Dove vs. Light Bulb

I was sitting in my journaling place enjoying quietly writing in my journal when I heard wings flapping and a distressed sound of a bird. I figured it was just our neighbor's cat doing her cat thing - chasing birds so I ignored it. Again I heard these sounds and thought that there was more than one bird for her to chase. The sound increased and was so pitiful I peeked out the window. My neighbor had one of those energy saving twisty bulbs outside his back door. Hung from the bulb was a small dove. Trapped by its foot. Dangling, twisting and in danger of breaking the foot. It must have tried to land on the bulb and it's foot slipped between one of the twists and was lodged there. It was a sad sight. I ran and got my husband since he is taller than I am. He got his work gloves knowing an injured bird might not take kindly to his intrusion and gently enclosed the bird in his hands. Surprisingly the bird quieted down and let him work. It was tricky to dislodge the bird without causing any more damage to it's foot. He spoke gently to it while working, assuring the bird it would be alright. After removing the bird from its prison he held it gently til it relaxed and then let it go. It flew off to parts unknown faster than I've seen any bird fly. I am sure if I thought hard enough and prayerfully enough I could come up with a spiritual application to this scenario but I'll save that for another post. All I can say now is please don't use these energy saving bulbs outside without some kind of covering.
Just a few moments ago I heard a dove cooing outside my window. A thank you maybe?

FEAR AND FAITH

FEAR IS LIKE A WILD ANIMAL,
STALKING ME,
THE ROARING LION,
THE WOLF IN SHEEPS CLOTHING.

FAITH IS LIKE A GENTLE LAMB,
WOOING ME,
THE LAMB WHO TAKES AWAY THE SINS OF THE WORLD,
THE GOOD SHEPHERD.
I MUST CHOOSE----

WILL I TRY TO FIGHT THE BEAST ALONE?
OR
SEEK THE SHELTER THE GOOD SHEPHERD OFFERS?

I KNOW THE SENSIBLE THING,
THE SMART THING.
SO WHY DO I CHOOSE THE FOOLISH THING
AND
LET THE WILD ANIMAL TERRORIZE ME?

IS IT BECAUSE FEAR SCREAMS
AND FAITH GENTLY WHISPERS?
IS IT BECAUSE FEAR COMES ON SUDDENLY
AND
FAITH IS ALWAYS THERE FOR ME TO GRASP,
ALWAYS THERE TO TAME THE WILD BEAST?

OH LORD, FILL ME WITH FAITH!
FEAR AND FAITH CANNOT LIVE TOGETHER,
SO I MUST HOLD FAITH CLOSE,
FOR FEAR FLEES FROM WHERE FAITH RESIDES.

© 1987 by
Linda Knox Rubenack

The Journey

For Daddy on his homegoing May 29,1996

Tiny Soul
created by divine appointment
Moves into the new abode
provided by divine accomplishment
Nestling in--looking to
the womb as HOME

Growing soul
sustained by divine endowment
now thrust into a harsh arena
grows to fill the appointed abode
Settling in--looking to
this earth as HOME

Yearning soul
wooed by divine endearment
knowing something is missing
seeks to satisfied the hungry abode
groping around looking for
a fulfilling - HOME

Maturing soul
in need of divine involvement
reaches out of the lonely abode
encouraged by divine enticement
stretching forth
looking for a permanent - HOME

Satisfied soul
discovers divine appointment
outgrows the current abode
seeking always divine attainment
stretches upward
to the Creator- true HOME

Longing drives the soul upward
Struggling against an abode now old
reaching up, sometimes in pain
Creator taking pity, sees the desire within,
releases the soul and says

COME HOME.

Linda Knox Rubenack © June 15 1996

THE HEAVENLY KING WHO CAME TO EARTH

THERE IS A KING MEEK AND MILD,
WHO CAME TO EARTH DRESSED AS A CHILD.

HE GREW UP QUICKLY, HIS MOM'S PRIDE AND JOY,
SOON WAS A MAN WHERE ONCE WAS HER BOY.

HE WALKED UP TO JOHN BESIDE THE RIVER,
JOHN LOOKED AND KNEW THAT THIS WAS THE LIFE GIVER.

TO BE BAPTIZED BY JOHN WAS WHAT HE ASKED,
JOHN WAS RELUCTANT, AND WANTED TO PASS.

JESUS SAID, IT MUST BE FULFILLED,
THAT THE KING BE WILLING, HIS SUBJECTS SHOES TO FILL.

HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN SMILED DOWN IN LOVE,
AS A SIGN TO US ALL SENT DOWN HIS DOVE.

THEN THE KING WAS TO SOLITUDE DRIVEN,
AND FROM THE USURPER TEMPTATION WAS GIVEN.

THE HOLY KING FOUGHT IT WITH HIS MIGHTY SWORD,
NOT ONCE DID HE FALTER, BUT STOOD STRONG WITH HIS WORD.

AND AS LONG AS HE WALKED THIS EARTH BELOW,
HIS HEART TOUCHED MANY, AND HIS PACE NEVER SLOWED.

HE CALLED TO HIS SIDE THOSE MEN HE WOULD USE,
THEY WERE ALL ORDINARY, NONE WE WOULD CHOOSE.

IN SPITE OF HIS HEALING, HIS LOVE AND HIS GRACE,
THE RELIGIOUSLY RIGHTEOUS WERE AFRAID HE'D TAKE THEIR PLACE.

THEY TRIED TO TRAP HIM, TO TRIP HIM UP
THEY HATED THE FACT THAT WITH SINNERS HE'D SUP.

SO OFF THEY WENT AND WITH UNLIKELY COHORTS,
PLOTTED TO KILL HIM, HIS MISSION TO ABORT.

