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 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

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