A Burning Fire In My Bones (msg)

2 Corinthians 5 (Message)
1-5 For instance, we know that when these bodies of ours are taken
down like tents and folded away, they will be replaced by resurrection
bodies in heaven—God-made, not handmade—and we'll never have to
relocate our "tents" again. Sometimes we can hardly wait to move—and
so we cry out in frustration. Compared to what's coming, living
conditions around here seem like a stopover in an unfurnished shack,
and we're tired of it! We've been given a glimpse of the real thing,
our true home, our resurrection bodies! The Spirit of God whets our
appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a little of
heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less.

I'm falling in love with the message translation. It tackles this rather muddled KJV scripture and
puts it in beautiful language. However, when a patient of mine passed
today, In prayer, I quoted the old text to the best of my recollection and it
rang clear in the hearts of the family.

..."Heavenly Father, as long as we're at home in this body, we long to
be clothed in our heavenly garments. We live in our earthly tent but
today Mr. S has come into his heavenly home. Home... is the place we
sometimes get to go, or have to go, or want to go. Today Mr. S gets to
go...and we rejoice with him... and the heavenly host....today, he is home."

There aren't enough words to express when a loved one dies. But when
we look to his word, we find the perfect expression and timely response to equal the
feelings that are present.

I make no apology for applying God's word in my counsel.
None whatsoever.
Scripture is a comfort and a sword but more importantly...it's Gods message to us!
Alive, active, and vibrant.
His words penetrate soul and spirit.
My words fail...but not His!

I'm a fan of Norman Vincent Peale, Billy Graham, and even Dale
Carnegie but they pale in comparison to a tried and true
foundation of the rock solid WORD.
The logos.
The breath of God.

Psalm 19:7-8 & 10 (NIV)
The law of the LORD is perfect,
reviving the soul.
The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy,
making wise the simple.
8 The precepts of the LORD are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the LORD are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.
10 They are more precious than gold,
than much pure gold;
they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb.

The word, law, precepts, command, and statutes,
of God are more than pen, ink, and paper, it is a message.
A message that transcends the frail words of you and me.

It is born from heaven out of the heart of a heavenly creator that is seeking
the hearts of humankind.

This approach is a comfort to some but a rock of offense to others,
(that's scripture too). If your desire is to be a good minister and a
comfort to the oppressed, and freedom to the captives, then you must
be a good steward of the counsel of God.

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who
does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth....

For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-
edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints
and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
- 2 Timothy 2:15 & Hebrews 4:12

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