ON THE DAY OF PASSOVER IN THE UPPER ROOM
HE DINED WITH HIS CLOSEST FRIENDS, HIS LIFE WOULD END SOON.

THE SERVANT KING HE IS AND TO SHOW THEM THIS FACT,
HE WASHED THEIR FEET, AS ONLY A SERVANT WOULD ACT.

HE TRIED TO TELL THEM WHAT WOULD SHORTLY TAKE PLACE,
THEY DIDN'T UNDERSTAND WHAT HE WOULD SOON FACE.

IN THE GARDEN OF GETHSEMANE, HE BREATHED HIS PRAYER,
APPROACHING WERE THE SOLDERS, ALONG WITH THE BETRAYER.

UP STEPPED JUDAS, THE IRONY WE CAN'T MISS,
THAT THIS ONE WHO KNEW HIM SO WELL BETRAYED HIM WITH A KISS.

QUICKLY HE WAS ARRESTED, AS INNOCENT AS A LAMB
TAKEN TO THE AUTHORITIES, TO THE TRIAL THAT WAS A SCAM.

IN DEFENSE OF HIMSELF, NOT A WORD DID HE SAY
BUT STOOD BEFORE ACCUSERS QUIETLY THAT DAY.

HE STOOD BEFORE THE PEOPLE, THOSE HE TOUCHED,THOSE HE HEALED,
NOT ONE CAME FORWARD, NOT ONE TO APPEAL.

INSTEAD CAME THE CRY, FROM THE MOB WHO WERE THERE,
CRUCIFY HIM, CRUCIFY HIM AS THEIR TRUE HEARTS WERE LAID BARE.

WITH A ROBE ON HIS SWOLLEN BACK AND THORNS FOR HIS CROWN,
UPON THE CROSS THEY PUT HIM, THE CROWD ALL AROUND.

SOME MOCKING, SOME CRYING, SOME SILENTLY SIGHING,
TO THEIR MINDS WHAT ONCE WAS A KING WAS JUST A MAN DYING.

MOTHER MARY WAS THERE, WITH JOHN BY HER SIDE,
WISHING THERE WAS A PLACE TO TAKE HER SON AND HIDE.

MOST OF HIS FRIENDS HAD FLED,

THERE WERE JUST A FEW WHO STOOD BY,
WHAT ELSE COULD THEY DO BUT JUST STAND THERE AND CRY.

JESUS LOOKED DOWN, A PRAYER HE SAID FOR YOU,
"FATHER FORGIVE THEM, FOR THEY KNOW NOT WHAT THEY DO."

HIS FATHER IN HEAVEN LOOKED SADLY BELOW,
WHERE THE SINS OF US ALL ON HIS SON HE WOULD BESTOW.

NOW THE TASK WAS COMPLETE, THE DUTY WAS DONE
THE KING GAVE UP HIS LIFE AS THE CLOUDS HID THE SUN.

AS IF IN FURY AND RAGE AT THE EVENT,
THE EARTH SHOOK, ALL NATURES EMOTIONS TO VENT.

HIS ENEMIES WERE HAPPY THEIR DIRE DEED WAS DONE,
DID THEY NOT REALIZED THEY HAD KILLED GODS SON?

A FEW FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS BRAVE,
TOOK HIS BODY DOWN AND PREPARED IT FOR THE GRAVE.

THE SABBATH APPROACHED, THEY WITHDREW TO THEIR HOUSEHOLD,
THINKING THEIR LORD THEY WOULD NEVER AGAIN BEHOLD.

WHEN THE SABBATH HAD PASSED AND EARLY THEY WENT,
THEIR LOVED KING TO ATTEND TO, AND THEIR EMOTIONS TO VENT.

THE WOMEN APPROACHED, THE STONE WAS AWAY,
AN ANGEL SAID," THE ONE YOU LOOK FOR IS NOT HERE THIS DAY."

THE KING WAS ALIVE, WHAT WONDERFUL NEWS.
RUN AND TELL EVERYONE THIS IS NO TIME TO SNOOZE.

BACK TO HEAVEN HE WENT AFTER MANY A DAY.
BUT HE WILL RETURN IN VICTORY AND WITH US WILL STAY.

ACCEPT THE GIFT HE OFFERS, AND THINGS WON'T BE DIM
HIS SUBJECT YOU'LL BE, YOU'LL SPEND ETERNITY WITH HIM

THINGS MAY GET ROUGH, AS THINGS OFTEN DO.
THE WORLD WILL HATE YOU AS THEY DID HIM TOO.

SO LOOK UP AND REMEMBER, YOUR REDEMPTION DRAWS NIGH.
HE WILL CALL YOU TO HIM WITH A GREAT TRUMPET CRY.

IN THE TWINKLING OF AN EYE, IT WILL ALL BE OVER,
AND WITH OUR SERVANT KING WE WILL BE FOREVER.

LINDA KNOX RUBENACK
© 1992

WORTHWHILE WORDS

Words can heal, words can hurt.

Words can give or take away worth.

Angry words can cut like a knife.

Tender words can soothe our strife.

When you see a tear-soaked face.

Gentle words can show God's grace.

There are times to speak and times to cease.

Times to hold your tongue and keep the peace.

In God's economy words are living.

We must make sure ours are worth the giving.

