you may have to tread. It is short, only five words, but let them sink into your inmost soul; use them as a pillow upon which to rest your weary head. This thing is from ME.

Have you ever thought of it, that all that concerns you concerns Me too? For, “he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of mine eye” (Zech. 2:8). You are very precious in My sight. (Isa. 43:4), Therefore, it is My special delight to educate you.

I would have you learn when temptations assail you, and the “enemy comes in like a flood,” that this thing is from Me, that your weakness needs My might, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, who never consult your taste, who put you in the background? This thing is from Me. I am the God of circumstances. Thou camest not to thy place by accident, it is the very place God meant for thee.

Have you not asked to be made humble? See then, I have placed you in the very school where this lesson is taught; your surroundings and companions are only working out My will.

Are you in money difficulties? Is it hard to make both ends meet? This thing is from Me, for I am your purse-bearer and would have you draw from and depend upon Me. My supplies are limitless (Phil. 4:19). I would have you prove my promises. Let it not be said of you, “In this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God” (Deut. 1″32).

Are you passing through a night of sorrow? This thing is from Me. I am the Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief. I have let earthly comforters fail you, that by turning to Me you may obtain everlasting consolation (2 Thess. 2:16, 17). Have you longed to do some great work for Me and instead have been laid aside on a bed of pain and weakness? This thing is from Me. I could not get your attention in your busy days and I want to teach you some of my deepest lessons. “They also serve who only stand and wait.” Some of My greatest workers are those shut out from active service, that they may learn to wield the weapon of all-prayer.

This day I place in your hand this pot of holy oil. Make use of it free, my child. Let every circumstance that arises, every word that pains you, every interruption that would make you impatient, every revelation of your weakness be anointed with it. The sting will go as you learn to see Me in all things. — Laura A. Barter Snow.

“’This is from Me,’ the Saviour said, As bending low He kissed my brow, ‘For One who loves you thus has led. Just rest in Me, be patient now, Your Father knows you have need of this, Tho’, why perchance you cannot see.— Grieve not for things you’ve seemed to miss. The thing I send is best for thee.’ “Then, looking through my tears, I plead, ‘Dear Lord, forgive, I did not know, ‘Twill not be hard since Thou dost tread, Each path before me here below. And for my good this thing must be, His grace sufficient for each test. So still I’ll sing, “Whatever be God’s way for me is always best.”’”