“All earthly things are the shadows of heavenly realities…”
~ Andrew Murray ~
Embarking on the new year, I dug out a binder this past week from a class I developed and taught seven years ago; then six years ago; and a third time five years ago. Holy Spirit has been prompting me for several months to dust it off and prepare to offer the class* again.
As I re-familiarized myself with my intro notes and the first lesson’s teaching notes, I was struck with the fact that the message the Lord has given me to share with His body has not changed. References to it were right there in black ink on white paper in a stowed-away three-ring binder. Had I forgotten?
Mmm…no. It was more like entering one gate five years ago, experiencing at a new level the living of the message myself, and now emerging five years later with even greater understanding, both naturally and spiritually. The second cancer journey occurred during these past five years; Wellspring of Life was started nearly four years ago; a lot of family, business, ministry, and personal life chapters were written; and some heavenly realities are no longer merely shadows but weighty with substance.
Through it all, the heart of the matter has remained the heart of the message the Lord has asked me to be willing and obedient to share. (Proverbs 4:23)
I have been wrestling lately with what some might consider ‘mixed wine’ (better known as mixed metaphors…) and how to express in words what I at times see and sense so clearly: The vineyard and the Shulamite. The poetry and drama of Song of Solomon and the parable of John 15. But I contend that the wrestling is more than worthwhile. It’s like discovering a cache of diamonds with myriad facets as Holy Spirit reveals and connects scriptures whereby the Word of God confirms itself over and over.
The accounts of the vineyard and the Bride and Bridegroom are the same Story. From Genesis to Revelation, He tells us His Story. From beginning to end, His Word, which will never pass away, all fits.
I think the Lord is using the stories of the vineyard and the Shulamite to exercise the mind of Christ that we have been given. If Vineyard Days is messing with your mind, good. For it is by the renewing of our minds that we are transformed, so that we may prove what is the good, acceptable, and perfect (complete, finished) will of God. (Romans 12:2) So we may harvest thirty, sixty, or one hundred-fold. And so we may bear fruit, more fruit, or much fruit for the Husbandman.
As we return to Vineyard Days I will do my best to not confuse you but rather to bring clarity. I pray you will choose to continue journeying with Wellspring and Holy Spirit as His light and life begets the same.
From His heart to yours via mine,
Gracefully Free
*Shammah Ministries’ “Wreck Room Renovations” – a unique class for hearts in need of healing and the restorative work of the Room Renovator. Nine weeks, February 12 – April 9 in Spokane, WA. Contact Nancy at ncbentz@comcast.net for more details.
Shammahs Field LLC/Shammah Ministries is the biblical counseling, life coaching, and spiritual growth ministry entrusted to Wayne & Nancy Bentz. You can learn more about the resources they have to offer at www.shammahsfield.com.
Hi Nancy, I keep on reading and I keep on praying. Always inspired and blessed. Love, Erica