© 1992 by Linda Knox Rubenack

THE PRINCESS AND THE TWO LIONS

Once the Princess was walking along the path she had taken to do an errand her Father the King had asked her to do. All of a sudden a lion jumped out at her. At first she was too startled to move. Then he roared the loudest roar she had ever heard and she cried out and turning around, ran all the way back to the palace. As she stood breathless and in fearful tears, her Father the King said, "Daughter, have you finished the task I asked you to do already?" The King of course knew exactly what had happened but he wanted her to express to him how she saw the event. "Father, you can't imagine the awful beast I met on the road; he was huge and he had big teeth and claws and oh, he had the loudest roar I have ever heard. I just know that if I hadn't turned back and ran home he would have devoured me."

"Daughter, I want you to go back and finish the task I have given you, for it is very important." The Princess couldn't believe her ears, "Father, you can't mean you actually want me to face that creature again. Don't you care what happens to me?" The King gently said "Of course I do that is why I want you take the Lion of Judah with you." "Oh Father," the Princess exclaimed. "I love the Lion of Judah but he is so tame, gentle and sweet, I have never even heard him roar. I have only heard him purr my name. How could taking Him along with me solve anything?" "My Precious Princess, have I ever let you be harmed?" The Princess had no defense against her Father's reasoning. He had always took good care of her and even when things seemed darkest they always turned out for the best.

So she started out again with The Lion of Judah by her side. Again the Roaring Lion jumped out at her not noticing the Lion of Judah with her.

She jumped back but didn't run, trusting the wisdom of her Father. When the Roaring Lion saw the Lion of Judah he stopped in his tracks and sneered "What are you doing here?" The Lion of Judah didn't say a word but just looked at the Roaring Lion and then the Princess noticed something she hadn't seen when she faced the Roaring Lion alone. The Roaring Lion was toothless and he had no claws and at this very moment it seemed he had no voice. Glaring at the Lion of Judah, the Roaring Lion backed down and retreated. Again the Princess noticed something she had never seen before. The Lion of Judah had very sharp teeth and deadly claws. He had an awesome strength that she hadn't seen in the past when they took their walks together. Wow, she thought I must ask Father why this is.

When they returned to the palace and she reported to her Father the completion of her task, then she asked "Why didn't I notice the strength and power of the Lion of Judah before?" The King said "because you didn't need to. You are mine and any child of mine need never fear the Lion of Judah, He will protect them. You always saw his smile and not the sharpness of his teeth, you never saw his claws because he keeps them sheathed in your presence and his roar will not be heard until one day when it will be heard throughout all of creation. In that day, all will bow down before him. You who know him as being gentle as a lamb will bow in worship and adoration; those who never knew him will bow in holy terror. It is in that day he will be known for all eternity as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and the Roaring Lion will never be heard from again.

MORAL: It is wise never to face the Roaring Lion alone but always remember as a Child of the King you never have to face him alone. The Lion of Judah will face him with you

Linda Knox Rubenack ©1995

THE PRINCESS AND THE BRIDGE

Once on a very exciting trip with the King, the Princess came to a bridge. Here the King stopped abruptly, turned to her and said, "Daughter, there is a very important task I want you to do." The Princess replied "Father, dear, I want to do whatever you wish me to do." The King smiled because he knew that in her heart she truly desired to please Him. He also knew that she would not be thrilled to face the fears she would have to face to obey Him. The trip was necessary for her to trust Him more and know by experience his trustworthiness.

"My Precious Daughter", the King said, "I want you to go over to the other side of the bridge." She was happy to be granted such an easy task to please her Father and King, that is until she took a step onto the bridge. Now this bridge was a modern well constructed bridge, designed and tested by the best engineers in the kingdom. It was perfectly safe, as the King well knew.

The Princess upon taking her first step, felt a breeze on her feet and legs, she looked down and gasped when she saw that the bridge was constructed of open grating. She could see the swirling, churning waters far below and felt a wave of terror sweep through her. She jumped back, feeling confused. Why would her Father want her to go on such a dangerous journey? She said to Him, "Father you know that I love you and want nothing more than to please you, but crossing this bridge seems dangerous and frightens me. I am not sure I can do this task." The King gently spoke, "Daughter remember the book I gave you with all my promises recorded so you will always know I am with you? I know you have some of these promises stored in your heart. Remember all the times you were frightened and felt alone? Didn't I bring you through those times? Have I ever let you down?" The Princess hung her head. She replied, "but Father, that was then and this is now and at this moment I fear this more than anything."

The King put his arm around her and gently led her onto the bridge. She huddled close to Him, eyes closed and thought, as long as I feel my Father here I think I might be able to do this. Then all at once she heard Him whisper "REMEMBER MY WORDS" and she felt Him go.

She opened her eyes and saw that she was standing in the middle of this horrible bridge by herself. She didn't know what to think, she was used to feeling the King always near her and that feeling always gave her strength to hang on. Now that she could no long feel his presence she didn't know what to do, she wanted to cry but knew that would do no good, even so a few tears trickled down her cheeks. She didn't understand why he would leave her alone now. Didn't he love her anymore? Did she displease Him? Just when she felt it was hopeless, she remembered what the King had said as he left her there. She pulled out the little book that she always had with her. It was precious to her because the King Himself had presented it to her, just having it made her feel close to Him. She began to read, the familiar words soothed her and made her feel she could get across that bridge. She took a few tentative steps, but made the mistake of looking down and fear gripped her heart. She started to turn and run back to where she would feel safe, just then a thought, like a voice came to her. "I will never leave you or forsake you", it said. She knew these were the words of the King for she had heard them so many times before. Thoughts of danger and doom began to rush around her head again, especially if she looked down at the turbulent waters below her. Again she heard in her heart, "I will never leave you or forsake you". Since she knew the King never broke his promises she realized that the negative thoughts that were attacking her must be from the Father of Lies.

This ruler of darkness always did his best to prevent the Children of the King from enjoying all they possessed as Princes and Princesses. He especially delighted in causing them to fear for that took their attention off of their love for the King and His love for them and put their attention on themselves. After realizing this she started to read the book again and let all the promises the King had given her, fill her mind and heart until there was no room for any of these evil lies to take root. She lifted her head and said, as if to the air, "I am not going to listen to you anymore, evil one. I am going to believe my Father the King, so in His name go away".

Peace filled her being and just then she noticed the King was standing beside her again. She cried out in relief and puzzlement, "Father, I didn't see you come out onto the bridge. Why did you leave me all alone on this awful bridge?" "Daughter", the King replied, "Don't you believe my promises? I said I would never leave or forsake you." "But Abba, Father", said the Princess, "I couldn't see or feel you here". The King held her close and said "My Little One, you must learn not to trust your feelings more than you trust me. I have never failed you, have I?" The Princess shook her head for she knew this was true. Feelings are fickle and sight can be fooled but the King never fails. She cuddled close to Him as they finished the journey to the other side of the bridge and enjoyed the blessings of each others company. The Princess learned that day that it is best to keep her focus on her King and His word for they are life.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS THIS: FEELINGS CAN BE FICKLE, AND EYES CAN DECEIVE BUT THE WORD OF OUR LORD WILL NEVER FAIL.

Linda Knox Rubenack© 1992

The Princess Stumbles

The Princess was shocked and appalled when she realized what she had done. She wanted to blame the Prince but she knew very well that her behavior was her responsibility. It was not that she was unaware that sin was present in her life at times but when it reared its ugly head it shocked her. Now it had made it’s presence known in public!

She knew she had disappointed her Father the King and she proved to be a very bad representative of the royal family. It had been a very trying day, which didn’t excuse the act. She would not have described her Prince as Charming that day either so going to the marketplace with him was, perhaps a bad idea. His behavior enraged her and words which were not so royal flew out of her mouth. That in and of itself was bad enough but it wasn’t until they were at the Feeding Station for their royal steed that she felt the full impact of her behavior. When she was sitting in the Royal Carriage waiting for the Prince to arrange the "feeding" of their steed when she happened to look down and see what she was wearing. To her dismay she was wearing a garment that declared her to be one of the Royal Family. Oh, what shame filled her as she realized how it must have looked to any of the Commoners at the Marketplace when she threw her tantrum. Tears sting her eyes as she felt totally unworthy to be a Princess. Her behavior belied her station. The station in life that her Precious Lord and Savior paid dearly for. Knowing the promise the King had made about these things she quickly asked for forgiveness and had to remind herself that He is truly faithful to forgive and to wipe the slate clean, still the sting of failure hung on. After all she knew it hurt her Father and knowing she caused him grief was painful. This incident brought the reality of her sin home and caused her heart to ache. The Royal Counselor was right there to remind her of the promise of the King, her Father to His Children. She was so thankful for the reminder and the promise and it seemed like a golden treasure which she hung on to like the most precious possession she owned. While she didn’t bounce back like nothing had happened she was relieved and vowed to be more aware of the enemy’s sneaky ways. When she asked the Kings forgiveness and cleansing she also asked for the ability to refrain from that behavior again. Oh how precious was the King’s gracious ways. Oh how good it felt to be back in step with Him.

The Moral to this tale is:

The King your Father paid a dear price to keep you near to Him. When you sin He wants you to come to Him, confess and He is faithful to forgive and cleanse you so you can walk close to Him again.

1 John 1:8-9

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)

Precious Lord, I ask that you keep me from sin. That would be wonderful but you know and I know that someday, the world, my flesh and/or the devil will get the best of me and I will slip and fall. Thank you for the promise in verse 9. I know you paid a dear price to keep it. I love you my Precious Lord and never again do I want to disappoint you. Amen.

by Linda Knox Rubenack ©1990

Accusations of the Usurper

The Royal court was hushed as the handsome and royally dressed Usurper approached the throne. The Royal Attendants of the King waited expectantly for the King to kick the Usurper out. After all this was the one who tried to oust the King from His rightful position. There was a coldness in the air and were it not for the warmth of the King and His court it would be overwhelmingly icy and chilling. Nevertheless the King greeted the Usurper politely. "Well, my Dark Prince, why are you here?" said the King. The Usurper answered, his voice silky and seductive, but anyone who was paying close attention could almost hear him choke as he said "Your Majesty,... I thought you would like to know what is going on in your own household." "Yes?" said the King coolly, he already knew what was coming. The evil one continued, "You know that Princess you love so much?" Not waiting for an answer he went on, "you know, the one you treat so well. She’s not the pure Princess you seem to think she is." "Go on", the King said controlling His anger. With a voice dripping with sarcasm and glee the Usurper said, "why just the other day...." the King sat silently as the Usurper took out a long scroll, unrolled it and read off all the things that the Princess had done that he knew broke the King’s commands and heart. He strutted back and forth as he read, joyfully enjoying the thought that this was hurting the King. Silently the King rose with majesty. The court was so quiet you could hear an ant creep across the floor. He opened His mouth to speak and said with authority, "bring to me my Son, the Prince of Peace and summon the Princess to appear in her purest white dress.

The Princess sat quietly in her room. She had heard that the Usurper targeted her today but she had hoped that she wouldn’t have to face the King, even though she had confessed all these things to the King’s Son, the Prince of Peace. When she received the Royal summons she arose and looked in her closet. She only had one white dress, it was reserved for Royal appearances. To her dismay it was soiled badly, for it reflected the heart of it’s owner. She got it out and in an effort to clean it found it only got worse. This left her in extreme distress, she can’t wear this to court! Just then the Prince of Peace knocked at her door. "Come in" she tearfully said. "Princess, why are you crying?" asked the Prince. Sire, she said "I can’t wear this into court just look at it" He replied, "Put it on and let me handle the rest". She started to argue but stopped when she looked into His compassionate eyes. She went into her bed chamber, put it on and returned to where the Prince waited. "Let’s go" He said and she silently followed.

The stillness of the court was broken when the Prince of Peace and the Princess entered. Everyone was excited but remained quiet when they saw Him. When they saw her a buzz of talk arose and the room went from stone silence to a roaring den of voices in just a few seconds. The King stood and with a booming voice said one word, "SILENCE". Immediately the room went back to its original quiet. As the Prince of Peace approached the throne the Usurper grinned looking as if he had been handed the treasures of all the universe, instead of the loser he really was. The King spoke to the Prince, "My Son, you know why you are here?" "Yes Father, I am here as advocate for the Princess". "Well what do you have to say on her behalf?" said the King. Interrupting the proceedings the Usurper pranced over to and around the Princess, who stood silently behind the Prince as if to hide from the court. "Well, well, well, would you look at this. Isn’t she a beauty in her lovely almost white dress. Well what do you have to say for yourself Princess?" he asked sarcastically. The Princess didn’t know what to do, she just kept her eyes lowered as she was trying to think of someway to reply when the King broke in and said "ENOUGH! You know better than that, in this court you are not to address the defendant directly."

" Very well", said the Usurper as he turned to the Prince. "What do you have to say for your client?" Again the King said "ENOUGH, I am in charge here!" Then he turned to the Prince and said, "OK it is time for you to present your case". The Prince stood directly before the King and said, "Your Majesty, my client and I have conferred and she confessed her wrongdoings to me and there is only one remedy." Very well", said the King, "present it to the court" The Prince had brought a satchel with Him which he now opened and drew out a cape. It was very large, on it was the royal crest with the word LOVE embroidered in gold but it was the color that was the most significant thing about it. It was stained blood red by the very blood of the Prince. As He pulled it out the Usurper noticeably shuddered and started to protest but the King put His hand up and said to His Son "proceed". The Prince shook it out to it’s full size and threw it over the Princess so she could not be seen. When he drew it aside the court could see that her dress was now a perfect and brilliant white, so white it was blinding the Usurper so that he sank into a nearby chair as if weakened. The King stood, and proclaimed "this case is closed, I see no evidence of wrongdoing." At that the Usurper in a last ditch effort jumped to his feet, "wait a minute now, I have this scroll that lists all the offenses...." He then opened the scroll once more and his face went more deathly pale than usual as the scroll fell to the floor for all to see that it was now completely blank. The King smiled, "as I said this case is closed." Turning to the Usurper with that same smile but not hiding His disgust, "and you, you can leave". "I’ll be back" the Usurper sneered as he flounced out the door. "I know" said the King for all to hear, "but, it won’t do you any more good than it did this time." At that the whole court burst into applause and cheers for the King and the Prince. The King then turned to the Princess, "now my daughter go home and please let the Prince of Peace help you live as you should, But remember if you should slip and commit an offense you always have an advocate in Him." With tears of joy and relief appearing in her eyes she said, "Oh thank you Father" as she bowed and turning to the Prince who had His arms open wide for a big Royal hug she fell gratefully into them. The tears of joy and relief now fell as she said thank you, thank you, thank you my precious brother". The Prince now smiled down into her eyes and said, "remember what Father said. I am always here to help you, just call me." "Wait", said the Princess how am I going to pay for your services? " Not to worry" said the Prince as He walked her home. Before He left He handed her a paper which was sealed, hugged her again and left.

The Princess now safely in her room began to wonder what the Prince meant by "not to worry" and thought it must have something to do with the paper He had handed her. She sat down with her favorite cup of tea and opened the paper. It was a bill and across the front in very large red letters were the words "PAID IN FULL". She was overwhelmed by it all and pulled out pen and paper and wrote a note to the King and the Prince telling them how much she loved and appreciated them and sealed it with a royal kiss.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS FOUND IN:

I Jn 2:1 My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.(NKJ)



By Linda Knox Rubenack

January 16, 1999

THE PRINCESS AND THE PRINCE OF PEACE

One day as the Princess was looking out her window, she saw all the Commoners who were citizens of the Kingdom of Darkness and she thought back to when she was one of them.

The Princess knew why and how she first came into the Kingdom of the Most High King. She had chosen to. Although she was not worthy to be there, she could choose to because of the Prince of Peace.

The Prince of Peace is the only begotten child of the King. All the other children of the King came into the family by adoption. The Commoners were not and never could be worthy to be members of the Kings family, even though they were the children of the first prince and princess created by the King. This couple were created perfect and because the King wanted someone to love him freely, he gave them the freedom to choose between his ways or to go their own way. They chose to go their own way, thereby forever sealing their childrens destiny; the way of death.

The King, being perfect, had to accept his creation's choice. Unless he could find a way to help them without breaking his own rules they would be lost forever, doomed to a miserable life under the rule of the Prince of Darkness in His Kingdom of Eternal Darkness. This is where the Prince of Peace came in.

The King, the Kingdom Comforter and the Prince of Peace had a conference and decided that the only way to win back the freedom of the King's children was for the Prince of Peace to lay aside his royalty and become as one of the Commoners. He could walk among them and show them the way out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light, which was his Father's, the King's realm. The Prince of Peace had a hard road ahead. He would have to live as the Commoners lived and because of the darkness over the kingdom, he would be hated by many. Finally he would take on himself the punishment due the Commoners because of their rejection of the King. The punishment was horrendous, not only physically but emotionally and most of all spiritually. It would mean a period of time that Father and Son would be separated, totally and absolutely. This had never happen before for the Father and the Son were so completely one that it was impossible to distinguish where one ended and the other began. That moment of separation would be the most unthinkable part of the punishment, the one thing he dreaded most. That broken fellowship that he would endure for a time, that total darkness is what the Commoners were doomed to experience for eternity if a way out was not provided. The Prince of Peace agreed so because of His and His Father's love for the Commoners, he would bear the unbearable.

It was for this reason that the Princess was able to come into the Kingdom of Light. The Prince of Peace provided the way, the Kingdom Comforter made the offer and the King welcomed her after she accepted.

She had never regretted it. She did have times when she wondered if it was worth it. Times when she was hurting emotionally, physically or even spiritually. Then she would think of the plight of the Commoners who had the same human frailties she had, but no Heavenly Father to go to with their hurts. She knew without a doubt she had made the right decision.

THE MORAL OF THE STORY IS THIS: IF YOU ARE A COMMONER YOU NEED TO ACCEPT THE KINGS GRACIOUS OFFER AND BECOME ONE OF HIS CHILDREN. THE ALTERNATIVE IS UNTHINKABLE. Linda Knox Rubenack © 1992

"Walk Don’t Run"

I have a long history of running ahead. In fact I started out by being born ahead of schedule. I just missed being a "Baby Boomer" by a few weeks because I was in a rush to make my appearance. When my Aunt remarried and I first met my new Uncle he nicknamed me "Perpetual Motion". To give you an idea of what I mean, when I was in high school a friend called me and asked me to come over. I told her I had to ask my parents first so I left the phone and asked them. They said yes and even let me use the car. Wow, I was so excited I grabbed the keys to our Ford station wagon and drove off as fast as the law would allow. When my friend opened the door she looked surprised and to my shock said "What are you doing here!" Puzzled I answered "You asked me to come over." She said yes she did but she was waiting by the phone for me to come back to tell her if I could come or not. Then I remembered I never went back to tell her I was coming nor did I hang up the phone--it was still off the hook!!!

Such is an indication of my spiritual life. No wonder the Lord doesn’t tell me very far in advance what he wants to do in my life. Off and running I would go. With or without Him!

I can hear Him in His fatherly voice saying, "Linda, when you run ahead someone usually gets left in the dust, and in your spiritual walk, (perhaps jog would be a better word) it is usually me. The result is you are the one who gets left out in the cold.

Another thing is that running ahead can lead to side roads that I didn’t ordain and never intended for you to take."

He continues, "when you run ahead you run out of my will and will find yourself spiritually "out of gas" because you are running in your own power. My power is limitless-yours isn’t. Also when you run ahead of me you may know that I am speaking to you but you can’t quite hear what I am saying. Better to stay close and hear me loud and clear. Also when you run ahead you miss the interim blessings I had planned for you. I do long to bless you in those times too." When he said this I thought that this is probably why he gives me stories, poems and insights in the wee hours of the morning - that is usually the only time I am not running ahead of Him. How gracious He is to bless me in spite of my silly tendencies. Often I dash through Scripture while He would rather I stroll through His word with Him while He points out things He wants me to see and heed. He wants to bless me, instruct and guide me. He wants me with Him not dashing out in front of Him.

He caused me to think of a t-shirt I used to have. It pictured a formation of ducks flying. The lead duck was looking back at the others and at the same time crashing into a pole. With this visual in mind I thought of the scripture that says "His Word is a lamp". I felt like He was saying to me "Linda did you notice that it says ‘to my feet’ not ‘to my caboose’!"

All I can say now is thank you Lord for pointing these things out to me. Help me to remember not to run ahead. I really don’t want to be out there without you. Thank you for graciously blessing me in spite of myself. Please keep me on a very short leash for I want to be where you are. AMEN

Your Servant Princess Linda Lou.--CBS 1997-98

PATTERNS OF LIVING

PATTERNS OF LIVING

We all learn how to live by following patterns. When we learn to read, we repeat our alphabet over and over until it becomes imbedded in our brains. When we learn to play an instrument or to use the computer we will memorize the basics and implant the patterns in our minds by doing them over and over. Time goes by and things that we have done over and over again we will automatically do, good and bad.

Most of us don't need to think about walking, we automatically put one foot in front of the other until we get where we want to go. When I was growing up I belonged to a club whose motto was "we learn by doing". Spiritually the same law applies, perhaps this is why some of us must keep going through the same thing over and over again, God wants us to learn something and we just haven't gotten it yet. We must train our hearts the way we train our brains. It is not enough to know His Word perfectly, although the better we know His Word the better equipped we are, but if we just memorize the basics and don't do them when the time comes that we need them we will have a harder time trying to understand what's happening to us and why. The Bible bears this out when it says in;

"Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will." (NIV)

What pattern are you living?

Linda Knox Rubenack - 1990

DANGEROUS PHRASES

Four phrases haunt me in my Christian life. They are WHAT IF, WHY ME?, IF ONLY, and YES, BUT. Like most words they can be used in a positive way or in a negative way. When I dwell on these negative uses, I find myself slipping into attitudes that are detrimental to my spiritual health. When I use any or all of these as excuses I find that the following tends to happen;

While I can use WHAT IF as a tool to imagine scenarios that lead to stories and poems that help me understand what God is doing in my life.

If I dwell on WHAT IF, I find I begin to worry rather than realizing that God is in control of all the details of my life. This grabs control from my Lord and puts it into my hands or Satans, Very Dangerous.

While I can use WHY ME in awe of the way God has directed my life leading me to gaze at Him in wonder.

If I constantly say, WHY ME, when dealt circumstances, I am unhappy with. I begin to feel sorry for myself and start to look at those situations rather than my Lord. Again I take power from Him and hand it over to my circumstances, Very Unwise.

While I can use IF ONLY to imagine a wonderful world with Christ reverently worshiped by all, leading me to pray for the unbelievers in my life.

If I begin to become discontent with my life and daydream with a persistent IF ONLY. I start to live in the future or the past and I stop being productive in what the Lord would have me to do now and often I just spin my wheels and go nowhere. This again takes the power from my Lord and puts it into my own hands because I have chosen to dwell on what I think could be if I had what I wanted, Very Unproductive.

While I can use YES, BUT, to examine the barriers I have put up or Satan has put into my life, barriers that tend to keep me from obedience, leading to confession and dependence on God’s faithfulness.

If I allow YES, BUT to become my answer to what the Lord is asking me to do, the balance of power shifts from my Lord to my feelings and whims, Very Foolish.

Now can you imagine where we would be if Christ had done that in the Garden of Gethsemane?

Can you imagine Him saying, "Father, WHAT IF this doesn’t work? Why don’t I just sit here and worry about humanity? That way I don’t have to go to the cross, we can just say that I feel their pain, it will be less agonizing and who can really be sure that our plan will work anyway?"

Can you imagine Him saying, "Father, WHY ME? Why must I be the one to do this? After all I have never sinned. I think Judas would be a better representative of this fallen race."

Can you imagine Him saying to the Father, "Father, IF ONLY I had stayed in the Carpenter’s shop, I would be settled, Mother would have her son with her and everything would be calm and peaceful for us."

Can you imagine Him saying, "Father, YES I know I need to do this, BUT, couldn’t it wait? I mean these people have gotten along ok thus far, so what’s the big hurry? What’s another couple thousand years?"

Aren’t you glad that He didn’t have the above conversations with the Father? Instead after a long and grueling struggle with His flesh , knowing all that He would have to face, still agreed with the Father that this must be done. It was the only way! His response of love and obedience is why all of us who believe and receive Him can look forward to a long, long eternity. Joyfully thanking Him for His faithfulness.

Christ’s example shows fruitful responses instead of these dangerous phrases. Jesus didn’t say WHAT IF He said in essence "I trust you Father." Instead of WHY ME, His actions said "Here I am, send me." Jesus didn’t waste time saying IF ONLY. Nothing He did wasted time, every move, every word had meaning. He said simply "YES, LORD" to His Father. YES, BUT wasn’t included in conversation with the Father, instead, He said "YES, I WILL." As we meditate this year on all that Jesus did for us let us take notice of what we say especially when responding to what the Lord is saying to us. Let’s take out of our vocabulary, the negative uses of WHAT IF, WHY ME, IF ONLY AND YES, BUT and replace them with I TRUST YOU, LORD; HERE I AM, SEND ME; YES, LORD; AND YES, I WILL, LORD. Can’t you just see the Father in His pleasure smiling down upon us and saying "Well done, good and faithful servants, come and share my joy forever?"

Linda Rubenack ©1995

Storms and the Stock Market

Storms and the Stock Market

My husband has found a new "hobby". Investing in the stock market-it’s a scary thing. We have never done anything like this other than IRA’s and retirement funds when he worked for others. These things were in a "controlled" situation, meaning, other people made the decisions where and when to invest. An unexpected inheritance has now allowed Ron to feel comfortable to try his hand at investing with the help of the internet. Perhaps that is why one day during my quiet time the Lord gave me a "stock market tip" in Proverbs 23:23, "Buy truth and do not sell it. Get wisdom and instruction and understanding." then he pointed out where to obtain this stock in Ps 119:160 "The sum of thy word is truth and every one of thy righteous ordinances is everlasting." Wow, a stock that last forever and never decreases in value, yet cannot be bought with money. It’s worth is beyond this world’s economic values. But that doesn’t mean it comes without cost. The cost is time and effort. I found it can also cost me a life of ease for I have an enemy who doesn’t want this stock out in the open. He will fight me tooth and nail to keep me from "buying" this stock and from using it’s dividends. He throws roadblocks in my way as I am buying this stock. Sometimes it’s busy-ness, sometimes it emotional suffering. Suffering any kind of loss throws me into an emotional tailspin and that is when I receive an invitation from this enemy to my own personal pity party. He doesn’t even wait til circumstances present themselves. It seems I am open to these invitations when I see a "storm" is approaching. I thought about this one day when I was sitting in our truck outside Home Depot waiting for Ron to finished doing his "man thing". Often I will go with him on these trips and sit outside and work on my Bible study. This day as I sat there thinking about the question at hand I looked out at the sky. A storm was approaching and anyone who knows me long enough knows that I love rain. I watched with excitement as the blackening clouds approached and my excitement grew as I heard the distant thunder announcing it coming. Lightning flashed against the charcoal clouds and I was more excited than a child at the sight of presents ‘neath the Christmas tree. Now to some black clouds are scary and thunder and lightning frightening but to me these signaled that a cool, refreshing and cleansing rain was on its way. I learned this from a wiser and older (only a year older) cousin who at one time sat with me when we were children and soothed my fears while we watched the lightning flash and heard the thunder roar. It was a lesson that has lasted me a long time and will last me a lifetime. Now I don’t fear the thunder and lightning they excite me. If only I could remember that when the storms of life come. That would be the time to pull out those dividends that God’s stock pays. If I did I would remember that when those storms come that God is there with me, like my cousin was, to soothe my fears and give me a sense of peace and safety. God is always there waiting for me to turn to Him for that reassurance that these storms will not destroy me but that afterward will come a time of refreshment and cleansing.

Precious Lord, help remember these lessons you have taught me. Help me to remember those stock dividends you have available for me to draw on. Your truth and promises that I can stand firmly on when storms rage in my life. Help me to meet these storms with the same excitement as I do rain storms. So when the lightning of circumstances flash and the thunder of the situation roars I will stand firm in your stock knowing that you are right by my side. You will not let me be destroyed and will bring me through to enjoy your "reign" of refreshment and cleansing. You will keep me safe. I praise and love you .

Your Servant Princess, Linda Knox Rubenack

Defender of the Weak

Meditation on John 8

Defender of the Weak

The Woman caught in adultery was weak because:

-As a woman she had no rights in that culture. This is still a problem in many countries today even though we may not have to deal with it.

-As a sinner she shared a common weakness with all of us, the tendency to give in to temptation. The pull of the flesh, the world, the devil.

-Her wrong choices put her in a position to be used by the religious leaders for political purposes- to trap Jesus.

Jesus defended her by:

-ignoring the manmade "rights" not afforded her and treated her equally.

-pointing out (in the dirt) that all are sinners and thus took the wind out of the sails of her accusers-many scholars believe that what he wrote was the sins of the accusers. They left one by one the older ones first.

-refusing to let these men use her to trap Him. He didn’t back away in fear of the leaders nor did he defend her actions-he took care of the her accusers first and then turned to help her up and out of her sins.

As a result:

-She was raised up (at least in her own eyes) as someone valued because Christ treated her as a valued person.

-He saved her from the consequences of her sin–which would have been death by stoning.

-He protected her from those who would use her, abuse her and toss her out, where was her partner? By law he should have been there too.

-He set her free and on the right path-telling her to "go and sin no more."

He does the same for us today:

-When we are in Christ we are raised up as new creations, valued and loved.

2 Cor 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!(NIV)

-In Christ we are saved from the consequence of our sins– which would be eternal spiritual death.

Eph 2:5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-- it is by grace you have been saved.(NIV)

-He sent His Holy Spirit to guide and give us wisdom on how to live in a world that hates us and would abuse us.

John 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.(NIV)

-In Him we have the ability "to go and sin no more" and when we do sin He is our advocate with the Father

I Jn 2:1 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense-- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. (NIV)

So our response (as believers) should be:

-Accept His assessment of us that we are so loved He gave his life in a most gruesome way on the cross so that we could live forever with Him.

John 3:16 and

Col 2:14 having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. (NIV)

-Thank Him daily for His wonderful gift of eternal life

1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. KJV

-Cling to Him daily, in prayer and in His word so we can hear his voice, direction, and have His wisdom. This will limit the danger of us being guilty of giving the name "Christian" a black eye. The world or satan will not be able to use us as a bad example if we are connected to Him and walking in His light.

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. NIV

-Be obedient to Him always. But when we fail, don’t fail to use the "Christian’s bar of soap" to bring us back into a right relationship with Him.

1 John 1:9-10 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. NIV

Who Do You Trust?

March 12, 2009
Who do you trust?
Or Why trust God when you have fun gadgets to depend on?

I’ve been visiting my grandkids. Actually I was helping out while my son was out of town on business. One task was to get my four year old granddaughter to her language class. Twenty minutes away from their home. I had been there once but I had help from my two other grandchildren who were off from school that day. Now I had to try and find it with help from the Garmin I gave my husband for Christmas. For those of you who are still living back in the 1950's a Garmin is one of the gadgets (fancy technical word for I don’t know what else to call it!) to help you find your way around. I’m pretty good around electronic gadgets but the latest digital wonders can be intimidating. So there I was smack in the middle of a town I’m not really familiar with on my way to a town I am totally unfamiliar with. What to do? Well, I’ll tell you now I should have taken my daughter in law’s simple instructions. I guess they were too simple for me. I was scared of getting lost. So I booted up (fancy tech term for turned it on.) the Garmin. Then I figured out how to tell it where I wanted to go and from where. This was the first real test for me. I had used it but in an area I was familiar with but not in a place that felt like a foreign country to me. Off we went, the Garmin, my granddaughter & I. First thing it did was directed me in it’s syrupy sweet feminine voice to the freeway. NO, I did not want to go on the freeway I shouted at it! I found out Garmins are not great listeners. There was lots of traffic moving at a breakneck pace. No place to be when you don’t know where you are going. I ended up on the wrong freeway. The Garmin was unruffled. "Recalculating" the know it all voice said. This gadget does have a nice feature. It will "recalculate" when you make a wrong turn and give you new directions. Somebody figured out that people make mistakes. What a concept! Now it had me on surface roads. But I was feeling very uncertain since it got me on the freeway in the first place. Still I had no other choice. We twisted and turned here and there and lo, and behold there was my destination. After school I decided I would let it tell me how to get back to my son’s house. What else could I do? I was even more clueless than when I began. This time I poked around the settings and found the one that told it NO FREEWAYS. Off we went. Twisting and turning our way back (I hoped).
As I drove and obediently turned when told to I thought to myself, "Here I am trusting a machine to direct my way. Do I trust the Lord this easily?" The sad answer is no, I really don’t. Yes, the thing got us back safely and in good time but reliability of these things depend on a human programming it just right and it being in good working order. In essence depending on it is the same as depending on another human being. Ok for driving directions. Not too smart for life directions. Yet most humans, even believers in God Almighty have a sad habit of putting human wisdom before God’s wisdom. I just pray my "Garmin lesson" sticks and the next time I feel the need to put my whole life in the hands of a another human being or one of their inventions I will ask God’s opinion first.